Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Erika Bowman
Observers: Adam Katrancha, Jim Rocco, Nancy Ott, Rich Jones
Visitors: Bob Glidden, Jackie Smith, Jill & Joel Carlson, Alyssa Will, Christine Roberts, John Wentz, Edwin Ott, Randy Ott, Ruby Riker, John, Brett, Madden & Bo, Rudy & Sandie Munko, Barry & Nancy Munko
Weather: Fogged in for the first hour. Mostly cloudy and hazy. Very light Western winds, variable at times.
Raptor Observations: Local - 1 Black Vulture, 5 Turkey Vultures, a few Red-tailed
Non-raptor Observations: Butterflies - Great Spangled Fritillary, Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, Spicebush Swallowtail, Summer Azure, Cabbage White
Songbirds - 5 RT Hummingbird, Mourning Dove, Chimney Swift, N Flicker, Blue Jay, A Crow, C Raven, BC Chickadee, Barn Swallow, Cedar Waxwing, A Goldfinch, E Towhee
Predictions: Intervals of clouds and sunshine. Slight chance of a rain shower. High near 70F. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Erika Bowman (<dizzechick...>)
Bake Oven Knob 2 miles North of Germansville, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Aug 24, 2025 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 07:30:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7.5 hours
Official Counter: Ed Sinkler
Observers: Greg Grammes
Visitors: Greg Grammes was able interact with 36 visitors to the hawk watch thanks to the Pennsylvania Game Commission. The visitors came from a varied number of states and a foreign country: Two visitors from Germany with their host from Bethlehem, others from Philadelphia, Maryland, Boston, Upstate New York, Scranton, Pennsburg, and Souderton.
Three AT Through hikers. Zach and Bloobs heading south and Dawson heading north.
Weather: Wind 3-6 mph from the SE to SW to E. 100% cloud cover with a low ceiling. Periods of light rain throughout the day. The mountain top was fogged in from 7:30 until 9:25. Air temperature range from 67-72 F.
Raptor Observations: Bald Eagle adult 1247. Up ridge Bald Eagle immature 1453
Very few raptors with the first being an adult Bald Eagle at 12:47 and was immediately followed by an Osprey. The last raptor of the day was the Sharp-shinned Hawk at 14:25.
Non-raptor Observations: A pleasant day on the mountain, even with the dearth of raptors and the uncooperative weather. The visitors and Greg helped to fill the time with stories and company. We were serenaded by a flautist, a high senior using a film camera, appreciative guests of our services and a generally pleasant demeanor by all. The through hikers provided information on the difficulty of their journey and were eager to continue their journey until they reach their goal.
Predictions: Patchy fog before 10am. Otherwise, partly sunny, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 80. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Lehigh Gap Nature Center (<mail...>) Bake Oven Knob information may be found at: www.lgnc.org
Date: 8/24/25 2:35 pm From: Hawkcount.Org Reports <reports...> Subject: Second Mountain (24 Aug 2025) 2 Raptors
Second Mountain Ft. Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Aug 24, 2025 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 09:45:00 Observation end time: 13:00:00 Total observation time: 3.25 hours
Official Counter: Thom Kurtz
Observers: Bill Kametz, Nancy Clupper
Visitors: 2 visitors plus a family of 6
Weather: Hazy in am till 11:am ,100 cloud cvr all day, with a temperature rang 71 to 76 F. sS winds at 5 km/h
Raptor Observations: 2 immature BE
Very few turkey vulture non migratory
Non-raptor Observations: a ruby throated male hummingbird all day coming to the humming bird pileated wp, swallow species, cardinal, pee wee , chimney swifts, gold finches, American crow, and blue jays
Predictions: mostly sunny with a high of 79, NW winds light turn west in afternoon ======================================================================== Report submitted by Frederick Wilcox (<Ftw539...>) Second Mountain information may be found at: Facebook. Second Mountain Hawk Watch
Date: 8/24/25 2:02 pm From: Hawkcount.Org Reports <reports...> Subject: Waggoner's Gap (24 Aug 2025) Raptors
Waggoner's Gap 40 km W of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Aug 24, 2025 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- BV 0 0 0 TV 0 0 0 OS 0 12 12 BE 0 30 30 NH 0 6 6 SS 0 4 4 CH 0 4 4 AG 0 0 0 RS 0 1 1 BW 0 43 43 RT 0 23 23 RL 0 0 0 GE 0 0 0 AK 0 3 3 ML 0 0 0 PG 0 2 2 UA 0 0 0 UB 0 0 0 UF 0 0 0 UE 0 0 0 UR 0 1 1
Predictions: Weather conditions improve with mostly sunshine and some clouds, High 80 F, Winds WNW 10-15 mph ======================================================================== Report submitted by WG Counter ()
Observation start time: 05:30:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 9.5 hours
Compiler: Andy Wlasniewski
Counters: Matt Wlasniewski
Visitors: 123
Weather: Overcast with occasional drizzle, winds out of south and southeast 1-7 mph
Raptor Observations: Adult bald eagle observed over ridge but did not migrate through
Non-raptor Observations: great egret, least flycatcher, yellow-bellied flycatcher, purple martin, ruby-crowned kinglet, magnolia warbler, scarlet tanager ======================================================================== Report submitted by Laurie Goodrich (<goodrich...>) Hawk Mountain Sanctuary information may be found at: http://www.hawkmountain.org/
Link to a news feed I just came across, regarding critical land acquisition effort by Houston Audubon. Regards,D. SembelloAbington, PA Sent from AOL on Android
Bake Oven Knob 2 miles North of Germansville, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Aug 23, 2025 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 8.33 hours
Official Counter: AB
Observers: Ed Wanamaker, Makayla Hernandez
Visitors: Makayla Hernandez was up early this morning to help with outreach. She did a great job spotting high flying birds and her efforts connecting with visitors was greatly appreciated. We were also joined by Patricia Walters who made her first visit to Bake Oven Knob. She is going to be helping us volunteer on weekends and was getting her bearings on what to bring and expect at a world class migration site. Ed Wanamaker joined us late in the afternoon. He got on many of the high-flying BE’s in the 14:00 hour and really helped boost the day’s tally. I also appreciated hearing the history of the area and he pointed out some more of the landmarks on the horizon.
Weather: Nice south winds for the entire count starting at 1-3mph shortly after 07:00. By 10:00 they had increased to 4-7mph and peaked at 8-12mph at 13:00. There was a haze in the air in the morning hours limiting visibility to Slatington, PA at 7 miles. When the winds picked up at 10:00 it helped clear the haze and visibility improved greatly to 20 miles. By noon visibility was to 30 miles. A thin layer of stratus clouds was off to the north in the morning hours. By 15:00 stratus clouds began to form over Blue Mountain which aided in some of the sky-high migrant detections. Another inversion was in place this morning although the temperature variance wasn’t as big as yesterdays. Low temperature of 18C at 07:00 and a high of 25C by 11:00. Despite the warmer temperatures the steady south wind helped keep us cool at the OP.
Raptor Observations: South Lookout
8.33 hrs (63.42)
BV 5 (16) TV 15 (93) OS 1 (16) BE 7 (28) SS 1 (8) BW 4 (20) RT 6 (16) UR 1 (11) Total 40 (219)
BAEA (7): 09:20 U, 10:39 I, 14:12 A, 14:12 (2) U, 14:14 I, 14:25 A
The flight got underway in the 09:00 hour with a nice pulse of migrating raptors. BW (3) led this first pulse of birds. These early morning birds were mostly following the ridge top of Blue Mountain. There was a slow but steady taper after this and the flight came to a halt in the 13:00 hour. In the 14:00 hour the flight picked up again with BE’s leading this hour. These birds were sky high and it helped having some status clouds to help pick them out. Ed joked that 3 of the BE’s were travelling together on the “family plan”. It indeed looked like an adult and two unaged (possibly juvenile) eagles travelling closely together.
Two resident RT’s were spotted throughout the count frequently kiting over the Notch and further up ridge. One is an adult and the other is a near adult that is quite obvious. An adult and unaged BE was spotted soaring together over Allentown at noon. At 13:00 a SS was detected dogfighting with CORA over the Notch before moving back up ridge.
Non-raptor Observations: BAWW was singing in the canopy right near the OP first thing in the morning as I walked up to the OP. A RTHU came in on Makayla’s blaze orange vest and surprised her. It made a few other brief visits when the OP was least crowded. Two large groups of CORA flew from 1 to the OP to become better acquainted with BC our decoy.
Wild Turkey 1 Mourning Dove 1 Chimney Swift 1 Ruby-throated Hummingbird 2 Red-bellied Woodpecker 1 Downy Woodpecker 1 Pileated Woodpecker 2 Northern Flicker 2 Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) 1 Eastern Wood-Pewee 2 Red-eyed Vireo 4 Blue Jay 1 American Crow 1 Common Raven 17 Tree Swallow 3 Purple Martin 1 Barn Swallow 3 Cliff Swallow 2 White-breasted Nuthatch 1 Red-breasted Nuthatch 1 Eastern Bluebird 1 American Robin 1 Cedar Waxwing 1 American Goldfinch 1 Black-and-white Warbler 1
Predictions: A chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 77. South wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
======================================================================== Report submitted by Adam Richardson (<poecile.gambeli...>) Bake Oven Knob information may be found at: www.lgnc.org
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Brian M. Wargo
Observers: Dave Poder, Jim Rocco
Visitors: About 10
Weather: Clear in the morning with a slight south east wind. As the day progressed, the east wind became steady and stronger! The partly cloudy skies help spot the raptors. Overall, a beautiful day!
Raptor Observations: Bald Eagles: Juveniles: 10:05, 11:56, 12:01 Sub I: 12:02 Sub II: 12:19 Sub IV: 13:31 Adults: 10:00, 10:19, 10:25, 11:36, 12:17, 12:30
Non-raptor Observations: American Crow, Black-capped Chickadee, Blue Jay, Cedar Waxwings, Chimney Swift, Common Raven, Tree Swallow, White-Breasted Nuthatch
2 Hummingbird
3 Eastern Tiger Swallowtail 3 Black Swallowtail 2 Great Spangled Fritillary 4 Eastern Tailed Blue 6 Cabbage White 6 Clouded Sulphur 2 Pearl Crescent 5 Red-spotted Purple
Predictions: Possible rain! ======================================================================== Report submitted by Brian M. Wargo (<brianwargo...>)
Observation start time: 06:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 10 hours
Compiler: Andy Price
Counters: Scott Morrison
Visitors: 275
Weather: Clear to partly cloudy with SE winds shifting to S late morning 1-12 mph.
Raptor Observations: Osprey observed flying past the lookout carrying a trout
Non-raptor Observations: 14 ruby-throated hummingbirds, blue-headed vireo, tree swallow, barn swallow, blackburnian warbler, scarlet tanager ======================================================================== Report submitted by Laurie Goodrich (<goodrich...>) Hawk Mountain Sanctuary information may be found at: http://www.hawkmountain.org/
Date: 8/23/25 4:15 pm From: Hawkcount.Org Reports <reports...> Subject: Second Mountain (23 Aug 2025) 27 Raptors
Second Mountain Ft. Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Aug 23, 2025 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 06:45:00 Observation end time: 15:30:00 Total observation time: 8.75 hours
Official Counter: Sue Dibble
Observers: Andy Francis, Fred Wilcox, Rosemary Spreha
Visitors: 17 for view and 1 person scouting for archery season
Weather: Sunny with a few clouds throughout the day. 56-79 F. S/SE winds avg 5 mph, gusts to 11.
Raptor Observations: Bald Eagles, 5 Immature and 2 adults counted. Locals not counted included 4 immature BE, 1 Cooper's hawk that entertained us by relentlessly harassing a TV, 2 Redtails, and a Sharpie.
Non-raptor Observations: 3 RT Hummingbird, a juvenile Red headed Woodpecker
Monarchs 6 ======================================================================== Report submitted by Frederick Wilcox (<Ftw539...>) Second Mountain information may be found at: Facebook. Second Mountain Hawk Watch
Date: 8/23/25 3:37 pm From: Michael Leahy <mrl706...> Subject: Common Nighthawks
Hello All,
It’s been quite a while since I’ve posted anything here and I apologize for
that.
The past few days my wife and I have been camping at Raccoon Creek State
Park in Beaver County with our grandkids.
Last night we had a very nice display of Common Nighthawks. At about 8:00
pm I observed 6 Nighthawks doing what they do best, flitting around the
treetops getting insects. We watched them for about 15 minutes before they
dispersed. Then around 8:45, just before dark, I saw more that seemed to be
on a mission. Not flitting about but flying with purpose all in the same
direction. We counted 20 overhead just in our smallish piece of sky above
the camper.
Migration is in full swing I guess. So nice to see Nighthawks.
I’m posting but there’s really nothing unusual here. After an absence of several weeks chickadees, titmice, and white breasted nuthatches are coming back to the feeders. Seen in the front yard this morning were an eastern wood pewee, a common yellowthroat, and a yellow warbler. There is, however, steady hummingbird activity. Most of them are juvenile males with one or two adult females and males mixed in. David and I drove down to our lower fields, acres away from the house, and we stopped to look at a small patch of cardinal flowers and a hummingbird came in to feed just as we stopped. Nice to see them in natural habitat away from feeders.
Sent from my iPhone
Date: 8/23/25 2:13 pm From: Hawkcount.Org Reports <reports...> Subject: Waggoner's Gap (23 Aug 2025) 26 Raptors
Waggoner's Gap 40 km W of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Aug 23, 2025 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- BV 0 0 0 TV 0 0 0 OS 3 12 12 BE 7 30 30 NH 2 6 6 SS 0 4 4 CH 2 4 4 AG 0 0 0 RS 0 1 1 BW 3 43 43 RT 8 23 23 RL 0 0 0 GE 0 0 0 AK 1 3 3 ML 0 0 0 PG 0 2 2 UA 0 0 0 UB 0 0 0 UF 0 0 0 UE 0 0 0 UR 0 1 1
Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Dave Grove, Ron Freed
Observers: Dave Stimeling , Gary LaBelle, Gene Wagner, Jess Consentino, Pat Freed, Paul Fritz, Pete Biasucci , Regina Gaison, Steve Espamer
Visitors: Aaron Gibelius, Catherine, 15
Weather: Mix of sun and clouds with S wind.
Raptor Observations: First bird NH 7:42 Last bird OS 2:23
Non-raptor Observations: Monarchs 13 LFE 243 ======================================================================== Report submitted by dave grove (<waggap...>)
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 12:00:00 Total observation time: 3 hours
Official Counter: Fred Paley
Observers: Donna Paley, Mike Sankovich
Visitors: 9 Visitors.
Weather: Cloudless sky at start, 4 MPH breeze from Northeast gradually switching to NNW at 2 MPH. 21 Deg C rising to 23 Deg C.
Raptor Observations: 1 Immature Bald Eagle (11:30), 1 Immature Red Shouldered (11:35) Nonmigrating - 1 Adult Red-tailed hunting over the forest (10:25) 1 Adult Bald Eagle circling out by the TV Tower (10:31)
Non-raptor Observations: Turkey Vultures and Black Vultures overhead most of the day. 8 Turkey Vultures warming themselves on the High Voltage tower left of the lookout. 1 Piliated Woodpecker calling loudly from the forest behind lookout.
As the temperature warmed the Lantern Fly numbers increased.
Predictions: Warm and sunny, hopefully more migrating hawks. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Parks Volunteer (<parks...>)
Bake Oven Knob 2 miles North of Germansville, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Aug 22, 2025 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 8.5 hours
Official Counter: AB
Observers: Ron Kline
Visitors: Ron Kline joined me in the afternoon and spotted our first resident raptor of the day. It was a near adult RTHA soaring up ridge.
7 hikers
Weather: A strong inversion was in place this morning with a temperature of 54F at LGNC, but at the Bake Oven Knob parking lot it was 62F. Winds were out of the NW to start the count so the North Lookout was utilized again. The 4-7mph winds were out of the NW until 10:00 when they dropped to 1-3mph. By 11:00 the winds began to slowly shift to the ENE and by the end of the count they were out of the E still at 1-3mph. After the precipitation the last few days visibility was superb. Light cumulus clouds began to build in from the North by 11:00 and later in the day some of them drifted over the sun providing welcome relief with occasional shade. Low temperature of 16C at 07:00 and a high of 23C by noon.
