FOLLOW THE BECKHAM BIRD CLUB ON DISCORD.
Follow this link to join our Discord server. You will be able to receive updates on club activities, including field trips, and join conversations about birds and birding.
Follow this link to join our Discord server. You will be able to receive updates on club activities, including field trips, and join conversations about birds and birding.
BBC ANNUAL DINNER: MARCH 10
From Marvels to Moonshots: How birds and birdwatchers are reshaping how we see and conserve nature
Creating the Merlin app and other news from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Birds are extraordinary—they dance in brilliant plumes, make music, engineer nests, navigate thousands of miles, and achieve feats under water and above land that no human can. In this talk, Miyoko Chu will celebrate the marvels of birds and explore one of their biggest superpowers of all—their ability to transform how humans see and steward the natural world.
Take a look at the future of bird conservation with Miyoko Chu from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Miyoko will share how digital innovation, AI technology, and growing numbers of bird enthusiasts are generating unprecedented data and insights about birds in Kentucky and around the world—and how you can join the movement to protect birds and the fabric of nature that sustains us all.
Dr. Miyoko Chu is the senior director of Communications at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, a nonprofit organization that engages people of all ages and backgrounds in the understanding and protection of birds and nature. An ornithologist and science writer, Miyoko led the team that developed and launched the Cornell Lab’s free Merlin Bird ID app which has now been downloaded more than 33 million times, sparking connections with birds around the world. She is the author of Songbird Journeys; Birdscapes; and America’s Favorite Birds.
DINNER DETAILS - PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
The March Dinner Meeting is on Tuesday, March 10 at Big Spring Country Club, 5901 Dutchmans Lane. A cash bar will be available at 6:00 p.m. and dinner will be served at 7:00 p.m. A vegetarian entrée will be on the menu but for any other dietary needs please indicate them on the reservation form.
There is a dress code at Big Spring CC. Collared shirts for the gentlemen must be worn at all times. Casual dress is permitted as long as it is tasteful.
There will be a field trip on Wednesday morning, March 11 at 8:30 a.m. for BBC members to Beckley Grand Allee. Reservations are required. See the reservation form in the newsletter.
Dinner payment information - PLEASE NOTE: The deadline for making reservations for the dinner is Tuesday, February 24, 2026.
Bring check and form to the February meeting or mail to:
Sherry Hurley 1012 Ellison Ave Louisville KY 40204 or pay by the Venmo app @Sherry-Hurley-3 and email the information requested in the form to [email protected]
*If Venmo asks for the last 4-digits of my phone number, it's 4840
**There is no fee to send money to people using your Venmo balance, debit card, or bank account.
***There’s a 3% fee for sending money to people using your credit card.
ALL CHECKS SHOULD BE MADE OUT TO BECKHAM BIRD CLUB. REFUNDS ARE NOT GUARANTEED AFTER THE DEADLINE.
Take a look at the future of bird conservation with Miyoko Chu from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Miyoko will share how digital innovation, AI technology, and growing numbers of bird enthusiasts are generating unprecedented data and insights about birds in Kentucky and around the world—and how you can join the movement to protect birds and the fabric of nature that sustains us all.
Dr. Miyoko Chu is the senior director of Communications at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, a nonprofit organization that engages people of all ages and backgrounds in the understanding and protection of birds and nature. An ornithologist and science writer, Miyoko led the team that developed and launched the Cornell Lab’s free Merlin Bird ID app which has now been downloaded more than 33 million times, sparking connections with birds around the world. She is the author of Songbird Journeys; Birdscapes; and America’s Favorite Birds.
DINNER DETAILS - PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
The March Dinner Meeting is on Tuesday, March 10 at Big Spring Country Club, 5901 Dutchmans Lane. A cash bar will be available at 6:00 p.m. and dinner will be served at 7:00 p.m. A vegetarian entrée will be on the menu but for any other dietary needs please indicate them on the reservation form.
There is a dress code at Big Spring CC. Collared shirts for the gentlemen must be worn at all times. Casual dress is permitted as long as it is tasteful.
There will be a field trip on Wednesday morning, March 11 at 8:30 a.m. for BBC members to Beckley Grand Allee. Reservations are required. See the reservation form in the newsletter.
Dinner payment information - PLEASE NOTE: The deadline for making reservations for the dinner is Tuesday, February 24, 2026.
Bring check and form to the February meeting or mail to:
Sherry Hurley 1012 Ellison Ave Louisville KY 40204 or pay by the Venmo app @Sherry-Hurley-3 and email the information requested in the form to [email protected]
*If Venmo asks for the last 4-digits of my phone number, it's 4840
**There is no fee to send money to people using your Venmo balance, debit card, or bank account.
***There’s a 3% fee for sending money to people using your credit card.
ALL CHECKS SHOULD BE MADE OUT TO BECKHAM BIRD CLUB. REFUNDS ARE NOT GUARANTEED AFTER THE DEADLINE.
