From afilemyr at comcast.net Sun Nov 2 13:15:02 2008
From: afilemyr at comcast.net (Bert Filemyr)
Date: Sun, 2 Nov 2008 16:15:02 -0500
Subject: [DVOC] Weekly Digest - Number 08-45 - 11/2/08
Message-ID:
The Delaware Valley Ornithological Club (DVOC) Weekly Digest
Upcoming Meeting (Details and directions at
www.dvoc.org)
This Thursday November 6, 2008 - 7:30 pm at the Academy of Natural Sciences
in Philadelphia"
Program - Adrian Binns - "Watching East Africa's Unique Wildlife"
>From the savannahs of Kenya to Uganda's rainforest, from the Ngorongoro
Crater in Tanzania to the lakes in the Rift Valley, the abundant display of
wildlife in East Africa is unparalleled. With such a large concentration of
both mammals and avian species it is not surprising that a number of
different inter-actions and relationships can be found between them. We will
explore some of these unique relationships and take a look at some of the 14
(of 16 African) endemic avian families that East Africa hosts.
No Ornithological Study this meeting
DVOC Annual Banquet - Thursday November 20th - Deadline for signing up is
Saturday November 15! - Get your reservation in now!
Please set aside Thursday, November 20th for our Annual Banquet. We always
have a great time. Menu choices and prices are listed below, Full
information with reservation form is at
http://www.dvoc.org/Banquet/Banquet.htm
A Google map of the location is on the club website.
Speakers: Clay and Pat Sutton, "Birds and Birding at Cape May (a Bird Walk
Through Time)," program and book signing by Clay and Pat Sutton
6 pm cash bar (munchies included!)
7 pm dinner
Choose from three entrees: Boneless Breast of Chicken Stuffed with Herb
Bread & Pine Nuts / Baked Salmon with Lemon Herb Peppercorn Cream Sauce /
Vegetarian
All meals include: Fresh Seasonal Fruit Salad, Roasted Herb Potatoes, Green
Beans Almandine, Ice Cream, Rolls and butter, coffee, tea and decaf
Cost per person - $46 (includes tax and gratuity)
Many thanks to Banquet Chairs Bernice and Joe Koplin for putting this
together.
Upcoming Field Trips
November 8 (Saturday) - Saw-whet Owl Banding at Hidden Valley, PA
Visit Scott Weidensaul's banding station along the Kittitany Ridge on Second
Mountain in Schuylkill County during the peak of saw-whet migration. Meet at
the banding station at 6:30pm. Dress warmly. Expect to be out till 11pm.
Limited to 15 participants. Sign up with Adrian Binns now! As of 11/2, the
trip is full. Contact Adrian if you want to be put on a waiting list.
Leader: Adrian Binns
November 22 (Saturday) - Brigantine (Forsythe) NWR, NJ
Forsythe NWR November is the time of year for waterfowl, but sparrows won't
be overlooked and last year on this trip we had a Cave Swallow which is rare
for this location. This trip is geared towards beginning birders - both
adult and young. The birds we will see this time of year are great to start
out with as they are easily visible, large, and they usually stay put for
excellent observations. Sandra Keller will also guide participants on
starting flight id. Again, the species this time of year make for an
excellent study.
The trip will be mostly driving as we circle the dikes probably 2 times, but
we may walk a trail for a short distance. Bring lunch or buy at one of the
many stores and/or restaurants along Rt. 9. Bring binoculars, scopes, field
guides, cold weather clothing - layers work best - and plenty of food and
drink.
Sandra will have many field guides and a scope for general use.
Meet in the parking lot by the restrooms at 11:30AM. We will probably go
until 4:30 or 5:00PM depending on whether Short-eared Owls are being seen.
Sandra may have to change the start time on this trip, so be sure and check
the web site a few days before. Inclement weather cancels, but Sandra may
switch to Sunday. Again, keep an eye on the web site. Directions to Forsythe
NWR are simple and are posted on many web sites and written up in many
books.
Bill Boyles "Guide to Bird Finding in New Jersey" has a good set of
directions.
Googlemaps and Mapquest are also excellent alternatives for driving
directions.
If any specific questions about the trip, please contact Sandra at
(856)383-2756.
Brigantine (Forsythe) NWR is marked on the Atlantic County Birding Page on
the club website.
Leader: Sandra Keller
November 28 (Friday) Hawk Migration at Raccoon Ridge, NJ
New in 2008
Do you find yourself with nothing to do on the day after Thanksgiving? Want
to get out and burn off some of that turkey? Or pumpkin pie? Come join us at
Raccoon Ridge for a day of hawk watching. This late in the season usually
bring in Golden Eagles, Goshawks and other late migrants. We will meet at
the Blairstown Diner in Blairstown, NJ at 8:30 AM and proceed to the AMC's
Mohigan Lodge and hike along the Appalachian Trail for about two miles to
Raccoon Ridge. It will be COLD! Dress warmly with many layers. Bring lunch
and a pad to sit on. Meeting time is 8:30 AM. If you are going to attend,
please let Bob know in advance by email. He will try to arrange car pools.
Leader: Bob Horton
The Blairstown Diner is marked on the Warren County Birding Page on the club
website..
2009 DVOC Membership Directory
It is time to start preparing the 2009 directory and that means it is time
for members to ensure that their contact information is correct. An update
packet will be circulated at the next couple of meetings for attendees to
check their information. If you are unable to attend and your contact
information has changed in the past year, please send the changes to
treasurer at dvoc.org. The contact information in the directory includes name,
address, e-mail address, home phone, work/daytime phone, and cell phone.
Looking For An End Of the Year Tax Deduction?
Contributions to the DVOC Conservation Fund are tax deductable. Any
contributions received by the club before 12/31 will be passed on to Scott
Wiesenthal's Saw-whet Owl Banding and Research Project, our major 2008
recipient. Make your check payable to DVOC and send it to Bert Filemyr, DVOC
Treasurer, 1314 Lenore Road, Meadowbrook, PA 19046
Something Special At This Year's Banquet
Send Your Photos of DVOC Members for our Annual Banquet!!
