Date: 1/15/26 3:00 pm From: DAVID KOCH <0000012d74227426-dmarc-request...> Subject: Oriole, Koch property, Northampton County
Around noon today my husband called me to quick come look at a bird showing a lot of yellow. It was on the backyard deck post eating the peanut butter/lard mixture I make. It was an oriole, I believe a first fall male Baltimore, but I never got an in depth look at its front so I’m not sure. We had to leave for an appointment so I don’t know how long it was here. But it made my day to see an oriole in the cold weather of January.Â
Date: 1/15/26 8:11 am From: Rob Dickerson <radickerson...> Subject: Request for Photos - Fall
Do you have some great photos of any birds taken in Pennsylvania from August 1, 2025 - November 30, 2025? Or a picture of a notable/significant sighting from that period?
I am currently accepting photo submissions through end of day January 30 to be considered for publication as space permits in the Pennsylvania Society for Ornithology (PSO) Fall 2025 issue of Pennsylvania Birds.
**Important Note** Images submitted must be high-res and are preferred to be horizontal shots. Submitted images must be able to be cropped to 1050px x 700px with a resolution of 300 px/in for horizontal images. If space allows high-quality vertical portrait shots may be used, but they take up the space of 2 photos in the layout used by the journal. Vertical photos submitted must be able to be cropped to 1050px x 1313px at 300 px/in.
Some further instructions... If your submission does not follow the instructions below or contain the info requested below, it will not be processed!
- Submissions for consideration **must** be taken during the above date range and emailed to <radickerson...>, please make mention of the word FALL in the subject line to simplify processing.
- Please do not submit dozens of images for consideration, please do some initial limiting/judging of selections on your end that reflect the best of your work. However, if you have 15 different images of truly notable sightings in the state from this period, I'll gladly accept them for consideration!
- VERY important! For each image attached to the e-mail, you must include a description in the body of the e-mail for that image. Best format to follow: Species Name - Location, County, DD Month. Sentence about significance if known/applicable. (Photographer Name) Example: Antillean Nighthawk - Presque Isle SP, Erie, 12 June. This bird represented a first state record and was observed through 1 July. (John Doe)
- Please also submit your photos for consideration in full resolution or as close to full resolution as possible as these will be printed. Your photo also may be considered for a cover shot and a 250KB image just won't work for that! I need to be able to crop your photo to fit the space as it permits in the journal and a precropped / low-resolution image is problematic for that. It's safe to say that if you're sending me an image under a megabyte in size, it isn't going to be the resolution I need to work with. I also need room to crop the image to the specs used for the newsletter (exact specs posted above) and an extremely tight crop may not allow me to do that.
- Photos selected for printing in the issue will be credited to the photographer, please DO NOT submit watermarked/signatured images or they will not be considered. The image should be clean of any add-ons.
Thanks for considering submitting your photos for consideration for our statewide ornithology journal!
Contributors: Dave Brooke, Ron Burkert, Michele Carlson, Marc Hanneman, Rain Laurent, Ben McNealy, Kim Springer, Mark Strittmatter, Mark Vass, Mike Weible, Jeanne Whitesell, Michael Williams, Carole Winslow.
Compiler: Amy Taracido
Tuesday, 6 January 2026 through Tuesday, 13 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 continue to be reported.
ALLEGHENY COUNTY:
Through 1/13 near Frick Park, 1 PAINTED BUNTING continued (RB et. al.).
At Duck Hollow on 1/8, 1 ICELAND GULL (BM).
On 1/10 at Emsworth Lock & Dam, 1 possible ICELAND GULL (RL).
ARMSTRONG COUNTY:
Along Green Acres Road on 1/11, 2 LAPLAND LONGSPURS (DB).
BEAVER COUNTY:
At the Townsend Dam area on 1/9, 1 SNOW GOOSE (MV).
CLARION COUNTY:
On 1/10 at Maple Glen Farm, 1 WINTER WREN (CW).
CRAWFORD COUNTY:
On 1/10 at Millers Ponds, 1 ROSS'S GOOSE (MH).
FOREST COUNTY:
At Beaver Meadows parking lot on 1/9, 1 RED CROSSBILL (KS).
On 1/11 in Marienville, 80 EVENING GROSBEAKS (reported to DB); on 1/13, 67 EVENING GROSBEAKS (DB).
INDIANA COUNTY:
At State Gamelands #332 on 1/8, 1 ROSS'S GOOSE (MS).
On 1/10 near Punxutawney, 1 flyover GOLDEN EAGLE (MWe).
MERCER COUNTY:
At Shenango Reservoir on 1/13, 1 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL (MWi).
SOMERSET COUNTY:
In Rockwood on 1/10, 1 RED-HEADED WOODPECKER (JW).
WASHINGTON COUNTY:
At Cherry Valley Reservoir on 1/9 and 1/11, 4 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE (MV).
WESTMORELAND COUNTY:
On 1/11 in Harrison City, 11 flyover SNOW GEESE (MC).
Contributors: Kerry Bell, David Bennett, Cole Bishop, Dave Brooke, Ron Burkert, Allen Byler, Jeff Cieslak, Sofia D via Ebird, Karyn Delaney, Mike Fialkovich, John Flannigan, Steve Gosser, Marc Hanneman, Amy Henrici, John Keener, Dave Keith, Chris Kubiak, Malcolm Kurtz, Dan McGuire, Ed McKaveney, Ben McNealy, Robert Mulvihill, Elizabeth Nicholson, Joshua Penderville, Mark Vass, Mike Weible, Michael Williams, Carole Winslow, "Jennifer Winter Wren" via Ebird, Kendall Zook.
Compiler: Amy Taracido
Tuesday, 30 December 2025 through Tuesday, 6 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, GREAT EGRET, FOX SPARROW, PINE SISKIN continue to be reported.
ALLEGHENY COUNTY:
Over an unspecified location on 1/1, SANDHILL CRANES (MF).
On 12/31 near McKnight, 30 flyover SNOW GEESE (SD).
Through 1/6 near Frick Park, 1 PAINTED BUNTING (JP et. al.).
In Creighton on 1/1, 1 SNOW GOOSE (DBe).
Over Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve on 1/1, 20 SANDHILL CRANES (CB).
On 1/1 near Ingomar, 160 flyover SANDHILL CRANES (SG).
In Greenfield on 1/1 and 1/4, 1 ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER (BM).
On 1/2 over Aspinwall Riverfront Park, Frick Park, and Duck Hollow, 130+ SANDHILL CRANES (AH, MK, EM).
ARMSTRONG COUNTY:
On 1/4-1/5 along Fox Hollow Road, 1 LAPLAND LONGSPUR (DBr et. al.); also on 1/5, 1 additional LAPLAND LONGSPUR (RB).
BEAVER COUNTY:
In Baden through 1/1, 1 RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD (reported to KD).
