Date: 5/19/26 5:52 am From: Michael Fialkovich <0000012b4af48ab0-dmarc-request...> Subject: Festival of Birds at Presque Isle, Erie County
Hi,
The Festival of Birds at Presque Isle this past weekend tallied at least 160 species (preliminary total).
It was a great weekend with nice weather most of the time. Migrant numbers were not that high but there was a good variety and plenty of birds to enjoy at the park. This was my third year attending and leading field trips.
Amar Ayyash was the keynote speaker on Saturday evening. We learned about gulls of course which was interesting and informative, injected with some humor.
I met people who traveled from Rochester, NY, North Carolina, Ohio and Baltimore, MD to attend, so the festival drew in birders from neighoring states. I'm sure there were more.
Thanks to all who worked hard to put the festival together.
Date: 5/18/26 4:54 pm From: DAVID KOCH <0000012d74227426-dmarc-request...> Subject: Koch property, Northampton County
As has been happening here for the last several years I'm seeing rose-breasted grosbeaks every day, and usually off and on all day, both males and females, either singly or together. I hope no one thinks I'm exaggerating when I say that I've identified at least 10 and probably more different males. Two have white spots on their heads, two others have white lines behind their eyes, three different ones have brown wing feathers, etc. And the red on their chests varies tremendously from one to another. Other species recently seen include the following: an adult male scarlet tanager looking brilliantly red and black in the afternoon sun; an adult great-crested flycatcher; a northern waterthrush on the lower creek: an eastern kingbird in the yard: a pair of thrashers also in the yard: and four nighthawks going south instead of north. Also, almost all the nest boxes David has put up are occupied, Two have bluebirds, four or five have tree swallows, one has a house wren, and one has a chickadee. Good birding to all.
Arlene Koch Easton, PA Northampton County <davilene...>
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 10:30:00 Total observation time: 1.5 hours
Official Counter: Jerry McWilliams
Observers: Jerry McWilliams, Julie Leonard, Russ States
Visitors: Julie Leonard opened the watch since I was leading a field trip for the Festival of the Birds. Russ assisted with the count then I joined them shortly after she started and there were a number of others joining them including Walter Harmon, Frances Fornich, Rebecca Crofton, Clay Crofton, Desirae and Novalee Andrzejczak, Amy McNutt, Tim, Anita Huston, Eli and David Benson.
Weather: Variably cloudy with SW wind early then quickly shifting to the west. Unseasdonably warm.
Raptor Observations: A few birds started moving along the lake until the winded shifted to the west moving the flight too far south to see.
Non-raptor Observations:
Predictions: Winds south with partly cloudy skies, so maybe some birds?Jerry McWilliamsErie, Erie County, <Pa.Jerrymcw...>
Observation start time: 08:30:00 Observation end time: 12:00:00 Total observation time: 3.5 hours
Official Counter: Jerry McWilliams
Observers: Amar Ayyash, Jennifer Ferrick, Julie Leonard, Roger Donn
Visitors: Today was the Festival of the Birds event, so I was delighted to have many observers and visitors. Julie Leonard opened the watch and helped other identify raptors while I was leading a field trip. Among the many assistants, were Jennifer Ferrick, Roger Donn, and the events guest speaker, gull expert and author of The Gull Guide North America, Amar Ayyash. We had at least 20 visitors and temporary assistants including Zainab Altamimi, Anna Merinescu, Theresa Konzel, Tom Finegan, and Judy Hill.
Weather: Variably cloudy becoming cloudy with a steady SSW wind and mild temps.
Raptor Observations: It was a slow start, but by the 1000 hour EST birds began to pick up with a nice late season flight of BWs and BEs. Despite the strong winds, the birds were all over the place and at different altitudes. The flight shut down when a storm arrived near the beginning of the 1200 hour EST.
Non-raptor Observations: Tree Swallow, Double-crested Cormorant, Pileated Woodpecker, Blue Jay, Chimney Swift, Red-headed Woodpecker, Eastern Bluebird, Common Loon.
Predictions: Conditions about the same as today, so if there are any birds left, we may get another flight.Jerry McWilliamsErie, Erie County, <Pa.jerrymcw...>
Date: 5/16/26 8:15 am From: Douglas Filler <0000012c09e09177-dmarc-request...> Subject: Silver Lake in Bucks CO.
The following were seen or heard on the morning bird walk from the Silver Lake Nature Center located in Bristol PA.
