by Anne Kilgannon – “The Greater Yellowlegs strides purposefully across mudflats and marshes with a distinctive high-stepping gait, occasionally breaking into a run to chase aquatic prey. Its flight is strong and swift, with legs extending well beyond the tail, often accompanied by its strident chirpy call.” With its dark speckled and barred markings, long, slightly upturned bill—so inquisitive and probing—and dark expressive eyes accentuated by white eye-rings, it is a handsome and distinctive bird. And that is before even mentioning its bright yellow, even orange colored, legs and feet and slender curved neck. Do you know anyone like that at all? Why, this is the personification of Black Hills Audubon! The Greater Yellowlegs graces our logo and makes us kin to sandpipers, whimbrels, curlews, turnstones, red knots, dunlins, sanderlings, godwits and more. You must surely know some of these allies, or others who would-be allies if they knew more about the subject. This year’s Annual Dinner will be an opportunity to gather all Yellowlegs with their friends and relatives to celebrate another year of birding and conservation work.
Our theme for the Dinner is: Bring a Friend—or Two. We are so enthusiastic about introducing new allies to our Society that the organizing committee would like to offer first-time attendees a small gift of appreciation and, frankly, enticement, to interest more people in the work and achievements of our chapter. We’d like to spread the word to the larger community of the wonder of birdlife, the joy of connecting to the natural world, and the camaraderie of belonging to Black Hills Audubon. The more people who awaken to birdlife and learn about their plight from climate change, habitat challenges, and other issues, we will build a stronger chapter and more effective organization. Let’s spread the word and invite friends to join us as we recap our year together and look forward to more experiences with birds and the great outdoors. (Register Online) or (Print Form)
The Annual Dinner will feature intriguing raffle items, “events and adventures” to sign up for, our annual recognition awards, and speaker Steven Hawley to inspire our conservation efforts. As well as dinner, there will be a hospitality bar serving wine, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages and snacks. Come early and visit with friends and colleagues and peruse the raffle items and outings on offer. The event will be held in the Student Union building of the South Puget Sound Community College, as in previous years. Doors will open at 4:30 and the evening will last until 9pm with dinner served at 5:30pm. Watch the website and the Echo for up to date information on the dinner. If you are interested in volunteering to help, please contact Sally Nole at sknole@nullhotmail.com See you there and bring a friend!
*Description of the Greater Yellowlegs adopted from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology website.
*See “Armchair Birding” review in this Echo for more information on the work of our Dinner speaker.