On 1/3 and 1/5 at Townsend Dam area, 1 SNOW GOOSE (EM, JC).
BUTLER COUNTY:
Over Moraine State Park on 1/1, 80-90 SANDHILL CRANES (CK).
On 1/2 at Graham Park, 6 SNOW GEESE (JWW).
CLARION COUNTY:
Near Curllsville on 1/3 and 1/5, 1 VESPER SPARROW (MWe, CW); also on 1/5, 4 SNOW BUNTINGS, 1 NORTHERN HARRIER (CW).
On 1/6 near Oak Ridge, 1 ROSS'S GOOSE (JK).
CRAWFORD COUNTY:
On 1/1 over an unspecified backyard area, 109 SANDHILL CRANES (reported to KZ).
In Pymatuning on 1/3, 1 BRANT (MV); on 1/4, 2 RED-HEADED WOODPECKERS (MH).
ERIE COUNTY:
At Presque Isle this week, sightings included
Outside Union City on 1/1, flyover SANDHILL CRANES (CW).
FAYETTE COUNTY:
On 12/31 over Spring Valley, 17 SANDHILL CRANES (DM).
Along Chearney Road on 1/1, 1 LAPLAND LONGSPUR, HORNED LARKS (KB).
At Greenlick Run Lake on 1/2, 3 LONG-TAILED DUCKS (AB et. al.).
JEFFERSON COUNTY:
Over Brockway on 1/2, 6 SANDHILL CRANES (DK).
MERCER COUNTY:
On 1/2 at the Shenango Wildlife Area Propagation Ponds, 1 SAVANNAH SPARROW (MWi).
WARREN COUNTY:
On 12/31-1/1 at Hillside Acres, 2 EVENING GROSBEAKS (EN).
WASHINGTON COUNTY:
In Avella on 1/4, 1 DARK-EYED JUNCO 'cismontanus' subspecies (RM).
On 1/5 at Cherry Valley Reservoir, 3 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE (JF).
Contributors: Luke Beall, Kimberly Berry, Casey Davidson, Patience Fisher, Ron George-Snyder, Michelle Kienholz, Dale M via Ebird, Ben McNealy, Jerry McWilliams, Jackson Medeiros, Ron Mumme, Brett Rodstrom, John Taylor, Conor Tompkins.
Compiler: Amy Taracido
Tuesday, 23 December 2025 through Tuesday, 30 December 2025
**This report is distributed by e-mail only. Compiler is not responsible for errors on websites who reproduce/reprint these reports. If you would like to receive western PA RBAs, contact AMYTARACIDO@ YAHOO.COM
Transcript-
NOTE: COMMON GOLDENEYE, VIRGINIA RAIL continue to be reported.
ALLEGHENY COUNTY:
Near Frick Park on 12/24-12/30, 1 PAINTED BUNTING (PF et. al.).
On 12/27 in Creighton, 1 SNOW GOOSE (CT).
At Homewood Cemetery on 12/27, 1 FISH CROW (MK).
On 12/29 at Schenley Park, 1 SNOW GOOSOE (LB).
In Greenfield on 12/30, 1 ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER (BM).
BEAVER COUNTY:
On 12/28 near Nichol Road, 1 EVENING GROSBEAK (CD).
BUTLER COUNTY:
At Lake Oneida on 12/26-12/27, 1 ROSS'S GOOSE (KB et. al.).
CLARION COUNTY:
On 12/25 in Strattanville, 1 EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVE (RGS).
CRAWFORD COUNTY:
At Meadville Country Club on 12/24, 16 RED-HEADED WOODPECKERS (RM).
ERIE COUNTY:
At Presque Isle this week, sightings included 1 CALIFORNIA GULL, 2 ICELAND GULLS (JMe), WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS, SURF SCOTERS, CANVASBACKS, RED-THROATED LOON, REDHEADS (JMc), 1 EARED GREBE (12/27) (BR).
INDIANA COUNTY:
On 12/24 and 12/25 at Yellow Creek State Park, 3 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE (JT et. al.).
Date: 1/11/26 5:59 am From: Lisa Dziuban <dziubanlisa...> Subject: American robins and red winged blackbird-Plumstead Twp., Bucks
A huge flock of robins has inundated my property this morning. Probably 100’s. I was seeing several in the last days, but today I have an enormous flock. Among them I spotted a red winged blackbird. Sounds like spring.
Lisa Dziuban
“Finally, Brothers and Sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, Whatever is Lovely, whatever is admirable and of good repute, if there is any excellence or anything worthy of praise, Dwell On These Things. -Philippians 4:8
Date: 1/6/26 8:00 am From: Joe Gyekis <gyekis9...> Subject: Bird and Human Pigmentation Webinar
Hi Everyone,
Mark your calendars for what I hope will be a highly interesting webinar about pigmentation in birds and people.
Why are some darker and lighter? Nina Jablonski is an anthropologist and an expert on human skin pigmentation and the connection to the health benefits and health harms of ultraviolet sunlight exposure. Bryce Robinson is an expert on variability in Red-tailed Hawks across their range, including the white bellied subspecies of Texas and the very heavily belly-banded and rusty chested birds of southern Alaska, not to mention the dark morph birds.
Hope you'll join us for this talk.
Joe
The webinar will be held Thursday January 22, 2026 at 7 PM.
Webinar
Nina Jablonski and Bryce Robinson
Birds and People: Pigment Parallels and Perpendiculars
This morning I headed up to Over Rd just over the hill from me outside of Curllsville, where on Saturday Mike Weible had reported a quite unusual find for this time of year, a vesper sparrow. I wasn't very hopeful that it would still be around, and was feeling guilty I hadn't gotten up there sooner. I drove up the gravel road and crested the hilltop, pulled over to the side, and there right in front of me off the edge of the road was a sparrow feeding... a vesper sparrow ! This is a hilltop field with crop fields on both sides, recently cut corn on one side and soybean on the other. It sits right across from Rankin Rd where I regularly see the short-eared owls in winter. I almost couldn't believe my eyes, but got decent views before it flew off to a little weedy hillock at the field edge and I got the scope on it. I can't remember the last time I saw a vesper in the county in any season, so quite surprising to find it lingering here. It's feeding on grain scraps and grass seeds I assume, and fed in the field, on corn and in the road while I was there. There's still several inches of snow on the ground but it seems to be hanging right here for now. It may help that the field was just recently cut and so I imagine there's a lot of grain scrap still laying around. I was up early as usual a couple weeks ago and couldn't figure what the bright lights and noise were on the hilltop across the valley, but it was the owner deciding to cut the corn and soybean crop at 5am in 12 degrees in late December. It doesn't make sense to me but I'm not a farmer. I know crops were still standing on the 20th when I checked this spot for the CBC. I hope the bird sticks around !
