-Maynard Davis opened the meeting by welcoming newcomers, including a visitor from Mumbai, India. There were 37 attending.
-Maynard gave the Treasurer’s Report. He announced the thirteen organizations MBC is supporting, including the Ivy Creek Foundation, with money raised by the Bird Seed Sale. He announced the PVCC scholarship for the Field Ornithology class, which is now accepting applicants. The Hog Island scholarship will also be awarded to a member of the Blue Ridge Young Birders Club.
-Myrlene Staten reported that membership is strong but we need twenty more to meet our budget. We currently have 162 members and our goal is 175. She reminded us that members can purchase items and clothing from the Land’s End catalog.
-Jenny Gaden reported on the upcoming Christmas Bird Count on Sunday, December 16. The Charlottesville records have been kept since 1924. Nancy O’Brien is hosting the pot luck after the day- long count.
-Leigh Surdukowski organizes the First Saturday Bird Walk and is asking for leaders to take the September or October dates.
-Susan Babineau announced a field trip to Panorama Farm on December 9.
-The education outreach kit, developed by Mary Mapel, will be used in February.
-Unusual sightings were shared. Carol Hill recently saw an albino squirrel. Nancy Newman wanted to know when we will be able to see the Short-eared Owls. John Holden encouraged everyone to drive to the Outer Banks to see the astonishing birds on Pea Island.
-Following the program by Stauffer Miller, members enjoyed a holiday party organized by Patty Kalbfleisch.
The Piedmont Virginia Bird Club also has a Facebook group where members share bird and club related information and photos. If you are a Facebook user, we would like to have you join the group by clicking here and requesting to join. Because this is a closed group, the administrator will have to approve your request to join. Once approved you can join the active discussion on Facebook.