State College Bird Club

9 February 2011
[Rescheduled from Jan 26]

The State College Bird Club met at Foxdale Village on 9 Feb. 2011.  Thirty-four members and guests attended; Deb Grove presided.

Business

•    Nan Butkovich read the minutes.
•    Dorothy Bordner presented the Treasurer’s report.
•    She also read the checklist.  ---- species were reported as having been seen within 25 miles of the Penn State campus since 15 Dec. 2010.  Species of note included:Mute Swan, Northern Shrike, Rusty Blackbird, White-winged Crossbill, Common Redpoll, Harlequin Duck, and Chipping Sparrow.

Announcements

•    Tussey Mtn. Hawk Watch starts 25 Feb.

Upcoming events

•    Next meeting: 23 Feb. – Program on photographing wildlife.
•    Upcoming field trips:
o    This weekend:  Big Valley
o    7 March, tentative date.  Field trip leadership training: Nick Kierlin
o    12 March: Middle Creek (13 March alternate date)
o    2 April: Early spring birds – Huntingdon Co.  (9 April alternate date)
o    Late April:  Millbrook Marsh
o    May:  Scotia Barrens, Toftrees
o    2nd week of May: BESP Birding Festival
  
Presentation

Steven Feldstein gave a presentation on the birds of northern Israel.  Israel is a major funnel point for many migrating birds in central and eastern Europe as well as Asia.  In addition, many African birds include Israel in the northern end of their ranges. 

Many different locations were discussed.  In the deserts of the Jordan River valley, Sand Partridges are common.  Other species include Indian Silverbills, and Great Spotted Cuckoos which nest parasitize Hooded Crows.  In the Bet She’an Valley, waterfowl are more prevalent.  Curlew Sandpiper is a common migrant.  A common summer resident in the Golan Heights is the Short-toed Eagle; Bonelli’s Eagle is rare there.  The Palestine Sunbird, northernmost of all the sunbird species, is found in Galilee, along with White-throated Kingfisher.  The Hula Valley, a partially restored marsh, is the winter home of over 30,000 wintering Common Cranes.  The European Honey Buzzard also is a resident there.  This hawk preys on bee and wasp larvae as well as other insects. 

Minutes taken by Nan Butkovich, Secretary