Silver Lake Park/Nature Center, Bucks, Pennsylvania, USMay 16, 2026 7:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Participants: 14Protocol: Traveling
1.0 mile(s)
48 species
Canada Goose 4
Wood Duck 2
Mallard 4
Mourning Dove 3
Chimney Swift 1
Double-crested Cormorant 1
Great Blue Heron 2
Osprey 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 3
Downy Woodpecker 2
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Pileated Woodpecker 3
Northern Flicker 2
Eastern Wood-Pewee 1
Willow Flycatcher 4
Great Crested Flycatcher 2
Eastern Kingbird 4
Eastern Warbling Vireo 8
Red-eyed Vireo 5
Blue Jay 2
American Crow 1
Tree Swallow 15
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 2
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 5
Northern House Wren 4
European Starling 4
Gray Catbird 12
Wood Thrush 3
American Robin 10
Cedar Waxwing 2
House Sparrow 5
American Goldfinch 3
Orchard Oriole 2
Baltimore Oriole 3
Red-winged Blackbird 6
Brown-headed Cowbird 3
Common Grackle 4
Black-and-white Warbler 2
Common Yellowthroat 6
American Redstart 2
Cape May Warbler 1
Northern Parula 3
Magnolia Warbler 1
Northern Yellow Warbler 4
Yellow-rumped Warbler 1
Black-throated Green Warbler 1
Northern Cardinal 4
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Compiler: Diolinda Mundoza
Counters: Diolinda Mundoza, Lauren Stanfa
Weather: Overcast with strong winds coming from the NNW. The sun periodically peeked through the clouds in the afternoon but not for long.
Raptor Observations: Three black vultures hung out around the lookout in the morning giving some great looks as they flew overhead while the resident turkey vultures showed off their speed as they took advantage of the strong winds. A couple of local red-tailed hawks also started their hunting nearby and performed some flight displays together. The last migrant of the season was a red-tailed hawk.
Non-raptor Observations:
======================================================================== Report submitted by Laurie Goodrich (<goodrich...>) Hawk Mountain Sanctuary information may be found at: http://www.hawkmountain.org/
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 14:15:00 Total observation time: 5 hours
Compiler: Ezra Murray
Counters: Zachary Underwoood
Weather: Partly sunny early in the morning and overcast in the afternoon. High of 61 NW 5-10
Raptor Observations: 3 Local Bald Eagles, 4 local Red-Tailed Hawks, 1 local Broad-Winged Hawk, and 1 local Red-Shouldered Hawks.
Non-raptor Observations: 3 local Common Ravens seen flying around the ridge, 1 Hummingbird sighted flying over the lookout, and 50+ Barn Swallows seen flying around the lookout. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Laurie Goodrich (<goodrich...>) Hawk Mountain Sanctuary information may be found at: http://www.hawkmountain.org/
Date: 5/13/26 1:17 pm From: Amy Taracido <amytaracido...> Subject: RBA western Pennsylvania, 28 April 2026
RBA
*Pennsylvania
*Pittsburgh and western Pennsylvania
*PAWE04.28.26
Highlights:
BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER (Erie County)
WILLET
AMERICAN AVOCET (Allegheny County)
LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL
FORSTER'S TERN
CASPIAN TERN
RED-THROATED LOON
WESTERN CATTLE-EGRET (Allegheny and Crawford Counties)
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Butler County)
GLOSSY IBIS (Crawford County)
FISH CROW (Butler and Jefferson Counties)
PURPLE MARTIN
VEERY
ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER (Allegheny County)
CANADA WARBLER
PROTHONOTARY WARBLER (Mercer County)
NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH
YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT (Armstrong and Butler Counties)
HENSLOW'S SPARROW
LINCOLN'S SPARROW
EVENING GROSBEAK (Somerset and Warren Counties)
BOBOLINK
PAINTED BUNTING (Butler County)
Contributors: KM Andersen, David Argent, Katherine Babilon, Jennifer Balsiger, Brendyn Baptiste, David Bennett, Bill Blauvelt, Wayne Bloom, Nathan Bowser, Jeff Brinker, Abby Clay, Michael Crist, Chapin Czarnecki, Sofia D via Ebird, Debra Darney, Bill Dell, Tara Dodge, Rebecca Fabbro, Mike Fialkovich, Steve Gosser, Linda Greble, Sarah Grey, Joe Gyekis, Eric Hall, Christie Hatcher, James R. Hill III, Angie Hillen, Craig Holt, Deborah Kalbfleisch, Chad Kauffman, John Keener, Andy Keister, Michelle Kienholz, Amanda Kyne, Annie L. via Ebird, Ben M. via Ebird, Alejandra MacNeil, Dan McGuire, Ed McKaveney, Jerry McWilliams, Jackson Medeiros, Dan Mendenhall, Brian Miller, Felicity Moffett, Ron Mumme, Elizabeth Nicholson, Amber Pertz, Sigurdur Petursson, Lenore Raffle, Nathan Rees, Theo Rickert, John Russell, Shawn Sowers, Jerry Stanley, Rena Strings, John Taylor, Carl Thomson, Dennis Trapnell, Mark Vass, Zachary Vaughan, Michael Williams.
