Monticello Bird Club Meeting Minutes, 06 November 2019
President Guy Babineau called the meeting to order with 26 members and guests present.
Guy gave the field trip reports in Susan Babineau’s absence. The next birding excursion will be November 16 at Secluded Farm. Parking in the overflow lot for the Monticello Trail on Route 20.
Maynard Davis reported that the birdseed sales achieved expectations. Our goal was $14,000 and to date, we ended at $14,172. This was the second biggest for the club. We sold 16,700 pounds of seed. It was a team effort and Maynard thanked the callers, counters, and members who distributed seed at the Forestry Department. The club has donated a total of $476 worth of birdseed to the following schools: Free Union, Greer, Hollymead, Stone Robinson, and Venable, as well as to Ivy Creek Natural Area. This year we had 129 customers, twelve new non-members, and 67 returning non-member customers, so the program is great outreach. Next year we may add Murray Elementary to the list of supported schools.
Jenny Gaden reminded members of the upcoming Christmas Bird Count on December 15. The area is divided into eight sectors. See the website for more information. All are welcome. There is a potluck at the end of the day.
Jenny also reported on the status of bird strikes at the YMCA. Club members are monitoring the windows daily from September 1 through November 15. There are three products that the Y could install to prevent these strikes. ABC website has links to many products.
Ron Kingston reported about the upcoming Blue Bird Conference in Fredericksburg, November 16. See vabluebirds.org
Interesting bird sightings were reported, including Hermit Thrush, a murder of 30+ American Crows at Monticello, and a Rufous Hummingbird. Dave Hogg reported that Alice Cannon saw a Bobwhite on her property.
We are encouraged to attend the Winter Wildlife Festival on January 24-26, 2020 at Virginia Beach. The event includes many speakers and boat trips.
Charlotte Clements provided a very interesting summary of her summer camp experience at ABA’s Camp Colorado. Charlotte provided photos of birds, mammals, and scenery and answered questions. Charlotte was the 2019 recipient of the Monticello Bird Club young birder camp scholarship.
The December meeting is our holiday party. Please bring snacks or desserts and items for the raffle.
Minutes submitted by Peggy Cornett, MBC secretary
