Don Morrow, retired from a 33-year career in land conservation with the Trust for Public Land, will speak at the next meeting of the Apalachee Audubon Society this Thursday. Since retiring 4 years ago, Don has focused much of his birding at St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge where he birds once or twice every week throughout the year. He conducts shorebird surveys year ‘round as well as seasonal duck surveys. The data he collects helps track the health of bird populations that use the Refuge. This data also provided the information for Don’s publication, CHECKLIST: The Birds of St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, which can be purchased at the Refuge’s gift shop.

Spending consistent time and making observations in the same place year after year has enabled Don to have a better understanding of the ebb and flow of bird life, the comings and goings of migratory birds and the changes in behavior of its resident birds. In his talk, Don will describe the birding year at St. Marks and share a month by month look at the birds one might expect to see there.

All program meetings (except for the May Banquet) are at the King Building on the FSU campus (easy and free parking available) and take place on the 3rd Thursday of each month. Come at 7pm for refreshments and socializing. At 7:15 we have announcements followed by the speaker.