REMINDER: RENEW YOUR BBC MEMBERSHIP!!!!
See instructions below
BBC hats for sale!
A perfect gift for your favorite birder. The BBC board has purchased baseball caps with the BBC logo embroidered on them. The initial purchase included 50 hats (25 khaki and 25 gray), and they have been selling quickly. So get yours soon. The hats are available at BBC meetings for the low price of $30.00, with the (modest) profits going to Birdathon.
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Stay connected with the BBC
FOLLOW THE BECKHAM BIRD CLUB ON FACEBOOK
The Beckham Bird Club Facebook page includes news about local birds and birding. It is also a great way to share your birding adventures or your best bird photos. You can also get help with bird identification or just join in the discussion on a variety of bird-related topics. Check it out!
JOIN THE BECKHAM BIRD CLUB DISCORD GROUP
The Beckham Bird Club recently established a discussion group on the Discord app, which is best used on a mobile device. Follow this link to join our Discord and become part of our server. As a member, you will receive updates on club activities, including field trips and other club matters, join conversations about birds and birding, receive reports of rare or otherwise notable local birds, bird photos, places to bird, and just everyday birding chit-chat. All the channels except the official club communications are open for all group members to post. If you go on field trips, chase rarities or just want the most up-to-date local birding news, you should join the BBC on Discord.
The Beckham Bird Club Facebook page includes news about local birds and birding. It is also a great way to share your birding adventures or your best bird photos. You can also get help with bird identification or just join in the discussion on a variety of bird-related topics. Check it out!
JOIN THE BECKHAM BIRD CLUB DISCORD GROUP
The Beckham Bird Club recently established a discussion group on the Discord app, which is best used on a mobile device. Follow this link to join our Discord and become part of our server. As a member, you will receive updates on club activities, including field trips and other club matters, join conversations about birds and birding, receive reports of rare or otherwise notable local birds, bird photos, places to bird, and just everyday birding chit-chat. All the channels except the official club communications are open for all group members to post. If you go on field trips, chase rarities or just want the most up-to-date local birding news, you should join the BBC on Discord.
HOW TO BECOME A MEMBER OF THE BECKHAM BIRD CLUB
Here are the Top Five Reasons to become a BBC member for 2025 (and every year thereafter):
1. Support BBC programming. Your dues pay for our meeting venues, speaker fees and support BBC activities such as the picnic and annual dinner.
2. Stay informed about what the BBC will be doing in 2025. Renewing your membership means you will continue receiving the newsletter and other updates.
3. Your dues help BBC remain visible in the community by paying the costs of the BBC website.
4. Your dues pay for printing the BBC membership directory and allow us to periodically update our technology (laptop, projector, etc.).
5. MOST IMPORTANT REASON: You reap the psychic reward of being a part of and supporting a great organization.
TOP TWO REASONS TO JOIN OR RENEW IMMEDIATELY:
1. It helps the BBC budget.
2. It's good for the environment.
Here's a handy guide to the renewing or restoring or starting your membership in the Beckham Bird Club.
Memberships are for the calendar year and dues are due by January 1. However, if you are joining for the first time or rejoining after a lapse in membership, paying your dues after October 1 also gets you a membership for the following year.
You may join either directly through this website using PayPal or credit card or, if you want to pay by check, by downloading, printing and sending in the membership form, which is also on the website.
Here are the details:
BBC MEMBERSHIP FORM DOWNLOAD LINK
The BBC board encourages you to renew early and hopes that you will encourage non-member birders or bird lovers of your acquaintance to join.
1. Support BBC programming. Your dues pay for our meeting venues, speaker fees and support BBC activities such as the picnic and annual dinner.
2. Stay informed about what the BBC will be doing in 2025. Renewing your membership means you will continue receiving the newsletter and other updates.
3. Your dues help BBC remain visible in the community by paying the costs of the BBC website.
4. Your dues pay for printing the BBC membership directory and allow us to periodically update our technology (laptop, projector, etc.).
5. MOST IMPORTANT REASON: You reap the psychic reward of being a part of and supporting a great organization.
TOP TWO REASONS TO JOIN OR RENEW IMMEDIATELY:
1. It helps the BBC budget.
2. It's good for the environment.
Here's a handy guide to the renewing or restoring or starting your membership in the Beckham Bird Club.
Memberships are for the calendar year and dues are due by January 1. However, if you are joining for the first time or rejoining after a lapse in membership, paying your dues after October 1 also gets you a membership for the following year.