Compiler: Amy Taracido
Tuesday, 21 April 2026 through Tuesday, 28 April 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: SURF SCOTER, COMMON GOLDENEYE, VIRGINIA RAIL, BROAD-WINGED HAWK, PINE SISKIN, FOX SPARROW continue to be reported, and FOY TENNESSEE WARBLER, CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER.
ALLEGHENY COUNTY:
At Peter's Creek on 4/22, 1 WILLET (KB).
On 4/22-4/26 at Frick Park, 1 NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH (AP, DB et. al.); on 4/24, 3 SANDHILL CRANES (MK), 1 VEERY (BM); on 4/26, 1 ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER (RF).
In West Homestead on 4/24, 11 WILLETS (DB); on 4/26, 1 WILLET (JR).
On 4/24 at Duck Hollow, 1 WILLET, 4 DUNLIN (EH et. al.), 12 additional WILLETS (CC et. al.).
At Aspinwall Riverfront Park on 4/24, 31 flyover AMERICAN AVOCETS (SGr); on 4/25, 1 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL (DMe).
On 4/25 at Emsworth Lock & Dam, 2 CASPIAN TERNS (EM et. al.), 1 WESTERN CATTLE-EGRET (MV et. al.).
At Sharpsburg Marina on 4/25, 2 CASPIAN TERNS (DMe).
On 4/25 in Upper St. Clair, 1 possible SWAINSON'S THRUSH (SP).
At Schenley Park on 4/26, 1 NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH (AC).
On 4/28 at Dashields Dam, 7 FORSTER'S TERNS (AF et. al.).
ARMSTRONG COUNTY:
On 4/23 along Sloan Road, 1 YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT (TR).
BEAVER COUNTY:
In Baden on 4/23, 3 RED-HEADED WOODPECKERS (LR).
BUTLER COUNTY:
On 4/23 near Eisler Farms, 1 BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (AK).
At Glade Dam Lake on 4/24, 1 SNOW GOOSE (NB); on 4/26, 1 YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT (SGo); on 4/27, 1 FISH CROW (JB).
On 4/24 at Moraine State Park, 4 COMMON TERNS (DK).
North of Butler on 4/25, 1 possible CLAY-COLORED SPARROW (DD).
On 4/24 in Slippery Rock, 1 PAINTED BUNTING (reported to WB).
CRAWFORD COUNTY:
In Cochranton on 4/22, 1 HENSLOW'S SPARROW (EH).
On 4/23 at Millers Ponds, 8 DUNLIN (EH); on 4/25, 1 GLOSSY IBIS (CH).
At Conneaut Marsh on 4/23, 4 RED-HEADED WOODPECKERS (EH); on 4/26-4/27, 1 RED-HEADED WOODPECKER (KMA. BBa).
At Pymatuning State Park on 4/24, 2 RED-HEADED WOODPECKERS (SS).
On 4/25 in Jamestown, 2 RED-HEADED WOODPECKERS (MC); on 4/26, 3 RED-HEADED WOODPECKERS (AH).
Along Horne Road on 4/26, 1 WESTERN CATTLE-EGRET (BM et. al.).
On 4/26 at Mt. Hope Golf Course, 3 RED-HEADED WOODPECKERS (RM).
ERIE COUNTY:
At Presque Isle this week, sightings included BLACK-BELLIED PLOVERS, 22 WILLETS (JMe), PURPLE MARTINS, 3 NORTHERN HARRIERS (JMc).
On 4/23 in Waterford, 1 NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH (JH).
Near Edinboro Lake on 4/24, 1 BOBOLINK (TD).
FAYETTE COUNTY:
On 4/24-4/26 in Normalville, 1 BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO (CK).
At Deer Lake on 4/24-4/25, 16 WILLETS (MF et. al.); on 4/26, 1 DUNLIN (DT).
On 4/24 at Quebec Run Wildlife Area, 1 BAY-BREASTED WARBLER (DT).
