The Hermit Thrush Newsletter
Many of you recently collaborated with fellow birders in the annual Winter Bird Count which, for more than a century, has served as an important effort in ascertaining the current status of bird species. In addition to its primary purpose, the count has provided an opportunity to join together with a community of like-minded individuals sharing the love of our avian fauna. However, simply sharing this love of birds and broadening the support for their preservation is not enough.
Several years ago, the Green Mountain Audubon Society applied for and received a $1500 grant from National Audubon in support of equity, diversity, and inclusion. The grant was used to commission a series of drawings of five native trees, with signage in English and Abenaki, from Swanton-based Abenaki artist and art therapist Fellicia Cota. The artwork was made into weather-durable signs, which Green Mountain Audubon Center staff installed in November in the arboretum outside the main offices on the Huntington property.
GMAS is pleased to share that we have provided a $1500 grant to two educators at The Winooski Middle School to launch their first-ever Birding Club. Inspired by her experiences as part of Dr. Trish O'Kane's "Birding to Change the World" program, which pairs 4th and 5th-grade students with UVM undergraduate student mentors, Winooski student teacher June Laub hopes to bring elements of this model to the learning community at the Middle School.
On Sunday, December 15th, the GMAS held its 77th annual Burlington Winter Bird Count as part of the 125th annual National Audubon Society's Christmas Bird Count. Over 60 people participated in the Burlington count, which was split into 18 sectors. The preliminary results show many familiar species and some surprises.
It has been my honor and pleasure to serve as the President of the Green Mountain Audubon Society for the past five years. I am writing to let our community know that I am relocating abroad and will be leaving the Green Mountain Audubon Society in good hands. Pat Phillips will be stepping into the role of president. Lucie Lehmann will be stepping into the role of vice president. These changes will take effect on November 1, 2024.
Green Mountain Audubon Society’s incoming president, Pat Phillips, is a lifelong naturalist and no stranger to anyone who has gone on one of its popular outings. In rain, sunshine, and even in the snow, for the past several years it’s been Pat who has greeted participants with a warm smile, extra sets of binoculars, and a brief introduction that stresses that birders of all levels are welcome. “I love the interaction with both expert and novice birders on the outings, sharing the beauty of birds,” he says enthusiastically.
