Back to Business

On an exceptionally snowy and blustery evening this past week, I attended our local bird club's spring meeting. My instinct was to stay home and not deal with the below zero windchill and swirling flurries but I had never attended a business meeting and I was curious about the inner workings of the group. Due to the evil C-19, the club has not had an official meeting in almost four years so it was a bit of a renewal for all the members. We had field trips during the past year which helped the club ease back into a more normal routine. The business meeting sent a message that things were fully up and running again.

As with all meetings, there is a cast of characters one can almost predict will be present. Let me introduce them to you. Names have been changed, less about protection than the fact I do not remember their names.

President Dan is our current leader and he is clearly eager to pass on the baton. He kindly hinted that he is ready for someone else to step forward which, of course, caused many eyes in the room to look downward. As with most club leadership, it is a thankless task and many of us just want to enjoy membership, not lead the membership.

Snarky Stan was unfortunately sitting a row ahead of me and could not filter his ridiculous comments. When the treasurer reminded us that he could collect dues that night if we hadn't paid already, Snarky shouts out, "Does anyone have change for a twenty?" Mind you, our dues are a mere five dollars and when our treasurer told Snarky he could mail a check to him later, Snarky grumbled rather loudly, "I am not going to spend sixty-eight cents to mail a five dollar check." Exasperation ensued from another member who suggested he could donate the balance of the twenty dollars to the club for the bird seed we purchase for the feeders at our local state park (a common practice for most of us). Snarky sulked in his seat as he shoved the twenty dollar bill in his pocket. To be continued, I guess.

Old Guard Mick is the leader behind the scenes. If there are any questions at all about the ins and outs of the club, Mick is your man. He is a wiry ball of nervous energy and would walk on hot coals for all things bird. Many times throughout the meeting, questions were referred to him and if he didn't know the answer, he knew someone who he could contact to get the answer. Every club needs a Mick.

I've-Been-Everywhere-Lyle was giving the education presentation after the business meeting. Lyle has traveled to more countries than he can count on a quest for all the birds in the world that have the word "Giant" in their common name. (I am not making this up.) For instance, there is a Giant Coot who lives in the Andes of South America and Lyle, of course, has traveled to Peru to add this bird to his life list. Lyle shared a power point presentation of all the "giant" birds he has seen and where he has seen them as well as the sounds they make. It was quite fascinating and I marveled at the fact that I count it an accomplishment when I make it across town to the local slough areas so I can attempt to identify shorebirds. Adventure is a personal thing, I guess.

When Lyle asked for questions at the end of the presentation, Snarky jumped right in and asked, "So, what are the guidelines for counting a bird for your life list? Does hearing them count or do you have to also see them?"

Lyle chuckled and gave the best answer I have ever heard for the life list debate. He said one of the guides he was with on a trip got the same question from a high strung woman in the group and the guide replied, "Ma'am, you can count a frozen chicken at your local grocery store if you want. It is your list and you can set your own rules." Snarky was not happy with that reply and mumbled under his breath, "Well, it matters to your conscience."

Good grief, Lyle, we are birders, not lawyers.

The meeting was adjourned and Old Guard Mick gave one more reminder that he had Bird Club patches available for anyone who did not have one. I love a club that has identity patches for its members and a drive to invite others into the fold. We are nearing migration season and it is time to dust off the binoculars and get out there with the flock.