Calendar

Wake Audubon Birding and Environmental Meetup
Wake Audubon Monthly Meeting:
**Antarctic Penguins: Past, Present and Future**
(Meeting is In Person and Zoom)

Time: **Tuesday, May 12, 2026**, 7:30 - 9:00 pm
**Nature Research Cente**r, 121 W. Jones St., Raleigh, **4th floor conference room**
Location: In-person + Zoom
Place: In-person + Virtual

* Location: NC Museum of Natural Sciences: Nature Research Center, 121 W Jones St, Raleigh, NC - 4th floor meeting room

Park (for free after 6:30 pm) and walk to the main museum entrance on Jones Street, **just to the right of the giant globe.** Since the NCSM is closed at night, someone will be at the door ONLY from 7 to 7:45 to let you in, so be on time. Take the elevator to the fourth floor meeting room. The east-facing entrance to the "old wing" of the museum will not be used. If you feel unwell, please stay home and enjoy our presentation over Zoom.
https://www.zoom.us/join
[zoom](https://www.zoom.us/join)

* Meeting code: **831 3786 5298**
* Password: **4Birds**
*

**Topic:** Dr. Steve Emslie will provide an overview of **penguin ecology in Antarctica** with a
synopsis of his research and the impacts of climate change that he has witnessed in over 30 years
of work there. Five species of penguins breed in Antarctica but only two are endemic, the Adélie
and the Emperor Penguin. Dr. Emslie will describe the ecology and breeding biology of
these two species and the threats they are currently undergoing. The Adélie Penguin, the most
abundant species in Antarctica, is also an excellent indicator species for the marine environment,
past and present. This species also has the longest fossil record of any seabird in the Ross Sea
region of Antarctica that allows stable isotope, ancient DNA, and radiocarbon analyses of well-
preserved tissues extending from hundreds to thousands of years old. This record is providing
insights on the responses by the Adélie Penguin to climate change in the past, allowing
predictions of their responses in the future as we continue to see dramatic changes in the
Antarctic environment. Recent findings in the Ross Sea also will be presented. Dr. Emslie’s
research is supported by a grant from the National Science Foundation and collaboration with a
tour ship company, Heritage Expeditions in New Zealand
Speaker: Dr. Steve Emslie is a marine ornithologist and professor in the Department of Biology and
Marine Biology, University of North Carolina Wilmington. He studies not only living seabirds,
but also the fossil record of birds and their paleoecology. He first went to Antarctica in 1991 to
help with penguin and skua research at King George Island and soon began developing his own
research program, especially on the Adélie Penguin. Using a variety of interdisciplinary
techniques, Dr. Emslie and his students have been investigating the ecology and diet of these
penguins, past and present, and the impact of climate change by sampling well-preserved and
often mummified remains from the cold, dry Antarctic environment that range in age from
hundreds to thousands of years old. He also has designed and teaches an undergraduate course
on Antarctica, ‘Antarctic Ecology, Geology, History, and Policy’ (BIO 367) and with his
students has developed K-12 curricula on polar studies that are available on his website, along
with blogs from his previous research trips, at www.uncw.edu/penguins.

Location: In-person + Zoom
Place: In-person + Virtual

* Location: NC Museum of Natural Sciences: Nature Research Center, 121 W Jones St, Raleigh, NC - 4th floor meeting room

Park (for free after 6:30 pm) and walk to the main museum entrance on Jones Street, **just to the right of the giant globe.** Since the NCSM is closed at night, someone will be at the door ONLY from 7 to 7:45 to let you in, so be on time. Take the elevator to the fourth floor meeting room. The east-facing entrance to the "old wing" of the museum will not be used. If you feel unwell, please stay home and enjoy our presentation over Zoom.
https://www.zoom.us/join
[zoom](https://www.zoom.us/join)

* Meeting code: **831 3786 5298**
* Password: **4Birds**
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We hope you will help us by joining Wake Audubon and National Audubon!
[http://wakeaudubon.org/get-involved/join/](https://www.google.com/url?q=http://wakeaudubon.org/get-involved/join/&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw2K5XE7unl2s2pNjfjs_WtO)

\*Last updated 2026-04-21 by Beegle
WATCH for updates

Wake Audubon Birding and Environmental Meetup
Volunteers Needed for Invasive Plant Removal #3 - (LAST ONE until the fall) -
at Carroll Howard Johnson Environmental Education Park (CHJEEP)
on **Thursday, MAY 14, 2026, 9 - 11 am**
Location is 301 Wagstaff Rd., Fuquay-Varina 27526
Leader: Jim Hunsberger, [email protected]
Please join Wake Audubon volunteers and help with invasive plant removal at CHJEEP. This helps the birds and other wildlife.
We will meet in the parking lot of CHJEEP. We plan on holding six of these sessions in 2026.

