-President Guy Babineau opened the meeting by inviting Vice President Dan Bieker to offer a remembrance of Peter Brask, who recently and unexpected died September 16. Peter was a member of the Monticello Bird Club for at least thirty years, and he often led enjoyable bird walks at Lickinghole Creek in Crozet. Peter was always a joyous presence and a beloved member of the club. He will be greatly missed. His obituary, which gave a wonderful account of his life, was published in the Daily Progress. Here’s the link.
-Treasurer Maynard Davis reminded members to renew their membership and to order bird seed. The pickup will be at the Forestry Department Warehouse on Saturday, November 3.
-Myrlene Staten reported on membership, which, at 113, is six ahead of last year’s totals at this time, but there are 50-60 who have not yet renewed. She is seeking volunteers to help with the promotional table at the Charlottesville City Market every Saturday morning. She is still selling the MBC binocular lens cleaners (aka “spudz”).
-Susan Babineau gave an update on October field trips. The October 10 trip is to Humpback Rock. October 20 is a Sparrow trip on private property and is limited to fifteen. The trip is full, but she is taking names for the waiting list. She is asking for more field trip leaders, especially for January.
-Guy talked about the club’s recent efforts to help the YMCA prevent bird strikes at its new facility. The Charlottesville Area Window Watch (CAWW), headed by Charlottesville High School Senior Walker Catlett, has been monitoring bird strikes in the area and there’s a great concern about the number of bird deaths at the YMCA and other buildings. The YMCA will likely need financial help to install products that will work.
-There is an upcoming program at Theodore Roosevelt’s Pine Knot Retreat on October 14. RSVP is required. Brian Morse brought flyers with more information about the event.
-Interesting bird sightings were reported by Lou Tanner, who saw a covey of Bobwhite Quail at James River State Park. Jim Nix had a Red-breasted Nuthatch at his feeder. A Swainson’s Thrush was noted and Bald Eagles were recently observed on the Chesapeake Bay. Hummingbirds are still in the area.