Hey birders,
    If you've been waiting to register for the Waterfowl Symposium (perhaps 
you've been stuck in a snow drift somewhere?), you still have time! It's at 
the Grange Insurance Audubon Center in Columbus next weekend, February 26-
28, sponsored by the Ohio Ornithological Society and Columbus Audubon with 
support from The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. Yes, we're hoping for a thaw.
    You can register online via the Columbus Audubon Society website 
(PayPal). www.columbusaudubon.org/ (fantastic website, fyi!)
    We've just added an option to attend the Saturday evening keynote event 
(Dr. Azzam Alwash of Nature Iraq) dinner for just $30: register on the 
Columbus Audubon site. Please register by mid-day on WEDNESDAY for this $30 
option for "dinner and keynote on Saturday".
    If you plan on attending Friday evening, a fundraiser for Nature Iraq 
featuring the music of The Swinging Orangutangs (Julie Zickefoose, Bill 
Thompson III, and friends), please register by TUESDAY morning so we can get 
a head count. We want to have plenty of appetizers (regular food and a taste 
of the Middle East), wine, and beer for everyone. It's just $10 to attend 
Friday evening.
    Don't forget the beer is being provided by Mendocino Brewing Company 
including Red Tail Ale, White Hawk IPA, and Eye of the Hawk. Note: their 
beer is NOT made with actual birds ;)
    Also, our caterer has asked for a head count for the folks planning on 
attending the ENTIRE weekend ($80) by mid-day on WEDNESDAY. The full-weekend 
package includes Friday evening, seven inspirational speakers on Saturday, 
and Sunday morning birding.
   Seven speakers: Keith Lott of Ohio Department of Natural Resources, 
Division of Wildlife, will be sharing new research on aerial surveys over 
Lake Erie which will influence future wind turbine development. You may be 
surprised by the statistics on the species and #'s of birds observed on the 
open lake which are not visible from shore. This issue is certainly of 
interest to folks interested in bird conservation and "green-energy" 
development. 
   Also, Doreen Whitley of GIAC will talk about Community Based 
Conservation, so you can find out how to get more involved on the local 
level. Also, the good folks from OBBA II will be joining us: OBBA II has 
been extended through 2011, so you have two more years to contribute to this 
vital project!
  Our landscape has looked like the Arctic for a few weeks, but you can 
travel to Alaska (in your mind!) with Dr. Gwen Myers of The Columbus Zoo 
when she presents her research on Spectacled Eiders! 
    A few student scholarships are still available. Contact Nadya Bennett 
([log in to unmask]) asap for details if you wish to bring your child, 
grandchild, etc, who shows an interest in birds!
    We're also having a raffle for many items including a scope donated by 
Eagle Optics, books, and a gift certificate for the Prairies and Potholes 
Birding Festival in North Dakota. So, please register and join us for this 
informative weekend.

In Appreciation,
Ann Oliver
Cincinnati
Waterfowl Symposium Planning Committee
Editor, The Cerulean Newsletter (quarterly publication of OOS)

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