**NOTE: Must be 18 years old or older, close-toed shoes required. Bring hand tools and buckets (or borrow from town supplied tools), water, bug spray, sunscreen, gloves, safety glasses, wear a hat, long pants, and long-sleeved shirt.**

Town staff will be on hand with a debris trailer. They will use targeted herbicide treatments as necessary **after** we remove the plants (thus, we don't have to struggle to dig out the roots).

Thanks for helping to improve the flora of this lovely park! *"The focus of this 28-acre park is environmental education. Carroll Howard Johnson Environmental Education Park was originally a 20-acre tract of land donated to the Town of Fuquay-Varina in 1992 by the late Mayor Alfred Johnson and his wife Carroll Howard Johnson. Eight acres were donated by Horace Tart in 1998, enlarging the park to its current 28 acres.*

Wake Audubon Birding and Environmental Meetup
**LGBTQ+ and allies: Evening Bird Sit and Amble at Wilkerson Nature Preserve**
**Registration requested OFF MEETUP**
Thursday, May 14,
6 - 7:45 p.m.

Register with Wake Forest Pride [via this form](https://qrco.de/May14WFP).

Enjoy a casual early evening of community and connection in nature with Wake Audubon and Wake Forest Pride on Thursday, May 14 6 - 7:45 p.m. at beautiful [Annie Louise Wilkerson, MD Nature Preserve Park](https://raleighnc.gov/parks-and-recreation/places/annie-louise-wilkerson-md-nature-preserve-park).

We'll Bird Sit around feeders and take an amble into the fields to see what local and migrating birds come in for a late day snack ahead of roosting in the Park or heading further northward at night.

No binoculars? No problem! We’ll provide binoculars for loan and help to use them - along with fun birdy tips and facts during our time together.
Altogether new and experienced birders welcome.

We've rented the picnic shelter, so feel free to bring a snack or light dinner to enjoy at the picnic tables. We'll provide some snacks as well.
Bring collapsable camp chairs if you have them, should we move closer to feeders at the Park Office.
Registration and more details here: [https://qrco.de/May14WFP](https://qrco.de/May14WFP)

What bird species frequent the Park? Check out [Wilderson Nature Preserve](https://ebird.org/hotspot/L2607737)[ ](https://ebird.org/hotspot/L599964)bird sightings on participatory science app ebird.org.

Questions ahead? Reach Wake Forest Pride event organizer Chris Zupancic at [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]).

Co-hosting this event will be Wake Audubon board director and Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging co-chair Rick LaRose, reachable at [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]).

We’re looking forward enjoying birds, nature and socializing together with you on May 14!

**[Wake Forest Pride](https://www.wakeforestpride.org/)** is a nonprofit dedicated to bettering our community by creating safe spaces, fostering inclusivity, and promoting equality for all regardless of gender or sexual orientation.

**[Wake Audubon](https://wakeaudubon.org/)** advocates wildlife, nature and environmental conservation with a commitment to providing activities where all can safely access and celebrate nature as their authentic selves.

Wake Audubon Birding and Environmental Meetup
**Community birding at Battle Park, Rocky Mount**
Saturday, May 16, 9 - 11 a.m. (8:45 if borrowing binoculars)
800 Battlepark Lane, Rocky Mount

**Curious about birds? Enjoy time in nature?**
Join us Saturday, May 16th from 9:00\* to 11:00 a.m. for a morning bird outing hosted by Braswell Memorial Library and Wake Audubon as we kick off our new partnership and service to the Rocky Mount community!

***Live in our near Rocky Mount? Know others who do?*** Share this news, and come meet your bird-loving neighbors. Discover how easy and fun it is to start birding in our community.

**Registration appreciated:** Please call **252-442-1951 x851** to register.

**Anyone new to birding, and birders of all levels are encouraged to join in**.

**Battle Park is considered one of the top locations for birding in Nash County.** known for its diverse mix of riverine, wetland, and mature woodland habitats along the **Tar River**.

**Driving instructions:**

* **Park at 800 Battlepark Lane** (large parking lot).
* We'll meet in the lot close to the trailhead.
* Look for guides with car hatches up and Bird Outing signs.

**What to expect / bring:**

* This outing will feature a slow 1 to 1.5 mile out and back path.
* Our path will take us on paved trails by the river. We'll explore some unpaved trails as well.
* A restroom and water fountain are located approximately 0.5 miles from the trailhead.
* A slight incline is immediately followed by a short decline before reaching the rest area. Most of the paved trail is flat.
* We'll provide snacks.
* Bring your reusable water bottle.
* Prepare for both sun and shade.
* Borrow binoculars from us or bring your own.