Also at this same spot were four snow buntings that took off when I arrived, and just down the road was a male harrier hunting over the fields. I checked for the snipe that Mike had found on Champion Rd but came up empty. Still a good morning for early January, and thanks to Mike for finding this hardy little winter visitor,
Date: 1/5/26 4:55 pm From: Jim Kellam <00000219aa576463-dmarc-request...> Subject: Ornithology Camp for teenagers
The third annual Ornithology Camp at Saint Vincent College will be held June 14-17, 2026. The camp is restricted to students aged 13-18. The camp features four days of hands-on activities that teach students how ornithological research is conducted. They will participate in bird banding, nest monitoring, surveying, radio-tracking, and song identification. There are classroom lessons on nesting behavior, migration, raptor identification, and bird anatomy. The camp director is Dr. Jim Kellam, Professor of Biological Sciences and published expert on woodpeckers, Tree Swallows, Tufted Titmice, and Blue Jays. Enrollment is capped at 12 students to ensure close learning experiences. Tuition is $250, which helps cover the cost of lodging in single-occupancy air-conditioned rooms, food, and supplies. There is a commuting option for $200 for students who do not want to stay overnight. We are thankful that the remaining camp costs are underwritten by a private donor. More information is available at www.svcornithology.wordpress.com, or email <james.kellam...> This is one of only a few ornithology camps in the country that is designed for a teenaged audience. We want these young people to develop a deep love of birds, which will provide them with social, physical, and mental health benefits throughout their lives.
Date: 1/5/26 8:03 am From: Karyn Delaney <delaneykaryn...> Subject: Fwd: eBird Report - 103 Timber Ridge Drive, Baden, Pennsylvania, US (40.668, -80.154), Nov 9, 2025
Subject: Beaver County - eBird Report - 103 Timber Ridge Drive, Baden, Pennsylvania, US (40.668, -80.154), Nov 9, 2025
Good morning. I am sharing an eBird Report of a Rufous Hummingbird that arrived in Beaver County on November 6, 2025. I photographed the bird and it was identified as a female Rufous Hummingbird by Bob Mulvihill. The homeowners, who requested privacy, kindly kept heaters on 2 feeders to keep the nectar thawed during the cold. I was advised by the homeowners that their last sighting was on January 1 and that "previously frenzied feeding dawn to dusk resulting in considerable increase in girth". Apparently she has moved on. A special thanks to Jennie & Michael Feight for helping this wonderful little bird!
Karyn Delaney
103 Timber Ridge Drive, Baden, Pennsylvania, US (40.668, -80.154), Beaver, Pennsylvania, US Nov 9, 2025 1:22 PM - 1:52 PM Protocol: Stationary 12 species (+1 other taxa)
Mourning Dove 2 Rufous Hummingbird 1 Bird was first seen 3 days prior. Home owners requested privacy. They provided heat lamps to prevent nectar from freezing. Bird photographed and identified by Bob Mulvihill. Bird remained through January 1. It has not been seen since that date. Downy Woodpecker 1 Hairy Woodpecker 1 Northern Flicker 1 Blue Jay 6 Carolina/Black-capped Chickadee 1 Tufted Titmouse 2 Golden-crowned Kinglet 1 White-breasted Nuthatch 1 American Robin 5 Dark-eyed Junco 3 Song Sparrow 1
Quite interesting as I also had a report yesterday from a friend ( non- birder ) that she saw a large flock of sandhill cranes going over her place outside Union City in Erie Co. That was around 2 in the afternoon, and while she told me it was enormous she estimated 30-40. I expect that it was indeed more than that, as she did send a recording she made and I could clearly hear a fairly large flock calling. I wasn't able to get an estimate how high they were flying but she said they were heading south. She sees them around periodically throughout the year, but I assumed they are moving further south in groups just for feeding with all the heavy snows they have had over the past several weeks, probably at least 5 in total over the past month or so. I only wish I could have heard some here to add to the new year yard list !
Carole Winslow Sligo, Clarion Co.
On Fri, Jan 2, 2026, 7:26 AM Kendall Zook <kendallzook98...> wrote:
> I had an interesting bird report from a friend and neighbor yesterday. He > photographed a large group of Sandhill Cranes flying high overhead > mid-morning. I one picture, he has 109 birds so the flock had at least that > many individuals. Sandhill Cranes are quite common in Crawford by now, but > the local cranes winter here, mostly at Pymatuning. If I remember > correctly, > 200-300 cranes winter in smaller flocks across the Pymatuning area. So I > doubt a flock this large would be local Sandhills. Would these be migrating > Sandhill Cranes from further west, blown east by the storm system passing > through right now? I'd be interested in hearing comments or thoughts. > > Kendall Zook > > Crawford Co. >
Date: 1/2/26 8:07 am From: Chris Kubiak <ckubiak...> Subject: Re: migrating Sandhill Cranes, Crawford Co.
Funny as I had a flock of roughly 80-90 cranes flying due south over
Butler County (Moraine SP) yesterday around 1:30PM. Have to think this
flock may have been the one I observed yesterday.
Chris
On 02.01.2026 09:57, Michael Fialkovich wrote:
> Interesting you mention this because there were two reports of a flock
> flying over Allegheny County yesterday.
>
> It seems we get them flying over in December the past few years. Not
> sure why this time of year.
>
> Mike FialkovichPittsburgh Area, Allegheny County
>
>
>
> On Friday, January 2, 2026 at 07:26:22 AM EST, Kendall Zook
> <kendallzook98...> wrote:
>
> I had an interesting bird report from a friend and neighbor yesterday.
> He
> photographed a large group of Sandhill Cranes flying high overhead
> mid-morning. I one picture, he has 109 birds so the flock had at least
> that
> many individuals. Sandhill Cranes are quite common in Crawford by now,
> but
> the local cranes winter here, mostly at Pymatuning. If I remember
> correctly,
> 200-300 cranes winter in smaller flocks across the Pymatuning area. So
> I
> doubt a flock this large would be local Sandhills. Would these be
> migrating
> Sandhill Cranes from further west, blown east by the storm system
> passing
> through right now? I'd be interested in hearing comments or thoughts.
>
> Kendall Zook
>
> Crawford Co.
Date: 1/2/26 6:57 am From: Michael Fialkovich <0000012b4af48ab0-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: migrating Sandhill Cranes, Crawford Co.
Interesting you mention this because there were two reports of a flock flying over Allegheny County yesterday.
It seems we get them flying over in December the past few years. Not sure why this time of year.
