IOU meetings are highlights of the birding year for many. They are held at various location around the state and of course have a central theme - BIRDS. Much of the weekend is spent in search of the many species found here in spring and fall. Local people or organizations plan field trips to introduce participants to new birding locations around the state.
Saturday afternoon programs are varied with something of interest for everyone. In the photo on the left, members are participating in a workshop presented by the IOU Records Committee on how to take good notes of their observations for use in documenting rare birds.
The Saturday evening banquet is followed by the keynote address on a topic of general interest, be it identifying sparrows or warblers or why we should apprecate cowbirds. In the photo below, Joan Garland of the International Crane Foundation explains how researchers interact with the cranes to avoid human imprinting.
The IOU is a friendly group comprised of people just like you. Birders have as much fun showing someone a new bird as they have finding one themselves. Watch the events calendar for the next meeting and join in the fun! Non-members are welcome.