Raptor Observations: 8.5 hrs (55.08)
BV 4 (11) TV 14 (78) OS 1 (15) BE 1 (21) SS 2 (7) RT 1 (10) UR 2 (10) Total 25 (179)
BAEA (1): 10:42 A
The flight was slow with only a total of 25 raptors migrating past Bake Oven during the survey. The first pulse of the count was in the 10:00 hr when an adult BE was spotted catching a good thermal off of 1. This eagle then glided down Lehigh Valley. A lone SSHA was spotted far out over the valley to the north several glasses above horizon. It was a lucky catch and the afternoon cumulus helped with spotting its silhouette. This small accipiter went sky high with zero effort before gliding off to the N. The next pulse of the day occurred in the 13:00 hour with another SS vocalizing right over the OP. I wasn’t sure if this one was going to be marked as a migrant. It is slow enough this early in the season that I spend time tracking the birds I can to make sure they actually move through. It was hawking insects and seemed to be ticked off about the TUVU and BARS soaring in the same area. It actually stooped on a couple BARS, but they are mini-falcons and easily outmaneuvered the sharpie. It let out several more agitated squealing calls before climbing sky high and zipping north along Blue Mountain. About 15 minutes later an OSPR was calling in nearly the same area and I lucked out again picking up another migrating raptor. The TUVU count was greatly helped by discovering their roost in the notch.
Resident raptors were active on Blue Mountain with an adult RT being spotted up ridge most of the afternoon. It frequently kited over potential prey. At 13:46 an immature BE was spotted chasing an adult over Lehigh Valley before both disappeared behind Bake Oven Knob.
Non-raptor Observations: The tree tops below the North Lookout delivered some nice diversity again today. I realized yesterday’s BTNW was actually a BLBW. I have corrected that observation and it was its call note that made me realize it wasn’t a BTNW. Ron and I were visited by a RTHU that sat right behind us in a snag briefly. I was treated with probably my best look at a YBFL in my life. In this same area two BTBW’s were looking sharp. A small flock of COGR flew up to the summit of Blue Mountain from the S and perched briefly in a prominent snag behind the OP. They continued on to the N. Closed out the morning song bird visits with a nice looking adult female CAWA.
Wild Turkey 1 Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 1 Mourning Dove 2 Chimney Swift 5 Ruby-throated Hummingbird 1 Downy Woodpecker 2 Pileated Woodpecker 2 Northern Flicker 1 Eastern Wood-Pewee 2 Yellow-bellied Flycatcher 1 Red-eyed Vireo 4 Blue Jay 2 American Crow 3 Common Raven 3 Black-capped Chickadee 4 Tufted Titmouse 3 Tree Swallow 2 Barn Swallow 2 Red-breasted Nuthatch 2 Eastern Bluebird 1 American Robin 1 Cedar Waxwing 9 American Goldfinch 1 Common Grackle 8 Blackburnian Warbler 1 Black-throated Blue Warbler 2 Pine Warbler 1 Canada Warbler 1
Predictions: Sunny, with a high near 80. Light southwest wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
======================================================================== Report submitted by Adam Richardson (<poecile.gambeli...>) Bake Oven Knob information may be found at: www.lgnc.org
Observation start time: 07:30:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7.5 hours
Official Counter: Dave Poder
Observers: Bob Stewart, Ed Gowarty,Sr, Greg Gdula, Jim Rocco, Nancy Ott
Visitors: Dave and Shari Rogers, six others
Weather: Fog in valley, then overcast until noon, then partly cloudy, visibility 1 km to start, improving to 30km. Light ESE winds, Temp 15.3C warming to 21.7C
Raptor Observations: BE juv @ 12:01 and 12:45
Non-raptor Observations: Goldfinches, M Doves, Cedar Waxwings, E Towhees, Chimney Swifts, N Flicker, Blue Jays, Crows, Ravens
37 Monarchs
Predictions: Partly sunny early, S winds changing to SW winds in afternoon with a chance of showers ======================================================================== Report submitted by Dave Poder (<avions...>)
Date: 8/22/25 3:07 pm From: Hawkcount.Org Reports <reports...> Subject: Waggoner's Gap (22 Aug 2025) 31 Raptors
Waggoner's Gap 40 km W of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Aug 22, 2025 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- BV 0 0 0 TV 0 0 0 OS 1 9 9 BE 3 23 23 NH 3 4 4 SS 1 4 4 CH 1 2 2 AG 0 0 0 RS 1 1 1 BW 13 40 40 RT 5 15 15 RL 0 0 0 GE 0 0 0 AK 1 2 2 ML 0 0 0 PG 1 2 2 UA 0 0 0 UB 0 0 0 UF 0 0 0 UE 0 0 0 UR 1 1 1
Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 9.03 hours
Official Counter: Jess Cosentino
Observers: Dave Grove, Gene Wagner, Ian Hess, Pat Freed, Paul Fritz, Pete Biasucci, Regina Gaison, Ron Freed
Visitors: 14
Weather: Following the past two days of wet and foggy weather, today brought sunny skies and warmer temps. High of 73 F with a light variable north wind throughout the count period, Minimal cloud cover with lots of sun
Raptor Observations: A light flow of migrant raptors throughout the morning into the early afternoon made for one of the better flights of the season-to-date, with a nice mix of diversity as ten different raptor species were logged heading south
Broad-winged Hawks passed south down the ridge, often passing incredibly high in pairs and as singles; Northern Harriers were also pushing the altitude limits while passing high over the ridge in the atmospheric ceiling
A young Red-shoulded Hawk passed somewhat close along the north side of the ridge, cutting through on a quick glide before disappearing over the treeline: The first of this species for the fall count and the 100th migrant raptor to be logged this season
The final raptor on the day was a young Peregrine Falcon spiraling high in thermals directly above the ridge for several minutes, slowly circlig higher while briefly pausing to harrass a local young Red-tailed Hawk before peeling off and heading southwest in a long late day glide
Non-raptor Observations: LFE: 144 Hummingbirds: 6
First Bird: BWHA 09:36 Last Bird: PEFA 15:43
A nice burst of warblers heading south down the ridge between 0800-0900; Several stopped briefly in the nearby trees above the hawkwatch and providing good looks before continuing southwest
Chimney Swift 3, Ruby-throated Hummingbird 4, Mourning Dove 1, Double-crested Cormorant 2, Downy Woodpecker 1, Northern Flicker 1, Eastern Wood Pewee 1, Red-eyed Vireo 1, Blue Jay 1, Cedar Waxwing 45, Carolina Chickadee 1, Purple Martin 3, Barn Swallow 2, Carolina Wren 1, American Goldfinch 4, Bobolink 1, Brown-headed Cowbird 1, Cape May Warbler 2, Blackburnian Warbler 1, Chestnut-sided Warbler 1, Blackpoll Warbler 2, Black-throated Green Warbler 6, Northern Cardinal 1, warbler sp. 25, Monarch 20
Predictions: Forecast calls for another warm day (high around 80 F) with lots of sun; Winds from the south and increasing in strength throughout the day
Potential rain in the forecast for the following day (Sunday) ======================================================================== Report submitted by WG Counter ()
Observation start time: 05:15:00 Observation end time: 16:30:00 Total observation time: 11.25 hours
Compiler: David Barber
Counters: Cat Ellwell, Rich Rieger
Visitors: 125
Weather: Clear to partly cloud with with N winds 1-5 mph
Raptor Observations: Observed but not counted: 12 turkey vultures, 3 black vultures, 1 Cooper's hawk, 1 red-shouldered hawk and 5 red-tailed hawks
Non-raptor Observations: chimney swift, ruby-throated hummingbird, common rave, tree swallow, barn swallow, blue-gray gnatcatcher, cedar waxwing, magnolia, Cape May, black-throated green and black-and-white warblers, ovenbird, scarlet tanager, American goldfinch ======================================================================== Report submitted by Laurie Goodrich (<goodrich...>) Hawk Mountain Sanctuary information may be found at: http://www.hawkmountain.org/
Date: 8/22/25 2:22 pm From: Grove, Deborah Shuey <dsg4...> Subject: Re: Red Crossbill Request for Information
Thanks! Please consider adding this request to the FB site PA Birders
Deb
From: Bird discussion list for Pennsylvania <PABIRDS...> on behalf of C <empidonaxdvg...>
Date: Friday, August 22, 2025 at 3:35 PM
To: pabirds <PABIRDS...>
Subject: [PABIRDS] Red Crossbill Request for Information
Im writing to follow up on my previous requests for observations of
eastern red crossbills feeding on conifers. Late summer-early fall is a
great time to look for crossbills, as conifer cone crops are mature and
food availability for crossbills is at an all time high.
As a reminder, Im looking for recordings of crossbill calls from the
eastern US/Great Lakes with information on the conifers the birds are
feeding on. The recordings do not have to be made with any advanced
equipment phone recordings are often sufficient. Pictures of the conifer
cones the birds are feeding on are most helpful. However, if you are
comfortable with conifer identification, notes on which conifers birds are
feeding on are also valuable.
Although there are some intriguing patterns in the data so far, describing
the feeding ecology of type 12 and other eastern call types will require
*much* more data across many seasons and years. So, if you have crossbills
in your area, please consider uploading recordings and conifer information
to eBird. Ive also created an iNaturalist project (link below) where
observations can be uploaded. If you dont use eBird or iNaturalist, please
feel free to send me any observations directly.
Thanks a ton for considering my request. Please feel free to reach out with
any questions! Also, please pass this onto anyone you think might be
interested in participating.
Date: 8/22/25 1:26 pm From: Hawkcount.Org Reports <reports...> Subject: Second Mountain (22 Aug 2025) 9 Raptors
Second Mountain Ft. Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Aug 22, 2025 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 6 hours
Official Counter: Steve Walthius
Observers: Jarrod Derr, Kurt & Sally Kraus, Larry Coble, Rosemary Spreha
Visitors: 8 birders 8 for view
16 total
Weather: 65 -79 F with light winds that started from the Northeast and turned to the South in the afternoon. Morning cloudless sky became 30% cloudy in the afternoon.
Raptor Observations: Local Turkey Vultures, Red Shouldered Hawk and Coopers Hawk were not counted.
Eagles were Juvenile (1) and Adult (1).
Non-raptor Observations: Tree Swallows, Ruby Throated Hummingbirds and Ravens
Predictions: Similar weather to today ======================================================================== Report submitted by Frederick Wilcox (<Ftw539...>) Second Mountain information may be found at: Facebook. Second Mountain Hawk Watch
Bake Oven Knob 2 miles North of Germansville, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Aug 21, 2025 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 8.07 hours
Official Counter: AB
Observers: Brody Ritter
Visitors: Brody Ritter who is a summer intern at LGNC joined me for most of the day. It was his last day of his internship before he headed back to school to finish up his degree. He patiently waited thru the foggy morning hours and the rain in the afternoon to catch a few migrating raptors. He was good help spotting birds and I hope he is able to make it back up this fall on one of his long weekends. Towards the end of the day Greg Grammes stopped by to visit.
7 hikers 1 AT hiker
Weather: A wet and unseasonably cool day on Blue Mountain. Winds were out of the ENE to NE for the entire count at 4-7mph peaking at 8-12mph early in the count at 09:00. Due to the northerly component to the wind the North Lookout was utilized. Visibility came and went in the early morning hours as fog and a light drizzle kept drifting over the Notch from the north. By noon the ceiling began to lift rapidly and visibility improved to 15 miles and by 14:00 were at a maximum of 30 miles. All of the precipitation the last few days made for ideal air quality. Mostly cloudy skies for the entire count. Low temperature of 13C at 08:00 and a high of 20C by the end of the count at 15:30. A light drizzle was tapering at the beginning of the count, but by 09:00 a steady drizzle blew over the OP for two hours. By 11:00 the drizzle stopped and conditions improved rapidly.
Raptor Observations: 8.07 hrs (46.58)
BV 1 (7) TV 6 (14) OS 1 (14) BE 2 (20) SS 1 (5) RS 1 (2) RT 1 (9) UR 1 (8) Total 14 (154)
BAEA (2): 14:24 I, 14:28 I
No migrating raptors were detected in the on again off again drizzle of the morning hours. By 11:00 when the precipitation stopped, we picked up our first migrant of the day far up ridge a lone SSHA. It worked hard to gain altitude, but once it did it got some help from the north wind. A lone RSHA was spotted low in the bowl in the noon hour as well as a near adult RTHA that Brody picked up. In the 13:00 hour two immature BE’s were spotted over the Lehigh River. It was beneficial to be at the North Lookout to get a better feel for these birds coming in off the north of the ridge. The day was closed out with a lone OSPR flying up the bowl and through the notch to the north.
No resident raptors were detected during the days survey, although a lone RTHA was heard over Lehigh Valley late in the afternoon.
Non-raptor Observations: In the morning hours we were visited by a nice foraging flock of TUTI followed by CSWA, PIWA and BTNW. A BGGN flitted about directly in front of the OP. The North Lookout definitely has better songbirds thus far this season.
Mourning Dove 5 Chimney Swift 2 Barred Owl 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker 1 Hairy Woodpecker 2 Pileated Woodpecker 2 Northern Flicker 1 Eastern Wood-Pewee 1 Red-eyed Vireo 4 Blue Jay 3 Fish Crow 1 Common Raven 2 Tufted Titmouse 2 Tree Swallow 12 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 2 American Goldfinch 4 Chestnut-sided Warbler 1 Pine Warbler 1 Black-throated Green Warbler 1
Predictions: Sunny, with a high near 80. North wind around 5 mph. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Adam Richardson (<poecile.gambeli...>) Bake Oven Knob information may be found at: www.lgnc.org
Date: 8/21/25 3:18 pm From: Hawkcount.Org Reports <reports...> Subject: Waggoner's Gap (21 Aug 2025) 5 Raptors
Waggoner's Gap 40 km W of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Aug 21, 2025 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- BV 0 0 0 TV 0 0 0 OS 1 8 8 BE 2 20 20 NH 0 1 1 SS 1 3 3 CH 0 1 1 AG 0 0 0 RS 0 0 0 BW 0 27 27 RT 1 10 10 RL 0 0 0 GE 0 0 0 AK 0 1 1 ML 0 0 0 PG 0 1 1 UA 0 0 0 UB 0 0 0 UF 0 0 0 UE 0 0 0 UR 0 0 0
Observation start time: 12:30:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 3 hours
Official Counter: Jess Cosentino
Observers: Pete Biasucci
Visitors: 5
Weather: A low fog ceiling covered the ridge for most of the morning, only lifting by noon or so, Overcast for the remainder of the afternoon, High of 64 F, Moderate NNE winds
Raptor Observations: Only a few raptor migrants moving down the ridge in the hours after the low fog ceiling cleared, but some diversity
Non-raptor Observations: First Bird: BAEA (subadult) 12:38 Last Bird: BAEA (adult) 14:11
Hummingbirds: 1 LFE: 2
Chimney Swift 7, Ruby-throated Hummingbird 1, Mourning Dove 1, Northern Flicker 1, Eastern Wood Pewee 1, Red-eyed Vireo 1, Tree Swallow 1, Purple Martin 8, Barn Swallow 3, Grey Catbird 1, American Goldfinch 3, Northern Cardinal 1, Monarch 2
Predictions: Forecast calls for drier conditions, Temps into the mid-70s F with variable light (3-4 mph) north winds ======================================================================== Report submitted by WG Counter ()
Date: 8/21/25 2:59 pm From: Hawkcount.Org Reports <reports...> Subject: Second Mountain (21 Aug 2025) 2 Raptors
Second Mountain Ft. Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Aug 21, 2025 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 13:00:00 Total observation time: 5 hours
Official Counter: Fred Wilcox
Observers: Chip Templin, Gary Labelle, Joe Meloney, Mike Dale, Rosemary Spreha
Visitors: 6 for vista
Weather: Mostly cloudy throughout the day. A bit hazy at start but very clear at 11:00and then getting extremely foggy at 1:00. A light ENE to NNE wind all day. Count ended at 1:00 when covered by clouds.