Mike FialkovichPittsburgh Area, Allegheny County
On Friday, January 2, 2026 at 07:26:22 AM EST, Kendall Zook <kendallzook98...> wrote:
I had an interesting bird report from a friend and neighbor yesterday. He
photographed a large group of Sandhill Cranes flying high overhead
mid-morning. I one picture, he has 109 birds so the flock had at least that
many individuals. Sandhill Cranes are quite common in Crawford by now, but
the local cranes winter here, mostly at Pymatuning. If I remember correctly,
200-300 cranes winter in smaller flocks across the Pymatuning area. So I
doubt a flock this large would be local Sandhills. Would these be migrating
Sandhill Cranes from further west, blown east by the storm system passing
through right now? I'd be interested in hearing comments or thoughts.
I had an interesting bird report from a friend and neighbor yesterday. He photographed a large group of Sandhill Cranes flying high overhead mid-morning. I one picture, he has 109 birds so the flock had at least that many individuals. Sandhill Cranes are quite common in Crawford by now, but the local cranes winter here, mostly at Pymatuning. If I remember correctly, 200-300 cranes winter in smaller flocks across the Pymatuning area. So I doubt a flock this large would be local Sandhills. Would these be migrating Sandhill Cranes from further west, blown east by the storm system passing through right now? I'd be interested in hearing comments or thoughts.
Date: 1/1/26 6:04 pm From: DAVID KOCH <0000012d74227426-dmarc-request...> Subject: Koch property. Northampton County
Sparrows recently seen here, in addition to more whitethroats than I care to count, include white-crowned, field, Lincoln’s, Savannah, song, swamp, and hundreds of juncos. The juncos are everywhere. Also, robins are around in big numbers. I have not, however, had any rare northern species except for the occasional purple finch. But today a yellow -bellied sapsucker, an adult male, came in and fed on the peanut butter/lard mixture I put in holes on posts on the deck. Hairy, downy, and red-bellied woodpeckers are common visitors to this mixture, but this is the first time I’ve seen a sapsucker on it.Â
E
Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone
Date: 12/31/25 12:48 pm From: Hawkcount.Org Reports <reports...> Subject: Waggoner's Gap (31 Dec 2025) 4 Raptors
Waggoner's Gap 40 km W of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Dec 31, 2025 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- BV 0 0 11 TV 0 11 1644 OS 0 0 149 BE 2 94 895 NH 0 3 156 SS 0 3 2716 CH 0 4 246 AG 0 0 4 RS 0 7 126 BW 0 0 10265 RT 1 89 1381 RL 0 0 0 GE 1 21 231 AK 0 0 165 ML 0 0 60 PG 0 1 62 UA 0 1 43 UB 0 0 37 UF 0 0 6 UE 0 1 4 UR 0 2 65 SK 0 0 1
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Ron Freed
Observers: Brandon Brogle, Dave Grove, Debbie Spinelli, Gene Wagner, Jeff Thompson , Jim Binder, Joe Yoder, Keith Gingrich, Meredith Lombard, Pat Freed, Paul Kosten, Pete Biasucci , Robert McLaughlin, Shorty Lowe
Visitors: Cindy & Craig Dunn, Paul Zeph, Jeff Schmidt
Weather: Mostly cloudy with light west winds
Raptor Observations: First bird RT 10:50 Last bird GE 2:56
Non-raptor Observations: This closes the 2025 season. Thanks to all who helped count, spot and observe the raptors. Read our daily and monthly counts at hawkcount.org and follow our activities at Facebook.com/Waggonersgaphawkwatch ======================================================================== Report submitted by Ronald Freed (<rpfreed4947...>)
Date: 12/30/25 2:22 pm From: Hawkcount.Org Reports <reports...> Subject: Waggoner's Gap (30 Dec 2025) 11 Raptors
Waggoner's Gap 40 km W of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Dec 30, 2025 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- BV 0 0 11 TV 0 11 1644 OS 0 0 149 BE 6 92 893 NH 0 3 156 SS 0 3 2716 CH 0 4 246 AG 0 0 4 RS 0 7 126 BW 0 0 10265 RT 3 88 1380 RL 0 0 0 GE 2 20 230 AK 0 0 165 ML 0 0 60 PG 0 1 62 UA 0 1 43 UB 0 0 37 UF 0 0 6 UE 0 1 4 UR 0 2 65 SK 0 0 1
Contributors: KM Andersen, Dave Brooke, Michelle Kienholz, Jerry McWilliams, Jackson Medeiros, Susan Miller, Ron Mumme, Joseph Pumford, Mark Strittmatter, Michael Williams, Carole Winslow, Kendall Zook.
Compiler: Amy Taracido
Tuesday, 16 December 2025 through Tuesday, 23 December 2025
**This report is distributed by e-mail only. Compiler is not responsible for errors on websites who reproduce/reprint these reports. If you would like to receive western PA RBAs, contact AMYTARACIDO@ YAHOO.COM
Transcript-
NOTE: LONG-TAILED DUCK, BUFFLEHEAD, SURF SCOTER, COMMON GOLDENEYE, BLACK VULTURE, PINE SISKIN continue to be reported.
ALLEGHENY COUNTY:
On 12/18-12/23 near Frick Park, 1 PAINTED BUNTING continued (MK et. al.).
In Creighton on 12/21 and 12/23 (nearby), 1 SNOW GOOSE (DB).
CLARION COUNTY:
In Sligo on 12/20, 1 PEREGRINE FALCON (CW).
CRAWFORD COUNTY:
In the Miller's Station SE area on 12/21, 1 ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK, 6 COMMON RAVENS (KZ).
On 12/17 at Meadville Country Club, 16 RED-HEADED WOODPECKERS (RM).
ERIE COUNTY:
At Presque Isle this week, sightings included CANVASBACKS, REDHEADS, WHITE-WINGED SCOTER, BLACK SCOTER (JMc), LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL, GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL (JMe).
On 12/20 along Wagner Road south of Erie, 2 CACKLING GEESE (KMA).
INDIANA COUNTY:
On 12/19-12/21 at Yellow Creek State Park, 3 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE (MS, JP et. al.).
MERCER COUNTY:
In Greenville on 12/18, 1 LINCOLN'S SPARROW (MW).
WESTMORELAND COUNTY:
At Trout Run Reservoir on 12/20, 1 ROSS'S GOOSE (SM).
Contributors: David Bennett, Kimberly Berry, John Flannigan, Sarah Grey, Amy Henrici, Ripley Kindervater, Meg Kolodick, Chris Lundberg, Jerry McWilliams, Tiffany Ohler, Kevin Parsons, Jeff Payne, Kenneth Pinnow, Theo Rickert, Will Toret, Mark Vass, Steve Wagner, Robert Walczak.
Compiler: Amy Taracido
Tuesday, 9 December 2025 through Tuesday, 16 December 2025
**This report is distributed by e-mail only. Compiler is not responsible for errors on websites who reproduce/reprint these reports. If you would like to receive western PA RBAs, contact AMYTARACIDO@ YAHOO.COM
Transcript-
NOTE: LONG-TAILED DUCK, SURF SCOTER, BUFFLEHEAD, COMMON GOLDENEYE, AMERICAN TREE SPARROW continue to be reported.
