President Doug Rogers opened the meeting by welcoming guests. He presented highlights from the Monticello Bird Club board meeting, which was held on March 11. The board has decided to give names to various membership levels: Individual—Mockingbird; Family—Bluebird; Contributor—Kestrel; Sponsor—Golden Eagle; Lifetime—Great-horned Owl. An archive of MBC newsletters from 1987-2005, collected and donated by Dave Hogg, is now housed in Maynard Davis’ attic. Going forward, we would like to include time at regular monthly meetings for members to share highlights from related trips or conferences, and to let the club know about resources such as guides, places to eat and to see birds, etc. Please arrange in advance with the president. The board has agreed to fund a poster contest again this year.
Bluebird nest cams are available through the VBS. Doug has more information.
The club has purchased new cables and a spare bulb for the new PowerPoint projector. The original cables are missing.
MBC is providing a scholarship for BRYBC member Max Nootbaar to Hog Island this summer.
The following board nominations for the coming fiscal year were made and approved: President—Doug Rogers; Vice-president—Dan Bieker; Secretary—Peggy Cornett; Treasurer—Maynard Davis; Membership—Myrlene Staten; Programs—Lou Tanner (Past President): Bird Seed Sale—Vacant; Field Trips—Jon Rockett (assisted by Kieran O’Conner); Publicity—Susan Babineau; Hospitality—Patty Kalbfleisch; MBC News Reporter—Joanne Bricker.
Field Trips Report: Gabriel Mapel began his last report as field trips coordinator, which he served for three years, by thanking all those who have led trips during his tenure. Two trips were scheduled for March: a trip to Whitehall, led by Jenny Gaden, to see American Woodcocks; and a March 18 trip with Peter Brask to Lickinghole Creek with fourteen people, who reported thrity-three species, including a Bald Eagle and Killdeer. April trips include: A day trip on the 15th with John Holden to the James River State Park; an Earth Day birding on the 22nd with Dave Hogg at the Ivy Creek Natural Area; trip to Pine Knot on the 29th, also with Dave Hogg. Birding before Work dates are April 24-28 and May 1-5, and take place at ICNA, Riverview Park, and O-Hill. Leaders are needed.
Doug Rogers has information about a boat trip to Assateague.
Maynard Davis gave the Treasurer’s report. We will be in slight deficit spending for the year, but had a surplus from 2016. Membership stands at 156.
Photo Contests update: more applicants are encouraged. Rules and registration information is posted on the web site. Contact [email protected] from the Charlottesville Camera Club.
Hospitality: Patty Kalbfleisch has produced new name tags for members to wear at the meeting.
Peggy Cornett reminded members of the upcoming Thomas Jefferson Center for Historic Plants’ Open Houses at Tufton Farm on April 29 and May 27; 10 AM-2 PM. The MBC will have a table at the April 29th event.
Dan Bieker announced that a there will be a gathering at Ivy Creek on April 15, at 2 PM, to celebrate the life of Bess Murray, who died March 31. All are welcome.
Nancy Newman and several others reported sightings of Louisiana Waterthrush. Nancy has also seen Palm Warbler and Blue-headed Vireo.
