Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch State College, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Mar 07, 2026 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Weather: Finally, after 4 days of no count, we were able to get a few hours in today. Heavy fog all morning that started to clear after 13:00 at which point the count began. Consistent S winds at 13-16mph in the afternoon. We started to see the rain clouds rolling in after 17:00 and it started to rain at 17:45 as we were walking back.
Raptor Observations: 27 GOEA spotted today. 25 adults, 1 juvenile at 13:56, and 1 unknown at 15:28, all on the south side of the ridge.
After bad conditions held them back since Tuesday, the eagles were eager to start flying soon after the fog cleared up. Our first GOEA of the day, a juvenile, came through at 13:56. 2 more followed shortly after and then we had about a 40 minute break until the next one at 14:59. After this we got one every few minutes until the last one at 17:13. A few of the early eagles were far out on the south but almost all were closer to the ridge, initially flying NE low over the ridge top until they spotted us and diverted slightly to fly along the south side of the ridge.
Other migrating raptors included 4 BAEA, 8 RTHA, 3 RSHA, 1 COHA, and 1 MERL. The MERL was our first of the season and this was a high count for the other species for the season so far.
Non-raptor Observations: We had some interesting flyovers today. 113 total CANG and 20 SNGO. 1 RBGU early in the count and 21 later. At the end of the day we heard a SACR, but couldn't locate it.
Predictions: Tomorrow looks to be a good day. The rain should pass us overnight giving us a partly cloudy/sunny day tomorrow. W winds at 10-13 mph. Uncertain if we will see as high a number as today, but after having bad conditions for so long we should get a good number tomorrow. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Thomas Filip () Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch information may be found at: tusseymountainspringhawkwatch.org/
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 16:30:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Brian M. Wargo
Observers: Adam Katrancha, Dave Poder, Jim Rocco
Visitors: John and Jenn Wolff, 6 others
Weather: Warm with fog in the valley in the morning. You can look out for a few miles perfectly straight, with a sea of clouds below you. The day started with a slight southeast wind that grew in intensity throughout the day. Perfect clouds most of the day with nearly optimal temperatures made for a great late winter day.
23 of the Golden Eagles occurred in one hour. At one time there were four in the sky together.
Non-raptor Observations: American Crow, American Robin, Black-capped Chickadee, Blue Jay, Common Loon, Common Raven, Downy Woodpecker, Eastern Bluebird, European Starling, Northern Cardinal, Northern Flicker, Tree Swallow, Tufted Titmouse, White-Breasted Nuthatch
Two Eastern Comma Butterflies
Eastern Newt walking across the hawkwatch field
Predictions: A shower is possible early. Cloudy early with partial sunshine expected late. High around 60F. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Brian M. Wargo (<brianwargo...>)
Observation start time: 08:30:00 Observation end time: 13:45:00 Total observation time: 5.25 hours
Official Counter: Jerry McWilliams
Observers: Bernie O'Connor, Jerry McWilliams, Julie Leonard, Katie Andersen, Randy Donn
Visitors: Bernie O'Connor, Julie Leonard, Roger Donn, and Katie Andersen assisted with the count. Visitors included Michele Franz, Jim Samuel, Brian Berchtold, Doug Massey, Carol Allen, Christie, Jamie, and three or four others.
Weather: Some sun early then cloudy with strong SSW wind and unseasonably warm.
Raptor Observations: A pretty decent flight of TV and RS for this early in the season. Birds were flying close to the shore and most stayed down fairly low. The flight was fairly steady, but began to wane as the clouds thickened and rain arrived. Highlights were a Rough-legged Hawk and a Peregrine Falcon
Non-raptor Observations: Large numbers of Red-winged Blackbirds, Common Grackles, and American Robins passing through, especially early in the day. Other birds noted were American Crow, Rock Pigeon, House Finch 1, European Starling, Ring-billed and American Herring gulls, Pileated Woodpecker 1. Canada Goose 14, Killdeer 4, Pileated Woodpecker 1
Predictions: WSW wind and cooler with clouds in the AM with some sun in the PM. If the winds are more off the lake, then I don't expect a lakeshore flight. Jerry McWilliamsErie, Erie County, Pa.