ALLEGHENY COUNTY:
At Stoney Lane Farm near Gibsonia on 12/11, 30 flyover SANDHILL CRANES (KPa).
On 12/11 at Riding Meadow Park along Sycamore Run, 1 RED CROSSBILL (SG et. al.).
In Creighton on 12/11 and 12/15, 1 SNOW GOOSE (AH).
On 12/12 at the Moody Road pond, 1 SNOW GOOSE (MV).
Near Frick Park on 12/16, 1 PAINTED BUNTING (DB et. al.).
ARMSTRONG COUNTY:
Along Red Mill Road on 12/12, 1 RED-HEADED WOODPECKER (TR).
BEAVER COUNTY:
In New Brighton on 12/12, 1 SNOW GOOSE (MV).
BUTLER COUNTY:
On 12/12 at Lake Oneida, 1 SNOW GOOSE (KB).
CRAWFORD COUNTY:
In Jamestown on 12/12 and 12/14, 1 RED-HEADED WOODPECKER (via Ebird; KPi).
On 12/14 and 12/16 at Millers Ponds, 1 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE (CL, RK); also on 12/16, 1 additional GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE (RK).
In Pymatuning on 12/14, 1 NORTHERN SHRIKE (KPi et. al.).
ERIE COUNTY:
At Presque Isle this week, sightings included WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS, REDHEADS, CANVASBACKS, 1 GLAUCOUS GULL (12/12), RED-THROATED LOON, BLACK SCOTER, SNOW BUNTINGS (12/15) (JM).
LAWRENCE COUNTY:
In New Wilmington on 12/13, 1 PURPLE FINCH (RW).
SOMERSET COUNTY:
In Markleton on 12/10, 15 SANDHILL CRANES (TO).
On 12/13 along Shanksville Road, 1 RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD (JP).
VENANGO COUNTY:
From last week: on 12/8 at Kahle Lake, 1 RED-HEADED WOODPECKER (MK).
WASHINGTON COUNTY:
On 12/10 at Peters Lake Park, 4 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE (JF).
WESTMORELAND COUNTY:
At Ethel Springs Lake on 12/11-12/12, 1 ROSS'S GOOSE (SW).
On 12/11-12/13 at Saint Vincent College, 1 ROSS'S GOOSE (WT et. al.).
Subject: eBird Report - Economy Borough, Beaver County, Dec 30, 2025
I was very surprised to see a male Brown-headed Cowbird at the feeder briefly this morning. Four Bluebirds visit the sunflower chip feeders occasionally when it's cold and the 3 males and 1 female were present today.. There were at least 40 Goldfinches jockeying for feeding positions on the three sunflower chip feeders. Juncos and White-throated Sparrows have returned with the cold temperatures.
Happy New Year! Karyn Delaney
Economy Borough, Beaver County, Pennsylvania, US Dec 30, 2025 11:16 AM - 12:19 PM Protocol: Traveling 0.042 mile(s) 14 species
Wild Turkey 6 Mourning Dove 10 Hairy Woodpecker 1 Male Blue Jay 4 Tufted Titmouse 3 White-breasted Nuthatch 1 Carolina Wren 1 Eastern Bluebird 4 3 Male, 1 Female House Finch 2 American Goldfinch 46 Dark-eyed Junco 5 White-throated Sparrow 3 Brown-headed Cowbird 1 Male Northern Cardinal 3
Contributors: Kerry Bell, Kimberly Berry, David Brenneman, Dave Brooke, Ron Burkert, John Campbell, Michele Carlson, Richard Chirichiello, Jeff Cieslak, Donna Collett, Chapin Czarnecki, Natalie Donofrio, Benjamin Hack, Eric Hall, Jacob Hall, Amy Henrici, John Kramer, Nick Logan, Mike Lyden, Michael McDevitt, Dan McGuire, Jerry McWilliams, Jackson Medeiros, Dan Mendenhall, Susan Miller, Elizabeth Nicholson, Richard Nugent, Mark Strittmatter, John Taylor, Will Toret, Mark Vass, Mike Weible, Sarah Wetzel, Cheri Widzowski.
Compiler: Amy Taracido
Tuesday, 2 December 2025 through Tuesday, 9 December 2025
**This report is distributed by e-mail only. Compiler is not responsible for errors on websites who reproduce/reprint these reports. If you would like to receive western PA RBAs, contact AMYTARACIDO@ YAHOO.COM
Transcript-
NOTE: TUNDRA SWAN, COMMON GOLDENEYE, SURF SCOTER, LONG-TAILED DUCK, PALM WARBLER, FOX SPARROW continue to be reported.
ALLEGHENY COUNTY:
In Creighton on 12/3 and 12/5-12/8, 1 SNOW GOOSE (DB et. al.).
In Oakmont through 12/8, 1 RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD continued (RB).
On 12/6 in Aspinwall Riverfront Park, 1 SNOW GOOSE (DMe et. al.).
At Duck Hollow on 12/6, 1 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL (CC et. al.).
On 12/8 at the mouth of Flaugherty Run, 1 WHITE-WINGED SCOTER (MV).
At Bell Harbor Marina on 12/9, 1 WHITE-WINGED SCOTER (AH et. al.).
BEAVER COUNTY:
At Raccoon Creek State Park on 12/4, 4 RUSTY BLACKBIRDS (DC).
On 12/5 at Dobbins Landing, 1 BROWN PELICAN (JCa).
FAYETTE COUNTY:
On 12/2 near Connellsville, 2 ROSS'S GEESE (KBel).
In Farmington on 12/4, 1 ROSS'S GOOSE, SNOW GEESE (DMc).
At Greenlick Run Lake on 12/6-12/7, 2 ROSS'S GEESE (ND et. al.).
INDIANA COUNTY:
Over Indiana on 12/4, 1 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE (MW).
On 12/5 at Yellow Creek State Park, 1 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE; on 12/7, 3 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE (JT, NL); on 12/8, 4 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE (CW); on 12/9, 3 GREATER-WHITE-FRONTED GEESE (MS).
At Two Lick Creek Reservoir on 12/5, 17 SANDHILL CRANES (JT).
LAWRENCE COUNTY:
On 12/3 near New Beaver, 2 SNOW GEESE (BH).
At State Gamelands #151 on 12/3, 2 SNOW GEESE (RN).
North of Plain Grove on 12/3, 1 NORTHERN SHRIKE (RN).
On 12/3 in the Volant Strips area, 1 LAPLAND LONGSPUR (RN); on 12/7, 1 NORTHERN SHRIKE, 2 CACKLING GEESE (JH).
MERCER COUNTY:
Along Route 79 near Stoneboro on 12/3, 2 SNOW GEESE (EH).
SOMERSET COUNTY:
On 12/3 near Hi-View Gardens Farm & Greenhouse, 1 flyover SNOW GOOSE (SW).