Temps in the low to mid 60’s
Raptor Observations:
Non-raptor Observations: Pileated woodpecker and 1 raven
Predictions: Mostly sunning and warmer with a light SW breeze ======================================================================== Report submitted by Frederick Wilcox (<Ftw539...>) Second Mountain information may be found at: Facebook. Second Mountain Hawk Watch
Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 8.33 hours
Compiler: Laurie Goodrich
Counters: Rich Young , Wendy Young
Visitors: 50
Weather: Am fog drizzle then fog and ovct ,midday rain event then ovct with east or north breeze
Raptor Observations: Local birds= 2 redtails, 6 turkey and 3 black vulture, 1 broadwing
Non-raptor Observations: 2 raven, 17 cedar waxwing, goldfinch, tree swallow, barn swallow, rough winged swallow, DC cormorant. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Laurie Goodrich (<goodrich...>) Hawk Mountain Sanctuary information may be found at: http://www.hawkmountain.org/
Date: 8/21/25 12:43 pm From: Amy Taracido <amytaracido...> Subject: RBA western Pennsylvania, 29 July 2025
RBA
*Pennsylvania
*Pittsburgh and western Pennsylvania
*PAWE07.29.25
Highlights:
BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK (Lawrence County)
AMERICAN AVOCET (Erie County)
WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER (Erie County)
STILT SANDPIPER (Erie County)
BAIRD'S SANDPIPER (Erie County)
BLACK TERN (Mercer County)
COMMON TERN
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Erie County)
AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN (Crawford County)
Contributors: Jason Bojczyk, Martin Carlin, Talia Dubowitz, Steve Gosser, Aaron Graham, Amy Henrici, Meg Kolodick, Dan McGuire, Jerry McWilliams, Jackson Medeiros, Nicole Rekich, Donald Snyder, Dennis Trapnell, Michael Williams, "Jennifer Winter Wren" via Ebird.
Compiler: Amy Taracido
Tuesday, 22 July 2025 through Tuesday, 29 July 2025
**This report is distributed by e-mail only. Compiler is not responsible for errors on websites who reproduce/reprint these reports. If you would like to receive western PA RBAs, contact AMYTARACIDO@ YAHOO.COM
Transcript-
NOTE: N/A
ALLEGHENY COUNTY:
At Deer Lakes Park on 7/28, BLACK VULTURE (AH).
On 7/28 near Frick Park, 1 MERLIN (TD).
In Squirrel Hill on 7/29, 2 MERLINS (JWW).
BUTLER COUNTY:
In Portersville on 7/27, 1 COMMON TERN; on 7/29, 1 FORSTER'S TERN (MC).
CRAWFORD COUNTY:
On 7/26 in Pymatuning, 2 AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS (NR).
ERIE COUNTY:
At Presque Isle this week, sightings included AMERICAN AVOCETS (JB et. al.), WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER, WILLETS, BAIRD'S SANDPIPERS (JMe, DS), STILT SANDPIPERS (JMcW et. al.), BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (7/28), 1 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL (7/28) (DT), FORSTER'S TERNS (JB).
FAYETTE COUNTY:
In Spring Valley on 7/23, 1 SANDHILL CRANE (DM).
LAWRENCE COUNTY:
From last week: at the Shaner Road ponds on 7/20, 1 BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK (AG).
On 7/26-7/27 at Shaner Road ponds, 1 BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK (MV, JWW).
MERCER COUNTY:
At the Shenango Wildlife Area ponds on 7/27, STILT SANDPIPER (MW), BLACK TERN (SG).
VENANGO COUNTY:
In Seneca on 7/25, 2 RED-HEADED WOODPECKERS (MK).
WASHINGTON COUNTY:
This week in the California area, BLACK VULTURES continue (AT).
Bake Oven Knob 2 miles North of Germansville, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Aug 20, 2025 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Weather: Light rain mist in the morning hours. On the drive up to the count site a heavy fog had socked in along the ridge of Blue Mountain starting at about the 1,000 ft elevation. Despite hunkering down in the parking lot for most of the morning the stubborn fog persisted. In the 13:00 hour rain developed. The rest of the afternoon was spent watching the North Bound Lehigh Tunnel Web Cam to see if the fog had lifted on Blue Mountain. No count was initiated due to the persistent fog and rain showers late in the day.
Raptor Observations:
Non-raptor Observations:
Predictions: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 70. Northeast wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
======================================================================== Report submitted by Adam Richardson (<poecile.gambeli...>) Bake Oven Knob information may be found at: www.lgnc.org
Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 10:30:00 Total observation time: 3.5 hours
Compiler: Rob Feldman
Counters:
Visitors: 0
Weather: Steady drizzle and dense fog, south winds 4-7 mph
Raptor Observations:
Non-raptor Observations:
======================================================================== Report submitted by Laurie Goodrich (<goodrich...>) Hawk Mountain Sanctuary information may be found at: http://www.hawkmountain.org/
Bake Oven Knob 2 miles North of Germansville, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Aug 19, 2025 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 8.35 hours
Official Counter: AB
Observers: Doug Burton, Ed Sinkler
Visitors: Observers
Doug Burton, Ed Sinkler, Rick Gaeta
Doug Burton and Ed Sinkler joined me for the first half of the days effort and spotted many birds. I appreciate Doug taking the time to explain how they work up there as a team on busy days and showing me some of the other landmarks they use to call birds out. Both kept me honest on my buteo ID’s as well which was appreciated. Later Rick Gaeta rotated in during the afternoon to keep me company. PA Game Commission Officers Blake McKnew and Johnson were out patrolling the area and stopped in for a visit. The PA Game Commission provides funding and logistical support for the Bake Oven Knob Hawk Watch which is greatly appreciated.
70 visitors
Weather: Steady ESE winds at 4-7 mph for the entire count. There was some moisture in the air which resulted in a haze that limited visibility to 18 miles early in the survey. By 10:00 the haze dissipated and visibility increased to 25 miles. Good cloud cover for most of the morning hours made for superb spotting conditions. By noon the clouds burned off quickly. Low temperature of 17C at 07:15 and a high of 23C by noon.
Raptor Observations: 8.35 hrs (38.52)
BV 2 (6) TV 16 (58) OS 4 (13) BE 11 (18) SS 3 (4) CH 1 (5) BW 12 (16) RT 3 (8) Total 52 (140)
BAEA (11): 08:51 A, 09:03 A, 09:16 U, 09:17 I, 09:31 A, 10:11 I, 11:45 A 2, 11:45 I, 11:59 I, 12:32 A
The flight got underway right at the end of the 07:00 hour with a nice pulse of accipitrine. A COHA kicked up on the notch from the N moving due south across the ridge. Right behind it in tow was a SSHA and the light was nice on these two. The flight continued to build with the peak of activity occurring in the 09:00 hour when a dozen migrants moved through. Primarily BW’s with a good push of BE’s. Unlike yesterday’s flight with a few small kettles, the raptors were pounding a flight line to the S of the OP over Lehigh Valley. Most were just above horizon and it was extremely helpful to have skilled spotters picking birds out as this was a new flight line for me. By 10:00 the flight began to taper slowly and by 13:00 the flight came to a halt.
The first resident raptor of the day was an immature BE soaring on 1 with a TV. An hour later an adult BE was spotted flying up ridge. At 11:04 the tail less TV was detected which has earned it the name Stubbie. During most of the survey a total of 3 local RT’s were detected often kiting in the winds off the E slope of the mountain. Two adults and one immature comprised the RT detections. At 12:53 the resident MERL was briefly spotted below horizon soaring in the bowl before heading up ridge.
Non-raptor Observations: Slow day for songbirds on Blue Mountain. A resident CORA spotted BC and I believe recruited 13 of its associates to come see this new development on the ridge. They were spotted up ridge in the late afternoon and flew directly to the OP to get a look at the decoy. There were many visitors at the site so they mostly stayed close to the canopy of the forest, but all came in for a look before moving down ridge.
Chimney Swift 2 Pileated Woodpecker 1 Northern Flicker 1 Eastern Wood-Pewee 1 Red-eyed Vireo 6 Blue Jay 1 American Crow 6 Common Raven 13 Tree Swallow 1 Barn Swallow 3 American Goldfinch 3 Black-and-white Warbler 1
Predictions: Showers and thunderstorms likely, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 2pm. High near 70. East wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Adam Richardson (<poecile.gambeli...>) Bake Oven Knob information may be found at: www.lgnc.org
Date: 8/19/25 4:20 pm From: Hawkcount.Org Reports <reports...> Subject: Waggoner's Gap (19 Aug 2025) 23 Raptors
Waggoner's Gap 40 km W of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Aug 19, 2025 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- BV 0 0 0 TV 0 0 0 OS 1 7 7 BE 8 18 18 NH 1 1 1 SS 0 2 2 CH 0 1 1 AG 0 0 0 RS 0 0 0 BW 12 27 27 RT 0 9 9 RL 0 0 0 GE 0 0 0 AK 0 1 1 ML 0 0 0 PG 1 1 1 UA 0 0 0 UB 0 0 0 UF 0 0 0 UE 0 0 0 UR 0 0 0
Observation start time: 07:45:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7.25 hours
Official Counter: Jess Cosentino
Observers: Dave Grove, Gary Labelle, Gene Wagner, Laurie Goodrich, Pat Freed, Ron Freed, Steve Espamer
Visitors: Visitors 5
Weather: Moderate ESE winds for most of the morning, tapering off into the afternoon hours, Overcast sky throughout entire count period, Another day of cooler temps in the high 60s F
Raptor Observations: A nice push of raptor migrants throughout the morning hours and gradually waning by early afternoon, Several Broad-winged Hawks moving quick down the ridge in loose pairs and as individuals, First migrant Northern Harrier of the season passed distant to the south of the ridge in the late morning, while the first Peregrine Falcon quickly passed directly overhead providing a brief look before disappearing over the treeline
Non-raptor Observations: LFE: 140 Hummingbirds: 2
Chimney Swift 5, Ruby-throated Hummingbird 1, Mourning Dove 1, Northern Flicker 1, Pileated Woodpecker 1, Eastern Wood Pewee 1, Red-eyed Vireo 2, Blue Jay 2, Common Raven 1, Cedar Waxwing 25, Purple Martin 3, Barn Swallow 1, Northern Cardinal 1, Indigo Bunting 1, warbler sp. 1, Monarch 2, Eastern Tiger Swallowtail 2
Predictions: Tomorrow calls for a cloudy start to the morning, with chance of showers increasing throughout late morning into the afternoon hours, with SE winds throughout ======================================================================== Report submitted by WG Counter ()
Date: 8/19/25 3:59 pm From: Hawkcount.Org Reports <reports...> Subject: Waggoner's Gap (18 Aug 2025) 10 Raptors
Waggoner's Gap 40 km W of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Aug 18, 2025 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- BV 0 0 0 TV 0 0 0 OS 3 6 6 BE 2 10 10 NH 0 0 0 SS 1 2 2 CH 0 1 1 AG 0 0 0 RS 0 0 0 BW 3 15 15 RT 1 9 9 RL 0 0 0 GE 0 0 0 AK 0 1 1 ML 0 0 0 PG 0 0 0 UA 0 0 0 UB 0 0 0 UF 0 0 0 UE 0 0 0 UR 0 0 0
Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Jess Cosentino, Ron Freed
Observers: Dave Grove, Pat Freed, Pete Biasucci , Ron Freed
Visitors: 13
Weather: Overcast with light to moderate N wind.
Raptor Observations: First bird SS 10:36 Last bird OS 2:55
Non-raptor Observations: Hummers 1 LFE 1 ======================================================================== Report submitted by dave grove (<waggap...>)
Observation start time: 06:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 9.92 hours
Compiler: Rebecca McCabe
Counters:
Visitors: 107
Weather: Fog/overcast/mostly to partly with SSE to S winds.
Raptor Observations: Nice diversity of raptors scattered throughout the day including a low adult male Northern Harrier as the fog was lifting, followed by Broad-winged and Red-tailed Hawks, Osprey, Cooper's and Sharp-shinned Hawks.
Non-raptor Observations: Predominantly Chimney Swifts, Cedar Waxwings, American Goldfinches, Swallows.
Predictions: Chance of showers ======================================================================== Report submitted by Laurie Goodrich (<goodrich...>) Hawk Mountain Sanctuary information may be found at: http://www.hawkmountain.org/
Date: 8/19/25 2:49 pm From: Hawkcount.Org Reports <reports...> Subject: Second Mountain (19 Aug 2025) 32 Raptors
Second Mountain Ft. Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Aug 19, 2025 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 06:45:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 8.25 hours
Official Counter: Rosemary Spreha
Observers: Joe Meloney, Sue Dibble
Visitors: One from Forestry department of FIG.
Weather: Cloudy in morning, partial sun in afternoon. Light wind from the southeast. Temperatures from 61 to 76 degrees.
Raptor Observations: Bald eagles counted - 2 adult, 1 juvenile Local turkey vultures, black vultures and red-tails not counted. Migrating red-tails were counted.
Non-raptor Observations: Black and white warbler, Ravens, Pileated WP, swifts and swallows, goldfinch, indigo buntings and cedar waxwings. Huey and Osprey helicopters flying from Ft Indiantown Gap. Two monarch butterflies.
Predictions: Possibility of rain. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Frederick Wilcox (<Ftw539...>) Second Mountain information may be found at: Facebook. Second Mountain Hawk Watch
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 12:00:00 Total observation time: 0 hours
Official Counter:
Observers:
Visitors: 5 visitors
Weather: Dense fog , visibility less than 100 yards.% visitors. Weather forecast predicted fog lasting till 3 or 4 o'clock
No count conducted.
Raptor Observations:
Non-raptor Observations: 2 crows sitting on bench when I first arrived .
Predictions: 40 % chance of rain . ======================================================================== Report submitted by Jim Rocco (<jd.jh.rocco...>)
Date: 8/19/25 1:18 pm From: Amy Taracido <amytaracido...> Subject: RBA western Pennsylvania, 22 July 2025
RBA
*Pennsylvania
*Pittsburgh and western Pennsylvania
*PAWE07.22.25
Highlights:
RED KNOT (Erie County)
AMERICAN AVOCET
STILT SANDPIPER (Mercer County)
WHIMBREL (Erie County)
AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN (Crawford County)
LEAST BITTERN
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Butler and Somerset Counties)
NORTHERN HARRIER
SWAINSON'S WARBLER (Fayette County)
YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT (Indiana County)
Contributors: Jeff Bogan, Jason Bojczyk, Alex Bryant, Martin Carlin, Adrian Fenton, Aaron Graham, Yianni Laskaris, Doug Massey, Samantha McNaney, Brian Miller, Scott Reynolds, Luca Samolis, Donald Snyder, Kim Springer, Jennifer 'Winter Wren' via Ebird.
Compiler: Amy Taracido
Tuesday, 15 July 2025 through Tuesday, 22 July 2025
**This report is distributed by e-mail only. Compiler is not responsible for errors on websites who reproduce/reprint these reports. If you would like to receive western PA RBAs, contact AMYTARACIDO@ YAHOO.COM
Transcript-
NOTE: VIRGINIA RAIL continue to be reported.
ALLEGHENY COUNTY:
In West Mifflin on 7/17, 1 NORTHERN HARRIER (JBog).
BUTLER COUNTY:
At Moraine State Park on 7/18, 1 BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON; on 7/20, 2 COMMON TERNS (MC).
CRAWFORD COUNTY:
At Erie National Wildlife Refuge on 7/17, 1 TRUMPETER SWAN (YL).
On 7/17 in Meadville, 1 MERLIN (YL).
At Pymatuning on 7/19, 2 AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS (BM).
ERIE COUNTY:
At Presque Isle this week, sightings included AMERICAN AVOCETS (JBoj et. al.)., 1 RED KNOT (7/16) (DS), 5 WHIMBRELS (7/17) (DM), 1 WHIMBREL (7/19) (AG et. al.).
