gy^aryland Ulowthroat Newsletter of the Maryland Ornithological Society JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2007 VOL. 27, NO. 1 Is There Life after AtlasingP Welcome to I BA Bird Blitz By David Curson President* s Comer A Volunteer Force by Marcia Balestri The other day I was chatting with a friend about the state of the world, and she made the comment that people just don't volunteer for things anymore. At the time, I agreed. We discussed the possi- ble reasons and bemoaned the fact that all the folks who used to volunteer were too burnt out or had moved away. I postu- lated that younger folks are too busy with their own lives and had not replaced the "older generation" of volunteers. I got to thinking about it when I got home, so I looked up the statistics, just to see if we were right. To my surprise, we were way off base! According to the latest study, slightly more than 65 million people volunteered in the US during 2005. From 2002 to 2005, the number of volunteers increased by about 5.6 million persons. In 2005, persons 35 to 44 years old were the most likely age group to volunteer (34.5%). Having said that, although the number of volunteers has increased each year, the volunteering rate, after increasing from 2002 to 2003, has remained at a constant rate of 28.8% from 2003 to 2005. Still, it hasn't decreased as we had thought. Interestingly, from 2003 to 2005 Maryland ranked 25 th in the nation, with a volunteering rate of 30.3%, but we tied for 3 rd in volunteering intensity, with the 3 rd highest median hours (60 hours annu- ally). Volunteers in Maryland, reflecting (President’s Corner continues on page 2) Inside This Issue: President’s Corner 1 IBA Bird Blitz 1 Atlas: Maryland’s Top 50 3 Conservation Connection 4 Birds of Note 4 DNR Reports: Peregrine Falcons ... .5 MOS Board Minutes 6 The Birder’s Vest 8 Chapter Chatter 9 MOS Calendar 10 New Appointments 15 Remembering Jay Smith 15 Conference 2007 15 Book Review: NGS Guide, 5th Ed. . .16 Last Call 16 N ow that fieldwork for the Maryland-DC Breeding Bird Atlas project has come to a close, many birders who became hooked on atlasing must be wondering how they might achieve ornithological fulfill- ment come spring. A new kind of bird count, “Bird Blitz,” may hold the answer. Bird Blitz combines a good morning’s birding with the fun of putting birds on the map (literally) and helping bird conservation. The purpose of Bird Blitz is to provide population data on at-risk bird species in order to identify those places that are most critical to protect and manage for these vulnerable birds — Important Bird Areas (IBA). (See the Yellowthroat , March-April 2006.) It is surprising how little we know about population levels of even the highest priority at-risk birds at a given site. Breeding bird atlas results simply tell us whether a species is present or absent, and local birders often stop searching for a species after they have seen their first for the day, or year, depending on their listing time frame. It is breeding-season estimates of songbird population that are most lacking from the data available for IBA candidates, so Bird Blitz focuses on these. The Bird Blitz is designed to provide a minimum estimate of a species population at a site, based on a single visit. This is hardly rocket science, but it works because we identify Important Bird Areas by determining that the actual population of a particular species is greater than a threshold number given in the IBA criteria for site selection. “Blitzing” involves walking a route through habitats where specific at-risk species are likely to be found, and mapping the locations of individ- ual birds on a large-scale map. The way it works is this: 1. Birders select a site that they know reasonably well and that they believe may qualify as an IBA. 2. Using Table 2 of the IBA criteria, they compile a list of bird species at risk that breed regularly at the site. These are the primary target species. 3. They select a section of the site that can be covered in a morning and plan a route that covers as much as possible of the habitats where the primary target species occur. 4. They walk this route, once, in the morning during the breeding season, tally individuals of primary target species on the Bird Blitz survey form, and plot the locations of all individuals of these species on a large-scale map. They also plot the route walked. The total number of individuals for each primary target species constitutes the minimum population estimate for the area covered. Most of the birds encountered are likely to be singing males, and it can be assumed that that each of these represents a pair. For this assumption to hold true, only breeding birds, and not migrant individuals, should be counted, so a Bird Blitz should be done within Breeding Bird Atlas safe dates for the (IBA Bird Blitz continues on page 2) 2 The Maryland Yellowtbroat President’s Corner (continued, from