7:30 PM Academy of Natural Sciences
Meeting called by President Phil Witmer
Secretary Holly Merker
Attendees 19
Guests Juxi Zhao
Opening Remarks Phil Witmer
The meeting was called to order by Phil Witmer at 7:32pm, when Phil welcomed all, and thanked everyone in attendance.
Our guest, Juxi, was invited to introduced herself and was welcomed by attendees. Juxi is a Wheaton College (Illinois) student, home here in the Greater Philadelphia for the summer break.
Meeting Minutes from previous meeting were approved by the members in attendance.
Committee Reports
Membership Bonnie Witmer
Bonnie Witmer reported that Sage Crystal, of Philadelphia, has submitted an application for membership, which will go through the DVOC member application process.
Conservation George Armistead
No report
Nominating Art McMorris
A report was given by Art McMorris, reported that there was a discussion on how to work on the next slate of officers ,given the significant and untimely loss of our dear President, Stephen Kacir. The Nominating Committee was tasked with seeking an interim President for the remainder of 2016, to which Phil Witmer, former DVOC President, agreed to resume the office of DVOC President. In keeping with the traditional time-lines for terms of office, the current DVOC Officers, excluding the Office of President, will remain in their current term obligations. These are two 1 year terms, this applies to the Office of Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. The nominating committee was then tasked with appointing someone to fill the Office of DVOC President for the calendar year 2017. The Committee asked Martin Dellwo to fill this position for a special one year tern as DVOC President in 2017, and he has accepted the nomination to that Office. Votes for all Officer positions will be held at the next Annual Members Meeting.
Cassinia
No report
Billings Big Year
No report
Field Trips
Jack Creighton reported about his most recent DVOC field trip, which provided great looks for lots of birders, who enjoyed lots of good looks, even without the binoculars.
Tony Croasdale led a walk at Rittenhouse Square Tuesday morning, lots of warblers, thrushes, especially Ovenbirds (7!).
Upcoming walks, Tony Croasdale reports a Bird Philly walk this Saturday at Mt. Moriah, which may possibly be rained out, but this spot is a great location to visit in spring migration.
Sunday, Sandra Keller is leading walk at Myers Cove,
Jack Creighton is leading a walk this coming Saturday, at Lower Merion Park, in Ardmore, for the Lower Merion Conservancy. All are invited.
Matt Halley and Phil Witmer will be leading a trip at Mill Grove on Saturday May 28th, at 8am.
Phil commended Tony Croasdale for leading so many walks, and for helping to fill the DVOC field trip schedule with great birding opportunities, especially in Philadelphia County. George pointed out that Bird Philly held around 42 walks in 2015. Walks average 30 participants.
Communications Linda Widdop
No report
Programs George Armistead
The next meeting will be the last meeting until the fall, but July 23rd, 2016 the DVOC picnic will be held.
Kashi Davis will be presenting on “Hurricanes and Beach Nesting Birds:There’s More than Meets the Eye” on Thursday, June 2nd at 7:30 at the Drexel Univ. Academy of Natural Sciences.
First meeting in September will likely be given by Matt Halley on Thomas Jefferson the Birder
Details can be found at: http://dvoc.org/wp/activities/meetings/
Announcements
Events: Barbara Grainger reported on the banquet, and her work with Brittany, and they do not want to go back to the Hall, the date is saved at the Union Hall. With concerns that DVOC menbers won’t want to pay over $50, we are reserving a date at the Iron Workers Union Hall as a “safety” location.
Phil suggested Mill Grove, and Barbara said the suggestion should be mentioned to Brittany, who is working hard to expand the search for a location. Phil suggested discussing with the caterer at the Iron Workers Union. Phil Witmer announced that Bob Wallace, a DVOC member, has donated a bunch of books to DVOC, which are available for purchase by the DVOC membership, with proceeds going to DVOC.
Tony Croasdale thanked the DVOC membership for the donations given to Ridin” Birdy’s DVOC team, for their generous donations.
Marty Dellwo explained that he was robbed at knifepoint at Bartram’s Gardens at 5pm on a Sunday evening in mid-May, he was safe, unharmed physically, but wanted to alert our members to be careful, and aware when birding alone. Tony Croasdale, who lives near the Gardens, offered to join anyone wishing to have a companion for safety.
Local Notes/Sightings
George Armistead had a singing Chestnut-sided Warbler in his Center City Philadelphia
Anne Reeves let us know that the Summer Tanager, found at Bartram’s Gardens in West Philadelphia last Saturday 5/14, was still present as of this morning, May 19th
George Armistead announced that there’s a Bird Philly What’s App application available for letting news out about birds in the Philadelphia region. Contact George for info on how to be added into this group.
Tony Croasdale mentioned that he is hoping people will consider taking a territory in Philadelphia, on any day in June, for a day–long survey of birds present.
Peter Burns reported that The Pennypack IBA area is doing a survey of breeding Wood Thrush, and are also looking for some help. Contact Peter, or the project leader, if interested in helping survey.
Mike O’Brien reported seeing a Worm-eating Warbler at 53rd and Chestnut in Philadelphia, along with a Red-eyed Vireo.
Marty Dellwo reported a Yellow-breasted Chat at the FDR Park in Philadelphia, on Sunday 5/15. This is a hard bird to find inside the city limits, so one that was good to see.
Mike O’Brien announced he is selling birdhouses for $35 each.
Main Program
Birding Honduras – Ann Reeves
Adjournment
Phil Witmer Adjourns the meeting at 8:53 PM
A few members then assembled at Cherry Street Tavern for continued discussion and fun.