FAYETTE COUNTY:
On 7/16 at Bear Run Nature Reserve, 1 SWAINSON'S WARBLER continues (AB).
INDIANA COUNTY:
On 7/19 in Blairsville, 2 YELLOW-BREASTED CHATS (SR).
LAWRENCE COUNTY:
At Shaner Road ponds on 7/20, 1 COMMON TERN (JW).
On 7/20 at Black Swamp, 1 LEAST BITTERN (AG et. al.).
MERCER COUNTY:
At Shenango Wildlife Area on 7/19-7/20, 1 STILT SANDPIPER (KS, AF).
SOMERSET COUNTY:
On 7/21 at Lake Somerset, 1 BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (SM).
WASHINGTON COUNTY:
This week in the California area, BLACK VULTURES continue (AT).
Bake Oven Knob 2 miles North of Germansville, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Aug 18, 2025 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 8.15 hours
Official Counter: Adam Bradley
Observers:
Visitors: Frank and Moondog who maintain this section of the Appalachian Trail stopped by to enjoy the view and have their lunch. They also picked up as much trash as possible at the observation point. They told me I would see them once a month during the season. Later in the afternoon I was joined by Meg and Alex Diamond from CT. They were on their way back to CT from VA and stopped in to spot a few raptors. Meg has been getting into birding and has started to visit some of the hawk watch sites in the east. I gave them some info on Quaker and Chestnut Ridge in their neck of the woods. I was also joined by a local high school teacher and his kids. They had been to Hawk Mountain several times and brought their binoculars too. His kids had been to the Lehigh Gap Nature Center many times over the years on school field trips.
27 hikers
Weather: Mostly ESE winds for the entire count at 4-7mph. Visibility was superb after last night’s rain. To the north and east visibility was pretty much unlimited. That coupled with a persistent cloud cover made for ideal conditions to spot migrating raptors. Low temperature of 18C at 07:30 and a high of 23C at 14:00. At the end of the count, it was actually cool enough to wear a windbreaker which was lovely.
Raptor Observations: 8.15 hrs (30.17)
TV 13 (42) OS 7 (9) BE 4 (7) SS 1 BW 2 (4) RT 2 (5) PG 1 (3) UR 1 (7) Total 31 (88)
BAEA (4): 9:59 A, 10:58 I, 13:05 A, 13:33 A
PEFA (1): 13:11 U
The flight got underway in the 09:00 with a total of 5 raptors migrating past the OP. It was an ideal day for me to study some of the flight lines the migrants were taking along the ridge with the clouds providing superb spotting conditions. Many were detected near the notch, but kettles would form to the N of the OP. The first kettle of the day included several TUVU which helped in locating migrants many times during the day’s effort. In the kettle of TUVU was a migrating adult BE and of course at the top of the kettle was the BW’s. While I was sorting this group out, I was startled by something colliding with the owl decoy. I looked over to see an immature RT was retracting its landing gear after taking a swipe at the decoy. It let out its dry raspy call and took several more swipes at the decoy. In 8 years, I have yet to have a migrating raptor actually make contact with one of my decoys so I was ecstatic. Some hikers heard all the commotion and got to take in the last of the action before the angry buteo moved S. The flight remained pretty steady until noon when the flight lulled for an hour. In the 13:00 hour it picked up again with a pulse of 4 more migrants moving past the observation point. The highlight being a PEFA that was soaring out above some TUVU near the towers. It came off the top of the thermal and flapped powerfully SE over the Lehigh Valley. I tracked it for quite a long while before losing it below horizon. Closed out a superb day with 2 OSPR directly over the OP working a thermal together and possibly inspecting the decoy from a safe distance before moving S along the ridge.
The first resident raptor of the day was a MERL that came in hard on the other small owl decoy at 08:52. This one is named Bubo Chiquito or BC. The MERL must have made close to 10 swipes at the owl which I have now wedged in an even more prominent position near the furthest east part of the outcrop near the observation point. Seeing the MERL locked in on BC with its talons down was awesome. BC will be my number one decoy as it never flinched or batted an eye during a fierce first day on the job. At 11:41 a BWHA was spotted flying low along the E side of the ridge flying NE. At 11:44 a TUVU was spotted flying NE with no tail.
Non-raptor Observations: Nice to see the CHSW early in the survey. One REVI showed up and was sounding the alarm about BC. Several nice flocks of CEDW moved through in the morning hours. Nice looks at a GBHE early in the morning as well.
Wild Turkey 1 Mourning Dove 2 Chimney Swift 3 Great Blue Heron 1 Barred Owl 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker 1 Downy Woodpecker 1 Pileated Woodpecker 2 Northern Flicker 1 Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) 1 Eastern Phoebe 2 Red-eyed Vireo 7 Blue Jay 1 American Crow 1 Common Raven 2 Tree Swallow 4 Purple Martin 1 Barn Swallow 19 Cedar Waxwing 48 American Goldfinch 1
Predictions: Partly sunny, with a high near 74. Southeast wind around 5 mph.
======================================================================== Report submitted by Adam Richardson (<poecile.gambeli...>) Bake Oven Knob information may be found at: www.lgnc.org
Date: 8/18/25 6:17 pm From: Hawkcount.Org Reports <reports...> Subject: Second Mountain (18 Aug 2025) 2 Raptors
Second Mountain Ft. Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Aug 18, 2025 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Gary LaBelle
Observers:
Visitors: 1 for view
Weather: Cool and breezy with cloud cover all day
Raptor Observations: max 7 TV 4 BV observed at one time, not counted
Non-raptor Observations: Black-and-white warbler, Baltimore orioles and usual birds
Predictions: Mostly cloudy, low 62 high near 76F. Wind SE 5 to 7 mph ======================================================================== Report submitted by Frederick Wilcox (<Ftw539...>) Second Mountain information may be found at: Facebook. Second Mountain Hawk Watch
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:30:00 Total observation time: 7.5 hours
Official Counter: Nancy Ott
Observers: Ed Gowarty,Sr, Greg Gdula, Ralph Yoder
Visitors: Visitor from cabin came a couple times to retrieve his pug, 2 grandparents and their grand children visited briefly.
Weather: Temps started in 60's partly cloudy to 70's. Mainly east winds. Winds up to 11 mph.
Raptor Observations: TV's floated around, not migrating and as day ended 1 coopers went north and 2 black vultures appeared eye level, circled and flew north. 12 bald eagles seen today. 12:40 unk due to bright lighting background, 12:44,1:15,1:19,2:08,2:12,2:39,3:10,3:12 adults. 3:12 second of 2 eagles came through together with second having a dark edge on tail. 2:04,2:15 juv. Most were beautiful looks as they came overhead ,sun shining. 1 american kestrel was attracted to owl.
Non-raptor Observations: Only 6 monarchs today. other butterflies around,yellow tiger swallowtail, cabbage white. 1 hummingbird. Dragonfly, blue jay, mourning doves, tree swallows, ravens, cardinal, flicker, wild turkey.
Predictions: No expected precipitation, temps 70's, cloudy to begin winds SE 6-10 mph. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Nancy Ott (<ednancy.ott...>)
Observation start time: 05:30:00 Observation end time: 17:00:00 Total observation time: 11.5 hours
Compiler: Bracken Brown
Counters: Rich Rieger
Visitors: 91
Weather: Overcast skies throughout the day. North wind gradually shifted to ENE throughout the day and ranged from 10-20mph
Raptor Observations: A few migrant osprey, bald eagle, and broad-winged hawks passing to the south of the lookout.
Non-raptor Observations: Dickcissel, Wild turkey, fish crow, barn swallow, purple martin, Cedar waxwing, black-throated green and black-and-white warbler
Predictions: Partly sunny high 71 with east wind 5mph. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Laurie Goodrich (<goodrich...>) Hawk Mountain Sanctuary information may be found at: http://www.hawkmountain.org/
Date: 8/18/25 2:26 pm From: Hawkcount.Org Reports <reports...> Subject: Waggoner's Gap (17 Aug 2025) 13 Raptors
Waggoner's Gap 40 km W of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Aug 17, 2025 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- BV 0 0 0 TV 0 0 0 OS 2 3 3 BE 1 8 8 NH 0 0 0 SS 1 1 1 CH 1 1 1 AG 0 0 0 RS 0 0 0 BW 4 12 12 RT 3 8 8 RL 0 0 0 GE 0 0 0 AK 1 1 1 ML 0 0 0 PG 0 0 0 UA 0 0 0 UB 0 0 0 UF 0 0 0 UE 0 0 0 UR 0 0 0
Date: 8/18/25 12:23 pm From: Linda Rowan <000001476b4df963-dmarc-request...> Subject: Close Encounter with a Red Tail Hawk Levittown Bucks County
This afternoon Mick said, "I just saw a Red Tail fly across our patio and out toward the woods".
I wanted to go out to see if the bird had gone up to the tower where the Red Tails nest. The juvenile has been back to the tower several times since it fledged this year.
About three steps onto the patio and I saw the Red Tail was about 5 feet to my right low over the patio. It looked like it had been coming in to land. But seeing me it changed direction and flew up to a tree just outside the yard.
It rested there a few minutes and then flew off to the woods.
As it was flying, I saw the tail and was sure it was a juvenile.
I had not seen any rabbits in the yard today. There were some House Finches around the feeder near the patio. I can't imagine it would have been going for them.
That is the closest I have ever been to a Red Tail in flight.
Bake Oven Knob 2 miles North of Germansville, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Aug 17, 2025 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 07:30:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 8.5 hours
Official Counter: Rick Morrissey
Observers: Ed Wanamaker, Makayla Hernandez, Mark and Hillary Dobos, Rick Gaeta
Visitors: We had a total of 72 visitors on a very hot day. It was great to see long time BOK hawk count veterans, Ed Wanamaker and Rick Gaeta (the other Rick). Yes it was hot, yes it was humid, and yes the birds were few and far between yet this was a great day of amazing conversations. Great to meet Carol from Ashford, Connecticut and Judy from Portland, Connecticut. Carol, I was a former HR director at a local Senior Living Community, hands down, you would be hired without reservation as an RN Supervisor. Good luck to you with all future endeavors.
Wow, Sarah from Coopersburg and your wonderful Mom. So enjoyed hearing about your Dad who is still crushing it today, a man for all seasons, rents a helicopter to fly to work in New York city just because he can. And his profession? An artist sculptor creates a 2 foot model, and then wants it to be a 50 foot piece of art, who do you call but Sarah's dad to engineer it 90% complete. Can I meet your dad when he is not wind surfing?
And then my friends Mark and Hillary show up unexpected. Who knew you are birders? We just hang out at weekly wine tastings in Bethlehem Township. And in the wings, sorry for the pun, is Kenny Funk whose brother started Funk brewing in Emmaus, Pa. Let's all talk wine, let's talk beer!
And my apologies to Mak, last visitor of the day. He told me that he and his friends were lost just the other day on the Appalachian Trail and were rescued by the Fire Police. He then told me last year he was hiking on Mount Tammany and finally after 8 hours he found his car. Me being heat exhausted, under hydrated, and many times lost in my own conversations, I felt he needed my opinion on the healing powers of nature. I just started in on the impact of humans on our Planet, you know, in 1750 there was half a billion humans, 1900 a billion, and 125 years later almost 9 billion. Let's not overlook the five garbage islands of plastic in our oceans, then I pivoted to flora and fauna biodiversity all dependent on the relationship of native plants as the primary producers and native insects as the primary consumers which is foundation of our ecosystem's food web. So my apologies Mak, and then I pointed the way back to the BOK parking lot.
And now my apologies to all of you, it's my first count of the season, 'buckle up!'
Weather: The count began at 0730 with a temperature of 73F, all peaks in a cloud fog, yet the bowl floor was clear. Visibility was about 2500 feet, then the fog cleared quickly with blue sky patches observed by 0800. Humidity was 85% at the start of the count. We had some humidity relief in the afternoon but then it really heated up as nature turned on the 'Easy Bake Oven' in the afternoon with a high temperature of 93F at 1500. Visibility was 20-25 miles in the afternoon, so it was pretty clear that migration shut down with just a few birds in the afternoon. Typical mid-August summer day at BOK, no complaints.
Raptor Observations: First raptor of the day, an Osprey that flew somewhat high over the South Lookout. A un-aged Peregrine Falcon at 0946, still hazy in the Bowl, nothing was 'lighting up' this amazing raptor or we are just rusty at the start of the season. First seen high over peak # 2 by Ed Wanamaker (a great catch), an Adult Bald Eagle riding high on a thermal flying parallel to the lookout over Mountain Road. Best look of the day, a Merlin seen straight out over the Bowl headed West very close to the lookout and then it was gone! Mid-day after a long 'dry spell' of raptors, a non-migrating immature Red Shouldered Hawk flew over the South Lookout heading East into the bowl that appeared to catch a dragon fly and then it perched below the bowl for an afternoon snack. Last raptor of the day after a long, long afternoon with just a few Turkey Vultures, friends of mine Mark and Hillary Dobos brought my attention to some Ravens behind the South Lookout with an immature Cooper's Hawk barreling in and then all disappeared into the woods. Great ID Mark, great spot Hillary, and now you are both official BOK raptor observers!
Non-raptor Observations: First birds of the day, Barn Swallows at 0730 and then a hummingbird at 0735 that flew across the South lookout and perched in a tree overlooking the Bowl. Two Ravens were around most of the afternoon, heard a Pileated WP, an array of Barn and Tree swallows, one or two Swifts, a Downy WP, four Hummingbirds, five Monarchs. Still hanging around from the August 15 count, a Turkey Vulture with a big hole in it's right wing of missing primary flight feathers. Seems just fine.
Predictions: Mostly cloudy, not as warm with highs in the lower 70s (F). Northeast wins 10-15 mph. Sounds like a migration day, maybe a few BWs? Enjoy!! ======================================================================== Report submitted by Lehigh Gap Nature Center (<mail...>) Bake Oven Knob information may be found at: www.lgnc.org
Date: 8/17/25 8:06 pm From: Lee Simpson <0000013640a8a13a-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: osprey or red tail
As always both viewpoints have merit. When I started birding seriously many decades ago, I birded largely by ear, usually looking at the ground so I didn't trip as I walked, and looking up to find the birds when I heard them. Now 73, I have had to learn to bird differently. I now am birding more by eye, but also letting Merlin tell me what birds are (likely) around. I have been wearing hearing aids since I was about 65 (sorry to hear that you, Scott W - no pun intended- are now wearing them) But hearing aids do not restore hearing to what it was. The sounds are different- quite different in my experience- although my hearing loss is not just the normal high mHz songs/calls. So I am using Merlin to help me relearn the songs of familiar birds and give me a poss ID on those I don't know, such as western birds. I never add a bird to an ebird list just because Merlin hears it; I have to either hear a song that I already know and recognize and/or see the bird. And anyone else who lists birds in ebird just based on Merlin is damaging the valuable citizen science that ebird allows
Yes- Merlin makes mistakes- don't we all? But it is a lot of fun to use for older birders, for new birders, and for folks birding in unfamiliar territory. There have always been serious birders who learn the songs and bird by ear, and others who just like to see the birds who come to their feeders or whatever.
And I hope that those of us to use Merlin will think about sending them a donation, because the undertaking and the value are both enormous Lee Simpson, N. Berks Co
On Thursday, August 14, 2025 at 02:59:20 PM EDT, Russ Ruffing <russruffing...> wrote:
Except in my opinion, Merlin doesn’t really teach people anything. It
creates a crutch, and birders learn to not trust their ear, nor does it
encourage them to actually track down the vocalizer and “put eyes to their
ears,” which helps to hardwire the ID in one’s brain.
I routinely see birders with their phone strapped to their wrist and
running Merlin continuously (using an external charger they’ve hooked up to
the phone) and they spend their entire time out in the field looking at
their phone. This is not birding.
On Thu, Aug 14, 2025 at 2:29 PM SCOTT WEIDENSAUL <
<000001343b2dd726-dmarc-request...> wrote:
> The lesson is that while Merlin is good, it’s not perfect, and sometimes
> seeing is believing. I find it struggled if there’s background noise, or
> unusually short vocalizations.