On 4/25-4/26 in Mill Run, 1 BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO (JG, CK).
Along Turner Road on 4/25, 1 BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO (DMc).
On 4/26 near Isabella, 1 BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO (CT).
In Farmington on 4/28, 1 CANADA WARBLER (DT).
GREENE COUNTY:
On 4/26 in the Point Marion area, 1 CASPIAN TERN (NR).
INDIANA COUNTY:
At Yellow Creek State Park on 4/25, 1 RED-THROATED LOON (JT).
JEFFERSON COUNTY:
In Fordham on 4/26, 1 FISH CROW (JK).
MERCER COUNTY:
At Shenango Reservoir on 4/25-4/26, 1 PROTHONOTARY WARBLER (JB, MW et. al.).
SOMERSET COUNTY:
Near Somerset on 4/22, 17 EVENING GROSBEAKS (LG).
On 4/24 at State Gamelands #111, 2 EVENING GROSBEAKS (BBl).
Along Resh Road on 4/25, 1 BOBOLINK (BBl).
VENANGO COUNTY:
At Kahle Lake on 4/22 and 4/25, sightings included WHITE-WINGED SCOTER; nearby also on 4/25, 15 WILLETS; on 4/28 at Kahle Lake, 1 RED-THROATED LOON and others (JS).
WARREN COUNTY:
On 4/22 at Akeley Swamp, 1 FORSTER'S TERN (AM).
At Beaty Park on 4/23, 1 CANADA WARBLER (RS).
On 4/27 in Tidioute, 12 EVENING GROSBEAKS (EN).
WASHINGTON COUNTY:
Along Pole Cat Hollow Road near Route 221 on 4/23, 1 YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO (DA).
WESTMORELAND COUNTY:
In Mount Pleasant on 4/22, 15 WILLETS (BD).
On 4/24 at Powdermill Research Center, 1 LINCOLN'S SPARROW (AL).
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 4.5 hours
Compiler: Eli Hevalow
Counters: Diolinda Mundoza, Eli Hevalow
Weather: Overcast. Off and on rain. Count ending at 2:00 due to increase in rain.
Raptor Observations:
Non-raptor Observations:
======================================================================== Report submitted by Laurie Goodrich (<goodrich...>) Hawk Mountain Sanctuary information may be found at: http://www.hawkmountain.org/
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Compiler:
Counters: Alyona Kaptyonkina, Lauren Stanfa
Weather: Sunny with no cloud coverage and light winds from the West.
Raptor Observations: An immature bald eagle flew close to the lookout as well as a couple broad-winged hawks. Three black vultures roosted low on the rocks along the skyline trail or off of the side of the lookout. Not many other raptors in the sky except for the local vultures.
Non-raptor Observations:
======================================================================== Report submitted by Laurie Goodrich (<goodrich...>) Hawk Mountain Sanctuary information may be found at: http://www.hawkmountain.org/
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 14:15:00 Total observation time: 6.25 hours
Compiler:
Counters: Eli Hevalow, Zachary Underwoood
Weather: Overcast with calm NW winds.
Raptor Observations:
Non-raptor Observations:
======================================================================== Report submitted by Laurie Goodrich (<goodrich...>) Hawk Mountain Sanctuary information may be found at: http://www.hawkmountain.org/
Date: 5/11/26 4:40 am From: Rob Dickerson <radickerson...> Subject: Call for Photos - Winter
Do you have some great photos of any birds taken in Pennsylvania from December 1, 2025 - February 28, 2026? Or a picture of a notable/significant sighting from that period?
I am currently accepting photo submissions through end of day May 24 to be considered for publication as space permits in the Pennsylvania Society for Ornithology (PSO) Winter 2026 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 WINTER 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!
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Compiler:
Counters: Diolinda Mundoza, Lauren Stanfa
Weather: Mostly cloudy to overcast. Light rain started at 12:30 EST and continued until 1:30 EST. It continued to drizzle until count ended.
Raptor Observations: Not many local raptors or migrants in the sky today. One immature bald eagle was seen flying below the lookout.
Non-raptor Observations:
======================================================================== Report submitted by Laurie Goodrich (<goodrich...>) Hawk Mountain Sanctuary information may be found at: http://www.hawkmountain.org/
Observation start time: 09:30:00 Observation end time: 12:00:00 Total observation time: 2.5 hours
Official Counter: Jerry McWilliams
Observers: Jerry McWilliams, Julie Leonard
Visitors: Michele Franz and Jim Baxter. Julie Leonard and I counted migrant raptors.