You may join either directly through this website using PayPal or credit card or, if you want to pay by check, by downloading, printing and sending in the membership form, which is also on the website.
Here are the details:
- Go the membership tab at the top of this page.
- You will see a list of membership categories, with the dues for each and a yellow button that says “Donate.”
- Click on the button. It will take you to PayPal.
- Enter the amount you wish to pay (we encourage you to renew at the highest level you can) and then DESIGNATE YOUR CONTRIBUTION FOR MEMBERSHIP (this is the default choice). THIS IS SO WE KNOW YOU ARE PAYING DUES, RATHER THAN MAKING A DONATION.
- IMPORTANT TO NOTE: Dues payments in excess of the amount for the membership category specified will be deposited into the general fund unless otherwise designated by the member making the payment. In other words, if you sign up as a contributing member at the $30 dues level, but pay $50, the extra $20 will go to the general fund, unless you designate for another purpose, such as Birdathon. SINCE PAYPAL TAKES A CUT OF YOUR DUES AS A PROCESSING FEE, PLEASE CONSIDER ADDING AN EXTRA 5% TO YOUR DUES PAYMENT TO OFFSET THE FEE.
- Select payment either through your PayPal account, if you have one, or by credit card.
- If you select credit card payment, you will be asked for credit card information, including your name and address, (don’t worry, it’s a secure site) and then be asked to create a PayPal account. Doing so will simplify the process next time. (Just remember to write down your password and save it where it can be relocated.)
- IF YOU HAVE BEEN A MEMBER BEFORE AND HAVE NEW CONTACT INFORMATION (ADDRESS, EMAIL, PHONE), YOU CAN ADD A NOTE LETTING US KNOW. PLEASE DO SO.
- YOU ALSO MAY SHARE YOUR ADDRESS WITH BBC BY CHECKING THE BOX THAT SENDS IT TO US TO ACKNOWLEDGE YOUR GIFT.
- Complete the transaction by following the PayPal prompts. You will get an email confirmation of your payment.
- AND JUST IN CASE, please take the following IMPORTANT STEP: Please email your name, address, email and telephone number to [email protected] so we can keep our membership roster up to date.
BBC MEMBERSHIP FORM DOWNLOAD LINK
The BBC board encourages you to renew early and hopes that you will encourage non-member birders or bird lovers of your acquaintance to join.
A MESSAGE FROM THE BBC BOARD
In response to member concerns and after careful consideration, the Beckham Bird Club board has determined that field trips will now be no-smoking and no-vaping events. The current policy of asking participants who smoke and vape to step away from the main group has proven both ineffective and unworkable. Therefore, effective immediately, participants are asked to refrain from smoking or vaping for the duration of the field trip. We thank you in advance for your cooperation.
In response to member concerns and after careful consideration, the Beckham Bird Club board has determined that field trips will now be no-smoking and no-vaping events. The current policy of asking participants who smoke and vape to step away from the main group has proven both ineffective and unworkable. Therefore, effective immediately, participants are asked to refrain from smoking or vaping for the duration of the field trip. We thank you in advance for your cooperation.
How to Get Involved With Birds and Birding
- Attend Beckham Bird Club meetings, especially if you have never been to one.
- Come along on a Beckham Bird Club field trip, especially if you have never been on one.
- After doing the first two things on this list, join the Beckham Bird Club. It's easy to do on this website from the Membership tab
- Obtain a good pair of binoculars and both a hard copy and phone app field guide. Use them frequently.
- Join the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology's eBird and Merlin sites. They're free and easy to use, and they are a great way to record your bird observations and find and identify birds.
- If you have a yard, research how to make it bird friendly by adding native plants, feeders and water sources.
- Make your home bird safe by turning off unneeded indoor and outside lights, especially during migration, closing blinds, and applying decals to make windows more visible to birds to reduce collisions.
- Join the Kentucky Ornithological Society (KOS).
- Subscribe to the birdKY listserv via KOS. It's a great way to know what's going on with birds in Kentucky.
- Attend one of the KOS meetings in April or September.
- Donate to the BBC Birdathon.
- Familiarize yourself with the American Birding Association's Code of Birding Ethics (see Birding Ethics under the Conservation tab above) and adhere to it when birding.
- Get out and bird in one of Kentucky's least-birded counties. Kentucky has a substantial portion of the counties with the fewest eBird checklists. You can help fix that.
- Attend a birding festival in Kentucky or elsewhere.
- Take a child birding.
- Donate your old/unused binoculars and scopes to nature centers, school groups interested in birding.
- Bird, bird, and bird some more.