Birding Delmarva: Knot to be Missed!
Date: Friday, 2-Sep-2011 7pm
Speaker: Alan & Della Wells
Join RAS members, Alan and Della Wells, on a chronical of their trip south of the Mason-Dixon Line for some southern birding and to sample the flavors of the Delmarva Peninsula (that’s Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia for the uninitiated). They will explore a number of prime wildlife sites along Delaware Bay and southern Maryland, finally ending up at Assateague Island National Seashore and Chincoteague National Park. Along the route, they will point out several interesting stops and eateries.
Rockland Forager
Date: Friday, 7-Oct-2011, 7pm
Speaker: Paul Tappenden
Paul Tappenden, an environmental educator specializing in wild foods and medicinal plants, has been studying native plants of the Northeast since 1976. His colorful presentation introduces many edible plants found growing wild in Rockland County and shows how and when they can be harvested and prepared.
Talons! A Bird of Prey Experience
Lorrie Schumacher, a master class falconer, has created an innovative and inspiring Birds of Prey Experience. Her mission is to stress the importance of the role of raptors in the global environment and man’s responsibility to the balance of the planet. One look into the eyes of a raptor and a human truly knows humility. Catch a raptor on your fist and you’ll feel your heart jump! Lorrie will bring a variety of raptors: eagles, falcons, owls and hawks with her—meet them up close and personal. This is an excellent program for children and young adults.
Flora & Fauna of the Hackensack River Watershed
Only 265 square miles in size, the Hackensack River Watershed contains an amazing diversity of plant and animal life. From the slopes of the High Tor Mountains to the marshes of the Meadowlands, creatures of all description live among a wide assortment of ecosystems—lowland forests, wooded swamps, salt marshes, riparian corridors and open waters. Hackensack Riverkeeper Program Director, Hugh Carola will share slides and stories about the places and the animals, from butterflies to seals, that can be found there. In fact, you may never look at that nearby water or patch of woods the same way again!
Bugged Beyond Belief!
Date: Friday, 6-Jan-2012
Speaker: John Lampkin
Our backyards are insect
wonderlands. Some fellow travelers are beautiful and familiar, like
butterflies and dragonflies. Others are exotic, like the Wavy-lined
Emerald caterpillar that sticks flower petals on its body as camouflage.
Some are terrifying, like the Ambush Bug that can slay a butterfly 20
times its size. All are fascinating and fun to photograph and study - and
John Lampkin has been doing just that. His presentation is an
entomological overview that will be educational, visually artistic, and
above all, entertaining.
Back From the Brink of Extinction and Beyond
Date: Friday, 3-Feb-2012Speaker: Darcy Love, Visitor Program Manager, International Crane Foundation
Almost 40 years ago, two Doctoral students from Cornell University decided to do what they could to save an endangered family of birds from extinction. Today, the International Crane Foundation (ICF), located in
Birding by Ear
Date: Friday, 2-Mar-2012Speaker: Lorrie Pallant, RAS Education Committee
ALTERNATE LOCATION: Street Community Center, 31 Zukor Rd, New City, NY
Have you ever wondered what bird is calling out your window? Learn about the wonders of birdsong and how to identify familiar Rockland birds by sound. This program is perfect for beginners and a great refresher for experienced birders. Join Lorrie Pallant as she explores Birding By Ear!
Hummingbirds: Feathered Gems
Date: Friday, 6-Apr-2012Speaker: Gina Nichols, Sunrise Birding, LLC.
ALTERNATE LOCATION: Historical Society of Rockland, 20 Zukor Rd, New City, NY
With 340 species known in the world, hummingbirds
are the second largest family of birds after flycatchers. These tiny
aeronautic marvels have the ability to hover, fly backward, and migrate
long distances. The physiological capacity of hummingbirds to raise and
lower their heart rate and body temperature to survive cold nights is
unmatched in the animal world. This program illustrates the amazing
adaptations of these glittering gems and describes their fascinating
life histories. Vivid photographs of hummingbirds in the North, Central,
and South America tell the story of how these birds survive in habitats
that range from tropical forests to the forests of the
Members Participation Night
Bring your photos, artwork, and other nature-related handicrafts to show to other members after the annual members' meeting and potluck dinner.
Warblers of Eastern North America
Sam's newest program takes us on a journey through warbler land, with a close look at all 38 species of eastern wood warblers and seven vireos. We’ll explore life histories, migration routes, wintering grounds and breeding locations throughout the western hemisphere. This will be a fun and fascinating look at these jewels of the North American birding kingdom!