[DVOC] Weekly Digest - Number 09-47- 11/29/09

Sun Nov 29 12:24:45 PST 2009

The Delaware Valley Ornithological Club  (DVOC) Weekly Digest 

Upcoming Meeting

This Thursday December 3, 2009 - Held at the Academy of Natural Sciences in
Philadelphia

Photo Contest (Birds, Birders, Natural History, Scenery) - Bird ID Quiz
photos - then results
Prizes will be awarded in four categories: Birds, Natural History (non-avian
fauna and flora), Scenery, and Birders. Entries must be submitted in advance
to Frank Windfelder. 
Ornithological Study - "A Fly Fisherman's Observations About Some Diving
Ducks" - Howard Eskin

The Witmer Stone Sanctuary Initiative
At the banquet on Thursday November 19th, the Witmer Stone Committee
displayed the approved wayside educational signs that will be erected at the
Cape May Point State Park. Funds are still needed to have these signs made
add erected. Checks should be made payable to DVOC and sent to the DVOC
Treasurer (Bert Filemyr).  For more information about the project please go
to http://www.dvoc.org/Committees/Stone/StoneCommittee.htm

Holiday Greetings from the DVOC Officers!

Click on http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/HJMWHQMMYKLjapW6

Give it time to load and play. Enjoy!

An Interesting Workshop at the Academy of Natural Sciences

With the close connection between birds and dinosaurs, club members may be
interested in a "Dinosaurs for Adults" program at the Academy.

http://www.ansp.org/adult-programs/workshops.php

Looking for Screech Owl Boxes

Club member Erica Brendel writes "I'm looking for a few Screech Owl boxes,
plus instructions on how to mount them, for an interested friend.  I seem to
recall that in the past there were some members of the club that had access
to these, or were making them.  Do you know of anyone?"

If you can help out, contact Erica -
http://www.dvoc.org/Personnel/Brendel.htm  

National Audubon Christmas Counts begin 12/13

The time for Christmas Counts is rapidly approaching. Club member Andy Ednie
brings the following to the attention of Club members

"Bombay Hook Christmas Bird Count Sunday, December 27th 

This is the 69th annual Bombay Hook Christmas Bird Count. It has run
continuously since 1945, only missing two years during the war. The count
date is Sunday, December 27th. This count has recorded 9 species of geese in
the past, also 8 species of owl and 17 species of shorebird. It is
responsible for Delaware's only Hammond's Flycatcher record. Call me if
interested at 302-7929591 or email at ednieap at verizon.net."

(Other compilers who wish to publicize their counts are encouraged to email
weeklydigest at dvoc.org )

Coordinator for Annual Meeting refreshments needed.

For years, Paul and Anita Guris have been most gracious in making
arrangements for the food and drinks for our Annual Meeting. They have
decided that it's time for someone else to take over. We are deeply grateful
for all they have done in this capacity over the years.

We are looking for a volunteer to coordinate this year's refreshments. The
date is Thursday, January 7th. Most of us are familiar with the kind of fare
we are talking about: beer, wine, crackers, snacks, carrots and celery,
dips, perhaps a hot item such as roast beef. Whoever agrees to do this would
certainly have the freedom to be creative. Of course, all expenses will be
reimbursed. If interested, contact Frank Windfelder or Art McMorris.

We realize one big barrier to people volunteering is the big unknown of what
exactly you would have to supply.  Once a volunteer (or volunteers) steps
forward, Paul and Anita can provide you with a list of everything done for
2007 and 2008, including the what, the quantities, and the side items like
napkins, cups, etc.  That should be a good starting point.

Upcoming Field Trips

(CBCs begin 12/13)
January 9 (Saturday) - PHILADELPHIA MID-WINTER BIRD CENSUS, PA (PMWBC) 

Join the 24rd annual mid-winter census which highlights the incredible
diversity of habitat and species found within our city borders. An average
of 92 species are recorded each year including notable rarities.

This DVOC trip is free to members and non-members

Contact: Keith Russell 

January 9 (Saturday) - PHOTOGRAPHY TRIP: PEACE VALLEY PARK, BUCKS COUNTY, PA

New for 2010

Meeting Location: Peace Valley Nature Center, 170 N Chapman Rd, Doylestown,
PA 18901 , 8:30 AM The trip will split our attention between waterfowl,
gulls and passerines. We will be targeting such birds as Cackling Goose,
Lesser Black-backed Gull, Fox Sparrow and other overwintering species.
Whether you're new to photography or a pro, you're welcome on this trip. I
will be shooting almost exclusively with a Digital SLR and 300mm lens.
Digiscopers and more traditional photographers are both welcome, and we'll
do our best to find some subjects for everyone. If interested, contact Steve
Kacir and let him know whether you'll be digiscoping or just using a camera.
Some information about your lens will also help in planning our approach to
this trip. In case of foul weather the trip will be rescheduled. The trip
will last half a day. This DVOC trip is free to members and non-members. 

Leader: Steve Kacir

2010 Membership Directory (also see below)

The new directory is being prepared for at the second meeting in January
(this is a change). If your contact information has changed in the past year
please contact directory at dvoc.org 

2010 Membership Directory - A "Green" Option

Instead of receiving the 2010 Membership Directory in a paper version, this
year you can elect to receive it as a *.pdf file. Every little step we take
to save natural resources helps!

If you want to receive the electronic version instead of a paper version,
please email the Treasurer - treasurer at dvoc.org

2010 Dues Notices - Another "Green" Option

Any member who pays annual dues can choose to receive their annual dues
notice via e-mail. This will save natural resources and save the club postal
expenses. If you want to receive the electronic version instead of a paper
version, please email the Treasurer - treasurer at dvoc.org

Recent Website Updates

(11/29/09) 2010 Meeting Schedule

(11/26/09) Delaware Valley RBA

(11/23/09) Gravesite of Julian K. Potter

(11/23/09) Gravesite of Witmer Stone

Items Available for Purchase at DVOC Meetings

DVOC Hats - $17 each (or $20 by mail)

DVOC car window stickers - $1 each
"Birders Conservation Handbook: 100 North American Birds at Risk" by Dr.
Jeff Wells - only $25 (limited supply)

"Song of the Blue Ocean" by Dr. Carl Safina - signed by author - A $17 value
now only $12 (limited supply)

____________________________________________________________________________
________________________

DVOC is on Facebook. Check out
http://www.facebook.com/pages/DVOC-The-Delaware-Valley-Ornithological-Club/4
9975018421 

The DVOC has a discount program for Birds of North America Online. Check out
http://www.dvoc.org/Membership/DVOC_BNA.htm 

Report Your Sightings to the Delaware Valley RBA
The Delaware Valley RBA is posted on Thursday evenings at
<http://www.dvoc.org/RBA/Current/Active/Index.htm>
http://www.dvoc.org/RBA/Current/Active/Index.htm
It is also available at 215 240 7547
Report your sightings to  <mailto:rba at dvoc.com> rba at dvoc.com or 215 240 7547
The general guidelines of what to report are on the Delaware Valley Rare
Bird Alert Page -  <http://www.dvoc.org/RBA/Current/Active/Index.htm>
http://www.dvoc.org/RBA/Current/Active/Index.htm

Merchandise Available!
Both DVOC merchandise and Nikon/DVOC Lagerhead Shrikes merchandise are
available at our on-line store. 
 <http://www.cafepress.com/nikondvoc> http://www.cafepress.com/nikondvoc
 <http://www.cafepress.com/dvoc> http://www.cafepress.com/dvoc

Information on the Club and Club activities are at  <http://www.dvoc.org>
www.dvoc.org

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