Ian Gardner will tour us through the suite of sparrows in the Northeastern U.S. to provide pointers about identification, including voice and behavior.  He is a former wildlife biologist at Fort Indiantown Gap who hails from Harrisburg, PA. He earned his B.S. degree in Wildlife Conservation from Juniata College and his M.S. degree in Forest Resources …
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I start off with the biology and a brief history in America of the Chimney Swift. I cover it's historical nesting, and how the colonization of a new nation affected the species. I move on to modern conservation concerns, and eventually to methods to help the species, including (especially) the building of artificial towers as …
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 Your yard might look beautiful, but how do you know if it's contributing to the local ecosystem? Numerous studies from around the world suggest that insect populations are currently in decline. This in turn affects birds who rely on insects for food. To determine which insects are most important in bird diets, I conducted a …
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This presentation will trace the history of bird sound recording from the early days of optical soundtracks for talkies during the Great Depression to the modern era of using a smartphone and the internet.  The epicenter of this development in the United States, indeed in the world, was and is at the Laboratory of Ornithology …
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Since the founding of our club in 1890, the first meeting of every year has been the “Members’ Meeting.” The meeting will feature the Annual Election of Officers and Council members, election of Fellows and Honorary Members, reports by the Treasurer and by the Trustees, and other matters of interest. This meeting, like all meetings …
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Join us for the annual Members' Photo Night. Each year, members submit photos is several categories - Birds, Fauna, Flora, Scenery, Birders and new this year, bird photos taken within the DVOC area. Hosted by Linda Widdop, the show promises to visually be stunning and result in prizes awarded in each category. Judges use criteria …
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Birds in Winter is the first book devoted to the ecology and behavior of birds during the most challenging season of the year, when every bird’s focus is on survival. Winter may for many birds have had the greatest influence on their evolution and adaptations, from anatomy to migration. Winter affects not only the birds …
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Larry Niles will present the latest information on Red Knot conservation efforts. He will also present information on ways that citizen science can help this endangered species.
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The Salton Sea is California’s largest inland body of water and has become a prime birding spot in southern California, despite some very unusual conditions there. The ‘Sea’ is 235 feet below sea level and about 10 times as salty as the ocean. It was created in the 1905 when a 40-mile canal used to …
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Professor Marc Schmidt will describe work in his laboratory that uses songbirds to study the neural bases of vocal production and sensorimotor integration. Courtship is complex and is influenced by many factors including social context, hormone levels, and environmental stimuli. The specific neural circuits that underlie the regulation of this suite of behaviors is poorly …
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Regardless of its small size Israel has one of the highest diversity of birds and wildlife in the world. Israel forms the land bridge between Europe, Asia and Africa and twice a year millions of migrants pass through the country. Join us and hear about the birds, nature and wildlife of Israel and the conservation …
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Israel is well known as one of the best places in the world to witness and truly experience bird migration. Millions of migrants from hundreds of species pass through Israel twice a year, making it one of the world's busiest and most impressive flyways. Join us and hear about the amazing birds of Israel and …
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In 2018, Barb Bassett spent ten days in Ecuador, mostly in the Galápagos Islands aboard the M/V Evolution on a Victor Emanuel Nature Tour. The Galápagos Islands are truly one of the most unique places on earth. Lying 600 miles off mainland Ecuador, the remoteness of the islands has given life here the chance to …
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The DVOC Birder’s Picnic has been an annual event for many years, some more official than others. Anita and Paul Guris are hosting again this year at their fabulous property in Green Lane PA. We’ll provide Beer, Iced Tea, Lemonade, and Mixed Punch, Ice. Ice Cream too! We will also provide paper products and condiments. …
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How did the Turkey Vulture get its red head? Which bird did the Ancient Mayan creator god transform into in order to bring messages to people? Which bird eggs have magical powers among the Chontal Maya of Tabasco, Mexico? What bird warns Lacandon Maya farmers if a dangerous snake may be nearby? What messages do …
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