We had our first of year red-winged blackbird (male) at the feeder this afternoon. We still have a lot of snow on the ground here in Berks County and the feeders have been busy. Just the usual culprits - nothing unusual, but it’s still a joy to watch them.
I was surprised to see a Northern Mockingbird huddled in a fence row along Irish Rd., Cambridge Springs, this afternoon. They are occasional in Crawford Co. in spring and summer, and during other winters we have seen this one that apparently overwinters. But still, after an unusually cold spell of winter weather, there he is out and about in the first warm spell.
Date: 2/16/26 7:23 am From: Glenn Koppel <macatilly...> Subject: WRS East Butler, 101
Very slow day. 100% overcast, a very light rain started near end of route. Heavy traffic on major roads cuts down about of observing we can do and we get very few hawks in the area which appears to have the best habitat. An interesting route for sure.
Northern Harrier-1 UNK
Red-shouldered Hawk 2 AD
Red-tailed Hawk 6 AD
Other birds of note, Sandhill Crane 1, Wild Turkey 33
Comments: First time missing Kestrels, which average 3 per year. Red-tails were slightly below average but within normal range. Bald Eagles and both vulture species were above average.
Date: 2/14/26 9:50 am From: Robin and Daniel Zmoda <robinanddanielz...> Subject: Northampton WRS
Route: 483 County: Northampton Observers: Dan Zmoda, Doug Burton, Tim Burris Date: 2026-02-12 Start Time: 10:30 Hours: 3.17 Miles: 38.0 Temperature: 34 Clouds: Partly Cloudy Wind: Moderate Snow: 8 11 Black Vulture 19 Turkey Vulture: Adult: Immature: Unknown: 19 8 Bald Eagle: Adult: 3 Immature: 4 Unknown: 1 Northern Harrier: Male: Female: Female/Immature: Immature: Unknown: Sharp-shinned Hawk: Adult: Immature: Unknown: Cooper's Hawk: Adult: Immature: Unknown: Red-shouldered Hawk: Adult: Immature: Unknown: 17 Red-tailed Hawk: Adult: 12 Immature: Unknown: 5 Rough-legged Hawk: Light Morph: Dark Morph: Unknown: Golden Eagle: Adult: Immature: Unknown: American Kestrel: Male: Female: Unknown: Merlin: Male: Female: Unknown: Gyrfalcon 2 Peregrine Falcon: Adult: 1 Immature: Unknown: 1 Other birds and comments: ravens, buffleheads, hooded and common mergansers, black ducks, ring necked ducks, redheads, and one possible canvasback. Also one killdeer and at least three American Pipits. All except the ravens were either on the Delaware river or in a retention pond at the power plant. The Killdeer and pipits were working the ice along the river edge. Horned larks in numerous areas. *Eagles were a high count, but we were skunked on Kestrels for the first time.*
Date: 2/12/26 4:28 am From: Grove, Deborah Shuey <dsg4...> Subject: Re: RBA's
I am not sure what you are having trouble with? What RBAs?
I get some from eBird but havent paid attention because I get several.
Deb
Deborah S. Grove
________________________________
From: Bird discussion list for Pennsylvania <PABIRDS...> on behalf of DAVID KOCH <0000012d74227426-dmarc-request...>
Sent: Wednesday, February 11, 2026 8:52:25 PM
To: pabirds <PABIRDS...>
Subject: [PABIRDS] RBA's
Is anyone else having issues with them?
Arlene Koch Easton, PA Northampton County <davilene...>
Contributors: David Bennett, Dave Brooke, Ron Burkert, Larry Burlingame, Lauren Gray, Eric Hall, Ryan Hamilton, "R Lte" via Ebird, Dan McGuire, Ron Mumme, Amanda Pollon, Nathan Rees, Matthew StClair, Mark Vass, Linda Wagner, Jeanne Whitesell, "Jennifer Winter Wren" via Ebird, Kendall Zook.
Compiler: Amy Taracido
Tuesday, 20 January 2026 through Tuesday, 27 January 2026
**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: BLACK VULTURE, COMMON GOLDENEYE, WHITE-WINGED SCOTER, BUFFLEHEAD, PINE SISKIN, AMERICAN TREE SPARROW continue to be reported.
ALLEGHENY COUNTY:
At Duck Hollow on 1/22, 2 SANDHILL CRANES (RL); on 1/27, 1 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE (EH).
On 1/22 near Point State Park, 2 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS (RB); on 1/26, 1 GLAUCOUS GULL (DBe).
Along Forest Glen Road through 1/22 and on 1/24, 1 PAINTED BUNTING (AP, MV).
On 1/24 in Edgeworth, 3 CACKLING GEESE (MV et. al.).
ARMSTRONG COUNTY:
Near Worthington on 1/23, 1 LAPLAND LONGSPUR (DBr).
BEAVER COUNTY:
In New Brighton on 1/22 and 1/24, 1 SNOW GOOSE (LG, MV).
BUTLER COUNTY:
In Butler on 1/24, 2 'CISMONTANUS' DARK-EYED JUNCOES (JWW).
CRAWFORD COUNTY:
In Meadville on 1/22, 1 PEREGRINE FALCON (RH). At Meadville Country Club on 1/24, 16 RED-HEADED WOODPECKERS (RM).
On 1/26 near Cambridge Springs, 1 ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK (KZ).
ERIE COUNTY:
In Erie on 1/25, 1 PINE WARBLER (LB).
