Local Heroes to the Rescue

Did you know that Howard County has a bird club? I came across that fact when reading this heartwarming story about a local bird rescue:

Lucky loon saved from frozen pond by Howard Co. couple, Michelle Murillo, WTOP News

This post contains suspense, drama, and quotes from the Vice President of the Howard County Bird Club, whose last name just happens to be Swan. (I kid you not.) Born to birding, I suppose. Best of all, the entire narrative leads to a pun that I should have anticipated but absolutely did not.

The story of Howard County’s endangered loon has all the makings of a major motion picture or at least a highly-charged episode on a nature/wild life program. Read the article. Best of all, watch the video release of the loon into safer waters.

Did you watch it? Good. Now you know what a loon sounds like.

You can find out more about the Howard County Bird Club at their website, on Facebook, and on YouTube. If you’re excited about local bird sightings, you can subscribe to Howard County Rare Bird Alert. Just for fun, here are some local loons.

The Howard County Bird Club, organized in 1972, is one of 15 Maryland Ornithological Society chapters. It is dedicated to the enjoyment, appreciation, protection, and conservation of birds and other natural resources. The club holds monthly meetings from September through May, sponsors three seasonal bird counts as well as dozens of field trips, and provides references and support for birders OF ALL LEVELS - - Maryland Ornithological Society

Since I’m already talking about birds, a reminder that local photographer Michael Oberman has been taking amazingly good pictures of HoCoLocal wildlife for quite some time - - especially birds. His work is gorgeous and available for purchase at his photography website. I’ve written about Mr. Oberman here before - - he has participated in some bird rescues of his own, over the years.

Are you a bird lover? Do you have a particular favorite? Let me know.

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