All members are invited to participate in a photo display to be shown during
cocktail hour at this year's Annual Banquet. This will be a photographic
review of our members' birding activities for this year. We need more
pictures! Even if you will not be at the banquet, we would love to see you
represented. Any photo of you or other DVOC members taken while at a
birding location this year 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 DVOC member who just cannot get to this year's banquet? 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) only, not
birds. Simply send photos as an e-mail attachment to
membership at dvoc.org. Be sure to label the
message with 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.
(Thanks to club member Connie Goldman for taking the initiative on this.)
After An Absence Of Several Years - DVOC Hats Are Available
The new batch of hats has arrived and they will be available at this week's
meeting. There are three color choices, khaki, navy, green.
The cost is only $17 each. You can pay in cash (exact change is really
appreciated!) or a check made out to DVOC. Membership Chairperson Connie
Goldman is heading this initiative.
Get yours while they last! (Connie was unable to make the last meeting. She
will be at the upcoming meeting with the hats!)
A Request From Club Member Tony Croasdale
Hello, my name is Tony Croasdale, I am an DVOC member and am
currently working at Cobbs Creek Community Environmental Center in West
Philadelphia. Cobbs Creek offers a great facility consisting of class rooms,
a lab, meeting spaces, some exhibits and displays, a garden, library and an
amazing mural of the local ecosystem. The center serves a community
traditionally not served by most environmental centers being in such an
urban and low income area. The park the center is located in a quite
beautiful wooded stream corridor. I have the privilege of coordinating after
school environmental science clubs at 8 local Philadelphia School District
elementary schools and will be starting a birding club for middle and high
school students that will be open to kids region-wide.
I am writing to request donations of field guides to birds,
insects, trees etc for use in the center and for the after school clubs. We
would also like to put together a bird feeding station at the center so
donations of feeders, Sheppard's hooks, bird baths etc would be greatly
appreciated too. We are also looking to put together a pelt box and native
herp collection as well. I have very limited resources to work with and am
looking to really increase the traditional nature center function of this
center so I'd welcome any thoughts or ideas on what sorts of resources folks
out there have and are willing to contribute. We also want to be able to
host local school children and I'd like to have materials available for fun
activities with them.
I did a similar drive for field guides while working at John
Heinz NWR as an AmeriCorps VISTA and it was very successful and I'd like to
thank everyone who contributed. I hope everyone got a thank you letter
mailed to them. The success of that program made me really feel that the
birding community was indeed just that, a community.
I will be having the donations sent to my parent's address as
the center currently isn't open consistently and my folk's house is set up
to receive packages nicely. Cobbs Creek is a non-profit organization so I'm
sure we can arrange a receipt for tax deductable donations.
December 18th Meeting - Photo Contest (updated 10/3)
Format: Digital only
Well, fall is here and many of you have taken some great trips and shot some
wonderful photos. 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 (one year, former President Bob Sehl was shown
riding a camel).
Entries must be submitted in advance to Frank Windfelder. You can submit a
MAXIMUM of 5 shots in the categories of Birds and Natural History, but only
three in Scenery and Birders. Prizes will be awarded.
Put your pictures on a CD and either email them, snail mail them, or hand
them to Frank Windfelder at a DVOC meeting.
Items Available for Purchase at DVOC Meetings
DVOC Hats - $17 each
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)
____________________________________________________________________________
________________________
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
It is also available at 215 240 7547
Report your sightings to 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
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/dvoc
Information on the Club and Club activities are at
www.dvoc.org
--------------------------------------------------------------------
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--------------------------------------------------------------------
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From fwindfelder at yahoo.com Tue Nov 4 15:03:32 2008
From: fwindfelder at yahoo.com (Frank Windfelder)
Date: Tue, 4 Nov 2008 15:03:32 -0800 (PST)
Subject: [DVOC] Adrian Binns speaks on Kenya Thursday at DVOC
Message-ID: <3049.67769.qm@web84008.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
Adrian Binns will bring his dynamic personality to DVOC at Thursday night's meeting. There will be no Ornithological study, so we should get to his presentation rather quickly. Meeting begins at 7:30 PM. Full details at www.dvoc.org
Here is the program description:
Program - Adrian Binns - "Watching East Africa's Unique Wildlife"
>From the savannahs of Kenya to Uganda?s rainforest, from the Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania to the lakes in the Rift Valley, the abundant display of wildlife in East Africa is unparalleled. With such a large concentration of both mammals and avian species it is not surprising that a number of different inter-actions and relationships can be found between them. We will explore some of these unique relationships and take a look at some of the 14 (of 16 African) endemic avian families that East Africa hosts.
See you there
Frank
Frank Windfelder
fwindfelder at yahoo.com
vzet468f at verizon.net
windfelder at hotmail.com
(215)673-0240 (home)
(215)673-2034 (fax)
(267)251-1141 (cell)
From paul at paulagics.com Fri Nov 7 13:11:56 2008
From: paul at paulagics.com (Paul A. Guris)
Date: Fri, 07 Nov 2008 16:11:56 -0500
Subject: [DVOC] RARE BIRD: Thick-billed Murre in Cape May
Message-ID: <20081107161156.m65u9zfw0sggsok0@nebula.lunarpages.com>
An unusual and unusually early Thick-billed Murre is being seen this
afternoon in Cape May at the St. Mary's jetty. For updates, keep an
eye on the NJ Birds and Jerseybirds list servers at:
http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NJBC.html
http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NJBD.html
-PAG
Paul A. Guris
President, Delaware Valley Ornithological Club
paul at paulagics.com
h: 215-234-8557
w: 610-684-4626
c: 215-896-0798
From afilemyr at comcast.net Sun Nov 9 11:16:25 2008
From: afilemyr at comcast.net (Bert Filemyr)
Date: Sun, 9 Nov 2008 14:16:25 -0500
Subject: [DVOC] Weekly Digest - Number 08-46 - 11/9/08
Message-ID:
The Delaware Valley Ornithological Club (DVOC) Weekly Digest
DVOC Annual Banquet - Thursday November 20th - Deadline for signing up is
Saturday November 15! - Get your reservation in now!
This is the last Weekly Digest before the sign-up deadline!!
