Introduction and Welcome

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Watercolor by Lisa Hill
for 2019 WOS t-shirt

For our Annual Conference this year, we will be (to borrow a phrase) going “back to the future!” The first WOS Conference was held in Moses Lake in 1989, and we’ll be visiting there again May 9-13. Our host will be the Best Western Plus Lakefront Hotel, which is where field trips will originate and where we will have our events and programs. We intend that WOSNews #178 will contain complete conference information, and that similar info will appear simultaneously (more or less) on our website, wos.org. Thereafter, the website will provide updates as they develop, with another edition of WOSNews anticipated for April/May. Thanks to Ron Post and Jane Hadley for their work in getting all this material published!

Moses Lake is in the heart of a wonderful birding region. Bob Flores has worked hard to develop a list of trips that will take us to many iconic birding hotspots in a wide variety of habitats. Counties to be visited (for you county listers) include Grant, Lincoln, Adams, Franklin, Kittitas and Douglas. Many thanks to our fine trip leaders, who have volunteered their time and expertise to help make our trips as productive as possible. In addition to field trips, this publication also includes information on lodging, meals, events and programs, along with the detailed schedule.

Our Keynote Speaker this year will be Nathan Pieplow, a published author with special expertise in the fascinating topic of bird sounds. His most recent book is coming out this April and will be available for purchase (and signing), courtesy of David Hutchinson. Nathan will also conduct a workshop on Saturday afternoon geared toward helping us become better listeners in the field! Matt Bartels and members of the WBRC will also offer a Sunday afternoon workshop to tell us about their work. Please be sure to bring your questions for our presenters to both workshops!

Again, welcome to Moses Lake, and the Board and I hope you have a wonderful time!

Ornithologically yours,

Eric Dudley, D.V.M., WOS President

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