Volume 11 Number 3

December 1997

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Found an injured raptor?
Contact Debbie Delevan of Chesapeake Birds of Prey, Inc.

Phone: (410) 692-2794
Fax: (410) 329-1221
E-mail: raptors@bellatlantic.net

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CONTENTS

Mark Johnson the Speaker For January
Attendance At November Dinner Meeting
Calendar of Events
Some Dues Are Past Due
Club Spends Education Grant
MOS Scholarship Deadline
Publicity Galore
Teaming With Wildlife
Arctic Express
Computer Birding
MOS Board Meeting In March
Here A Goose, There A Goose
Raptors And Guns Do Not Mix
1998 Nest Box Sale & Workshop
Annual Feeder Tour Visits Oakington & Havre de Grace
Southern Maryland Birding Weekend
The Twenty-Sixth Annual Rock Run Christmas Bird Count
1998 Mid-winter Count
Birds of Red Rock Canyon
Harford's Avian Visitors
Field Trip Reports
Report on the Club Membership Survey
HARFORD CHAPTER - MOS FIELD TRIPS DECEMBER 1997-FEBRUARY 1998
NEST BOX RESERVATION FORM

Our own immediate past President marks a reprise at the front of the room at our next meeting on January 9, 1998. Mark's professional research now involves toxicology, among other things. He plans on giving a presentation on the Pro and Con Sides of Ecological Risk Assessment. Mark remains very active in the club, Partners in Flight, and is the MOS representative at meetings of the American Bird Conservancy.

The January meeting will be held on Friday, January 9, 1998 at 7:00 PM at the Churchville Presbyterian Church. There is no dinner at this meeting, so the reservation form is not necessary.

Please remember our inclement weather policy: If Harford County Public Schools are closed for the entire day or if they close early, the meeting will be postponed one week. If the schools open one or two hours late, the meeting will be held as scheduled. If the meeting is postponed one week and we again have inclement weather on the rescheduled day, the event is canceled. Please call Larry Fry at 410-452-8539 before 5 PM if the weather is questionable.

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I was pleased to be the presiding officer at the November dinner meeting. I do have once concern, however, that may require future action. The club ended up with exactly 50 paid reservations. The club must guarantee that we have at least 50 paying customers, so we came very close to having to dip into the treasury. This "magic number" creates a lot of anxiety on the part of the President and other Executive Council members. I hope this is a decision that we do not have to address. It all depends on you, the members of the club. Please remember that we have dinner meetings on March 6 and also May 1, 1998 and that we do need at least 50 people.

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If you have not paid your 1997-98 dues, the first line of your mailing label will read, "NOT RENEWED AS OF DECEMBER 1, 1997." If you do not renew your dues by February 1, 1998, you will be removed from local and MOS mailing lists. If you have any questions about your membership, please call Joyce Gorsuch at 410-287-6165.

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Our club used $120 from this year's education grant from MOS to purchase bird identification posters for each high school in the county including John Carroll, Harford Christian, and also Harford Glen. The poster this year was titled Birds of Prey. This is the third year of purchasing posters for the schools. They are used in biology or environmental science classrooms. Jean Fry has organized this for each of the past three years and Wild Bird Marketplace has ordered them for us at cost. We will probably move on to other projects next year. The club is starting to work on a slide program specific to Harford County to use up the balance remaining from the recent educational grants. This should be ready in a year or so.

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The deadline for applying for MOS scholarships to the Audubon Ecology Camps in Maine or Wyoming or the Ornithology Camp in Maine is January 31, 1998. Each scholarship covers the cost of tuition, room and board for the six-day course in the areas of ecology, conservation, and natural history. Each applicant must write a letter of application indicating reasons for wanting to receive the scholarship and must provide two letters of recommendation. Priority is given to those who will be working with young people and passing on the knowledge that they have gained. Applicants need not be members of MOS, but must be endorsed by a member or chapter of MOS. Many from Harford County have won such scholarships in the past, and we are hoping for others. If you have further questions, contact Isa Sieracki, state scholarship chairperson at 410-273-6201.