\***If borrowing binoculars, please arrive at the parking lot meeting point at 8:45 a.m. to be provided a pair and receive help to focus them for your eyesight.** There’s no requirement to use binoculars, yet, we’ll have plenty to borrow if you choose to do so and provide a safe space to learn.

Our Wake Audubon birding guide will be avid birder and nature photographer **Jessica Williams**, with helper guides along to assist with sightings.

It's spring migration time! We hope to see migrating warblers, plus Great Blue Herons, woodpeckers, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, swallows and many other species that frequent the Park.

**What bird species frequent the Park and trail?**

* Check out the Battle Park bird sightings on [ebird.org](http://ebird.org/): [https://ebird.org/hotspot/L518504](https://ebird.org/hotspot/L518504)

**Questions ahead?**

* Email event manager Rick LaRose at [[email protected].](http://[email protected]./)
* Text Rick on the day of the event with any questions at 919 609-7570.

***We're looking forward to birding together with you in beautiful Battle Park on Saturday morning, May 16!***

Then, j**oin us in the afternoon 1 - 4 p.m** for **Braswell Family Birding Day** at the Library, with free family-fun activities, games, raffles, story time, resources on all things birds, and the launch of our new Birding Backpack loaner program.

[Wake Audubon](https://wakeaudubon.org/) is your local chapter of the National Audubon Society. We serve Wake, Nash, Franklin, Johnston, and Harnett counties, helping people connect with nature through conservation, education, and community programs. We welcome people of every background and life experience who care about birds, wildlife, and our natural spaces, and offer programs, outings, and activities where everyone can access and enjoy nature in a safe, supportive community.

Wake Audubon Birding and Environmental Meetup
Join Wake Audubon and Braswell Memorial Library on Saturday, May 16 for a free, drop‑in celebration to commemorate our new partnership and Birding Backpack loaner program, with hands‑on activities, resources, and a special bird‑themed storytime for kids.
**Saturday, May 16, 1 – 4 p.m.**
**Braswell Memorial Public Library**
727 N. Grace St.
Rocky Mount, NC 27804'

***Live in our near Rocky Mount? Know others who do?*** Share this news and come discover how easy and fun it is to start learning about 'all things birds' in our community.

**Now serving Nash County**
Braswell Memorial Library and Wake Audubon are teaming up to launch our brand‑new Birding Backpack Program, and you’re invited to stop by and explore. Drop in 1 – 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 16 to check out the backpacks, talk with Wake Audubon volunteers on lots of bird-themed topics, and pick up tips and resources for spotting and helping birds right in your neighborhood. Families can also enjoy crafting birds, and a bird‑themed storytime —perfect for young nature explorers.

**Discovery zone: 1 – 4 p.m. (Battle Room, downstairs, all ages)**

* Check out our new Birding backpacks – ready to borrow.
* Practice focusing and using binoculars.
* Learn the best birding apps to help you ID birds by sight and sound.
* Chat with Wake Audubon volunteers about favorite birds.
* Try your hand to identify common birds of Nash County.
* Get guidance and resources on native plants for your yard.
* Find out ways we can all help birds be safe and thrive.
* Weigh in on the free, public, birding programs you’d like to see at the library.
* Enter raffles for free giveaways.

**Craft & Quest station**: **1 – 4 p.m. (Battle Room, downstairs, all ages)**

* Using your clue card, search the library to find hidden birds.
* Craft and color a paper bird to take home.

**Bird Migration Game**: **2 – 3 p.m. (Warner Meeting Room, downstairs, suggested ages 5 – 12)**

* Be a migrating bird! Learn why birds migrate – or fly south for the winter, and back to North Carolina and beyond in spring. As you fly to your summer home, what challenges will you face? Come find out, and learn how we can all help birds make their journey safely.

Donated by Wake Audubon, **kids and adult Birding Backpack kits** contain age-appropriate backpacks, binoculars, guides, tips and games to equip adventurers for family time outdoors. providing easy entry for anyone curious about birds to begin to bird and explore nature.

**Wake Audubon’s partnership with Braswell Memorial Library brings our advocacy, hands-on learning, and joy of birding directly to the Rocky Mount community.**

*We look forward to meeting you on Saturday, May 16!*

[Wake Audubon](https://wakeaudubon.org/) is your local chapter of the National Audubon Society. We serve Wake, Nash, Franklin, Johnston, and Harnett counties, helping people connect with nature through conservation, education, and community programs.

We welcome people of every background and life experience who care about birds, wildlife, and our natural spaces, and offer programs, outings, and activities where everyone can access and enjoy nature in a safe, supportive community.

