Upcoming Programs

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• Birding Magee Marsh and Beyond

  • When
    5 Jan 2026
  •  
    6:30 PM
  • Location
    Zoom

  Speaker: Rob Ripma

  Description: Join Rob Ripma for an in-depth look at one of North America’s premier birding experiences: migration in Northwest Ohio. From the world-famous Magee Marsh to hidden local gems, Rob shares what makes this region so remarkable during peak migration and what you can expect when birding here. Experience the excitement, diversity, and beauty of spring along Lake Erie through Rob’s expert perspective.

  Bio: Rob is a lifelong Indiana resident and co-owner of Sabrewing Nature Tours. He has birded extensively throughout the Americas and also spent time birding in Asia, Africa, and Europe. Rob is currently the Secretary for Ohio’s Black Swamp Bird Observatory (BSBO). He also serves as the field trip coordinator for BSBO’s Biggest Week in American Birding annual event. He speaks at various organizations and schools about birds and birding, sharing his knowledge and experiences in the field.

  Photos are both taken by Jamie Cunningham who is one of our photo guides at Sabrewing.

  

  
  

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• Birds of Costa Rica

  • When
    2 Feb 2026
  •  
    6:30 PM
  • Location
    Zoom

  Speaker: Curt Morgan

  Last year from March 16-25 Curt Morgan toured with Costa Rica Focus and together with the tour adventurers had the privilege of recording 278 species of birds. In this Zoom program, Curt will present a virtual tour of Costa Rican birds and locations.

  Curt was a biology major for his undergraduate degree, has been birding in the US and various places around the world since 1978, has monitored Peregrine Falcons and Bald Eagles voluntarily for DEC since 2007, and is currently the administrator of the Peebles Eagles Facebook community now with over 4,400 members.

  
  

  

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• Members' Photo Night

  • When
    2 Mar 2026
  •  
    6:30 PM
  • Location
    Zoom

  Speaker: HMBC Members

  Back by popular demand! Last year’s Members’ Photo Night was such a success that we are offering another one! Do you have bird photos you'd like to share with fellow HMBC members? Now's your chance to do just that. Whether backyard birds, common or rare local species, or birds from faraway places, we invite you to share them and their brief description. Everyone is welcome to join in and watch!

  First priority to present will be given to HMBC Members who did not present last year, followed by Members who presented last year (different photos, please). If spaces remain, non-members are welcome to present.

  Each person will be allowed up to 10 photos to share, giving a brief explanation of each one. Please send your photos to scottjstoner@aol.com by February 15, or contact Scott by that date if you prefer to directly share them yourself. Please join us for this fun late-winter opportunity to virtually get together and share your birding experiences through pictures.

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• HMBC Annual Meeting & Program

  • When
    20 Apr 2026
  • Location
    TBD & Zoom

  Please mark your calendars for this important event! Details will be provided to members from the Club in early spring.

  Speaker: Photographer Warren Greene

  
  

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• Seasons of Five Rivers: Birds and Nature Through the Year

  • When
    4 May 2026
  •  
    6:30 PM
  • Location
    Five Rivers EEC & Zoom

  Speakers: Scott Stoner and Denise Hackert-Stoner

  Five Rivers Environmental Education Center in Delmar is our bird club’s home address, our monthly meeting site, and location for many of our field trips, including our longstanding Birds and Breakfast in May. More ebird checklists have been submitted from Five Rivers than from any other hotspot in the Capital Region. But how well to we really know it? What are some of its most common birds, and what are some of its rarities? What draws birders, photographers, naturalists and multiple generations to this 450-acre site at the edge of suburbia?

  From field to forest, ponds and flowing waters, Five Rivers' variety of habitats support an unusually wide variety of life, representing a microcosm of the natural riches of the Capital Region. Birds, mammals, amphibians, insects, and more await discovery here! More than 225 species of birds occur, with over 60 known to nest. Winter Raptor Surveys of Five Rivers’ grasslands show interesting results, and active Eastern Bluebird monitoring documents successful nesting of New York’s state bird. Otters, beavers, and muskrats frequent the ponds and streams, as do beautiful dragonflies, damselflies, frogs and toads. Deer are a common presence in the fields, and bobcats are seen with increasing regularity in many habitats. Butterflies nectar at the extensive pollinator gardens and throughout the grounds. Join us for this up-close look at a year's worth of nature’s beauty and diversity at this beloved integral part of the Capital Region!

  The nature photography of Scott Stoner and Denise Hackert-Stoner  has been widely exhibited throughout the Capital Region. Their work has been featured in multiple magazines and books.

  Denise and Scott are avid birders as well as photographers, each having served as officers, field trip leaders, and directors for the Hudson-Mohawk Bird Club.

  Scott is retired after a 31-year career with the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation. Denise is an ordained priest in the Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests.

  They are frequently found right here at Five Rivers, searching for birds, other wildlife, and anything in the natural world that piques their interest!

  To see more of their work, please visit them at www.naturelogues.com, and enjoy their weekly free blog at naturelogues.substack.com.

  
  

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