Date: 5/10/25 3:34 pm From: linda & bill franz <00000021c311e447-dmarc-request...> Subject: Bobolink - Cumberland County
We were very lucky to see Bobolinks at twolocations this Saturday morning. The first spot had four on top of a locusttree alongside the Big Spring, and the second had a pair fluttering across a widemeadow close to North Mountain. We weretreated to that bubbling song at both locations. Bill Franz / Newville
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Compiler: David Barber
Counters: Antonella Mascaro, Mathew sacul
Weather: Sunny. High near 71. North West wind
Raptor Observations:
Non-raptor Observations:
======================================================================== Report submitted by Laurie Goodrich (<goodrich...>) Hawk Mountain Sanctuary information may be found at: http://www.hawkmountain.org/
Date: 5/10/25 7:56 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 10, 2025 7:30 AM - 10:15 AMProtocol: TravelingParticipants: 51.0 mile(s)Checklist Comments: World Migratory Bird Day47 species
Canada Goose 4Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 2Mourning Dove 1Chimney Swift 2Turkey Vulture 1Osprey 1 Seen after the walk by the damRed-bellied Woodpecker 2Downy Woodpecker 1Northern Flicker 2Willow Flycatcher 1Great Crested Flycatcher 3Warbling Vireo 6Red-eyed Vireo 5Blue Jay 2Carolina Chickadee 1Tree Swallow 35Northern Rough-winged Swallow 2Barn Swallow 1Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 3Northern House Wren 1Carolina Wren 3European Starling 2Gray Catbird 8Wood Thrush 7American Robin 5House Sparrow 3House Finch 1American Goldfinch 9Song Sparrow 2Eastern Towhee 1Orchard Oriole 2Baltimore Oriole 4Red-winged Blackbird 6Brown-headed Cowbird 6Rusty Blackbird 5Common Grackle 3Ovenbird 3Black-and-white Warbler 1Common Yellowthroat 3American Redstart 3Northern Parula 5Magnolia Warbler 1Yellow Warbler 6Blackpoll Warbler 1Yellow-rumped Warbler 2Black-throated Green Warbler 3Northern Cardinal 4
View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S235549720 This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (https://ebird.org/home)
Date: 5/9/25 12:05 pm From: Arlene Koch <0000012d74227426-dmarc-request...> Subject: Kite ??? County on way to State college
We’re on rt 322 west moving 3 mph for more than hour due to a major accident. And just now a bit beyond an exit for Halifax a swallow-tailed kite flew over going east. Sorry but that’s the best I can do right now.
Sent from my iPhone
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 11:00:00 Total observation time: 3 hours
Compiler: David Barber
Counters: Aishwarya Laghate, Gracey Brouillard
Weather: Sunny with high of 25 degree C N wind with 1-5 mph
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: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 6 hours
Compiler: David Barber
Counters: Emily Jones, Mathew sacul
Weather: Mostly sunny, high near 71. West winds around 5mph.
Raptor Observations:
Non-raptor Observations:
======================================================================== Report submitted by Laurie Goodrich (<goodrich...>) Hawk Mountain Sanctuary information may be found at: http://www.hawkmountain.org/
Rose-breasted grosbeaks have become regular at the feeders for about a week although today was the first time I saw a female. Hummingbird activity has been interesting. I’ve seen 6 different ones but they’ve all only stopped for a quick drink and moved on in the same northerly direction. Four were males; two were females. I have five feeders out and each one was used. But the male I saw today went to Roman Red salvias in bloom before flying off. Other expected species on the property here are indigo buntings, Baltimore orioles, thrashers, towhees, cedar waxwings, blue grey gnatcatchers, etc. Also not here but slightly north today a Mississippi kite was photographed.
Sent from my iPhone
Date: 5/6/25 4:38 pm From: Paul Blank <0000020b41421dbd-dmarc-request...> Subject: 4 Mississippi Kites, Lancaster, PA
Hi Everyone!
This evening from our porch in Eden Heights neighborhood, East Lampeter township - we observed 4 Mississippi Kites flying around above the Conestoga River. Eventually all 4 landed in the top of our 100+ foot tuliptree giving us a great opportunity for a positive ID.
