Blue-gray Gnatcatchers by Dianne Snyder
If you're interested in learning more about birding in the Hampton Roads area, you've come to the right place!
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This site introduces you to the Club and provides information about birding in our area. Whether you're an experienced birder or just enjoy watching the birds in your own backyard, we'd love to have you join the Hampton Road Bird Club! Our monthly meetings and field trips provide wonderful learning opportunities and a chance to get to know some really great people! See local birding section for birding classes.
The purposes of the Club are to:
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Promote scientific study and the recording of bird habitat
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Promote development, protection, and conservation of bird life and other natural resources
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Cooperate with national, state, and local organizations toward the conservation and education in the fields of natural resources and ornithology
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Provide financial grants to individuals and organizations to assist in their ornithological education
HRBC's April 8 Zoom presentation on the plans for Fort Monroe by its
new CEO, Scott Martin, was regarded by attendees as outstanding. Scott
seeks to bring more of nature (vegetation, birds, and mammals) back to
Fort Monroe. He reports back to Governor Spanberger in about 6 months.
The plan could use our political support. On May 20, the public is
invited to meet with 6 local members of the Virginia House of
Delegates; the meeting runs from 7:00-8:30 PM at Sandy Bottom in the
usual hall used by HRBC. It will be hosted by the York River chapter
of the Sierra Club.
Topic: Meet Your State Delegates
Date and Time: Wednesday, May 20, 2026, 7:00-8:30 p.m. in-person only
Location: Sandy Bottom Nature Park, Nature Center Conference Room,
1255 Big Bethel Road, Hampton, VA 23666
Directions: https://www.hampton.gov/981/Directions
Program: New and Returning State Delegates will speak about their
priority legislation from the General Assembly Session 2026, which
ended on March 14, to include environmental and environmental justice
topics.
Speakers Invited: Delegates Mark Downey HD 69, Shelly Simonds HD 70,
Jessica Anderson HD 71, Marcia “Cia” Price HD 85, Virgil Thornton HD
86, and Jeion Ward HD 87. These state delegates represent areas of
the lower Virginia Peninsula, including or parts of Hampton, Newport
News, Poquoson, Williamsburg, and Counties of York, James City, New
Kent, and Gloucester.
Hosted by: York River Group, Sierra Club
Refreshments will be offered, including a cake to celebrate these
elected officials who kindly serve the public.
Free and open to the public. Convenient parking. Located in a lovely
urban park.
Contact: Tyla Matteson, Chair, York River Group Sierra Club,
tmatteson1@mindspring.com, (H) 804-275-6476
Announcements
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Friday Morning Bird Walks
Join us on the Fourth Friday (Fort Friday) of each
month 7:00 AM at Fort Monroe. Meet us in the parking lot next to the Fort Monroe Visitor and Education Center at 30 Ingalls Rd, Fort Monroe VA 23651. For more information, contact Ranger Aaron Firth, (757-722-FORT (3678))."
2025-26 Officers, Board Members and Committee Chairs
President - Dr. Shawn T. Dash
Vice President - Mark Sopko
Acting Secretary - William Boeh
Treasurer - John Adair
Board Member (7/23-6/26) - Pete Peterman
Board Member (7/24-7/27) - Dianne Snyder
Board Member (7/25-6/28) - Michael Meyer
Board (former president) - Dave Youker
Newsletter Editor - Tom Charlock
Website Editors - Ellis and Wendy Maxey
Field Trip Coordinator - James Abbott
Hospitality - Brenda Tanner and Jeannie Atkins
Membership - Gwen Harris
Leader, Sunday Newport News Walks - Jane Frigo