Weather: Mostly cloudy early then gradually becoming partly cloudy, wind SW early then switching to westerly. Cool temps.
Raptor Observations: Few birds passed through, mostly TVs and BWs. They were flying overhead at all heights, but mostly very high later in the watch. A wind shift to the west shut down the watch shortly before 1200 EST.
Non-raptor Observations: Great Blue Heron 2, Double-crested Cormorant 20, White-breasted Nuthatch 1, Barn and Tree swallow, Purple Martin, American Goldfinch 6 Ring-billed and Herring gulls, Mourning Dove, Rock Pigeon, English Sparrow, American Robin
Predictions: Sunny, but cooler with NW wind. No lake watch.
Jerry McWilliams Erie, Erie County, Pa. <jerrymcw...>
Date: 5/9/26 8:08 am From: Douglas Filler <0000012c09e09177-dmarc-request...> Subject: Silver Lake in Bucks CO.
The following were seen or heard on the morning bird walk from the Silver lake Nature Center located in Bristol. PA.
Silver Lake Park/Nature Center, Bucks, Pennsylvania, USMay 9, 2026 7:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Participants: 15Protocol: Traveling
1.0 mile(s)
40 species
Canada Goose 5
Wood Duck 3
Mallard 3
Mourning Dove 2
Ruby-throated Hummingbird 1
Double-crested Cormorant 1
Green Heron 1
Great Blue Heron 1
Osprey 1
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker 3
Great Crested Flycatcher 2
Eastern Kingbird 1
Eastern Warbling Vireo 6
Red-eyed Vireo 4
Blue Jay 1
American Crow 1
Fish Crow 1
Carolina Chickadee 1
Tufted Titmouse 2
Tree Swallow 15
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 3
Barn Swallow 2
Carolina Wren 2
European Starling 1
Gray Catbird 7
Wood Thrush 2
American Robin 10
American Goldfinch 2
Eastern Towhee 1
Orchard Oriole 3
Baltimore Oriole 4
Red-winged Blackbird 12
Brown-headed Cowbird 2
Common Grackle 1
Ovenbird 2
Common Yellowthroat 5
Northern Parula 3
Northern Yellow Warbler 4
Northern Cardinal 3
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Compiler:
Counters: Alyona Kaptyonkina, Eli Hevalow
Weather:
Raptor Observations:
Non-raptor Observations:
======================================================================== Report submitted by Laurie Goodrich (<goodrich...>) Hawk Mountain Sanctuary information may be found at: http://www.hawkmountain.org/
On Thursday, May 7, 2026, 2:10 PM, Moses Martin <00000164618c6282-dmarc-request...> wrote:
I'm happy to report that we have a pair of Red-headed WP's on our property for at least the 3rd year in a row. I saw the pair out on our property last weekend and had one calling this morning. Also great to hear the Wood Thrushes calling again.
Not a bird, but I had a mink cross the road in front of us a few days ago while my dog and I were on our morning walk, cool to see that.
Moses MartinMillville, PA
Observation start time: 10:00:00 Observation end time: 14:15:00 Total observation time: 4.25 hours
Compiler:
Counters: Diolinda Mundoza, Zachary Underwoood
Weather: Sunny with calm northwest winds with strong gusts.
Raptor Observations: Multiple local Bald Eagles and Red-Tailed Hawks. One local Osprey and one local Red-Shouldered Hawk.
Non-raptor Observations:
======================================================================== Report submitted by Laurie Goodrich (<goodrich...>) Hawk Mountain Sanctuary information may be found at: http://www.hawkmountain.org/
Date: 5/7/26 12:30 pm From: Amy Taracido <amytaracido...> Subject: RBA western Pennsylvania, 21 April 2026
RBA
*Pennsylvania
*Pittsburgh and western Pennsylvania
*PAWE04.21.26
Highlights:
TRUMPETER SWAN
EARED GREBE (Venango County)
DOWITCHER SP.
LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL
FORSTER'S TERN
RED-THROATED LOON
LITTLE BLUE HERON (Forest County)
FISH CROW
MARSH WREN
WORM-EATING WARBLER
PRAIRIE WARBLER
PROTHONOTARY WARBLER (Mercer County)
ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER (Westmoreland County)
NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH
RED CROSSBILL (Forest County)
EVENING GROSBEAK (Somerset and Warren Counties)
Contributors: Ed Donley, John Dzikiy, Eric Hall, Pam Illig, S. Kaye, Marjorie Keefe, Annie L. via Ebird, Jordan Lehman, Alejandra MacNeil, Adam Maddy, Jim McGuire, Jerry McWilliams, Jeff Payne, Amber Pertz, Linda Pierce, Joseph Pumford, Lenore Raffle, Theo Rickert, Kim Springer, Jerry Stanley, Radford Swent, Shane Turoski, Joshua Zahniser.