In Salisbury on 12/4, 12 SNOW GEESE (DB).
WARREN COUNTY:
On 12/5 near Triumph, 3 EVENING GROSBEAKS (EN).
WESTMORELAND COUNTY:
At Saint Vincent College on 12/3-12/7, 4 SNOW GEESE (RC, SM, WT); also on 12/7-12/9, 1 ROSS'S GOOSE (WT et. al.).
On 12/5 in Latrobe, 4 SNOW GEESE (MM); on 12/6, 3 SNOW GEESE (MC); on 12/8-12/9, 1 ROSS'S GOOSE (MM).
At Mammoth Park on 12/5-12/6, 3 ROSS'S GEESE (RC et. al.).
At Twin Lakes Park on 12/8, 1-2 ROSS'S GEESE (ND).
Date: 12/29/25 4:11 pm From: Nick Bolgiano <nickbolgiano...> Subject: Share Your Voice: Join a Christmas Bird Count Modernization Advisory Group
Audubon will be updating its CBC data interface next year and the CBC team
wants involvement from CBC volunteers, take below-linked survey
if interested:
Audubon’s Christmas Bird Count (CBC) is evolving, and we want *your voice* at
the table as we modernize the program for the next generation of birders
and community scientists.
*We're inviting CBC volunteers to join advisory groups* that will help
shape everything from new digital tools to volunteer training resources to
how we build inclusive, welcoming count communities.
*Why your perspective matters:*
Whether you're new to CBC or a longtime participant, whether you're
tech-savvy or prefer paper datasheets, whether you count in urban parks or
remote wilderness—your experience matters. We need diverse voices to ensure
CBC modernization works for everyone.
*Two ways to get involved:*
*Community Advisory Group: *Help co-design improvements to the CBC
volunteer experience, including recruitment strategies, training resources,
communication approaches, and the new Community Engagement Leader role.
Meets monthly (2-hour virtual sessions) from January-December 2026.
*Product Testing Group: *Test and provide feedback on new digital tools
like the circle finder, registration system, mobile data submission, and
results portal. Participate in regular testing sessions and help us build
tools that actually work for real users (starting spring 2026).
*Next step: Complete our brief interest form by Jan. 12.*
*Complete Survey <https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/QQF6TH9>* (t*akes about
6-8 minutes to complete)*
We'll review all responses and contact selected participants by
mid-January. Even if you're not selected for an advisory group, we
anticipate additional opportunities throughout 2026 to test features and
provide feedback.
*Questions?* Contact us at *<cbcadmin...> <cbcadmin...>*
Thank you for being part of the CBC community. We're excited to work
alongside you in this important modernization effort.
Christmas Bird Count Team
*National Audubon Society*
Date: 12/24/25 3:38 pm From: Hawkcount.Org Reports <reports...> Subject: Waggoner's Gap (24 Dec 2025) 19 Raptors
Waggoner's Gap 40 km W of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Dec 24, 2025 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- BV 0 0 11 TV 0 11 1644 OS 0 0 149 BE 13 86 887 NH 0 3 156 SS 0 3 2716 CH 0 4 246 AG 0 0 4 RS 0 7 126 BW 0 0 10265 RT 5 85 1377 RL 0 0 0 GE 1 18 228 AK 0 0 165 ML 0 0 60 PG 0 1 62 UA 0 1 43 UB 0 0 37 UF 0 0 6 UE 0 1 4 UR 0 2 65 SK 0 0 1
Comments: No direct movements,just birds shuffling around. There was anice flock of Long-tailed Ducks that flew in from the west and set down among adistant flock of resting scaup.
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Waterbirds recorded:
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Mallard 1Greater Scaup 4Scaup species 1500 (all resting on the water spread out acrossthe lake)White-winged Scoter 29Black Scoter 1Long-tailed Duck 40Common Goldeneye 8Common Merganser 6Red-breasted Merganser 68Horned Grebe 1
Jerry McWilliamsErie, Erie County, <Pa.jerrymcw...>
Date: 12/23/25 6:38 am From: Grove, Deborah Shuey <dsg4...> Subject: 42nd annual Huntingdon CBC
On Sunday December 14 2025 29 participants headed out on the 42nd Huntingdon Christmas Bird Count that was started in 1984 by the Brauns and the former Huntingdon Bird Club. The center is at Donation PA with a radius of 7.5 miles. Marcelline Baker one of the original counters that year participated again this year and another member of the group, Greg Grove, has participated 37 years. Other long-time participants are Margaret Brittingham,and Kevin Brant. The Kylers were some of the first participants but haven’t always made it every year. Dave was a compiler by the late 80s, turning it over to me in about 2012.
The day started out with 17 degrees on Stone Creek Ridge and later, lower elevations were up to 22 degrees. A steady breeze also affected the count and fewer birds were found this year. Counters reported 48 party hours, down from the fifteen year average of 71. Sixty-five species plus one count week species, Golden Eagle (7), were tallied, down from the fifteen year average of 69 and equal to the 42 year average of 65. Only 4567 individuals were recorded lower than the fifteen year average of 6923 and 42 year average of 6131. The record species number is 77. The last 5 years are 71, 69, 69, 74 and 73 and this year is probably down due to wind and temperature.
Two new species increased the cumulative species number to 127, Greater White-fronted Goose and Ross’s Goose. There was also a Ross’s x Snow but it isn’t a countable species. It was hard to establish any new records but Bald Eagles reached 19 over last year’s record of 16.
There were some species close to the record. Turkey Vultures hit 61 as compared to 66 in 2015. Cooper’s Hawk 7 vs 8 in years 2022-2024, Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers seemed to be everywhere and there were 30 as compared to the record of 31 in 2022.
As mentioned above, 7 Count week Golden Eagles were observed and as I was driving through another section, I spotted two birders sitting in a car. Bill and Audrey Chambers told me that they were watching the Stone Mountain top in order to observe any flying down the ridge. Now that is remarkable CBC participation!
Northern Harrier was another good one that was spotted.
More than one person checked for the special geese and all were rewarded, finding them near where reported earlier to eBird. A Peregrine Falcon that had been earlier reported was also re-found at Portstown Park, often showing up on other days at the Water Treatment Plant.
Ducks were way down with only 92 Mallards (compared to 322 in 1985), 6 Common Merganser, and 3 Gadwall (creek at Allison Road). Chuck Yohn found 55 Black Vultures and most of the reported 61 Turkey Vultures near Cold Spring Road and perhaps a suspected roost. Red-shouldered Hawks were way down! Last year was a record 16 and this year only 5. I usually have several but only 1 this year. Red-tails were down as well with only 29 down from record 77 in 2015 and 40 last year. With the wind making it hard to hear, owl count was way down.