I’ve been wanting to see one for years!! What a gift to see 4 of them so close!
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 11:00:00 Total observation time: 3 hours
Official Counter: Jerry McWilliams
Observers: Julie Leonard
Visitors: Julie Leonard assisted with the count for the first 1.5 hours.
Weather: Variably cloudy and cool with SSW wind.
Raptor Observations: Birds were slow getting started, but by the third hour birds were up and running. However, it was unfortunate that both Julie Leonard and I had to leave early, so we may have missed a record-breaking day for Bald Eagles. Bald Eagles began a steady flow from the west during the last hour totaling 20 different individuals. There were a few small kettles of BWs, and SS put on a decent show.
Non-raptor Observations: Mallard 1, Chimney Swift 12, Ring-billed Gull 6, Cooper's Hawk 1 local, Double-crested Cormorant 20, Red-headed Woodpecker 1, Northern Flicker 1, Blue Jay 100s, American Crow, Purple Martin, Barn Swallow, European Starling, American Robin 2, American Goldfinch 3, Baltimore Oriole 5, Red-winged Blackbird, Brown-headed Cowbird, Common Grackle, Yellow Warbler 2, Scarlet Tanager 1, Indigo Bunting 1.
Predictions: Cool and cloudy with west wind. A lake flight not likely. Jerry McWilliamsErie, Erie County, <Pa.jerrymcw...>
Observation start time: 11:00:00 Observation end time: 13:00:00 Total observation time: 1.67 hours
Compiler: David Barber
Counters: Antonella Mascaro, Gracey Brouillard
Weather: Mostly cloudy and haze. Rain and fog before 11am and after 1pm.
Raptor Observations:
Non-raptor Observations:
======================================================================== Report submitted by Laurie Goodrich (<goodrich...>) Hawk Mountain Sanctuary information may be found at: http://www.hawkmountain.org/
Date: 5/6/25 5:53 am From: jerry Kruth <00000005ead0dac6-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: American Kestrel -Bedminster Twp., Bucks Co.
Thanks Liz.
Nestboxes work for all kinds of species, especially as more deforestation of mature trees and snags accelerates.
Jerry Kruth
Pgh
-----------------
On Saturday, May 3, 2025 at 01:17:11 PM EDT, Lisa Dziuban <dziubanlisa...> wrote:
Just saw an American kestrel enter a nest box mounted on a telephone pole near the intersection of Deep Run and Stone Bridge roads.
Lisa Dziuban
“People aren’t longing to be impressed; they’re longing to feel like they’re home. If you create a space full of love and character and creativity and soul, they’ll take off their shoes and curl up with gratitude and rest, no matter how small, no matter how undone, no matter how odd.”
Shauna Niequist
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 13:00:00 Total observation time: 5 hours
Official Counter: Nancy Ott
Observers: Barb Carrier, Bob Stewart, Dave Poder, Greg Gdula
Visitors: none
Weather: The count started with the hawkwatch being fogged in with strong east winds. Within 1/2 hour the valley cleared with low cloud ceiling and visibility to Shawnee. Mainly cloudy day with rain starting around 11:30 bird time. This ended any raptor sightings. Winds were E and E/S all day ranging 10mph up to low 20's.
Raptor Observations: After valley started clearing, raptors seen most going south. Migrating hawks were easily visible to high and into mist of clouds at times. Total 17 raptors counted BE 9:35sub, BE 10:13 -unk , 2 juv BE glided through just as rain was starting. Total 4 BE for day.
Non-raptor Observations: Blue birds, mourning doves, tree swallows, rose breasted grossbeak, indigo bunting, 2 cormorants, towhees, nuthatches.
Predictions: No further counts planned ======================================================================== Report submitted by Nancy Ott (<ednancy.ott...>)
Date: 5/5/25 2:17 pm From: Jay Kadane <kadane...> Subject: unusual yard bird,Allegheny County
We live in Pittsburgh, in what amounts to a suburban setting. Like many of our neighbors, we lost many trees, power and internet for 5 days in last Tuesday's violent storm. We left . As we returned today, A sora rail scuttled away from the vegetation near our front door.
Date: 5/5/25 7:11 am From: Rob Blye <rwblye...> Subject: Re: Venango Co. 4/29
Black Bernie And warbler. I love it.
