May 2013

THE SISKIN
Newsletter of the Northern Virginia Bird Club
Vol. 58, No. 2
May 2013
Inside
Remembering Val Kitchens
Calendar of NVBC field trips and events for May 1–June 18, 2013
Upcoming weekend trips to Chincoteague and Highland County—make your reservations soon!
Birds of Paradise—exhibit now at the National Geographic Museum
NVBC budget for FY2014
Reports and photos from 2013 winter trips to Chincoteague and Highland County

NVBC MEETING—WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17, 8 PM
Polar Wildlife: Svalbard, Churchill, and Antarctica
Speaker: Fred Atwood
Fred Atwood’s program will include awe-inspiring scenery of the vast polar wilderness, its beautiful art forms in the ice, and the rugged wildlife that lives in these extreme places. Polar bears, penguins, leopard seals, whales, alcids, and jaegers are just a few of the denizens of these frigid habitats that he will feature.
Fred Atwood has taught high school biology and field natural history/ornithology in Northern Virginia since 1978. He is also an avid nature photographer and has been leading high school students on ecology and community service trips to remote areas of Latin America and Africa for over 20 years.
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.

Remembering Val Kitchens
The birding community lost a dear friend and dedicated leader with the passing of Val Kitchens this past March. Val was a long-time member of the Northern Virginia Bird Club and served in many capacities, including as President and most recently as the editor of The Siskin. Her passion for birds and her commitment to the club were evident in everything she did.
Val was instrumental in organizing numerous field trips and was a mentor to many beginning birders. Her knowledge of local birding spots and her ability to identify birds by ear were legendary. Beyond her birding skills, Val was known for her kindness, her sense of humor, and her willingness to help others. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. The club is considering several ways to honor her memory, and more information will be shared in future issues.

UPCOMING WEEKEND TRIPS
Spring Chincoteague Weekend
The Northern Virginia Bird Club’s Chincoteague Spring Weekend trip is scheduled for May 17-19 (Friday–Sunday). Mid-May is an excellent time to visit the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge (NWR); spring shorebird migration is in full swing with most birds in breeding plumage. Last year’s trip tallied 118 species.
Plans for the weekend include birding the Chincoteague NWR on Friday afternoon starting at 3:15 PM (optional) and on Saturday starting at 7:30 AM. Activities on Saturday morning include birding along Beach Road, Swan Cove, and Tom’s Cove and a walk along the Woodland Trail. We have reserved the Chincoteague Natural History Association’s bus for a trip to the Washflats on Saturday afternoon. Time and tides permitting, we will also visit the Queen Sound Flats and the Chincoteague City mudflats. On Sunday morning, we will visit Saxis Marsh. The trip concludes at noon on Sunday.

NVBC membership is required for this trip. To sign up, call or email Elton Morel (703-553-4860 or eltonlmorel@verizon.net). The trip is limited to 28 people. When signing up, please indicate whether you are interested in the Washflats bus trip (fee) and a Saturday evening group dinner.

Highland County Weekend
Our summer trip to Highland County, led by Marv Rubin, is scheduled for the weekend of June 7-9 (Friday–Sunday). The trip limit is 16 people. We will stay at the Highland Inn in Monterey. We will start the trip at 3:15 PM on Friday with a drive around the Blue Grass Valley. On Saturday morning, we will go to Paddy’s Knob to look for Mourning Warblers and Least Flycatchers. On Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning, we will bird other areas of the county. Call or email Marv Rubin (703-915-7545 or mbrubin@verizon.net) to sign up. NVBC membership is required.

Birds of Paradise Exhibit
The National Geographic Museum in Washington, D.C., is currently hosting a spectacular exhibit titled “Birds of Paradise: Amazing Avian Adaptations.” This exhibit features the work of photographer Tim Laman and ornithologist Edwin Scholes, who spent eight years documenting all 39 species of Birds of Paradise in the remote rainforests of New Guinea.
The exhibit includes stunning photographs, video footage of elaborate courtship displays, and interactive stations that explain the science behind these unique birds. It is a rare opportunity to see the beauty and diversity of one of the world’s most extraordinary bird families. The exhibit runs through the summer.

Winter Trip Reports
Chincoteague Winter Weekend
Twenty-three club members visited Chincoteague NWR on February 8-10. We had a very productive weekend, tallying 105 species. Highlights included a Eurasian Wigeon found at the Wildlife Loop and a large flock of American Avocets at Swan Cove. On Sunday, the group visited the CBBT islands and found all three scoter species and a female Common Eider.
Highland County Winter Weekend
Our February 22-24 trip to Highland County was enjoyed by 16 members. Despite some snowy weather, we found several Golden Eagles and Rough-legged Hawks. We also saw many Horned Larks and a few American Tree Sparrows. The group enjoyed the historic atmosphere and hospitality of the Highland Inn.

NVBC Budget for FY2014
The Board of Directors has approved the budget for the 2014 fiscal year (July 1, 2013 – June 30, 2014). The budget reflects the club’s ongoing commitment to providing high-quality programs and field trips while maintaining fiscal responsibility. The primary expenses remain the publication and mailing of The Siskin and fees for guest speakers. The primary source of income is membership dues. A full copy of the budget is available to members upon request to the Treasurer.

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.
Mailing Crew: Many thanks to the volunteers who help with the folding and mailing of the newsletter.
Next Board Meeting: Wednesday, June 5, 7:30 PM at Diane Marton’s home.
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