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The AEGIS WEEKENDER recently carried a front page article on birdwatching written by Karen Toussaint. The article featured Dennis Kirkwood and the birds. The club is always seeking ways to increase our publicity, so we are appreciative of the efforts on the part of the AEGIS and the writer.

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The Harford Bird Club endorsed the efforts being put forward by TWW to have a national tax or "user fee" placed on recreational equipment. There are monthly meetings of Teaming With Wildlife coordinators at various locations throughout the state, usually in the evening. MOS really believes that more birdwatching enthusiasts need to attend these meetings because a number of "sporting" enthusiasts appear to be dominating them. It is very difficult for me to attend. If there are any volunteers, please let Larry Fry know ASAP. Next school year I will be able to go.

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The USA TODAY of October 21, 1997 carried a full page article on the migration of a female Peregrine Falcon known as Ice Cap Cliff Female from Kangerlussuaq, Greenland to Palm Beach, Florida by way of Manitoba, Canada. The itinerary was: September 6, Greenland; September 25, Hudson Bay; October 1, Manitoba; October 9, Duluth, MN; October 13, Milwaukee; and, as of the article date, October 18, Palm Beach Florida. This is a journey of 4,000 miles in 40 days. The falcon was snared, banded, and equipped with a radio transmitter in Greenland and was tracked by satellite. A research scientist at APG, Mr. William Seegar, participated in the research work. Talk about a way to find out about possible guest speakers!

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The Harford MOS World Wide Web page has again changed address. The new address is http://birdclub.harfordhasit.com. Netfox, my Internet Service Provider, generously offered me ten megabytes of space free of charge! This will give us lots of room to grow. An e-mail discussion among on-line club members decided on the part of the name [birdclub] that we had control over. If anyone has suggestions for improving the web page, please contact Les Eastman at les_eastman@netfox.net or at 410-734-6969.

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The bird club will host the MOS state board meeting on Saturday, March 14 at the Leight Estuary Center from 10:00 AM to noon. We would greatly appreciate it if several persons would volunteer to prepare fruit, muffins, cupcakes, or other such snack foods. Please call Larry Fry if you can do so.

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The Washington Post of August 20, 1997 carried a front page article on the increasing numbers of Snow Geese. The number of Snow Geese breeding in the arctic near the Hudson Bay has increased from under a half a million in the 1960s to more than 3 million today. The increasing number of geese has caused significant ecological damage to the tundra. There is some talk of "depopulation," and there will be informational meetings and hearings over the next year.

Not to be outdone, The Sun on October 19 and 27, 1997 carried articles on the Canada Goose population. The breeding population of Canada Geese in the arctic has increased over the past two years. Recent breeding pair populations are: 1988, 118,000; 1995, 29,000; 1996, 46,000; and, 1997, 63,000. According to the action plan set up by the population council, provisions for reopening hunting seasons state, "that no additional harvest of geese will be considered until the breeding population index in the Ungava region reaches 60,000." This population must be stabilized over several years before the council will consider hunting.

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A recent newsletter from the Chesapeake Birds Of Prey, Inc. reports that more than 22 raptors have been delivered to them from the Harford County area with gunshot wounds. As you know, this is a violation of Federal Law as all migratory birds are protected. If anyone has any information on random shootings of migratory birds, please call the DNR Police immediately at 1-800-628-9944 or 1-800-356-7060.

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The Harford Bird Club will team up with the Leight Estuary Center in Edgewood to hold the sixth annual nest box workshop on Saturday, February 7 from 10 AM to 1 PM. For a minimal cost to cover materials (wood and hardware), you can order a rough-cut, cedar nest box. On the day of the workshop, pick up your prefabricated kit at the Leight Estuary Center for immediate assembly or assemble it at home. Then mount your nest box outside and wait for your new neighbors to fly in.

Four plans are available from which to choose. They are:

Orders for boxes must be placed by Friday, January 9. To order, fill out and mail the form on page 11 or call Randy & Diane Robertson at 410-273-9029. Included with your order, we ask that you make your check out to "Harford County MOS." After all orders and checks are in, our merry band of woodworkers will purchase the required cedar and hardware, and cut out each box to the proper dimensions. If you plan to assemble the box at the Estuary Center, please bring your own hammer and Phillips screwdriver.