*better living through birds*
*Rob*
Robert W. Blye
34603 Doe Run
Lewes DE 19958-3332
302 945-8618
610 213-2413 mobile
On Tue, Apr 29, 2025 at 11:37 AM jerry stanley <bhnsjerry...>
wrote:
> I don't like to type , but ever since I got voice to text, I no longer
> mind text messaging. Today, I saw a Scarlet teenager in the dogwood, and a
> black Bernie and warbler behind the house. That was easy.
>
>
> Jerry Stanley
>
Date: 5/3/25 3:24 pm From: <rwalczakw...> <0000006fe3ebdd11-dmarc-request...> Subject: Lawrence County yard birds
Had Baltimore & Orchard Orioles at feeders today along with Ruby Throated Hummingbird at feeder. Also had White Crowned Sparrow in yard today under feeders.
- Robert Walczak- New Wilmington, PA- Lawrence County
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 6.75 hours
Compiler: David Barber
Counters: Antonella Mascaro, Emily Jones, Felix Timmons
Weather: Partly sunny. High near 81, Southwest winds 0-5 mph.
Raptor Observations: Lots of local raptors seen today including Osprey, Bald Eagles, Northern Harrier, and Broad-winged hawks!
Non-raptor Observations:
======================================================================== Report submitted by Laurie Goodrich (<goodrich...>) Hawk Mountain Sanctuary information may be found at: http://www.hawkmountain.org/
Date: 5/3/25 10:17 am From: Lisa Dziuban <dziubanlisa...> Subject: American Kestrel -Bedminster Twp., Bucks Co.
Just saw an American kestrel enter a nest box mounted on a telephone pole near the intersection of Deep Run and Stone Bridge roads.
Lisa Dziuban
“People aren’t longing to be impressed; they’re longing to feel like they’re home. If you create a space full of love and character and creativity and soul, they’ll take off their shoes and curl up with gratitude and rest, no matter how small, no matter how undone, no matter how odd.”
Shauna Niequist
Date: 5/3/25 7:40 am From: Douglas Filler <0000012c09e09177-dmarc-request...> Subject: Silver Lake in Bucks CO.
The following were seen on the morning bird walk from the Silver Lake Nature Center located in Bristol, PA.
Silver Lake Park/Nature Center, Bucks, Pennsylvania, US
May 3, 2025 7:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Protocol: Traveling
Participants: 51.0 mile(s)
44 species
Canada Goose 4
Mallard 3
Mourning Dove 4
Ruby-throated Hummingbird 1 Saw female with nesting material go to a nest.
Double-crested Cormorant 4 flyover
Great Blue Heron 2
Turkey Vulture 1
Osprey 1
Cooper's Hawk 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 4
Downy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker 2
Great Crested Flycatcher 2
Eastern Kingbird 4
Warbling Vireo 5
Red-eyed Vireo 3
Blue Jay 4
Carolina Chickadee 1
Tufted Titmouse 1
Tree Swallow 25
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 3
Northern House Wren 1
Carolina Wren 1
European Starling 2
Gray Catbird 6
Northern Mockingbird 1
Wood Thrush 5
American Robin 7
House Sparrow 2
House Finch 2
American Goldfinch 3
White-throated Sparrow 1
Song Sparrow 2
Eastern Towhee 2
Orchard Oriole 1
Baltimore Oriole 4
Red-winged Blackbird 12
Brown-headed Cowbird 9
Ovenbird 1
Common Yellowthroat 4
Northern Parula 5
Yellow Warbler 5
Northern Cardinal 4
A single White-crowned Sparrow showed up yesterday and spent the day today forging in the thickets. FOY 5/01/25
A female Ruby-throated Hummingbird came to the feeder in the backyard.
The male Baltimore Oriole visited the Hummingbird feeder, then moved on to take a few nibbles at the peanut butter/cornmeal suet before flying to the jelly feeder. No female Orioles yet.
I didn’t see any White-throated Sparrows today so they might have moved on.
Happy Spring Birding,
Ann M. Liebner
Wayne Twp. , Schuylkill County
Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Compiler: David Barber
Counters: Evelyn de Chazal, Gracey Brouillard , Jahan Okata
Weather: Mostly cloudy, some haze.
