Evening Talk: Cassia Crossbill - Wednesday, October 31, 6:30 p.m.

LAS welcomes Craig Benkman, Professor in Zoology and Physiology, University of Wyoming on Halloween at the Berry Center (corner of 10th and Lewis Streets) - Bird Chat and Snacks at 6:30 p.m. with Dr. Benkman's talk at 7 p.m.

What is so special about the Cassia Crossbill? The absence of red squirrels can account for many unique features of the South Hills and Albion Mountains, Idaho, including why the Cassia Crossbill evolved there, why it is considered a distinct species, and even why certain birds are so abundant and perhaps why the pine beetle outbreak was not as extensive as elsewhere. Dr. Benkman will discuss these findings and others that he and his associates have uncovered over the last 20 years studying the Cassia Crossbill.     (PHOTO: Female Short Hills Cassia Crossbill, courtesy of Craig Benkman)

Hutton Lake Nest Box Work Trip - Saturday, October 27th (8 a.m.)

We're heading to Hutton Lake National Wildlife Refuge Saturday (October 27th) to clean out the nest boxes.  The Girl Scouts of Laramie have been monitoring the boxes all summer, reporting the results to Cornell's national NestWatch program (https://nestwatch.org/).  We'll open each box to remove the nest materials and make simple repairs, where needed.  This is great chance to learn about the program and do a little birding at Hutton. 

Meet at Night Heron Books and Coffeehouse at 8 a.m. to coordinate carpools and get a snack. Bring warm clothes, water, WORK GLOVES, a scraper/putty knife (don't worry if you don't have one - we'll have extras), and binoculars.  Many people will likely remain at Hutton to bird after the work is complete - we'll plan the carpool groups to suit various schedules!

Laramie Plains Lakes Field Trip, Saturday October 13th (8 a.m.)

We'll meet at 8 a.m. at Night Heron Books and Coffeehouse (107 East Ivinson Avenue) to arrange carpools and then head out west of Laramie to the Plains Lakes.  We hope to find a variety of Fall migrants and to identify them in their less distinctive, non-breeding plumage.  This will be an easy trip with minimal walking.  We expect to be back to Laramie by noon, but those with their own transportation are free to return at any time.  Dress for wintery weather and bring snacks, water, birding accessories (a spotting scope if you have one!), and friends! 

Nature Walk / Scavenger Hunt BINGO Game, Saturday, October 6th (8 a.m.)

We'll meet this Saturday at 8:00 a.m. at Optimist Park (West Garfield parking lot) for a leisurely nature walk along the Greenbelt.  This week's trip will include Scavenger Hunt BINGO - with fabulous prizes.  Encourage your young friends to join us on this trip that is designed with children in mind.