Greetings fellow Ohio birders -
We have before us an absolutely exceptional opportunity to support and actively join in the current and future education of the younger members of our birding community.
On Saturday, October 4, 2008, a whole heap of young birders, their mentors, club leaders, parents, grandparents, and their fans, will join ranks to take part in the 2nd Annual Ohio Young Birders Conference. This is a truly unique and memorable event, where the tides are turned, persay. What is special about this event is the series of presentations: all talks are given by Ohio's own talented young birders! Included in the mix are Auriel Van Der Laar, Bret McCarty, Jared Merriman, Jacob Bowman, Brad Wilkinson, and Ethan Kistler, with a special guest speaker: Hope Batcheller from New York. And you will be blown away by what they have to say. Last year, Auriel's in-depth presentation on rails of NW Ohio's marshes was completely captivating.
These young birders are passionate in their hobby and their skills, and are constantly yearning to soak up every moment in the field and in the classroom. It is just thrilling to be at their side. The enthusiasm is addicting.
Where does it all come together? Why, Holmes County, of course: at the Chestnut Ridge Elementary School in Walnut Creek. (Please tell me a better location and atmosphere at which to get together and bird! Besides, of course, Ecuador)
A grand field trip is planned for Funk Bottoms Wildlife Area. An absolute hotspot. A bird haven. A birder playground. Last year, the lowland fields, floodplains, and wetlands held some pretty darn cool birds: including Yellow Rail and LeConte's Sparrow. To top it off, the Sunday field trip will be co-led by one of the top birders in the States: Jeff Bouton. I have had the extreme pleasure to be in the field with Jeff on many occasions. He is (rightfully) the Leica Birding Optics Specialist and Digiscoping expert. You just have to meet him. He is completely cool and a great partner in the field.
Did I also mention an Amish-cooked lunch.
Seriously folks.
If you know me....Cheryl, Kim....Gabe....Chriss...LeGalle....McCarty.....you KNOW I would be off my rocker to miss all of this.
I feel that it is important - in fact, necessary - that we encourage these highly energetic and very talented young ladies and gentlemen. In years to come they will be the means that will carry on our beloved tradition and pasttime (dare I say birding lifestyle?), in Ohio and beyond. I would encourage you, if merely out of intrigue, curiousity, or hardcore excitement and support, to consider joining us in the field or in the classroom at this year's OYBC.
Seeing these young folks in the field is just awesome. Come watch them pick migrant hawks out of the stratosphere. And more.
Again, the details:
Link:
http://www.ohioyoungbirders.org/annual_conference.htm
2nd Annual Ohio Young Birders Conference
Saturday, October 4, 2008 / 7:30 am - 6:00 pm
Chesnut Ridge Elementary School in Walnut Ridge
Field trip to Funk Bottoms, afternoon speakers (all young birders!)
Sunday, October 5, 2008 / 8:30 am / Digiscoping with Jeff Bouton at Funk Bottoms
Should you have questions, comments, and reactions, please direct them to my personal email. Argumentative email will be shunned. Straight up. Should you have specific questions about the conference, please contact Black Swamp Bird Observatory (Ohio Young Birders Club headquarters): 419-898-4070.
I hope to see some of you there, for young birder action, birds, digiscoping, and some harty Amish cooking.
CHEERS
Jen
Jen Brumfield
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Medina County
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