[obol] A proposal: Summer Saturdays with Shorebirds

[Paul T. Sullivan]

OBOL:

Summer (and fall) is the time for shorebirds.  Reports are already coming in 
from hot shorebird spots on both sides of the Cascades, from excellent, keen 
observers.  In the next couple months I suspect we will be treated to 
reports of Buff-breasted Sandpipers, Ruffs, etc.

There are also folks poised to collect the data and save it for posterity or 
provide it to land managers.

Let me suggest an additional approach:  **Summer Saturdays with Shorebirds**
This could be modeled on the Morning Birdsong Walks which are held each 
spring.  Experienced leaders agree to show up at a particular location for a 
specified period of time each week.  The leader will show people shorebirds 
and explain why one little brown shorebird is different than another.  The 
whole thing lasts for 2-3 hours.  Participants may drop in and out as they 
see fit. Participation is free.

Greg Gillson offered a Saturday walk at Fern Hill wetland last summer and it 
filled quickly, and was well received..  Steve Doughill (& ECBC) is offering 
Friday evening outings at the Redmond Sewage Ponds this year.

If folks are willing, I suggest that **Summer Saturdays with Shorebirds** 
should be organized locally [Vanpoprt wetlands, Fern Hill, Fern Ridge, 
Kirtland Rd., Bay Ocean, Yaquina Bay, Coos Bay, Prineville, Hatfield 
Lk.,White Lake,Ladd Marsh] by whoever wants to offer the service.  Pick your 
own schedule.  If you are a keen observer, don't just report on OBOL that 
you found a Rare Stint at Local Mudhole #3.  Take some folks with you and 
show them the difference between a Least Sandpiper and a Western Sandpiper. 
Maybe teach something about how to tell the age of shorebirds.

Just a suggestion...  Run with it.

Just publicize your **Summer Saturdays with Shorebirds**,  when and where, 
so I can come and learn -- from someone who knows more than I do.

Thank you,

Paul T. Sullivan

My late friend Frank Conley did not want a memorial service.  He said:
"There will be a memorial service every day you take yourself, or someone 
else, out into the great outdoors -- away from the monitors, videos and TVs 
we see mirrored in our eyes -- and learn something about birds, butterflies, 
elk, or biscuitroot."
-- Frank Conley 1942 - 2005