Please set aside Thursday, November 20th for our Annual Banquet. We always
have a great time. Menu choices and prices are listed below, Full
information with reservation form is at
http://www.dvoc.org/Banquet/Banquet.htm
A Google map of the location is on the club website.
Speakers: Clay and Pat Sutton, "Birds and Birding at Cape May (a Bird Walk
Through Time)," program and book signing by Clay and Pat Sutton
6 pm cash bar (munchies included!)
7 pm dinner
Choose from three entrees: Boneless Breast of Chicken Stuffed with Herb
Bread & Pine Nuts / Baked Salmon with Lemon Herb Peppercorn Cream Sauce /
Vegetarian
All meals include: Fresh Seasonal Fruit Salad, Roasted Herb Potatoes, Green
Beans Almandine, Ice Cream, Rolls and butter, coffee, tea and decaf
Cost per person - $46 (includes tax and gratuity)
Many thanks to Banquet Chairs Bernice and Joe Koplin for putting this
together.
Upcoming Field Trips
November 22 (Saturday) - Brigantine (Forsythe) NWR, NJ
Forsythe NWR November is the time of year for waterfowl, but sparrows won't
be overlooked and last year on this trip we had a Cave Swallow which is rare
for this location. This trip is geared towards beginning birders - both
adult and young. The birds we will see this time of year are great to start
out with as they are easily visible, large, and they usually stay put for
excellent observations. Sandra Keller will also guide participants on
starting flight id. Again, the species this time of year make for an
excellent study.
The trip will be mostly driving as we circle the dikes probably 2 times, but
we may walk a trail for a short distance. Bring lunch or buy at one of the
many stores and/or restaurants along Rt. 9. Bring binoculars, scopes, field
guides, cold weather clothing - layers work best - and plenty of food and
drink.
Sandra will have many field guides and a scope for general use.
Meet in the parking lot by the restrooms at 11:30AM. We will probably go
until 4:30 or 5:00PM depending on whether Short-eared Owls are being seen.
Sandra may have to change the start time on this trip, so be sure and check
the web site a few days before. Inclement weather cancels, but Sandra may
switch to Sunday. Again, keep an eye on the web site. Directions to Forsythe
NWR are simple and are posted on many web sites and written up in many
books.
Bill Boyles "Guide to Bird Finding in New Jersey" has a good set of
directions.
Googlemaps and Mapquest are also excellent alternatives for driving
directions.
If any specific questions about the trip, please contact Sandra at
(856)383-2756.
Brigantine (Forsythe) NWR is marked on the Atlantic County Birding Page on
the club website.
Leader: Sandra Keller
November 28 (Friday) Hawk Migration at Raccoon Ridge, NJ
New in 2008
Do you find yourself with nothing to do on the day after Thanksgiving? Want
to get out and burn off some of that turkey? Or pumpkin pie? Come join us at
Raccoon Ridge for a day of hawk watching. This late in the season usually
bring in Golden Eagles, Goshawks and other late migrants. We will meet at
the Blairstown Diner in Blairstown, NJ at 8:30 AM and proceed to the AMC's
Mohigan Lodge and hike along the Appalachian Trail for about two miles to
Raccoon Ridge. It will be COLD! Dress warmly with many layers. Bring lunch
and a pad to sit on. Meeting time is 8:30 AM. If you are going to attend,
please let Bob know in advance by email. He will try to arrange car pools.
Leader: Bob Horton
The Blairstown Diner is marked on the Warren County Birding Page on the club
website.
Two Club Members Need Our Support
Two long time club members are experiencing major medical issues. A note, a
card, or a phone call would certainly be appreciated.
Bill Stocku
5844 Calle de la Manzana
Hereford AZ 85615
520-378-0965
Al Kronschnabel
Lafayette Redeemer Nursing Home - Room 217
8550 Verree Rd.
Phila, PA 19111.
215-673-3620
2009 DVOC Membership Directory
It is time to start preparing the 2009 directory and that means it is time
for members to ensure that their contact information is correct. An update
packet will be circulated at the next couple of meetings for attendees to
check their information. If you are unable to attend and your contact
information has changed in the past year, please send the changes to
treasurer at dvoc.org. The contact information in the directory includes name,
address, e-mail address, home phone, work/daytime phone, and cell phone.
Looking For An End Of the Year Tax Deduction?
Contributions to the DVOC Conservation Fund are tax deductable. Any
contributions received by the club before 12/31 will be passed on to Scott
Wiesenthal's Saw-whet Owl Banding and Research Project, our major 2008
recipient. Make your check payable to DVOC and send it to Bert Filemyr, DVOC
Treasurer, 1314 Lenore Road, Meadowbrook, PA 19046
Something Special At This Year's Banquet
Send Your Photos of DVOC Members for our Annual Banquet!!
All members are invited to participate in a photo display to be shown during
cocktail hour at this year's Annual Banquet. This will be a photographic
review of our members' birding activities for this year. We need more
pictures! Even if you will not be at the banquet, we would love to see you
represented. Any photo of you or other DVOC members taken while at a
birding location this year 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 DVOC member who just cannot get to this year's banquet? 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) only, not
birds. Simply send photos as an e-mail attachment to
membership at dvoc.org. Be sure to label the
message with 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.
(Thanks to club member Connie Goldman for taking the initiative on this.)
After An Absence Of Several Years - DVOC Hats Are Available
The new batch of hats has arrived and they will be available at this week's
meeting. There are three color choices, khaki, navy, green.
The cost is only $17 each. You can pay in cash (exact change is really
appreciated!) or a check made out to DVOC. Membership Chairperson Connie
Goldman is heading this initiative.
Get yours while they last! (Connie was unable to make the last meeting. She
will be at the upcoming meeting with the hats!)
December 18th Meeting - Photo Contest (updated 10/3)
Format: Digital only
Well, fall is here and many of you have taken some great trips and shot some
wonderful photos. 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 (one year, former President Bob Sehl was shown
riding a camel).
Entries must be submitted in advance to Frank Windfelder. You can submit a
MAXIMUM of 5 shots in the categories of Birds and Natural History, but only
three in Scenery and Birders. Prizes will be awarded.