Compiler: Amy Taracido
Tuesday, 14 April 2026 through Tuesday, 21 April 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: SURF SCOTER, GREATER YELLOWLEGS, VIRGINIA RAIL, BROAD-WINGED HAWK, PINE SISKIN, AMERICAN TREE SPARROW continue to be reported, and FOY warblers.
ALLEGHENY COUNTY:
At Wingfield Pines on 4/15, 1 PRAIRIE WARBLER (RS).
On 4/18 at Dashields Dam, 1 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL, FORSTER'S TERN (AP).
At Sharpsburg Marina on 4/19, 1 FORSTER'S TERN (JD).
ARMSTRONG COUNTY:
On 4/21 along Armstrong Trail, 1 WORM-EATING WARBLER (TR).
BEAVER COUNTY:
In Baden on 4/17, 1 RED-HEADED WOODPECKER (LR).
CRAWFORD COUNTY:
At Pymatuning State Park on 4/16, 2 RED-HEADED WOODPECKERS (PI).
On 4/20-4/21 near Linesville, 1 DOWITCHER SP. (ST, JZ et. al.).
Along Deer Run Trail on 4/21, 1 TRUMPETER SWAN (JL).
ERIE COUNTY:
At Presque Isle this week, sightings included MERLIN, NORTHERN HARRIERS, PEREGRINE FALCON, 4 PURPLE MARTINS (4/21) (JMcW).
FOREST COUNTY:
On 4/15 at Beaver Meadows Recreation Area, 1 RED CROSSBILL (SK).
At Lighthouse Island on 4/16, 1 LITTLE BLUE HERON (JMcG).
GREENE COUNTY:
In New Freeport on 4/15, 1 PRAIRIE WARBLER (MK).
INDIANA COUNTY:
From last week: At Yellow Creek State Park on 4/11, 4 WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS, 1 RED-THROATED LOON (ED).
MERCER COUNTY:
At Shenango Reservoir on 4/17, 1 PROTHONOTARY WARBLER (KS).
SOMERSET COUNTY:
In Windber on 4/15, 2 FISH CROWS (JPa); on 4/17, 1 FISH CROW; on 4/21, 2 FISH CROWS (AMad).
On 4/19 along Sheep Ridge Road, 1 EVENING GROSBEAK (via Ebird).
VENANGO COUNTY:
On 4/17 at Kahle Lake, 1 EARED GREBE, 1 WHITE-WINGED SCOTER (JS).
On 4/18 in Buttermilk Hill, 3 PURPLE FINCHES (JS).
WARREN COUNTY:
On 4/16 at Sugar Grove, 1 EVENING GROSBEAK (LP).
At Benson Swamp on 4/17, 1 NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH (AMac).
WASHINGTON COUNTY:
At Cross Creek County Park on 4/21, 1 SANDHILL CRANE (JPu).
WESTMORELAND COUNTY:
At Acme Dam on 4/17, 1 MARSH WREN (EH).
On 4/21 at Powdermill, 1 ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER (AL).
Date: 5/7/26 11:10 am From: Moses Martin <00000164618c6282-dmarc-request...> Subject: Red-headed Woodpeckers, Columbia Cty
I'm happy to report that we have a pair of Red-headed WP's on our property for at least the 3rd year in a row. I saw the pair out on our property last weekend and had one calling this morning. Also great to hear the Wood Thrushes calling again.
Not a bird, but I had a mink cross the road in front of us a few days ago while my dog and I were on our morning walk, cool to see that.
Moses MartinMillville, PA
Date: 5/7/26 10:51 am From: DAVID SIEMINSKI <dksieminski...> Subject: St. Lukes Anderson Campus Northampton County
This morning a short walk around the walking trails at St. Lukes Anderson Campus I saw the following:
Canada Geese Killdeer American Crow Tree Swallows Barn Swallows Purple Martins 2 at the nest boxes American Robin Chipping Sparrows Red-Winged Blackbirds Baltimore Oriole House Finch American Goldfinch House Sparrows nest building in Martin boxes
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Compiler:
Counters: Alyona Kaptyonkina, Zachary Underwoood
Weather: Mostly sunny with calm southwest winds earlier in the day becoming variable in the later afternoon. Strong gusts.
