February 2013

THE SISKIN
Newsletter of the Northern Virginia Bird Club
Vol. 58, No. 1
February 2013
Inside
Calendar of field trips and events for February 6-May 11, 2013
Join the Great Backyard Bird Count, February 15-18
VSO Annual Meeting upcoming in Loudoun County
Report and photos from NVBC’s 2012 fall Cape May Weekend

YOUTH BIRDING SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY
The Northern Virginia Bird Club Board has voted to offer financial support to a youth under 18 years of age to attend a VSO activity, a birding camp, or a similar activity. We are seeking applicants for a scholarship of up to $500. Applicants are expected to submit information on the activity they intend to join and a letter of application to the Board expressing why they would value this opportunity.
Deadline for application is April 1. For questions, call Joanna Taylor at 703-243-5989, or another board member on the Club Contacts list. Club members, please spread the word and help a young birder learn about this scholarship!
— Jean Tatalias

NVBC GENERAL MEETING—WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 8 PM
Birding in the Land of the Tiger
Speaker Larry Meade
Join us for our February meeting as Larry Meade shares his experiences birding in India. Known for its incredible biodiversity, India is home to over 1,200 species of birds, ranging from the colorful Indian Roller to the majestic Great Hornbill. Larry’s presentation will feature his photographs and stories from his recent trip, with a focus on the unique avian life and the efforts to conserve the habitat of the Bengal Tiger.
Larry Meade is the President of the Northern Virginia Bird Club and a passionate nature photographer. He has traveled extensively to document birds and wildlife in their natural habitats.
Early bird refreshments start at 7:30 PM. Any contributions of food or beverage will be most gratefully received. There will be a drawing for door prizes. Northern Virginia Bird Club pins will be available for members who would like to buy them ($5 each).

MEETING PLACE: Church of the Covenant, 2666 Military Road, Arlington, 22207.

Presidential Peentings
One of the highlights of my winter has been the incredible variety of waterfowl visiting our local waterways. From the elegant Northern Pintails to the energetic Buffleheads, there is always something interesting to see. I encourage everyone to participate in the upcoming Great Backyard Bird Count. It’s a wonderful way to contribute to citizen science while enjoying the birds in your own neighborhood.
As we look forward to the spring migration, the club has a full schedule of walks and trips. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned birder, there is something for everyone. I look forward to seeing you on the trails!
— Larry Meade

GREAT BACKYARD BIRD COUNT—FEBRUARY 15-18
The 16th annual Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) will be held Friday, February 15, through Monday, February 18. This free, fun, and easy event is open to bird watchers of all ages and skill levels. Participants count birds for as little as 15 minutes (or as long as they wish) on one or more days of the four-day period and report their sightings online.
The GBBC is a joint project of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society, with partner Bird Studies Canada. The data collected helps scientists understand bird populations and how they are affected by environmental changes. Last year, participants from 162 countries submitted more than 134,000 checklists!

VSO ANNUAL MEETING IN LOUDOUN COUNTY
The Virginia Society of Ornithology (VSO) will hold its 2013 annual meeting in Leesburg, Loudoun County, on April 26-28. The meeting will be hosted by the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy. This is a great opportunity to meet birders from across the state and explore some of Northern Virginia’s best birding locations.
Field trips are planned to several local hotspots, including Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve, the Blue Ridge Center for Environmental Stewardship, and the Dulles Wetlands. The Saturday night banquet will feature a keynote speaker and the presentation of VSO awards. For more information and to register, visit the VSO website.

REPORT ON CAPE MAY FALL WEEKEND 2012
Our third annual Cape May trip took place on October 12-14, 2012. Twenty members participated in the weekend, which was led by Gerco Hoogeweg. Cape May is legendary for its fall migration, and this year did not disappoint.
Highlights included thousands of Tree Swallows swarming over the marshes, a constant stream of Sharp-shinned and Cooper’s Hawks at the hawk watch platform, and a variety of warblers at Higbee Beach. One of the standout sightings was a Parasitic Jaeger seen from the Cape May-Lewes Ferry on Sunday afternoon. We also had great looks at a Clay-colored Sparrow and several Saltmarsh Sparrows. In total, the group tallied 112 species for the weekend.

Club Announcements
NVBC eMail Exchange: To receive email notices about upcoming trips and club news, join the NVBC eMail Exchange. Send an email to nvabc@verizon.net with “EXCHANGE” in the subject line.
Membership Renewals: If you haven’t already, please pay your 2013 dues. Check your mailing label for your current status.
Next Board Meeting: Wednesday, March 6, 7:30 PM at Diane Marton’s home. All club members are welcome at board meetings.
CLUB CONTACTS
President: Larry Meade, 703-206-9030
Vice President, Programs: Joanna Taylor, 703-243-5989
Vice President, Field Activities: Steve Williams, 703-619-0381
Secretary: Diane Marton, 703-527-7360
Treasurer: Jean Tatalias, 703-281-6099
Immediate Past President: Paul Mocko, 703-243-4987
Directors: Steve Bruck, 703-425-8584; Catherine Kubo, 703-352-1238; Elton Morel, 703-553-4860