Spring Meetings for Birders

Every state has an ornithological society where birders meet to learn more about birds, take field trips in hopes of seeing new birds, and socialize with people of similar interests.

Both thee Oklahoma and Texas societies have meetings coming up in May.

The Texas Ornithological Society (TOS) has its spring meeting May 5 -7 in Junction, TX. I enjoy the TOS meetings, but this one (again) conflicts with another commitment--I am speaking at a conference in Oklahoma that same weekend. Bummer.

The Oklahoma Ornithological Society (OOS) has its spring meeting May 13 - 15 in Black Mesa, OK. I haven't yet had a chance to attend any of the OOS meetings, but I am sure they are well worth attending.

The state ornithological societies depend upon the help of volunteers and most of the attendees are budget conscious, so you will find you can get a lot of birding done for a reasonable price. Your hotel (and right now, gas) will probably be your biggest expense. I know the organizers do their best to negotiate good rates at decent hotels.

If you can make one of these events, please do and consider joining these organizations if you are able. In addition to these meetings, the organizations support education and conservation programs that benefit the birds. The TOS has several sanctuaries open to their members. It is unfortunate that all of them are on the Texas coast, but you can indeed see some nice birds--I have visited some of these sanctuaries on previous trips. I would be nice to have different ecological areas represented--just takes money and volunteer time.

Good birding!

Oklahoma Ornithological Society Fall Meeting

I am so happy for the beautiful fall weather.

The Oklahoma Ornithological Society (OOS) Fall Meeting is coming soon to Stillwater, OK. If you aren't a member of the OOS, you are still welcome to attend. They have a couple of nice field trips and an interesting speaker for the banquet lined up. The agenda and registration form are here.

Note that you can register on site for the meetings and field trips but the banquet requires registration before September 30, so sign up now if you want to go.

Good birding!

Ornithological Society Meetings

Since Wichita Falls is so close to Oklahoma, I subscribe to the birding listserv for that state as well. A Save the Date message came out this AM that the Oklahoma Ornithological Society (OOS) Fall Meeting will be Oct 15 - 17 in Stillwater, OK.

Unfortunately, I will be just coming back from HR Southwest and just don't want to make a quick turn, although these sorts of meetings are normally informative, fun and inexpensive. Watch for details on the OOS website.

The next Texas Ornithological Society meeting is next January in Ft. Worth according to their website. They do have some good field trips coming up, however.

Good birding!

OK Ornithological Society Spring Meeting

The OK Ornithological Society will be having its spring meeting at Hackberry Flats April 30 - May 2. It's too bad I will be out of town (Lubbock that weekend.) I am not a member of the OOS, but the meeting is so close, I would definitely go if I was going to be in town.

The price is right ($30 for non-members) and it's a good chance to improve birding skills with more experienced birders and get to know some good birding spots.

For more information and to register, go to the OOS website.

Good birding!