The favorite bird pictures programs have been so well received that we are doing another program of members' favorite bird pictures. Dr. Harlan Stewart has again volunteered to prepare all photos submitted in advance into a Powerpoint presentation. Viewers have especially requested that the identity of the bird be shown. The contributors of the pictures may, if they desire, talk briefly about their pictures, or they can allow the pictures to stand on their own. The pictures should be bird related, but do not need to be exhibition quality, especially if the subject is especially interesting for any reason.
In order to prepare a combined presentation, we will need to have the pictures by Saturday November 16. They can be emailed as attachments to Harlan at hstewartmail@gt.rr.com If necessary, send several separate emails to avoid exceeding the limits set by your email provider.
We will also be able to show other presentations that you prepare yourself if they are on a flash drive, and are in the Powerpoint format (preferred) or are a series of jpg files. We would prefer you send them to Harlan in advance if at all possible.
We will hold our annual elections at this meeting.
Take US69/96/287 south out of Beaumont to the FM365 exit, keeping left on the feeder road. Take the turnaround lane under the freeway and head back north moving to the right hand lane of the feeder road. In about 1500 feet (1/4 mile), turn right on Park Avenue (just before Carmela's restaurant) and proceed 1200 feet (2/10 mile) to the church parking lot on the left, opposite the Babe Ruth Ball Park. Enter the Gathering Hall through the door on the circular drive on Park Avenue.
Leave northbound US69/96/287 at the FM365 exit, moving to the right lane and proceeding straight across FM365. Turn right on Park Avenue and follow the remainder of the directions above.
In recent years, this has been one of our most successful field trips. The area is well known for its birds of prey, which in past years have included Bald and Golden Eagles, Crested Caracaras and White-tailed Hawks in addition to the more "expected" Red-tailed Hawks, Northern Harriers, and American Kestrels. In some years we have seen White-tailed Kites and Merlins. The area suffered extensive flooding during Imelda, so there may be abnormalities in bird populations this year.
The area is also well known as the wintering ground of what has become a large (about 1,000 strong) flock of Sandhill Cranes and is also one of the best places to see sparrows in the area. In wet years, there can be lots of waterfowl including geese and many duck species as well as ibis and other waterbirds. This trip five years ago found a Mountain Bluebird, which stayed all winter.
Meet at 8 a.m. at the intersection of FM365 and Johnson Road (on the “north/west” side of Johnson Road at that intersection). From the intersection of Interstate 10 and FM365 in Fannett, proceed along FM365 (towards Nome) for about six miles. Shortly after you emerge out of the woodlands, South China Road goes to the right (east then north) and immediately afterwards, on the left, is Johnson Road. There is a green G and A Turf Farm sign on Johnson Road at the intersection.