COVID19 Advisory

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​ALL BBC ACTIVITIES CANCELLED THROUGH JULY
 
Due to the need for social distancing in order to combat the coronavirus outbreak, and recognizing that a majority of our members fall into high-risk groups for COVID-19, the board of the Beckham Bird Club has decided to cancel all activities at least through the end of JULY. 

Due to the continuing need for social distancing in order to combat the coronavirus outbreakCOVID-19, the board of the Beckham Bird Club has cancelled field trips until further notice. But one way to get through this is to continue birding and enjoying the outdoors.


COVID-19 update from the Board; No July Meeting
First, the good news:
The board of the Beckham Bird Club met June 2 and determined to conduct the annual election of officers via email, as that appeared to be the only option given the extraordinary circumstances in which we all find ourselves.

The election was conducted earlier this month and 89 ballots were returned – a great turnout! Thanks to all who took the time to respond. The slate of candidates received unanimous approval. Joining the board is Meg Brown, who will succeed Jean Jones as secretary. Jean had  served the maximum number of terms allowed. Thanks to Jean for a job well done!! All other officers and board members will remain as before.

Because the email election was such a success, the board will be proposing a by-law amendment, to be voted on at the 2021 annual meeting, that would formalize the option of conducting email elections going forward.

Now, less happily:
Beckham Bird Club activities continue to be suspended through July. St. Mark’s Episcopal Church remains closed, so our meeting space in unavailable. St. Mark’s will decide in July on when to reopen and will inform us of their decision. We are hoping to resume meetings in August, but whether that is possible will depend on the course of the pandemic.

The board also discussed resumption of field trips in the fall. While a starting date remains uncertain, a number of changes likely will be necessary, including:
  • Advance registration
  • A cap on attendance
  • Measures such as requiring wearing of masks and physical distancing.
  • Moving field trips in popular parks to weekdays to avoid crowds.
We know our membership is eager to return to our regular activities. But the beauty of birding is that it can be done both in groups and alone. The birds are equally beautiful either way.

Finally, please remember to contribute to the Birdathon. Conservation efforts continue even among the disruptions in our society, and the organizations in our community and our state still need your support. Please help them out as you are able.
Thank you.  THE BBC BOARD
2020 BBC BIRDATHON

Your donations are very important to the different groups BBC have accepted as recipients of our birdathon money.  Even if you did not receive an email or phone call please consider giving a donation – NO AMOUNT IS TOO SMALL.  Make your check payable to Beckham Bird Club.  If you have not been contacted send your contribution to the post office box address: Beckham Bird Club, P.O. Box 5301, Louisville, KY 40255-0301. Otherwise send it to the person you sponsored.  Help us reach $20,000. Thanks so much!!!   Thanks to all who have all ready sent in a donation.

Several BBC members took part in the Big Global Day on Saturday, May 9. In the past Jefferson County and Fayette County have had a contest do see who would see the most species.  But this year was different the two groups decided to just go out and bird and find as many birds as possible throughout the state. Jefferson County recorded 140 species and 188 species were seen in Kentucky.

Birder's Bucket List for 2020

  1. Come to a BBC meeting if you have never been to one.
  2. Join in on a field trip if you have never been to one.
  3. Make plans to go to the March Dinner Meeting at Big Springs Country Club on Tuesday, March 10.
  4. Join the Kentucky Ornithological Society (KOS).
  5. Go to one of the KOS weekends in April or September.
  6. Plan a trip to Magee Marsh in Ohio around the first two weeks of May.
  7. Donate to the BBC Birdathon.
  8. Submit your bird list to ebird. It is so easy.
  9. Subscribe to birdKY  
  10. Take a child birding.
  11.  Keep your cat indoors and encourage others to as well.
  12. Buy bird friendly (certified shade-grown) coffee.
  13. Plant native species in your yard.
  14. Donate your old/unused binoculars and scopes to nature centers, school groups interested in birding.