A Message from James Wheat, President of the Kentucky Ornithological Society

Welcome to the 2020 Fall KOS Virtual Meeting!

This year has been a whirlwind of change and challenge. As I mentioned in Spring, these are times of separation and backyard birding, physical distancing and face masks. Once again, we have decided that there was too much risk to members to meet in person, so we have collaborated with a number of contributors to create a weekend full of birding and birding-related activities.

Those of you who have attended prior KOS meetings will recognize some of our traditions; we are adding some new ones, too. Based on feedback from membership, learning about a variety of flora and fauna was suggested, so we are continuing to include a wide array of content.

A sincere and hearty Thank You to all who have contributed to this virtual weekend of content - I know how hard it is to create this material. Please enjoy it, and share some joy with us!

Cheers,

James Wheat, President
Kentucky Ornithological Society

Let's all remember to have fun and do some birding during the meeting over these three days. We hope that these tips can help you experience the meeting as a birding experience.

• Be safe! - bird at home or somewhere you can practice safe distancing.
• Bird mindfully - review this list of best practices from our friends at eBird.
• Use eBird - your sightings will be added a cumulative list (see below) of all species seen in Kentucky during our meeting.
• Take photos - for documentation, for your records, and to submit for inclusion in our daily photo albums.
• Share your thoughts - add your short birding stories to our comments section.
• Have fun - the most important part of birding!

A cumulative weekend birding list is being assembled from eBird data. Click here to see the most recent update of the Kentucky weekend bird list. The final list will be entered on Monday morning.

Good birding to all! (Also featured in the Young Birders Zone).

Birders Just Want to Have Fun!

Presented by Pam Spaulding

Run time: 9:53

A whimsical look at people who watch birds.

Click below to enjoy Pam's lyrical stylings

Barn Owls in Kentucky

Presentation by Kate Slankard, KOS Member

Availability Expired

Kate Slankard is an avian biologist with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. We're proud that she's also a KOS member! Her video report has expired and is no longer available on this site. We thank her for sharing it with us!

Identifying Monarch Butterflies

Presentation by Janet Kistler, KOS Member

Run time: Self paced

An introduction to monarch butterflies for kids. Includes life cycle information, fun facts, and tips for identifying monarchs.

Click below to learn something! (Also featured in the Young Birders Zone).

Birding is for EVERYbody! Part 1

Presentation by Freya McGregor

Run time: 32:37

Birdwatching is awesome... but unfortunately, not every birdwatcher gets to experience the same level of awesomeness from other birders around them. Join Freya McGregor, birder and Occupational Therapist, to learn about some easy ideas you can use in your everyday birding to make sure you're being welcoming and inclusive to all kinds of birders, including birders with disabilities, birders who are Black, Indigenous and People of Color, and birders who identify as LBGTQIA+. More ideas, resources and links to the resources mentioned during the presentation can be found here.

View Freya's video below

Dragonflies & Damselflies - More Winged Critters!!

Presentation by Jeff Sole, KOS Member

Run time: Self paced

Jeff provides this look as some winged critters other than birds.

Click below to see his work. Enjoy! (Also featured in the Young Birders Zone).

Steve's Bird Quiz - Day 1

Presented by Steve Kistler, KOS Member

Run time: Self paced

Steve Kistler presents his usual bird quiz, but with a twist for our virtual meeting.

Click the image below to experience it!

Bird Banding Codes

Presentation by James Wheat, KOS Member

Run time: 8:39

Banding Codes are not only for bird banders. They also serve as a type of shorthand, which can help birders be more efficient when making a checklist, or entering sightings in eBird. This lesson on bird banding codes is courtesy of James Wheat.

James also provides three puzzlers - exercises to test your knowledge of banding codes. You can view, download or print the puzzlers with these links. The answers for each of the three puzzlers will be posted later, so check back again for the answers. Enjoy and learn something!

Click below to view James' presentation! (Also featured in the Young Birders Zone).

Photo Album - Day 1

Photos by You, KOS Members and Guests

Presentation by Meg Brown, KOS Member

Run time: Self paced

Please enjoy our album of photos taken today (9/18/2020), on day one of our meeting. These are selected photos submitted by members and guests.

Be sure to check this spot again because photos taken on day one will continue to be added as we receive them even after the meeting has ended. Let's keep those photos coming in!