Observation start time: 11:30:00 Observation end time: 15:30:00 Total observation time: 4 hours
Official Counter: Rosemary McGlynn
Observers:
Visitors: none
Weather: Snow showers ceased mid-morning. Count began 11:30. Hazy all day with low clouds; increasing sun after 1PM; some form of W winds all day gusting to 25mph
Raptor Observations: no migrating raptors
Non-raptor Observations: crows,raven TVs,pileated wp, 1 non-migrating adult RS observed in all it's splendor below the Watch
Predictions: light to mod. W winds;dry with a mix of clouds & sun;high 35F ======================================================================== Report submitted by Rosemary McGlynn (<denali...>)
Date: 2/25/26 12:43 pm From: Amy Taracido <amytaracido...> Subject: RBA western Pennsylvania, 17 February 2026
RBA
*Pennsylvania
*Pittsburgh and western Pennsylvania
*PAWE02.17.26
Highlights:
TRUMPETER SWAN
SNOW GOOSE
COMMON GOLDENEYE X HOODED MERGANSER HYBRID (Erie County)
MOTTLED DUCK (Washington County)
GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL
FISH CROW
NORTHERN SHRIKE
VARIED THRUSH (Butler County)
LAPLAND LONGSPUR
'OREGON' DARK-EYED JUNCO
PURPLE FINCH
RUSTY BLACKBIRD
Contributors: Kimberly Berry, Ron Burkert, Larry Burlingame, Meredith Cellitti, Susan Dickson, Ed Donley, Adrian Fenton, Eric Hall, Matthew Harstine, Ann Kline, Glenn Koppel, John Kramer, Nick Logan, Jackson Medeiros, Brandy Miller-Parrish, Tom Miller, Jeff Payne, Melissa Reckner, Eric Schill, Shannon Skalos, Cynthia Smith, John Taylor, Mark Vass, Amy Vincent, Mike Weible.
Compiler: Amy Taracido
Tuesday, 10 February 2026 through Tuesday, 17 February 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: WHITE-WINGED SCOTER, LONG-TAILED DUCK, BLACK VULTURE, PINE SISKIN, FOX SPARROW continue to be reported.
ALLEGHENY COUNTY:
On 2/12 at Emsworth Dam, 1 GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL (RB).
BUTLER COUNTY:
Through 2/14 at State Gamelands #95, 1 VARIED THRUSH (MH et. al.).
In eastern Butler during a Winter Raptor Survey on 2/16, 1 NORTHERN HARRIER, 1 SANDHILL CRANE (GK).
CLARION COUNTY:
On 2/11 near Lickingville, 1 RED-HEADED WOODPECKER, 1 LAPLAND LONGSPUR, HORNED LARKS (ES).
CRAWFORD COUNTY:
On 2/15 in Pymatuning, 1 possible VEGA GULL (JM).
ERIE COUNTY:
At South Pier on 2/12, 1 COMMON GOLDENEYE X HOODED MERGANSER HYBRID (JK).
In Erie on 2/13, 1 'OREGON' DARK-EYED JUNCO (AV), 1 PINE WARBLER (LB).
FOREST COUNTY:
On 2/14 at Tionesta Campground, 2 TRUMPETER SWANS (CS).
In Tionesta on 2/17, 2 TRUMPETER SWANS (AK).
INDIANA COUNTY:
On 2/14 near State Gamelands #262, 1 COMMON RAVEN (ED).
On 2/14 in Indiana, 1 COMMON RAVEN (NL).
In Brush Valley on 2/14, 2 RUSTY BLACKBIRDS (MW).
Near Graceton on 2/17, 1 COMMON RAVEN (SD).
On 2/17 at IUP Campus, 2 COMMON RAVENS (JT).
LAWRENCE COUNTY:
Near Plain Grove on 2/11, 1 LAPLAND LONGSPUR (AF).
On 2/12-2/14 in the Volant Strips area, 1 NORTHERN SHRIKE (AF et. al.).; also on 2/14, 2 TRUMPETER SWANS (BMP).