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The ever-popular feeder tour will visit the homes of three club members in Oakington and Havre de Grace on Saturday, January 10. This popular annual activity features a morning of feeder watching and friendship. Each host will also serve light fare. Your 1998 tour hosts are Ray & Jessie Lutz, Dave & Marsha Webb, and Jay & Pat Haacke. To register for the tour call coordinator Lorna Wortman at 410-939-3146 NO LATER THAN Wednesday, January 7. Make your reservation early -- space is limited! In case of inclement weather, the tour will be made up on Saturday, January 17.

So come on out and enjoy the morning among old friends, and make some new ones. With this shaping up to be a winter-finch winter, maybe you'll even see an Evening Grosbeak or two!

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The club field trip committee has been exploring the idea of an overnight weekend trip that includes, yes, plenty of time birding and enjoying natural beauty, but soaking up other interests as well, such as exploring a quaint small town; antiques; used/rare books; and historic sites. We'd like the club's response to such an outing to Calvert and St. Mary's County.

Here's a run-down: Depart Saturday, March 21 for Calvert County. Bring lunch. Birding stops for the day include Battle Creek Cypress Swamp, Calvert Cliffs State Park (where the fossils are!), and the American Chestnut Land Trust's Parker's Creek property. By the late afternoon we arrive at the town of Solomon's Island for some antique and gift shopping, dinner, and then settling in at our reserved bed and breakfast inns, with the option to go out later for a few hours at one of the live music night spots. The following morning, we enjoy a leisurely B&B breakfast, then we're off to the southernmost point of St. Mary's County, about a half-hour drive, to watch for birds at Point Lookout on the Chesapeake Bay. Then, if the party is interested, we can make a few more brief birding stops, antique shops or historic sites, stop for lunch, and then continue northbound to be home by late afternoon Sunday. Costs: Rooms at the B&B's in Solomons run from $55 to $125; rooms at the local Comfort Inn are $69. Most B&B rooms in Solomons have private baths. Add to that the cost of Saturday night dinner, Sunday lunch and any shopping. If this sounds like something that would interest you, or you want to know more, please call Deborah Bowers at 692-9741.

The twenty-sixth Annual Rock Run Christmas Bird Count will take place on Monday, Dec. 29, 1997. The Christmas Bird Count is an excellent opportunity to have fun while contributing to one of the largest scientific databases concerning bird populations. You need not be experienced to participate. In fact, many prominent ornithologists have gotten their start with the Christmas Bird Count. The count is simple! The count circle is 15 miles in diameter with center point at the Rock Run Mill in Susquehanna State Park. The circle is divided into sectors in which a group and its leader have 24 hours to count as many species and individuals as they can find. After the count, participants will, once again, descend on John and Lorna Wortman's house for homemade bread and stew to tally the birds and talk about the day's findings. The fee per participant is $5 which is forwarded to the National Audubon Society in order to compile and publish the results.

If you are new to the count, consider this an open invitation to join us. If you're returning, begin building your enthusiasm and strategies now. Either way, write or call compiler Dave Ziolkowski Jr. by e-mail at dziolk1@tiger.towson.edu or at (410) 679-6765, to let him know you want to participate in this important event.

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The 1998 Mid-winter bird count will be held Saturday, January 31, 1998. This will be our 10th annual count. During the past 9 years we have developed some worthwhile statistics. Although 1996 was a poor year due to adverse weather conditions, we returned to our average in 1997. In addition, we added two new species in 1997 with a Short-eared Owl and a Northern Parula. This raised our 9 year species total to 127. However, we still have not cracked the 100 species mark in one year. The counts reflect the decrease in House Finches due to the eye virus as well as the decrease in Carolina Wrens due to the severe freeze. This coming count will continue to be an indicator of these two species.

The Mid-winter Count encompasses the entire county and all birders are invited to participate. If you don't want to count an assigned area, you may do a feeder count, or take a few hours and count in your neighborhood. Count sheets will be available at the next meeting, or you may call the coordinator, Bill Pfingsten at 410-838-5732 and request an assigned area, or ask for a count sheet to record your feeder birds.