Put your pictures on a CD and either email them, snail mail them, or hand
them to Frank Windfelder at a DVOC meeting.
Recent Website Enhancement
Saw-whet Owl Banding Field Trip Report
Items Available for Purchase at DVOC Meetings
DVOC Hats - $17 each
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)
____________________________________________________________________________
________________________
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
It is also available at 215 240 7547
Report your sightings to 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
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/dvoc
Information on the Club and Club activities are at
www.dvoc.org
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Questions or comments about this weekly digest should be directed to
webmaster at dvoc.org
--------------------------------------------------------------------
You are being sent this message because you are subscribed to the DVOC
E-mail list. This is a moderated list used for posting information about the
Club, conservation issues in the Delaware Valley area, and alerts of
exceptional bird sightings.
You can manage your subscription at
http://dvoc.com/mailman/listinfo/dvoc_dvoc.com
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From fwindfelder at yahoo.com Tue Nov 11 04:59:58 2008
From: fwindfelder at yahoo.com (Frank Windfelder)
Date: Tue, 11 Nov 2008 04:59:58 -0800 (PST)
Subject: [DVOC] DVOC Banquet on 11/20 - last call!
Message-ID: <843940.13286.qm@web84008.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
DVOC members:
Have you sent in your reservation form for the DVOC Banquet on November 20th? Bernice & Joe Koplin need your check ($46.00 per person) by November 15th. Go to www.dvoc.org for complete details and a reservation form.
You don't want to miss this one - great food and great speakers (Clay and Pat Sutton). Clay & Pat will also have copies of their books for sale & signing. Pat has reminded me that you can bring your books from home to be signed also.
As an added bonus, Connie Goldman has prepared a slide show of members to be shown during the cocktail hour (6:00 to 7:00 PM).
See you there
Frank
Frank Windfelder
fwindfelder at yahoo.com
vzet468f at verizon.net
windfelder at hotmail.com
(215)673-0240 (home)
(215)673-2034 (fax)
(267)251-1141 (cell)
From afilemyr at comcast.net Tue Nov 11 13:11:53 2008
From: afilemyr at comcast.net (Bert Filemyr)
Date: Tue, 11 Nov 2008 16:11:53 -0500
Subject: [DVOC] Rare Bird Alert - Cave Swallow, Philadelphia PA
Message-ID:
At 11:40 today Frank Windfelder found three Cave Swallows at the NE Sewage
Treatment Plant which is at Lewis St. and N. Delaware Ave. in front of the
Tioga Marine terminal just south of the Betsy Ross Bridge.
The Northeast Water Pollution Control Plant is not directly across from the
Tioga Marine Terminal (which is well signed on I-95), but it is north by
about 500 + yds. It is across from what looks to be an electric facility.
The NE WPCP is not signed on Del. Ave. which is
it's backside. Look for a dull red brick building set back from the road,
with woods on both sides and a high chain link fence.
It is the closest building to Lewis St.
Two Caves were seen at 1:30 among about 30 swallows and again at 2:40 (Barb
and Frank Haas). People should park on the east
side of the street to allow the birds to roost on the electric wire if they
decide to.
Since swallows migrate during the day, there's at least a chance the birds
will be there in the early AM on Wed.?
Further updates and additional information at
http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/PENN.html
<< Bert Filemyr >>
----------------------------------------------------------
www.DVOC.org
----------------------------------------------------------
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From afilemyr at comcast.net Sun Nov 16 10:38:28 2008
From: afilemyr at comcast.net (Bert Filemyr)
Date: Sun, 16 Nov 2008 13:38:28 -0500
Subject: [DVOC] Weekly Digest - Number 08-47 - 11/16/08
Message-ID:
The Delaware Valley Ornithological Club (DVOC) Weekly Digest
DVOC Annual Banquet - This Thursday November 20th
6 pm cash bar (munchies included!)
7 pm dinner
Directions to the banquet are on the website
New this year - Door Prize: A $25.00 Nikon Pro Staff Gift Certificate, plus
a surprise package!
Contact Banquet Chairs Bernice and Joe Koplin for any last minute questions
or problems.
DVOC Hats will be available for purchase at the banquet - $17
Release of a New Book by Club Members
Club members Jeff Holt and Bert Filemyr are pleased to announce the
publication of their book - The Composite Prints of Audubon's Birds of
America. This book is the direct result of the March 2007 DVOC Field Trip to
Mill Grove, Audubon PA.
In 1838, as John James Audubon's monumental creation, Birds of America, was
nearing completion, he requested that his engraver, Robert Havell, produce
13 extra, unique prints. Havell was instructed to combine images from two
separate plates into a single print, commonly known as a "Composite Plate".
Only two full sets, along with a handful of individual prints, of these rare
prints exist today and are rarely if ever seen by the public.
In this book Jeff and Bert, for the first time anywhere, provide an analysis
as to how and why these plates were made, while providing illustrations
depicting all 13 of the Composite Plates.
Further information on this significant addition to the literature on John
James Audubon is available at
http://www.thefilemyrs.com/AudubonComposites/index.htm
This book, produced in conjunction with the DVOC, is available at
www.Amazon.com. Search for "Audubon Composites".
In the November of 2009, Jeff and Bert will be presenting a program about
this topic at a club meeting.
Upcoming Field Trips
November 22 (Saturday) - Brigantine (Forsythe) NWR, NJ
Forsythe NWR November is the time of year for waterfowl, but sparrows won't
be overlooked and last year on this trip we had a Cave Swallow which is rare
for this location. This trip is geared towards beginning birders - both
adult and young. The birds we will see this time of year are great to start
out with as they are easily visible, large, and they usually stay put for
excellent observations. Sandra Keller will also guide participants on
starting flight id. Again, the species this time of year make for an
excellent study.
The trip will be mostly driving as we circle the dikes probably 2 times, but
we may walk a trail for a short distance. Bring lunch or buy at one of the
many stores and/or restaurants along Rt. 9. Bring binoculars, scopes, field
guides, cold weather clothing - layers work best - and plenty of food and
drink.
Sandra will have many field guides and a scope for general use.
