Virginia Breeding Bird Atlas Training-Ashley Peele (Project Coordinator who is based at the Conservation Management Institute at Virginia Tech) and Dave Youker (a member of WBC and Region 11 Leader)
Date: April 13, 2018…. 9:30-12:30
Location: Freedom Park
Directions: From Interstate 64 take exit 234A to Route 199. From Route 199 take the Longhill Road exit. Turn right onto Longhill Road (Route 612). Follow Longhill Road until it ends at the park gates. Once inside the park gates, follow road to the parking lot.
We are exploring many fun ways of surveying in our assigned blocks, including working in mini teams and conducting a monthly first Saturday walk/survey in a somewhat close priority block. Don’t miss out on the fun!! Mark your calendar and Save the date.
As always, our April meeting is a very special one, with research grant recipients presenting their findings. These three folks are Master students in the Biology Department at W&M and their research is just fascinating.
Speaking first will be Jasmine Parham whose research was about “The Dietary Transfer of Mercury in the South River Floodplain”. Also speaking will be Robert Galvin, whose topic, “Investigating Wading Bird Use of Natural Fringing Marshes and Living Shorelines” sounds equally interesting. Finally, Rachel Davis will talk about “Mercury Exposure on Tissue-specific Reduction in Telomere Length at Multiple Developmental Ages in the Zebra Finch”.
Please come join us for an interesting and very educational evening. Our April 18 th meeting will be in Andrews Hall, Room 101, at 7:00 pm.
Don’t forget you’ll need your parking pass!
19
20
21
Field Trip to Chickahominy Riverfront Park, 4/21/2018
Field Trip to Chickahominy Riverfront Park, 4/21/2018
Matt Anthony led the field trip which focused on how to code sightings for the Virginia Breeding Bird Atlas. Photo by Cheryl Jacobson.Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher’s nest. Photo by Cheryl Jacobson.
Participants were attentive and patient. The slower pace established a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. Some highlights were patiently observing Blue-Gray Gnatcatchers carrying nesting material and following their paths until the actual nests were observed. (see photo of nest)
Everyone enjoyed the squeal of a participant who observed a Prothonotary Warbler for the first time. Many reminisced about their own experience of seeing this species for their first time. Also, people were thrilled to see the Peregrine Falcon on the nearby Chickahominy River Bridge.
Other observed breeding behaviors and codes were: Confirmed: -Osprey on nest Probable: Rock Pigeon-Visiting potential nest site, Carolina Chickadee—Agitated Behavior, Eastern Blue Bird—Copulation, Northern Cardinal—Territorial Defense, Red- winged Black Bird—Pair in suitable habitat, House Finch—Pair in suitable habitat Possible: Tufted titmouse, Carolina Wren, and Prothonotary Warbler—Singing Male
Thanks to Inge for being a great hostess and Matt for doing an excellent job in leading the walk and teaching lots of tips on breeding bird behaviors. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to learn, sharpen your observation of bird behaviors, and expand Virginia’s data on what is happening with our birds. Participate in the Virginia Breeding Bird Survey.
Front Row: John, Carol, Vern, Cheryl Jacobson, Ruth Gordon, Jim Corliss Back Row: Frank Smith, David Lunt, Scott Hemler, Thad Hecht, Portia Belden Not Shown; Nancy Barnhart (Photographer)