SOMERSET COUNTY:
On 2/16 near Berlin, 1 COMMON RAVEN (TM).
In Windber on 2/16, 1 PURPLE FINCH (MR).
On 2/17 in Stoystown, 1 COMMON RAVEN (JP).
VENANGO COUNTY:
On 2/13 along Bear Run, 1 RED-HEADED WOODPECKER (KB).
WARREN COUNTY:
Near State Gamelands #306 on 2/15, 1 NORTHERN SHRIKE (SS).
WASHINGTON COUNTY:
At the Hahn Road AMD pond on 2/14, 1 MOTTLED DUCK (MV et. al.).
Contributors: David Avery, Dave Brooke, Kyle Brubaker, Josh Bruening, Alex Busato, Adrian Fenton, Patience Fisher, Stacey Gross, Marc Hanneman, Gene Henderson, Amy Henrici, James R. Hill III, Michael Leahy, Amber Pertz, Nathan Reese, Matthew StClair, Kate StJohn, Conor Tompkins, Mark VanderVen, Zachary Vaughan, Ezra White, Michael Williams.
Compiler: Amy Taracido
Tuesday, 3 February 2026 through Tuesday, 10 February 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: WHITE-WINGED SCOTER, LONG-TAILED DUCK, ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK, BLACK VULTURE, PINE SISKIN, AMERICAN TREE SPARROW continue to be reported.
ALLEGHENY COUNTY:
Near Brunot Island on 2/4, 1 GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL (DA et. al.), 1 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL, REDHEADS, CANVASBACKS (AP).
On 2/4-2/7 at Duck Hollow, 1 GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL (AH et. al.); also on 2/5-2/6, 1 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL (MV, AB); also on 2/6, 1 ICELAND GULL (AB).
At Point State Park on 2/5, 2 GREAT BLACK -BACKED GULLS, 1 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL (AF); on 2/8, 1 GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL (KSJ).
On 2/6 at Emsworth Lock & Dam, 2 GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULLS (GH); on 2/8-2/10, 1 RED-NECKED GREBE (EW et. al.).
ARMSTRONG COUNTY:
In Kittanning on 2/5, LAPLAND LONGSPURS (PF et. al.).
BUTLER COUNTY:
At State Gamelands #95 on 2/4-2/10, 1 VARIED THRUSH (ZV et. al.).
CLARION COUNTY:
On 2/5 during a Winter Raptor Survey, 3 COMMON RAVENS (ML).
CRAWFORD COUNTY:
At Pymatuning State Park on 2/4, 2 ICELAND GULLS (MW); on 2/7, 1 ICELAND GULL (MH); on 2/8, 4 ICELAND GULLS (KB), 2 RED-HEADED WOODPECKERS (via Ebird); on 2/10, 1 RED-HEADED WOODPECKER, 1 REDPOLL (via Ebird).
On 2/7 at Pymatuning Century Club, 1 RED-HEADED WOODPECKER (MH).
ERIE COUNTY:
Near Waterford on 2/6, 1 NORTHERN SHRIKE (JH).
FOREST COUNTY:
In Tionesta on 2/8, 1 REDPOLL (SG).
GREENE COUNTY:
Near Masontown on 2/4, 1 CACKLING GOOSE (NR).
INDIANA COUNTY:
On 2/5 in Brush Valley Township, 17 RUSTY BLACKBIRDS; on 2/8, 10 RUSTY BLACKBIRDS (MS).
LAWRENCE COUNTY:
At the Volant Strips area on 2/4 and 2/8, 1 NORTHERN SHRIKE (DB, JB).
On 2/7 at State Gamelands #284, 1 NORTHERN SHRIKE (CT).
In New Wilmington on 2/8, 1 LAPLAND LONGSPUR (JB).
