Contents
Director's Meeting called to order 7:00 p.m. by President Dave Prosser. In attendance was Dave Prosser, Jerry LeTendre, Dick Brouse, Marion Brouse, Kathy Luther, Irene Mazzocchi, Rena Young, Catherine Martin, Debbie Litwhiler and Judi Sullivan. There was discussion regarding the club donating $100.00 to Onondaga Audubon for Derby Hill and $50.00 to Thompson Park for the zoo to feed the eagles.
Jerry LeTendre discussed the Bird-a-thon being held over Memorial Day Weekend by the Tug Hill Commission. Linda Gibbs would be a contact person if anyone wants to participate in that for a 24 hour period.
Jerry LeTendre also discussed the Lake Ontario Bird Festival being held at Mexico Point State Park, Mexico, New York. Since several of the people that would normally work that festival will be away on a birding trip, it was discussed possibly Maria Mogg and Debbie Litwhiler could work.
Jerry LeTendre discussed the Lake Ontario property, Luff Shores, that may possibly be acquired. It was unanimously decided that the North Country Bird Club would help in any way they could in the acquisition of this prime bird habitat. The Director's meeting was adjourned at 7:33 p.m.
The membership meeting was called to order by President Dave Prosser at 7:36 p.m. Dave stated he had not done a treasurer's report but did have a register showing the balance in the checking account and described checks for $45.00 to Stone Presbyterian Church and $100.00 to Debbie Litwhiler for Plover expenses being issued.
Dave Prosser made a motion that the club donate $100 to Onondaga Audubon for Derby Hill. Rena Young seconded the motion. The motion passed.
Gerry Smith said he hoped the check for $100 would go to Onondaga Audubon to use for Derby Hill to keep it going any way they saw fit. -Bob Long said it will undoubtedly go for the hawk watcher at Derby Hill. Steve Guy suggested possibly donating more than $100.00 for Derby Hill. Dave Prosser said with other operating expenses that NCBC has, they should just donate the $100 at this time. Bob Long said the season for Derby Hill is June 30 - July 1. The Derby Hill Board is a separate entity. They are short on funds this year. Bird-a-thon will help. They will be much better prepared next year.
Jerry LeTendre discussed the bird clock raffle at Fragile Wilderness made some money for the club and made a motion that $50 of the money be sent to Thompson Park Zoo for the specific purpose of feeding the eagles. Irene Mazzocchi seconded the motion. Motion passed.
Jerry LeTendre discussed the cormorant task force. He talked about the fact that the Dept. of Environmental Conservation had set up a task force and the task force members had shot the cormorants. Dr. Susan Senecah set up interviews to identify the cormorant issues. Mary Alice Koeneke of NYS Federated Bird Club was interviewed. The North Country Bird Club was included in this group, as were the convicted shooters. It was decided NCBC should send a letter a letter to DEC. Alex Velto made a motion to send this letter. Gerry Smith seconded. The motion passed. Irene Mazzocchi asked what this group was designed to accomplish.
Debbie Litwhiler stated the NCBC voice should be heard on this issue.
Dave Prosser asked why NCBC was excluded. Jerry said he had sent a letter to Dr. Susan Senecah stating that the NCBC should have representation.
There was discussion on upcoming field trips:
Debbie Litwhiler stated that she likes to receive bird sightings for the Plover. She is also available by e-mail at alderacres @ juno.com She said she would like date, species, number and place seen and by who.
Jerry LeTendre told of a large dead bird he had found on the ice on the St. Lawrence River, Town of Cape Vincent. The bird (presumed to be a bald eagle) was missing head, tail feathers, talons. After sending into Albany to be checked for contaminants, the bird was found to be a Canada Goose!
Carol Kohinke stated that there were bird stories being shown on PBS television at 8:00 a.m. on the weekends with the Stokes.
Jerry LeTendre introduced speaker Bob Long and his wife Ellie to talk about the Atlas 2000 Project.
Bob is handling Jefferson County and two surrounding counties. Bob announced that he will be retiring from his profession this summer and that he has a summer home in Morristown, NY. He felt this would be a good time to take on the Atlas 2000 Project. He then presented a slide show.
Bob discussed the 3 levels involved in the project; present, probable and confirmed. Just seeing a bird in an area would be "present", a bird singing would be a "probable" for breeding in an area, and distraction display or seeing young birds would be a "confirmation". This information will be written on cards that will be distributed to participants. Jerry LeTendre will be receiving this supply from Bob. Then the information will be transferred to large green sheets. Bob went through the entire checklist of birds for the members indicating which birds they would have good chances of observing in certain areas. Bob said listening to tapes prior to going in the field is a very good idea. Bob also mentioned that hanging a red ribbon in a tree attracts hummingbirds.
Gerry Smith noted that simply observing a bald eagle does not confirm breeding. Florida birds come through this area. Gerry also said that Northwest Jefferson County is a good place for horned larks.
There were 28 people in attendance. The meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m for refreshments provided by Marion Brouse and Judi Sullivan.
Respectfully submitted,
Judi Sullivan - Secretary