Hello Conococheague Audubon members and friends,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Have you noticed the changing soundscape where you live? All of those birds claiming territories and searching for mates have been replaced by fledglings crying to be fed, and now those juvenile birds are being drowned out by crickets and cicadas. As a school kid, I always associated that sound with going back to school, and it filled me with a sense of dread. Nowadays, I’m a birder not student, and that sound reminds me that fall migration is underway. Instead of dreading the end of summer, I’m excited about the changing mix of birds out there waiting to be identified!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For me, being in-tune with the changing seasons is one of the joys of birding, and the timing of migration is just one of the many things you learn as you become a birder. Of course, identifying birds is the biggest challenge with endless opportunities to learn and develop new skills. For those just starting out, the challenges can be daunting. This is why I am offering a brief introduction to birding and CAS for new members and beginning birders prior to our first regular meeting of the year (details below). The goal is to provide an approach to birding that leads to success and satisfaction as you develop the ability to find and identify birds on your own. On the following Saturday, Sep. 19, I’m also leading a bird walk at Furnace Run Park to help beginners put that approach into practice. Let’s Go Birding!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Details about those events and all of our great programs, films, and field trips can always be found on our webpage, and they are also included in the Activities List which will be arriving in the mail later this month. Be sure to review the Activities List and add some events to your calendar because there’s something in there for everyone–beginners, experienced birders, and nature lovers of all sorts. You’ll also receive our annual fundraising request. Remember that everything we do is the result of our members’ generous donations of both time and money. Thanks to everyone who supports Conococheague Audubon!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Get Involved with CAS<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you’re interested in helping us do what we do, we can find a way for you to get involved that suits your interests and availability. We are currently seeking volunteers to pitch in with the following.<\/p>\n\n\n\n WebsiteTrainee: <\/strong>Val is looking for a trainee who is interested in learning the ins and outs of managing our website. The website provides a vital link for members to find the latest information about our activities etc., and we would like to have someone to help Val keep it up-to-date. You don’t need to be an expert; all you need is a desire to learn! You can email me or Val if you have questions or would like to volunteer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Outreach: <\/strong>Saturday, August 8, 7:30-noon. We’re looking for volunteers to help with a tabling event at North Square Farmers\u2019 Market in Chambersburg. If you can join Terri for all or part of that time, she would appreciate your help. You’ll get a chance to spread the word about all the great stuff the CAS does, chat with folks about birds, and maybe even recruit some new members for CAS! Plus, you can enjoy the farmer’s market and pick up some delicious locally grown produce. Contact Terri Kochert to help, 717-860-4010.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Preparing Mailers: <\/strong>Volunteers will meet on August 18 at 1:00 pm at the office at Norlo Park to stuff envelopes. Every year we send members a fundraising appeal along with our activities list. The more help we get the quicker we’ll be finished! <\/p>\n\n\n\n Financial Support: <\/strong>Thanks to all who have made a donation. A request for donations will be arriving in your mailbox soon, but you don’t have to wait to donate. You can send your check to Conococheague Audubon Society, PO Box 20, Fayetteville, PA 17222 today!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Vice President<\/strong>: Currently the position acts as an assistant to the President and will not be required to become President at the end of their term. Without that assistance, we won’t be able to do everything that we want to do. If you’re interested in possibly volunteering, we can discuss how you would like to contribute to the leadership team of CAS. Contact me at writinron@comcast.com<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Adopt-a-Highway<\/strong>: Come help clear trash with our team of dedicated volunteers: NEXT DATE Sat. Sep. 26, 9:00 am. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Everything Else<\/strong>: Email conaudubon@outlook.com<\/a> if you would like to get involved in any of our activities: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Upcoming Events<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n SOAR Bird Walks <\/strong>Year-round, first and third Saturday of every month, 8:00 am. Various locations. Check the website for locations: SOAR Bird Walks are Year-Round \u2013 Buttonwood Nature Center<\/a> Trip leaders: Larry and Sharon Williams<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n