Date: 2/22/26 1:42 pm From: Michael Fialkovich <0000012b4af48ab0-dmarc-request...> Subject: Allegheny County Mourning Dove Building a Nest
Hi,
I was by a window this morning and noticed a Mourning Dove landed on the roof carrying a twig. She (I would think she since she's building the nest) flew into one of my evergreen shrubs next to the house.
Snowing today and a Mourning Dove is building a nest!
Date: 2/22/26 12:55 pm From: SCOTT WEIDENSAUL <000001343b2dd726-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Clarion Co- first woodcock of the spring last evening ! and a screech owl pair again
Times like this I really miss Pennsylvania. Last week one of our neighbors (transplants from Lancaster County) asked when he should expect to hear woodcock displaying in his pasture. I told him that for the woodcocks’ sake, not before the two and a half feet of snow on the ground melts. Like, maybe May?
Ah well, we had one day today after cleaning up Friday night’s snow and before tomorrow’s nor’easter arrives, so we got in a long snowshoe hike with black-capped chickadees and pileated woodpeckers. Keep posting about the woodcock and grackles and red-winged blackbirds, it gives us exiles in the north hope that winter won’t last forever.
Scott Weidensaul
Milton, NH (formerly Schuylkill County)
> On Feb 22, 2026, at 3:39 PM, Carole Winslow <cjwinslow94...> wrote:
>
> After the past week the ground had thawed and all the snow was gone
> yesterday evening. It was a beautiful calm, clear evening after a little
> afternoon sun, it smelled wonderful and so I went out at dusk just on the
> off chance of hearing the first woodcock. After the pretty brutal winter I
> wasn't really expecting to hear one yet but shockingly, there it was right
> on cue at dusk, twittering up into the evening sky and chirping its way
> down again. If I hadn't heard it twice I might have convinced myself that I
> dreamed it. It's always such a treat the first one I hear, giving me hope
> that spring will indeed arrive. We are missing the blizzard today up here
> and the next week doesn't look so bad, so I think it should manage to
> survive the late winter weather.
>
> Also my female screech owl that spent the winter roosting in the barn
> has survived and the other day a male showed up roosting next to her in the
> barn. Last night one was also calling after dusk. Good news for another
> nesting season ! He looks mostly gray but with some reddish around the
> face and ears so I guess he'd be called a brown morph.
>
> Good end of winter birding,
>
> Carole Winslow
> Sligo, Clarion Co.
Date: 2/22/26 12:40 pm From: Carole Winslow <cjwinslow94...> Subject: Clarion Co- first woodcock of the spring last evening ! and a screech owl pair again
After the past week the ground had thawed and all the snow was gone yesterday evening. It was a beautiful calm, clear evening after a little afternoon sun, it smelled wonderful and so I went out at dusk just on the off chance of hearing the first woodcock. After the pretty brutal winter I wasn't really expecting to hear one yet but shockingly, there it was right on cue at dusk, twittering up into the evening sky and chirping its way down again. If I hadn't heard it twice I might have convinced myself that I dreamed it. It's always such a treat the first one I hear, giving me hope that spring will indeed arrive. We are missing the blizzard today up here and the next week doesn't look so bad, so I think it should manage to survive the late winter weather.
Also my female screech owl that spent the winter roosting in the barn has survived and the other day a male showed up roosting next to her in the barn. Last night one was also calling after dusk. Good news for another nesting season ! He looks mostly gray but with some reddish around the face and ears so I guess he'd be called a brown morph.
