-President Doug Rogers opened the meeting and welcomed several newcomers, including Jamie, Deborah, Peter (from Connecticut) and Steve (from Chicago). All have recently joined MBC. There were thirty-two members at the meeting.
-Recent birding experiences were shared. John Holden talked about his trip to the Outer Banks, where he saw Red-necked Grebes. He also recommended going out at night to watch Snow Geese flying over Charlottesville. Myrlene Staten traveled to Tampa, Florida, where she saw Roseate Spoonbills. David White went birding at Burke’s Garden in Tazwell County. Dan Brown saw a Brown Thrasher in his back garden, and David has had a Brown Thrasher at his feeder this winter. Short-eared Owls have been reported.
-Doug gave an update on the Priscilla Kingston Memorial benches. The project is progressing and should be ready within the month.
-Doug reported on the recent Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel field trip, which had fifty-six onboard. They ran into a heavy storm front, with high winds and dropping temperatures. Regardless of the harsh conditions they spotted twenty-one species.
-No one responded to the PVCC scholarship offer this year, but the club will try again next time.
-The Bird Photography Contest- Srting 2018 details are posted on the website. This year there will be four categories.
-Doug is promoting a trip to the private home of Chris Murray at Kiptopeke State Park May 11-13 to see shore birds. The cost will be $50 per person per night. He is hoping to have four couples sign up.
-John Holden announced his upcoming trip to the Outer Banks, March 9-12, where participants should see Tundra Swans, Razorbills, and Northern Gannets, etc. The trip will include Duck, Pea Island, Bodie Island, and the Alligator River.
-Jenny Gaden reported on the Christmas Bird Count. Forty people participated in sixteen teams and they noted seventy-five species, including Clay-colored Sparrows, Ruddy Duck, and Tundra Swan. Complete results are posted in the newsletter online.
-Nancy Newman mentioned an event at City Space, “Wild about Art,” March 5 at 7:30, which supports the Rockfish Wildlife Sanctuary. There will be a silent auction.
-Doug reported that we have a full slate of officers for the upcoming fiscal year, and members will vote at the April meeting.
-Susan Babineau gave the field trips report. Peter Brask will lead the February 24 walk at Licking Hole Creek. Birding before Work will take place in late April and early May. A sign-up sheet for volunteer leaders was circulated.
-There will be an Ivy Creek Natural Area barn opening on April 14, and MBC needs volunteers to man an information table.
-Dan Bieker reported that the community outreach project for school kids is moving forward and there will be a workshop in the fall to train volunteers who are interested in leading these programs. Mary Mapel will be involved with the training.
-Maynard Davis gave the treasurer’s report. To date the club has a surplus of $2,400. MBC will fund another BRYB student for the 2018 summer birding/nature camp adventures.
-Myrlene Staten reported the club now has 156 members. We have an opportunity to purchase clothing from Land’s End with the MBC logo. Go to landsend.com and look for the MBC page.
-Lou introduced the evening’s speaker, Evan Spears, whose topic was “Birding on the Edge: Between the Tidewater and the Blue Ridge Mountains.”