Raptor Observations:
Non-raptor Observations:
======================================================================== Report submitted by Laurie Goodrich (<goodrich...>) Hawk Mountain Sanctuary information may be found at: http://www.hawkmountain.org/
Date: 5/2/25 6:49 am From: DAVID SIEMINSKI <dksieminski...> Subject: Jacobsburg State Park
Today May 2 In Jacobsburg State Park
Bald Eagle M/F Wood Ducks sitting in a tree Red-winged Blackbird Tufted Titmouse Eastern Bluebird Tree Swallows Cardinal Brown Thrasher Northern Oriole White-Throated Sparrows Blue Jay American Robins Gray Catbird Wood Thrush Overnbird Mourning Doves
Seen in our yard in Seneca: 1 BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER, 1 NASHVILLE WARBLER, 1 CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER, 1 GRAY CATBIRD, 1 LINCOLN'S SPARROW. 2 WOODTHRUSHES were heard, and 1 CHIMNEY SWIFT flew over.
Meg/Nick Kolodick
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 6 hours
Official Counter: Dave Poder
Observers:
Visitors: Emma Keele
Weather: Mostly cloudy, moderate SE winds, visibility 30km, temps 14.1C to 22C
Raptor Observations: 2 BE - juv at 12:23, adult at 1:49 5 Ospreys, 1 Cooper's, 10 Red-tailed, 3 TV
Several local TVs and RT's
Non-raptor Observations: BC Chickadees, WB nuthatches, Tufted Titmice, Tree Swallows, E Bluebirds, M Doves, Scarlet Tanagers, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Indigo Buntings, Ovenbirds, N Cardinals, Chipping, Song Sparrows, Brown-headed Cowbirds, Towhees, Robins, Crows, Ravens, Blue jays
Predictions: Mostly cloudy, SW winds, High near 20C ======================================================================== Report submitted by Dave Poder (<avions...>)
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 6 hours
Compiler: David Barber
Counters: Aishwarya Laghate, Emily Jones
Weather: Mostly sunny. High of 76. Southeast winds 5-10mph.
Raptor Observations: Two adult Bald Eagles harassing an Osprey for it's fish!
Non-raptor Observations: First Blue Grosbeak, Cedar Waxwing, and Chimney Swift of the season! ======================================================================== Report submitted by Laurie Goodrich (<goodrich...>) Hawk Mountain Sanctuary information may be found at: http://www.hawkmountain.org/
Date: 4/30/25 3:33 pm From: linda & bill franz <00000021c311e447-dmarc-request...> Subject: Cape May Warbler - Cumberland County
Cape May Warblers, two male and one female, were feeding in our tallspruce trees on our suburban lawn in the middle of the Cumberland Valley. Wetypically get a few on both the spring and fall migrations. This is the first time they have arrived inApril. Usual arrival times are between the first and the second weeks in May.
Bill Franz / Newville
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Compiler: David Barber
Counters: Antonella Mascaro, Mathew sacul
Weather:
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: 13:00:00 Total observation time: 5 hours
Official Counter: Rosemary McGlynn
Observers:
Visitors: 2 guests of the Birds Nest
Weather: sunny with light to moderate W winds that occasionally gusted to 20mph;54-54F. It was a great day to be on the mt.-wonderful visibility but little migration
Raptor Observations: 1 migrating CH
Non-raptor Observations: TVs,blue jays,crows,t swallows,E bluebirds,E towhees,bc chickadees,t titmice,wb nuthatches,m doves,robins,1 rose breasted grosbeak,c yellowthroats,pileated wp and several non-migrating BWs. Also cabbage white,tiger & black swallowtail butterflies
