Amazing Odonates: Dragonflies and Damselflies!

Girl in white hate examinging insects in her net

[ originally scheduled for April; postponed to August ]

Did you know that many of the larger dragonflies are several years old before they crawl up for air, break out of their “skins”, expand their wings and venture out on their first flight? Amazing!

This show-and-tell evening with Naturalist Laurie DiCesare will feature photos, samples, and hand-outs of “dragons and damsels”:

  • exploring their early life as underwater predators
  • revealing strange and remarkable habits, and
  • identifying their beautiful and diverse habitats

— all flavored with a bit of biology and dash of folklore!

Learn how to swing a cone net; carefully retrieve and hold the Odes for photo ops; then safely release them.

Register with Birds of Vermont Museum at http://birdsofvermont.org or call 802-434-2167.

$8/per person, $25 for a family
Minimum 9 people, Maximum 35

 

See it. Sketch it. Bird It.

nature journaling and sketching materials

Learn techniques for observing, describing, sketching, and identifying birds that will immediately help you become a better birder. We use life-like woodcarvings. No prior drawing ability required.

Limited to 12

Contact Library (878-4918) for registration information.

Carving shown is a Red-breasted Nuthatch, carved by Bob Spear.
Books pictured include Sibley’s Field Guide to Birds, Law’s Guide to Drawing Birds, and Johnson’s First Steps: Sketching and Drawing.

 

Journal and Sketch (Winter Birds series, episode 4)

nature journaling and sketching materials

Join with others who are interested in birds at a series of four weekly sessions at the Birds of Vermont Museum. The sessions will be held on Wednesdays at 1:30. A donation of $5 is suggested. No prior experience or knowledge needed.

REGISTER WITH janevossler@gmail.com

If you’re interested in attending, there may be carpooling from the Richmond Library.

After the sessions, watch birds at the museum’s feeders while enjoying a hot drink, a snack and the conversation of your fellow bird enthusiasts.

January 22: In this introduction to winter birds, the focus will be on answering the following questions: Which birds are you likely to see in Vermont in the winter? What are the secrets of feeding birds to attract a variety of species? What is Project Feeder Watch and how can you get involved?

January 29: Learn all about Snow Buntings through carvings, photos, audio, and literature. How do they build their nests? What are their courtship practices? How do they care for their young? Where are you most likely to see them? And more!

February 5: This session will focus on the life of Kinglets through carvings, photos, audio, and literature. How do they build their nests? How can a bird that small survive the winter? Where are you most likely to see them? Courtship, care of young, and more!

February 12: Learn how to use journaling and nature sketching help you identify birds. When you spot a bird only briefly, what do you look for in the first second that will help you know what to look for in the next second? Also how to participate with join the Great Backyard Bird Count and other Citizen Science Projects.

Kinglets (Winter Birds series, episode 3)

Golden-crowned Kinglet, carved by Bob Spear. Photograph © copyright E. Talmage for the Birds of Vermont Museum

Join with others who are interested in birds at a series of four weekly sessions at the Birds of Vermont Museum. The sessions will be held on Wednesdays at 1:30. A donation of $5 is suggested. No prior experience or knowledge needed.

REGISTER WITH janevossler@gmail.com

If you’re interested in attending, there may be carpooling from the Richmond Library.

After the sessions, watch birds at the museum’s feeders while enjoying a hot drink, a snack and the conversation of your fellow bird enthusiasts.

January 22: In this introduction to winter birds, the focus will be on answering the following questions: Which birds are you likely to see in Vermont in the winter? What are the secrets of feeding birds to attract a variety of species? What is Project Feeder Watch and how can you get involved?

January 29: Learn all about Snow Buntings through carvings, photos, audio, and literature. How do they build their nests? What are their courtship practices? How do they care for their young? Where are you most likely to see them? And more!

February 5: This session will focus on the life of Kinglets through carvings, photos, audio, and literature. How do they build their nests? How can a bird that small survive the winter? Where are you most likely to see them? Courtship, care of young, and more!