Wake Audubon Birding and Environmental Meetup
Wake Audubon Book Club
Tuesday, May 19, 2026, 6:45 pm to 8:00pm
MacGregor Village **STARBUCKS, 101 S Edinburgh Drive, Cary, NC.**
We will be discussing **The Light Eaters by ZOË SCHLANGER**
*This New York Times Bestseller is part detective story, field trip, and philosophy.*
*This brilliant book stretches the mind toward a profound new understanding of the sophistication of under-appreciated plants.*
Our next meeting will be at Starbucks. Please bring a readily-available book to suggest for our next Book Club meeting, held every other month on the third Tuesday. You are also encouraged to participate in our book exchange (**bring books to give away or trade**). Thanks!
Please be prepared to make a small purchase to justify our free use of the conference room and to support the employees.

Wake Audubon Birding and Environmental Meetup
**Birding at Hilltop-Needmore Park (North)**
**Saturday, MAY 23, 2026**
Time: 8:30 to 10:30 am
**4621 Shady Greens Drive, Fuquay-Varina**, NC 27526
Leaders: Kyra Bartow (leaders also include Larry Zoller and David Southwick)
Free Bird Outing with Wake Audubon! Join us for a Wake Audubon bird outing at Hilltop-Needmore Park on the **fourth Saturday of most months** (check here for updates).
The walk is limited to 20 participants; the RSVP on Meetup opens May 1 1 at 7 am.

We will meet at the **lower end** of the old Club House parking lot. Look for a "Bird Walk Here" sign. We will start promptly at 8:30 am regardless of the weather and should finish by 10:30 am.
Dress for the weather and be prepared to walk paved trails and occasionally on wet grassy fairways. There is some elevation change but we will not be moving quickly as we stop frequently for birds. No birding experience is necessary. Bring your binoculars and a bird guide if you have one. The walk is not recommended for children under 6. Please leave your pets at home.
Ebird hotspot site: [https://ebird.org/hotspot/L16295752](https://ebird.org/hotspot/L16295752)

Let's Go Birding!
The Leader will make and share an ebird list and share it with your ebird account. Individual lists are discouraged because they duplicate the data, but you can edit your list once it's shared to you.

Wake Audubon Birding and Environmental Meetup
Raleigh Parks: **History of Horseshoe Farm**
*(registration required off Meetup, **$5 fee**)*
**TUESDAY, MAY 26, 2026, from 6:30 pm to 8:00 PM**
**\*$5 fee per person when you register\***
**Meetup RSVP is disabled for this event.**
**Register Off-site only. Requires a login and password:**
**Login first at** https://ncraleighweb.myvscloud.com/webtrac/web/splash.html
**Then register for this $5 event at:**
https://ncraleighweb.myvscloud.com/webtrac/web/iteminfo.html?Module=AR&FMID=477202051

Description: Have you ever wondered about people who lived in this area hundreds of years ago? Horseshoe Farm Nature Preserve has a rich and complicated history. Come to explore that history with us. Children must be accompanied by adults. Preregistration is required for planning purposes.
Cost: $5
Location: Horseshoe Farm Nature Preserve, 2900 Horseshoe Farm Road
**You will receive an email describing where you will meet. Please register before Friday May 25.**
*Please allow extra travel time due to Rush Hour -- or come early and birdwatch!*
If you have questions, please feel free to contact Tracy Feldman at [email protected]; or at 919-996-2274.

*Note: this is not a Wake Audubon event, but the Meetup Organizer is pleased to let you know about it.*

Wake Audubon Birding and Environmental Meetup
**Birding at Bass Lake and Sugg Farm (Bass Lake Park)**

Join Wake Audubon for a Bird Outing at **Bass Lake and Sugg Farm** on **SUNDAY, MAY 31, 2026, at 8:15.** Please sign up for this walk, as we try to limit this to 25 birders. Leader is Jessica Williams ([email protected], 913-424-5062).
RSVP opens May 1 at 7 am.

This **2+ mile** walk on **unpaved trails** begins at 8:15 and ends approximately 10:30. The park opens at 8 am. The address is 900 Bass Lake Road, Holly Springs, NC (note that this is the main parking lot, not the smaller lot on another road). Meet on the trail near the restrooms. We will walk the east side of Bass Lake, then take the trail to Sugg Farm, then return to the Bass Lake parking lot. The trail can be a tad soggy after heavy rains.

Here is a link to the Bass Lake hotspot: https://ebird.org/hotspot/L1352674

You don't need an ebird.org account to participate - but ebird is a great way to keep track of what you have seen (and it helps scientists note the location and abundance of bird populations). The Leader will make and share an ebird.org checklist and share it with your ebird account. Keeping your own individual list is discouraged because this duplicates the data, but you can edit your list once it's shared to you.
Let's Go Birding!
Note this event has not appeared on the wakeaudubon.org calendar yet. Hoping it will, but this problem is out of my control. — LynnErla Beegle