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CALENDAR January - July 2010

Program meetings are held the third Tuesday of the month, 7:30 p.m. at the Great Plains Nature Center, 6232 E. 29th St N. (29th and Woodlawn), Wichita, KS, 316-683-5499. All programs and field trips are free and open to the public.

To conserve gas (and money) please make an effort to carpool for field trips. Notify the field trip leader if you plan to attend so cars and riders can be matched up. Information about carpooling will also be posted on the Kansas bird listserve (KSBIRD-L)

 
JANUARY

JANUARY 2, SATURDAY, 7:30 a.m.    RED HILLS CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT
 Meet at the Indian Grill Restaurant on U.S. 160 in Medicine Lodge. Groups will depart at 7:30 a.m. $5 fee required for the National Audubon Society.
Compiler: , 832-0182

JANUARY 19, TUESDAY, 7:30 p.m. PROGRAM AT THE GREAT PLAINS NATURE CENTER

Bald Eagles of the Chilkat by Lowell Wilder, videographer and member of Wichita Audubon
This film takes us to the largest concentration of eagles in North America. Experience the natural beauty of Alaska in this truly spectacular wildlife gathering.


JANUARY 30, SATURDAY, 10 a.m. - noon  EAGLE WATCH AT CHAPLIN NATURE CENTER
Mid-winter is a great time to view Bald Eagles in Kansas. Searching for open water, many eagles migrate to Kansas for the winter. We will take a 1.5 mile hike to the Arkansas River. Bring binoculars if you have them.
Leader: , 620-442-4133
 
FEBRUARY
FEBRUARY 6, SATURDAY, Noon  KANOPOLIS LAKE AND SALINE COUNTY
The primary object of this trip is to view Short-eared Owls at dusk in prairies near Salina. On the way to Salina in the afternoon we will visit Maxwell Game Preserve and Kanopolis Lake to observe raptors, waterfowl and other wintering birds. Depart from the Great Plains Nature Center parking lot at noon.
Leaders: &

FEBRUARY 6, SATURDAY, 10 a.m. - noon EAGLE WATCH AT CHAPLIN NATURE CENTER
Mid-winter is a great time to view Bald Eagles in Kansas. We will take a 1.5 mile hike to the Arkansas River. Bring binoculars if you have them.
Leader: , 620-442-4133

FEBRUARY 16, TUESDAY, 7:30 p.m.  PROGRAM AT THE GREAT PLAINS NATURE CENTER 
The Wonders of Water by Kay Drennen, Environmental Specialist, City of Wichita Water Resources
Discover the amazing features of the substance upon which all life depends. Learn about practical and innovative methods to conserve this precious natural resource.

FEBRUARY 27, SATURDAY, 8 a.m.  El Dorado Lake 
This trip should produce a nice mix of wintering grassland, woodland and waterbirds. Meet at the McDonald's in El Dorado, 2004 W Central (Hwy 254).
Leader: , 942-2164

 
MARCH

MARCH 5, FRIDAY, 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. WOODCOCK HIKE & NIGHT HIKE AT CHAPLIN NATURE CENTER
The American Woodcock is a fascinating and uncommon bird that performs an intricate coutship display at dusk. Although difficult to spot, participants will be able to identify this bird by the unusual sounds made by the wings during flight. After observing the woodcocks, the group will continue down the trails without the use of flashlights to listen and learn about other nocturnal animals. Dress for the outdoors and wear sturdy shoes.
Leader: , 620-442-4133


MARCH 16, TUESDAY, 7:30 p.m.  PROGRAM AT THE GREAT PLAINS NATURE CENTER
Raptors of Kansas by Nathan Ofsthun, member of Wichita Audubon.
Meet the hawks, falcons and owls of the Kansas Wildlife Exhibit in this live raptor demonstration.

