Baird Ornithological Club

In 1921 Harold R. Morris 

named the Reading Bird Club. 

Later renamed the Baird Ornithological Club in honor of Spencer Fullerton Baird (1823-1887), the second secretary (director) of the Smithsonian Institution, who was born in Reading in 1823. Earl L. Poole was the first president of the Baird Ornithological Club from 1921-1946. He was also the assistant director of the Reading Public Museum and Art Gallery. Upon the retirement of Levi Mengel at the age of 70 in 1939, Earl Poole was appointed acting director of the museum.

The early meetings were very informal and were comprised of seven or eight birders. There were no planned programs, but general conversations about bird records usually led to chalk drawings and detailed explanations by Earl Poole.

The wikipedia page about the Baird Ornithological Club

   Jan 8, 7:30 pm - Nicaragua Connection- A Wood Thrush's Journey from Nicaragua to Tinicum Township, Bucks County by Diane Allison In 2011 a Wood Thrush that had been banded in Nicaragua died after striking a window in Tinicum Township Bucks County. Diane traveled to Nicaragua to visit the cloud forest where this Wood Thrush spent the winter and was banded. Through her photos she will share this bird's story and open the little known world of birds in Nicaragua to viewers. This land of many habitats has a treasure of unexplored bird life and is an important wintering ground for many of our summer breeders. Over 700 species of birds have been found in Nicaragua and the list grows every day. Join Diane in a visit to the cloud forests, wetlands and pine-oak forests of Nicaragua to see its amazing natural resources. Diane has lived in Tinicum township, Bucks County for 40 years with her husband Dave. She has served on the board of Bucks County Audubon, and the Tinicum Conservancy. Her interest in birds has taken her to many places including all 50 states, Europe, Mexico, Central America, South America, the Galapagos Islands and the Caribbean. She is the compiler for the Central Bucks Audubon Christmas Bird Count and the compiler for all of Bucks County for the Pennsylvania Migration Count since 2001. Diane is on the speakers bureau for the North                      American Bluebird Society and has built over 2000 bluebird boxes with school children, community groups and scouts. She enjoys hiking, nature photography and introducing people to the wonders of birds and nature. Photo by Peter Wolfe  

* a ZOOM link has been emailed to all BOC members please contact us at membership@bairdornithological.club if you are a guest or a member who needs a link.