Thanks to the hearty birders who have participated during the past 9 years. Your dedication in counting in cold, damp, foggy and icy conditions is greatly appreciated.

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We recently spent five days hiking in Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area in Nevada's southern tip near Las Vegas. Sightings for the trip included: many Townsend's Solitaires on the lower slopes of Mt. Charleston, (north of Red Rock) engaged in various activities including singing and drinking out of a roadside drainage ditch; a lone Varied Thrush who posed for us as if he were giving a fashion show; Mountain Chickadees; a Golden Eagle soaring above the walls of Oak Creek Canyon; Pinyon Jay in a pinyon oak tree; Scrub Jay; groups of Rufous-crowned Sparrows feeding on the ground; a pair of Ladder-backed Woodpeckers probing in the branches of a pine; Rock Wrens scouting along the ground; a busy group of Bushtits in a pocket of shrubbery; a Red-naped Sapsucker; a Western Towhee busy digging under a trailside shrub; a Western Meadowlark; a pair of Western Bluebirds. Had a great time.

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October and November are perhaps the most interesting birding months of the year. It is a time when the last remaining summer residents are leaving, and the winter residents and late migrants are arriving. These are Harford County's avian visitors for fall, 1997, a collection of some truly remarkable bird sightings. Here, the county is covered literally from corner to corner: Good sightings on the Gunpowder River in the southwest to Conowingo Pond in the northeast, and from Bradenbaugh Flats in the northwest to Havre de Grace in the southeast. Perhaps an overstatement is that this year appears to have the makings for one of the best "invasion" winters in recent memory. Here is just the beginning...

As always there is a host of summer residents that seem to wait longer than normal to migrate south. Havre de Grace played host to a Red-eyed Vireo on Oct 12, and a Tennessee Warbler on Oct 13 (DW). This seemingly tropical backyard also contained a Yellow-billed Cuckoo with a Golden-crowned Kinglet sitting near, and a Palm Warbler on Oct 18. The smallest bird in the area to postpone its autumn migration was a Ruby-throated Hummingbird at a feeder in Aberdeen on Oct 19 (J&LF). Wood Ducks, although most common during breeding season, can sometimes be seen year round. Lake Mitten hosted a pair on Nov 9 (J&LF), in addition to the pair seen on Conowingo Pond Nov 7 (LE). Intermingled with the late migrants were the birds signaling that winter would soon arrive. A winter standard, Dark-eyed Juncos appeared near Lake Mitten on Oct 17 (J&LF), and the cold months' namesake Winter Wren was first reported in a Havre de Grace backyard on Nov 5 (MW). A Fox Sparrow was reported in the same backyard on Nov 17 (MW), the same day that approximately 200 Rusty Blackbirds were seen at the Michaelsville area of APG (DW).

Being located near the zenith of the Chesapeake Bay, it is hard to deny the possibility of great waterbirds visiting Harford County. The earliest Bonaparte's Gull reported was at Conowingo Dam on Oct 9 (RB). That same day that 2 winter plumage adult Common Terns were seen with a Caspian Tern among the Forster's Terns at the Tydings Marina in Havre de Grace. At low tide, this marina is perhaps the best shorebird spot in the county. Among the Killdeer and Yellowlegs there on Nov 11, were a BAIRD'S SANDPIPER and a White-rumped Sandpiper (RB&DW)! On that same visit a hunter's shot flushed an adult Snow Goose, 11 Northern Shovelers, and 9 Pied-billed Grebes. Earlier in November, a host of good birds just north of the Pennsylvania border spurred much activity on the Harford and Cecil County sides of Conowingo Pond. The first reported scout on Nov 5 provided some incredible waterbirds, including Tundra Swan, Horned Grebe, EARED Grebe, and Great Cormorant (RB). The intended target appeared two days later, a PACIFIC LOON was seen on the Cecil County side of Conowingo Pond "hanging out" with the Common Loons (RB). The Pacific Loon was first spotted in PA and apparently traveled back and forth between the states for a couple of weeks! On a Nov 8 re-attempt to locate the loon, several duck species were reported including White-winged Scoter, Surf Scoter, 14 Ruddy Ducks, Red-throated Loons, and Bufflehead (LE). Also reported that same day were Red-breasted Mergansers and a Black Scoter.

