On Friday, some Friday field trips had to be redirected to less muddy spots, but we saw birds and renewed friendships. Everyone reconvened in the afternoon to identify suspects on the Bird ID panel, another masterpiece by Ed H. Panelists Jon Dunn, Joe Morlan, Keith Hanson, Lynette Williams Duman, and Konshau Duman all offered valuable insights into tricky bird identifications.
Friday night’s keynote speaker, Dr. Danielle Whittaker, gave us a fascinating look into the science of avian scent in their daily lives. Contrary to long-held dogma, many birds do use their noses in ways that are just beginning to be understood.
At Saturday’s membership meeting, Andy Engilis was voted in as the newest Board member of the club. Andy is the director of the Museum of Fish and Vertebrate Zoology at UC Davis and is a welcome addition to the board. Andy brought the museum to the afternoon’s proceedings, allowing participants to handle and compare specimens from the collection. This is always one of the most popular and unique events at any symposium, and we especially thank Andy and the museum staff for their hard work.
And with a look to the future, 10 UC Davis students gave presentations about current research on Central Valley birds. The talks brought a lively and informative touch to the afternoon, and it was wonderful to see the future of birding and ornithology in the house.
Joe Morlan, a long-time friend of the bird club, was Saturday’s keynote speaker and warblers were the topic. Joe walked us through dull fall plumage, taxonomic changes, and historical insights during his entertaining and informative presentation.
The club presented the 2024 Conservation Award to Ted Beedy and Susan Sanders. Over their long careers, Ted and Susan have both made major contributions to the study and conservation of birds in the Central Valley and richly deserved this recognition.
We thank everyone who joined us in this year’s symposium: bird club members, presenters, vendors, the Stockton Hilton Hotel, our awesome symposium committee, and all of the many volunteers who made it happen behind the scenes. Your continued support of the bird club allows us to continue to study, conserve, and enjoy Central Valley birds.