November Bird Club

November’s CEI Bird club meeting began with introductions all around, sharing reasons why we each find value in birding. Cheryl shared an Smithsonian magazine article describing the study of aeroecology. 11,000 species of birds and 1400 species of bats use the air atmosphere in at least part of their life cycle. Increasing geomagnetic activity– AKA the Northern lights– have been shown to interfere with birds migration timing. Interesting and concerning.

Club members were treated to a bald eagle attempting to find lunch amongst the ducks and coots on the reservoir. A very dramatic display! 

You never know what you’ll see out the Nature Center windows.

What to watch for in the next month: short-eared owls at the Killsnake State Wildlife Area about 1 hour before sundown, potential snowy owl irrruptions, and the return of rough-legged Hawks to our area. 

Everyone’s on board with participating in the Christmas bird count for the Collins and Menchalville areas. More info to follow at the December meeting.