page 1) I BA BIRD Blitz (continued from page 1) the trend across the US, were most likely to serve primarily through religious organiza- tions (30.9%) or through educational or youth service organizations (30.0%). So, after reading the study, I felt much more optimistic about our openings. I just know you are out there. You are going to call me tomorrow and pledge a little time to serve MOS. You don't have to do it forever, and the time involved is not that great over the course of a year. Think about it, find something you are interested in, and call me in the morning. Or afternoon or evening. I'll be waiting by the phone. In case you have forgotten, the openings are: Research Committee Chair Membership Chair Development Chair Publicity Coordinator Listserve Administrator The Maryland Yellowthroat Newsletter of the Maryland Ornithological Society, Inc. Editor: Lydia Schindler lydiaschindler@verizon .net 301-977-5252 Layout: Suzanne Probst msprobst2@verizon.net 410-992-3489 Calendar Editor: Andy Martin apmartin2@comcast.net 301-294-4805 Chapter Chatter: Jean Wheeler jswheeler44@msn.com Proofreader: Ann Weeks annweeks@erols.com Mailing list: Helen Horrocks hlh_3 7@yahoo .com 301-831-6135 MOS web site: http://www.mdbirds.org Webmaster: Taylor McLean taylormcl@comcast.net Anyone is welcome to contribute articles or ideas that would be of interest to other birders. Copy may be mailed or e-mailed to Lydia Schindler by January 20, 2007 for the March/April 2007 issue. Illustrations pages 1, 8, and 9 © M. Suzanne Probst. Photograph page 4 courtesy of George Jett. target species. Each species total can then be compared directly with the threshold number of breeding pairs listed in Table 2 of the IBA criteria. This method does not yield popula- tion estimates accurate enough for tracking trends over time, but the data are just what are needed for evaluating likely IB As! Several teams of volunteers field- tested the Bird Blitz method in 2006 in the Patapsco River valley west of Baltimore. During late May and June, 23 volunteers participated in 8 differ- ent counts covering almost half of this area. The totals they produced totals for nine at-risk species suggest this forested valley does indeed qualify as an IBA (see table below). At-risk Species Grand Total, Bird Blitz 2006 Threshold Breeding Pairs (Table 2, IBA Criteria) Whip-poor-will 7 10 Willow Flycatcher 5 20 Wood Thrush 77 160 Blue-winged Warbler 6 15 Prairie Warbler 32 30 Cerulean Warbler 5 10 Worm-eating Warbler 12 20 Louisiana Waterthrush 25 20 Kentucky Warbler 2 30 Bird Blitz is an ideal bird survey method for volunteer “citizen scien- tists” because it can be done in groups and it doesn’t require complex training. A regular bird club field trip can be adapted to function as a Bird Blitz. There is no need for distance estimates or timed counts; all it requires is that at least one observer in the team can identify all birds at the site by sight and sound and can read a map well enough to locate their own position and to plot that of a detected bird. Organize Your Own Bird Blitz in 2007 There are still plenty of sites in Maryland-DC that may well qualify as an Important Bird Area but which so far lack the right kind of data to fully evaluate this. We hope to identify all remaining IBAs in the state in 2007. Why not organize a Bird Blitz this spring at a potential IBA near you? It is not necessary (and often not even possible!) to cover an entire site, but if several teams coordinate on a single day, or if one team covers different sections of the site on different days, a significant proportion of a larger site can be “blitzed.” Sites for which Bird Blitz data would be particularly useful include: • Garrett State Forest, Garrett County • Potomac State Forest, Garrett County • Mount Nebo Wildlife Management Area, Garrett County • Dans Mountain Wildlife Management Area, Allegany County • Warrior Mountain Wildlife Management Area, Allegany County • Sideling Hill Wildlife Management Area, Washington County • Indian Springs Wildlife Management Area, Washington County • South Mountain, Washington/ Frederick Counties • Catoctin Mountain, Frederick County • Sugarloaf Mountain/Monocacy Natural Resource Management Area, Frederick County • Little Bennett Regional Park, Montgomery County • McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area/Seneca Creek State Park, Montgomery County • Patuxent Research Refuge, Prince George’s/ Anne Arundel Counties • Mattawoman Natural Environment Area/Myrtle Grove Wildlife Management Area, Charles County • St. Mary’s River State Park, St. Mary’s County • Calvert Cliffs State Park, Calvert County • Gunpowder Falls State Park, Baltimore County • Susquehanna State Park, Harford/Cecil Counties • Elk Neck State Park, Cecil County • Fair Hill Natural Resource Management Area, Cecil County • Millington Wildlife Management Area, Kent County • Idylwild Wildlife Management Area, Caroline