>
> And sometimes birds don’t make the sounds they’re “supposed” to make. This
> spring, for example, my wife and I encountered a male dark-eyed junco
> singing his heart out on a ridgetop in the While Mountains — but instead of
> the typical long, melodic trill, it ended each time with a jumble of notes
> unlike any junco song I’ve ever heard. Merlin kept saying, “Hearing a
> Bird,” but never gave an ID, presumably because it didn’t match anything
> its machine learning had encountered. Merlin’s also known to struggle with
> distinguishing red-eyed and Philadelphia vireo, which is perhaps
> understandable, since those two species will respond to the other’s (almost
> identical) songs.
>
> Still, the app is pretty amazing. For those of us of a certain age, who
> grew up when learning bird songs with technology meant listening to a 33
> rpm record on a turntable, it’s simply astounding.
>
> Scott Weidensaul
> Milton NH (formerly Schuylkill Co.)
>
>
> > On Aug 14, 2025, at 2:16 PM, <ceceliahard...> <
> <000001ea2b4afe88-dmarc-request...> wrote:
> >
> > Merlin sound ID keeps suggesting it hears osprey when I only see red
> tailed hawk. Today I was walking by the Allegheny River and heard what I
> thought was a red tailed hawk and saw an adult perched on a sign on the
> Highland Park bridge. I saw another bird about 100 yards away and could see
> it vocalizing (I think).
> >
> > Merlin cycled between osprey and red tail ID and even added in Bald
> eagle at one point. I couldn't clearly see the calling bird clearly, but
> it seemed to be a juvenile red tail. I was not far downriver from the
> osprey nest that fledged a young bird this spring. I appreciate comments.
> >
> > Cecelia Hard
> > Allegheny County
>
Date: 8/17/25 2:49 pm From: Hawkcount.Org Reports <reports...> Subject: Second Mountain (17 Aug 2025) Raptors
Second Mountain Ft. Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Aug 17, 2025 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Predictions: possibility of am rain, mostly cloudy, with a high of 75 degrees ======================================================================== Report submitted by Frederick Wilcox (<Ftw539...>) Second Mountain information may be found at: Facebook. Second Mountain Hawk Watch
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 13:30:00 Total observation time: 5.5 hours
Official Counter: Erika Bowman
Observers: Adam Katrancha, Che Mincone, Dominic Mincone, Greg Gdula
Weather: Started sunny and hazy but clouds came in as the day progressed. The first 3 showers were light and over quickly. The 4th lasted longer and became very heavy to end the day.
Raptor Observations: Locals - 4 Turkey Vultures, 1 Cooper's, 1 Red-tailed, 1 Broad-winged, Bald Eagle of unknown age
Songbirds - Olive-sided Flycatcher, Eastern Towhee, BC Chickadee, Chimney Swift, Barn Swallow, Tree Swallow, DC Cormorant, Mourning Dove, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Red-eyed Vireo, Blue Jay, A Crow, C Raven, WB Nuthatch, Cedar Waxwing, A Goldfinch, Indigo Bunting
Predictions: Intervals of clouds and sunshine in the morning with more clouds for later in the day. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High around 75F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Erika Bowman (<dizzechick...>)
Date: 8/16/25 5:49 pm From: Hawkcount.Org Reports <reports...> Subject: Second Mountain (16 Aug 2025) 3 Raptors
Second Mountain Ft. Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Aug 16, 2025 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Chip Templin
Observers: Andy Francis, Fred Wilcox, Rosemary Spreha
Visitors: 3 Vista Viewers. Special thanks to Anil for his help.
Weather: Hazy, hot and humid. 100% cloud cover most of the morning. Cleared for a few hours in the afternoon.
Raptor Observations: Bald Eagle - Immature - 3rd Year
Non-raptor Observations: Many Local Turkey Vultures, Pileated Woodpecker, Cedar Waxwings, other local species.
Predictions: High of 90F, sunny in the morning, afternoon clouds. Chance of rain later in the day. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Frederick Wilcox (<Ftw539...>) Second Mountain information may be found at: Facebook. Second Mountain Hawk Watch
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Brian M. Wargo
Observers: Che Mincone, Jeanine Ging
Visitors: Special thanks to Dominic Mincone for helping to spot the birds and catch the monarchs! Cathy Doyle, Sheila Ulerich, Susan Blackburn, Sharon Christ, Kenny Martin
Weather: Warm, sunny, and calm in the morning! The wind began to blow out of the east and continued to do so most of the day, albeit, weakly. Clouds helped control the temperature and allowed us to spot the birds.
Raptor Observations: A red tail landed in the tree next to us and sat for over an hour.
Non-raptor Observations: American Crow, Black-capped Chickadee, Blue Jay, Cedar Waxwings, Chimney Swift, Common Raven, Eastern Towhee, Northern Cardinal, Pee-Wee, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Tree Swallow, White-Breasted Nuthatch
Predictions: Hot and developing rain in the afternoon with west winds. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Brian M. Wargo (<brianwargo...>)
Observation start time: 05:15:00 Observation end time: 17:00:00 Total observation time: 11.75 hours
Compiler: Bracken Brown
Counters: Andy Price, Catherine Elwell
Visitors: 225
Weather: Mostly cloudy becoming overcast and hazy early in the morning, partly cloudy in late afternoon. Winds were light and variable settling to the SW.
Raptor Observations: Four migrants adult bald eagle, immature northern harrier, cooper's hawk and broad-winged hawk. Peregrine falcon stooped on decoy owl.
Non-raptor Observations: Least sandpiper, chimmney swift, ruby-throated hummingbird, eastern wood-peewee, great-crested flycatcher, Barn swallow, purple martin, yellow warbler, black-throated green warbler, black-and-white warbler, golden-crowned kinglet. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Laurie Goodrich (<goodrich...>) Hawk Mountain Sanctuary information may be found at: http://www.hawkmountain.org/
Bake Oven Knob 2 miles North of Germansville, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Aug 16, 2025 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 6 hours
Official Counter: Michele Varricchio
Observers: Greg Grammes
Visitors: 54 visitors at the South Lookout. Thank you Chad Schwartz for observation guidance and historical site background; observers Brian McNulty and Sara Purifoy, and the legendary Ed Wanamaker and Rick Gaeta.
Weather: Temps from 72-80 F. Full cloud coverage with a low ceiling to start. High humidity throughout the day. Clouds lifted, but skies remained partly cloudy. For mid-August, it was a warm and humid day.
Raptor Observations: Early morning Immature Bald Eagle 0800 and Peregrine Falcon, 0800, migrated thru south of the lookout. Adult Bald Eagle 0919 followed by an Osprey 0929 migrated thru overhead.
Mid-morning activity: two high flying unidentified Buteos dogfighting over 5, and a Peregrine Falcon appeared circling overhead, did not migrate, perhaps it was the same bird seen at 0800.
Non-raptor Observations: Tree Swallows and Chimney Swifts frequented the South Lookout throughout the day. Pileated Woodpecker was heard. Some lantern Flies and mid day - small biting bugs.
Predictions: Another humid day with afternoon temperatures in the 90's. Winds offer some relief: SW to WSW, 3-7 mph with gusts 5-18 mph. Skies clear over the noon hour til 1300, otherwise partly cloudy. Visibility 12-19 miles. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Lehigh Gap Nature Center (<mail...>) Bake Oven Knob information may be found at: www.lgnc.org
Date: 8/16/25 2:12 pm From: Hawkcount.Org Reports <reports...> Subject: Waggoner's Gap (16 Aug 2025) Raptors
Waggoner's Gap 40 km W of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Aug 16, 2025 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- BV 0 0 0 TV 0 0 0 OS 0 1 1 BE 0 7 7 NH 0 0 0 SS 0 0 0 CH 0 0 0 AG 0 0 0 RS 0 0 0 BW 0 8 8 RT 0 5 5 RL 0 0 0 GE 0 0 0 AK 0 0 0 ML 0 0 0 PG 0 0 0 UA 0 0 0 UB 0 0 0 UF 0 0 0 UE 0 0 0 UR 0 0 0
Bake Oven Knob 2 miles North of Germansville, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Aug 15, 2025 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 7.52 hours
Official Counter: Adam Bradley
Observers: Chad Schwartz, Doug Burton, Ed Sinkler, Ed Wanamaker, Ed Wanamaker , Ron Kline
Visitors: Observers
Chad Schwartz Doug Burton Ed Sinkler Ed Wanamaker Ron Kline Greg Grammes Kim Braadt Makayla Hernandez Rick Morrissey
15 visitors 5 AT hikers
Weather: Primarily light ESE winds at 1-5kph in the morning increasing to 6-11kph by noon. Due to the humidity in the air a haze was present over Lehigh Valley on the east with views to 15 miles. By 13:00 when the sun had moved to the west visibility increased to 20 miles with good views to the south along Kittatinny Ridge. Minimal cloud cover for most of the morning, but by 14:00 some nice cumulus clouds began to form over the valley to the west. Low temperature of 26C at 08:00 and a high of 30C by 11:00.
Raptor Observations: BV 1 TV 11 CH 2 RS 1 BW 1 RT 3 UR 1 Total 20
An excellent start to the 2025 season opener at Bake Oven Knob. With many seasoned observers up to kick the season off we had plenty of good spotters to pick up the first few migrants of the season. Migrants mostly moved in the morning hours of the count with 6 coming through in the first four hours of the day’s effort. By noon the flight had come to an abrupt halt. Most migrants appeared over the notch or further north along the ridge working their way towards the knob. Many then appeared to climb quite high to the N of the ridge before streaming W. I am happy to report the owl decoy was effective in securing our first BW of the season. I was lucky to spot it as I was getting ready to pack up for the day when I noticed a buteo naked eye in close above a TV. It didn’t take a swipe at the decoy which will be named Bubo Grande going forward. I think it was more interested in it. Real nice looks at this small buteo which buzzed the knob before streaming out towards the east over Lehigh Valley.
Resident raptors were active with our first raptor of the season being an AK hawking dragonflies out over the bowl at 08:30. At 10:20 two RS were dogfighting below horizon over the slope of 1. Two adult RT’s were spotted soaring together over the notch shortly after 11:00. A CH was also spotted soaring out over the slope of 1 in the noon hour. RT’s were definitely the most active along the ridge during the days effort.
Non-raptor Observations: A BAWW sang briefly on the east slope of the observation point. In the 16:00 hour a BAOW was booming down in the bowl.
Red Junglefowl (Domestic type) 1 Mourning Dove 2 Barred Owl 1 Pileated Woodpecker 1 Northern Flicker 1 Eastern Wood-Pewee 2 Red-eyed Vireo 6 Blue Jay 1 Common Raven 1 Tree Swallow 5 Purple Martin 1 White-breasted Nuthatch 1 Cedar Waxwing 2 American Goldfinch 1 Black-and-white Warbler 1
Predictions: A slight chance of showers, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 11am. Patchy fog before 11am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 83. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
======================================================================== Report submitted by Adam Richardson (<poecile.gambeli...>) Bake Oven Knob information may be found at: www.lgnc.org
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 14:30:00 Total observation time: 6.5 hours
Official Counter: Sandy Cline
Observers: Dave Poder, Ed Gowarty,Sr, Judy Johns
Visitors: Dave Poder, Ed Gowarty, Sr., Judy Johns, Carol Culvyhouse, Brianne Vignero, Mary Seitz
Weather: Sunny and hot to start with light easterly breezes. Became a bit cloudier with variable winds at midday.
Raptor Observations:
Non-raptor Observations:
Red-Bellied WP, Northern Flicker, nuthatchs, Goldfinchs, Wild Turkey, Field sparrows, Ravens, Crows, BlueJays, Hummingbirds, Barn Swallow, Cedar Waxwings, Mourning Dove, Cardinals
Predictions: More sun, a bit more humid, light SSE winds ======================================================================== Report submitted by Sandy Cline (<horseldy...>)
Observation start time: 05:15:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 10.75 hours
Compiler: David Barber
Counters: Rebecca McCabe
Visitors: 46
Weather: Hazy, hot and humid. Clear to mostly cloudy, SE and E winds, 4-12 mph
Raptor Observations: Great diversity for the first day of the count, 8 species migrating and 2 not-migrating.
Non-raptor Observations: great-crested flycatcher, eastern wood-pewee, barn and tree swallow, blue-gray gnatcatcher, black-throated green warbler, scarlet tanager, Baltimore oriole, dickcissel ======================================================================== Report submitted by Laurie Goodrich (<goodrich...>) Hawk Mountain Sanctuary information may be found at: http://www.hawkmountain.org/
Date: 8/15/25 2:12 pm From: Hawkcount.Org Reports <reports...> Subject: Waggoner's Gap (15 Aug 2025) 5 Raptors
Waggoner's Gap 40 km W of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Aug 15, 2025 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- BV 0 0 0 TV 0 0 0 OS 0 1 1 BE 2 7 7 NH 0 0 0 SS 0 0 0 CH 0 0 0 AG 0 0 0 RS 0 0 0 BW 3 8 8 RT 0 5 5 RL 0 0 0 GE 0 0 0 AK 0 0 0 ML 0 0 0 PG 0 0 0 UA 0 0 0 UB 0 0 0 UF 0 0 0 UE 0 0 0 UR 0 0 0
Date: 8/15/25 1:06 pm From: Hawkcount.Org Reports <reports...> Subject: Second Mountain (15 Aug 2025) 7 Raptors
Second Mountain Ft. Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Aug 15, 2025 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 07:45:00 Observation end time: 13:45:00 Total observation time: 6 hours
Official Counter: Steve Walthius
Observers: Fred Wilcox, Jarrod Derr, Joe Meloney, Rick Schoenberger, Rosemary Spreha
Visitors: Six birders.
Two FTIG forestry personnel.
Weather: Hot 76 - 87 degrees with light winds from the southeast. Cloud cover 15% to 70%.
Raptor Observations: One juvenile Bald Eagle not counted. Local Turkey Vultures and Red Tailed Hawks not counted.
Non-raptor Observations: Cedar Waxwings, Chimney Swifts, GoldFinches, and Ravens.
Predictions: Similar weather ======================================================================== Report submitted by Frederick Wilcox (<Ftw539...>) Second Mountain information may be found at: Facebook. Second Mountain Hawk Watch
Date: 8/14/25 5:45 pm From: Grove, Deborah Shuey <dsg4...> Subject: Re: osprey or red tail
With our atlassing we have encountered many people who love birds. Some are using Merlin and sit on their porch in the woods and are very surprised at how many birds pop up. They enjoy telling us about their newfound findings.
They realize that there are a lot more than just Robins etc.
However, we realize it is not the time to have a conversation about how some of those birds may not actually be there. It is just good to be an ambassador to praise their interest.
Another comment about REVI vs PHVI is that the app has gotten much better. I rarely get it popping up now and Greg has fewer showing up to review.
Another side note is that Greg created a FB site for Huntingdon birds. And asked people to let us know if they have heard Whip-poor-wills. We got quite a few responses and could add them as atlas sightings. Most are in southern Huntingdon county which is quite a bit different than the north and I will leave it there.
Deb
Deborah S. Grove
________________________________
From: Bird discussion list for Pennsylvania <PABIRDS...> on behalf of SCOTT WEIDENSAUL <000001343b2dd726-dmarc-request...>
Sent: Thursday, August 14, 2025 3:56:23 PM
To: pabirds <PABIRDS...>
Subject: Re: [PABIRDS] osprey or red tail
I see both sides of the argument Russ is making.
Anything can be a crutch, if you let it be. On the other hand, I spend a lot of time in the field with people who are very new to birding, and for whom Merlin has opened a world of bird vocalization that for a lot of them would otherwise be overwhelmingly confusing. Some folks are wired for sound, and pick up birdsong effortlessly, but not everyone (and I am one of those for whom the visual aspects of ID always came easily, but not the audio side). Merlin *does* teach people, by allowing new birders to easily associate the sounds they hear with an identification.
I’ll also admit that, even with hearing aids my hearing loss has reached a point where some species, especially high-pitched warblers, are just gone. Merlin at least lets me know that the Blackburnians haven’t abandoned our woods, I just can’t hear them any more. I realize that’s not what Russ was talking about, but my point is that in balance, I think Merlin’s a huge plus for birding.
