Highlights from the March 2nd board meeting

  • Rod Wallette, Treasurer, reported that Flathead Electric Coop donated $500 for new display materials to use at the many FAS events. Denny Olson is working with FAS member Susie Waldron to design the new display.
  • Kay Mitchell reported on the progress made to keep FAS managing Owen Sowerwine for public and educational use. DNRC has issued a special recreational use permit rather than a lease.
  • Kay also reported that the FAS application to participate in the Great Fish Challenge has made it through the initial screening and we will know in May whether we have been accepted for this major fundraising event.
  • FAS signed on to support the Oil Safe Flathead movement, which is asking for the development of a rail safety and spill prevention plan in the Flathead.
  • Many volunteer opportunities were identified: Great Fish (Sept), Education Ambassadors, Arbor Day for 3rd graders (May 1), Conservation Committee, Birds of Prey Festival (Sept), Road Scholar outings in Glacier Park (July/August), and nominees for the Board of Directors.  Come and join us!!

MAY FLATHEAD AUDUBON MEETING

The  May Flathead Audubon Meeting described below is subject to change depending on how the Covid—19 situation develops. The May issue of the Pileated Post and this website will have more information.

Monday, May 11, 2020
Whitefish Community Center, 121 Second Street, Whitefish
Program: To be announced
Doors Open 5:00 PM,  Potluck Dinner 6:00 PM,  Meeting Begins 7:00 PM.

Be sure to arrive early enough to look over and bid on silent auction items! Officers and Board Members will be elected.

SILENT AUCTION

It’s Coming! – The annual Silent Auction at the Flathead Audubon May Potluck. Now’s the perfect time to gather all of the valuable “stuff” that you might be able to live without. Popular items at past Silent Auctions have been bird books, outdoor gear, art work, live bedding plants, homemade pies and cookies and bird houses and feeders of all kinds. This is your opportunity to be a Primo Recycler!

Spring Birding trip to Central Montana

As of now, we are still hopeful that our planned spring birding trip to central Montana will occur. We aim to make a final decision by April 15. We still have a few seats open if you would like to reserve a spot. Join us for a four day, three night birding blitz to central Montana, May 22-25, 2020. The trip will be led by local birders Bob Lee, Leslie Kehoe, and Cory Davis. Cost is $850 ($800 for FAS members) and includes transportation, 3 nights’ accommodations, breakfasts and lunches (not dinners), and bird guiding by folks who know where to go! To sign up or ask questions contact Cory Davis at (406) 471-3314 or cory@flatheadaudubon.org.

Montana Audubon’s 21st Annual Bird Festival

June 5-7, 2020  Lewistown, Montana

It’s not too early to begin planning your summer birding adventures! Come join us in Lewistown for Montana Audubon’s 21st Annual Bird Festival, headquartered at The Yogo Inn in Lewistown.

We have over 25 field trips planned! — For more information please contact Montana Audubon Bird Festival Coordinator, Danielle Dowden ddowden@mtaudubon.org,or call (406) 443-3949.

Nongame Wildlife Tax Check-off

When filling out your Montana tax form this year, think “wildlife” by donating to the Nongame Wildlife Program, found on Form 2, page 11, under Voluntary Contributions. If your taxes are prepared, tell your accountant that you want to donate to wildlife! Your contributions are tax deductible on next year’s return. Look for the soaring Bald Eagle in the instruction booklet. Montana has more than 500 species of “nongame” animals that benefit from public support each year at tax time. Since 1983, the check-off has contributed over $27,000 annually to this important wildlife program.

Nominations

Another election will soon be upon us: the one for new FAS Board of Directors members. At the annual meeting in May, FAS will elect a Secretary and Treasurer as well as new Director positions. Please start thinking about some people that you would like to see guide Flathead Audubon in the near future. The person who sat next to you at the last meeting is likely a good choice. And the person sitting in your seat is also a good choice! If you know of someone who would be a good leader, please contact Bob Lee (270-0371 or RML3@centurytel.net. Someone from the Nominations Committee will talk with them about roles and responsibilities and get hopefully them on the ballot. And anyone that would like to serve on the Nominations Committee should also contact Bob.