All Chapter meetings till further notice will be conducted virtually on ZOOM , please contact Don for more information –Greatauk4@gmail.com
Ornitherapy: for Your Mind, Body and Soul by Holly Cybelle Merker
July 13th, 2021 at 7:30PM
Ornitherapy, or the mindful observation of birds, benefits our mind, body, and soul. We’re pushed and pulled in many directions, no matter our age. This can be tiresome; but if we allow birds and nature to slow us down, we are self-medicating. Research shows that exposure to nature actively reduces stress, depression, and anxiety, while helping build a stronger heart and immune system. Birds are gateways into deeper experiences with nature, magnifying these benefits. Through observation, we can learn not only about birds, but gain insight into our own lives while exploring our connection to the world around us. This fosters stewardship and bolsters conservation.
Within the program, we’ll delve into our connections to birds, how to practice Ornitherapy for optimal benefits, and learn about the latest research in the power of nature for overall wellbeing.
Holly Merker has co-authored the forthcoming book Ornitherapy: For Your Body, Mind, and Soul along with Richard Crossley and Sophie Crossley, available early spring 2021. Holly has a background in art therapy, but today employs birds and nature toward the same goals of wellbeing in her work as an environmental educator and birding guide. Holly has worked as a professional birding instructor for National Audubon, the American Birding Association, and many other organizations.
Passionate about connecting young people to birds, she co-founded the Frontiers in Ornithology Association, and has facilitated many young birder groups and teen birding camps. Dedicated to bird conservation, she has been state coordinator/reviewer for the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s eBird Pennsylvania since 2005. In her free time, Holly spends every possible moment practicing Ornitherapy, which she credits helping her defeat breast cancer, restoring her health mentally and physically.
There and Back by Richard Crossley
July 27, 2021 at 7:30PM
One morning Richard woke up and decided he needed to drive to the Arctic Ocean – from his
home in Cape May, NJ. Told in a thick Yorkshire accent, with a sense of humor and a disdain for
PC, Richard talks about his 16,000 mile adventure, living in his car, the inspiring people he met,
and places he went. Did it shape The Crossley ID Guide: Waterfowl, would he recommend you
do the same trip, are just two of the many questions that Richards will address. The answers
will surprise you.
Richard Crossley is an internationally acclaimed birder, photographer and award-
winning author of ‘The Crossley ID Guide’ series. Born in Yorkshire, he also lived in
Japan, and birded worldwide before settling down in his beloved Cape May, NJ. He
currently spends his time between the mountains of Southern California and Palm
Beach County, Florida.
All programs and events are free and open to the public. We are supported by memberships and donations.
If you have suggestions or would like to help with future programs, please contact Marilyn Sadowski msadowskibcas@gmail.com