Predictions: light to moderate S/SE winds,partly cloudy with a chance of a PM shower,60-75F ======================================================================== Report submitted by Rosemary McGlynn (<denali...>)
Date: 4/30/25 12:51 pm From: Amy Taracido <amytaracido...> Subject: RBA western Pennsylvania, 15 April 2025
RBA
*Pennsylvania
*Pittsburgh and western Pennsylvania
*PAWE04.15.25
Highlights:
TRUMPETER SWAN
BARNACLE GOOSE (Allegheny County)
CACKLING GOOSE (Mercer County)
DUNLIN
LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL
LITTLE GULL (Mercer County)
FORSTER'S TERN
COMMON TERN
RED-THROATED LOON
AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN (Butler, Fayette, and Mercer Counties)
SNOWY EGRET (Somerset County)
GOLDEN EAGLE (Crawford County)
FISH CROW (Armstrong and Mercer Counties)
PURPLE MARTIN
BANK SWALLOW
VEERY
LAPLAND LONGSPUR
CLAY-COLORED SPARROW (Butler County)
Contributors: David Argent, Kimberly Berry, Jeff Brinker, Seth Burnosky, Monica Chatham, Jane Clark, Michael David, Ed Donley, Adrian Fenton, Ron Graham, Linda Greble, Sam Gutherie, Amy Henrici, Clyde Hess, Christopher Hinkle, S. Kaye via Ebird, John Keener, Meg & Nick Kolodick, Glenn Koppel, Timothy Kronenberger, Yianni Laskaris, Paul Lehman, Judy Lesso, Arbuthnot M via Ebird, Jason McClelland, Jess McGuire, Ed McKaveney, Jerry McWilliams, Trent Millum, Elizabeth Pagel-Hogan, Mark Palmer, Jeff Payne, Amber Pertz, Kenneth Pinnow, Kim Springer, Jerry Stanley, Russ States, Mark Strittmatter, Travis Suckow, Shannon Thompson, Dennis Trapnell, Steve Wagner, E. White via Ebird, Katie Wickert, Michael Williams, Bill Winkler, Ken Woolston, Spencer Worthing, Kendall Zook.
Compiler: Amy Taracido
Tuesday, 8 April 2025 through Tuesday, 15 April 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: SURF SCOTER, VIRGINIA RAIL, COMMON NIGHTHAWK, GREAT EGRET, LONG-TAILED DUCK, BLACK SCOTER, BROAD-WINGED HAWK, ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK, PINE SISKIN, FOX SPARROW continue to be reported, and FOY PALM WARBLER.
ALLEGHENY COUNTY:
On 4/9-4/11 at East Deer Recreational Park, 1 BARNACLE GOOSE (SW et. al.); on 4/14, 2 FORSTER'S TERNS (EPH).
At Aspinwall Riverfront Park on 4/10, 1 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL (AF).
On 4/11 in Creighton, 1 BARNACLE GOOSE (JMcC).
At Wingfield Pines on 4/11 and 4/15, 1 MARSH WREN (AM, TK).
On 4/12-4/13 in Cheswick, 1 RED-THROATED LOON (AP, MD).
At Rachel Carson Riverfront Park on 4/12-4/13, 1 RED-THROATED LOON (EM et. al.).
On 4/12 in West Mifflin, 1 BLACK VULTURE (ST).
At Highland Park on 4/14, 1 BARNACLE GOOSE (JL et. al.).
At Dashields Dam on 4/14, 1 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL, 2 FORSTER'S TERNS (AF).
ARMSTRONG COUNTY:
On 4/14 in Kittanning, 2 FISH CROWS (SG).
BUTLER COUNTY:
On 4/11 in Portersville, 26 RED-THROATED LOONS (AH); on 4/12, 1 RED-NECKED GREBE (KB et. al.), up to 15 RED-THROATED LOONS (JB et. al.).
In West Sunbury on 4/11, 1 BANK SWALLOW (GK).
At North Boundary Park on 4/11, 1 CLAY-COLORED SPARROW (SW).
On 4/12 at Moraine State Park, 1 COMMON TERN (EW); on 4/13, 7 AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS (MP); on 4/13-4/14, 1 RED-THROATED LOON (KB et. al.).
At Bear Run Boat Launch on 4/13, 9 AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS (RG et. al.), 40 BONAPARTE'S GULLS (RG).
CRAWFORD COUNTY:
On 4/7 at Erie National Wildlife Refuge, 1 TRUMPETER SWAN (YL).
At Pymatuning State Park on 4/12, 4 COMMON TERNS (KWi); on 4/13, 1 COMMON TERN (KP et. al.).
On 4/12 at Mystic Park, 1 possible GOLDEN EAGLE (MC).