Meet in the parking lot by the restrooms at 11:30AM. We will probably go
until 4:30 or 5:00PM depending on whether Short-eared Owls are being seen.
Sandra may have to change the start time on this trip, so be sure and check
the web site a few days before. Inclement weather cancels, but Sandra may
switch to Sunday. Again, keep an eye on the web site. Directions to Forsythe
NWR are simple and are posted on many web sites and written up in many
books.
Bill Boyles "Guide to Bird Finding in New Jersey" has a good set of
directions.
Googlemaps and Mapquest are also excellent alternatives for driving
directions.
If any specific questions about the trip, please contact Sandra at
(856)383-2756.
Brigantine (Forsythe) NWR is marked on the Atlantic County Birding Page on
the club website.
Leader: Sandra Keller
November 28 (Friday) Hawk Migration at Raccoon Ridge, NJ
New in 2008
Do you find yourself with nothing to do on the day after Thanksgiving? Want
to get out and burn off some of that turkey? Or pumpkin pie? Come join us at
Raccoon Ridge for a day of hawk watching. This late in the season usually
bring in Golden Eagles, Goshawks and other late migrants. We will meet at
the Blairstown Diner in Blairstown, NJ at 8:30 AM and proceed to the AMC's
Mohigan Lodge and hike along the Appalachian Trail for about two miles to
Raccoon Ridge. It will be COLD! Dress warmly with many layers. Bring lunch
and a pad to sit on. Meeting time is 8:30 AM. If you are going to attend,
please let Bob know in advance by email. He will try to arrange car pools.
Leader: Bob Horton
The Blairstown Diner is marked on the Warren County Birding Page on the club
website.
2009 DVOC Membership Directory
It is time to start preparing the 2009 directory and that means it is time
for members to ensure that their contact information is correct. An update
packet will be circulated at the next couple of meetings for attendees to
check their information. If you are unable to attend and your contact
information has changed in the past year, please send the changes to
treasurer at dvoc.org. The contact information in the directory includes name,
address, e-mail address, home phone, work/daytime phone, and cell phone.
Looking For An End Of the Year Tax Deduction?
Contributions to the DVOC Conservation Fund are tax deductable. Any
contributions received by the club before 12/31 will be passed on to Scott
Wiesenthal's Saw-whet Owl Banding and Research Project, our major 2008
recipient. Make your check payable to DVOC and send it to Bert Filemyr, DVOC
Treasurer, 1314 Lenore Road, Meadowbrook, PA 19046
December 18th Meeting - Photo Contest
Deadline for submissions is December 10th!
Format: Digital only
Well, fall is here and many of you have taken some great trips and shot some
wonderful photos. 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 (one year, former President Bob Sehl was shown
riding a camel).
Entries must be submitted in advance to Frank Windfelder. You can submit a
MAXIMUM of 5 shots in the categories of Birds and Natural History, but only
three in Scenery and Birders. Prizes will be awarded.
Put your pictures on a CD and either email them, snail mail them, or hand
them to Frank Windfelder at a DVOC meeting.
Recent Website Enhancement
(11/13/08) 2009 Field Trip Schedule
(11/13/08) Saw-whet Owl Banding Article
(11/13/08) Larus Volume 22 No. 1 Spring 1996
(11/13/08) Larus Volume 22 No. 2 Fall 1996
(11/13/08) Larus Volume 26 No. 1 Spring 1999
(11/13/08) Delaware Valley RBA
(11/12/08) 2009 Meetings and Programs
(11/10/08) 10/16/08 Meeting Minutes
(11/10/08) Jerry Vernick Personal Page
(11/10/08) Sandy Barenbaum Personal Page
Items Available for Purchase at DVOC Meetings
DVOC Hats - $17 each
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)
____________________________________________________________________________
________________________
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
It is also available at 215 240 7547
Report your sightings to 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
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/dvoc
Information on the Club and Club activities are at
www.dvoc.org
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Questions or comments about this weekly digest should be directed to
webmaster at dvoc.org
--------------------------------------------------------------------
You are being sent this message because you are subscribed to the DVOC
E-mail list. This is a moderated list used for posting information about the
Club, conservation issues in the Delaware Valley area, and alerts of
exceptional bird sightings.
You can manage your subscription at
http://dvoc.com/mailman/listinfo/dvoc_dvoc.com
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From fwindfelder at yahoo.com Fri Nov 21 03:33:25 2008
From: fwindfelder at yahoo.com (Frank Windfelder)
Date: Fri, 21 Nov 2008 03:33:25 -0800 (PST)
Subject: [DVOC] deadline for entering the DVOC Slide Contest is 12/10
Message-ID: <846984.6821.qm@web84004.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
DVOC MEMBERS:
As you know , the DVOC slide contest is December 18th. In order to get this together, we need to have all your entries in our possession by December 10th.
Format: Digital only
Prizes will be awarded in four categories: Birds, Natural History (non-avian fauna and flora), Scenery, and Birders (one year, former President Bob Sehl was shown riding a camel). By the way, the prizes are Nikon gift certificates
Entries must be submitted in advance to Frank Windfelder by December 10th. You can submit a MAXIMUM of 5 shots in the categories of Birds and Natural History, but only three in Scenery and Birders. Prizes will be awarded.
Put these on a CD and either email them, snail mail them, or hand them to Frank at a DVOC meeting. Important: Please provide the names of each picture's contents and where it was taken
Thanks - it should be great fun!
Frank
Frank Windfelder
fwindfelder at yahoo.com
vzet468f at verizon.net
windfelder at hotmail.com
(215)673-0240 (home)
(215)673-2034 (fax)
(267)251-1141 (cell)
From afilemyr at comcast.net Sun Nov 23 06:06:32 2008
From: afilemyr at comcast.net (Bert Filemyr)
Date: Sun, 23 Nov 2008 09:06:32 -0500
Subject: [DVOC] Rare Bird Alert - Black-bellied Whistling Duck - Delaware
Message-ID:
A Black-bellied Whistling Duck is being seen (8:50am) at Silber Lake in
Rehoboth Delaware.