FAYETTE COUNTY:
West of Jones Mills on 1/24, 2 SNOW BUNTINGS (DM).
GREENE COUNTY:
In the Point Marion area on 1/27, 1 RED-THROATED LOON (NR).
INDIANA COUNTY:
On 1/23 near Brush Valley, 2 RUSTY BLACKBIRDS; on 1/24, 8 RUSTY BLACKBIRDS; on 1/25, 10 RUSTY BLACKBIRDS (MS).
LAWRENCE COUNTY:
Near New Castle on 1/24, 1 LONG-TAILED DUCK (LW).
SOMERSET COUNTY:
In Rockwood on 1/23, 1 RED-HEADED WOODPECKER (JW).
WESTMORELAND COUNTY:
From last week: at Lowber Wetlands on 1/17, 1 DUNLIN (RL).
Date: 2/8/26 8:34 am From: K Springer <springer0707...> Subject: Re: Butler County Varied Thrush
Thanks, I got it.
On Sun, Feb 8, 2026, 11:14 AM Grove, Deborah Shuey <dsg4...> wrote:
> FB site says it was seen today. > Deb > > Deborah S. Grove > > ------------------------------ > *From:* Bird discussion list for Pennsylvania <PABIRDS...> > on behalf of K Springer <springer0707...> > *Sent:* Sunday, February 8, 2026 8:55:35 AM > *To:* pabirds <PABIRDS...> > *Subject:* [PABIRDS] Butler County Varied Thrush > > I was wondering if anyone knew if it was still there today? I was going to > drive down... Thanks, Kim Springer, Transfer, PA >
Date: 2/8/26 8:14 am From: Grove, Deborah Shuey <dsg4...> Subject: Re: Butler County Varied Thrush
FB site says it was seen today.
Deb
Deborah S. Grove
________________________________
From: Bird discussion list for Pennsylvania <PABIRDS...> on behalf of K Springer <springer0707...>
Sent: Sunday, February 8, 2026 8:55:35 AM
To: pabirds <PABIRDS...>
Subject: [PABIRDS] Butler County Varied Thrush
I was wondering if anyone knew if it was still there today? I was going to
drive down... Thanks, Kim Springer, Transfer, PA
Date: 2/7/26 5:03 pm From: DAVID KOCH <0000012d74227426-dmarc-request...> Subject: Koch property, Northampton County
In addition to too many juncos, white-throats, and song sparrows to count, also here are 4 tree sparrows, 2 Savannah sparrows, 1 field sparrow, 1 fox sparrow, and a female eastern towhee. Robins were drinking from a heated bird bath in the brutal cold. And there are two leucistic cardinals among many others. An adult male has a grayish back and sides, and he's been around for a few years. But today there was an adult female I hadn't previously seen. She has big white eye rings, which apparently is sometimes seen if you check the internet for cardinals like this.
Arlene Koch Easton, PA Northampton County <davilene...>
Date: 2/7/26 6:07 am From: Phil Keener <000000761ae5c4e1-dmarc-request...> Subject: Remembering Peter Robinson
I first met Peter around 25 years ago and he was a very good and available mentor for me as I was just expanding my birding interests from basically just hawk migration. Peter was both the Adams and York County PA Birds compiler for a number of years. He took over Adams from Art and Nonie Kennell in 1997. With York, he took that over from Al Spiese in 2002. Around 2010, Peter was getting more focused on state wide and even regional rarities rarities, and was looking to turn over compiling duties. I was surprised that he asked and expressed confidence in me to handle the duties. He first turned over Adams and then further surprised me with asking me to do York as well. Peter remained available and very supportive (as did York birder Randy Phillips) as I worked thru the "on-boarding" process in preparing narratives. I hadn't seen Peter much in recent years but we did have phone conversations from time-to-time on local rarities. When I did see him in non-birding activities in past years, it was usually at the local hardware store as he got into house flipping for a couple of years. He was an interesting individual and I always enjoyed our conversations.
Phil KeenerEast BerlinAdams County
Date: 2/6/26 9:33 am From: Grove, Deborah Shuey <dsg4...> Subject: Re: Peter Robinson
Thanks Andy. I was trying to remember the last time I ran into him and can’t remember if it was the Flamingos or Gray Flycatcher.
Deb
Deborah S. Grove
________________________________
From: Andrew McGann <andrew.mcgann...>
Sent: Friday, February 6, 2026 11:08:33 AM
To: Grove, Deborah Shuey <dsg4...>
Cc: pabirds <PABIRDS...>
Subject: Re: [PABIRDS] Peter Robinson
Thanks for sharing this, Deb. Peter Robinson was one of the giants of York County birding as I was growing up here. As far as York county ticks, he had the disadvantage of living in Hanover, tucked into the extreme southwest corner, on the border with Adams. But that was a distinct advantage being close to 3 of the best lakes in York Co. (Marburg, Long Arm, and Sheppard-Myers). Deb’s right, Peter was a great aficionado of the rarity-chasing too. I can’t remember how many times I’d be looking a great bird in my scope and I’d instantly recognize Peter’s voice asking if I was on the bird. I can still hear his voice in those memories. And if my memory serves, I think he had one of those Questar mirror-based scopes that always got rave reviews for optical quality, but it was quirky because the image was flipped left-right. We’ve exhanged scope views of rarities over the years, as birders do. He was just one of those folks that you always love to see because that meant we were both chasing an awesome bird.
I think that one of the best things we do as birders is mourn the loss of our own.