Over the past several years, the Edgewood Area APG access to the Gunpowder River has been a gathering spot for up to thousands of Scaup and other duck species. These birds must like it here, returning to be witnessed on Nov 10. 500-600 Lesser Scaup were identified on that day (LE). The following day the list of Gunpowder Ducks grew with the addition of Oldsquaw, Ruddy Ducks, Canvasback, Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye, 3 Ring-necked Duck, and a Greater Scaup (DW). As if the ducks weren't enough, an immature Red-headed Woodpecker (RW) watched the bird-watcher (DW) at work!

Although the raptor species count this fall hasn't been extreme, what there has been is good! We'll start with the five Red-shouldered Hawks reported migrating over Havre de Grace on Oct 18 (DW). APG has been known to host some of the best birding in the county, and disappoint it did not with a Merlin in the same tree as a Red-tailed Hawk on Oct 5 (GF). Later in the fall another falcon, this one a Peregrine, was seen Nov 16 at Conowingo Dam (LE). It remained to be seen the next weekend as well! Accipiters enjoy "hawking" feeders, as a Cooper's Hawk did on Nov 17, only three days after a pair of Evening Grosbeaks were seen in the same yard (DB)!

Speaking of grosbeaks, this year has been remarkable with the numbers of neoarctic birds that we refer to as winter invaders. As early as Oct 25 Red-breasted Nuthatches were seen (along with some late Chipping Sparrows) in a yard near Susquehanna SP (LE). Purple Finches appeared in the area late in October (LE & DW), and have been reported numerously since. An interesting find in the fields at Bradenbaugh was over 150 American Pipits on Nov 2 (DW). The unmistakable "Groucho Marx" eyebrows of 18 bright yellow Evening Grosbeaks appeared on Price Road near Conowingo Nov 5 (RB). Last, but certainly not least, Pine Siskins visited backyards on Nov 8 (LE) and Nov 15 (DW).

It is a common misconception that cold weather up north forces typically northern bird species southward. Although weather probably is a factor, it is most likely food shortages that drive these "invaders" into Maryland. Common examples of these invasion birds are Purple Finches, Pine Siskins, and of course the great Evening Grosbeak. Invasion isn't limited to passerines, the Saw-whet Owl is a good example of an invading raptor. From time to time, major food shortages and/or severe winters drive extensive numbers down; such a year would be classified as a good invasion year. So far this year, a large number of winter invasion birds have already been seen, indicating that a potentially excellent forecast of winter birding to come... BRING ON THE REDPOLLS AND CROSSBILLS!!!

OBSERVERS: Rick Blom (RB), Deborah Bowers (DB), Les Eastman (LE), Jean and Larry Fry (J&LF), Greg Futral (GF), Marsha Webb (MW), Dave Webb (DW), and Red-headed Woodpecker (RW)

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It was 7:10 A.M. on Saturday, October 11, when 17 local and not-so-local, new and not-so-new birders rolled up to the gate at the entrance of Swan Harbor Farm. And a truly fine and functional gate it was as we had the opportunity to watch it bar our way for about 20 minutes. Once opened, we were on our way for a morning jaunt eventually counting 35 bird species. A lone Northern Harrier was seen skimming the fields as our caravan approached the mansion. The tour of the grounds produced several common species but the most productive site was the stand of pear trees. Although the thicket we birded in the past is now gone, the Harford County Parks and Rec people have re-opened and mulched an old road through the trees which leads down to the bay. A short hike through the woods by the water brought us out near the concrete dock where we watched as many as four immature Bald Eagles. One eagle gave us a demonstration of his fishing skills (or lack thereof) as he missed snatching his prey from the water. Other species sighted included Eastern Meadowlark, Common Yellowthroat, Cedar Waxwing, Belted Kingfisher, and Cooper's Hawk. The trip concluded with a walk along Gashey's Creek to see the mill ruins.

