Meetings

NYSBS Annual Conference May 3, 2025

“Spring into Birding”

Cayuga Blu (AM) & Lab of Ornithology (PM)

This year the NYSBS Annual Conference, “Spring into Birding,” was held in Ithaca on Saturday, May 3^rd. Forty-four Individuals came from areas across the state including: Jamestown, Poughkeepsie, Horseheads, Buffalo, Pulaski, Binghamton, Rochester, Warsaw, Amherst, Ithaca, Syracuse, Albany, Auburn, Endicott, Horseheads, Champlain, Bergen, Livonia, Middleport, Victor, Willet, Central Square, and more! Brianna Wright and Jim Engelbrecht were recognized for travelling the furthest and presented with “gas money.”

The morning meeting at the Cayuga Blu hotel started with registration, morning coffee, and muffins. Attendees then had the opportunity to purchase NYSBS bluebird items, partake in the basket raffle, and look at various displays featuring information about NYSBS, the life cycle of the Eastern Bluebirds & other native cavity nesting birds, and the importance of planting native plants—flowers, shrubs, and trees.

Next, two individuals were recognized for their outstanding contribution to our Society. Barbara Michelin from Dutchess County received the Fran Hanes Award. Barbara, a member of the Ralph Waterman Bird Club has a trail of 51 nest boxes from which have fledged 1789 BBs, 2069 Tree Swallows, and 1072 House Wrens. Louise Iacona, a resident of Monroe County, was awarded the Herman Bressler Award. Louise, at age 99, is still a member of NYSBS and has mentored countless individuals to care for and love the Eastern Bluebirds and other native cavity nesting birds. The group was thrilled to recognize these two individuals. Along these lines, please remember that the NYSBS is always seeking nominations for individuals such as these – so worthy of receiving these awards. There are MANY deserving individuals out there, but we depend on hearing from you – our members -about those you feel are deserving recognition. Please take a few moments and go to the Award Nomination area on our website and tell us about that special person.

Both of our speakers, Landon Miller and Becca Rodomsky-Bish, were excellent! Landon, a DEC Research Scientist on wildlife disease, provided a clear description of the joint efforts of the DEC and Cornell’s Wildlife Health Diagnostic Unit, outlined the corelative relationship between wildlife health, human health and environmental health, explained the process of analyzing causes of dead wildlife, and “Bird Flu.” Becca Rodomsky-Bish’s presentation focused on how we, as individuals, can make a positive impact to help birds by providing them with food and habitat by adding new gardens, decreasing the size of our lawns, and adding NATIVE trees, shrubs, and flowers.

NYSBS strives to ensure that Bluebird Ambassadors, County Coordinators, and attendees to the conference have the necessary information/supplies about the Eastern Bluebird and other native cavity nesting birds to educate the public they interact with during the year. Time was set aside to share materials—for free. First, a model was used to represent the proper way to set up nest boxes and how to construct a predator guard. Next, a variety of predator guards—pvc with caps, large and small slinkies, and sparrow spookers were given away (one designed by Carl Zenger). In addition, tri-folds, photos, schematic design, and glue sticks were given away as “Take & Makes” to be used for a display or presentation to inform the public about the Eastern Bluebird.

In between presentations there were trivia questions and questions presented for the Experts were answered. One topic that generated a great deal of conversation focused on providing mealworms. Discussion included the use of live and dead mealworms and options for purchasing them. Watch for this topic to be addressed in a future Bluebird News!

Eleven people pre-ordered and paid for Stephen Douglas’s nest boxes which they picked up on the morning of the conference – they were a great deal at $25 each ($10 off the usual price AND no shipping costs)!

After lunch, the attendees traveled to the recently renovated Lab of Ornithology. A Cayuga Bird Club member, Suan Yong, led interested attendees on a bird walk. Those who didn’t participate in the walk explored the Interpretive Room (which is full of fascinating bird related information), viewed films in the theater, shopped at the Wild Birds Unlimited Store, and participated in a Scavenger Hunt (did you know that between the late 1800s and early 1900s there was a “Bird Hat Craze” where multitudes of birds were killed so that their feathers could be used for hats)?

After a day full of interesting, informational, educational opportunities, the conference concluded. Join us at next year’s spring conference in the western part of New York State! If you have suggestions for a venue in that area, please contact me at 607.242.8807 or .