Date: 2/6/26 8:32 am From: Michael Leahy <mrl706...> Subject: WRS Clarion County
Hello All,
Here are the results (such as they are) of the Raptor survey that we ran
yesterday.
Although we started the route at 10:00 am, we didn't find our first bird
until after 1:00 pm. Long day.
*WRS Route Results Report*
*2026 Clarion – West Route #162*
Here are the results of the Winter Raptor Survey Route #162 for Clarion
County, West Central area that we ran Thursday, February, 5, 2026
County - CLARION - Route #162
Date – 5 February
Observers- Michael R Leahy, Paulette Colantonio, Alice Thurau
Total time *– *5.5 Hours
Start time/End time 10:00 am / 4:30 pm (minus 1 hr. lunch)
Miles on route - 84
Red-tails – 5 (All adult)
Bald Eagles – 2 (Both adult)
Other birds of note:
3 Ravens
10 Wild Turkey
Several hundred American Goldfinch feeding in an unharvested sunflower
field.
As expected, the count today was extremely low due to the excessive snow
depth and extremely low temperatures for an extended period. (Single digit
lows and below freezing highs for the past few weeks)
Date: 2/6/26 8:08 am From: Andrew McGann <andrew.mcgann...> Subject: Re: Peter Robinson
Thanks for sharing this, Deb. Peter Robinson was one of the giants of York County birding as I was growing up here. As far as York county ticks, he had the disadvantage of living in Hanover, tucked into the extreme southwest corner, on the border with Adams. But that was a distinct advantage being close to 3 of the best lakes in York Co. (Marburg, Long Arm, and Sheppard-Myers). Deb’s right, Peter was a great aficionado of the rarity-chasing too. I can’t remember how many times I’d be looking a great bird in my scope and I’d instantly recognize Peter’s voice asking if I was on the bird. I can still hear his voice in those memories. And if my memory serves, I think he had one of those Questar mirror-based scopes that always got rave reviews for optical quality, but it was quirky because the image was flipped left-right. We’ve exhanged scope views of rarities over the years, as birders do. He was just one of those folks that you always love to see because that meant we were both chasing an awesome bird.
I think that one of the best things we do as birders is mourn the loss of our own.
Date: 2/6/26 5:50 am From: Michael Fialkovich <0000012b4af48ab0-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Peter Robinson
Hi Deb,
Sorry to hear that. Thanks for sending out the note. Yes, too many in recent weeks.
Mike Fialkovich
Allegheny County
On Friday, February 6, 2026 at 08:24:08 AM EST, Grove, Deborah Shuey <dsg4...> wrote:
We lose another in the Pennsylvania birding community. He was a very active birder that you can see in the obituary. One thing in my memory was that he was next to us on the old telephone list to call people when a rarity showed up. Back in 80s?? He also maintained the Pennsylvania Birdlists for people’s numbers in the state, counties and my favorite, county ticks, that were published in the PSO journal. I know that others can contribute stores as well.
Losing so many.
Date: 2/6/26 5:24 am From: Grove, Deborah Shuey <dsg4...> Subject: Peter Robinson
We lose another in the Pennsylvania birding community. He was a very active birder that you can see in the obituary. One thing in my memory was that he was next to us on the old telephone list to call people when a rarity showed up. Back in 80s?? He also maintained the Pennsylvania Birdlists for peoples numbers in the state, counties and my favorite, county ticks, that were published in the PSO journal. I know that others can contribute stores as well.
Losing so many.
Date: 2/4/26 3:28 pm From: Ron Freed <rpfreed4947...> Subject: Fwd: WRS Data Added
Route: 012 County: Adams Observers: Jim Binder, Ron Freed, Keith Gingrich Date: 2026-02-04 Start Time: 09:45 Hours: 3.15 Miles: 70 Temperature: 31 Clouds: Clear Wind: Light Snow: 8 7 Black Vulture 89 Turkey Vulture: Adult: Immature: Unknown: 89 Bald Eagle: Adult: Immature: Unknown: Northern Harrier: Male: Female: Female/Immature: Immature: Unknown:
1 Sharp-shinned Hawk: Adult: Immature: Unknown: 1 Cooper's Hawk: Adult: Immature: Unknown: 11 Red-shouldered Hawk: Adult: 11 Immature: Unknown: 11 Red-tailed Hawk: Adult: 7 Immature: Unknown: 4 Rough-legged Hawk: Light Morph: Dark Morph: Unknown: Golden Eagle: Adult: Immature: Unknown: 2 American Kestrel: Male: 1 Female: Unknown: 1 Merlin: Male: Female: Unknown: Gyrfalcon Peregrine Falcon: Adult: Immature: Unknown: Other birds and comments: For the first time, RTs and RSs were tied, with RTs below average (11 vs. 30) and RS above average (11 vs. 5). AK was also below average (2 vs. 6). TVs above average (89 vs. 77). A red fox was a highlight.
Date: 2/3/26 3:16 pm From: DAVID KOCH <0000012d74227426-dmarc-request...> Subject: Changing location name on ebird
Can someone privately tell me how to do it? I've been on the website a long time and still can't do it. My home location is Koch property (Private) but I'd like to take the private part out. Thanks to anyone who privately answers me.
Arlene Koch Easton, PA Northampton County <davilene...>
Date: 2/3/26 1:27 pm From: Grove, Deborah Shuey <dsg4...> Subject: Student Research Grant
Call for Applications
Pennsylvania Society for Ornithology Student Research Grant
Deadline: March 10
Awardees will be notified by March 31
The Pennsylvania Society for Ornithology (PSO) is sponsoring up to two $500 student research grants in support of research on Pennsylvanias avifauna. We invite anyone to pass this news along to any students involved in research, as well as any professors who could share this announcement with their students.