Raptor Observations: 3 Local Bald Eagles, 2 local Black Vultures, 1 Local Northern Harrier.
Non-raptor Observations:
======================================================================== Report submitted by Laurie Goodrich (<goodrich...>) Hawk Mountain Sanctuary information may be found at: http://www.hawkmountain.org/
Observation start time: 08:45:00 Observation end time: 13:15:00 Total observation time: 4.5 hours
Official Counter: Jerry McWilliams
Observers: Carolyn Sturdevant, Jerry McWilliams, Julie Leonard
Visitors: Isaac Fields. Julie Leonard assisted with the count and Carolyn Sturtevant assisted for a short period.
Weather: Clear skies with a steady strong SSW and warm.
Raptor Observations: Birds trickled through the day, with no major push. There was a bit of an uptick in birds between the 1000 and the 1100 hr. EST period. TVs dominated the flight with very few hawks. Despite the low number of hawks, Bald Eagles were represented well. The flight remained close to the lake all day, but a slight wind shift to the west slowed the flight considerably during the final 45 minutes of the watch.
Non-raptor Observations: Highlight was a single Sandhill Cranes kettling with an Osprey and some TVs. Other than a good movement of Blue Jays, there wasn't much Passerine movement. Other birds recorded included Double-crested Cormorant 8, Red-headed Woodpecker 2, Baltimore Oriole 1, European Starling, Herring & Ring-billed gulls, Barn & Tree swallows.
Predictions: WSW wind and cooling with 80% chance of rain expected. A flight not likely.Jerry McWilliamsErie, Erie County, <Pa.jerrymcw...>
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 6 hours
Compiler:
Counters: Diolinda Mundoza, Lauren Stanfa
Weather: Clear skies and bright sunshine for the majority of the day. Winds were variable in direction and strength. Strong gusts picked up towards the end of the day.
Raptor Observations: The local immature bald eagles flew together in the morning and were spotted again later in the day.
Non-raptor Observations:
======================================================================== Report submitted by Laurie Goodrich (<goodrich...>) Hawk Mountain Sanctuary information may be found at: http://www.hawkmountain.org/
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 6 hours
Compiler: Ezra Murray
Counters: Eli Hevalow
Weather: Mostly sunny, with a high near 61. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Raptor Observations: Local bald eagles hanging out most of day
Non-raptor Observations: Great look at a great blue heron close to lookout Five lined skink seen at lookout ======================================================================== Report submitted by Laurie Goodrich (<goodrich...>) Hawk Mountain Sanctuary information may be found at: http://www.hawkmountain.org/
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Compiler:
Counters: Diolinda Mundoza, Lauren Stanfa
Weather: Partly sunny in the morning with increasing cloud coverage until it was mostly cloudy/overcast at the end of the day.
Raptor Observations: Many local raptors flew close by the lookout throughout the day including turkey vultures, red-tailed hawks, and sharp-shinned hawks. The resident family of four bald eagles frequently came in within viewing distance of the lookout and flew together for most of the day. The immatures were even doing flight displays with each other.
Non-raptor Observations:
======================================================================== Report submitted by Laurie Goodrich (<goodrich...>) Hawk Mountain Sanctuary information may be found at: http://www.hawkmountain.org/
Date: 5/2/26 7:57 am From: Douglas Filler <0000012c09e09177-dmarc-request...> Subject: Silver Lake in Bucks CO.
The following were seen or heard on the morning bird walk from the Silver Lake Nature Center located in Bristol PA.
Silver Lake Park/Nature Center, Bucks, Pennsylvania, USMay 2, 2026 7:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Participants: 7Protocol: Traveling
1.0 mile(s)
44 species
Canada Goose 4
Wood Duck 2
Mallard 6
Mourning Dove 4
Double-crested Cormorant 3
Great Blue Heron 3
Turkey Vulture 1
Bald Eagle 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 2
Downy Woodpecker 1
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Pileated Woodpecker 2
Northern Flicker 2
Eastern Warbling Vireo 5
Red-eyed Vireo 3
Blue Jay 4
Fish Crow 2
Carolina Chickadee 2
Tufted Titmouse 1
Tree Swallow 15
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 3
Barn Swallow 2
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 7
Northern House Wren 2
Carolina Wren 6
European Starling 3
Gray Catbird 12
Veery 1
Wood Thrush 5
American Robin 18
House Sparrow 4
American Goldfinch 3
White-throated Sparrow 2
Song Sparrow 2
Orchard Oriole 2
Baltimore Oriole 2
Red-winged Blackbird 15
Brown-headed Cowbird 5
Black-and-white Warbler 2
Common Yellowthroat 8
Northern Parula 3
Northern Yellow Warbler 5
Northern Cardinal 2
Observation start time: 07:30:00 Observation end time: 13:00:00 Total observation time: 5.5 hours
Official Counter: Rosemary McGlynn
Observers:
Visitors: none
Weather: light SE winds becoming light SW winds by 12EST;sun yielding to increasing cloud cover;48-55F
Raptor Observations: no migrating raptors seen
Non-raptor Observations: TVs,crows,ravens,jays,robins,E bluebirds,grackles,E towhees,wb nuthatches,t titmice,bc chickadees,N cardinals,1 brown thrasher,rose-breasted grosbeaks,m doves,chipping sparrows,downy wp,N flickers. Also one chipmuck & one porcupine traversing the front.
