Salamonie Bird Club meetings and field trips

Indiana DNR Release:

Learn the joys of bird watching at Salamonie Bird Club’s upcoming events, this month and throughout the first half of 2010.

The club meets for the last time in 2009 on Dec. 12, just before Salamonie Interpretive Center’s Holiday Open House, at 12:30 p.m. To ring in the new year, the club is conducting its annual Christmas Bird Count, Jan. 1, 2010. To join the New Year’s Day event, contact Ellen Eppard at (260) 758-3233.

On Feb. 20, the club is hosting an eagle watch from 2 to 7:30 p.m. The event includes caravanning to northern Indiana’s largest documented eagle roost. At Salamonie Interpretive Center on Feb. 28, a yet-to-be-announced guest speaker will talk about birds at 2 p.m.

To look for migrating waterfowl, travel to Markle Ponds, March 14 and/or Eagle Marsh, near Fort Wayne, on April 10.

April 24 is an important date to mark on your bird watching calendar. Salamonie Bird Club’s Bird Extravaganza takes place from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Salamonie Interpretive Center. A $10 participant fee opens the door to enjoying birds, related activities and guest speakers. Advance registration is requested.

The “Big May Day Bird Count” is May 15. Contact Eppard about this event. On June 12, take advantage of a unique opportunity to “Float with the Birds,” beginning at 6:30 a.m. at J. Edward Roush Lake. For $5, you can register to use one of Roush Lake’s kayaks, or you may bring your own.

All events are open to public. Youth are welcome to attend. Anyone under 18 must have adult accompaniment. Dress for the weather, and forget binoculars and snacks.