County January /February 2007 3 J^^aryland/DC Breeding Bird Atlas Project 2002 through 2006 The Top 50 : Maryland's Most Widespread Nesting Birds by Walter Ellison A s of late November, the data for the Maryland and D.C. 2002-2006 Breeding Bird Atlas are essentially complete; I expect no major changes in the status of species at this point. As such, it is germane to examine some of the changes exhibited by the most common nesting birds over the last two decades. Seven species fell out of the Top 50, some precipitously. Among the seven newcomers, some have risen as meteori- cally as others have fallen. There has also been some shifting around among the residents common to the two lists, reflecting the changing fortunes of habitats across our landscape. Before I go into the details, let me point out that block totals of the published first Maryland and D.C. atlas differ from those of the current project. The greatest difference involves 15 blocks along the Delaware state line; at the time of our first project, these blocks were covered exclusively by the Delaware atlas project under way at that time, despite Maryland territory within their boundaries. These blocks were also excluded from the 1996 atlas book. In 2002- 2006, these blocks were covered by Maryland atlasers, as requested by local county coordinators, and are included in the current project’s block totals. To make the results from the two projects more comparable, I have adjusted 1980s block totals using the data from these 15 blocks. The membership of the Top 20 is similar. The new leader on the list is Northern Cardinal, replacing the Barn Swallow (now #4). Overall, however, shifting in the Top 20 has been minor. Five species fell out of the Top 20 (Gray Catbird, House Sparrow, Red-eyed Vireo, Eastern Towhee, and Northern Flicker), while five moved up (Carolina Wren, American Goldfinch, Chipping Sparrow, Red-bellied Woodpecker, and Turkey Vulture). The Carolina Wren rose the most, from 25 to 6, while the Gray Catbird dropped the most, from 10 to 30. The bottom of the Top 50 is where the most dramatic changes have taken place. The seven species gone from the Top 50 are Northern Bobwhite (1,072 blocks in 1983-87 vs. 584 blocks in 2002-06), Green Heron (946 vs. 916), Rock Pigeon (1,005 vs. 923), White-eyed Vireo (1,053 vs. 976), House Wren (968 vs. 994, an increase, but not enough to stay in the Top 50), Yellow-breasted Chat (1,005 vs. 803), and Eastern Meadowlark (1,052 vs. 800). New to the list are Canada Goose (405 in 1983-87 vs. 1,058 in 2002-06), Mallard (896 vs. 1,015), Great Blue Heron (703 vs. 1,031) (there are also far more colonies this time), Red-tailed Hawk (878 vs. 1,096), Hairy Woodpecker (921 vs. 1,005), Cedar Waxwing (722 vs. 1,042), and House Finch (860 vs. 1,103). Most of the birds showing an increase are those that adapt well to living in close proximity to people (when not persecuted, e.g. Red-tailed Hawk). Most declining species are grassland and shrubland birds that fare poorly in response to loss of habitat and land use change. It is telling to observe that most of the birds that fell out of the Top 50 had declining Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) trends 20 years ago, while the increasing species showed increasing trends. It seems that the BBS is a very useful early-warning tool for predicting breeding range losses and gains. I BA BiRD Blitz (continued from page 2) • Somerset County coastal marshes • Pocomoke State Forest, Worcester County • Maryland Coastal Bays marshes, Worcester County Bird Blitz instructions and survey forms are available by contacting me, David Curson, Director of Bird Conservation, Audubon MD-DC, 2437 Eastern Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21224, or 410-558 2473. IBA criteria and nomination forms are available at Audubon’s website, http://mddc.audubon.org. Site map of Bird Blitz results showing walking route and locations of target species. Map prepared by Keith Costley. 4 The Maryland Yellowtbroat The Conservation Connection by Maureen F. Harvey Hill A Bill] Knot rufa subspecies, which scientists believe could go extinct in as soon as five years. The statement of the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control is available at http://www.dnrec.state.de.us/ dnrec2000/ adm in/press/story 1 .asp?PRID=2295. MD Buys Sensitive Land near Blackwater NWR Remember previous articles about the controversial Blackwater Resort development, which proposed building thousands of homes, a golf course, hotel, and conference center in Dorchester Co? After hearing public testimony that included objections by local farmers and conservation organizations (MOS wrote, too), the MD Critical Areas Commission denied permits for part of the planned devel- opment. In November 2006, MD Dept of Natural Resources announced successful negotiations with the developer to purchase 754 of the 1,080 acres (subject to appraisal and final