There were 2 Red-headed Woodpeckers reported this year in the usual spot in SGL 322. Other woodpeckers were down but all were found. Corvids were down as well as small birds such as Black-capped Chickadees, Tufted Titmouse, nuthatches, wrens were way down. Sparrows were as well and no Chipping, Fox or Towhee. Dark-eyed Juncos were most abundant at 868 but low compared to over 2900 in 2020.
Four Rusty Blackbirds were a nice species addition found by the Averys on Ormsby Rd. They also found 4 Red-winged Blackbirds. There were no Warblers, not even Yellow-rumped Warblers. Northern Cardinals were low with 162 compared to a record of 288 in 2022.
A summary of misses with birds seen 2021-2024 include Hooded Merganser (ice?), Barred Owl (wind), Horned Lark, Eastern Towhee, and Yellow-rumped Warbler.
Ross's Goose
1
Greater White-fronted Goose
2
Canada Goose
109
Gadwall
3
American Wigeon
0
Mallard
92
Common Merganser
6
Wild Turkey
56
Rock Pigeon
238
Mourning Dove
254
Ring-billed Gull
24
Great Blue Heron
3
Black Vulture
55
Turkey Vulture
61
Northern Harrier
7
Sharp-shinned Hawk
3
Cooper's Hawk
7
Bald Eagle
19
Red-shouldered Hawk
5
Red-tailed Hawk
29
Eastern Screech-Owl
2
Great Horned Owl
5
Belted Kingfisher
1
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
30
Red-headed Woodpecker
2
Red-bellied Woodpecker
68
Downy Woodpecker
75
Hairy Woodpecker
24
Pileated Woodpecker
34
Northern Flicker
16
American Kestrel
12
Peregrine Falcon
1
Blue Jay
126
American Crow
216
Common Raven
48
Black-capped Chickadee
116
Tufted Titmouse
88
Golden-crowned Kinglet
46
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
1
Red-breasted Nuthatch
13
White-breasted Nuthatch
79
Brown Creeper
1
Winter Wren
2
Carolina Wren
39
European Starling
537
Northern Mockingbird
10
Eastern Bluebird
96
Hermit Thrush
16
American Robin
20
Cedar Waxwing
9
House Sparrow
60
House Finch
52
Purple Finch
37
Pine Siskin
4
American Goldfinch
68
Field Sparrow
14
American Tree Sparrow
29
Dark-eyed Junco
868
White-crowned Sparrow
9
White-throated Sparrow
479
Song Sparrow
64
Swamp Sparrow
6
Red-winged Blackbird
4
Rusty Blackbird
4
Northern Cardinal
162
Date: 12/22/25 11:38 am From: Hawkcount.Org Reports <reports...> Subject: Waggoner's Gap (22 Dec 2025) 10 Raptors
Waggoner's Gap 40 km W of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Dec 22, 2025 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- BV 0 0 11 TV 4 11 1644 OS 0 0 149 BE 3 73 874 NH 0 3 156 SS 0 3 2716 CH 0 4 246 AG 0 0 4 RS 0 7 126 BW 0 0 10265 RT 3 80 1372 RL 0 0 0 GE 0 17 227 AK 0 0 165 ML 0 0 60 PG 0 1 62 UA 0 1 43 UB 0 0 37 UF 0 0 6 UE 0 1 4 UR 0 2 65 SK 0 0 1
My brother and I did some winter atlasing this afternoon in Miller's Station SE. We drove/walked along Sutterview/ S. Brown Hill Rd. for a few hours. We got our best birds right away - a light morph Rough-legged Hawk and six ravens enjoying the stiff breeze. Through the rest of the afternoon we picked a Golden-crowned Kinglet, Brown Creeper, a pair of Red-tailed Hawks, numerous pairs of cardinals, and other common winter birds. An enjoyable afternoon in a part of Crawford Co. I don't bird.
Date: 12/21/25 11:38 am From: Hawkcount.Org Reports <reports...> Subject: Waggoner's Gap (21 Dec 2025) 18 Raptors
Waggoner's Gap 40 km W of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Dec 21, 2025 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- BV 0 0 11 TV 0 7 1640 OS 0 0 149 BE 13 70 871 NH 0 3 156 SS 0 3 2716 CH 0 4 246 AG 0 0 4 RS 0 7 126 BW 0 0 10265 RT 2 77 1369 RL 0 0 0 GE 3 17 227 AK 0 0 165 ML 0 0 60 PG 0 1 62 UA 0 1 43 UB 0 0 37 UF 0 0 6 UE 0 1 4 UR 0 2 65 SK 0 0 1
Observation start time: 10:00:00 Observation end time: 16:30:00 Total observation time: 6 hours
Official Counter: Brian M. Wargo
Observers: Bob Stewart, Dave Poder, Ed Gowarty,Sr, Greg Gdula
Visitors: Tom-Leslie Hutchison, Jerry Deppen, and one other.
Weather: Sun in the morning with a very weak southeast wind and temperatures of about 27�F. Winds picked-up throughout the day, topping at 9 mph, which was just enough to support the Golden Eagles (although most of them were flapping/powering). Temperatures finally broke the freezing mark.
Raptor Observations: 13 Adult Golden Eagles all flapped past the site at eye level or slightly higher. Times: 11:08, 11:09, 11:10, 11:15, 1:27, 1:31, 1:32, 2:42, 2:43, 2:47, 3:07, 3:08, 3:11
Predictions: Clear skies. Low 19F. WNW winds at 15 to 25 mph, decreasing to 5 to 10 mph. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Brian M. Wargo (<brianwargo...>)
Comments: There was a smallwestward movement of scaup and Red-breasted Merganser and still a fair numberof White-winged Scoters moving around. The large flock of American Black Ducks seen a few days ago are stillhanging around well offshore.
Â
Waterbirds recorded:
Â
American Black Duck 80
Lesser Scaup 1Greater Scaup 1Scaup species 500Surf Scoter 1White-winged Scoter 35Bufflehead 1Common Goldeneye 50Common Merganser 9Red-breasted Merganser 179Pied-billed Grebe 1Common Loon 1
Jerry McWilliamsErie, Erie County, Pa., <jerrymcw...>
Date: 12/20/25 12:42 pm From: Hawkcount.Org Reports <reports...> Subject: Waggoner's Gap (20 Dec 2025) 17 Raptors
Waggoner's Gap 40 km W of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Dec 20, 2025 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- BV 0 0 11 TV 1 7 1640 OS 0 0 149 BE 6 57 858 NH 0 3 156 SS 0 3 2716 CH 0 4 246 AG 0 0 4 RS 1 7 126 BW 0 0 10265 RT 9 75 1367 RL 0 0 0 GE 0 14 224 AK 0 0 165 ML 0 0 60 PG 0 1 62 UA 0 1 43 UB 0 0 37 UF 0 0 6 UE 0 1 4 UR 0 2 65 SK 0 0 1
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 6 hours
Official Counter: Dave Grove, Ron Freed
Observers: Dave Grove, Gene Wagner, Shorty Lowe
Visitors: 8
Weather: Mix of sun and clouds with light W wind,becoming moderate SSW.
