The meeting was called to order by President Rich Wood at 7:00pm.
Field Trips: March 22 at Nash property in Waynesboro. Five birders found 19 species with a highlight being a Brown Creeper.
Upcoming Field Trips:
(1) Natural Chimneys with leader Rich Wood on April 19.
(2) McCormick’s Farm on May 10 for the annual hike and potluck brunch.
(3) Bell’s Lane with Penny Warren on May 15.
(4) McCormick’s Farm with Jo King on May 21.
Upcoming Events:
(1) 4/24 – Birds and Brews at Pro Renata in Staunton
(1) 4/25 – Bell’s Lane Clean up. Andrew Clem leading.
(2) 4/26 – Earth Day in Staunton.
(3) 5/3 – Riverfest in Waynesboro. Volunteers needed.
Recent Sightings: Warblers are coming, Brown Thrasher, Kingbird, Common Yellowthroat, Grouse at Madison Run, Bobcat at Braley Pond!
eBird: Be responsible about listing on eBird and also believing what is reported there. There have been some recent unsubstantiated reportings that would be extremely unlikely for our area.
Grant: Rich Wood/ABC applied for and received a grant from the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources which will enable the club to purchase a number of binoculars. These will be loaned to those wanting to participate in hikes and classes, etc. but might not have binoculars. Thank you, Rich!
Birds and Brews: The revival of a monthly Birds and Brews in March at Stable Craft Brewery was a big success with 19 people participating. The next one will be Thursday, April 24 at Pro Renata on Parkersburg Turnpike in Staunton. This is an opportunity to visit with new and old bird club friends. We will be trying to have a gathering once a month at different places around Waynesboro, Staunton and Augusta County.
Education and Conservation: Ann Cline will be co-chairing this committee with Lynne Parks. They are putting in a pollinator garden at the Staunton Library and are looking for donated plants. Contact them if you have some. Ann – anncline1443@yahoo.com or Lynne at v.lynneparks@gmail.com.
Program: Birds of Greater Rockbridge County was presented by Dick Rowe. Dick discussed some of his favorite birding spots around Rockbridge County including the Blueridge Parkway, Goshen Pass, McCormick’s Farm, Glen Maury Park, Boxerwood, Lake Robertson, and Cameron Pond. Several sites have sadly gone into private hands that do not welcome birders, among them Willow Lake, an old ABC favorite haunt.
Elections: Yearly elections were held. (1) For Vice-President, Vic Laubach was nominated by Rich Wood and seconded by Marilyn Nash. He was elected unanimously. (2) For Treasurer, Mona Bearor was nominated by Rich Wood and seconded by Ann Cline. She was elected unanimously. (3) For secretary Marilyn Nash was nominated by Rich Wood and seconded by Mona Bearor. She was elected unanimously. There was no nomination for president.
Therefore the 2025-2026 ABC Board is as follows:
President: Vacant
Vice-President: Vic Laubach
Secretary: Marilyn Nash
Treasurer: Mona Bearor
By-Laws: This year our by-laws were reviewed and tweaked to reflect current realities in job descriptions and committees. Allen Larner made a motion to accept the by-law changes. Barbara Holt seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
Raptorthon: Vic Laubach reported that this is the 16th year our club has participated in the annual Raptorthon. He, Rich Wood, Robyn Puffenbarger, and Bill Benish will be this year’s team. On May 9th they will scout Highland County counting all birds including raptors, trying to beat their 111 species from last year. This is a fundraising project with donations divided between our club and HMA (Hawk Migration Association). Donations can be made online by going to the HMA website and click on the Rockfish Gap Hawkwatchers or contact Vic at laubach@virginia.edu.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:25 pm. Submitted by Marilyn Nash, Secretary