September 28, 2022 - Morning Has Broken - Fred Habegger
Morning has Broken has time-lapse videos and clips from morning scenes near Fred's home, mostly country scenes and animal sightings along waterways. Fred has presented several of his programs to the QAS group in the past several years. Fred is a retired old codger. He used to be involved in the photography industry. Now he loves to spend quiet time along the Hammer Creek and in his backyard.
October 26, 2022 – Birding in the Lebanon Valley – Rita Stima
Rita Stima grew up in Lebanon County. She has been birding since 2011 and has been reporting her findings to eBird since 2014. She is a supporting member of the Quittapahilla Audubon Society, PSO, ABA, Second Mt. Hawk Watch and Cornell Lab of Ornithology. She is also a member of Middle Creek Wildlife Photographers and the Lebanon Valley Council on the Arts. In addition to being a birder, Rita is a swimmer and watercolor artist and much of her work is inspired by her time spent outdoors while birding.
November 16, 2022 - Exploring Your PA State Parks - Marci Mowery
Marci Mowery, PA Parks and Forest Foundation President, will present “Exploring Your State Parks & Forests.” Pennsylvania's state parks and forests provide a myriad of opportunities for engaging in the outdoors. She will explore the history of and opportunities in these special places in our landscape and will provide a list of new places to explore. A native of Lancaster County, Marci Mowery spent her youth exploring the natural areas of the county and the mountains near the family camp, which shaped her future as a professional conservation leader. Her 27-year career spans various positions with the National Audubon Society and as President of the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation. When not 'speaking for the trees', Marci enjoys exploring new places, trying new foods, and reading.
December 14, 2022 Christmas Social - All Members
Note: Social gathering starts at 6:30pm – Program starts at 7:00pm. Join us as members share their favorite slides and digital photos with the group. This is our holiday social, so please bring a plate of holiday treats to share before the program.
January 25, 2023 – Regal Fritillary Butterfly - Kayli Thomas
Kayli Thomas, Wildlife Biologist at Fort
Indian Town Gap, will speak on the history, habitat, and unique ecology of the Regal Fritillary butterfly. Kayli will also describe the efforts of the Bureau of Environmental Management at Fort Indiantown Gap to monitor this fascinating species population and maintain its habitat.
March 22, 2023 — Grassland Raptor Conservation at Milton Hershey School— Nate McKelvie
Barn owls and American Kestrels have long been a valuable presence in the rich and rolling agricultural lands of the Hershey area. Starting in 2008, a concerted effort was made to install and monitor Barn owl and Kestrel nest boxes in appropriate habitat on Milton Hershey School's campus and surrounding farmland. The project has since grown into a professional collaboration with ZooAmerica, PA Game Commission, and other conservation partners. Come learn about these regional conservation efforts, unique educational opportunities that benefit MHS and other local schools, and how you can support Barn owl and Kestrel conservation in the region. Nate McKelvie has been a licensed bird bander since 2002 and specializes in conservation efforts with Barn owls, Saw-whet owls, and American Kestrels. Nate is a middle school science teacher at Milton Hershey School, where he has been spearheading grassland raptor conservation on Milton Hershey properties since 2008. Nate has a passion for making nature and science accessible and using authentic research opportunities to educate and connect people with their natural resources.
April 26, 2022 - Movement Ecology Of Turkey Vultures In North America - David Barber
With a range that stretches from Canada to the Falklands Is-lands, the Turkey Vulture is the most widespread and abundant New World vulture. Yet, despite their abundance much of the basic ecology of Turkey Vultures remain unknown. Hawk Mountain Sanctuary has studied Turkey Vultures for the last 15 years. We’ll share what we’ve learned about the movement ecology of this common species using both high and low-tech methods. David Barber is the Senior Research Biologist at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary where he oversees the Sanctuary’s Geographic information System (GIS) and their long-term monitoring programs. When he is not exploring the Sanctuary birding, butterflying or sitting on North Lookout counting raptors he can be found brewing beer at Taylor House Brewing company in Catasauqua.
Tuesday May 23, 2023 - Quittapahilla Audubon Society 37th Annual Banquet
Hebron Banquet Hall
Dr. Joan Maloof The Healthiest Forest: What Science Says About Old Growth And Why It Matters For Birds
During this talk, Dr. Joan Maloof will discuss how forests of different ages support different bird species – and why it is critical that we preserve some forests in their natural condition so they can support the full structural characteristics needed by forest dwelling bird species. Maloof will also discuss the condition of the earth's forests and what we can do to save habitat for all species. Come enjoy this time to talk together about trees and birds. Joan Maloof is a PhD ecologist, an author of four books, and the founder of the Old-Growth Forest Network. Books will be available for sale and signing.