Observation start time: 10:00:00 Observation end time: 15:30:00 Total observation time: 5.5 hours
Official Counter: Sandy Cline
Observers: Greg Gdula, Nancy Ott
Visitors: Greg Gudula , Nancy Ott - thanks to my great spotters!
Weather: Sunny & warm, 60's, winds from the SSW
Raptor Observations: GE 10:36, 11:07, both were Ad and high in sky BE 11:09 Ad, 11:52, Unk age
Non-raptor Observations: Chickadees, titmouse, Nuthatch, Mourning doves, Red Belly WP, N Cardinal, Blue jay, crows Many large flocks of Canada Geese and guls heading N
Predictions: Sunny and warm, chance of late day thunderstorms, winds out of the S ======================================================================== Report submitted by Sandy Cline (<horseldy...>)
Date: 3/5/26 6:58 am From: Carole Winslow <cjwinslow94...> Subject: Venango Co- saw-whet owl in nest box
Yesterday I was thrilled to get a call from our local Seneca Rocks Audubon nest box monitors Mal Hays, Larry Towse and Nick Kolodick checking the boxes at Oil Creek State Park. (same folks that located our two nesting saw-whets last year here in Clarion Co)
During checks they found a saw-whet sitting tight in a box, it did not leave the box or move off its position while they were checking and getting a quick photo. They reported they felt she may already be on eggs though they were unable to see any for certain. After looking at our dates from last year on eggs, and looking at Birds of the World (BNA) it seems like the earliest dates for even northern sites is right around now, but the eggs we had last year would have been laid around March 18-20. So we'll have to see if it's a female checking out the site. We'll wait a week or 10 days and recheck, I'd not like to discourage her from staying in the box. Either way, another exciting development in our saw-whet adventures !
Observation start time: 10:00:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 4 hours
Official Counter: Erika Bowman
Observers:
Visitors: None
Weather: Cloudy and colder, warming slightly. Afternoon turned to mostly sunny. NW winds.
Raptor Observations: 1 Turkey Vulture came low along the escarpment. It seemed to catch a scent, made a few circles and then went back North. No other activity.
Non-raptor Observations: Canada Goose, Mourning Dove, Red-bellied WP, Downy WP, Hairy WP, Blue Jay, A Crow, BC Chickadee, T Titmouse, WB Nuthatch, A Robin, DE Junco, N Cardinal
Predictions: Cold with East ESE winds around 10-13 mph. Snow flurries. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Erika Bowman (<dizzechick...>)
Contributors: John Campbell, Tom & Janet Kuehl, Jim McGuire, Jerry McWilliams, Jeff Payne, Melissa Reckner, Breanna Rossiter, Jason Short, Will Toret, Amy Vincent, Michael Williams, Eric Yanyo.
Compiler: Amy Taracido
Tuesday, 17 February 2026 through Tuesday, 24 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, BLACK VULTURE, ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK, COMMON RAVEN, PINE SISKIN, AMERICAN TREE SPARROW, FOX SPARROW continue to be reported.
ALLEGHENY COUNTY:
On 2/24 in McKeesport, 1 RED-THROATED LOON (EY).
BEAVER COUNTY:
At the McRoberts Road marsh on 2/21, 2 SANDHILL CRANES (JS).
ERIE COUNTY:
At Presque Isle on 2/20, sightings included HORNED LARKS; on 2/22, 1 COMMON GOLDENEYE X HOODED MERGANSER HYBRID (JMcW); on 2/23, 4 TRUMPETER SWANS (BR).
On 2/22 at State Gamelands #218, 1 NORTHERN SHRIKE (JC).
In Erie on 2/22, 1 'OREGON' DARK-EYED JUNCO (AV).
FOREST COUNTY:
On 2/21 north of Tionesta, 1 AMERICAN GOSHAWK (JMcG).
JEFFERSON COUNTY:
In Reynoldsville on 2/21, 2 SANDHILL CRANES (TK).
