“Only when the last tree has been cut down
Only when the last river has been poisoned
Only when the last fish has been caught
Only then will you find that money cannot be eaten”
Native American Proverb
Photo by WBNC volunteer Tom Kuehl
What we do.
The Westmoreland Bird & Nature Club is a natural history organization, serving Westmoreland County and the surrounding areas. The WBNC is primarily an outdoor club averaging about 30 field trips a year for birds, butterflies, flowering plants, dragonflies, damselflies, trees and general ecology. Outings can be hiking, canoeing or cycling in nature. Sometimes impromptu field trips are organized over the internet (as in Twitter or by Email). In addition, members participate in the Audubon Christmas Bird Count and the Pennsylvania Annual Migration Count in early May. Field trips are sometimes held in conjunction with The Botanical Society of Westmoreland County (BSWC), and The Three Rivers Birding Club (3RBC), or other such groups. Several of our WBNC members belong to the Western Pennsylvania Mushroom Club. There are three general membership meetings a year including a summer picnic. All meetings are held in the Barn at the Donohoe Center, 218 Donohoe Road, Greensburg PA. 15601. The 10-18 page newsletter entitled “The Syrinx” is published four times a year summarizing past field trips, upcoming events, natural history information, and recent bird sightings. The Westmoreland Bird & Nature Club (formerly Westmoreland County Bird Club) formed on Feb 26, 1981 to promote interest in birds, conservation and to provide field trips primarily in Westmoreland County, PA. (but field trips have/are planned for outside Westmoreland County). The first newsletter, Volume 1 #1, was for March 1981. In that newsletter five field trips were scheduled and seven people were listed as paid charter members.
What are WBNC outings like? How should I dress? What equipment and references should I bring?
Yes, there are many questions.
Let me see if I can answer these questions. The outing can be a bio-blitz as is pictured above or focus on birding or plants. This outing was in the early fall. The outings happen in all four seasons. Typically, we go to locations in and around Westmoreland County, PA. We venture to other counties typically in western Pennsylvania. The group size can range from 2 or 3 to 30 or 40 people. The typical outing is about 8 to 10.
The outing can focus on birds or plants or insects or animals in the area trying to identify and record them. I have seen bird outings turn into a botany crawl.
As individuals, we are curious about what is around us. “What is that call?” “What is that flower?” We tend to be teachers. Well, maybe not the professional kind but we share our knowledge. In the picture above are people who are experts in ornithology, botany, fungi, animal behavior. They were all sharing their knowledge and experience.
Remember to read the announcement and look at the weather report. Dress accordingly. You can see from the photo that we all dress in style…for the woods, fields, and streams. We can go to muddy and wet areas. Bring water, a snack, don’t forget the binoculars, something to write a note or two, and perhaps a reference app or book. Sometimes less equipment and “stuff” is better. Most importantly just come and bring your curiosity!
Legal Statement: All outdoor activities involve some risk, including falling trees and branches, wet or slippery conditions, and interactions with animals and insects, and other unforeseen risks. In attending any of our outings or events, you are agreeing to assume those risks and to hold harmless Westmoreland Bird and Nature Club for those risks..