[DVOC] Weekly Digest - Number 09-39 - 10/4/09

Sun Oct 4 13:01:35 PDT 2009

The Delaware Valley Ornithological Club  (DVOC) Weekly Digest 

Now is the Time to Send in Your Reservation!
Annual Banquet - Thursday November 19th

Join fellow club members and guests for this always enjoyable event!

Complete information is at http://www.dvoc.org/Banquet/Banquet.htm 

The reservation form is available at
http://www.dvoc.org/Banquet/Banquet2009.pdf

This year's speaker is Rick Wright - formerly of ABA, and now the Executive
Director of Wings

His topic is: "The Most Beautiful of the Whole Beautiful Lot: Wood Warblers
of the American Southwest"

Annual Banquet Member Photo Review - Again This Year!

Send your photos of DVOC members for our Annual Banquet! It was fun last
year, let's do it again!  

A member photo slide show will run continuously during cocktail hour before
dinner. Send photos of DVOC members taken this year.  Any photo of you or
other DVOC members taken while at a birding location this year (i.e. since
last year's banquet) is welcomed.  Did you take a birding trip with other
DVOC members?  Did someone take your picture as you birded your backyard?
Were you photographed while birding during a family vacation?  Are you a
distant or local DVOC member who just cannot get to this year's banquet?  We
want to see you represented too! Send a photo or two of yourself and/or
other DVOC members "in action." Pictures of people (at least one DVOC member
should be in each photo), not birds.  Simply send photos as an e-mail
attachment to  <mailto:membership at dvoc.org> membership at dvoc.org.  Include in
your message the location of the shot and who is depicted.  Come and enjoy
viewing the photos during the social hour prior to the start of dinner. The
more pictures, the more fun! 

An Interesting Talk at the Academy of Natural Sciences Thursday 10/15 - 5:30
pm to 7:30 pm (Right before the DVOC Meeting)

Please join the Friends of the Ewell Sale Stewart Library at the Academy of
Natural Sciences for an illustrated talk by Senior Fellow Dr. Bob Peck on
the 19th century explorer and naturalist John Kirk Townsend. He was an 19th
century ornithologist/naturalist who has been honored with two North
American bird names - Townsend's Warbler and Townsend's Solitaire.

October 15, 2009 5:30 to 7:30 . Program to start at 6:00 at the Ewell Sale
Stewart Library - the Academy of Natural Sciences

Wine, Beer, Cheese

RSVP 215-299-1040 or library at ansp.org

>From the 10/1 Meeting

Club member Judy Stepenaskie has prepared some notes on where Chimney Swifts
can be seen in NW Philadelphia.

http://www.dvoc.org/Misc/2009/SwiftFall2009.pdf 

Interesting Link

http://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/Return-of-the-Sandpiper.html -
submitted by Jeff Holt

A Note From Bob Horton, Field Trip Chairperson

As Field Trip Committee Chairman, I am responsible for scheduling the field
trips for our club.  Last year we had a very successful year, offering 48
field trips; that's almost one every week!  Many were local trips in the
Delaware Valley area, but a few went far afield, to Canada and the
Caribbean.  

This year I am looking to add some new locations as well as some new field
trip leaders to our offerings.  I looking for members who would be willing
to lead a trip in 2010.  You don't need to be a birding expert to lead a
trip; I'm certainly not!   

Please consider doing this.  I'm sure you have a favorite birding place
you'd like to show off to the other members of the club.  And I am sure
there are other experienced leaders that would be willing to help.

If possible, please try to get back to me within the next two week so we can
post next year's field trips.  Please let me know if you have any questions.
I look forward to hearing from you.
http://www.dvoc.org/Personnel/Horton.htm 

Upcoming Meeting

Thursday October 15, 7:30 pm at the Academy of Natural Sciences,
Philadelphia PA

Program - Rob Fergus, "Birds of the Ancient and Modern Maya"

Birds have played important roles in Mesoamerican cultures for thousands of
years. Rob Fergus explores the connections between birds and various Mayan
cultures as revealed in their ancient art and his ongoing field work with
four modern Mayan communities in Guatemala and Belize. In addition to
reviewing the songs and calls of Central American birds, if you want to know
how the Turkey Vulture got its red head, which bird you can burn to a crisp
to make into a love potion, why you can't have sex before you plant your
corn crop, or how to cure warts, this is the program for you!

Ornithological Study - "Mystery Hawk at my Bird Bath" - Sue Killeen

Dues!

Beginning in 2010, the annual DVOC dues will be $35. And the current life
membership cost of $375 will become $525. The life membership cost is always
the 15 times the yearly rate.

But there is still an opportunity to become a life member at the present
rate. If you have already paid your 2009 dues ($25), an additional $100 paid
now will lock in the current life membership rate for you. Then in 2010 you
will pay $125. Followed by $125 in 2011. Then you will never pay DVOC dues
again! This is super deal that will save you considerable money over the
long run!

Contact the Treasurer, Bert Filemyr, if you have any questions.
http://www.dvoc.org/Personnel/Filemyr.htm

Your check, made out to DVOC, can be sent to Bert Filemyr or given to him at
any meeting up to the end of 2009

Bird Conservation Alliance Meeting

November 12, 2009 - 9:30 am to 5:00 pm

U.S. Capitol Visitors Center, Washington, D.C. 

DVOC is a organization member of BIRD CONSERVATION ALLIANCE (BCA), and as
such, DVOC members are invited to attend the following meeting:

Meeting theme:  "Reversing the Decline of Neotropical Migratory Bird Species
and Protecting their Habitats."