Date: 2/22/26 6:13 am From: Bruce Carl <hrdabrd...> Subject: WRS Route #366 Northern Lancaster County
PA BIRDERS,
Route: 366
County: Lancaster
Observers: BRUCE A CARL
Date: 2026-02-21
Start Time: 09:40
Hours: 4.75
Miles: 56.8
Temperature: 41-44
Clouds: Partly Cloudy
Wind: Light
Snow: 0-1 inches
4 Black Vulture
63 Turkey Vulture: Adult: Immature: Unknown: 63
5 Bald Eagle: Adult: 5 Immature: Unknown:
1 Northern Harrier: Male: Female: 1 Female/Immature: Immature: Unknown:
Sharp-shinned Hawk: Adult: Immature: Unknown:
1 Cooper's Hawk: Adult: Immature: 1 Unknown:
3 Red-shouldered Hawk: Adult: 3 Immature: Unknown:
20 Red-tailed Hawk: Adult: 20 Immature: Unknown:
Rough-legged Hawk: Light Morph: Dark Morph: Unknown:
Golden Eagle: Adult: Immature: Unknown:
9 American Kestrel: Male: 4 Female: 4 Unknown: 1
1 Merlin: Male: Female: Unknown: 1
Gyrfalcon
Peregrine Falcon: Adult: Immature: Unknown:
Other birds and comments: all redtails seemed to be in pairs today. my lowest number of birds since doing this survey (2012). lowest bald eagle count in the past 9 years. highest red shouldered hawk daily count for this route. 4th year in a row for a merlin sighting. **highest daily kestrel count for this route!!
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 5 hours
Official Counter: Brian M. Wargo
Observers:
Visitors: Don and Angie from Central City
Weather: Morning: The Hawk watch is clear of snow, the sun is shining brightly, the winds are out of the west and a steady 15 to 20 mph, but the gusts are very high and strong. The temperature in the morning is 30�, with a potential to get warmer. Afternoon: Warmer (40's) with lower magnitude winds, still out of the west, and clear skies.
Raptor Observations:
Non-raptor Observations: American Crow, Black-capped Chickadee, Blue Jay, Common Raven, Eastern Bluebird, Northern Cardinal, Pileated Woodpecker, Tufted Titmouse, White-Breasted Nuthatch
Predictions: Snow during the morning will mix with rain at times during the afternoon. Temps nearly steady in the mid 30s. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation - 70%. Snow accumulating 1 to 3 inches. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Brian M. Wargo (<brianwargo...>)
Observation start time: 09:15:00
Observation end time: 11:15:00
Total observation time: 2 hours
Official Counter: Jerry McWilliams
Observers: Jerry McWilliams
Weather:
Moistly to variably cloudy with strong SSW wind and mild temps.
Raptor Observations:
Conditions looked good for an early season flight, so I watched the skies
for a couple of hours. No vultures as I expected, but I was treated to two
dark morph Rough-legged hawks moving east together.
Non-raptor Observations:
Canada Goose 12, Rock Pigeon 5, Mourning Dove 1, a few American Herring and
Ring-billed Gulls, American Crow 22Horned Lark 5, Red-winged Blackbird 40,
Common Grackle 6, European Starling 200
Predictions:
Turning cold with snowJerry McWilliams,Erie, Erie County, <Pa.jerrymcw...>
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 20 Feb 2026 22:30:56 +0000
From: "Hawkcount.Org Reports" <reports...>
Subject: Allegheny Front (20 Feb 2026) 1 Raptors
Allegheny Front
Central City, Pennsylvania, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Feb 20, 2026
-------------------------------------------------------------------
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 1 1
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 1 1 1
Observation start time: 09:15:00 Observation end time: 11:15:00 Total observation time: 2 hours
Official Counter: Jerry McWilliams
Observers: Jerry McWilliams
Weather: Moistly to variably cloudy with strong SSW wind and mild temps.
Raptor Observations: Conditions looked good for an early season flight, so I watched the skies for a couple of hours. No vultures as I expected, but I was treated to two dark morph Rough-legged hawks moving east together.
