Hello all, Thank you OFO Members for your support and thoughtful feedback about our decision to cancel in-person field trips until the end of September. Many of you filled in the survey and we are hearing that the majority are interested in webinars, self-guided field trips and a fall birding challenge. We will be working on that. The survey will remain open until Wednesday at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2ZNTVHX. If you have not already, please take a couple of minutes to provide your feedback. *OFO AGM – Monday, September 28th, 7:30 – 8:30 via Zoom* The OFO Annual General Meeting is normally held during the Convention banquet. This year, things are a bit different and we will be holding a virtual AGM via Zoom on Monday, September 28th, from 7:30 – 8:30pm via Zoom. The invitation and AGM materials, including Board reports will be sent via email to members in advance. Please plan to attend. *Certificates of Appreciation: Call for Nominations Now!* Each year the OFO recognizes individuals and organizations for their outstanding contribution to the birds and birding community of Ontario. This year we will be giving the awards virtually at the AGM. The deadline for this year’s nominations is *Wednesday, August 19th at 5:00pm*. *Diversity and Inclusivity Commitment* We have had a few questions about the status of OFO’s diversity statement. A group of board members have been working on OFO’s approach and identifying actions which OFO can take to reduce barriers to birding. The draft statement will be reviewed at our next board meeting and presented to members at the AGM. We welcome all opinions and comments on this important topic. *Ontario Birds – August Issue* Most OFO Members will have received their copy of the August issue of Ontario Birds. The publication will be posted online on our website at: http://www.ofo.ca/library/list/key/ob this week. The contents of this issue include: - Ontario Birds Records Committee Report for 2019 - Feeding niche overlap of grouse species in the Hudson Bay Lowlands - Pink-footed Goose: New to Ontario - Blue Jay spiral flight - Northern Shrike feeding on suet - In Memoriam: George K. Peck Please enjoy reading and learning! *Documentary Film Project Seeks Birder/birdwatchers to share their stories* An Ontario film maker is reaching out to the Ontario birding community for help with a very worthwhile project as follows. If you want to find out more or if you can help, please get in touch via the email in the announcement. “We are specifically looking for individuals who are Birders, either as a hobby or as a professional that can speak to how birding has helped you with your mental health. Would like to hear from potential participants who are open to sharing their diagnoses’ and their back story. We are in the beginning stages of development but invite anyone who is interested to get in contact with us to explore the next steps. We are particularly interested in hearing from BIPOC and LGBTQ individuals or other minority groups but this is not a requirement to participate. We would also love to hear from anyone who has worked or is working in the mental health field such as Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Neurosciences or Therapists. If you are interested please get in touch at: contact@birderbraindoc.com Location: Toronto, locations in Ontario possible.” Please note: If you are in the OFO database, you will have already received this email. Good birding, Lynne Freeman OFO President Lynnef.to@gmail.com