Ohio's Birding Club

This photo only shows a fraction of the OOS board, but it's an enthusiastic fraction. Special thanx to Jen S for her hospitality and logistical support.

I am a founding board member of the Ohio Ornithological Society (a fancy-sounding name for Ohio's largest and most avid bird club) and today we had one of our board meetings at the Hebron Fish Hatchery near Buckeye Lake, Ohio. Early morning fog prevented those of us arriving early from seeing many birds, but it did not prevent us from having an effective meeting.

"I call for a motion for Bill to continue his blog and not talk anymore about the super-secret inner workings of the OOS board."
"So moved"
"Do I hear a second?"
"Second."
"All in favor of Bill continuing his blog, please signify by saying "Aye."
"AYE!"
All opposed?
A distant horse says "Neigh."
"The motion carries."


While trying to find birds in the fog, we admired any number of dew-covered orb weavers.

I made a new friend in the forest and then, gasped as I noticed the damage to its body. Later, I realized this damage was caused by all the killdeer living in the hatchery. They cannot leave a defenseless deer alone. And you thought killdeer were just shorebirds? Well, they are stone-cold killers, amigo. Look into their eyes--they burn with the fire of a top-line predator.

Killdeer loafing on the dike between impoundments. Later in the day this flock flew into the woods to hunt for deer.
This super-sized bullfrog was spotted by Jim McCormac along one of the impoundments. He was so big, we thought he was fake. Of course, that's also what we often think of Jim.
Jimbo! Just kidding, giant dude!

Jim McCormac, the Incredible Hulk of Ohio birding and the President of the Ohio Ornithological Society. Here he is scanning the Hebron Hatchery ponds for dragonflies--his new favorite pursuit is Odonata-watching.

As for me, I'm waiting for the "Dragonflying By Ear" audio guide.