MERCER COUNTY:
At Shenango Wildlife area on 1/21, 1 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL (MW).
SOMERSET COUNTY:
On 2/18 east of Berlin, 1 EVENING GROSBEAK (JP).
WESTMORELAND COUNTY:
At Saint Vincent College on 2/18, GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE (WT).
On 2/18 in Laughlintown, 5 RED-HEADED WOODPECKERS (MR).
Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch State College, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Mar 02, 2026 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 17:00:00 Total observation time: 9 hours
Official Counter: Thomas Filip
Observers: Andrew Bechdel, Connor Schmitt, Jon Kauffman, Nick Bolgiano
Weather: A cloudy and chilly morning with a low temperature of -5.7℃ and low ESE winds at 3mph. The skies stayed generally cloudy the whole morning while winds shifted to SE and increased slightly to 6mph. After noon the skies cleared up a bit and the winds increased to 9mph with a high temperature of 4.1℃
Raptor Observations: 3 GOEA spotted today. 2 were spotted at the same time soaring over the ridge. The first, an adult, changed course slightly and flew on the south side of the ridge at 11:44. The second, a sub-adult, followed shortly after flying over the ridge top at 11:45. The third GOEA was spotted at 12:04 on the south side initially before crossing the ridge and continuing its way NE on the north side.
Despite good conditions in the afternoon, we did not see as many GOEA as expected. It is possible the approaching storm is holding them back.
Other migrating raptors included an adult BAEA, a RTHA, and a SSHA.
Resident raptors included 2 RTHA, 1 RSHA, 1 COHA, and 7 TUVU.
Unfortunately our PISI streak was broken today with 0 seen or heard. We did however have a good number of AGOL today with a total count of 45, a new high for the season. Songbird activity was otherwise low today.
Predictions: The forecast for the following days are uncertain as the forecast keeps changing but it seems to be rainy for much of the week. Tomorrow looks to be rain all day. Wednesday may be clear but winds look to be very low NE in morning and very low SSE winds in the afternoon. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Thomas Filip () Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch information may be found at: tusseymountainspringhawkwatch.org/
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 13:00:00 Total observation time: 4 hours
Official Counter: Nancy Ott
Observers: Ed Gowarty,Sr, Paul Fritz, Regina Gaison
Visitors: 0
Weather: The day started with -7.6 C temp. East ESE winds around 10-13 mph. Around 11a snow flurries started with increased white out of the south end of valley.
Raptor Observations: No raptors.
Non-raptor Observations: Red bellied wp, nuthatches, chickadees, juncos, tree sparrow, fox sparrow, downy wp, cardinals, mourning doves, cedar waxwings, robins, about 30 gulls, a couple canada geese, ravens, crows. Paul and Regina viewed a barred owl as they entered hawkwatch area.
Predictions: Mixed precipitation starting snow then afternoon rain potential. Winds SE. temps 20's to afternoon 30/40's. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Nancy Ott (<ednancy.ott...>)
Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch State College, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Mar 01, 2026 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 17:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Thomas Filip
Observers: Constanza Ehrenhaus, Nick Bolgiano
Weather: The morning started off cloudy but the skies cleared up by noon. A bit chilly at 0.3�C in the morning warming up to 11.2�C. Consistent NW winds with moderate winds ranging 9-12mph.
Raptor Observations: 1 GOEA spotted today. At 14:50, Nick spotted an adult on the north side of the ridge. It circled high above for a few minutes observing us before resuming its flight NE.
Other migrating raptors included 3 BAEA (1 adult, 2 immature), 2 RTHA, 1 RSHA, 1 COHA, 1 SSHA, and 1 TUVU.
Resident raptors included a pair of BAEA flying together, 3 RTHA, 13 TUVU, and 5 BLVU.
12 PISI flew over early in the morning, a high count for the season.
Predictions: Partly sunny with low ESE winds in the morning and moderate SE/SSE winds in the afternoon. If this forecast holds true we should see some good GOEA movement tomorrow, especially in the afternoon. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Thomas Filip () Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch information may be found at: tusseymountainspringhawkwatch.org/
Date: 3/1/26 2:43 pm From: K Springer <springer0707...> Subject: Waterfowl in Mercer County
There were really nice numbers of waterfowl today on Shenango Lake.