If selected, the student will travel to the PSO Annual Meeting to give a talk (~30 minutes) about their work, AND/OR the student will submit an article to the Pennsylvania Birds journal, not more than two years after the award of the grant, describing their study and findings to the PSO membership. The recipient will also be awarded a one-year membership in the PSO.
Eligibility:
The award is designed to provide support to either graduate or undergraduate students in pursuit of a bachelors degree, masters degree, or doctorate. The research should be conducted in support of a thesis or dissertation and eventually published. The students academic institution does not need to be in Pennsylvania. The field work does not need to occur in the Commonwealth, however, there is a preference for projects with a Pennsylvania field work component.
Criteria:
Proposals will be judged for their scientific merit and the likelihood that the work will make a meaningful contribution to our understanding of Pennsylvania avifauna.
Submissions must include the name of the students academic institution, the corresponding department at the institution, the degree the student is pursuing, and the name of their academic or research advisor.
Research Proposal Document:
The body of the proposal should be a condensed version of the students thesis/dissertation proposal, not to exceed 5 pages in length (not including any figures or tables). Please note whether Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee approval has been or will be obtained.
Each proposal should include a section on how the results of the proposed study will be helpful to future scientific understanding, conservation efforts, and/or land management implications.
Signed Letter indicating Students Advisors Approval:
In addition to the proposal document, each submission should include a brief, signed letter from the student's academic advisor verifying that the applicant is a student in good standing, and that they are receiving the advisor's support for the proposed project.
Submissions will be evaluated by a PSO committee. Submissions must be sent as pdf email attachments by March 10. Please send submissions or questions to Deb Grove at <dsg4...>
Contributors: David Avery, Dave Brooke, Amanda Deal, John Dzikiy, Lauren Gray, Dean Griffith, Joshua Hall, Justin Kolakowski, Glenn Koppel, "R Lte" via Ebird, Jackson Medeiros, Trent Millum, Matthew StClair, Carl Thomson, Lexie Vath, Ezra White, Jeanne Whitesell, "Jennifer Winter Wren" via Ebird.
Compiler: Amy Taracido
Tuesday, 13 January 2026 through Tuesday, 20 January 2026
**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: BLACK VULTURE, PINE SISKIN continue to be reported.
ALLEGHENY COUNTY:
In Creighton on 1/16, 1 SNOW GOOSE (DA).
On 1/17 near Iron City Brewery, 1 SNOW GOOSE (DG).
ARMSTRONG COUNTY:
Along Green Acres Road on 1/15, 1 LAPLAND LONGSPUR, HORNED LARKS (JK); on 1/16, 1/18, and 1/20, 2 LAPLAND LONGSPURS, HORNED LARKS (JD, EW, DB); on 1/17, 1 LAPLAND LONGSPUR (TM).
BUTLER COUNTY:
Near Butler on 1/17, 2 'CISMONTANUS' DARK-EYED JUNCOES; on 1/18, 1 'OREGON' DARK-EYED JUNCO (JWW via Ebird),
CRAWFORD COUNTY:
On 1/13 at Woodcock Lake, 1 NORTHERN SHRIKE (LV).
Along Conneaut Creek near Harmonsburg Road on 1/20, 1 NORTHERN SHRIKE (JH).
ERIE COUNTY:
At Presque Isle on 1/16, 1 TRUMPETER SWAN (JMe); on 1/19, 2 TRUMPETER SWANS (LG).
FAYETTE COUNTY:
Along Chearney Road on 1/18, 2 SNOW BUNTINGS (CT).
LAWRENCE COUNTY:
On 1/18 in the Volant strips area, 2 TRUMPETER SWANS (MS).
MERCER COUNTY:
During the East Mercer Winter Raptor Survey on 1/19, sightings included 8 SANDHILL CRANES, 1 COMMON RAVEN (GK).
SOMERSET COUNTY:
On 1/16, 1/18, and 1/20 in Rockwood, 1 RED-HEADED WOODPECKER (JW).
Near Wellersburg on 1/18, 5 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE (AD).
WESTMORELAND COUNTY:
At Lowber Wetlands on 1/17, 1 DUNLIN (RL via Ebird).
Date: 1/31/26 11:30 am From: Grove, Gregory William <gwg2...> Subject: Fw: WRS Aughwick Valley, Huntingdon Co.
________________________________
From: <PSO...> <PSO...>
Sent: Saturday, January 31, 2026 2:23 PM
To: <fhaasbirds...> <fhaasbirds...>; Grove, Gregory William <gwg2...>; Grove, Gregory William <gwg2...>
Subject: WRS Data Added
Zero Kestrels (avg =5) due to 8+" snow cover? Seven Red-tails (avg = 9). One Imm RS.