The meeting will feature several keynotes:  Secretary of the Interior Ken
Salazar and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lisa Jackson
have been invited to speak, along with congressional champions Senator Ben
Cardin, and Representatives Ron Kind and Frank Kratovil.  We are working on
arranging a private tour of the Capitol following the meeting for BCA
members.

Panels include "Strategies to Address the Decline of Neotropical Migrant
Species," "Reducing Threats to Migratory Birds," "Legislative and
Administration Opportunities to Conserve Migratory Birds," and "Joint
Ventures and other Partnerships Benefiting Migratory Birds."  Each panel
will be followed by questions and discussion.

To register for the meeting, visit:
http://www.abcbirds.org/membership/BCA_1109_reg.html

Phil Witmer, DVOC Conservation Committee member, will be attending this BCA
meeting.  DVOC members, if you'd like to attend, contact Phil:

http://www.dvoc.org/Personnel/Witmer.htm

610-446-2618 (home)

610-256-2786 (cell)

Upcoming Field Trips

October 10 (Saturday) - SHARP-TAILED SPARROWS AT TUCKERTON MARSHES, NEW
JERSEY

We should get great looks at Salt Marsh Sharp-tail's as well as being able
to compare all races of Nelson's. A walk along 7 bridges road will add
additional species. We have gotten Clay-colored Sparrow in several years.
Bring high boots or wellies. Pack a lunch if you will follow us to
Brigantine afterwards. Meet at the end of 7 Bridges Road at 7:30 sharp!

This DVOC trip is free to members and non-members. 

Leader: Frank Windfelder (267-251-1141)
http://www.dvoc.org/Personnel/Windfelder.htm 

October 11 (Sunday) - Photography Field Trip: NORRISTOWN FARM PARK, PA New
in 2009 

This field trip will focus on photographing fall migrants and resident
species at Norristown Farm Park in Montgomery County, PA. We won't
necessarily look for any specific species, but will try to find wildlife
engaging in interesting behaviors close enough to allow us to compose some
good photographs. In 2008, the Farm Park was an excellent place to find
Vesper Sparrow at this time of year, and we will hope to shoot some photos
of American Pipits, White-crowned Sparrows, Savannah Sparrows and more.
Though the park is minutes from urbanized Norristown, it attracts a fair
number of field birds due to the absence of appropriate habitat in the
surrounding area. As such, the farm park can be full of surprises. 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. 

Meeting Time: 7:00AM

Meeting Place: Main Visitor Lot, the parking lot across from the Milk House
& Dairy Barn, which is off Upper Farm Rd. 

Leader: Steve Kacir http://www.dvoc.org/Personnel/KacirS.htm 

FYI - The DVOC Field Trip to Saw-whet Owl Banding on November 7 is now
filled, with the maximum number of 15 people signed-up.
If you would like to participate in this Field Trip, please send Debbie Beer
an email and she will add you to a Waiting List.  If there are any
cancellations, she will advise right away, contacting people in the order
that she received their email.  This does happen, so don't hesitate to
contact her if interested.
http://www.dvoc.org/Personnel/Beer.htm

Annual DVOC Slide Contest, December 3rd, 2009

Format: Digital only

Submission Deadline: Friday, November 20th

Will you win the DVOC slide contest? 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. You can
submit a maximum of 5 shots in the Birds and Natural History Categories, and
a maximum of 3 shots in Scenery and Birders. For each picture, please supply
the name and the location. Put these on a CD and either email them, snail
mail them, or hand them to Frank Windfelder at a DVOC meeting.
http://www.dvoc.org/Personnel/Windfelder.htm 

DVOC's Annual Awards - Time for Nominations

One of the highlights of the annual banquet (November 19th) is the
presentation of DVOC's three annual awards - the Witmer Stone Award, the
Julian Potter Award, and the Conservation Award.

Further information on these awards and a list of past recipients is
available at http://www.dvoc.org/Awards/Awards.htm 

Simply put, the Stone Award is for published material, the Potter Award is
for field work, and the Conservation Award is for conservation

Now is the time to get nominations to the appropriate committee
chairpersons.

Witmer Stone Award - Colin Campbell
http://www.dvoc.org/Personnel/Campbell.htm 

Julian Potter Award - Jeff Holt http://www.dvoc.org/Personnel/Holt.htm 

Conservation Award - Debbie Beer http://www.dvoc.org/Personnel/Beer.htm 

Looking Ahead - Special Field Trip to Panama for DVOC Members
March 9-19, 2011 (Post-tour Darien extension March 19-24, 2011) 

The guide for this trip, Hernan Arauz, will be giving a talk on Panama to
DVOC (and also Wyncote, Bucks Birders and maybe DOS) in May 2010.

This a special offer and a private opportunity for DVOC members and members
of other Delaware Valley bird clubs. All arrangements are being made by
Ancon Expeditions of Panama. There is a fee for this trip which is not set
by DVOC. 

The itinerary
http://www.dvoc.org/FieldTrips/FieldTrips2011/Resources/PanamaTripMarch9_19_
2011.pdf 

The Darien extension itinerary
http://www.dvoc.org/FieldTrips/FieldTrips2011/Resources/DARIEN_EXTENSION%20_
2.pdf 

Contact Jane Henderson for further information -
http://www.dvoc.org/Personnel/Henderson.htm 

Recent Website Updates

(9/30/09) Delaware Valley RBA

(9/29/09) Sod Farms Field Trip Report

(9/28/09) Minutes of the September 17, 2009 Meeting

(9/28/09) National Wildlife Refuge Week Conservation Corner

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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