Monthly Program

Presenters: Chad and Evan Williams

Join Amanda Smith for our September program – Naughty by Nature. Out in the elements, birders and outdoorsy folks often encounter some of the not-so-wonderful aspects of nature such as poison ivy, nettles, snakes, chiggers, and spiders. Misconceptions about these “perceived” naughty natural things keep people from getting outside, but just an ounce of knowledge can help fight fear of the unknown.

Join speaker Brad Bumgardner, the Executive Director for the Indiana Adubon Society and previously an interpretive naturalist for the Indiana State Parks, for our November program. The Indiana Dunes is a gateway for migrating owls traveling along the shores of Lake Michigan and into the rest of Indiana. Volunteers and staff have banded hundreds of migrating Saw-whet Owls. Learn about the secretive migration and opportunities to view Saw-whet Owls in the Indiana Dunes.

Join Donna McCarty, ABAS Birdathon Chair, for a look back at where the Birdathon started in 1987 and where we are today. Learn how our chapter’s mission has been promoted, the projects we have supported over the years, and what it takes to make a Birdathon team.

Join Rob Ripma, ABAS President and owner of Sabrewing Nature Tours, for our January program at Holliday Park Nature Center. The program shows us the birds and wildlife that you can expect to find while exploring the northern part of Ecuador. As we travel from the high Andes to the tropical rainforest, you’re sure to learn about some exciting birds!

By today’s birding standards, a goal of seeing 1000 species of birds seems somewhat trivial. But to some people, it’s a big goal!  With a family of 5 children, a full-time salaried job, and all of the full-time tasks that go along with it, getting to the goal has been no easy task.  Join speaker Chad Williams as he takes you on a brief journey through some of his travels in the U.S., Mexico, Central and South America. 

Join ABAS Board member Amy Hodson as she shares stories from a whirlwind of a year that got her to 302 species as well as the highlights, the misses, and the stories in between. This program will be conversational, so bring your questions and we will see you there!

Join Lynea Hinchman, of La Porte County, Indiana, for  A Journey to the Bottom of the World. Antarctica, the White Continent, is a wealth of wildlife and wonder. Imagine walking among penguins or being within feet of nesting Albatross or on a beach covered with Elephant Seals or having your dinner interrupted by a pod of Orcas on a feeding frenzy. Join ABAS and Lynea as we take a brief journey to this vast world of breathtaking beauty and amazing wildlife spectacles.

Last spring, five young birders took on a grueling 24-hour competition known as a Big Day. Hyped up on Red Bull and various forms of carbohydrates, the group logged 151 species despite birding on April 30, an early date during migration. Although it poured most of the day, these young birders were still able to find birds such as Chuck-will’s-widow, Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Wilson’s Phalarope, and Barn Owl. Join Matthias Benko and Ceth Williams at Holliday Park for an account of their day, from midnight to midnight.