Predictions: light to moderate WNW winds;cloudy especially early in the day;30-45F ======================================================================== Report submitted by Rosemary McGlynn (<denali...>)
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 6 hours
Compiler:
Counters: Alyona Kaptyonkina, Lauren Stanfa
Weather: Sunny with light winds coming from the West.
Raptor Observations: A resident bald eagle and Cooper's hawk came in for a close look.
Non-raptor Observations:
======================================================================== Report submitted by Laurie Goodrich (<goodrich...>) Hawk Mountain Sanctuary information may be found at: http://www.hawkmountain.org/
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 13:00:00 Total observation time: 5 hours
Compiler:
Counters: Diolinda Mundoza, Zachary Underwoood
Weather: Overcast with low fog early in the morning. Calm NW winds with strong gusts.
Raptor Observations: Multiple local Bald Eagles participating in aerial territorial disputes. 2 Local Red-Tailed Hawks seen kiting.
Non-raptor Observations:
======================================================================== Report submitted by Laurie Goodrich (<goodrich...>) Hawk Mountain Sanctuary information may be found at: http://www.hawkmountain.org/
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 11:30:00 Total observation time: 3.5 hours
Official Counter: Dave Poder
Observers:
Visitors: Two
Weather: Cloudy, WNW winds, visibility 25km before the rain started, temp 6.7C to 7.8C. Watch terminated at 11:30 because of rain.
Raptor Observations: 1 OS
Local TVs
Non-raptor Observations: BC chickadees, WB nuthatches, T titmice, A robins, E bluebirds, E Towhees, N cardinals, Red-bellied and Pileated wp, N Flickers, Blue Jays, A Crows, Ovenbirds, Hermit Thrush
Predictions: Mostly cloudy, SW wind, High near 10C. Rain possible in the afternoon ======================================================================== Report submitted by Dave Poder (<avions...>)
Date: 4/29/26 5:32 pm From: DAVID KOCH <0000012d74227426-dmarc-request...> Subject: Koch property Northampton County
Species seen here in the yard/feeder areas the last 2 days include: multiple white-throated sparrows, a pine siskin, wood thrush, ruby-throated hummingbirds (all males that didn’t stay), brown thrasher, towhee, house wren, Baltimore orioles (males), and both male and female rose-breasted grosbeaks.
Arlene Koch <davilene...>
Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 12:30:00 Total observation time: 4.5 hours
Compiler: Ezra Murray
Counters: Lauren Stanfa
Weather: High of 61 Chance of showers during day predicted Thunderstorms this evening SW wind 5-10mph Rain started around 12:15 EST and continued for the rest of the day.
Raptor Observations: A local Cooper's hawk hunted around the lookout and a large kettle of turkey vultures attempted to find thermals before coming back down.
Non-raptor Observations: A dozen loons migrated through ======================================================================== Report submitted by Laurie Goodrich (<goodrich...>) Hawk Mountain Sanctuary information may be found at: http://www.hawkmountain.org/
Date: 4/29/26 8:48 am From: DAVID SIEMINSKI <dksieminski...> Subject: Jacobsburg State Park Northampton County
Seen today at Jacobsburg State park were the following birds:
2 adult Bald Eagles perching on the top of a power pole. Canada Geese Turkey Vultures Downy Woodpecker Red-bellied Woodpecker Northern Flicker Blue-Headed Vireo Blue Jays Crows Tree Swallows Barn Swallows Black-capped Chickadees Tufted Titmouse Ruby-Crowned Kinglet Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher American Robins European starlings Black-White Warbler LA Waterthrush Northern Cardinal Red-winged Blackbirds Common Grackle
