HANDLAN CHAPTER, BROOKS BIRD CLUB — NEWSLETTER FOR NOVEMBER, 2000

     NEXT MEETING — Monday, November 13th, 7:OOPM, First Presbyterian Church
     Activities Building Room 204. The program speaker will be Stephen Shaluta
     who will discuss his work as an outdoor photographer. Refreshments will
     be provided by Nancy Wallace. The Executive Committee will meet at 6:30PM
     and all are welcome.

OUTINGS — December 2nd to Kanawha Falls and Gauley Bridge to find waterfowl
that have returned for winter. As in recent years, the trip may continue
on to Bluestone Dam and Sandstone Falls in the afternoon. *Call Russ Young
@ 925-5668..........December 16th was determined at the October meeting to
be the date for this year's Christmas Count. This was the only available
Saturday feasible for the Mortons, who have established a tradition of
inviting participants for dinner — the consensus seemed to be to accommo-
date them!

OBSERVATIONS — The October 21st outing produced the significant sightings of
a Sora at McClintic and a Forster's Tern at the Byrd Locks and Dam. Both
required research in reference materials at home for confirmation. Field
guides are not always sufficient! These topics will be discussed in de-
tail at the meeting — they are excellent examples of what can make bird-
ing such a challenge.

FEEDER HYGIENE — At the October meeting Phoebe Ruckle brought up concern about
recent conjunctivitis in house finches, and a discussion ensued. Appar-
ently it was a timely topic, because Scott Shalaway devoted a column to
this and other diseases, as did Partners in Flight in the fall newsletter.
The general advice is preventative — wash feeders regularly with a 10%
solution of bleach/water, and keep the ground below feeders clean as well.

CHAPTER HISTORY — In January Cindy Ellis presented an informative program on
the backgrounds of both the parent club and our chapter. Now, John Smith
has indicated he is working on a detailed account of the happenings of the
Handlan Chapter, which spans fifty-six years. This will be a very valu-
able undertaking, and any contributions of information are welcomed.

     SPRING HILL — For some time your president has spoken of a pet project of
     helping develop this beautiful cemetery as a prime birding location. The
     Cemetery Commission is very interested in incorporating such a plan into
     the general improvements being made over the next few years. As is often
     the case, funding is the primary concern. On a lead from our treasurer
     Bev wright, the West Virginia Nongame wildlife and Natural Heritage Pro-
     gram was contacted and it has expressed a keen interest in the possibility
     of providing a cooperative grant in 2001. Members with grant-writing ex-
     perience are requested to volunteer in forming a committee toward this goal.
COONSKIN SUPPORT -- As per directive, a preliminary statement for the club has
been generated advocating preservation of the park in view of the proposed
runway expansion at Yeager Airport. Jim Waggy, president of Friends of
Coonskin, plans to attend our meeting for a review of the statement's
content. A few years ago, Jim gave a program to the club about his exper-
iences hiking the Appalachian Trail.
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