Minutes submitted by Joanne Bricker, for Secretary Peggy Cornett, who was unable to attend the meeting.
-President Doug Rogers opened the meeting by welcoming all 44 attendees, including two first-timers, Jean Gebbinger and Gus Colom.
-Unusual Sightings – Lou Tanner observed an entire predator-prey happening unfold, involving an accipiter and a Red-tailed Hawk. John Holden reported on the evocative sound one recent early evening of Snow Geese passing overhead. Jim Nix and several other members confirm sightings of Red-breasted Nuthatch; it seems there’s an irruption of them locally this fall. Myrlene Staten was pleased to observe Surf Scoters at Mountain Run Lake Park in Culpeper.
-Annual Bird Seed Sale – Maynard Davis announced our annual fundraiser’s conclusion. The seed has been delivered to the Department of Forestry Warehouse, where it was efficiently checked in by Dan Bieker, Kathy Sudduth and Maynard, and awaits distribution to members and 55 non-members (thanks for getting out the word!) on Pick Up Day, Saturday, Nov. 2. Our gross sales were $12,302.50, enabling us to support the Bird Conservation Poster Contest, our designated conservation-minded non-profits, and donate seed to Ivy Creek and several local elementary schools. In his role as club Treasurer, Maynard reported that our current budget now is flush with a surplus of over $2,000 — with expenses to come.
-Membership – Myrlene Staten encouraged members who have not yet renewed membership (131 out of 145 members have) to do so promptly. She reported that we still need 44 more members to reach this year’s membership goal. And, of our current 131 member total, 7 are new members. Myrlene also updated us on her efforts to initiate a Bird Photography Contest this spring to be co-sponsored by MBC and the Charlottesville Camera Club. Both Cindy Hodge and Peter Clark from the Camera Club were in attendance and will work with Myrlene and Richard Teig to make this exciting endeavor a reality.
-Hospitality – Patty Kalbfleisch reminded members that our December Meeting is our annual Holiday Celebration. Traditionally, attendees bring a food offering or a bird-related (gently-used is fine) door prize. After the meeting, we share the holiday goodies and raffle off the non-edible treats. There will be more information in website posts, later this month, prior to our Dec. 7th meeting.
-Doug Rogers encouraged a hearty round of applause for all those who helped to make the Bird Seed Sale a success, and cited the particular contributions of Maynard Davis in his magnificent steering of the project, from beginning to end. He also reminded members that the Bird Conservation Poster Contest continues. Entries are accepted until the November 19th deadline, when judging begins. Winners will be recognized and prizes awarded at a public reception on Sunday, Dec. 4th from 2-4pm at Ivy Creek Natural Area.
-Field Trips Report – While Gabriel Mapel is in Texas attending the Rio Grande Birding Fesitval, Doug read Gabriel’s report on the October Field Trips and thanked leaders Janet Paisley, Dave Hogg and Leigh Surdukowski for their efforts. November field trips are now up on the website. Doug also announced that Clark Mellinger’s seasonal Northern Saw-whet Owl banding is now underway near Harrisonburg and invited interested members to contact him about a group trip to Mellinger’s banding operation.
-Club News Reporter – Joanne Bricker apologized that she was called out of town unexpectedly and was unable send out her monthly email reminder to members to check the website for updates.
-Christmas Bird Count – Jenny Gaden reminded members that this year’s CBC is set for Sunday, December 18th. Birders of all levels are encouraged to participate. Continue to check the website for CBC details to be posted soon.
–Lou Tanner introduced speaker Bob Schamerhorn on the topic “Our Wonderful Wood Warblers.”
