The Christmas Bird Count is not a time to take a lot of bird pictures. The participants are too intent in counting every bird in sight that a camera would just get in the way. Rising early to get a good head start on the day, everyone convenes at noon to tally the numbers, share stories and eat a hearty chili soup lunch. To find out more about the count’s result go to our Christmas Bird Count page. To see more pictures from the event visit our Audubon Miami Valley Facebook page.

The original bird count was on Christmas Day in 1900. It now incorporates more than 1,600 organized efforts and more than 50,000 participants throughout most of North America, Hawaii, U.S. territories, Bermuda, the Caribbean and Pacific islands. Data collected are sent to National Audubon and published annually in a special “Christmas Bird Count” issue of “American Birds.”

Regardless of experience, new participants are welcome to join groups led by experts covering portions of the count area.  First-time counters and those under 18 years of age can participate free of charge but repeat birders pay the $6 participation fee, which covers data processing and publication. Hot beverage and lunch are served at noon while we compile the first species and numbers of the Count. Participants are encouraged to bring food to share and their own table service.

Join us for a story of the Ohio River. We will explore some of the natural and cultural history of the Ohio River from the late 1700’s to the present time. We will look at some of the changes that have occurred in relation to the flora, fauna and people and how transportation changed the face of the river forever.

Jim Williams was born and raised in the Greater Cincinnati area. His ancestors came to Southwest Ohio in the late 1700’s by flatboat. He grew up rambling the farms of the descendents of those early Ohio pioneers, exploring the natural beauty of the farmland and woods. Jim attended the University of Cincinnati earning a Bachelors degree in Education with a major in the Biological Sciences. While teaching botany and zoology in a Cincinnati, Ohio high school he went on to receive a MAT in botany at Miami University. Jim joined the staff of the Hamilton County Park District as a Naturalist/Educator. Later he became the Chief Naturalist/Program.

DECEMBER 12, 2011, 7:30pm , 2^nd Floor Oxford Community Room, Lebanon Citizens National Bank, unless noted otherwise. All meetings are free and open to the public.

Greg Miller, birder extraordinaire of The Big Year fame is coming to Miami U., Oxford Campus, Tuesday, November 29, 7pm, Room 112 Pearson Hall (Patterson Ave. and High St.)!!!

The Bahama Islands lie just a short distance off the coast of Florida, and are famous for their “babes and beaches.”  But, did you know that the islands are home to a few endemic species of birds – including a swallow, hummingbird, and yellowthroat – found nowhere else on earth?  There are also a number of unique subspecies found on the islands, including a parrot and the very rare Bahama Nuthatch.  If you are anxious to plan a trip to get out of the cold this winter, join John and Karen Shrader, Dayton Audubon Society members and world birders, as we explore our neighbors in the sunny Bahama Islands.”

Karen and John Shrader are avid world birders and also enjoy photography, especially of the natural world.  They have traveled widely around the world, as well as in North America.  Over almost two decades, they served as the Field Trip Chairs for the Dayton Audubon Society, and John has served as the chapter President and on the board of directors.  John is an M.D. associated with Jim Williams – formerly with the Hamilton County Park District.

NOVEMBER 14, 2011, 7:30pm , 2^nd Floor Oxford Community Room, Lebanon Citizens National Bank, unless noted otherwise. All meetings are free and open to the public.

Gasland, Wednesday, November 9th, 7:00p.m. at the Oxford Community Arts Center.  

Free and sponsored by the OXFORD INTERFAITH CLIMATE CHANGE WORK GROUP (ICCWG), a coalition of area churches and concerned individuals working on the issue of climate change and earth stewardship.