Route: 317
County: Huntingdon
Observers: Greg Grove, Deb Grove
Date: 2026-01-31
Start Time: 10:02
Hours: 2.42
Miles: 40
Temperature: 13
Clouds: Partly Cloudy
Wind: Light
Snow: 8
Black Vulture
Turkey Vulture: Adult: Immature: Unknown:
Osprey
1 Bald Eagle: Adult: 1 Immature: Unknown:
Northern Harrier: Male: Female: Female/Immature: Immature: Unknown:
Sharp-shinned Hawk: Adult: Immature: Unknown:
1 Cooper's Hawk: Adult: Immature: Unknown: 1
American Goshawk: Adult: Immature: Unknown:
Accpiter sp
1 Red-shouldered Hawk: Adult: Immature: 1 Unknown:
7 Red-tailed Hawk: Adult: 4 Immature: Unknown: 3
Rough-legged Hawk: Light Morph: Dark Morph: Unknown:
Buteo sp
Golden Eagle: Adult: Immature: Unknown:
American Kestrel: Male: Female: Unknown:
Merlin: Male: Female: Unknown:
Gyrfalcon
Peregrine Falcon: Adult: Immature: Unknown:
Falcon sp
Other birds and comments: Zero Kestrels (avg =5) due to snow cover? Seven Red-tails (avg = 9). One Imm RS.
Date: 1/31/26 5:40 am From: Eric Hall <emhall...> Subject: Re: Recent Passing of Birders
I remember Joyce Hoffman as such a generous birder. Back in the 80's when my brother Nathan and I were young and without transportation, we would tag along with her on North Hills birding trips. She was so enthusiastic - It made discovering birding even more exciting for us.
Get Outlook for iOS<https://aka.ms/o0ukef> ________________________________
From: Bird discussion list for Pennsylvania <PABIRDS...> on behalf of Darwin Evangelista <000001f862a9bc86-dmarc-request...>
Sent: Sunday, January 25, 2026 7:22:33 AM
To: <PABIRDS...> <PABIRDS...>
Subject: Re: Recent Passing of Birders
Thank you for sharing. Although I never met them, I understand their importance in the world of birding.
To all you others who I know or may not know, stay safe and stay healthy.
Blessings,
Huey Evangelista
Laureldale, Berks County
> On 01/23/2026 8:21 AM EST Michael Fialkovich <0000012b4af48ab0-dmarc-request...> wrote:
>
>
> Hi Everyone,
>
> Just making sure this sad news gets to everyone. Three long time and well known Pennsylvania Birders have passed away over the past several weeks.
>
> Joyce Hoffmann of Allegheny County passed December 22, 2025.
>
> Gene Wilhelm from Butler County passed away January 18, 2026.
>
> Thomas Clare Nicholls of Crawford County passed away January 20, 2026.
>
> May they rest in peace.
>
> Mike Fialkovich
> Pittsburgh Area, Allegheny County
Date: 1/30/26 5:27 pm From: DAVID KOCH <0000012d74227426-dmarc-request...> Subject: Sparrows etc. Koch property Northampton County
Savannah and field sparrows have joined the other six sparrow species l previously reported. The reason I’m seeing them is because David plowed out an area off the front porch onto which we’re throwing white millet and cracked corn. We grow our own field corn here on the farm and David grinds it in the barn. If we had to buy it there’d not be any out there. Today an eastern towhee also joined the sparrows and the black oil sunflower feeders and suet cakes are busy with the species you’d expect. All the fields here in this valley are covered with a foot of snow that’s frosted on top and even deer are having trouble traversing them
County, name of route - Northeast Adams - Rte #011Date - 1/27/26Observers- Randy Phillips, Phil KeenerSurvey time (minus breaks) : 3 Hrs: 45 Mins ( Please be as precise as possible on total time)Start/End: 11:00 am/2:45 pmApprox. Miles on route: 57 Avg Temp.- 20FClear/Pt cloudy/Cloudy- Full overcast with occasional attempt by sun to break thruWind – Calm/Light/medium- LightAvg. Inches Snow cover- 8- 10", with a crust on top # Harriers - 4 total: 1M, 1F, 2 Juv # Red-tails- 12
# Kestrels- TOTAL # (#M/F/ND)- 3 total: 1M, 1F, 1ND # TVs- 63
# Red-shoulders – 3 total, all adults# Bald Eagles- 4 total, all adults Sharp-shins, Cooper’s, Merlin, Peregrine? - 1 Adult Coopers, 1 Merlin (ND) COMMENTS? Harrier count highest ever for this route and all in one location (Possum Hollow Rd area). Merlin a first for this route. Red-taileds and Kestrel #s low (not unexpected with weather/snow cover conditions).Rather stunning abundance of Horned Larks at various locations- cumulative rough count was 450+ birds. Dark-eyed junco numbers exceeded that.One Common Raven carrying stick. Will also report results to PSO site.
Phil KeenerAdams County
Date: 1/27/26 9:20 am From: Moses Martin <00000164618c6282-dmarc-request...> Subject: Northern Harrier Columbia Cty
I had a male Northern Harrier swoop low over the field across the road (SGL 226) on my morning walk. There's a YB Sapsucker on the suet feeder right now but the Towhee that has an occasional visitor hasn't been seen since the 12" inches of snow we got Sunday.
Moses MartinMillville, PA
Amid the blustery winter weather we are having, I've seen a few interesting winter birds at our school just east of Cambridge Springs on Rt. 408. Yesterday morning, a beautiful light-morph Rough-legged Hawk floated over the fields. It is one of my favorite winter birds to find locally, and it's striking dark and light markings seem to blend so well with the beautiful snow-covered landscape. Also a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker is braving the winter by our bird feeder. He has visited the suet feeder every day for a week now. Enjoy winter birding while it is here!
Date: 1/25/26 11:16 am From: Oscar Miller <aoscarmiller3...> Subject: Re: Recent Passing of Birders
Gene Wilhelm was a teacher and mentor to many and a prolific writer
including many years of writing book reviews and Butler County seasonal
reports for PENNSYLVANIA BIRDS (and much more). His work with Bartramian
Audubon in Butler, Lawrence, Mercer and Venango counties was award-winning.
