WCAS Member Meeting and Speaker May 2021
Channel: Western Cuyahoga Audubon
Date: 2021-05-05

Western Cuyahoga Audubon Society Member Meeting and Speaker Series 2020-2021

Program: “The Central Ohio Owl Project” presented by Blake Mathys, Ohio Dominican University. Recorded on Tuesday, May 4, 2021 at 7:30 PM (ET).
Description: Gaining a better understanding of Ohio’s owls is a goal of Ohio Dominican University ornithologist Blake Mathys. Last fall he launched the Central Ohio Owl Project, but his research actually extends beyond the title, as Mathys will accept owl reports from anywhere in the state.

The Central Ohio Owl Project is slated to continue for the next several years. Mathys’ end game is to develop a clearer picture of the status and distribution of owls, and he is also gathering data on diet. Owls regurgitate indigestible fur and bone of victims in the form of compact pellets, which can often be found under roosts. Dissecting and analyzing pellet contents reveals prey choices. The more we learn about our owls, the better we can conserve these charismatic animals. View Dr. Mathys' website at blakemathys.com.

Timestamps (approximate): ​

Member Meeting 
[00:00:00​] Nancy Howell, Treasurer & Membership, Chair, WCAS, welcomed everyone to the meeting, presented and reviewed answers to the pre-program Bird Quiz questions, reviewed the successful Woodcock Wednesday Watches, the Institute for Bird Populations’ (IBP) Bird Banding Project and chapter fundraising through May 19, 2021, Spring Warbler Challenge, Spring Membership Drive, and  Mitchell's Homemade Ice Cream Coupons. Contact NancyHowell@wcaudubon.org

[00:17:48] Michelle Brosius, WCAS Board Member & Field Trip Co-Coordinator, provided updates about the April 2021 Second Saturday Bird Walk Report, Tremont Bird Walks, Virtual Field Trips, and reminded viewers of the chapter's Social Distancing Birding Guidelines. Please contact Michelle to learn more about bird walks and field trips at MichelleBrosius@wcaudubon.org

[00:22:56​] (Read by Michelle Brosius) Betsey O'Hagan, Digital Strategist, WCAS, reviews the quarterly newsletter; Guardians of Nature meeting on Thursdays, May 20th & 27th at 7:00 p.m. (EST) with special guest Patti Donnellan, Sustainability Coordinator, Mayor’s Office of Sustainability – City of Cleveland, Thursday, May 20 at 7:00 p.m. (EST)  will talk about "Woody Plants for Birds"; the May Bird of the Month Photography Contest; Bird Friendly Coffee Club ordering benefits. 

[00:27:35​] Kaoru Tsubone, Board Member, Native Plant Committee Leader, Ambassador to Japan, provides updates on the Native Plant Online Sales project, invites volunteers to the project; and introduces May native plant selections and how to order. For more information contact KaoruTsubone@wcaudubon.org ​

[00:29:50​] Drina Nemes, WCAS Member and Book Club Chair, reminds members and guests to watch the recorded Book Club Author Speaker Series 4/18 & 4/25/21 with guest speaker Katie Fallon; and the ACCAWV.org LIVE Broadcast with Katie Fallon 4/16/21. Drina invites viewers to submit author suggestions to DrinaNemes@wcaudubon.org

[00:31:22​] Nancy Howell reminds attendees of the Mitchelle's Homemade Ice Cream Fundraiser. Coupons can be purchased at the WCAS Store. Michelle reminds attendees of the benefits of chapter membership. Nancy Howell introduces the June speaker and welcomes the May speaker. 

Speaker Program
[00:33:10​] The speaker program commences, “The Central Ohio Owl Project” presented by Blake Mathys, Ohio Dominican University.

[01:11:20​] Questions and answers were discussed with the presenters, Nancy Howell thanks the speakers, closes the meeting, and thanks all participants for attending. ​

Presentation Slides: WCAS Member Mtg and Speaker Program Slides 05042021​ (PDF) https://www.wcaudubon.org/uploads/5/6/0/1/56016295/wcas_member_mtg_and_speaker_program_slides_05042021.pdf

Listen to the Audio: ‘WCAS Member Meeting and Speaker Blake Mathys 'The Central Ohio Owl Project' May 2021’ on #SoundCloud #np https://soundcloud.com/wcaudubon/wcas-member-meeting-and-speaker-blake-mathys-the-central-ohio-owl-project-may-2021 
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Western Cuyahoga Audubon is a chapter of the National Audubon Society based in Cuyahoga County in Northern Ohio, USA. WCAS seeks to connect and educate the public and conserve natural habitats for the sustainability of all bird species.