On Wednesday, February 19, join us in sharing good news stories about two bird species that have come Back from the Brink in North America. First up, videographer Darryl Saffer will present his beautiful short film on the limpkin and other wetland waders.  The film has already won 6 international awards. Up until not many years ago this bird of wetlands and swamps was only seen in the US in central and southern Florida. According to an article in National Audubon magazine, in 2023 limpkins started showing up as far north as Canada and west as Colorado. Find out what has fueled this range and population explosion of a bird which not too long ago was considered for threatened status in Florida.  Throw your hat in the ring to see who will be the first to spot a limpkin in Archuleta County.
Herb Grover will show his photos of another comeback bird, the whooping crane, taken during a recent trip to Texas. Whoopers are one of the success stories of wildlife conservation as they were down to about 20 birds in the mid-1940’s.  Recovery has been somewhat slow, but would probably not have occurred without human intervention.
And to get you thinking about the annual Crane Festival in Monte Vista, we will end the meeting with some of Herb Grover’s beautiful photos of sandhill cranes.  Take a trip over the hill to Monte Vista for the festival events between March 7 and 9 and be wowed by the thousands of cranes and other birds that stop at the National Wildlife Refuge before heading off to northern breeding grounds.
We meet at the Community United Methodist Church on Lewis St.  Enter through the side door closest to the parking lot or let us know to open the main doors for handicap entry.  Enjoy appetizers and snacks with us starting at 6 PM.  If you are inclined, bring a creation of yours to share. Presentations will follow a short business meeting at 6:30 .
In appreciation for our meeting space, contributions of non-perishable food for the church food bank are collected at our meetings.  If you are unable to join us in person, a link to join on Zoom will be posted prior to the meeting here.