approval) for up to $10.4 million. The remaining land may be developed into 675 homes, mostly for older adults. DNR Secretary Ronald Franks said that the purchased acreage, now mostly farmland, will be restored to its natural wooded state. It’s hard to imagine a better outcome! Two-Year Reprieve for Red Knots: DE Bans Horseshoe Crab Harvest DE has imposed a two-year ban on the taking of horse- shoe crabs effective December 11, 2006. This ban is intended to benefit not only the horseshoe crabs, but also populations of migratory shorebirds, especially the Red Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act Renewed Just before Congress recessed for electioneering, the Senate unanimously passed the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act of 2006 (NMBCA, H.R. 518) and the Act was signed into law by President George W. Bush on October 17. NMBCA reauthorizes the Act of 2000, which expired last year, and extends federal funding at $6.5 million per year through 2010. This Act was designed specifically for migratory bird species throughout North America, and it provides the only dedicated source of funds for migratory birds on their wintering grounds in Latin America and the Caribbean. According to the American Bird Conservancy, “Partners in 42 U.S. states and 30 Latin American and Caribbean countries have been involved in 186 projects supported by the Act. More than $17.2 million in grants have leveraged some $89.1 million in total partner contri- butions to support activities that bring long-term benefits to neotropical migratory birds. Projects involving land conservation have affected some 3.2 million acres of bird habitat, and species that are benefiting include the Cerulean Warbler, Golden-winged Warbler, Bobolink, Red Knot, and Bicknell’s Thrush.” For information, see http://www.fws.gov/birdhabitat/Grants/NMBCA/index.shtm. Birds of Note — by Les Roslvmd Bird Every Bird! By following this advice, on Oct 29 Matt Hafner and Hans Holbrook spotted an unusual swallow/ martin amongst thousands of Tree Swallows swirling in the sky over Assateague Island in Worcester County. Knowing they had something special, they watched persistently for 45 minutes as the birds moved back and forth between the Visitor Center and the island. They were not able to get any photographs on Oct 29, but the bird was found again on Oct 30 and they managed to take a few distant photos. The bird has yet to be positively identified, but Matt and others have visited the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History to examine the martin specimens. They currently consider the “SNOWY-BELLIED” MARTIN complex as the most likely choice. That includes Caribbean, Cuban, and Sinaloa Martins. Females and immatures of that complex are extremely similar, and the museum did not have enough specimens of Cuban and Sinaloa for comparison with Caribbean. If this was indeed a Caribbean Martin, it would be a first North American record. On Nov 5 a delicate and beautiful little INCA DOVE showed up beneath Derek Richardson’s feeder in Laurel, Prince George’s County. It returned to the same feeder on Nov 6, where it was enjoyed — and photographed — by several birders. This bird is normally found in the Southwest, mainly south- central Texas and southern Arizona. Another rare bird sighting involved a possible CAPE VERDE SHEARWATER seen and photographed in MD waters during Inca Dove taken by George Jett on November 6, 2006. January /February 2007 5 DNR Reports by Glenn Therres: Peregrine Falcons W hen wild animals cause people problems in their houses, offices, or other areas, we call those “nuisance wildlife.” Typical nuisances are squirrels or bats in an attic, snakes in a basement, a songbird in the house, a hawk trapped in a warehouse, or occasionally a deer that has jumped through a storefront window. Some nuisance reports require more than just a phone call. The Chesapeake Bay Bridge has supported a pair of nesting Peregrine Falcons since 1983. Over the years, the male and female have been replaced several times. Four or five years ago, a female raised in New York City took over as the resident nesting female on the western concrete pier of the westbound bridge. This female is extremely aggressive towards anyone near her nest site. She nests in a special box that we had placed on the ledge of the western channel pier many years ago. The box rests below the road surface, on a ledge that is used by bridge maintenance staff to access the catwalk under the road. During the nesting season, this peregrine dive bombs anyone who gets on the ledge or even in the vicinity of the western concrete pier. When a toll facilities truck stops on the bridge at the concrete pier, she instantly starts circling and screaming at the workers; she swoops down and tries to hit them. Banding her young is part of our job, but we routinely get bombed by this female; she swoops down and tries to hit our heads. The male