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Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society (DOAS)

Established in 1968 – A Chapter of the National Audubon Society since 1970

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Wild Wonders of New Zealand

This is a recording of a presentation on May 15, 2026 hosted by Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society, presented by Kathryn Davino, Board Director for DOAS.

New Zealand is a fascinating island nation, characterized by soaring, snowy peaks in the south and bubbling hot springs in the north. It’s home to bizarre birds like flightless, nocturnal Kiwis and Kākāpōs (the heaviest parrot on earth), and mischievous alpine parrots called Keas. Fans of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings will recall the beautiful landscapes of New Zealand where these trilogies were filmed on location, leveraging the country’s diverse landscapes for the movies. 

Kathryn and Al Davino made their winter escape to New Zealand in February of 2025, and she returned bubbling over with photos and stories about this captivating place.

About the Presenter: 
Kathryn Davino is a retired High School Biology Teacher from Delaware Academy in Delhi. She is an enthusiastic birder, gardener, and watcher of wildlife. She has served on the DOAS Board of Directors since 2016.

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Why Birds Matter...

Birds are important because of the role they play in the natural world as pollinators and seed disbursers, assisting with the balance of nature by eating insects. They also clean up things that would go unattended otherwise. Birds are important TO ME because of the kinship that I feel with another living species, and the joy that they bring to me year around. Encountering spring migrants feels brand new every time! I feel responsibility for their well-being and take care not to disturb their nesting with unnecessary sounds, disturbance or habitat destruction. I respect the incredible work they do to bring about future generations.
Becky Gretton
Becky GrettonDOAS Co-President
Birds have always been an early warning system for our environment–the “canary in the coal mine.” It was the decline in bird species high on the food chain that tipped us off to the dangers of DDT and other chemicals. More recently, high altitude and high latitude birds are demonstrating the first definitive effects of global change. If science had been more advanced in the 1800s, the extinction of the Passenger Pigeon could have served as a warning about habitat destruction. This not just about protecting the birds–although that is a worthy goal–but all of these threats will ultimately reach the human race.
Andy Mason
Andy MasonDOAS Co-President
In addition to being indicators for environmental health, birds matter because they allow people all over the world to enjoy and appreciate nature. Caring about birds often leads to caring about their habitats and creates a stewardship ethic to protect our natural resources. Birds connect communities.
Susan O'Handley
Susan O'HandleyDOAS Co-President

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We envision a healthy world where people and wildlife thrive and natural resources are protected.
The mission of Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society is to protect our natural environment and connect people with nature
 to benefit birds and other wildlife through conservation, education, research and advocacy.
 

Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society
P.O. Box 544
Oneonta, NY 13820
(607) 397-3815
info@doas.us

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