At the Shenango Wildlife Area Propagation Ponds:
There were over 238 Pintails! The most I've ever seen at one time. 10 Tundra Swans, 76 American Wigeons, 42 Gadwall, 15 Green-winged Teal, etc. The ponds are open with not much ice.
At Mercer Rec. on East Lake Road:
HUGE NUMBERS! 38 Tundras, 39 Gadwall, 42 Wigeons, 43 Mallards, 86 Pintails, 118 Canvasbacks, 73 Redheads, 152 Ring-necked Ducks, 350 Common Mergansers, 2 Horned & 3 Pied-billed Grebes, etc. There were sooo many more to count, but I got too cold!
Golden Run has a lot of open shoreline since the water is down, so the best place to view this large expanse of open water is from Mercer Rec.
Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch State College, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Feb 28, 2026 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 17:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter:
Observers: Nick Bolgiano, Robert McLaughlin
Weather: Sunny and warm with a low of 6.5�C and a high of 18.7�C. The morning started off with unexpected SSE/S winds at 8mph. By 14:00, the winds shifted to WNW/NW.
Raptor Observations: 7 GOEA spotted today. The first was an adult quite far out on the south side of the ridge by Nick at 10:57. At 11:14 an adult flew low over the ridge top giving us great views. At 11:37 another adult started to come over the ridge top but stopped when it saw us and turned around. At 12:09 an adult came over the ridge top higher this time, which we assumed was the same that turned around earlier. Another adult GOEA came through over the ridge top at 12:35. 2 GOEA would fly through the south valley, one an adult at 12:46, and one at 13:01 too distant to age. Afterwards the winds shifted NW and we wouldn't see the next and final GOEA the day until 15:43 on the north side of the ridge which we were unable to age.
Other migrating raptors included a SSHA, 2 RTHA, and 9 TUVU.
Resident Raptors included a pair of BAEA vocalizing, 3 resident RTHA seen hunting and kiting, 2 BLVU, and 8 TUVU.
Today was a good day for migrating geese. About 360 CANG flew over in many flocks and we even had a flock of 48 SNGO plus 8 more mixed in with a CANG flock. 2 more PISI flew over today and a HOLA flew over early in the morning.
Predictions: Uncertain, tomorrow is supposed to bring NNW winds and will likely be colder and more cloudy than the past couple of days with a chance of some snow or rain in the morning. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Thomas Filip () Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch information may be found at: tusseymountainspringhawkwatch.org/
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 6 hours
Official Counter: Brian M. Wargo
Observers: Bob Stewart
Visitors: Jack, Lucas, and Matt Siydr, Sheela Beal, John Meyers, Jacob Huffman, Chad, Elizabeth, Choyn, and Breena Weight
Weather: Clear and sunny in the morning! Warming up through the day and reaching nearly 60 degrees. Winds continuously from the west. A beautiful day!
Raptor Observations: Raptors not migrating today!
Non-raptor Observations: American Crow, American Robin, Black-capped Chickadee, Blue Jay, Canada Goose, Common Raven, Double-crested Cormorant, Dark-eyed Junco, Downy Woodpecker, Eastern Bluebird, Hairy Woodpecker, Northern Cardinal, Pileated Woodpecker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Tufted Titmouse, White-Breasted Nuthatch Also about 20 blackbirds and a dozen gulls (both unidentified).