At State Gamelands #277 on 4/13, 1 GOLDEN EAGLE (KZ).
On 4/13 just west of E. Lake Road, 1 RED-HEADED WOODPECKER (JMcG).
ERIE COUNTY:
At Presque Isle State Park this week, sightings included 4 FORSTER'S TERNS, 2 COMMON TERNS, 7 NORTHERN HARRIERS, SANDHILL CRANES (JMcW), 1 LAPLAND LONGSPUR (CH).
FAYETTE COUNTY:
On 4/6 at Heritage Scout Reservation, 1 AMERICAN WHITEI PELICAN (DT).
In Connellsville on 4/9, 1 DUNLIN (CH).
On 4/9 at Duck Pond Road, 3 DUNLIN (KWo).
On 4/14 at Deer Lake, 1 BLACK VULTURE (JC).
FOREST COUNTY:
In Marienville on 4/10, 1 RED-THROATED LOON (SK).
On 4/11 at Beaver Meadows Recreation Area, 1 RED-THROATED LOON (SK).
INDIANA COUNTY:
At Yellow Creek State Park on 4/8, 2 RED-THROATED LOONS (ED); on 4/13, 1 LITTLE GULL, 6 BONAPARTE'S GULLS (TM).
On 4/12 at Two Lick Creek Reservoir, 1 CASPIAN TERN (MS).
JEFFERSON COUNTY:
At Fordham Lake on 4/11, 7 WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS (JK).
LAWRENCE COUNTY:
MERCER COUNTY:
At Lake Wilhelm on 4/10, 1 TRUMPETER SWAN (MW); on 4/11, 1 LITTLE GULL, 4 RED-THROATED LOONS, 1 PACIFIC/RED-THROATED LOON (JS).
On 4/11 in Sharpsville, 1 AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN, 1 FISH CROW (MW).
At Shenango Wildlife Area on 4/12-4/14, 1 RED-THROATED LOON (MW, BW); on 4/13, 1 CACKLING GOOSE (BW).
On 4/13 at State Gamelands #130, 2 WINTER WRENS (KS).
SOMERSET COUNTY:
At Lake Somerset on 4/11-4/12, 1 TRUMPETER SWAN (anon); on 4/13, 1 COMMON GALLINULE (DT); on 4/14, 1 SNOWY EGRET, 9 BONAPARTE'S GULLS (JP).
On 4/12 in Hollsopple, 2 RED-THROATED LOONS (PL).
At Quemahoning Reservoir on 4/13, 2 RED-THROATED LOONS; on 4/14, 1 COMMON GALLINULE (LG), 1 RED-THROATED LOON (SB).
VENANGO COUNTY:
At Kahle Lake on 4/11, 2 RED-THROATED LOON, 3 WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS, and others (JS), 30 BONAPARTE'S GULLS, 4 FORSTER'S TERNS, 1 COMMON TERN, PURPLE MARTINS, and others (RS); on 4/14, sightings inlcluded 28 BONAPARTE'S GULLS (MK).
WARREN COUNTY:
At Chapman State Park on 4/15, 1 RED-NECKED GREBE (TS).
WASHINGTON COUNTY:
This week in the Coal Center/California area, BLACK VULTURES (AT).
Date: 4/29/25 3:41 pm From: A. Liebner <000000d98121eaef-dmarc-request...> Subject: FOY Hummingbird, Baltimore Oriole, House Wren -Sch. County
Hello all,
Yesterday, 4/28/2025 a FOY male Ruby-throated Hummingbird flew to the sugar water feeder. I've been keeping records since the 1980's and Hummingbirds return like clockwork on April 28th or 29th.A short time later another Hummingbird appeared and the chase began. They are tiny but mighty feisty when it comes to guarding "their" feeders. I had to make more sugar water today since the Oriole has been sipping from the hummingbird feeder, then I happened to notice the Red-bellied Woodpecker sampling jelly at the Oriole feeder.
One thing to note: Hummers love our Heuchera Alumroot, Coral Bells. The timing is perfect as those lovely plants are sending up stems full of tiny bells ready to open and provide Hummingbirds nectar from now, throughout the summer, and into the fall. I have photos of Hummers visiting Coral Bells that are still blooming in September when migrating hummers are moving through. There are many other native perennials that will be blossoming in the coming months but Heuchera seems to be the one that blooms the longest.