also gets agitated and flies and screams nearby. We’ve learned never to turn our backs to her — and always to wear hard hats. The maintenance crew learned to schedule activities near her nest site at other times of the year to avoid her aggressive behavior. We even had the construction crews that resurfaced most of the westbound bridge avoid the center span during the first two years of the redecking project. However, this year the center portion of the bridge needs to be replaced. Problem is that the peregrine nest is directly under the center span. The female posed a serious safety issue to the construction workers. It’s dangerous enough working at 250-plus feet above the Chesapeake Bay without a female Peregrine Falcon trying to take your head off. After consulting with the US Fish & Wildlife Service, we decided the only option was to temporarily remove the territorial female from the bridge. Our plan was to capture the female and hold her until the redecking project was completed in two years. If the male became overly aggressive, we would remove him as well. In November we scheduled a trip under the bridge to decide how we could catch the falcon. We assumed she would not be very aggressive at that time, since nesting season was still several months away. Boy, were we wrong! As soon as we stopped the vehicles above the concrete pier, she began flying and screaming above us. Maybe we could catch her now instead of waiting. My USFWS partner, Craig Koppie, took his mist net and poles out of the truck and under the bridge we went. As soon as we got on the ledge, the falcon began dive- bombing us just as if it were nesting season. We decided to erect the mist net on the catwalk under the bridge. While we were getting the net out of the bag, the female landed several times on the railing nearby, and we decided to place the net near the spot she had landed. Once the net was in place, I moved over to her nest box, provoking her to fly, scream, and try to attack us. But as she tore by, she swerved around or over the net. We moved the net closer to the ledge and tried to provoke her again, with both Craig and me standing at the nest box. This time she got so excited she forgot about the net. Success! Craig and I rushed onto the catwalk to make sure she did not escape from the mist net. She was entangled perfectly. For the next five minutes, Craig worked to peel the net away from her wings and head, all the while securely holding her talons. Then he climbed up the ladder, bird in hand, and placed her in a pet carrier. Off to the Salisbury Zoo she went, where she will get good care out of view of zoo visitors. Now the westbound span of the Bay Bridge can get its new deck without any harm coming to the construction workers at the hands (I mean talons) of an aggressive female Peregrine Falcon. After all the work is completed, we will bring her back to the bridge to nest again. Birds of Note (continued from page 4) a pelagic trip out of Lewes, DE on Oct 21. If the report is accepted, this will be only the second North American record. • On Oct 14 Paul DeAnna had a brief look at an adult male BULLOCK’S ORIOLE near the ravine in the maintenance yard of Rock Creek Park, NW DC. This bird apparently left the area promptly, for it was not relocated despite intense searching over the next two days. • An EARED GREBE was found by Jim Morrin Oct 19 on the small sewage pond of the wastewater treatment plant near Easton, Talbot County. This cooperative bird stayed around until Nov 1, providing great views for many visiting birders. • A NORTHERN SHRIKE found east of Emmitsburg in Frederick County also stayed around to accommodate birders who were sufficiently patient and lucky. First reported Nov 10 by Jim Wilkinson, this bird was still being seen on Nov 18. • Another step in the colonization of Maryland by EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVES was revealed Nov 19 when area newcomer Frode Jacobsen spotted two of these doves on power lines at the southern end of the tiny community on Upper Hooper Island, Dorchester County. Prior MD sightings of the species have involved only single birds. • Also in Dorchester County, the AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS that wintered at Black water NWR last year have returned. First arrival was in early Oct; as of Nov 10 Harry Armistead reported a total of 13. The maximum number last winter was 5. 