General Business Meeting of the Florida Ornithological Society
April 24, 2004
Holiday Inn
Tarpon Springs, Florida
President Fran James called the General Business Meeting of the Florida Ornithological Society (FOS) to order at 2:04 p.m. She welcomed members to the meeting and reported on actions taken at the spring 2004 board meeting. President James announced the FOS is in good financial shape. She reported the society currently has 400 members and plans to increase its membership to 500 members during the next year.
President James reported the board voted to have the approved meeting minutes posted on the FOS web site. She announced Kurt Radamaker is the new web site editor and he has made significant enhancements to the web site (http://www.fosbird.org). Members who have feedback on the web site, who want to contribute bird photographs for the web site, or who wish to provide information for future postings on the web site should contact Kurt (webmaster@fosbirds.org).
President James reported the fall 2004 meeting will be held October 22-24, 2004 in Martin County. Peter Merritt is leading the local organizing committee. Jonathan Dickinson State Park will be a partner in hosting the meeting.
President James announced the Finance Committee is evaluating investing in mutual funds. Because C.D. interest rates have remained low, the FOS is looking for investment opportunities that will yield reasonable returns in the future.
President James reported the board approved the following research awards:
$ 1000 to Fernando Colchero, Duke University, for a study entitled “Effect of sea surface temperature changes and North Atlantic Oscillation on Sooty Tern survival”
$ 2000 to Matthew Reetz, University of Florida, for research on “Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater ater) expansion into Florida and interactions with songbird hosts”
$ 1400 to Lori Blanc, Virginia Tech University, for a study entitled “Experimental study of the longleaf pine cavity-nesting bird community: the role of the Red-cockaded Woodpecker”
The Nominating Committee recommended two candidates for board member positions. The committee’s recommendations were approved and the following individuals were elected to the board:
Judy Bryan, St. Johns River Water Management District, returning board member, term expires in 2007
Scott Robinson, Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida, new board member, term expires in 2007
The board approved the re-appointment of Dr. Jerome Jackson as editor of the Florida Field Naturalist.
President James recognized Grace Iverson who recently passed away. Grace was deeply involved in Scrub Jay research in Palm Beach County. At President James’ request, the membership observed a moment of silence in Grace’s honor.
President James adjourned the meeting at 2:14 p.m.