Non-raptor Observations: Canada Goose 12, Rock Pigeon 5, Mourning Dove 1, a few American Herring and Ring-billed Gulls, American Crow 22Horned Lark 5, Red-winged Blackbird 40, Common Grackle 6, European Starling 200
Predictions: Turning cold with snowJerry McWilliams,Erie, Erie County, <Pa.jerrymcw...>
Contributors: David Avery, David Bennett, Kimberly Berry, Mike Briggs, Dave Brooke, Larry Burlingame, Donna Collett, Jake Dingel, Adrian Fenton, Andy Georgeson, Ron Graham, Sarah Grey, Marc Hanneman, Rob Hooton, Brian Kaldorf, Meg Kolodick, Malcolm Kurtz, Jack Lachendro, Oliver Lindhiem, "R Lte" via Ebird, Carl McGary, Dan McGuire, Ken Nicholson, Richard Nugent, Kenneth Pinnow, Jason Short, Jerry Stanley, Victoria Streeton, Dennis Trapnell, Mark VanderVen, Jeanne Whitesell, Michael Williams.
Compiler: Amy Taracido
Tuesday, 27 January 2026 through Tuesday, 3 February 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: SEMIPALMATED PLOVER, VIRGINIA RAIL, ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK, PINE SISKIN continue to be reported.
ALLEGHENY COUNTY:
On 1/29 at Duck Hollow, 1 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE (AG); on 1/30, 2 GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULLS, 2 ICELAND GULLS (MKu).; on 1/31-2/2, 2 GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULLS (AF, DBe et. al.), 1 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL (MKu, DA), 2 ICELAND GULLS (MKu, RL); on 2/3, 3 GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULLS, 1 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL (MV).
Near Point State Park on 1/30, 1 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL (JL).
On 1/30-2/3 near Highland Park Bridge/Sharpsburg/Six Mile Island/Emsworth Dam, 1 WHITE-WINGED SCOTER (VS et. al.).
Near Brunot Island on 2/2, 12 WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS; on 2/3, 6 WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS (BK et. al.), 1 GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL (DA et. al.).
On 2/3 at Aspinwall Riverfront Park, 1 GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL (SG).
ARMSTRONG COUNTY:
On 1/29-2/3 in Kittanning, LAPLAND LONGSPURS (DBr, AF, et. al.).
On 1/30 near Worthington, 4 LAPLAND LONGSPURS (DBr).
BEAVER COUNTY:
On 1/31 in New Brighton, 1 TRUMPETER SWAN (RG); on 2/1-2/3, 3 WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS (MB, JS); on 2/3, 1 TRUMPETER SWAN, 2 BLACK SCOTERS (DC).
BUTLER COUNTY:
At Moraine State Park on 1/31, 1 SORA (CM).
On 1/30-2/3 in State Gamelands #95, 1 VARIED THRUSH (JD, KB, et. al.); also on 2/2, 1 PINE WARBLER (RN).
CRAWFORD COUNTY:
In Pymatuning on 1/29, 2 ICELAND GULLS (MW); on 1/31 and 2/3, 1 ICELAND GULL (MH, KN), 1 RED-HEADED WOODPECKER (KP); also on 2/3, 15 REDHEADS (KN).
ERIE COUNTY:
On 1/29 in Erie, 1 PINE WARBLER (LB).
FAYETTE COUNTY:
On 1/29 in Farmington, 1 RED CROSSBILL; on 2/1, 21 SANDHILL CRANES (DM).
GREENE COUNTY:
At West Point Marion on 1/31-2/2, 1 WHITE-WINGED SCOTER (DM, DT, et. al.).
LAWRENCE COUNTY:
In the New Wilmington area on 1/30, 3 LAPLAND LONGSPURS (AF); on 1/31, 1 SAVANNAH SPARROW (RH); on 2/1, 3 LAPLAND LONGSPURS, 1 SAVANNAH SPARROW (DB).
MERCER COUNTY:
On 1/30 at Shenango Reservoir, 1 TRUMPETER SWAN, 1 ICELAND GULL (MW).
SOMERSET COUNTY:
In Rockwood on 1/28, 1 RED-HEADED WOODPECKER (JW).
VENANGO COUNTY:
At the Oil City treatment plant on 1/30, 2 TRUMPETER SWANS, 20 CANVASBACKS, 6 REDHEADS, and others (JS).
On 1/31 in Seneca, 2 RED-HEADED WOODPECKERS (MKo).
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!
