I’ve been enjoying birding with the FM Birders Audubon Chapter for over 5 years. We are fortunate to have a local Audubon office right in town with great regional programming. It has been wonderful seeing so many people engaging in local events.

We had a big turnout of members and friends marching in the FM PRIDE parade. The Let’s Go Birding Together banner and shirts were perfect for the occasion and the connection to community was really moving.

I have attended several of the monthly Larks Women’s Birding walks. We’ve been able to meet and explore several of our many parks and UWP locations. This group’s smaller intimate setting is so welcoming and pressure free for amateur birders like me.

The Learn Like Leonardo Walk with Prairie Public challenged my sketching skills! It was a perspective changing event for me practicing using more of my senses and recording my observations in ways I haven’t before.

The Mindful Birding & Yoga event I was able to attend was also a welcome challenge for me to slow my brain down and be present. It really did help to change my focus and tune in to the sounds around me.

The Birds and Brews Trivia event brought out some of our best birders in the area for a fun team trivia night that had the whole room laughing with some good-natured competitive ribbing.

Stephanie Kost, FM Audbuon Chapter