I can't do justice writing of his accomplishments but some are here in his
obituary:
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/butlereagle/name/eugene-gene-wilhelm-obituary?id=60589149
Personally he helped me get started gathering Butler County bird records
from multiple sources and encouraged me to take on the job of compiling for
Butler County.
May he rest in peace. Oscar Miller
On Sun, Jan 25, 2026, 7:22 AM Darwin Evangelista <
<000001f862a9bc86-dmarc-request...> wrote:
> Thank you for sharing. Although I never met them, I understand their
> importance in the world of birding.
>
> To all you others who I know or may not know, stay safe and stay healthy.
>
> Blessings,
> Huey Evangelista
> Laureldale, Berks County
>
> > On 01/23/2026 8:21 AM EST Michael Fialkovich <
> <0000012b4af48ab0-dmarc-request...> wrote:
> >
> >
> > Hi Everyone,
> >
> > Just making sure this sad news gets to everyone. Three long time and
> well known Pennsylvania Birders have passed away over the past several
> weeks.
> >
> > Joyce Hoffmann of Allegheny County passed December 22, 2025.
> >
> > Gene Wilhelm from Butler County passed away January 18, 2026.
> >
> > Thomas Clare Nicholls of Crawford County passed away January 20, 2026.
> >
> > May they rest in peace.
> >
> > Mike Fialkovich
> > Pittsburgh Area, Allegheny County
>
Date: 1/25/26 6:42 am From: Jeff Holbrook <birdpany...> Subject: Re: Recent Passing of Birders
Great birders will always be missed. We need more people like these, not less.
I did not know Joyce Hoffmann or Gene Wilhelm directly but always read their posts. They were great resources for their areas. If I remember correctly, Gene always had great reports from the Volant Strips, where he often recorded Short-eared Owls.
I did know "Clare" Nicholls quite well. He was a participant in my first ever Christmas Bird Counts, when I started doing the Linesville CBC back in 1983 and beyond. I birded with him and the Lebermans, Mary, Robert (Bob), and Ron. All great birders who were formative in my early birding adventures. Clare and I were paired up for a few sections in those early years. Thank you for jogging up those great memories.
May they all rest in peace.
Respectfully,
Jeff Holbrook
Corning, NY
> On 01/23/2026 8:21 AM EST Michael Fialkovich <0000012b4af48ab0-dmarc-request...> wrote:
>
>
> Hi Everyone,
>
> Just making sure this sad news gets to everyone. Three long time and well known Pennsylvania Birders have passed away over the past several weeks.
>
> Joyce Hoffmann of Allegheny County passed December 22, 2025.
>
> Gene Wilhelm from Butler County passed away January 18, 2026.
>
> Thomas Clare Nicholls of Crawford County passed away January 20, 2026.
>
> May they rest in peace.
>
> Mike Fialkovich
> Pittsburgh Area, Allegheny County
Date: 1/25/26 4:22 am From: Darwin Evangelista <000001f862a9bc86-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Recent Passing of Birders
Thank you for sharing. Although I never met them, I understand their importance in the world of birding.
To all you others who I know or may not know, stay safe and stay healthy.
Blessings, Huey Evangelista Laureldale, Berks County
> On 01/23/2026 8:21 AM EST Michael Fialkovich <0000012b4af48ab0-dmarc-request...> wrote: > > > Hi Everyone, > > Just making sure this sad news gets to everyone. Three long time and well known Pennsylvania Birders have passed away over the past several weeks. > > Joyce Hoffmann of Allegheny County passed December 22, 2025. > > Gene Wilhelm from Butler County passed away January 18, 2026. > > Thomas Clare Nicholls of Crawford County passed away January 20, 2026. > > May they rest in peace. > > Mike Fialkovich > Pittsburgh Area, Allegheny County
Hi all,
I was headed to Indiana 1/23/26 yesterday afternoon about 1:45 pm. Gas company putting in pipes and had to wait on Barkley, just up the road from Swisco Road. Finally got moving and had a TV soaring low over the open fields before I headed down the hill. It’s been a while since I’ve seen one.
Also, Dan had a Mockingbird in the yard in the cherry tree by the driveway. Had one 12/2 eating the chokeberries by the ramp. Still have crabapples and sumac in the yard. Haven’t seen any robins or cedar waxwings.
-4 last night and only to 12 today. Birds were busy feeding all day. Nice to see several Carolina Wrens eating the raw beef suet and bought suet cakes and sunflower chips. I remember when they first showed up many years ago, didn’t survive the cold weather. Not sure where they are roosting, but nice to see and hear them. Hope they make this bitter cold weather the next few weeks. Dan has been keeping the feeders filled.
Stay warm and safe. Maybe something special will show up!!!
Marcy Cunkelman
SW Indiana county, PA
Date: 1/24/26 3:05 pm From: Michael Fialkovich <0000012b4af48ab0-dmarc-request...> Subject: WRS--Allegheny
Hi,
I ran my WRS in Allegheny County on this frigid day before the winter storm hits.
