By Richard Schaffhausen
The Brazoria chapter of Texas Master Naturalist held its monthly meeting on November 13 at the AgriLife building in Angleton. November’s speaker was Ron Weeks, co-author of A Birder’s Guide to the Texas Coast and Birdlife of Houston, Galveston, and the Upper Texas Coast.
Weeks instructed the chapter on using the eBird and Merlin birding apps on our mobile devices and desktop computers. The apps are a must-have for birders of all levels. The Merlin app is an excellent way for beginning birders to identify and learn about the birds they see and hear.
In other chapter news, Melanie Hollenshead, intern training director, reported the winter intern class will begin in January, with a date to be determined. For more information, please contact the Training Director, Melanie Hollenshead, at theladyspath@hotmail.com or 979-292-5084.
John Boettiger, membership, reported Barb Whaley attained the 500-volunteer hour milestone. The following members are certified: Sarah Castillo, Nicole Lochmann, Katie Mattox, Emily Matula, Donna Rich, and Betty Taylor. The recertification was done by Patty Brinkmeyer, Kimberly Calhoun, Mel McKey, Linda and Ken Sluis, and Betty Taylor. Members must have 8 hours of advanced training and 40 volunteer hours to recertify.
Through October, members impacted 8,417 adults and 33,886 youth through outreach programs and educational programs such as the “Birds of Prey” programs presented at area schools, Brazoria County Summer Library Programs, and the Discovery Environmental Education Program for area 4th and 7th graders at Brazoria NWR. The next meeting is at 8:30 AM on December 11 at the AgriLife building, 21017 County Road 171, Angleton. The public is welcome to attend.
