October 14, 2024 Minutes, Covenant Presbyterian Church

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm by President Rich Wood.
Recent Sightings: Most unusual was a rare endangered Kirtland’s Warbler at Coyner Springs Park in Waynesboro. White-throated Sparrows are back. Additionally seen have been a Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Marsh Wren, and a Harrier at Bell’s Lane. A few Ruby-throated Hummingbirds and Catbirds remain. There was a large warbler fallout after Hurricane Helene (or Milton?). A Great Horned Owl has been regularly hooting near South River in Waynesboro.
Field Trips: On October 16 Jo King led a hike at McCormick’s Mill. 31 species were seen/heard including a Canada Warbler. Since Yulee Larner began these monthly field trips in 2003, 181 species have been recorded at McCormick’s Mill.
Seed Sale: The online store is up and running. Orders can be made through this store or mail in forms. Everyone was encouraged to order early and a lot! Profits from the sale go to scholarships for Nature Camp. The seed is of excellent quality, formulated for this area, and this year’s crop. Pick up date is November 9 and we have a new pick-up site at Expo in Fishersville. Club membership can be renewed at the same time you order seed. Help is needed the day of pick-up so contact Linda Matkins if you can assist.
Hawk Watch: Vic Laubach reported the watch is going well and they have had good counter/observer coverage. Total number of raptors is approaching 32,000. Several days have been rained out. Broad-winged Hawk numbers are approximately 29,000. Ospreys are doing better than last year. Good Sharp-shinned Hawk, Merlin, and Peregrine numbers. Thirteen Mississippi Kites, 1 Swallowtail Kite, 3 Golden Eagles, and a Swainson’s Hawk have been recorded.
Nature Camp: Sarah Foster reported that applications are being taken for 2025 Nature Camp in Vesuvius. Everyone is encouraged to recruit campers. The ABC seed sale profits provide scholarships every year for campers.
Donation: Marietta Beverage donated a number of birding books for members to take for free.
Mark Kosiewski reported a high number of bird/window collisions and deaths during the recent warbler fall out. Lynne Parks will be giving a program on this topic at an upcoming meeting. More education needs to reach the public on how to prevent this.
Mark also suggested a committee be formed to look at eBird hotspots in the area and make improvements to the reporting.
Program: “Birding at the Canopy Lodge and Tower in Panama”. ABC members Lisa Hamilton, Ann Cline, Linda Matkins, and Marilyn Nash reported on their most enjoyable trip to Panama in April 2024.
The meeting adjourned at 8:20 pm. – Submitted by Marilyn Nash, Secretary