A FOY male Baltimore Oriole appeared on 4/26/25 . (no females yet) Previous years: 4/29/2024 & 5/01/2023. The last sighting of Juncos was on Saturday 4/26/2025.
A FOY House Wren stopped by our property on Thursday, 4/24/2025, but I haven't seen or heard it since.
Robins, Grey Catbirds, Brown Thrashers, Chipping Sparrows, Cardinals, Mourning Doves, Red-bellied, Hairy, & Downy Woodpeckers, Nuthatches, Northern Flickers, plus many others are pairing up.A Robin took advantage of the mud from rain pouring out of a downspout on Saturday. I watched as it returned many times to gather mud for it's nest.A pair of Bluebirds have 5 eggs in one of their favorite boxes. A second pair claimed another box and that nest is almost ready for egg laying.Tree Swallows took up residence in third box near the house.White-throated Sparrows are still here as of today, 4/29. I'm still hoping for Rose-breasted Grosbeaks and Indigo Buntings and possibly a few warblers to visit.
Happy Spring Birding!
Ann M. Liebner
Wayne Twp., Schuylkill Co.
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 13:00:00 Total observation time: 5 hours
Official Counter: Jerry McWilliams
Observers: Bernie O'Connor, Julie Leonard, Russ States
Visitors: Julie Leonard, Bernie O'Connor, and Russ States counted while I was away for family medical needs, then I joined them later. Visitors included Laura Giles, Environmental educator for DCNR Ray Bierbower, and Ken Felix's brother Buzz Felix.
Weather: Variably cloudy with strong SSW and very warm
Raptor Observations: No large numbers of birds, but steady and spread across the sky. TVs, BWs, and SS dominated the skies.
Non-raptor Observations: hundreds of Blue Jays, Northern Flicker, American Goldfinch 3, Double-crested Cormorant 2, Barn and Tree Swallow
Predictions: Cold with a high of only 50 F with north wind. Not a flight day.Jerry McWilliamsErie, Erie County, <Pa.jerrymcw...>
Bluebirds, tree swallows, robins, Scarlet tananger, tufted titmouses, Bladck capped chicadee's, blue jays, towhee's red bellied woodpecker,crows, chipping sparrow, starlings, grackles.
Predictions: Temperatures in the 60's to 70's with 40% chance of showers. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Jim Rocco (<jd.jh.rocco...>)
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 6 hours
Compiler: David Barber
Counters: Emily Jones, Gracey Brouillard
Weather: Sunny, slight Southern wind, little cloud cover.
Raptor Observations: Local Broad-Winged Hawk observed circling and then flying into a patch of trees a little before Hemlock Heights.
Non-raptor Observations:
======================================================================== Report submitted by Laurie Goodrich (<goodrich...>) Hawk Mountain Sanctuary information may be found at: http://www.hawkmountain.org/
Date: 4/29/25 8:37 am From: jerry stanley <bhnsjerry...> Subject: Venango Co. 4/29
I don't like to type , but ever since I got voice to text, I no longer mind text messaging. Today, I saw a Scarlet teenager in the dogwood, and a black Bernie and warbler behind the house. That was easy.
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:30:00 Total observation time: 7.5 hours
Official Counter: Nancy Ott
Observers: Dave Poder, Ed Gowarty,Sr, Greg Gdula
Visitors: visitors from the bird house came at the end of the day.
Weather: East /SE winds that were steady all day with good visibility and clear blue skies.
Raptor Observations: 32 raptors migrating. 5 GE-sub 9:26, 9:29, Ad GE 9:50, 1:42 and unk GE 12:32 far out over valley. BE ad 11:16,BE juv's 1:43,1:55, 2:19. Raptors not migratory-2 ad BE, red shoulder, cooper, red tails observed around watch going south, east, west.
Non-raptor Observations: Tree swallows, blue birds, cow birds, mourning doves, towhees, blue jays, ravens, cormorants, great blue heron, cardinals, butterflies-black swallowtail, tiger swallowtails, clouded sulfur. The planet venus was visible by binocular couple hours during day.