Further updates at http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/DEBD.html
<< Bert Filemyr >>
Treasurer
Webmaster
----------------------------------------------------------
www.DVOC.org
----------------------------------------------------------
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From afilemyr at comcast.net Sun Nov 23 06:33:35 2008
From: afilemyr at comcast.net (Bert Filemyr)
Date: Sun, 23 Nov 2008 09:33:35 -0500
Subject: [DVOC] Rare Bird Alert -Black-bellied Whistling Duck - Correction
Message-ID:
A Black-bellied Whistling Duck is being seen (8:50am) at SILVER LAKE in
Rehoboth Delaware.
Further updates at http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/DEBD.html
Silver Lake is marked on the DVOC Sussex County Birding Page
http://www.dvoc.org/DelValBirding/Counties/DESussexCounty.htm
<< Bert Filemyr >>
Treasurer
Webmaster
----------------------------------------------------------
www.DVOC.org
----------------------------------------------------------
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From afilemyr at comcast.net Sun Nov 23 13:00:57 2008
From: afilemyr at comcast.net (Bert Filemyr)
Date: Sun, 23 Nov 2008 16:00:57 -0500
Subject: [DVOC] Weekly Digest - Number 08-48 - 11/23/08
Message-ID:
The Delaware Valley Ornithological Club (DVOC) Weekly Digest
December 18th Meeting - Photo Contest
Deadline for submissions is December 10th!
Well, fall is here and many of you have taken some great trips and shot some
wonderful photos. 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 (one year, former President Bob Sehl was shown
riding a camel).
Entries must be submitted in advance to Frank Windfelder. You can submit a
MAXIMUM of 5 shots in the categories of Birds and Natural History, but only
three in Scenery and Birders. Prizes will be awarded.
Put your pictures on a CD and either email them, snail mail them, or hand
them to Frank Windfelder at a DVOC meeting.
Format: Digital only
Please name the contents of the photo and give the place where it was taken.
DVOC Annual Banquet
96 members and guests enjoy a fun evening at the November 20th annual
banquet. The club extends sincere thanks to Bernice and Joe Koplin for
organizing this gathering.
Congratulations to The Witmer Stone Award winners Pat and Clay Sutton and
The Julian K. Potter Award winner Steve Kacir. The Conservation Award will
be presented at the upcoming meeting.
(Witmer Stone was one of the founders of the DVOC and a leading member for
49 years. An obituary was published in the club's journal - Cassinia. This
past week it was posted on the DVOC website.)
Interesting Link
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/7738798.stm - submitted by Colin Campbell
Release of a New Book by Club Members
Club members Jeff Holt and Bert Filemyr are pleased to announce the
publication of their book - The Composite Prints of Audubon's Birds of
America. This book is the direct result of the March 2007 DVOC Field Trip to
Mill Grove, Audubon PA.
In 1838, as John James Audubon's monumental creation, Birds of America, was
nearing completion, he requested that his engraver, Robert Havell, produce
13 extra, unique prints. Havell was instructed to combine images from two
separate plates into a single print, commonly known as a "Composite Plate".
Only two full sets, along with a handful of individual prints, of these rare
prints exist today and are rarely if ever seen by the public.
In this book Jeff and Bert, for the first time anywhere, provide an analysis
as to how and why these plates were made, while providing illustrations
depicting all 13 of the Composite Plates.
Further information on this significant addition to the literature on John
James Audubon is available at
http://www.thefilemyrs.com/AudubonComposites/index.htm
This book, produced in conjunction with the DVOC, is available at
www.Amazon.com. Search for "Audubon Composites".
In the November of 2009, Jeff and Bert will be presenting a program about
this topic at a club meeting.
The book is available for $12.99 on Amazon.com. Bert and Jeff will attempt
to bring copies to meetings. These copies will be available for $12.
Upcoming Field Trips
November 28 (Friday) Hawk Migration at Raccoon Ridge, NJ
New in 2008
Do you find yourself with nothing to do on the day after Thanksgiving? Want
to get out and burn off some of that turkey? Or pumpkin pie? Come join us at
Raccoon Ridge for a day of hawk watching. This late in the season usually
bring in Golden Eagles, Goshawks and other late migrants. We will meet at
the Blairstown Diner in Blairstown, NJ at 8:30 AM and proceed to the AMC's
Mohigan Lodge and hike along the Appalachian Trail for about two miles to
Raccoon Ridge. It will be COLD! Dress warmly with many layers. Bring lunch
and a pad to sit on. Meeting time is 8:30 AM. If you are going to attend,
please let Bob know in advance by email. He will try to arrange car pools.
Leader: Bob Horton
The Blairstown Diner is marked on the Warren County Birding Page on the club
website.
Upcoming Meeting
Thursday December 4th 7:30 pm at the Academy of Natural Sciences
Program - Scott Weidensaul, "Of a Feather"
>From the moment Europeans arrived in North America, they were awestruck by a
continent awash with birds - great flocks of wild pigeons, woodlands alive
with brilliantly colored songbirds. Join naturalist and author Scott
Weidensaul as he traces the unpredictable history of bird study in America,
from frontier ornithologists (one of whom barely escaped pursuing Apaches
with a precious hawk egg hidden in his mouth) to society matrons who
organized the first effective conservation movement; from luminaries like
Alexander Wilson (a convicted blackmailer) and Audubon (an accomplished
liar) to modern geniuses like Roger Tory Peterson.
2009 DVOC Membership Directory
It is time to start preparing the 2009 directory and that means it is time
for members to ensure that their contact information is correct. An update
packet will be circulated at the next couple of meetings for attendees to
check their information. If you are unable to attend and your contact
information has changed in the past year, please send the changes to
treasurer at dvoc.org. The contact information in the directory includes name,
address, e-mail address, home phone, work/daytime phone, and cell phone.
