News and Upcoming Events

Please note: All field trips and programs through the Fall season have been postponed. Luckily, bird watching provides welcome comfort to the solitary birder, even when group events are impractical. Visit the events page for suggestions of  local places to be watching for birds in Tulare County during the fall months.

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Christmas Bird Count

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Tulare County Audubon is not asking volunteers to join count circles this year. However, we encourage you to volunteer by counting birds from home and submitting an eBird list. Anything that falls within a count circle will automatically be forwarded to the compiler. 

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COVID -19 PROTOCOLS 

Due to Covid-19 restrictions (Audubon, state & local), there are a few new rules that need to be followed in order comply with those restrictions and to protect our volunteers and family members:

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• No sharing of vehicles with out-of-family/living groups (everyone in their own vehicle);

• Volunteers must maintain 6’ physical distance from anyone not in their family/living group;

• Everyone should have a mask with them for circumstances where 6’ distance cannot be maintained.

• Binoculars and spotting scopes cannot be shared. 

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A tribute to Pennie Lewis

On Sep.27, 2020 we lost Pennie Lewis, a beloved member of Tulare Kings Audubon Chapter. The Lewis family (Frank, Pennie, Michael, and Christopher) joined the Chapter in 1987.  Actively participating in meetings and fieldtrips became a regular part of their lives. Long time members fondly recall what a wonderful person she was and how much they enjoyed birding with her and Frank.

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A wonderful cook and baker, Pennie frequently provided delicious treats for the refreshment table at our monthly meetings. She also was known to add just that extra touch with a "birding decoration."

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She was a strong supporter of her husband, Frank's, endeavors as he became more involved in the organization, first joining the Board and then serving as President for multiple terms. Frank frequently volunteered Pennie for a task or meal without her knowledge and she never missed a beat, always coming thru with more than was expected.

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Pennie organized the Annual Potluck dinners.  Her beautiful and elaborate table settings used duck decoys along with other bird themes. The tables were always artistic and memorable. She also hosted the awards ceremonies recognizing member’s achievements. Her friendliness and warm smile welcomed all to this annual event.

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Pennie will be greatly missed by her family and all of us Tulare Kings Audubon Chapter members that were privileged to know her. She was a bright spot in any Audubon activity.

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We will be working with the family in the near future to identify an appropriate tribute to Pennie’s legacy. Donations can be sent to Tulare Kings Audubon Chapter P.O. Box 4402, Visalia, CA 93278.