Although heavy rain up until the early departure time for Harford members held our participation to one (the author), this Howard County Club event enjoyed unexpectedly good weather for this Oct 18 morning tour of the Central Farm near Columbia. Ably led by sparrow expert, Bonnie Ott, ten others of us hiked the woodlands and many open fields planted with a wide variety of grasses, grains, and bird-friendly ground cover. Adding to these attractions were ponds and the Little Patuxent River flowing through the Farm. In the first 5 minutes we were treated to a Northern Harrier swooping low and close, perching atop a hay roll for a very good view. Other raptors included a passing American Kestrel and good looks at several soaring Red-tailed Hawks. We saw one pair each of Green-winged Teal, Wood Duck, and paddling Ruddy Ducks. The big attraction though, was the high number of small birds allowing frequent good views of Song, Swamp, and Savannah Sparrows. There was also an uncommonly high number of the common Yellow-rumped Warblers (Bonnie complained of their "din" interfering with id. of other calls.) We saw many Palm Warblers and got good looks at a Ruby-crowned Kinglet. Three of the recently-plowed fields had a remarkable number of Killdeer with a couple of "fly-ups" of American Pipits. Disappointing omissions were Horned Lark and Vesper Sparrow. The Howard County folks were very friendly!

Five birders joined together on a wet and drizzly morning to look and listen for birds in the Park. While we found 32 species, most were common. The only real highlights were Golden- crowned Kinglet, Eastern Towhee and our best bird, Red-breasted Nuthatch. We spent most of the morning in a steady drizzle and eventually cut our trip short due to the onset of heavy rains.

As the trend of weekend rain continued on the night of the prowl, I went to our meeting site not figuring on going out due to the weather. I was surprised however that one other birder showed up. So we ventured onto the Proving Grounds to look and listen for Owls. While we were shut out on seeing any birds we did hear 4 Great Horned Owls and 1 Barred Owl. I truly believe the Owls were smart enough to stay in the trees and try to stay dry in the steady drizzle, unlike myself and my lone attendee. As with the Rocks trip, we cut our trip short as the rain picked up and we decided we were wet enough and it was time to go home.

On Saturday, November 15, eight warmly dressed birders traveled to Eastern Neck NWR. This is the coldest place on The Shore and we braved very cold strong winds to chase waterfowl. We observed a total of 62 species, 23 of which were waterfowl including Common Goldeneye, Ruddy Duck, Northern Pintails and others. There were also at least 700 Tundra Swans in and near the refuge. The trip was remarkable in that we spotted about 5,000 Snow Geese near Galena and Ruddy Ducks and Pintails at the Kennedyville pond. Eastern Neck was swarming with waterfowl and we saw very large numbers of Canvasbacks and Ruddy Ducks in the inlets. There have been reports of increasing numbers of ducks this year. Perhaps this is true.

Undeterred by a thick morning fog, nearly twenty people met at the Edgewood Area of APG on Sunday, Nov 23 for a morning of waterfowl watching. Although the Gunpowder River just north of Maxwell Point had been temporary home to an estimated 10,000 bay ducks just one day earlier, not a single one was there on this morning. We drove up to the Havre de Grace shoreline and a view overlooking Tydings Island. The birding here was certainly better -- sightings included Ruddy Duck, Common Merganser, Canvasback, and American Coot. Other birds seen included Forster's Tern, Killdeer, Belted Kingfisher, and a small flock of Pine Siskins overhead. With plenty of time remaining in the morning, we drove up to Conowingo Reservoir on the Cecil County side of the Susquehanna hoping to catch glimpse of the Pacific Loon seen over the last couple of weeks. Although we failed to see this bird, we did find a couple of Bald Eagles, plenty of Bonaparte's Gulls, some Common Loons, and a single Red-throated Loon. By morning's end, we had tallied about 45 species.

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In the August 1997 issue of Wrenderings, a survey was included polling the membership for attitudes about the organization, and specifically field trips. Of the approximately 125 households receiving the newsletter, 30 returned their survey. Here is a summary of the responses.

FIELD TRIPS

Q1: Would you prefer more afternoon or late morning trips?

A: "strongly disagree", "disagree", "neutral", "agree", or "strongly agree"

This question generated the most negative response (40%) of the five multiple-choice questions concerning field trips. However, one-third of respondents still favored this suggestion.

