Hear from an expert about the marvels of winged migration. Although Johanna Thompson was born in Washington, DC she left the area for the Midwest after high school, and then returned in 1985 to pursue her career as a lawyer-librarian. Shortly after returning to DC, her parents invited her to join them on a trip to the island of Sanibel in Florida. Once there, the resort appeared to offer a choice between two activities: collecting seashells, or watching birds. Given the options of picking up pieces of calcium that had once housed slimy sea creatures or watching exotic living birds, the choice, to Johanna was obvious. Johanna was at the bird refuge every morning at 6 a.m. when it opened. The close-up sunrise views of egrets, herons, roseate spoonbills, and red shouldered hawks were intoxicating, Johanna was hooked.
After her trip to Sanibel, she went on one birding trip after another, slowly increasing her knowledge of birds and steadily expanding the collection of bird books in her personal library. She retired in May 1999, which meant there was not only more time for birding, but also for volunteer work such as being a docent at the National Zoo’s bird house and a speaker for the Audubon Naturalist Society.
During this program Johanna will share her love for and knowledge of birds, focusing specifically on winter birds in the region.
We will begin at 10:30 a.m. Bring a bag lunch. If you have binoculars and or a field guide, bring those also. If you like, stay for a short hike after lunch.
There are at least 115 species of birds that have been seen at Rolling Ridge, including nine that are listed as endangered in West Virginia. What better time to expand your knowledge of our birds or begin to learn how to identify our feathered friends.field guide, bring those also.
We suggest a modest donation for this event.
This event is for: Anyone interested in birds, birding, or wildlife, and willing to walk the trails should come to this FWMC event.
Directions: Get specific directions from Sheila. We will meet at Niles Cabin. Follow signs on property for Niles Cabin. See our ride board feature at our idealist.org web site if you need a ride. Camping, or overnight stays in the Niles Cabin are available that weekend.