February 12: Learn how to use journaling and nature sketching help you identify birds. When you spot a bird only briefly, what do you look for in the first second that will help you know what to look for in the next second? Also how to participate with join the Great Backyard Bird Count and other Citizen Science Projects.

Image: Golden-crowned Kinglet, carved by Bob Spear. Photograph © copyright E. Talmage for the Birds of Vermont Museum.

Snow Buntings (Winter Birds series, episode 2)

Snow Bunting, carved by Bob Spear, 1999.

Join with others who are interested in birds at a series of four weekly sessions at the Birds of Vermont Museum. The sessions will be held on Wednesdays at 1:30. A donation of $5 is suggested. No prior experience or knowledge needed.

REGISTER WITH janevossler@gmail.com

If you’re interested in attending, there may be carpooling from the Richmond Library.

After the sessions, watch birds at the museum’s feeders while enjoying a hot drink, a snack and the conversation of your fellow bird enthusiasts.

January 22: In this introduction to winter birds, the focus will be on answering the following questions: Which birds are you likely to see in Vermont in the winter? What are the secrets of feeding birds to attract a variety of species? What is Project Feeder Watch and how can you get involved?

January 29: Learn all about Snow Buntings through carvings, photos, audio, and literature. How do they build their nests? What are their courtship practices? How do they care for their young? Where are you most likely to see them? And more!

February 5: This session will focus on the life of Kinglets through carvings, photos, audio, and literature. How do they build their nests? How can a bird that small survive the winter? Where are you most likely to see them? Courtship, care of young, and more!

February 12: Learn how to use journaling and nature sketching help you identify birds. When you spot a bird only briefly, what do you look for in the first second that will help you know what to look for in the next second? Also how to participate with join the Great Backyard Bird Count and other Citizen Science Projects.

Intro to Winter birds (Winter Birds series, episode 1)

Snow-covered wooden bird in the Museum's rain garden

Join with others who are interested in birds at a series of four weekly sessions at the Birds of Vermont Museum. The sessions will be held on Wednesdays at 1:30. A donation of $5 is suggested. No prior experience or knowledge needed.

REGISTER WITH our Eventbrite link or email janevossler@gmail.com

If you’re interested in attending, there may be carpooling from the Richmond Library.

After the sessions, watch birds at the museum’s feeders while enjoying a hot drink, a snack and the conversation of your fellow bird enthusiasts.

January 22: In this introduction to winter birds, the focus will be on answering the following questions: Which birds are you likely to see in Vermont in the winter? What are the secrets of feeding birds to attract a variety of species? What is Project Feeder Watch and how can you get involved?

January 29: Learn all about Snow Buntings through carvings, photos, audio, and literature. How do they build their nests? What are their courtship practices? How do they care for their young? Where are you most likely to see them? And more!

February 5: This session will focus on the life of Kinglets through carvings, photos, audio, and literature. How do they build their nests? How can a bird that small survive the winter? Where are you most likely to see them? Courtship, care of young, and more!

February 12: Learn how to use journaling and nature sketching help you identify birds. When you spot a bird only briefly, what do you look for in the first second that will help you know what to look for in the next second? Also how to participate with join the Great Backyard Bird Count and other Citizen Science Projects.

Deer Ornaments: One-Day Carving Class with Dave Tuttle (FULL)

deer (fawn) ornament by D. Tuttle: carved from wood and painted

Carve and paint pair of wee deer ornaments during this one-day carving class! Wood blank, paint, snacks, and coffee provided.

All levels welcome. Bring your own tools and gloves if you have them; if you don’t, let us know. Dave often brings some knives, gloves, etc. to sell. Please bring your lunch.

Great for adults and teens. Younger kids need parental permission; this is also great for Scout badges!

Class is FULL — email us if you’d like to hear about future carving classes.

See it. Sketch it. Bird It.

Person seated in camp chair own a lawn near blooing flowers, drawing or writing on large pad pof paper.

Enjoy an interactive program using bird carvings and other items to teach techniques for observing and identifying birds.

Especially recommended for those who want to become better birders or who are interested in art.

Register by contacting the Russell Memorial Library in Monkton: call (802) 453-4471 or email russellmemlibrary@gmail.com