Naturalists to celebrate 50 years with renowned birder

HANCOCK COUNTY --- The Hancock County Naturalists, founded by local naturalist and birding enthusiast, the late Richard S. "Doc" Phillips, is celebrating its 50th anniversary with another renowned "birder" from Sugar Creek. Greg Miller, who was the inspiration for the 2011 comedy movie "The Big Year", will be the guest speaker. The event, sponsored by Black Swamp Bucks Unlimited, will be held at 7 p.m. Sept. 14 at the Old Mill Stream Centre, 1017 E. Sandusky St., and is open to the public. Phillips was a Findlay biology teacher and naturalist. He wrote a weekly column, "In Nature's Realm," for The Courier from 1957 to 1993. The Discovery Center at Oakwoods, 1400 Oakwood Ave., was dedicated to him on Sept. 24, 1994, about 10 months after his death. The Hancock County Naturalists, a membership organization, was established to further study the fauna and flora of Hancock County and the surrounding area and participate in selected conservation and educational projects. The group and events are open to those ages 15 and older. Jane Riker, of Findlay, a 20-year member of the naturalists group, said the organization boasts 70 years of bird count data, a tradition started by Phillips and still carried out each year by members in the spring and winter. "We are thrilled to welcome Greg Miller to our 50-year anniversary celebration. His contribution to 'The Big Year' and his extensive knowledge of birding make him the perfect guest speaker to commemorate this special occasion," Riker said. Riker became club president last year. She hopes the event will attract other enthusiasts. Tickets for the event are $15 per person, $20 per couple, and $10 for students aged 15 to full-time college students. Tickets can be purchased online at hancockcountynaturalists.org/tickets. Checks can be made out to Hancock County Naturalists, with "The Big Year" in the memo line and sent to Jane Riker, 2620 Westmoor Rd. Findlay, Ohio 45840. Each ticket includes a complimentary one-year membership in the Hancock County Naturalists group and refreshments at the event. The group meets on the 2nd Thursday of each month, September through May. Each meeting features a different topic. Recent topics have included river otters in Hancock County, the impact of climate change on native species and "proper" recycling. Membership also includes a monthly newsletter. Yearly dues for the club are the same as the ticket price for the event: $15 per person, $20 per couple, and $10 for students aged 15 to full-time college students. "I really enjoy it. There's a wealth of knowledge among the membership," Riker said. From beekeepers to moth experts, there is a lot to learn, she said. "And we share information with each other. If there's a rare bird somewhere, everyone starts texting, so we can all go to see the bird," she said. The club currently has about 60 members and is hoping to grow and attract young people to its membership. During the event, Miller will offer narrations of the film and give behind-the-scenes stories and "fact vs. fiction" insights. As a consultant for "The Big Year" during its filming in 2010, Miller's personal experiences and expertise are expected to add a unique perspective to the movie. The movie, considered a "birding classic" among enthusiasts, is based on the book "The Big Year: A Tale of Man, Nature, and Fowl Obsession," by Mark Obmascik. Actor Jack Black portrays Miller as a main character in the movie. Miller has been birding for 50 years and has served as a senior leader for Wildside Nature Tours. To learn more about the Hancock County Naturalists or to become a member, visit hancockcountynaturalists.org