Scott Weidensaul
> On Aug 14, 2025, at 2:59 PM, Russ Ruffing <russruffing...> wrote:
>
> Except in my opinion, Merlin doesn’t really teach people anything. It creates a crutch, and birders learn to not trust their ear, nor does it encourage them to actually track down the vocalizer and “put eyes to their ears,” which helps to hardwire the ID in one’s brain.
>
> I routinely see birders with their phone strapped to their wrist and running Merlin continuously (using an external charger they’ve hooked up to the phone) and they spend their entire time out in the field looking at their phone. This is not birding.
>
> On Thu, Aug 14, 2025 at 2:29 PM SCOTT WEIDENSAUL <000001343b2dd726-dmarc-request...> wrote:
> The lesson is that while Merlin is good, it’s not perfect, and sometimes seeing is believing. I find it struggled if there’s background noise, or unusually short vocalizations.
>
> And sometimes birds don’t make the sounds they’re “supposed” to make. This spring, for example, my wife and I encountered a male dark-eyed junco singing his heart out on a ridgetop in the While Mountains — but instead of the typical long, melodic trill, it ended each time with a jumble of notes unlike any junco song I’ve ever heard. Merlin kept saying, “Hearing a Bird,” but never gave an ID, presumably because it didn’t match anything its machine learning had encountered. Merlin’s also known to struggle with distinguishing red-eyed and Philadelphia vireo, which is perhaps understandable, since those two species will respond to the other’s (almost identical) songs.
>
> Still, the app is pretty amazing. For those of us of a certain age, who grew up when learning bird songs with technology meant listening to a 33 rpm record on a turntable, it’s simply astounding.
>
> Scott Weidensaul
> Milton NH (formerly Schuylkill Co.)
>
>
> > On Aug 14, 2025, at 2:16 PM, <ceceliahard...> <000001ea2b4afe88-dmarc-request...> wrote:
> >
> > Merlin sound ID keeps suggesting it hears osprey when I only see red tailed hawk. Today I was walking by the Allegheny River and heard what I thought was a red tailed hawk and saw an adult perched on a sign on the Highland Park bridge. I saw another bird about 100 yards away and could see it vocalizing (I think).
> >
> > Merlin cycled between osprey and red tail ID and even added in Bald eagle at one point. I couldn't clearly see the calling bird clearly, but it seemed to be a juvenile red tail. I was not far downriver from the osprey nest that fledged a young bird this spring. I appreciate comments.
> >
> > Cecelia Hard
> > Allegheny County
Date: 8/14/25 12:56 pm From: SCOTT WEIDENSAUL <000001343b2dd726-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: osprey or red tail
I see both sides of the argument Russ is making.
Anything can be a crutch, if you let it be. On the other hand, I spend a lot of time in the field with people who are very new to birding, and for whom Merlin has opened a world of bird vocalization that for a lot of them would otherwise be overwhelmingly confusing. Some folks are wired for sound, and pick up birdsong effortlessly, but not everyone (and I am one of those for whom the visual aspects of ID always came easily, but not the audio side). Merlin *does* teach people, by allowing new birders to easily associate the sounds they hear with an identification.
I’ll also admit that, even with hearing aids my hearing loss has reached a point where some species, especially high-pitched warblers, are just gone. Merlin at least lets me know that the Blackburnians haven’t abandoned our woods, I just can’t hear them any more. I realize that’s not what Russ was talking about, but my point is that in balance, I think Merlin’s a huge plus for birding.
Scott Weidensaul
> On Aug 14, 2025, at 2:59 PM, Russ Ruffing <russruffing...> wrote:
>
> Except in my opinion, Merlin doesn’t really teach people anything. It creates a crutch, and birders learn to not trust their ear, nor does it encourage them to actually track down the vocalizer and “put eyes to their ears,” which helps to hardwire the ID in one’s brain.
>
> I routinely see birders with their phone strapped to their wrist and running Merlin continuously (using an external charger they’ve hooked up to the phone) and they spend their entire time out in the field looking at their phone. This is not birding.
>
> On Thu, Aug 14, 2025 at 2:29 PM SCOTT WEIDENSAUL <000001343b2dd726-dmarc-request...> wrote:
> The lesson is that while Merlin is good, it’s not perfect, and sometimes seeing is believing. I find it struggled if there’s background noise, or unusually short vocalizations.
>
> And sometimes birds don’t make the sounds they’re “supposed” to make. This spring, for example, my wife and I encountered a male dark-eyed junco singing his heart out on a ridgetop in the While Mountains — but instead of the typical long, melodic trill, it ended each time with a jumble of notes unlike any junco song I’ve ever heard. Merlin kept saying, “Hearing a Bird,” but never gave an ID, presumably because it didn’t match anything its machine learning had encountered. Merlin’s also known to struggle with distinguishing red-eyed and Philadelphia vireo, which is perhaps understandable, since those two species will respond to the other’s (almost identical) songs.
>
> Still, the app is pretty amazing. For those of us of a certain age, who grew up when learning bird songs with technology meant listening to a 33 rpm record on a turntable, it’s simply astounding.
>
> Scott Weidensaul
> Milton NH (formerly Schuylkill Co.)
>
>
> > On Aug 14, 2025, at 2:16 PM, <ceceliahard...> <000001ea2b4afe88-dmarc-request...> wrote:
> >
> > Merlin sound ID keeps suggesting it hears osprey when I only see red tailed hawk. Today I was walking by the Allegheny River and heard what I thought was a red tailed hawk and saw an adult perched on a sign on the Highland Park bridge. I saw another bird about 100 yards away and could see it vocalizing (I think).
> >
> > Merlin cycled between osprey and red tail ID and even added in Bald eagle at one point. I couldn't clearly see the calling bird clearly, but it seemed to be a juvenile red tail. I was not far downriver from the osprey nest that fledged a young bird this spring. I appreciate comments.
> >
> > Cecelia Hard
> > Allegheny County
Date: 8/14/25 11:59 am From: Russ Ruffing <russruffing...> Subject: Re: osprey or red tail
Except in my opinion, Merlin doesn’t really teach people anything. It
creates a crutch, and birders learn to not trust their ear, nor does it
encourage them to actually track down the vocalizer and “put eyes to their
ears,” which helps to hardwire the ID in one’s brain.
I routinely see birders with their phone strapped to their wrist and
running Merlin continuously (using an external charger they’ve hooked up to
the phone) and they spend their entire time out in the field looking at
their phone. This is not birding.
On Thu, Aug 14, 2025 at 2:29 PM SCOTT WEIDENSAUL <
<000001343b2dd726-dmarc-request...> wrote:
> The lesson is that while Merlin is good, it’s not perfect, and sometimes
> seeing is believing. I find it struggled if there’s background noise, or
> unusually short vocalizations.
>
> And sometimes birds don’t make the sounds they’re “supposed” to make. This
> spring, for example, my wife and I encountered a male dark-eyed junco
> singing his heart out on a ridgetop in the While Mountains — but instead of
> the typical long, melodic trill, it ended each time with a jumble of notes
> unlike any junco song I’ve ever heard. Merlin kept saying, “Hearing a
> Bird,” but never gave an ID, presumably because it didn’t match anything
> its machine learning had encountered. Merlin’s also known to struggle with
> distinguishing red-eyed and Philadelphia vireo, which is perhaps
> understandable, since those two species will respond to the other’s (almost
> identical) songs.
>
> Still, the app is pretty amazing. For those of us of a certain age, who
> grew up when learning bird songs with technology meant listening to a 33
> rpm record on a turntable, it’s simply astounding.
>
> Scott Weidensaul
> Milton NH (formerly Schuylkill Co.)
>
>
> > On Aug 14, 2025, at 2:16 PM, <ceceliahard...> <
> <000001ea2b4afe88-dmarc-request...> wrote:
> >
> > Merlin sound ID keeps suggesting it hears osprey when I only see red
> tailed hawk. Today I was walking by the Allegheny River and heard what I
> thought was a red tailed hawk and saw an adult perched on a sign on the
> Highland Park bridge. I saw another bird about 100 yards away and could see
> it vocalizing (I think).
> >
> > Merlin cycled between osprey and red tail ID and even added in Bald
> eagle at one point. I couldn't clearly see the calling bird clearly, but
> it seemed to be a juvenile red tail. I was not far downriver from the
> osprey nest that fledged a young bird this spring. I appreciate comments.
> >
> > Cecelia Hard
> > Allegheny County
>
Date: 8/14/25 11:54 am From: David Neimeyer <dave...> Subject: Re: osprey or red tail
Same here near Allentown. I could see a Red Tail circling; sound seemed to
come from that bird but Merlin identified as Osprey. I've had numerous
occasions where Merlin identified an Osprey but I couldn't see any birds
(usually I was in a wooded area with limited visibility of the sky.) I've
had other instances of Merlin identifying an unlikely bird for the area or
season (for example, Blue Grosbeak).
It all boils down to Merlin being a great tool, and fun to use, but must be
used with a grain of salt.
Sincerely
Dave Neimeyer
Haafsville, Lehigh Co., PA
On Thu, Aug 14, 2025 at 2:16 PM <ceceliahard...> <
<000001ea2b4afe88-dmarc-request...> wrote:
> Merlin sound ID keeps suggesting it hears osprey when I only see red
> tailed hawk. Today I was walking by the Allegheny River and heard what I
> thought was a red tailed hawk and saw an adult perched on a sign on the
> Highland Park bridge. I saw another bird about 100 yards away and could see
> it vocalizing (I think).
>
> Merlin cycled between osprey and red tail ID and even added in Bald eagle
> at one point. I couldn't clearly see the calling bird clearly, but it
> seemed to be a juvenile red tail. I was not far downriver from the osprey
> nest that fledged a young bird this spring. I appreciate comments.
>
> Cecelia Hard
> Allegheny County
>
Date: 8/14/25 11:46 am From: Hawkcount.Org Reports <reports...> Subject: Waggoner's Gap (14 Aug 2025) Raptors
Waggoner's Gap 40 km W of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Aug 14, 2025 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- BV 0 0 0 TV 0 0 0 OS 0 1 1 BE 0 5 5 NH 0 0 0 SS 0 0 0 CH 0 0 0 AG 0 0 0 RS 0 0 0 BW 0 5 5 RT 0 5 5 RL 0 0 0 GE 0 0 0 AK 0 0 0 ML 0 0 0 PG 0 0 0 UA 0 0 0 UB 0 0 0 UF 0 0 0 UE 0 0 0 UR 0 0 0
Date: 8/14/25 11:29 am From: SCOTT WEIDENSAUL <000001343b2dd726-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: osprey or red tail
The lesson is that while Merlin is good, it’s not perfect, and sometimes seeing is believing. I find it struggled if there’s background noise, or unusually short vocalizations.
And sometimes birds don’t make the sounds they’re “supposed” to make. This spring, for example, my wife and I encountered a male dark-eyed junco singing his heart out on a ridgetop in the While Mountains — but instead of the typical long, melodic trill, it ended each time with a jumble of notes unlike any junco song I’ve ever heard. Merlin kept saying, “Hearing a Bird,” but never gave an ID, presumably because it didn’t match anything its machine learning had encountered. Merlin’s also known to struggle with distinguishing red-eyed and Philadelphia vireo, which is perhaps understandable, since those two species will respond to the other’s (almost identical) songs.
Still, the app is pretty amazing. For those of us of a certain age, who grew up when learning bird songs with technology meant listening to a 33 rpm record on a turntable, it’s simply astounding.
Scott Weidensaul
Milton NH (formerly Schuylkill Co.)
> On Aug 14, 2025, at 2:16 PM, <ceceliahard...> <000001ea2b4afe88-dmarc-request...> wrote:
>
> Merlin sound ID keeps suggesting it hears osprey when I only see red tailed hawk. Today I was walking by the Allegheny River and heard what I thought was a red tailed hawk and saw an adult perched on a sign on the Highland Park bridge. I saw another bird about 100 yards away and could see it vocalizing (I think).
>
> Merlin cycled between osprey and red tail ID and even added in Bald eagle at one point. I couldn't clearly see the calling bird clearly, but it seemed to be a juvenile red tail. I was not far downriver from the osprey nest that fledged a young bird this spring. I appreciate comments.
>
> Cecelia Hard
> Allegheny County
Date: 8/14/25 11:16 am From: <ceceliahard...> <000001ea2b4afe88-dmarc-request...> Subject: osprey or red tail
Merlin sound ID keeps suggesting it hears osprey when I only see red tailed hawk. Today I was walking by the Allegheny River and heard what I thought was a red tailed hawk and saw an adult perched on a sign on the Highland Park bridge. I saw another bird about 100 yards away and could see it vocalizing (I think).
Merlin cycled between osprey and red tail ID and even added in Bald eagle at one point. I couldn't clearly see the calling bird clearly, but it seemed to be a juvenile red tail. I was not far downriver from the osprey nest that fledged a young bird this spring. I appreciate comments.
Date: 8/13/25 12:57 pm From: Hawkcount.Org Reports <reports...> Subject: Waggoner's Gap (13 Aug 2025) Raptors
Waggoner's Gap 40 km W of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Aug 13, 2025 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- BV 0 0 0 TV 0 0 0 OS 0 1 1 BE 0 5 5 NH 0 0 0 SS 0 0 0 CH 0 0 0 AG 0 0 0 RS 0 0 0 BW 0 5 5 RT 0 5 5 RL 0 0 0 GE 0 0 0 AK 0 0 0 ML 0 0 0 PG 0 0 0 UA 0 0 0 UB 0 0 0 UF 0 0 0 UE 0 0 0 UR 0 0 0
Observation start time: 08:15:00 Observation end time: 13:30:00 Total observation time: 5.25 hours
Official Counter: Dave Grove, Ron Freed
Observers: Dave Grove, Pat Freed, Pete Biasucci
Visitors: Peg Biasucci, 2
Weather: Hazy, hot and humid with mostly cloudy skies and light SW breeze. A merciful thunderstorm ended the count at 1:30.
Raptor Observations:
Non-raptor Observations: Monarchs 3 LFE 36 ======================================================================== Report submitted by dave grove (<waggap...>)
Date: 8/12/25 1:11 pm From: Hawkcount.Org Reports <reports...> Subject: Waggoner's Gap (12 Aug 2025) 2 Raptors
Waggoner's Gap 40 km W of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Aug 12, 2025 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- BV 0 0 0 TV 0 0 0 OS 0 1 1 BE 0 5 5 NH 0 0 0 SS 0 0 0 CH 0 0 0 AG 0 0 0 RS 0 0 0 BW 1 5 5 RT 1 5 5 RL 0 0 0 GE 0 0 0 AK 0 0 0 ML 0 0 0 PG 0 0 0 UA 0 0 0 UB 0 0 0 UF 0 0 0 UE 0 0 0 UR 0 0 0
Observation start time: 08:15:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 5.75 hours
Official Counter: Dave Grove, Ron Freed
Observers: Gene Wagner, Pat Freed
Visitors: 6
Weather: Hazy and hot with few clouds and no wind in the morning. The afternoon had more clouds and a light S wind.
Raptor Observations: First bird BW 11:12 Last bird RT 12:30
Non-raptor Observations: Monarchs 2 LFE 170 ======================================================================== Report submitted by dave grove (<waggap...>)
Date: 8/11/25 12:42 pm From: Hawkcount.Org Reports <reports...> Subject: Waggoner's Gap (11 Aug 2025) 4 Raptors
Waggoner's Gap 40 km W of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Aug 11, 2025 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- BV 0 0 0 TV 0 0 0 OS 0 1 1 BE 1 5 5 NH 0 0 0 SS 0 0 0 CH 0 0 0 AG 0 0 0 RS 0 0 0 BW 1 4 4 RT 2 4 4 RL 0 0 0 GE 0 0 0 AK 0 0 0 ML 0 0 0 PG 0 0 0 UA 0 0 0 UB 0 0 0 UF 0 0 0 UE 0 0 0 UR 0 0 0
Observation start time: 08:30:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 5.5 hours
Official Counter: Dave Grove, Ron Freed
Observers: Pat Freed, Pete Biasucci
Visitors: 3
Weather: Sunny with calm wind in the morning,becoming light S.