Submit all changes by Friday December 19
Recent Website Enhancement
(11/21/08) 2008 Banquet Report
(11/21/08) Delaware Valley RBA
(11/20/08) Bill Creekmore Personal Page (new member)
(11/19/08) Witmer Stone's Obituary
Items Available for Purchase at DVOC Meetings
DVOC Hats - $17 each
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)
____________________________________________________________________________
________________________
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
It is also available at 215 240 7547
Report your sightings to 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
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/dvoc
Information on the Club and Club activities are at
www.dvoc.org
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Questions or comments about this weekly digest should be directed to
webmaster at dvoc.org
--------------------------------------------------------------------
You are being sent this message because you are subscribed to the DVOC
E-mail list. This is a moderated list used for posting information about the
Club, conservation issues in the Delaware Valley area, and alerts of
exceptional bird sightings.
You can manage your subscription at
http://dvoc.com/mailman/listinfo/dvoc_dvoc.com
-------------- next part --------------
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From paul at paulagics.com Tue Nov 25 08:31:32 2008
From: paul at paulagics.com (Paul A. Guris)
Date: Tue, 25 Nov 2008 11:31:32 -0500
Subject: [DVOC] RFI Nighthawks in Philadelphia
Message-ID: <20081125113132.oh2nu7t1woggsw4g@nebula.lunarpages.com>
I have attached a request from a graduate student in Philadelphia who
is doing work on nesting Common Nighthawks in the city. If any of you
can help him with information of recent or historic nesting sites,
please reply to him directly. His name is Michael Coll and his e-mail
address is:
mcoll23 at yahoo.com
-PAG
Paul A. Guris
President, Delaware Valley Ornithological Club
paul at paulagics.com
----- Forwarded message from mcoll23 at yahoo.com -----
Date: Tue, 25 Nov 2008 08:18:51 -0800 (PST)
From: mike coll
Reply-To: mcoll23 at yahoo.com
Subject: Nighthawks in Philadelphia
Hello,
?
I apologize in advance?for this massive and impersonal group email, I
do not know many of you, but I believe we have some common interests.?
I am a grad student at U Penn and as the final project before the
completion of my degree I have chosen to write a management plan aimed
at restoring and protecting Common Nighthawk and Chimney Swift
populations in urban Philadelphia.? Both of these species have shown
declines (more dramatic for the nighthawk) particularly in the urban
habitats that have helped to sustain these species in regions where
the majority of their natural habitat has been degraded or destroyed.
The plan that I am working on will most likely involve the
construction of gravel nest patches for Nighthawks and chimney boxes
for Swifts, as both gravel roofs and accessible chimneys have become
more scarce and both species have less available habitat as a result.
Among the questions that I have not yet answered about this project
are where the best locations for nest patches or swift boxes would
be.? It seems logical to start in areas where these species are
already living and expand from there.? So where are they living?
I have looked at the most recent BBC and there was only one confirmed
nesting Common Nighthawk in all of Philadelphia.? I am sure there are
more than this (I myself am fairly sure that a pair was nesting in
south philly near 7th and reed st.) but confirming the nest locations
of Nighthawks has some inherent difficulties.
So, I have sent this email to all of you in the hopes that this
skattershot approach can turn up some anecdotal data about where
Nighthawks are currently?breeding?or where they have nested in the
past.? If you?have seen Nighthawks in Philadelphia or surrounding
areas like Manayunk please let me know where and when you have seen
them.
Thanks for taking the time to help me, the Common Nighthawk is always
a bird that?I enjoy seeing and hearing during the summer and perhaps
we can help it to continue to cohabitate?with us in the urban
landscape that we have created.
If anyone has other thoughts about this or knows someone who might,?I
would also be?glad to hear those?comments.? There is very little
being?done with this bird?outside of Project Nighthawk in New
Hampshire and I would be grateful for any input.
Michael?Coll
University of Pennsylvania,
Masters of Environmental Studies
Land Steward
Pennypack Ecological?Restoration Trust
267.625.1725
?
----- End forwarded message -----
-------------- next part --------------
Hello,
?
I apologize in advance?for this massive and impersonal group email, I do not know many of you, but I believe we have some common interests.?
I am a grad student at U Penn and as the final project before the completion of my degree I have chosen to write a management plan aimed at restoring and protecting Common Nighthawk and Chimney Swift populations in urban Philadelphia.? Both of these species have shown declines (more dramatic for the nighthawk) particularly in the urban habitats that have helped to sustain these species in regions where the majority of their natural habitat has been degraded or destroyed.
The plan that I am working on will most likely involve the construction of gravel nest patches for Nighthawks and chimney boxes for Swifts, as both gravel roofs and accessible chimneys have become more scarce and both species have less available habitat as a result.
Among the questions that I have not yet answered about this project are where the best locations for nest patches or swift boxes would be.? It seems logical to start in areas where these species are already living and expand from there.? So where are they living?
I have looked at the most recent BBC and there was only one confirmed nesting Common Nighthawk in all of Philadelphia.? I am sure there are more than this (I myself am fairly sure that a pair was nesting in south philly near 7th and reed st.) but confirming the nest locations of Nighthawks has some inherent difficulties.
So, I have sent this email to all of you in the hopes that this skattershot approach can turn up some anecdotal data about where Nighthawks are currently?breeding?or where they have nested in the past.? If you?have seen Nighthawks in Philadelphia or surrounding areas like Manayunk please let me know where and when you have seen them.
Thanks for taking the time to help me, the Common Nighthawk is always a bird that?I enjoy seeing and hearing during the summer and perhaps we can help it to continue to cohabitate?with us in the urban landscape that we have created.
If anyone has other thoughts about this or knows someone who might,?I would also be?glad to hear those?comments.? There is very little being?done with this bird?outside of Project Nighthawk in New Hampshire and I would be grateful for any input.
Michael?Coll
University of Pennsylvania,
Masters of Environmental Studies
Land Steward
Pennypack Ecological?Restoration Trust
267.625.1725
?
