Treasurer Maynard David presided in Doug Roger’s absence. There were no visitors and thirty people in attendance. Unusual recent bird sightings included Bald Eagles. The Snowy Owl returned and was seen in the same location as in 2016. Maynard announced that a farm owner has asked that bird club members respect speed limits and parking restrictions when visiting private properties.
-Jenny Gaden announced the Christmas Bird Count on December 17. This will be the 118th annual bird count since its inception and is the longest continuous bird study and data resource. All are welcome to attend the count. To be assigned to a team, see website for Jenny’s contact information.
-Maynard asked for a show of hands of those interested in purchasing a commemorative Monticello Bird Club enamel pin if produced by the MBC. The cost will be around $2.50 per pin. The club has also produced lens cloths for cleaning binoculars with the MBC logo. They can be ordered on the website for $6.
-This year’s bird seed sale set records with over $14,600 in sales and over $4,000 profit. We sold nine tons of seed and the orders and distribution went without a hitch. Maynard thanked all the volunteers, who are listed on the website.
-Marshall Faintich would like to offer MBC members a bird photography class to kick off the 2nd Annual Photo Contest. There would be a nominal cost for participants. Also, Doug Rogers is organizing an overnight field trip to see migrating shore birds north of Kiptopeke State Park. As soon as the organizing details for both these events are worked out, they will be posted on the website.
-Susan Babineau announced upcoming birding trips to Panorama Farm on December 10 and a March 9 trip to the Outer Banks, which John Holden will lead. She asked for more volunteers to lead field trips this spring.
-Dan Bieker is looking for more volunteers to offer programs about birds and birding to grade schools.
Maynard reported that membership is currently at 142. Our goal is 175.
-Patty Kalbfleisch passed out raffle tickets for the club’s annual holiday party, which followed the evening program on Prothonotary Warblers. Many thanks to Patty for organizing the refreshments and door prizes.
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.