MARCH 20, SATURDAY, 9 a.m. OAK PARK CLEANUP
Help keep this priceless birding spot litter-free. Meet by the north pond, and bring gloves. Trash bags and other equipment will be provided.
Leader: , 263-4042

MARCH 27, SATURDAY, 7:30 a.m.  - 12 p.m. WICHITA AREA LOCAL TRIP
We will visit local birding locations within a 30 minutes drive of Wichita, at the discretion of the trip leader. The trip will depart from the King's-X Restaurant, corner of 21st St N and Amidon.
Leader: , 687-4268
 
APRIL
APRIL 3, SATURDAY, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. SPRING CLEANUP AT CHAPLIN NATURE CENTER Volunteer to help get CNC in shape with building cleanup or trail maintenance. Light workloads or heavy, your choice.
Leader: , 620-442-4133

APRIL 10, SATURDAY, 5 a.m.  LESSER PRAIRIE CHICKENS & SWARTZ CANYON
Overnight lodging in Pratt is suggested as this trip will depart before 5 a.m. After viewing the chickens  we will visit Swartz Canyon on the Merrill Ranch. This portion of the trip will involve fording the Salt Fork River and hiking for several miles. Pre-registration is required.
Leader: , 832-0182 & Ken Brunson

APRIL 21, TUESDAY, 7:30 p.m.  PROGRAM AT THE GREAT PLAINS NATURE CENTER
Program to be announced.

APRIL 25 - MAY 1 EXTENDED FIELD TRIP TO SOUTH FLORIDA
Our most ambitious extended trip yet! This trip will include the Everglades, Florida Keys, and Dry Tortugas, plus other destinations at time allows. We will fly to either Orlando or Miami and rent passenger vans. A deposit will be required and the number of participants will be limited. Exact dates may change subject to travel arrangements. Details will be announced as planning progresses.
Leaders: , 942-2164, , 687-4268, , 832-0182, and
 
MAY

MAY 7 - 9, FRIDAY - SUNDAY, AMERICA'S BIRDIEST COUNTY COMPETITION
Sedgwick County will again attempt to qualify as "America's Birdiest Inland County" as birders are encouraged to get out and find as many bird species as possible in Sedgwick County.  

Coordinators: , 737-1307, and , 617-7171


MAY 8, SATURDAY, 8 a.m. WARBLER WALK AT OAK PARK
Meet by the pond at the north end of the park. Expect a varied list of migratory birds including flycatchers, orioles, sparrows, vireos and warblers.
Leader: , 263-1251

MAY 18, TUESDAY, 7:30 p.m. PROGRAM AT THE GREAT PLAINS NATURE CENTER
The Chaplin Nature Center by Shawn Silliman, Naturalist & Director of Chaplin Nature Center 
Explore the pride and joy of the Wichita Audubon Society and discover the education and conservation work being accomplished at the Chaplin Nature Center.

MAY 22, SATURDAY, 6:30 a.m.  GREAT SALT PLAINS N.W.R.
A late spring trip to one of the best birding sites in Oklahoma. Depart from the Kings-X restaurant at 21st St N and Amidon at 6:30 a.m.
Leader: , 942-2164

MAY 29, SATURDAY, 7 a.m. DERBY AREA & BUTLER COUNTY FISHING LAKE
Depart from the parking lot of the Village Inn, 1200 N Rock Rd in Derby.
Leader: , 737-1307

  JUNE
JUNE 19, SATURDAY, 7:30 p.m.  BIRDS, BUTTERFLIES & BREAKFAST AT CNC
Start the day with a melody of birds as you eat breakfast on the porch of the visitor's center. After breakfast we will walk the trails in search of butterflies and wildflowers. Please register with Shawn at least 2 days in advance so we'll have enough breakfast.
Leader: , 620-442-4133.
 
JULY
JULY 10, SATURDAY, 8:30 a.m.  BUTTERFLY COUNT AT CHAPLIN NATURE CENTER
Help us count and identify butterflies as part of a North American Butterfly Association official count.
Leader: , 620-442-4133

JULY 20, TUESDAY, 6 p.m. ANNUAL PICNIC
Meet at the Great Plains Nature Center for an air-condiioned picnic. Bring a dish to share and your own service. Drinks will be provided. After the meal we'll watch a nature film in the auditorium.