Raptor Observations: First bird RT 1030 Last bird RT 1:09
Non-raptor Observations: Monarchs 3 LFE 14 ======================================================================== Report submitted by dave grove (<waggap...>)
Date: 8/10/25 3:23 pm From: Hawkcount.Org Reports <reports...> Subject: Waggoner's Gap (10 Aug 2025) 2 Raptors
Waggoner's Gap 40 km W of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Aug 10, 2025 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- BV 0 0 0 TV 0 0 0 OS 1 1 1 BE 0 4 4 NH 0 0 0 SS 0 0 0 CH 0 0 0 AG 0 0 0 RS 0 0 0 BW 0 3 3 RT 1 2 2 RL 0 0 0 GE 0 0 0 AK 0 0 0 ML 0 0 0 PG 0 0 0 UA 0 0 0 UB 0 0 0 UF 0 0 0 UE 0 0 0 UR 0 0 0
Date: 8/9/25 1:57 pm From: Hawkcount.Org Reports <reports...> Subject: Waggoner's Gap (09 Aug 2025) 1 Raptors
Waggoner's Gap 40 km W of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Aug 09, 2025 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- BV 0 0 0 TV 0 0 0 OS 0 0 0 BE 0 4 4 NH 0 0 0 SS 0 0 0 CH 0 0 0 AG 0 0 0 RS 0 0 0 BW 1 3 3 RT 0 1 1 RL 0 0 0 GE 0 0 0 AK 0 0 0 ML 0 0 0 PG 0 0 0 UA 0 0 0 UB 0 0 0 UF 0 0 0 UE 0 0 0 UR 0 0 0
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 6 hours
Official Counter: Dave Grove, Ron Freed
Observers: Gene Wagner, Pat Freed, Pete Biasucci
Visitors: 10
Weather: Mostly sunny with calm wind in the morning, becoming light SE.
Raptor Observations: Only bird BW 11:54
Non-raptor Observations: Monarchs 3 LFE 61 ======================================================================== Report submitted by dave grove (<waggap...>)
Date: 8/8/25 2:01 pm From: Hawkcount.Org Reports <reports...> Subject: Waggoner's Gap (08 Aug 2025) 1 Raptors
Waggoner's Gap 40 km W of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Aug 08, 2025 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- BV 0 0 0 TV 0 0 0 OS 0 0 0 BE 1 4 4 NH 0 0 0 SS 0 0 0 CH 0 0 0 AG 0 0 0 RS 0 0 0 BW 0 2 2 RT 0 1 1 RL 0 0 0 GE 0 0 0 AK 0 0 0 ML 0 0 0 PG 0 0 0 UA 0 0 0 UB 0 0 0 UF 0 0 0 UE 0 0 0 UR 0 0 0
Observation start time: 08:15:00 Observation end time: 14:15:00 Total observation time: 6 hours
Official Counter: Dave Grove, Ron Freed
Observers: Gene Wagner, Pat Freed, Pete Biasucci
Visitors: PGC (3), 2
Weather: Cloudless skies with calm wind in the morning, becoming light SE. Some early haze.
Raptor Observations: Only bird BE 10:05
Non-raptor Observations: Monarchs 5 LFE 58 ======================================================================== Report submitted by dave grove (<waggap...>)
Date: 8/7/25 12:44 pm From: Hawkcount.Org Reports <reports...> Subject: Waggoner's Gap (07 Aug 2025) Raptors
Waggoner's Gap 40 km W of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Aug 07, 2025 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- BV 0 0 0 TV 0 0 0 OS 0 0 0 BE 0 3 3 NH 0 0 0 SS 0 0 0 CH 0 0 0 AG 0 0 0 RS 0 0 0 BW 0 2 2 RT 0 1 1 RL 0 0 0 GE 0 0 0 AK 0 0 0 ML 0 0 0 PG 0 0 0 UA 0 0 0 UB 0 0 0 UF 0 0 0 UE 0 0 0 UR 0 0 0
Observation start time: 08:30:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 5.5 hours
Official Counter: Dave Grove, Ron Freed
Observers: Gene Wagner, Pat Freed
Visitors: 13
Weather: Mostly sunny with light SE wind and decreasing haze/smoke.
Raptor Observations:
Non-raptor Observations: Monarchs 1 LFE 56 ======================================================================== Report submitted by dave grove (<waggap...>)
Date: 8/7/25 9:14 am From: Franklin Haas <fhaasbirds...> Subject: CBC Help needed
CBC help needed
I am looking for someone to help me on one of my CBCs this year.
Specifically the Western Chester County CBC on Dec 28.
The territory that I have is mostly in Lancaster County.
The portion that I need help with is the Enola Low Grade Rail/Trail that
runs through my territory.
It is 3 to 5 miles long (i‛ll explain that to any volunteer) and consists
of a flat trail that runs through woodland, shrubby areas, and farmland. It
is quite birdy, but has to be done on foot. It will take several hours to
walk.
I would drop you off at one end and pick you up at the other (or leave your
car at that end).
If interested, please email me and then I will arrange a Zoom meeting for
us to discuss the details.
Frank Haas
--
Frank Haas
Wisdom begins with putting the right name to a thing.
Date: 8/6/25 5:34 pm From: Linda Rowan <000001476b4df963-dmarc-request...> Subject: Screech Owls Bucks County PA
Tonight about 7:50 I was outside my house and thought I heard a siren. As the sound continued my brain finally registered Screech Owl calling.
I got Mick and he came out to listen and then we heard 2 calling. They seemed to be in the woods next to my house and along the creek in the Dogwood section of Levittown.
I am so glad I had gone out to water a plant, or I might not have heard them.
Date: 8/6/25 1:14 pm From: Hawkcount.Org Reports <reports...> Subject: Waggoner's Gap (06 Aug 2025) 2 Raptors
Waggoner's Gap 40 km W of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Aug 06, 2025 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- BV 0 0 0 TV 0 0 0 OS 0 0 0 BE 0 3 3 NH 0 0 0 SS 0 0 0 CH 0 0 0 AG 0 0 0 RS 0 0 0 BW 1 2 2 RT 1 1 1 RL 0 0 0 GE 0 0 0 AK 0 0 0 ML 0 0 0 PG 0 0 0 UA 0 0 0 UB 0 0 0 UF 0 0 0 UE 0 0 0 UR 0 0 0
Observation start time: 08:45:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 5.25 hours
Official Counter: Dave Grove, Ron Freed
Observers: Pat Freed
Visitors: 1
Weather: More clouds than sun with thick haze/smoke and light SE wind.
Raptor Observations: First bird RT 12:48 Last bird BW 1:54
Non-raptor Observations: Monarchs 2 Hummer 1 LFE 8 ======================================================================== Report submitted by dave grove (<waggap...>)
Date: 8/5/25 1:31 pm From: Hawkcount.Org Reports <reports...> Subject: Waggoner's Gap (05 Aug 2025) Raptors
Waggoner's Gap 40 km W of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Aug 05, 2025 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- BV 0 0 0 TV 0 0 0 OS 0 0 0 BE 0 3 3 NH 0 0 0 SS 0 0 0 CH 0 0 0 AG 0 0 0 RS 0 0 0 BW 0 1 1 RT 0 0 0 RL 0 0 0 GE 0 0 0 AK 0 0 0 ML 0 0 0 PG 0 0 0 UA 0 0 0 UB 0 0 0 UF 0 0 0 UE 0 0 0 UR 0 0 0
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 5 hours
Official Counter: Dave Grove, Ron Freed
Observers: Gary LaBelle, Pat Freed
Visitors: 5
Weather: Mostly sunny with calm wind and thick haze/wildfire smoke.
Raptor Observations:
Non-raptor Observations: Monarchs 1 ======================================================================== Report submitted by dave grove (<waggap...>)
Date: 8/4/25 12:53 pm From: Hawkcount.Org Reports <reports...> Subject: Waggoner's Gap (04 Aug 2025) 2 Raptors
Waggoner's Gap 40 km W of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Aug 04, 2025 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- BV 0 0 0 TV 0 0 0 OS 0 0 0 BE 1 3 3 NH 0 0 0 SS 0 0 0 CH 0 0 0 AG 0 0 0 RS 0 0 0 BW 1 1 1 RT 0 0 0 RL 0 0 0 GE 0 0 0 AK 0 0 0 ML 0 0 0 PG 0 0 0 UA 0 0 0 UB 0 0 0 UF 0 0 0 UE 0 0 0 UR 0 0 0
Observation start time: 08:30:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 5.5 hours
Official Counter: Dave Grove, Ron Freed
Observers: Gene Wagner, Pat Freed, Pete Biasucci
Visitors: PGC land crew (2) removing graffiti. 9
Weather: Hazy fair skies with added Canadian wildfire smoke. Light N breeze.
Raptor Observations: First bird BW 12:32 Last bird BE 12:44
Non-raptor Observations: Monarchs 2 LFE 7 Scarlet Tanager, Cedar Waxwing
The parking lot is not quite finished but the gate is open and parking is allowed for now. ======================================================================== Report submitted by dave grove (<waggap...>)
Date: 8/3/25 6:06 pm From: Hawkcount.Org Reports <reports...> Subject: Waggoner's Gap (03 Aug 2025) Raptors
Waggoner's Gap 40 km W of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Aug 03, 2025 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- BV 0 0 0 TV 0 0 0 OS 0 0 0 BE 0 2 2 NH 0 0 0 SS 0 0 0 CH 0 0 0 AG 0 0 0 RS 0 0 0 BW 0 0 0 RT 0 0 0 RL 0 0 0 GE 0 0 0 AK 0 0 0 ML 0 0 0 PG 0 0 0 UA 0 0 0 UB 0 0 0 UF 0 0 0 UE 0 0 0 UR 0 0 0
Date: 8/2/25 5:19 pm From: Judy Stepenaskie <0000020e63e8d1ea-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Little stint, Philadelphia area
Reports are that it hasn't been seen since this morning. (Chatter: BirdPhilly.org on Telegram)
Judy Stepenaskie
> On 08/02/2025 6:14 PM EDT Arlene Koch <0000012d74227426-dmarc-request...> wrote: > > > A little stint has been at the John Heinz impoundment in Philadelphia yesterday and today. Thought maybe one of the many people who have seen this PA first would post it here > Wayne > Sent from my iPhone
Date: 8/2/25 3:14 pm From: Arlene Koch <0000012d74227426-dmarc-request...> Subject: Little stint, Philadelphia area
A little stint has been at the John Heinz impoundment in Philadelphia yesterday and today. Thought maybe one of the many people who have seen this PA first would post it here
Wayne
Sent from my iPhone
Date: 8/2/25 11:52 am From: Hawkcount.Org Reports <reports...> Subject: Waggoner's Gap (02 Aug 2025) 2 Raptors
Waggoner's Gap 40 km W of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Aug 02, 2025 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- BV 0 0 0 TV 0 0 0 OS 0 0 0 BE 2 2 2 NH 0 0 0 SS 0 0 0 CH 0 0 0 AG 0 0 0 RS 0 0 0 BW 0 0 0 RT 0 0 0 RL 0 0 0 GE 0 0 0 AK 0 0 0 ML 0 0 0 PG 0 0 0 UA 0 0 0 UB 0 0 0 UF 0 0 0 UE 0 0 0 UR 0 0 0
Date: 8/2/25 8:05 am From: Meg Kolodick <000000dc3b46d747-dmarc-request...> Subject: 2 Mile Run County Park
Spotted by Dot Monahan, on July 30th, at 2 Mile Run County Park, in Venango Co., 1 Semipalmated plover, along with a Solitary sandpiper and Green heron.
Date: 8/1/25 1:04 pm From: Hawkcount.Org Reports <reports...> Subject: Waggoner's Gap (01 Aug 2025) Raptors
Waggoner's Gap 40 km W of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Aug 01, 2025 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- BV 0 0 0 TV 0 0 0 OS 0 0 0 BE 0 0 0 NH 0 0 0 SS 0 0 0 CH 0 0 0 AG 0 0 0 RS 0 0 0 BW 0 0 0 RT 0 0 0 RL 0 0 0 GE 0 0 0 AK 0 0 0 ML 0 0 0 PG 0 0 0 UA 0 0 0 UB 0 0 0 UF 0 0 0 UE 0 0 0 UR 0 0 0
Observation start time: 08:15:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 5.75 hours
Official Counter: Dave Grove, Ron Freed
Observers: Dave Grove, Gene Wagner, Pat Freed, Robert McLaughlin
Visitors: 1
Weather: Overcast in the morning with early fog and brisk NW wind.
Raptor Observations:
Non-raptor Observations: LFE 4 Raven, Pileated Woodpecker, Purple Martin
Predictions: The parking lot construction is not complete and the parking lot is closed until further notice. ======================================================================== Report submitted by dave grove (<waggap...>)
Date: 7/31/25 7:47 am From: Carole Winslow <cjwinslow94...> Subject: Clarion Co- first migrants, singing alder flycatchers, screech owl molting
I was out this morning walking and was noting that blackbirds, robins, swallows are all flocking up already, I had a huge grackle flock here a couple weeks ago even. But the biggest surprise was two counter singing alder flycatchers in my strip field. I was headed up to pick beans and squash and hadn't even started a checklist as I wasn't expecting much, just trying to beat the rain. I heard the flycatchers and stopped and listened for a while before I could even convince myself that I was hearing them. Willows sometimes give a beginning part of their song that can sound similar but this wasn't that. To hear two though was really surprising. I imagine they are already starting migration, as they probably nest not too much further north than here and I know they are recorded as starting to move in late July. Willows nest in this field and I hear alders in early June but cannot ever recall hearing them this time of year. They were more down in the swampier end, with one singing from a dead ash snag.
Pewees were singing and doing some chattering so while I didn't get to see them I suspect they are traveling about and feeding young. Wood thrush have been really vocal lately, chattering and calling and chasing around the yard every evening. Hooded warblers were still singing, buntings and field and swamp sparrows as previously discussed, but otherwise it is fairly quiet. I did notice more activity this morning though with some heat relief and the northern front starting to move through. The other item is that I do find it fascinating to watch the screech owl molt most every year. As is typical, the male hasn't been seen since last week or the young ones for the last week and a half or so. Last week you could see that the female who is back to roosting daily in the barn, is starting to molt and get her tatty and ragged appearance. The rest of the family is usually gone by now and I imagine her taking a well-deserved vacation for several weeks while she gets a new wardrobe. When she molts the feathers around her face she really starts to take on a bizarre appearance, and I am going to try to get some better photos of the process this year.
Enjoy the late summer birding, you never know what you might find,
On Wednesday, July 30, 2025, 4:24 PM, Carole Winslow <cjwinslow94...> wrote:
It's taken me this long for the heat and wind down of atlas birding to
drive me indoors and given me the time to post a write-up on this adventure
from spring. I also was purposely waiting on the completion of the nesting
before I posted it to eBird (already done) and then getting to share it
here.
I'll try not to make this too long, but I did want to share some of
the interesting details. The short summary to start off with is that on
April 8, two of our local Seneca Rocks Audubon members, Mal Hays and Larry
Towse, were checking screech owl boxes as they do regularly, and came
across two saw-whet owls in boxes at SGL 63 and 74. They got a picture of
each and let me know as they were quite surprised. We've had saw-whets in
boxes before around this time period, so I went out the next day with Larry
and we checked each box. The female was defensive and there were five eggs
in each box. That was a really exciting day, to see this beautiful owl so
closely and find the eggs. We set up some trail cams for both, and started
keeping an eye on the activity. At the SGL 74 box near Strattanville, four
very small young chicks were found on 4/24, and at SGL 63 near Shippenville
five young were first found 4/28, ranging in age probably at least several
days.