Predictions: Becoming partly cloudy later with any flurries or snow showers ending by noontime. High 39F. Winds NNW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of snow 40%. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Brian M. Wargo (<brianwargo...>)
Observation start time: 10:30:00 Observation end time: 15:30:00 Total observation time: 5 hours
Official Counter: Sandy Cline
Observers: Greg Gdula, Judy Johns
Visitors: Greg Gdula, Judy Johns
Weather: Sunny & warm, NW winds
Raptor Observations: BE - 11:45, soaring high in sky, heading North
Non-raptor Observations: titmouse, hairy WP, Bluebirds, chickadees, N Cardinal, blue jay
Predictions: continuing warm and sunny with W winds ======================================================================== Report submitted by Sandy Cline (<horseldy...>)
Date: 2/28/26 11:05 am From: Robin and Daniel Zmoda <robinanddanielz...> Subject: Fwd: WRS Data Added
Northampton WRS 482 Year 21 for this route. New high count for TV from 48. Single digit BV was last gotten in 2015. Redtails were on the low side with the high count being 46 in 2013. Kestrels were normal. We usually get one or two. Eagles have been steadily increasing, but the landfill stop (2 A, 2 Imm) usually skews our numbers.
Sharp-shinned Hawk: Adult: Immature: Unknown: Cooper's Hawk: Adult: Immature: Unknown: Red-shouldered Hawk: Adult: Immature: Unknown: 13 Red-tailed Hawk: Adult: 8 Immature: Unknown: 5 Rough-legged Hawk: Light Morph: Dark Morph: Unknown: Golden Eagle: Adult: Immature: Unknown: 2 American Kestrel: Male: 2 Female: Unknown: Merlin: Male: Female: Unknown: Gyrfalcon Peregrine Falcon: Adult: Immature: Unknown: Other birds and comments: Snow cover was spotty, approx 50%. Ravens and a Killdeer were notable birds. One Redtail was completely leucistic. Not a hint of color on the tail, but legs were yellow, so it was not an albino. No pictures were able to be taken as it was flying and we were driving.
Date: 2/28/26 5:04 am From: Karyn Delaney <delaneykaryn...> Subject: Re: Clarion Co- first woodcock of the spring last evening ! and a screech owl pair again
Hi Carole... this is amazing! Do they always arrive this early? And do they stay in the area, or move on?
Karyn Delaney
On Sun, Feb 22, 2026, 3:40 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. >
Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch State College, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Feb 27, 2026 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 17:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Thomas Filip
Observers: Jon Kauffman, Nick Bolgiano, Peggy Wagoner, Robert McLaughlin
Visitors: Connor Schmitt (Observer)
Weather: A very warm and sunny day with the morning starting off at 4.9℃ and going up to 11.1℃ by noon. SW/SSW winds throughout the day with a few brief shifts to NW. Wind speed started off at a low 1.8mph but gradually sped up to 8mph by 13:00.
Raptor Observations: No GOEA spotted today.
Migratory Raptors A RSHA came through low and close on the south side of the ridge. 2 SSHA were spotted today, both of which flew N over the ridge at eye level. 3 RTHA, 2 BAEA, 5 TUVU were also spotted.
Resident Raptors Pairs of RTHA were seen escorting migrants on both sides of the ridge. A resident COHA made its first appearance of the season on the south side of the ridge. An adult BAEA chased away an immature on the south side. 3 BLVU and 9 TUVU were also seen throughout the day.
A few minutes after I arrived, a small flock of at least 3 PISI flew over. Later 2 more flew past individually. So far it has been a good season for them with at least 1 each day.
Predictions: Tomorrow looks to be another mostly sunny and warm day with low to moderate W winds. There is potential for a GOEA or two to show up but given the absence of any in the past 2 days we may not see any. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Thomas Filip () Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch information may be found at: tusseymountainspringhawkwatch.org/
Observation start time: 10:00:00 Observation end time: 13:00:00 Total observation time: 3 hours
Official Counter: Jerry McWilliams
Observers: Jerry McWilliams
Visitors: none
Weather: Mostly cloudy becoming clear, moderate SW wind, first warm day for a while.