Q2: Would you prefer more general nature-oriented trips (e.g., mushrooms, wildflowers, butterflies, etc.)?

A: [same multiple-choice format as Q1]

Although no one strongly disagreed, the responses were equally split between negative (33%), positive (37%), and indifferent (30% either "neutral" or did not respond").

Q3: Would you prefer more Sunday or weekday trips? (Please circle which one specifically.)

A: [same multiple-choice format as Q1]

This question generated a slight majority (53%) of favorable responses, and minimal negative response (6%). Of those persons circling one of the two choices, weekdays trips were favored twice as often as Sundays.

Q4: Would you prefer the degree of physical activity to be presented in our field trip narrative?

A: [same multiple-choice format as Q1]

This was the most favorably responded to of the field trip questions (64%); only 3% disapproved.

Q5: Would you prefer more socially oriented field trips (e.g., feeder tour, stationary birding, etc.)?

A: [same multiple-choice format as Q1]

Q7: What suggestions do you have for new field trip locations?

A: fill-in-the-blank

Again, a majority of respondents (60%) did not respond to this question. Suggestions included Harford Land Trust properties, Fair Hill, and one-day listing competitions within Harford County teaming inexperienced and experienced birders together. The only suggestion proposed by more than one person was more feeder tours.

GENERAL BIRD CLUB INFORMATION:

Q1: Which do you prefer for a meeting?

A: "dinner at the church", "just brief meeting and speaker", or "munchies at the Leight Center"

This question could be answered with multiple selections, and several respondents did so. The most popular response was "dinner at the church" (60%), followed by "munchies at the Leight Center" (43%), then "just brief meeting and speaker" (37%). While most respondents did favor church meetings, it is noteworthy that over one-third of respondents (37%) did not want to continue this long-time tradition.

Q2: Rate the speakers for the last 2 years:

A: "couldn't stay awake", "boring", "neutral", "interesting", or "enthralled"

No persons responded unfavorably toward the speakers. Positive responses towards speakers were almost double the number of neutral/non-respondent.

Q3: Do you have any suggestions for future speakers?

A: fill-in-the-blank

(Note: This and Q6 below were the final questions analyzed, however four surveys were misplaced just prior to this point. Therefore, the following results are based upon 26 completed surveys. If memory serves me correctly, the missing four responses left these questions unanswered.) The overwhelming majority (88%) of respondents left this question blank. Three suggestions were received: "travel group representative", "Chesapeake Birds of Prey", and "birding films".

Q4: Rate the newsletter and its importance to your membership:

A: "waste of $$", "not necessary", "neutral", "enjoyable", "check the mail each day waiting"

Most persons (87%) responded positively to the newsletter; there were no unfavorable responses.

Q5: How did you find out about the Harford Bird Club?

A: fill-in-the-blank

The most popular responses to this question were either a specifically named member of the bird club (23%), or, more generally stated, a friend/neighbor/family member (20%). Other common responses included Harford Community College (20%), and the Aegis or other newspaper (17%). A variety of other single-respondent answers were received including the Leight Center, Wild Bird Marketplace, and church.

Q6: What areas do you feel need the most improvement in our club?

A: fill-in-the-blank

Half of all surveyors returned this question unanswered. Among the suggestions, the most popular urged the need for more young people in our membership (11%). Streamlining the business meetings, and making new members feel more comfortable were both suggested by multiple persons. Single-respondent answers included forming a membership/public relations committee, sponsoring seminars or classes, and increasing community involvement.

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The executive and field trip committees will discuss the results of the survey at their next meetings, to determine how the club can better serve the needs of the membership. Thank you to all of those who participated. If you would like further details on the survey results, please feel free to contact Dave Webb at 410-939-3537.

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_____	Number of House Wren, Prothonotary Warbler,
	Nuthatch, Chickadee, Titmouse boxes at	$10.00 each	= _______
_____	Number of Bluebird boxes at	$12.00 each	= _______
_____	Number of Kestrel, Screech-Owl boxes at	$17.50 each	= _______
_____	Number of Bat houses at	$15.00 each	= _______
		Total	= _______

                     Please make checks payable to Harford County MOS.
                     _______________________________
                         Print your name(s)

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