MONTICELLO – Craig Russell, internationally renowned chicken expert, will be the guest speaker Thursday, January 15th, at 7PM, at the meeting of the Catskill Exotic Bird Club. Russell is the undisputed authority on the history of heritage breeds of chickens, and he will be bringing a selection of rare breeds to the meeting.  

Russell, who was the long-time president of the Society for the Preservation of Poultry Antiquities, has been involved with heritage and rare breeds of chickens nearly his entire life. He has traveled the world in search of "antique" chicken breeds, and he is a much sought-after speaker. He is an entertaining raconteur; even if your knowledge of chickens is confined to the poultry counter at ShopRite, Craig will have you mesmerized with his stories of America's favorite bird. Craig will discuss and answer questions about all the breeds that we keep as backyard flocks.

The Club meets at 20 Crystal Street in Monticello. It is handicap accessible and there is ample parking. One of the oldest exotic bird clubs in the country, the Catskill Exotic Bird Club was founded 30 years ago as a means to offer a social setting and provide programs for owners of exotic birds, in particular parrots, and those who have an interest in birds in general. Everyone is invited free of charge. For more information, call (845) 794-7966 or (845) 807-6725.