Rindge Conservation Commission invites the public to a presentation by birdwatching enthusiast Nora Hanke on Saturday, January 17, 10:30 a.m. at the Rindge Recreation Center, 283 Wellington Road. The talk will highlight the birds of Rindge throughout the seasons. The Commission will also announce its 2025 Conservationist of the Year awardee. The event is free, open to the public, and offers timely information for attracting visitors to your birdfeeder before the upcoming Great Backyard Bird Count.

Dr. Nora Hanke is a daily birdwatcher who has documented over 135 bird species that either live in Rindge year-round or in certain seasons. Some part-time residents arrive in spring for the breeding season and others arrive in fall after migrating from Canada. Hanke observed birds at the Town of Rindge conservation properties, especially Converse Meadow and Contoocook Marsh Conservation Complex.

Hanke holds a Master’s in Environmental Studies from Antioch University New England. She has worked as an avian field technician in multiple states and with the U.S. Geological Service’s Breeding Bird Survey at Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Maryland. Hanke is a volunteer with eBird New Hampshire, a joint project of Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology and NH Audubon. She previously practiced medicine.

As a follow-up to the presentation, Rindge Conservation offers a moonlight hike on Saturday, January 31, 7:00 p.m. at Tetreault Park (on Rand Road west of U.S. Route 202.) Participants will be on the lookout for nighttime hunters—Great Horned Owls and Barred Owls. These birds are active predators after dark as they prepare for breeding season in February.

The Audubon Society and Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology cosponsor the annual Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC). This year’s event is February 13-16. More information is at www.birdcount.org. Hanke’s presentation will help attendees identify birds and handouts will provide information on signing up for the GBBC.

The Rindge Conservation Commission actively monitors and protects wetlands, lakeshores, watersheds, and other natural resources within the Town of Rindge. Hikes, workdays, and events are held regularly to involve and educate the public about conservation areas and the benefits of preserving land for the future. Town-owned conservation lands are open daily to the public for outdoor recreation.

If you would like more information about the Rindge Conservation Commission or these upcoming events, please email rindgeconcom@rindgenh.gov.