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Beautiful Birds Captivate

Jackie Turnquist

Stunning pictures by Carlisle’s Dave Keefer, and an informative presentation by Chris Keefer, enthralled the audience at our May 14th meeting. Introduced by Ray Briggs, Chris has been an avid birder for many years, and birding is the reason she and her husband Dave settled in Carlisle in 1987.

Using pictures and facts, Chris was able to show the group the wide variety of birds that can be found in Carlisle. Of course we know that bluebirds can be found in Carlisle – the Route 20 Bluebird trail was founded by our own Ray Briggs. But due to the array of habitats in Carlisle – farmland, woods, wetlands – as well as the fact that Carlisle lies along a "popular" bird migration route, a variety of commonly seen and not so commonly seen birds are here for the "viewing."

Enough can’t be said about the quality of Dave Keefer’s pictures. From a nest of fledgling bluebirds to a stoic snowy owl, his pictures showcased all sorts of birds in their natural setting.

Chris answered several questions from the audience, including how she and her husband were able to photograph these birds so beautifully. Chris has been able to find many of her "life birds" here is Carlisle, including the golden eagle, indigo bunting, snow bunting in breeding plumage and red headed woodpecker.

After the presentation there were two raffles – one a 50/50, the other a raffle of bluebird boxes donated by the Bluebird Society.

Everyone who attended the presentation as well as any interested members of the community were invited to attend an early morning driving bird tour of Carlisle on the morning of Saturday, May 17, guided by Chris.

This article was published in the Carlisle Historical Society Newsletter volume 1.2 of August 2008