COS 2023 Annual Meeting Recap

by Lauren Kostas

On Thursday, January 19, the Chicago Ornithological Society (COS) Board held its 2023 Annual Meeting. During the public virtual gathering, COS leaders reviewed birding highlights from the last year, marked COS accomplishments, and set forth plans for 2023. The meeting was a celebration of the remarkable and dedicated volunteers who enable the COS to be a vital force for conservation and the birding community. A recording of the meeting is available here and a recap is below.

President’s Update

COS President Edward Warden opened the meeting reflecting on the common bond among birders of all different styles and interests. From the casual observer to the person in a dedicated pursuit of a “big year,” area birders share a goal to make our region more welcoming and supportive of the birds we love and defend. As he noted, “we are all on this weird ship together.” Edward continued with a recognition of departing COS board members (Adriana Garcia, Dan Lory, Fran Morel, and Jeff Skrentny) and announcing a new board and officers. The update concluded with appreciation for the volunteer army of the COS and an invitation to join in the mission as a writer, field trip leader, fundraiser, monitor or steward.  

Bird Trivia

Carl Giomettti led several challenging rounds of trivia that tested the group’s identification skills.

Year in Review

Bob Dolgan presented a year in review that included such highlights as a Common Redpoll irruption, activism against a giant glass tower of cars, big years, and a Lesser Goldfinch. The segment included a touching memorial to Monty, the beloved Piping Plover that was a spark bird for so many.

2022 Accomplishments

Christina Harber reviewed last year’s accomplishments including 70 field trips, multiple episodes of Birds & Bytes, and the new Mudhen 5k run and walk at Big Marsh Park. Christina noted the outstanding restoration work at the COS flagship stewardship site LaBagh Woods continued and volunteers planted more than 400 new shrubs. That makes 4,236 total shrubs over the lifetime of the project to enhance this important urban woodland. Other achievements included the launch of the Chicago Nighthawk Project, which deployed more than a dozen counters at 40+ locations, and the return of the fully in-person annual Christmas Bird Count and countdown dinner with more than 100 counters. 

2023 Plans

Robyn Detterline laid out the exciting plans for this year which include conservation efforts, educational programming, community building, and advocacy. The Chicago Birder is evolving into a fully-realized digital member magazine with more in depth exploration of birding and birders around the Chicago region. COS will continue to develop and deliver amazing free programs for the public including field trips in local parks, woodlands, marshes and even in canoes. The summer Conservation Fundraiser for LaBagh Woods is back and this time the biggest party includes new COS T-shirts. Robyn reviewed the new Social Media Policy on Sensitive Species and spoke of the COS’s continued advocacy for the implementation of Chicago’s 2020 Bird-Friendly Design ordinance. 

Robyn announced the launch of the Douglas C. Anderson Bird Conservation mini-grant, which will provide organizations and educators funds to implement youth-driven projects that focus on bird conservation. Named in honor of Doug Anderson, whose generous donation made this possible, the mini-grant will give priority to those working in the communities around Jackson Park. 

Robyn also unveiled the stunning finalists and winner of the 2022 Photo of the Year. Raptors, shorebirds, warblers, and more were captured in stunning light and movement. The winner was Kelly Ballantyne’s Grasshopper Sparrow balanced on a seed head.

The 2022 COS Photo of the Year: Grasshopper Sparrow by Kelly Ballantyne

Photographers are invited to join the contributor list for the COS magazine and blog by emailing ChicagoBirder@gmail.com.

LaBagh Awards

Katy Krigbaum inducted three new members into the Order of the Buckthorn. Rich Kreski, Jay Qi and Derek Ziomber were recognized for their outstanding service toward the restoration of LaBagh Woods. These indefatigable volunteers wielded augurs, repaired fencing, nurtured native shrubs, and battled invasive plants to help restore the important habitat for birds and other creatures.

Katy Krigbaum inducts Rich Kreski and Jay Qi into the order of the Buckthorn.

Close

Edward closed the meeting with a call to action to volunteer, promote the new mini-grant, and enjoy birds together.