Raptor Observations: First bird TV 10:20 Last bird RT 2:54
Seasonal BE record established
Non-raptor Observations: 25 juncos at bird seed. Male purple finch and 10 bluebirds eating honeysuckle berries. ======================================================================== Report submitted by dave grove (<waggap...>)
Date: 12/20/25 9:46 am From: Hawkcount.Org Reports <reports...> Subject: Waggoner's Gap (19 Dec 2025) 2 Raptors
Waggoner's Gap 40 km W of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Dec 19, 2025 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- BV 0 0 11 TV 0 6 1639 OS 0 0 149 BE 1 51 852 NH 0 3 156 SS 0 3 2716 CH 0 4 246 AG 0 0 4 RS 0 6 125 BW 0 0 10265 RT 1 66 1358 RL 0 0 0 GE 0 14 224 AK 0 0 165 ML 0 0 60 PG 0 1 62 UA 0 1 43 UB 0 0 37 UF 0 0 6 UE 0 1 4 UR 0 2 65 SK 0 0 1
Observation start time: 10:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 5 hours
Official Counter: Gene Wagner, Ron Freed
Observers: Shorty Lowe
Weather: Rain early, then mostly cloudy with gusty W wind and intermittent showers. Passage of cold front caused a drop of 10 degrees Celsius between noon and 3:00. Flurries in the 2:00 hour.
Raptor Observations: First bird - RT 12:08 Last bird - BE 12:20
Non-raptor Observations:
======================================================================== Report submitted by Ronald Freed (<rpfreed4947...>)
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 16:30:00 Total observation time: 7.5 hours
Official Counter: Nancy Ott
Observers: Ed Gowarty,Sr, Jim Rocco, Paul Fritz, Regina Gaison
Visitors: 13 visitors including observers came to witness east winds.
Weather: Temps started in the 30's and reached 40's with sunny skies turning cloudy . SE winds averaged 12-22 mph.
Raptor Observations: 20 raptors with 2 RT, 2 BE, and 16 GE's. Most were good looks , naked eye with majority of GE's heavily cropped. GE ad, 10:22, 10;47, 11;03, 11:12, 11;26, 11;58, 11:58, 12;50, 12:50,2;44,3:00, 3:00, 3:07,3:11, 4:11. GE sub 2:54. BE sub-1st year 3:01, BE sub 3:03. 4:11 GE flew below eye level along ridge.
Non-raptor Observations: Chickadees, nuthatches, tufted titmouse, juncos, flicker, red bellied wp, crows, ravens, mourning doves, 2 gulls in valley.
Predictions: Temps will start in 30's and drop to 20's with W winds and precipitation. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Nancy Ott (<ednancy.ott...>)
Date: 12/18/25 1:03 pm From: Hawkcount.Org Reports <reports...> Subject: Waggoner's Gap (18 Dec 2025) 13 Raptors
Waggoner's Gap 40 km W of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Dec 18, 2025 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- BV 0 0 11 TV 4 6 1639 OS 0 0 149 BE 3 50 851 NH 0 3 156 SS 0 3 2716 CH 0 4 246 AG 0 0 4 RS 0 6 125 BW 0 0 10265 RT 6 65 1357 RL 0 0 0 GE 0 14 224 AK 0 0 165 ML 0 0 60 PG 0 1 62 UA 0 1 43 UB 0 0 37 UF 0 0 6 UE 0 1 4 UR 0 2 65 SK 0 0 1
Date: 12/18/25 9:06 am From: <jerrymcw...> <0000001b5c226889-dmarc-request...> Subject: Erie County, waterbird count for December 18, 2025
Location: Sunset Point, PresqueIsle State Park
Date: December 18, 2025
Time: 0730 to 0930 AM
Weather: Variably cloudy, wind Sto 15 mph, lake calm onshore, temp. 37 F.Â
Comments: Light movement withbirds flying both east and west. Certainly an up-tick in the number of White-winged Scoters today comparedto the last few weeks. Jim Flynn assistedwith the count for the last 45 minutes.
Â
Waterbirds recorded:
Â
Mallard 1American Black Duck 10Canvasback 1Redhead 1Greater Scaup 9Lesser Scaup 49Scaup species 270Surf Scoter 5White-winged Scoter 49Common Goldeneye 15Common Merganser 29Red-breasted Merganser 24
Â
Other bird moving across the lake:
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Bald Eagle 1
Jerry McWilliamsErie, Erie County, <Pa.jerrymcw...>
Date: 12/17/25 1:04 pm From: Tom Roberts <troberts2459...> Subject: Light intensity and roosting - Somerset County
I have observed - and it finally occurred to me - that roosting appears driven by a light intensity ( W/M2 (watt/meter2)). Trying to correlate to a monitor on our local weather station - I observe birds becoming active in morning and then maybe heading to roost by about 90ish?W/M2
This all makes sense as I've read observations of birds and creatures settling down during full eclipses. Haven't seen it personally as I'm watching the astronomical event.
In the winter, especially on overcast days, the light decreases quicker so, they head to roost a bit earlier.
Is there any quantified research on the INTENSITY of light that triggers the behavior. Similarly, is there any research that a decreasing RATE triggers behavior ( low sun angle on over cast days or eclipses)
Date: 12/17/25 12:50 pm From: Hawkcount.Org Reports <reports...> Subject: Waggoner's Gap (17 Dec 2025) 1 Raptors
Waggoner's Gap 40 km W of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Dec 17, 2025 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- BV 0 0 11 TV 0 2 1635 OS 0 0 149 BE 1 47 848 NH 0 3 156 SS 0 3 2716 CH 0 4 246 AG 0 0 4 RS 0 6 125 BW 0 0 10265 RT 0 59 1351 RL 0 0 0 GE 0 14 224 AK 0 0 165 ML 0 0 60 PG 0 1 62 UA 0 1 43 UB 0 0 37 UF 0 0 6 UE 0 1 4 UR 0 2 65 SK 0 0 1
Date: 12/17/25 8:24 am From: Grove, Deborah Shuey <dsg4...> Subject: Re: CBC dates for PA
I am looking for a list. I see that it isn’t in the newsletter but the editor is new and perhaps didn’t get info that it is helpful.
There is a link to go to Audubon that provides a map. You have to click on the one that you are interested in.
From: Bird discussion list for Pennsylvania <PABIRDS...> on behalf of DAVID KOCH <0000012d74227426-dmarc-request...>
Date: Wednesday, December 17, 2025 at 9:25 AM
To: pabirds <PABIRDS...>
Subject: [PABIRDS] CBC dates for PA