Allegheny, West Allegheny / 021Date - 1/24/2026Observers- Mike Fialkovich, Mark VanderVenSurvey time (minus breaks) : 1Hrs: 55 Mins Start/End: 10:44 am / 1:40 pmApprox. Miles on route: 60.6 Avg Temp. 11 degrees FClear/Pt cloudy/Cloudy- Cloudy to Pt CloudyWind – Calm/Light/medium- CalmAvg. Inches Snow cover- less than one inch in some areas, none in others # Red-tails- 6 # Kestrels- TOTAL # (#M/F/ND)- 2 M # Red-shoulders – 1 Ad
# Bald Eagles- 1 Ad COMMENTS? Some waterfowl on the Ohio River including Common Merganser, Hooded Merganser, Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye.
Nice flock of American Tree Sparrows at Imperial along with a few White-crowned Sparrows.
While drive through Lederach this frigid day I saw a mocking bird perched in a holly bush gleaning berries from it and an adjacent cedar tree.
Lisa Dziuban
“Finally, Brothers and Sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, Whatever is Lovely, whatever is admirable and of good repute, if there is any excellence or anything worthy of praise, Dwell On These Things. -Philippians 4:8
Date: 1/24/26 11:59 am From: Timothy Johnson <tj359...> Subject: WRS 216 Cumberland NEC
Route: WRS 216 - Cumberland NEC Date: 1/24/26 Observers: Tim and Karena Johnson Start Time: 12:52 End Time: 14:07 Survey Time: 1 Hours 15 Minutes Miles: 22 Temperature: 17F Cloud Cover: 60-80% Wind: 5-10 mph Snow Cover: Minimal
Species: Red-tailed Hawk: 13 Black Vulture: 8 Turkey Vulture: 9 Bald Eagle: 2 Kestrel: 1 Unidentified Buteo: 2
Total Raptors Counted: 5 species, 35 birds
Comments: Red-tails were slightly above average while Turkey Vultures were less than half of our normal. All other species are typically hit or miss on this route.
Date: 1/23/26 7:32 am From: CAROL FITZPATRICK <cafitzp...> Subject: Re: Recent Passing of Birders
And in Bucks County, in 2025, we lost Vince DeAntoniius, Nick Zahn, and John Tramontana.
Our collective birding days are forever changed without these people.
Their memories are truly blessings.
Carol Fitzpatrick
________________________________
From: Bird discussion list for Pennsylvania <PABIRDS...> on behalf of jerry Kruth <00000005ead0dac6-dmarc-request...>
Sent: Friday, January 23, 2026 10:08:05 AM
To: <PABIRDS...> <PABIRDS...>
Subject: Re: [PABIRDS] Recent Passing of Birders
I will add my recollections to this "passing of a generation."
Gene Wilhelm was a veritable lexicon of birdsong. When my parents moved to Slippery Rock after retirement in the early '70s, my birder Mum would talk of this guy, and his vast knowledge, especially in song and sound. Later, I was lucky to have done some birdwalks with him as well, and he advised Bartramian Audubon on many topics, especially my preoccupation with nestboxes. The guys ear(s) were absolutely incredible!
Joyce Hoffman was a mainstay of birding Allegheny County, and most of W PA. She was another who loved to share and teach. On a field trip to Presque Isle one autumn, she pointed out our "Life" Gray-cheeked Thrush on Long Pond Trail, to Linda and I (n.b. you always remember your "lifer" don't you?).
To the others we've lost, I'd never met, but those of us who love nature, and birding are bound by that bond.
There was this Scottish guy, John Donne, years ago who opined on such. Maybe you've heard of him? . . . which I feel appropriate here:.
No man is an island, Entire of itself;
Every man is a piece of the continent,A part of the main.
If a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less, As well as if a promontory were:
As well as if a manor of thy friend's Or of thine own were.
Any man's death diminishes me, Because I am involved in mankind.
And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls;
It tolls for thee.
May they all RIP, and find their place where good souls rest. It's our responsibility to keep up their efforts, and share, as they so kindly once did!
Respectfully, with affection.
Jerry Kruth / Linda Goodfellow
Pittsburgh via Costa Rica
On Friday, January 23, 2026 at 09:07:51 AM EST, SCOTT WEIDENSAUL <000001343b2dd726-dmarc-request...> wrote:
Good heavensadd to that longtime bird-bander Doris McGoverns death in southeastern PA on Dec. 28, and were seeing the passing of a generation. They will be missed.
Scott Weidensaul
Milton, NH
(formerly Schuylkill Co.)
> On Jan 23, 2026, at 8:21 AM, Michael Fialkovich <0000012b4af48ab0-dmarc-request...> wrote:
>
> Hi Everyone,
>
> Just making sure this sad news gets to everyone. Three long time and well known Pennsylvania Birders have passed away over the past several weeks.
>
> Joyce Hoffmann of Allegheny County passed December 22, 2025.
>
> Gene Wilhelm from Butler County passed away January 18, 2026.
>
> Thomas Clare Nicholls of Crawford County passed away January 20, 2026.
>
> May they rest in peace.
>
> Mike Fialkovich
> Pittsburgh Area, Allegheny County
Date: 1/23/26 7:08 am From: jerry Kruth <00000005ead0dac6-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Recent Passing of Birders
I will add my recollections to this "passing of a generation."
Gene Wilhelm was a veritable lexicon of birdsong. When my parents moved to Slippery Rock after retirement in the early '70s, my birder Mum would talk of this guy, and his vast knowledge, especially in song and sound. Later, I was lucky to have done some birdwalks with him as well, and he advised Bartramian Audubon on many topics, especially my preoccupation with nestboxes. The guys ear(s) were absolutely incredible!
