November 13, 2023 Minutes, Covenant Presbyterian Church

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm by President Rich Wood. He welcomed all and introduced board members and committee chairs.
Recent Sightings: Nashville Warbler, Cedar Waxwings, Ross’s Goose, Short-eared Owls, Purple Finches, Fox Sparrows, Red-breasted Nuthatch. A flock of approximately 300 American Pipits were located, as well as 34 Rusty Blackbirds. A Ruby-throated Hummingbird remains. It seems they are staying later every year.
Field Trip Reports:  (1) 32 species were found at the recent McCormick’s Mill hike. (2) The Augusta Wetlands trip found 21 species, including a Winter Wren. (3) The Bell’s Lane hike found 42 species, including a rare White-winged Scoter. (4) The Boy Scout Camp hike was quiet but did find Catbirds, Palm Warblers, and Savannah Sparrows.
Bird Seed Sale: Crista Cabe reports 16,700 pounds of seed were sold. She thanked all the excellent volunteers. The final money results will be available soon. She reports the last 3 years have maintained excellent sales.
Christmas Bird Counts: The Augusta County CBC is December 17. Contact Allen Larner if you’d like to participate. The Waynesboro count is December 30, with a tally dinner following. Crista Cabe is coordinating this count.
December Holiday Party: Our annual potluck dinner will be December 11 at 6:30 pm upstairs at Covenant Presbyterian Church. Meat and drinks are provided. Bring a side dish to share.
Program:  Bobby Whitescarver discussed “Environmental Issues in the Shenandoah Valley.”  – Submitted by Marilyn Nash, Secretary