President’s Message

AVAS MOVES AHEAD

by SeEtta Moss

     We have had a great start in 2003 with the fantastic attendance at our January program meeting that focused on the wolf recovery program in Yellowstone Park. With 64 persons in attendance at this program, this puts us far ahead in our goal to increase attendance at program meetings by 10 persons each program. The revisions we have made in program content seem to be paying off. And we have plans for additional highly interesting programs this year as you can see from our offering for the February program meeting.

     We closed out 2002 with a mixed bag on the Christmas Bird Counts that are held in our area.  Some, such as in Pueblo West, had good numbers of species while others, such as the Penrose-Cañon City Count, had quite low numbers of species. Overall numbers of birds were low, with speculation being that this is due to the lack of seeds, nuts and fruit on the native plants in the area which is believed to be related to the drought. 

     We hope you will join us at the annual Eagle Day celebration at the Pueblo Reservoir that Arkansas Valley Audubon co-sponsors and in which we actively participate. This is always a lot of fun, especially for children. If you have never seen a Bald Eagle, this is your chance—they are magnificent. Since the Raptor Center and the Pueblo Zoo also bring hawks, owls and other critters no one will go away disappointed.

     Also coming up is the Great Backyard Bird Count during the weekend of February 14-17 which is co-sponsored by the National Audubon Society. This is the chance for all you backyard bird watchers to get involved and help in the citizen science of monitoring birds across the nation.

     Stay tuned, your Arkansas Valley Audubon chapter will be bringing you more exciting events in the months ahead.

February program

BISON AND PEOPLE

   This month’s AVAS program will be quite different from those normally presented. On Friday, February 14 at 7:00 p.m. in the classroom of the Pueblo Zoo there will be a time for refreshments and socializing, plus a short Chapter report, followed by the program.

   Ralph McPhearson, a historical interpreter specializing in the American West of 1840 to 1880, will explain how people—American Indians and Anglo-Americans—interacted with bison on the frontier. He will bring some artifacts to illustrate his talk.

A volunteer at El Pueblo Museum for 15 years, Mr. McPhearson has given many educational presentations to a great number of groups including school children. He will appear dressed in authentic clothing from the period.

   As are all AVAS-sponsored educational programs, “Bison and People” is free and open to the public. Bring friends and family for some pleasant Friday evening camaraderie.