Joyce Hoffman was a mainstay of birding Allegheny County, and most of W PA. She was another who loved to share and teach. On a field trip to Presque Isle one autumn, she pointed out our "Life" Gray-cheeked Thrush on Long Pond Trail, to Linda and I (n.b. you always remember your "lifer" don't you?).
To the others we've lost, I'd never met, but those of us who love nature, and birding are bound by that bond.
There was this Scottish guy, John Donne, years ago who opined on such. Maybe you've heard of him? . . . which I feel appropriate here:.
No man is an island, Entire of itself;
Every man is a piece of the continent,A part of the main.
If a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less, As well as if a promontory were:
As well as if a manor of thy friend's Or of thine own were.
Any man's death diminishes me, Because I am involved in mankind.
And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls;
It tolls for thee.
May they all RIP, and find their place where good souls rest. It's our responsibility to keep up their efforts, and share, as they so kindly once did!
Respectfully, with affection.
Jerry Kruth / Linda Goodfellow
Pittsburgh via Costa Rica
On Friday, January 23, 2026 at 09:07:51 AM EST, SCOTT WEIDENSAUL <000001343b2dd726-dmarc-request...> wrote:
Good heavens…add to that longtime bird-bander Doris McGovern’s death in southeastern PA on Dec. 28, and we’re seeing the passing of a generation. They will be missed.
Scott Weidensaul
Milton, NH
(formerly Schuylkill Co.)
> On Jan 23, 2026, at 8:21 AM, Michael Fialkovich <0000012b4af48ab0-dmarc-request...> wrote:
>
> Hi Everyone,
>
> Just making sure this sad news gets to everyone. Three long time and well known Pennsylvania Birders have passed away over the past several weeks.
>
> Joyce Hoffmann of Allegheny County passed December 22, 2025.
>
> Gene Wilhelm from Butler County passed away January 18, 2026.
>
> Thomas Clare Nicholls of Crawford County passed away January 20, 2026.
>
> May they rest in peace.
>
> Mike Fialkovich
> Pittsburgh Area, Allegheny County
Date: 1/23/26 6:07 am From: SCOTT WEIDENSAUL <000001343b2dd726-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Recent Passing of Birders
Good heavens…add to that longtime bird-bander Doris McGovern’s death in southeastern PA on Dec. 28, and we’re seeing the passing of a generation. They will be missed.
Scott Weidensaul
Milton, NH
(formerly Schuylkill Co.)
> On Jan 23, 2026, at 8:21 AM, Michael Fialkovich <0000012b4af48ab0-dmarc-request...> wrote:
>
> Hi Everyone,
>
> Just making sure this sad news gets to everyone. Three long time and well known Pennsylvania Birders have passed away over the past several weeks.
>
> Joyce Hoffmann of Allegheny County passed December 22, 2025.
>
> Gene Wilhelm from Butler County passed away January 18, 2026.
>
> Thomas Clare Nicholls of Crawford County passed away January 20, 2026.
>
> May they rest in peace.
>
> Mike Fialkovich
> Pittsburgh Area, Allegheny County
Date: 1/23/26 6:01 am From: Chris Kubiak <ckubiak...> Subject: Re: Recent Passing of Birders
Thanks for letting us know Mike, and I knew Clare and Gene very well. Sad news and may we always remember their contributions to the world.
On 23.01.2026 08:21, Michael Fialkovich wrote: > Hi Everyone, > > Just making sure this sad news gets to everyone. Three long time and > well known Pennsylvania Birders have passed away over the past several > weeks. > > Joyce Hoffmann of Allegheny County passed December 22, 2025. > > Gene Wilhelm from Butler County passed away January 18, 2026. > > Thomas Clare Nicholls of Crawford County passed away January 20, 2026. > > May they rest in peace. > > Mike Fialkovich > Pittsburgh Area, Allegheny County
Date: 1/23/26 5:39 am From: Karyn Delaney <delaneykaryn...> Subject: Re: Recent Passing of Birders
Thank you, Mike. I enjoyed meeting and birding with Clare on an Audubon trip years ago.
Also, I understand that you lost your mother recently. May I extend my sympathies. It's so hard to lose one's mother.
Blessings, Karyn Delaney
On Fri, Jan 23, 2026, 8:21 AM Michael Fialkovich < <0000012b4af48ab0-dmarc-request...> wrote:
> Hi Everyone, > > Just making sure this sad news gets to everyone. Three long time and well > known Pennsylvania Birders have passed away over the past several weeks. > > Joyce Hoffmann of Allegheny County passed December 22, 2025. > > Gene Wilhelm from Butler County passed away January 18, 2026. > > Thomas Clare Nicholls of Crawford County passed away January 20, 2026. > > May they rest in peace. > > Mike Fialkovich > Pittsburgh Area, Allegheny County >
Date: 1/21/26 4:46 pm From: DAVID KOCH <0000012d74227426-dmarc-request...> Subject: More sparrows, Koch property, Northampton County
The extreme cold brought three more sparrow species to the millet/cracked corn we put on the ground at several places in the winter. In addition
to 100 or more juncos, 25 or more white-throats, and around 10 song sparrows today there also were two tree sparrows, one chipping sparrow, and one fox sparrow. Also, at one point a juvenile red-shouldered hawk perched above the feeder area in the front yard and stayed there about half an hour. All the while it was there blue jays kept going after it, occasionally actually hitting its head. But it ignored them. And after several days, including the ones with the snowstorms, the oriole has left.
Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone Arlene Koch <Davilene...>