6 The Maryland Yelloivtbroat Minutes of the MOS Board Meeting September 9, 2006 President: Marcia Balestri Vice-President: Wayne Bell Treasurer: Emmalyn Holdridge Secretary: Janet Shields Past President: Janet Millenson Atlas: Jane Coskren Budget: Shiras Guion Conference: Janet Shields EFM: Gayle Bach-Watson Investments: Martha Waugh Sanctuary: Brent Byers Scholarship: Tom Strikwerda Youth Programs: George Radcliffe Allegany: Charlotte Folk, Barbara Gaffney Anne Arundel: Linda Baker, Susan Zevin Baltimore: Brent Byers, Roberta Ross Caroline: not represented Carroll: not represented Cecil: not represented Frederick: Gayle Bach-Watson, Helen Horrocks Harford: not represented Howard: Mary-Jo Betts, Jane Coskren, Shiras Guion, Tom Strikwerda, Martha Waugh, Paul Zucker Kent: Walter Ellison, Nancy Martin Montgomery: David Gray, Helen Gray, Janet Shields Patuxent: Fred Fallon Talbot: Wayne Bell, George Radcliffe Tri-County: not represented Washington: Shirley Ford, Ann Mitchell President Marcia Balestri called the meeting to order at 10:05 a.m. and thanked the Allegany Chapter for hosting the meeting at the La Vale Library, LaVale, MD. Minutes of the previous meeting were approved. Treasurer’s Report: Emmalyn Holdridge said that dues are starting to come in. There were no questions concerning the Treasurer’s Report. Emmalyn has financial reports for last year and year-to-date for 2006 for each committee chair. President’s Remarks: Marcia Balestri appointed Helen Patton as Chair of the Nominations Committee and Janet Shields, Mary-Jo Betts, Mike Bowen, Barbara Gaffney, and Peter Mann as committee members; these appointments were approved by the Board. Marcia then appointed all of the other committee chairs; these appointments were approved by the Board. Chapters should please send Marcia copies of their newsletters. MOS Brochures and checklists need to be reprinted, and Marcia asked that chapters e-mail her with how many each would need. Marcia reported that Helen Horrocks had the MOS insurance reviewed by an impartial insurance company. The recommendation was to increase our umbrella liability from $1 million to $2 million to insure that coverage matches our assets value; this will increase our premium by about $500. The expo- sure to liability insurance with more youth activities was also discussed; cost of this additional insurance is still being explored. The premium is probably in the $1,000- to $2, 000- range. In addition, a requirement for parental waivers for youth activities was discussed. Most of the activities already have parental waivers signed, but MOS needs to design an all-purpose form for our youth activ- ities. The Budget Committee needs to discuss which part of the budget the funds should come from and bring their ideas to the Board. Marcia found from her “Help MOS Be Responsive Survey” that people are interested in training programs of various types. MOS is a member of the MD Association of Nonprofit Organizations, which has many training programs available to our Board members. Marcia will send out their website address, listing these training programs, to the Board. From her survey Marcia also found that better communications was a key issue. One way to solve this would be to have an MOS listserve open to MOS members to cover the business of the MOS Board and chapters, as distinct from MD Osprey bird sightings. Someone will be needed to manage the listserve, and a task force will be formed to investigate costs and operation of the listserve. In discussing the listserve issue, the Executive Council concluded that duties previously performed by the Executive Secretary, and now being managed by several members, need again to be consolidated under one person. The Executive Council envi- sioned that MOS should advertise for a person who could be the listserve moderator and perform the other duties as assigned. This position, an Office Administrator, will be discussed in the next Yellowthroat. Marcia Balestri mentioned that some of our committee chairs and commit- tee members are not MOS members. According to the bylaws, they must be MOS members, and as such they need to pay their dues. Committee chairs, if they have questions, can check the standing of their commit- tee members with Helen Horrocks. Marcia’s survey results also noted dissatisfaction that the World Series of Birding team sent to Cape May by MOS were not members. This is not required by MOS bylaws, but it was felt they should be members. The Board voted that in the future MOS dues should be paid for any mem- bers of MOS teams in the World Series of Birding or other MOS- sponsored events. Marcia is looking for volunteers to work on a Birding Trail. She would like to have Maryland Birding Trail information similar to that of other states available to the public in Visitor Centers, etc. Mary LaMarca has agreed to be point person to check handicapped access. Other people are needed to form a task force to look into this. Chapter presidents should go back to their chapters and ask for volunteers to contact Marcia. January /February 2007 7 A challenge has been received from George DuBois, Frederick member, that he will donate $1,500 to the place of our choice, a rainforest preferably, if MOS members will match his $1,500. The details of the challenge will be published in the next Yellowthroat so that this may be com- pleted by 12/31/06. Marcia will check with Chan Robbins and David Curson for location suggestions. CHAPTER