October 9, 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: Hummingbirds are still here in good numbers. Also seen are returning Juncos, a Nashville Warbler, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, and both Kinglets. The Hawkwatch participants observed Double-crested Cormorants and a group of Great Egrets!
Field Trip Reports: Allen Larner led a trip to the Blue Ridge Parkway, where he was buzzed by a Screech Owl. The 9/30 hike on Bell’s Lane found 45 different species. Upcoming walks are (1) McCormick’s Farm with Jo King on 10/18, and (2) Andrew Clem will lead a walk at the Boy Scout Camp on 10/28.
Hawkwatch: Vic Laubach reports approximately 28,000 Broad-winged Hawks so far this year, with 8,600 in one day. Bald Eagles and Merlins are doing well at 100 and 32 respectively. Osprey and Harrier numbers are down so far. One Golden Eagle has been counted. The watch continues through November 30. Counters are needed. If you are interested in learning more about the Hawkwatch or how to become an observer or counter, go to the Rockfish Gap Hawkwatch link found on the Augusta Bird Club website, Augustabirdclub.org.
Birdseed Sale:  Crista Cabe reported that the sale is ready for orders. You can order online through our website, pick up a printed order sheet at the meeting, or mail in your order from the form that will be mailed to all members and past participants. We were reminded that the proceeds from this sale go to Nature Camp scholarships, so everyone was encouraged to order a lot! The birds and Nature Campers thank you.
Bird Banding: John Spahr requests help next May and June during the banding of Kestrels and Screech Owls in Highland County. Anyone interested should let him know.
Project FeederWatch: The Cornell Lab of Ornithology conducts citizen science research on birds at feeders from November through April. If anyone wants to participate go to FeederWatch.org.
Christmas Bird Counts: Allen Larner will coordinate the Augusta County count on December 17. Crista Cabe will coordinate the Waynesboro count, with December 30 the probable date. Anyone wanting to participate can contact the coordinators.
Membership: We currently have 189 members.
Program: Megan Thomas from the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources gave an amazing program entitled “Rebound of Virginia’s Peregrine Falcons and the History of the Richmond Falcon Cam.” The falcon cam follows a Peregrine nest on the Riverfront Plaza Hotel in Richmond from spring through fledging.   – Submitted by Marilyn Nash, Secretary-