Dates for Upcoming Meetings (at Unitarian Universalist Church)

Wed. February 11 — Bob Foehring on a Big Year

Wed. March 11 —  Cathy Wise on Pinyon Jays

Wed. April 8 —  Evalyn Bemis, Birding the Texas Coast

Presented by Cathy Wise of Audubon Southwest
Wednesday, March 11, 2026 — 7:00 p.m.
Unitarian Universalist Church, 107 W. Barcelona Rd, Santa Fe

How many nuts can a Pinyon Jay fit in their sublingual pouch (under their tongues)? Discover the answer to this and other mysteries during this interactive presentation! You aren’t imagining it…Pinyon Jay numbers are decreasing across their range, and quickly. Come learn more about this iconic bird of the Intermountain West, and how you can help Audubon and the Great Basin Bird Observatory collect meaningful data close to home. If you like looking at birds–and have a smart phone—we want you!

Cathy Wise holds a BS in Avian Sciences from UC Davis and has studied birds throughout the west. She is currently Senior Manager for Community Building with Audubon Southwest, a regional office serving both Arizona and New Mexico. Cathy oversees habitat restoration and bird survey programs in both states, and promotes intentional landscaping through Audubon’s “Plants for Birds” program. An avid hiker and snowboarder, she is also a gardener, beer enthusiast and chicken fancier.

Wednesday, February 11, 2026 — 7:00 p.m.

Unitarian Universalist Church, 107 West Barcelona Rd, Santa Fe

It’s been called “extreme birding.” A movie has been made about it, many birders dream about it, but few actually attempt it. Of course, we’re talking about a birding “Big Year” when everything else in life takes a backseat to compiling the longest list of bird species possible. Santa Fe birder Bob Foehring committed to reaching at least 600 species in the U.S. in 2025. Fresh off his quest, Bob will share the strategy, planning, execution, and frustrations of his Big Year attempt. What did he encounter along the way? What bird was his nemesis? Mosty importantly, did he hit 600? Come find out — everyone is welcome. There is no charge and the building is wheelchair accessible. There is plenty of parking and we suggest bringing a flashlight for your departure.

Karen Gaines — NM Department of Game & Fish
Wednesday, September 10, 2025 — 7:00 pm
Henderson Pavilion, Randall Davey Audubon Center

Karen Gaines has been studying dragonflies and damselflies for over 30 years. She will give an overall introduction to her favorite group of insects, including their appearance in the fossil record and their general taxonomy.  She’ll speak about the amazing odonate species diversity in our state, the environmental factors that help drive that species diversity, and the fascinating life cycle and ecology of these creatures. Expect to see lots of great photos, learn new facts about these beautiful and important insects, and even hear a silly love poem during Karen’s presentation.  And yes, there * will * be a quiz at the end — but Karen promises that you will pass it with flying colors!