For The Birds by Bob Landis
“Building on the tradition of special interest in birds, Yellowstone Valley Audubon Society is organized to promote enjoyment and protection of natural environment through education, activism, and conservation of bird habitat.”
COVID-19 UPDATES
All YVAS activities, including the Public Program Series and Birding Field Trips are CANCELLED due to Covid-19. This decision will be amended when prudent and doable. Watch The Flyer, Website and Facebook for updates on this decision.
Yellowstone Valley Audubon Society hosts a Public Program Series with a featured speaker September through May the 3rd Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at the Mayflower Congregational Church. A social hour with cookies and coffee precedes the program at 6:30. We welcome new members as well as the general public and visitors to the Billings area who are interested in birds, bird habitat and conservation to join us. YVAS sponsors birding field trips, ornithology classes, the Christmas Bird Count, and various conservation and educational projects. Feel free to contact any Board or Committee member.
For the latest news from YVAS, see our January 2021 newsletter, The Flyer.
Visit us on Facebook – the link is in the upper right-hand corner.
Join us on a birding trip – Bird Field Trip Schedule.
To learn more, see the “About Us” tab above.
The YVAS mailing address is: YVAS, PO Box 1075, Billings MT 59103.
Birding Trips
Due to Covid-19, YVAS has suspended birding trips until further notice. Contact Donn Bartlett if you have any questions at 406-812-1008.
National Audubon Society’s Climate Watch
“Help us learn how climate change is impacting birds”
According to Audubon’s 2019 climate change report, ‘Survival By Degrees,’ up to two-thirds of North American birds are vulnerable to extinction. Climate Watch, a citizen science program run through the National Audubon Society, aims to document species’ responses to climate change by having volunteers in the field look for birds where Audubon’s climate models predict them to be in the 2020s. Volunteers who complete Climate Watch counts, serve a critical role collecting data that will help us understand how birds are responding to climate change. For additional information, please read the Climate Watch Meeting Handout and watch National Audubon Society’s Climate Watch video https://vimeo.com/232521437.
This year’s winter survey will take place from January 15 – February 15 and summer survey is May 15 – June 15. Surveys are conducted one day within the timeframe above and include 12 point-counts for the target species White-Breasted Nuthatch, Pygmy Nuthatch, and Red-Breasted Nuthatch.
To learn about signing up, go to Montana Audubon-Climate Watch or contact Emily at (406) 294-5099 or echilcoat@mtaudubon.org.
Check Out Dave Pauli’s Ted-X Talk – “Seeking a Humane Economy “
Dave Pauli has been a wildlife rehabber, animal control, wildlife damage control and wildlife educator for over 42 years. The last 30 years have been in Billings with The Humane Society of the United States. He is a field responder, disaster responder and travels the globe assisting on wildlife immunocontraceptive or volume capture projects. See the November/December Flyer (link above) for more details.
The Twine Collection & Recycling Site is Open and Accepting Clean Twine
Social distancing is very doable!
The TCRS is accepting clean, dry baling twine. Deliveries can be made year-round, weather dependent. Small deliveries of twine can be left in the shed or in the outside bin. Access is through the red pedestrian gate to the left of the locked vehicle gate. For large loads requiring vehicle access or for assistance with AG totes/bags, please call in advance and we will meet you. Leave a message at 406-591-8606 and we will return the call.
The TCRS is located 2½ miles north of Laurel on the west side of Buffalo Trail Rd. Or, 3/4 of a mile north of the intersection of Laurel Airport Rd with Buffalo Trail Rd. A location map can be found here. Please read our TCRS Brochure and “Why Recycle Twine” for more details.
Like all recycled plastics, the twine will need to be 90% to 100% clean. Net wrap (mesh) is not being accepted since most mesh is not recyclable and it is one of the most difficult plastics to clean. For addition information about the Twine Collection Project, follow this link. If you would like to volunteer, contact Deb Regele at debregele@gmail.com or 406-962-3115 and leave a message.
Binocular Straps With the YVAS Logo – There are Only Three Left as of 1-20-2021!
$15 each or two for $25
Contact Pam Pipal at ppipal
We want your photos!
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