Raptor Observations: Very few birds, even though conditions were good, but it is still early in the season. Three Bald Eagles believed to be local
Non-raptor Observations: Canada Goose 13, Herring Gull 1, Ring-billed Gull 2, Rock Pigeon 15, European Starling 2, Red-winged Blackbird 2, American Crow 8
Predictions: Mild early then becoming colder with WNW wind. Conditions don't look favorable for several days.Jerry McWilliamsErie, Erie County, <Pa.jerrymcw...>
Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch State College, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Feb 26, 2026 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 17:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Thomas Filip
Observers: Andrew Bechdel, Bill Chambers, Connor Schmitt, Jon Kauffman
Visitors: Jon Kauffman Bill Chambers Connor Schmitt Andrew Bechdel Jeff
Weather: Contrary to the forecast, today was a mostly cloudy day until about 15:00 when most of the cloud cover broke. Visibility was better today, with the Allegheny Front being visible when I arrived and Stone Mountain being only slightly obscured by haze. The winds started off NW at a low 4.9mph, shifting slightly to NNW by 10:00 and gradually increasing throughout the morning to 7.8mph by 12:00. After 12:00 the winds shifted slightly to NW and began to slow down again.
Raptor Observations: No GOEA were spotted today.
7 migrating TUVU were seen throughout the day moving NE. A female/immature NOHA was spotted in the afternoon on the south side of the ridge flying NE. A RTHA flying NE was seen towards the end of the day being escorted by our resident RTHA.
Besides the 7 TUVU seen flying NE, 8 more were seen hunting over the valleys throughout the day, along with 4 BLVU. Our resident RTHA was seen a few times hunting and diving, and a resident BAEA was seen a couple of times.
A group of 4 ravens were seen bothering a resident BAEA, though they never got physical with it. A couple of COME flying SE were spotted by Connor. As I was packing up for the day, a PISI flew over heading NE.
Predictions: Tomorrow could possibly bring some GOEA with sunny skies and weak SW winds.
======================================================================== Report submitted by Thomas Filip () Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch information may be found at: tusseymountainspringhawkwatch.org/
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 14:30:00 Total observation time: 5.5 hours
Official Counter: Dave Poder
Observers: Jim Rocco, Nancy Ott
Visitors: None
Weather: Cloudy with some valley haze, Visibility 15 -20 km, light W winds, temps -2.4C to 2.1C
Raptor Observations: 1 RT counted
Several RTs and an RS that flew southward
Non-raptor Observations: BC chickadees, WB nuthatches, T titmice, DE juncos, N cardinals, Pileated, Red-bellied and Downy wp, A crows
Predictions: Sunny with SW winds, warmer, with a high near 7C ======================================================================== Report submitted by Dave Poder (<avions...>)
Date: 2/26/26 8:55 am From: Russ States <pelagics202...> Subject: Venango Co.
Yesterday 2/25 I had an Eastern Phoebe briefly show up at my feeders. It sat on a branch for awhile, & next time I looked out it was gone, & could not be relocated. Earliest record & 1st for February for Venango Co.
Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch State College, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Feb 25, 2026 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 17:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Thomas Filip
Observers:
Weather: The first day of the season started off with some light snow and SSW winds at 2.8mph and the Allegheny Front was concealed by haze. Fortunately by 10 the snow had subsided and the haze started to improve. The winds shifted to WSW for most of the morning. At 12 the cloud cover started to break slowly and by 1 the winds started to shift to W at 4.7mph. By 2 the cloud cover decreased significantly and the winds shifted WNW at 5.8mph until around 4 when cloud cover started to increase again and the winds started to die down.
The first GOEA�of the season was an adult on the N side of the ridge, close enough to get a great view of it with just bins as it headed NE. The second, spotted by Ken, was on the S side of the ridge and a bit further out than the last one. The last migrating raptor of the day was a BAEA heading NE on the S side of the ridge.
Our resident RTHA was seen soaring and diving throughout the afternoon, mostly on the S side before switching to the N. A resident BAEA was seen flying SW on the S side and 4 TUVU and 3 BLVU were seen soaring on both sides of the ridge
A pair of ravens appear to be building a nest somewhere south of the ridge. Twice I observed a pair flying south over the ridge, one carrying nesting material both times, the other flying and performing barrel rolls alongside its partner. Later a single raven was seen several times flying on both sides of the ridge.
Predictions: Tomorrow will hopefully bring in some more Golden Eagles with W and WNW winds at 6mph and a sunny day with some cloud cover. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Thomas Filip () Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch information may be found at: tusseymountainspringhawkwatch.org/
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.
