One thing you should know- Birders are dedicated. Tonight, we hosted a Friends of the Library event as a winter storm warning was in full effect. Did it stop the birding crowd? No way! The audience of 34 hardy souls came with all agreeing it was worth the perilous journey to get there.

Sarah Hockensmith of the Tahoe Institute for Natural Science shared with us dozens of birds that were discovered during the 2018 Tahoe Big Year. This year-long birding event celebrated the hundreds of bird species that occupy the Tahoe Region, and brought together birding beginners and enthusiasts alike. This presentation was an entertaining overview of what was found, including common and unique birds of Lake Tahoe. And what was really cool was the fact that all the photos were taking by Jenny... my birding mentor.


I am always intrigued by Sarah's sharing of a woodpecker and why it doesn't get a headache when eating. This image shows a curving complex of cartilage and bone within a woodpecker’s head which permits the bird to extend and store its exceptionally long tongue (which acts as its brain's shock absorber). So cool.

This was a presentation to get others interesting in birdwatching and to celebrate the birders who won the year long competition. Way to be awesome Jenny and Bob!