Saturday, May 11 at 10 a.m.—QUECHEE—World Migratory Bird Day at VINS, 149 Natures Way, Quechee is the perfect opportunity to learn all about the spectacular seasonal movement of wild birds. Included with the price of admission, attendees will be afforded the exclusive opportunity to delve into insights about their favorite avian species. Why do some birds migrate? How can they make such incredible long-distance journeys? Learn how raptors like the ones that call VINS home migrate, and join two guest speakers as they dive into the importance of wetland habitats like bogs for migratory birds and the life of one of Vermont’s iconic migratory birds – the common loon. And this year’s theme is the important role of insects in the survival and migration of so many birds.
Program Schedule
11-11:30 a.m. — Raptor Migration
Learn about the amazing journey of migration. Meet migratory raptors as well as residents, and learn about the benefits and challenges of making a thousand-mile journey every single year of your life. (Hawkfly)
12:30 PM – 12:50 p.m. — Songbird Aviary Tour
Spend some time in our newest exhibit – the Songbird Aviary! An educator will familiarize you with this special group of birds and point out the ways you can make a great habitat for these important creatures in your own backyard.
1-2 p.m. — Seasons at a New England Bog with Bob Fleck
Seasons at a New England Bog—Book Talk and Signing with Bob Fleck (Neal Pavillion)
New England is home to many fresh and saltwater wetlands, among them bogs and fens. Each of these vital and sensitive habitats is a living, breathing entity that changes every time you stop by.
During this program, photographer and author Bob Fleck will take us on a photographic journey to witness the dramatic seasonal changes that occur throughout the year—the transitions in the plant and animal communities that call these special environments home. In particular, Bob will focus on one of the most important and spectacular seasonal events – bird migration, highlighting the diverse array of birds that depend on bogs for safety and refuge during their annual migrations.
Afterward, author Bob Fleck will be available to sign books. Copies of Seasons at a New England Bog will be available for sale.
About the author
An avid hiker and lover of nature, Bob Fleck has had a fascination with cameras and the outdoors from an early age. The serious pursuit of photography emerged with the development of modern digital cameras. The approach of retirement provided the time needed to pursue and refine this interest.
Today, Bob continues his photography adventures with the publishing of a fine art, hard-cover photography book depicting the seasonal changes observable near a New England bog, “Seasons at a New England Bog – A Photographic Essay.” Bob also does exhibitions of his printed photography and offers book talks and nature photography presentations at libraries, public meetings, and other venues that care about nature. A portion of sales of Bob’s works are contributed to organizations dedicated to conserving our natural world.
2-2:30 p.m. — Insect Migration (Neal Pavillion)
Discuss the vast array of insects that also migrate huge distances every year, and why they are so important for the birds that depend on them.
2:30-3 p.m. — Raptor Feeding Time (Raptor Enclosures – Bald Eagle)
Follow along as our resident raptors are given their dinners. Ask about their wild counterparts, their conservation, or their individual stories. There is always lots to learn from our resident avian ambassadors.
3-4 p.m. ‘An Uncommon Look at the Common Loon’
Artist Talk with Ian Clark & Reception . Free and open to the public.
With their haunting cries and beautiful plumage, common loons are an iconic symbol of the northern wilderness. With stunning photographs of these captivating birds, “An Uncommon Look at the Common Loon” will explore the natural history of loons in the North Country. West Newbury, Vermont-based photographer Ian Clark spent approximately 2,200 hours kayaking with loons over the last 11 years and has taken over 300,000 photos of them and their behaviors.
Join VINS for this artist talk and reception to follow. Light refreshments will be provided. Ian Clark’s photographs will be on exhibit at the VINS Nature Center’s Neale Pavilion, May 1 – July 31, 2024.
About the Artist
Ian spent many years operating commercial photo labs and tackling technical photographic problems, including a stint as the manager of the photographic section at NASA’s Langley Research Center. He has a B.S. from the Rochester Institute of Technology and did his master’s work at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University. He has been a news stringer off and on since 1975.
Ian is a juried member of the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen, the New Hampshire Art Association and the 802 Arts House. More information about Ian is available on his website at www.IanClark.com.
A $10 donation is suggested. A portion of proceeds from the purchase of artwork from this exhibition will benefit VINS.
For more information, contact us at 802.359.5000 or info@vinsweb.org.
