BIRDIE BIG YEAR
Elevating Women Birders
Thursday, May 11; 7pm
Nature Center at Hemlock Crossing County Park
Tiffany Kersten didn't set out to do a big year, but after a series of unanticipated and serendipitous events, she suddenly found herself amidst one. As a sexual assault survivor, she spent 2021 traveling to all corners of the Lower 48 States, tallying birds and gifting personal safety alarms to women she met along the way. Her goal was to see 700 species, and to raise awareness of women's safety in the outdoors. She ended up surpassing her goal and setting a new Lower 48 Big Year record of 726.
In her presentation, Tiffany will lead us through the fear, empowerment, struggles, and healing that all played vital roles in the personal growth she experienced on this wild adventure.
REGISTRATION ENCOURAGED AND MAKES YOU ELIGIBLE FOR DOOR PRIZES!
*Seating may be limited and will be available as first come, first served. Video overflow provided.
To learn more about Tiffany Kersten read the Audubon Article linked below:
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 This special event is sponsored by Owashtanong Islands Audubon Society, Ottawa County Parks, Holland Audubon Club and MI Birds. Thank you!
 Video Interview by Badgerland Birding
Meet Tiffany Kersten: The Birder Who Just Broke the Lower 48 State Big Year Record
 Click the image above or the link below to watch the video.
 02/10/23 CwB Event Recap
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This past Saturday, February 10th was our third Coffee with the Birds event of this season. We once again hosted 109 people at the Nature Center between both feeder watching sessions and the Tidbit presentation and 30+ watching the livestream as well. Thank you for your participation!
The feeders were a bit slower than normal, but still host to a variety of birds. You can check out what we saw on the eBird Checklist.
If you happened to miss the event, you can still participate.
Click the links below to watch the Livestream and Tidbit presentation on YouTube.
VIDEO of the Livestream:
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Tidbit Presentation Video:
The Tidbit presentation this month was a Birding Story, "Bor-eal for R-eal?!". This story is also told as a part of the Birding Alaska with Curtis & Mike Part 4 Video. Check it out!
Now a week into their trip, Curtis & Mike make their way to explore the wild and remote Denali Highway before heading to Fairbanks with a lead on searching for an elusive Alaskan owl. Their efforts pay off in majorly epic ways on this stretch of the trip. Just how so? Watch to join the adventure!
For Parts 1-3, visit the Birding Alaska with Curtis & Mike Video Playlist
For more about the search for Ptarmigan watch Birding Story: Ptarmigan Again?
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Sponsors of Coffee with the Birds events. Please be sure to tell them you appreciate their support!
For more information on CwB, Mug Club and more, visit the website below.
 Upcoming Birding Programs & Outings
For more details or to register check us out ONLINE!
Coffee with the Birds Events
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Enjoy a hot cup of coffee and some baked goodies as you watch the birds at the feeders and discuss various birding topics with a naturalist. Bring your bird questions, curiosities and stories, and don't forget your favorite mug!
There are 2 sessions of Feeder Watching to choose from (see below) and a Birding Tidbits "bite-sized" presentation on topics ranging from local birding information and bird identification to natural history and stories of birding adventures. Don't miss them as these short presentations are sure to be entertaining and informative.
*We plan to be both in-person and Livestream!
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CwB Schedule
9:30 - 10:20 Feeder Watching Session 1
10:30 - 11:00: Birding Tidbits
11:10 - 12:00 Feeder Watching Session 2
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Upcoming CwB Event Dates
- 3/18/22 - Bird Profile: Cedar Waxwing
*Put this on your calendar TODAY!
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Additional Birding Programs
TOMORROW!
Wildlife Encounter - Winter's Ghosts: Snowy Owls
Woodcock Walks:
Photo by Blair Celano, 2022 Photo Contest
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 2023 Great Backyard Bird Count
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Great Backyard Bird Count: Audubon
Join the world in connecting to birds – February 17-20.
Spend time in your favorite places watching birds–then tell us about them! In as little as 15 minutes notice the birds around you. Identify them, count them, and submit them to help scientists better understand and protect birds around the world.
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Article: NPR
Flaco, the owl that escaped the Central Park Zoo in New York City nearly two weeks ago, is still on the loose. But zoo officials now say a big concern has been alleviated: Flaco is hunting for himself.
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Article: National Audubon
Bohemian and Cedar Waxwings look very similar and are more likely to intermingle in the colder months. Here’s how to tell them apart.
Photo by Ryan Bebej; 2022 Photo Contest
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*If you have an interesting bird-related article or video to share, let us know!
Email it to us at naturecenter@miottawa.org and put "Bird News" in the subject line.
 Submit your sightings, photos and videos and I'll share them in these Newswire emails. See below for information on how to submit your sightings!
 HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR BIRD SHARE SIGHTINGS
Click on the "Google Forms" link below to fill out where, when and what birds you saw. As an additional option at the end of the form, you'll have opportunity to upload any bird photos or videos you'd like to share! Please limit photos/videos to 3 per monthly newsletter and they must be <10MB each. Thank you!
*NOTE: You must be signed into a Google account to upload files. If you don't have a Google account, email your submissions to naturecenter@miottawa.org with "Bird Share" in the subject line.
*Any information or photos shared will be used in future Birding Update Newswire! emails.
BIRD BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS
If you have a bird-related book recommendation you'd like to share, click the link below to let us know!
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 Links to Share
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One-stop-shop for bird identification resources, bird videos, Coffee with the Birds, local bird clubs & many more useful birding websites and resources.
Use this link to sign up for this Newswire! email or share it with other who may enjoy it too.
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