After there were young found, we tried to monitor more closely, and I
was just involved with the box at 63 closer to me where we had a cell trail
cam that we followed, and could get videos. The only sign of predation that
we had over the period was a fisher that was seen on the night of 5/2 at
that box, where it appeared that one of the adults drove it off. Mike Leahy
was involved with helping with the nest monitoring by then, and got a
predator guard up and the nest was undisturbed. He was also responsible for
reaching out to get some interest in banding the birds, so Scott Weidensaul
and Dave Brinker got involved with the project. Things seemed to be going
well at the 63 box, but the box at 74 was not doing as well. The chicks had
been getting their pin feathers and progressing but by banding day there
were only two left, and not looking strong. That nest eventually failed, as
the parents appeared to have left, most likely predated we assume. On May
10, the 63 box chicks were banded by Dave Brinker and Aaron Coolman, a grad
student from the Univ of Delaware. The youngest bird was not banded as it
was very small and not expected to survive. The female was banded, and
fitted with a GPS tracker. Mike was later to give her a name, Seneca, and
we had high hopes of following her movements for maybe another year, to
learn about migration patterns and breeding location next year.
Over the next 20 days the box at Shippenville had some ups and downs,
there was a rather extended cold and rainy period where it seemed the
adults weren't getting as much food. But while the female wasn't seen again
during daylight nest checks, an adult was still coming as seen on the cam
at night to deliver food. Eventually, three of the chicks did not survive,
eaten by their siblings, but towards the end of the month we found a mouse
in the box again so it seemed that there was a better food supply. We did
end up supplementing some mice just a couple of days, and by 5/25 you could
hear the young calling on the video as the adult left the nest and 5/26 one
of the young was peering out of the nest box entrance when Mike was
checking. The last check was 5/29 where both young looked well, and then
that night and 5/30, a lot of trail cam activity with a bird perched on the
cam and audible movement. That all ended by 1am 5/31 and there was no
further activity. Don and I checked the box 6/1 and it was empty with no
signs of trouble and no owls in the area. We believe they fledged that
evening of 5/30, and it was so gratifying to know they finally made it out
into the world.
The GPS tracker revealed that Seneca had stayed in the area within 0.6
miles or so of the box, often ranging off the game lands but sometimes
returning to that general area. Unfortunately the very sad part is that
after June 22 we no longer had movement on the tracker. Mike, Don and I
checked for several hours over a couple days and weren't able to locate
anything, as it was on private land in an area with thick understory and
then thick ground cover even in the more open areas. Aaron made the trip
and after searching did report that he had found what he believed were some
of her remains and feathers, but no tracker. So I guess we won't know for
sure but guessing that she was taken by a barred owl most likely. Not the
ending we wanted, but the whole adventure was quite the learning experience
for me, both good and bad. It was a privilege to share the lives of these
birds for a short while and while we never were able to determine if the
male had remained in the area, I will still hold out hope that the two
young birds were able to survive and maybe someday will show up in a mist
net some day, for Bob, or John, or Scott, or some other bander. That would
be the greatest end to the story ! My great thanks to everyone that made
this story possible. For those on Facebook I will be getting to a post
there in the next day or so hopefully where I will have some of the photos
of the whole saga.
(too long I know but hard for a long-winded person like me to get it all
written in less words..)
It's taken me this long for the heat and wind down of atlas birding to drive me indoors and given me the time to post a write-up on this adventure from spring. I also was purposely waiting on the completion of the nesting before I posted it to eBird (already done) and then getting to share it here.
I'll try not to make this too long, but I did want to share some of the interesting details. The short summary to start off with is that on April 8, two of our local Seneca Rocks Audubon members, Mal Hays and Larry Towse, were checking screech owl boxes as they do regularly, and came across two saw-whet owls in boxes at SGL 63 and 74. They got a picture of each and let me know as they were quite surprised. We've had saw-whets in boxes before around this time period, so I went out the next day with Larry and we checked each box. The female was defensive and there were five eggs in each box. That was a really exciting day, to see this beautiful owl so closely and find the eggs. We set up some trail cams for both, and started keeping an eye on the activity. At the SGL 74 box near Strattanville, four very small young chicks were found on 4/24, and at SGL 63 near Shippenville five young were first found 4/28, ranging in age probably at least several days.
After there were young found, we tried to monitor more closely, and I was just involved with the box at 63 closer to me where we had a cell trail cam that we followed, and could get videos. The only sign of predation that we had over the period was a fisher that was seen on the night of 5/2 at that box, where it appeared that one of the adults drove it off. Mike Leahy was involved with helping with the nest monitoring by then, and got a predator guard up and the nest was undisturbed. He was also responsible for reaching out to get some interest in banding the birds, so Scott Weidensaul and Dave Brinker got involved with the project. Things seemed to be going well at the 63 box, but the box at 74 was not doing as well. The chicks had been getting their pin feathers and progressing but by banding day there were only two left, and not looking strong. That nest eventually failed, as the parents appeared to have left, most likely predated we assume. On May 10, the 63 box chicks were banded by Dave Brinker and Aaron Coolman, a grad student from the Univ of Delaware. The youngest bird was not banded as it was very small and not expected to survive. The female was banded, and fitted with a GPS tracker. Mike was later to give her a name, Seneca, and we had high hopes of following her movements for maybe another year, to learn about migration patterns and breeding location next year.
Over the next 20 days the box at Shippenville had some ups and downs, there was a rather extended cold and rainy period where it seemed the adults weren't getting as much food. But while the female wasn't seen again during daylight nest checks, an adult was still coming as seen on the cam at night to deliver food. Eventually, three of the chicks did not survive, eaten by their siblings, but towards the end of the month we found a mouse in the box again so it seemed that there was a better food supply. We did end up supplementing some mice just a couple of days, and by 5/25 you could hear the young calling on the video as the adult left the nest and 5/26 one of the young was peering out of the nest box entrance when Mike was checking. The last check was 5/29 where both young looked well, and then that night and 5/30, a lot of trail cam activity with a bird perched on the cam and audible movement. That all ended by 1am 5/31 and there was no further activity. Don and I checked the box 6/1 and it was empty with no signs of trouble and no owls in the area. We believe they fledged that evening of 5/30, and it was so gratifying to know they finally made it out into the world.
The GPS tracker revealed that Seneca had stayed in the area within 0.6 miles or so of the box, often ranging off the game lands but sometimes returning to that general area. Unfortunately the very sad part is that after June 22 we no longer had movement on the tracker. Mike, Don and I checked for several hours over a couple days and weren't able to locate anything, as it was on private land in an area with thick understory and then thick ground cover even in the more open areas. Aaron made the trip and after searching did report that he had found what he believed were some of her remains and feathers, but no tracker. So I guess we won't know for sure but guessing that she was taken by a barred owl most likely. Not the ending we wanted, but the whole adventure was quite the learning experience for me, both good and bad. It was a privilege to share the lives of these birds for a short while and while we never were able to determine if the male had remained in the area, I will still hold out hope that the two young birds were able to survive and maybe someday will show up in a mist net some day, for Bob, or John, or Scott, or some other bander. That would be the greatest end to the story ! My great thanks to everyone that made this story possible. For those on Facebook I will be getting to a post there in the next day or so hopefully where I will have some of the photos of the whole saga.
(too long I know but hard for a long-winded person like me to get it all written in less words..)
Date: 7/30/25 7:49 am From: Robert Mulvihill <robert.mulvihill...> Subject: eBird question?
Does anybody know if it is possible to compile multiple checklists from the same date and from all hotspot locations under one name, e.g., Frick Park in Pittsburgh?
I would like to compile a single master checklist (and cumulative totals for species) of all the birds reported from anywhere in Frick Park on World Migratory Bird Day (May 10, 2025), irrespective of observer. Basically one big trip lust but across many observers. There seems to be at least a dozen or two checklists, and iI'm finding it very tedious (and very prone to error and duplication) to compile them "longhand" so to speak.
Date: 7/30/25 4:36 am From: Lisa Dziuban <dziubanlisa...> Subject: Singing -Plumstead Twp., Bucks co.
The most persistent singer here this week and last has been the song sparrow. Last week the common yellowthroat’s “wichety” song was heard often. Cardinals, catbirds, Carolina wrens and chickadees with vocal calls.
Lisa Dziuban
“Truth forever on the scaffold, Wrong forever on the throne” - James Russell Lowell, The Present Crisis
Interesting discussion, since this summer the quiet seemed to fall unusually early up here in New Hampshire, which I pessimistically ascribed to diminished overall numbers and less of a need to counter-sing to territorial rivals.
That said, there was (as always) one notable exception — red-eyed vireos. The REVIs keep singing all day, every day, usually through at least mid-to-late August, though in 2023 I still had one plugging along as late as Sept. 2. No wonder the oldtimers called them “preacher birds,” because they never shut up. (With apologies to my clerical friends.)
Maybe that’s part of the explanation for what I think of as the Vireo Paradox, the fact that while so many other neotropical migrant groups (wood warblers, thrushes, tanagers, etc.) have shown long-term declines since 1970, vireos (along with gnatcatchers) were the only group that has shown significant increases. eBird status and trend data for almost all vireos backs that up. Maybe they just don’t know when to quit.
Scott Weidensaul
Milton, NH (formerly Schuylkill Co.)
> On Jul 29, 2025, at 2:52 PM, Carole Winslow <cjwinslow94...> wrote:
>
> Field sparrows often sing later into summer I find, as well as swamp
> sparrows singing daily right now. I also hear scarlet tanagers still
> singing here and wood thrush are active as well, calling and still feeding
> young. A little north in Forest Co yesterday we still had singing
> black-throated green, magnolia, hooded warblers and many hermit thrush, as
> well as a black-throated blue warbler.
>
> Carole Winslow
> Sligo, Clarion Co.
>
> On Tue, Jul 29, 2025 at 8:33 AM sandee swan <sandeeswan...> wrote:
>
>> We have multiple Scarlet Tanagers vigorously singing in our woods. Isn't
>> this unusual this late in the summer? Never noticed before. Lots of Field
>> Sparrows too.
>> Sandee Swansiger
>> Mercer
>>
Field sparrows often sing later into summer I find, as well as swamp
sparrows singing daily right now. I also hear scarlet tanagers still
singing here and wood thrush are active as well, calling and still feeding
young. A little north in Forest Co yesterday we still had singing
black-throated green, magnolia, hooded warblers and many hermit thrush, as
well as a black-throated blue warbler.
Carole Winslow
Sligo, Clarion Co.
On Tue, Jul 29, 2025 at 8:33 AM sandee swan <sandeeswan...> wrote:
> We have multiple Scarlet Tanagers vigorously singing in our woods. Isn't
> this unusual this late in the summer? Never noticed before. Lots of Field
> Sparrows too.
> Sandee Swansiger
> Mercer
>
Date: 7/29/25 5:59 am From: Michael Fialkovich <0000012b4af48ab0-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Singing
I heard Field Sparrows still singing and last Friday in several locations in Westmoreland County while atlasing. I was also surprised to still hear a Yellow-breasted Chat singing! Have not heard tanagers for a week or so. A number of species continue to sing through July.
I have always been interested in knowing if birds just stop singing one day, or taper off over the course of a few days.
Mike FialkovichPittsburgh Area, Allegheny County
On Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at 08:33:51 AM EDT, sandee swan <sandeeswan...> wrote:
We have multiple Scarlet Tanagers vigorously singing in our woods. Isn't
this unusual this late in the summer? Never noticed before. Lots of Field
Sparrows too.
Sandee Swansiger
Mercer
Date: 7/29/25 5:33 am From: sandee swan <sandeeswan...> Subject: Singing
We have multiple Scarlet Tanagers vigorously singing in our woods. Isn't this unusual this late in the summer? Never noticed before. Lots of Field Sparrows too. Sandee Swansiger Mercer
Contributors: Jason Bojczyk, Trip Bondi, Justin Bosler, Brittany Davis, Lauren Eureka, James R. Hill III, Meg Kolodick, Yianni Laskaris, Mike Lyden, Andy McGann, Jackson Medeiros, Presley Riggs, Martin Stoner, Mark Vass, Carole Winslow.
Compiler: Amy Taracido
Tuesday, 8 July 2025 through Tuesday, 15 July 2025
**This report is distributed by e-mail only. Compiler is not responsible for errors on websites who reproduce/reprint these reports. If you would like to receive western PA RBAs, contact AMYTARACIDO@ YAHOO.COM
Transcript-
BEAVER COUNTY:
At Brady's Run County Park on 7/14, 3 TRUMPETER SWANS (LE).
At Raccoon Creek State Park on 7/15, 1 SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER (MV).
CLARION COUNTY:
In the Piney Tract on 7/10, 26+ HENSLOW'S SPARROWS, YELLOW-BREASTED CHATS, WILLOW FLYCATCHERS, PRAIRIE WARBLERS, 5 EASTERN WHIP-POOR-WILLS (CW).
CRAWFORD COUNTY:
On 7/14 at Conneaut Marsh, 1 AMERICAN BITTERN (TB).
In Meadville on 7/14, 1 MERLIN (YL).
ERIE COUNTY:
At Presque Isle this week, sightings included AMERICAN AVOCETS (PR), LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER, BANK SWALLOWS, PURPLE MARTINS, SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHERS, WILLETS (ML), STILT SANDPIPERS (JM, JB), 1 WESTERN KINGBIRD (7/10), PINE WARBLERS (JB).
In Waterford on 7/10 and Union City Reservoir on 7/12, 1 PINE WARBLER (JRH, BD).
FAYETTE COUNTY:
On 7/11 and 7/13 at Bear Run Nature Reserve, 2 SWAINSON'S WARBLERS continue (JB, AM).
At Turquoise Lakes area on 7/15, 1 GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER (MS).
LAWRENCE COUNTY:
At the Shaner Road ponds on 7/15, 1 BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK (TB).
VENANGO COUNTY:
Near Rockmere on 7/10, 1 RED-HEADED WOODPECKER; on 7/15, 2 RED-HEADED WOODPECKERS (MK).
WASHINGTON COUNTY:
This week in the California area, BLACK VULTURES continue (AT).
Date: 7/22/25 5:17 am From: Rob Dickerson <radickerson...> Subject: Request for Photos - Spring
Do you have some great photos of any birds taken in Pennsylvania from March 1, 2025 - May 31, 2025? Or a picture of a notable/significant sighting from that period?
I am currently accepting photo submissions through end of day July 31 to be considered for publication as space permits in the Pennsylvania Society for Ornithology (PSO) Spring 2025 issue of Pennsylvania Birds.
**Important Note** Images submitted must be high-res and are preferred to be horizontal shots. Submitted images must be able to be cropped to 1050px x 700px with a resolution of 300 px/in for horizontal images. If space allows high-quality vertical portrait shots may be used, but they take up the space of 2 photos in the layout used by the journal. Vertical photos submitted must be able to be cropped to 1050px x 1313px at 300 px/in.
Some further instructions... If your submission does not follow the instructions below or contain the info requested below, it will not be processed!
- Submissions for consideration **must** be taken during the above date range and emailed to <radickerson...>, please make mention of the word SPRING in the subject line to simplify processing.
- Please do not submit me dozens of images for consideration, please do some initial limiting/judging of selections on your end that reflect the best of your work. However, if you have 15 different images of truly notable sightings in the state from this period, I'll gladly accept them for consideration!
- VERY important! For each image attached to the e-mail, you must include a description in the body of the e-mail for that image. Best format to follow: Species Name - Location, County, DD Month. Sentence about significance if known/applicable. (Photographer Name) Example: Antillean Nighthawk - Presque Isle SP, Erie, 12 June. This bird represented a first state record and was observed through 1 July. (John Doe)
- Please also submit your photos for consideration in full resolution or as close to full resolution as possible as these will be printed. Your photo also may be considered for a cover shot and a 250KB image just won't work for that! I need to be able to crop your photo to fit the space as it permits in the journal and a precropped / low-resolution image is problematic for that. It's safe to say that if you're sending me an image under a megabyte in size, it isn't going to be the resolution I need to work with. I also need room to crop the image to the specs used for the newsletter (exact specs posted above) and an extremely tight crop may not allow me to do that.
- Photos selected for printing in the issue will be credited to the photographer, please DO NOT submit watermarked/signatured images or they will not be considered. The image should be clean of any add-ons.
Thanks for considering submitting your photos for consideration for our statewide ornithology journal!
