DVOC Main Page > Meetings
/ Programs > January 18, 2001 Minutes
Minutes of the DVOC Meeting for January 18th, 2001
The
meeting was called to order by Ron French. 30 members and 1 guests were present.
The minutes of the meeting held January 4th, were read and approved.
Nominations:
Bill Haber was nominated for membership by Ron French and Colin Campbell.
Ron French announced the death of long time member Fred Mears and that Council
had bestowed posthumously the honor of Fellow of the DVOC.
On behalf of the general membership of the DVOC the Council wishes to bestow
posthumously on Fred K. Mears the honor of Fellow of the DVOC. Fred's contributions
to the field of ornithology are many. He was a naturalist and resident ornithologist
at Peace Valley Nature Center for many years. During this time he also participated
in raptor migration research at Bake Oven Knob, PA and later upon his retirement
moved to Cape May, NJ, and volunteered his services to the Cape May Bird Observatory
leading bird walks, conducting beginning bird classes and, particularly, assisting
at the annual sea watch in Avalon, NJ.
Although Fred found it difficult to get to meetings because of the distances
involved he was very proud of his membership in the DVOC, his membership dating
from 1958. The club is honored to have him as a member.
Committees:
There were no reports from Archives, Banquet, Checklist, Conservation, Ornithological
Studies or Publications.
Field
Trips:
Frank Windfelder reported on the Florence Gull extravaganza January 6th. Amongst
the estimated 100,000 gulls, none other than Frank himself, was able to pick
out a probable Adult Thayer's, with an all-white head. Several Iceland's and
numerous Lesser Black-backed Gulls
were present.
Chris Walter's reported on the successes and misfortunes of the 13 people who participated in the Montauk weekend Jan 13-15th . Perfect weather; the loss of a vehicle; a friendly competition between Revolutionary War opponents… with the same results! Highlights included a Barrow's Goldeneye, several Razorbill, Red-necked Grebe, rafts of Scoters, Glaucous Gull, 26 species of duck including Colin's brilliant find of a drake Tufted Duck.
Paul Guris and Alan Brady left fliers for their upcoming pelagics out of Cape May and Brielle resprectively.
Trustee's Report: Chris Walters reports that the Endowment Fund, which began
with money from life memberships, has grown to $97,898.44, following a very
good year of growth.
Joe Majdan inquired about whether the DVOC has an umbrella liability insurance
policy. The answer was no.
Programs:
Colin Campbell announced the following programs:
2/1 - Doug Wechsler on his "Megaexpedition to Borneo"
2/15 - Book Auction with Bob Mercer
3/1 - Gary Stiles on "Hummingbirds and Flowers: Ecological Patterns"
Announcements:
Ron French read the criteria for nominating someone to be honored as guests
of the DVOC at the annual banquet for their contribution to the birding community:
The honor shall be given to any person or persons that are non-members and not
necessarily a part of the birding community, in recognition of work done that
has contributed to the overall welfare of the birding community.
Joe Majdan announced that he had hat available for sale and that the sweatshirts
should be available next meeting.
Martin Selzer invited all to the Schyukill Center Friday evening for a program on Birding India by Tom Southerland.
Ron French announced that Steve Wing was resigning as a Trustee and that it is the Presidents privilege to appoint someone to the position. Paul Guris has accepted to fill the vacant position.
Doris McGovern had a newspaper article on Minnesota's first Crested Caracara if anyone was interested in reading it.
Local
Notes:
Paul Guris and assorted cohorts ventured for a 3 day owl prowl to the Great
White North. Amherst Island had 6 Snowy , 4 Boreal, 6 Saw-whets, 8 Long-eared
and a dozen Short-eared, along with an Ivory Gull seen from the ferry. On the
mainland a Hawk Owl at Blessington and at Brace Bridge a Hawk Owl and 2 Great
Gray's, one of which happily feed on gerbils!! At Alqonquin, Gray Jay, Boreal
Chickadee and hundreds of White-winged Crossbills.
Alan
Brady's on a $23, 5-hour whale watch out of Brielle had Harbor porpoise, 6 Fin-backed
and 1 Minke Whale along with 10 razorbills.
Joe Majdan's quest for a Ruffed Grouse continues to be an adventure in futility,
despite 6 hrs of searching in prime habitat with the aid of hunters and bird
dogs.
Evening Program:
Bob Curry presented a program on "The Timing of Breeding and Climate Change
in the Florida
Scrub Jay", illustrating that temperature change had little effect of breeding
times, yet the availability of frogs my well be an indicator as to when they
began to nest.
Respectfully submitted,
Adrian
Binns
Secretary
1.19.01
DVOC Main Page > Meetings / Programs > January 18, 2001Minutes