Naturalists Host Toledo Zoo Birding Outreach Coordinator and Ornithologist
The Hancock County Naturalists will host speaker Jeremy Dominguez at their monthly meeting on January 11 at 7 p.m. The topic of his talk will be birding in Northwest Ohio. He will explore what Northwest Ohio has to offer regarding birding opportunities and what the Toledo Zoo is doing to promote birding and bird conservation. The meeting will be held at the Doc Phillips Discovery Center at Oakwoods Nature Preserve, 1400 Oakwoods Lane. The meeting is free and open to the public. Dominguez is the Birding Outreach Coordinator and Ornithologist at the Toledo Zoo & Aquarium
Dominguez became interested in birds while in Alaska, serving in the US Navy. Upon his return to Ohio, his interest quickly grew to obsession. Dominguez did an “Ohio Big Year” in 2015 to get better acquainted with the birds of his home state. In 2016 and 2017, he started to travel all over the US, seeking out birds. In 2018, Dominguez returned to school in Southeastern Ohio, graduating from Hocking College with an ecotourism and adventure travel degree. In 2020, he took on his biggest birding adventure yet, doing a “Lower 48 US Big Year” and setting the record for it with 724 species seen. He has since spread his wings to international travel, exploring places like China, South Korea, Spain, Costa Rica, Mexico, and the Bahamas. Since February 2022, Dominguez has taken the Birding Outreach Coordinator and Ornithologist position at The Toledo Zoo and Aquarium. In addition to his work duties, he is an eBird reviewer for the Greater Toledo area and Vice President for The Ohio Ornithological Society.
The Big Year with Greg Miller
Greg Miller, renowned birding expert and one of the main characters, played by actor Jack Black, in the 2011 comedy "The Big Year" is set to be the featured speaker at the Hancock County Naturalists' 50-year anniversary celebration. The event will take place on September 14 at 7 p.m. at the Old Mill Stream Centre, located at 1017 E Sandusky St, Findlay, Ohio.
"The Big Year" has been hailed as a "birding classic" and holds a special place in the hearts of nature enthusiasts around the world. Jane Riker, president of the Hancock County Naturalists, expressed her excitement for the upcoming event, saying, "We are thrilled to welcome Greg Miller to our 50-year anniversary celebration. His contribution to 'The Big Year' and his extensive knowledge of birding make him the perfect guest speaker to commemorate this special occasion."
During the event, Greg Miller will captivate the audience with narrations of the film, offering intriguing behind-the-scenes stories and "fact vs. fiction" insights. As a consultant for "The Big Year" during its filming in 2010, Miller's personal experiences and expertise add a unique perspective to the movie.
Tickets for the event $15 per person, $20 per couple, and $10 for students aged 15 to full-time college students. Tickets can be purchased online at hancockcountynaturalists.org/tickets. Each ticket includes a complimentary one-year membership in the Hancock County Naturalists group.
"The Big Year," based on the 2004 nonfiction book "The Big Year: A Tale of Man, Nature, and Fowl Obsession" by Mark Obmascik, features an impressive ensemble cast, including Jack Black as Greg Miller, alongside Owen Wilson, Steve Martin, Rosamund Pike, Rashida Jones, Brian Dennehy, and Jim Parsons.
With over 50 years of birding experience under his belt, Greg Miller has served as a senior leader for Wildside Nature Tours and now calls Sugarcreek, Ohio, his home.
Don't miss this incredible opportunity to hear from Greg Miller himself as he shares his adventures and passion for birding. Join the Hancock County Naturalists in celebrating 50 years of fostering a deep appreciation for nature and wildlife.
Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge Wildlife Drive
This is a 7-mile loop open on certain dates! One of our many amazing wildlife spots! Open to drive, weather dependent on weekends of February 18-19, March 18-19, and April 15-16. Check their website for the latest updates.
www.friendsofottawanwr.org
17th Ohio Botanical Symposium
The 17th Ohio Botanical Symposium will be held Friday, March 24th from 8am to 4pm at
Villa Milano 1630 Shrock Rd. in Columbus, OH by Ohio Department of Natural Areas and Preserves. This event usually attracts over 1000 people and is a sold out event. More information here.
Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge Wildlife Drive
This is a 7-mile loop open on certain dates! One of our many amazing wildlife spots! Open to drive, weather dependent on weekends of February 18-19, March 18-19, and April 15-16. Check their website for the latest updates.
Ohio Division of Wildlife’s 39th Annual Wildlife Diversity Conference
Ohio Division of Wildlife’s 39th Annual Wildlife Diversity Conference to be held Wednesday,
March 1, 2023 at the Ohio State University Union. Register here.
Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge Wildlife Drive
This is a 7-mile loop open on certain dates! One of our many amazing wildlife spots! Open to drive, weather dependent on weekends of February 18-19, March 18-19, and April 15-16. Check their website for the latest updates.
Great Backyard Bird Count
Great Backyard Bird Count runs Feb 17 through the 20th. It is an interorganizational effort
between Cornell Lab, Audubon,and Birds of Canada. Participation is free. Go to the website to learn more.
https://www.birdcount.org
Meeting featuring Courier Outdoors Writer, Jim Abrams
The Hancock County Naturalists will be hosting speaker Jim Abrams, writer for The Courier. He will be talking about Ohio’s River Otters, including behavior, diet, and prevalence. The meeting will be held on February 9, at 7 p.m. at the Brugeman Lodge at Riverbend Recreation area, 9250 Township Road 208. The meeting is free and open to the public to those 15 and older.