REPORTS - none COMMITTEE REPORTS Atlas: Jane Coskren thanked the society for earmarking all the confer- ence profits for the Atlas. Jane’s goal is to get the Atlas funded at a level where, if we lose state grants, we can still do an Atlas next time. She will be asking MOS to start a fund for the next Atlas project. Data collec- tion, according to Walter Ellison, is pretty much done. Marcia Balestri commented that Walter, Jane, and Nancy have done a fantastic job putting this together. Budget: Shiras Guion said that December will be the time for budget input. Conference: Janet Shields reported that she had a meeting with the University of Salisbury, who should have a contract for us by the end of the month. Sam Dyke, Tri-County, has agreed to coordinate the field trips. Sam is looking into several boat trips. Scott Weidensaul, at the cost of $1,500, will be the 2007 keynote speaker. The registration fee is being raised from $45 to $55. Locations are being investigated for 2008. Investments: Martha Waugh handed out her report. She noted that we have made money this year and our values are up. Membership: Linda Keenan was not here but she put together a packet for new members. Research: Gwen Brewer has resigned as chair. A new chair needs to be found. Sanctuary: Brent Byers said the new shed has been installed at Carey Run. Irish Grove had two incidents of vandalism this summer. The potential Prince George’s Piscataway Sanctuary has had another appeal filed, and it will be at least another six months before we know the sta- tus of it. Brent is looking for com- mittee members. He needs new members in the western part of the state near Carey Run. Dotty Mumford is having a work week at Irish Grove Sept 21-24. Scholarships: Tom Strikwerda reported 14 scholarships were awarded. One person could not attend and has a rain check for next year. Tom has reports from most of them. The selec- tion process is starting now for next summer’s scholarships. Tom needs a contact person for each chapter. Statewide Education Activities: Mike Bowen was not here but he sent Warbler Workshop CDs. Chapter presidents should pick up their copy. Youth Programs: George Radcliffe needs contacts throughout the state. There is a group membership offered through the committee. George would like chapters to try to adopt a local youth group and work with them to interest young people in the YMOS program. He is going to try to put together a grant to train teachers how to incorporate birds into their classroom. This would be tied in with YMOS, and they would participate in certain YMOS activi- ties. He would also like to have an MOS-sponsored Youth World Series of Birding team. The YMOS website, http://www.qacps.k12.md.us/bird/mos/youth. htm, contains activity information. EFM: Gayle Bach- Watson indicated that the fundraising season is starting. Gayle needs little sound bites for what donations could provide (e.g., $50 will buy signs for nature trails) to help encourage donations. OLD BUSINESS - The motion to confirm all MOS chairs was amended to confirm all chair and committee members who are members of MOS. NEW BUSINESS - none ANNOUNCEMENTS - none NEW ACTION ITEMS • Executive Council - Draft, review and finalize language for waivers and/or permission slips for youth activities. • Chapters - Ask for volunteers for new MOS listserve task force (contact Marcia Balestri, mebalestri@adelphia.net). • Chapters - Ask for volunteers for MD Birding Trail project (contact Marcia Balestri, mebalestri@adel- phia.net). • Chapters - Provide Gayle Bach- Watson (301-831-3874) with information (sound bites for what donations could provide (e.g., $50 will buy signs for nature trails). • Chapters - Provide Tom Strikwerda (tstrik@earthlink.net) with chapter points-of-contact for scholarship information. • Chapters - Per George Radcliffe, chapters should try to “adopt” a local youth group and work with them to interest young people in YMOS. • Chapters - Announce Irish Grove work week Sept 21-24. • Chapters - are needed to host MOS board meeting for the next year (March 3 and June 2) • President to resend e-mail asking how many brochures and check- lists chapters will need and for updates on any changes in change dues. • President to send out e-mail on available training through MD Association of Nonprofit Organizations. • President to contact Chan Robbins and David Curson about challenge from George DuBois on fundraising for rainforest project. Challenge to be published in the Yellowthroat. • Committees to e-mail Helen Horrocks to ensure compliance with membership requirements. • Brent Byers needs Western MD representative on the Sanctuary Committee for Carey Run Sanctuary. • A Research Chair is needed. • Still need Publicity Coordinator and Development Chair. President Marcia Balestri adjourned the meeting at 12:05 p.m. Respectfully submitted by — Janet Shields, Secretary 8 The Maryland Yellowtbroat ‘The girder’s