-------------- next part --------------
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From afilemyr at comcast.net Sun Nov 30 12:04:16 2008
From: afilemyr at comcast.net (Bert Filemyr)
Date: Sun, 30 Nov 2008 15:04:16 -0500
Subject: [DVOC] Weekly Digest - Number 08-49 - 11/30/08
Message-ID:
The Delaware Valley Ornithological Club (DVOC) Weekly Digest
Upcoming Meeting
This Thursday December 4th 7:30 pm at the Academy of Natural Sciences
Program - Scott Weidensaul, "Of a Feather"
>From the moment Europeans arrived in North America, they were awestruck by a
continent awash with birds - great flocks of wild pigeons, woodlands alive
with brilliantly colored songbirds. Join naturalist and author Scott
Weidensaul as he traces the unpredictable history of bird study in America,
from frontier ornithologists (one of whom barely escaped pursuing Apaches
with a precious hawk egg hidden in his mouth) to society matrons who
organized the first effective conservation movement; from luminaries like
Alexander Wilson (a convicted blackmailer) and Audubon (an accomplished
liar) to modern geniuses like Roger Tory Peterson.
Also at the meeting - Presentation of the 2008 DVOC Conservation Award
December 18th Meeting - Photo Contest
Deadline for submissions is December 10th!
Well, fall is here and many of you have taken some great trips and shot some
wonderful photos. 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 (one year, former President Bob Sehl was shown
riding a camel).
Entries must be submitted in advance to Frank Windfelder. You can submit a
MAXIMUM of 5 shots in the categories of Birds and Natural History, but only
three in Scenery and Birders. Prizes will be awarded.
Put your pictures on a CD and either email them, snail mail them, or hand
them to Frank Windfelder at a DVOC meeting.
Format: Digital only
Please name the contents of the photo and give the place where it was taken.
Release of a New Book by Club Members
Club members Jeff Holt and Bert Filemyr are pleased to announce the
publication of their book - The Composite Prints of Audubon's Birds of
America. This book is the direct result of the March 2007 DVOC Field Trip to
Mill Grove, Audubon PA.
This book, produced in conjunction with the DVOC, is available at
www.Amazon.com. Search for "Audubon Composites".
Bert and Jeff will have a few copies available at this week's meeting for
$12 each.
An article about this book recently appeared in the Gloucester County Times
-
http://blog.nj.com/southjerseylife/2008/11/resident_coauthors_first_book.htm
l
Christmas Count Season is Rapidly Approaching
The Christmas Bird Count schedule is now posted on the DVOC website, and
volunteers are needed in many areas. Contact the compiler to join one of
the many counts in the Delaware Valley region.
http://www.dvoc.org/DelValBirding/CountsCensuses/index.htm
Request for Help
The DVOC is pleased to pass this on.
I am a grad student at U Penn and as the final project before
the completion of my degree I have chosen to write a management plan aimed
at restoring and protecting Common Nighthawk and Chimney Swift populations
in urban Philadelphia. Both of these species have shown declines (more
dramatic for the nighthawk) particularly in the urban habitats that have
helped to sustain these species in regions where the majority of their
natural habitat has been degraded or destroyed.
The plan that I am working on will most likely involve the
construction of gravel nest patches for Nighthawks and chimney boxes for
Swifts, as both gravel roofs and accessible chimneys have become more scarce
and both species have less available habitat as a result.
Among the questions that I have not yet answered about this
project are where the best locations for nest patches or swift boxes would
be. It seems logical to start in areas where these species are already
living and expand from there. So where are they living?
I have looked at the most recent BBC and there was only one
confirmed nesting Common Nighthawk in all of Philadelphia. I am sure there
are more than this (I myself am fairly sure that a pair was nesting in south
philly near 7th and reed st.) but confirming the nest locations of
Nighthawks has some inherent difficulties.
So, I have sent this email to all of you in the hopes that this
skattershot approach can turn up some anecdotal data about where Nighthawks
are currently breeding or where they have nested in the past. If you have
seen Nighthawks in Philadelphia or surrounding areas like Manayunk please
let me know where and when you have seen them.
Thanks for taking the time to help me, the Common Nighthawk is
always a bird that I enjoy seeing and hearing during the summer and perhaps
we can help it to continue to cohabitate with us in the urban landscape that
we have created.
If anyone has other thoughts about this or knows someone who
might, I would also be glad to hear those comments. There is very little
being done with this bird outside of Project Nighthawk in New Hampshire and
I would be grateful for any input.
Michael Coll
University of Pennsylvania,
Masters of Environmental Studies
Land Steward
Pennypack Ecological Restoration Trust
267.625.1725
Upcoming Field Trips
January 2 (Friday) - HUDSON SHELF VALLEY CBC PELAGIC
Explore the underwater trench called the Hudson Shelf Valley that extends
from near shore all the way to the Hudson Canyon. Birds of interest seen in
the past include Dovekie, Razorbill, Common Murre, Atlantic Puffin,
Black-legged Kittiwake, Iceland Gull, and Northern Gannet.
The trip sails from Belmar, NJ from 8:00 AM to approx. 4:00 PM
Cost: $115 + $5 CBC Fee (optional)
Leader: Paul Guris
January 10 (Saturday) - PHILADELPHIA MID-WINTER BIRD CENSUS, PENNSYLVANIA
(PMWBC)
Join the 23rd 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.
Contact: Keith Russell
2009 DVOC Membership Directory
The club is preparing the 2009 directory and that means it is time for
members to ensure that their contact information is correct. An update
packet will be circulated at the two December meetings for attendees to
check their information. If you are unable to attend and your contact
information has changed in the past year, please send the changes to
treasurer at dvoc.org. The contact information in the directory includes name,
address, e-mail address, home phone, work/daytime phone, and cell phone.
Submit all changes by Friday December 19
Recent Website Enhancements
(11/26/08) Delaware Valley RBA
(11/24/08) 2008-09 Christmas Counts
Items Available for Purchase at DVOC Meetings
DVOC Hats - $17 each
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)
____________________________________________________________________________
________________________
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
It is also available at 215 240 7547
Report your sightings to 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
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/dvoc
Information on the Club and Club activities are at
www.dvoc.org
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Questions or comments about this weekly digest should be directed to
webmaster at dvoc.org
--------------------------------------------------------------------
You are being sent this message because you are subscribed to the DVOC
E-mail list. This is a moderated list used for posting information about the
Club, conservation issues in the Delaware Valley area, and alerts of
exceptional bird sightings.
You can manage your subscription at
http://dvoc.com/mailman/listinfo/dvoc_dvoc.com
-------------- next part --------------
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