Kentucky Ornithological Society
Spring Meeting 2000
April 28 - 30, 2000
Henderson, KY

The spring meeting of the Kentucky Ornithological Society was called to order by President Marilee Thompson at 7:35 p.m. on Friday evening, April 28. Opening the evening program was Scott Freidhof, Wildlife Biologist for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. Scott presented a detailed and interesting program on the Ruffed Grouse in Kentucky and surrounding states. Using field equipment, slides, and a video clip, Scott discussed the Kentucky grouse population, including nesting habits, mortality, and field study techniques.

David Roemer was next on the program with video clips and information about many rare and unusual bird sightings in Kentucky since the fall 1999 meeting. David presented video footage of over 10 species, including Western Grebe, Cinnamon Teal, White-winged Crossbill, Black-legged Kittiwake, Great Black-backed Gull, Eared Grebe, and Black-capped Chickadee.

Marvin Russell of MEMCO, Inc. concluded the evening program by discussing several models of binoculars in various price ranges. The focus of the presentation was on new models. Examples of over 20 models were on display and available for members to try out.

Following the evening program and throughout the remainder of the meeting, surplus issues of The Kentucky Warbler were available to all members at no cost. Reprints of other materials were also available for a nominal donation.

At 8:00 a.m. on Saturday morning, field trips departed fofr the Sloughs Wildlife Management Area and Audubon State Park. Co-leaders for the Sloughs trip were David Roemer and Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. The leader for the Audubon trip was Blaine Ferrell. By the end of the day, members had compiled a list of 122 species.

Saturday evening at 7:30 p.m., Donald Boarman, Curator of collections at John James Audubon State Park, provided a very interesting program. Using a story-telling style, Curator Boarman detailed the personal and professional life of one of America's most well-known ornithologists, John James Audubon. Highights of the program focused on Audubon's childhood, his time in Kentucky, and his up-and-down career as an outdoorsman, ornithologist, and artist. The unique style of Audubon's bird paintings and how they related to Audubon the man were also a feature of the presentation.

On Sunday morning, field trips were again made to Sloughs Wildlife Management Area and Audubon State Park. Leaders for Sunday's field trips were David Roemer and Mark Bennett. Eight species were added to Saturday's list for a weekend total of 128 species of birds observed.

There were 78 people in attendance at the spring meeting.

Back to KOS Homepage

Back to KOS Meetings, Field Trips, & Bird Counts page