President's Corner
A Couple Updates Before Summer
by John Shenot
I want to update everyone on three of the most important things we've done since changing our name to Northern Colorado Bird Alliance in February.
I have several unrelated announcements to share with members. The first is just a reminder that we do not publish newsletters or host programs with guest speakers in June, July, or August. We're looking forward to our May program (see front page for details), but the next program and newsletter will be in September. Throughout the summer, we will continue to host field trips, offer educational events, and spread the word about bird conservation at local community festivals. Our Instagram and Facebook accounts will remain active.
Speaking of social media platforms, we have switched to our new name, Northern Colorado Bird Alliance, on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. Following us on social media may be the best way to get timely information about what the chapter is doing. If you aren't already seeing our posts, look for us under the new names: https://www.instagram.com/nocobirdalliance, https://www.facebook.com/NoCoBirdAlliance, and https://www.youtube.com/@nocobirdalliance.
I'm going to repeat an announcement from last month's newsletter one more time: we can no longer cash checks made out to Fort Collins Audubon Society or FCAS. If you are renewing your membership or donating, please make checks out to Northern Colorado Bird Alliance.
Finally, I can report that the biggest (but not only) task remaining to complete our chapter's name change is to rebrand our website. We have been working on it behind the scenes and hope to have all the changes implemented this summer. Stay tuned for that!
Find Northern Colorado Bird Alliance on Facebook for Field Trip Information
Northern Colorado Bird Alliance has a Facebook page where we post announcements about upcoming field trips, last minute changes to scheduled trips, and highlights of most of our outings. Just click on the “Like” button in the plugin to Like our page! Our announcements should then appear on your wall. You can also click on "Northern Colorado Bird Alliance" to be taken directly to the Facebook page. Note: All field trips are also announced in the Ptarmigan and on our website.
Find Northern Colorado Bird Alliance on YouTube for Previous Zoom Presentations
Did you miss the monthly live chapter Zoom presentation? The chapter has recently created a YouTube channel to provide an easily accessible archive of our monthly chapter Zoom meetings. Be sure to Like and Subscribe!
Upcoming FCAS Education Events
NCBA and Bird Conservancy of the Rockies (BCR) are now offering classes and hikes through the City of Fort Collins Recreator. Register at fcgov.com/recreator, register in person, or call 970-221-6655.
Join us for Feather and Flight Friday walks at the Fort Collins Senior Center led by Sheila Webber. As part of our partnership with the Senior Center and the new habitat hero garden, we are offering bird hikes from the Senior Center to Rolland Moore Park. All are two hours hikes that start at the garden on the patio at 9 a.m.; cost is $6. Dates: Friday, Sept. 13; Friday, Sept. 27; and Friday, Oct. 11.
Front Range Bird ID class for beginners is offered by Erin Youngberg from BCR. Learn techniques to identify birds, and how to use a field guide and binoculars. All are two hour hikes that start at the garden on the patio at 3 p.m.; cost is $15. Dates: Sunday, Sept. 8; Sunday, Oct. 20; and Sunday, Nov. 17.