Predictions: Winds will be W/ WSW and cloudy to partly cloudy rain late in evening and temps in 70's. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Nancy Ott (<ednancy.ott...>)
Observation start time: 08:30:00 Observation end time: 10:30:00 Total observation time: 2 hours
Official Counter: Jerry McWilliams
Observers: Russ States
Visitors: Russ States assisted with the count.
Weather: Mostly clear and mild with light SSE wind later switching to the NE
Raptor Observations: Mainly a few scattered TVs moving through rather high. Very few hawks.
Non-raptor Observations: Mourning Dove 2, Canada Goose 1, Blue Jay 45, Cooper's Hawk 1 local, Purple Martin 1, Red-winged Blackbird, Common Grackle, Northern Flicker 2, European Starling, Chimney Swift 3, Ring-billed Gull 2, American Crow 4, Double-crested Cormorant 1, American Goldfinch 2, Barn Swallow 1
Predictions: Cloudy in the AM and quite warm, with severe thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening, with strong southerly winds. If the rain holds off it has the potential for a good flight, depending upon what is in the pipeline following two days of clear skies. Jerry McWilliamsErie, Erie County, <Pa.jerrymcw...>
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Compiler: David Barber
Counters: Antonella Mascaro, Mathew sacul
Weather:
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: 09:15:00 Observation end time: 13:00:00 Total observation time: 3.75 hours
Official Counter: Erika Bowman
Observers:
Visitors: None
Weather: WINDY, sunny and clear. Started cool but warmed up as the day progressed.
Raptor Observations: A mature Bald Eagle escorted 2 different Ospreys through the area. Cooper's Hawk visited several times. A Broad-winged checked out the watch at least 6 times. A mature Red-tailed Hawk was attacked by 2 Am. Crows, appearing to defend their nest. 9 Turkey Vultures escorting the Bald Eagle and one of the Osprey through the area.
Birds were either flying close top of treetops or close the escarpment below eye level since the wind was so strong. Migrating Red-tailed was immature.
Non-raptor Observations: M Dove, N Flicker, Blue-headed Vireo, Blue Jay, Am Crow, C Raven, BC Chickadee, T Titmouse, T Swallow, Am Goldfinch, E Towhee, N Cardinal. E Bluebirds have 4 eggs in nest. Tree Swallows seem territorial but not around any particular nest box.
Predictions: Mainly sunny. High around 70F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Erika Bowman (<dizzechick...>)
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Compiler: David Barber
Counters: Antonella Mascaro, Mathew sacul
Weather:
Raptor Observations:
Non-raptor Observations:
======================================================================== Report submitted by Laurie Goodrich (<goodrich...>) Hawk Mountain Sanctuary information may be found at: http://www.hawkmountain.org/
Date: 4/26/25 7:58 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/Thanks Steve Boyle for leading.
Silver Lake Park/Nature Center, Bucks, Pennsylvania, USApr 26, 2025 7:24 AM - 10:07 AMProtocol: TravelingParticipants: 31.2 mile(s)36 species
Canada Goose 7Wood Duck 1Mallard 3Mourning Dove 3Double-crested Cormorant 1Great Blue Heron 1Turkey Vulture 1Red-bellied Woodpecker 1Downy Woodpecker 2Northern Flicker 2Warbling Vireo 2Blue Jay 4Carolina Chickadee 1Tufted Titmouse 2Tree Swallow 12Northern Rough-winged Swallow 4White-breasted Nuthatch 1Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 2Carolina Wren 4Gray Catbird 5Wood Thrush 6American Robin 15House Sparrow 2White-throated Sparrow 3Song Sparrow 2Orchard Oriole 2Baltimore Oriole 3Red-winged Blackbird 25Brown-headed Cowbird 3Northern Waterthrush 1Black-and-white Warbler 1Common Yellowthroat 5Northern Parula 1Yellow Warbler 2Yellow-rumped Warbler 1Northern Cardinal 5
View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S229574564 This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (https://ebird.org/home)
Date: 4/26/25 5:40 am From: Carole Winslow <cjwinslow94...> Subject: Clarion Co- saw-whets, short-ears, early spring arrivals, and nesting raptors
My most exciting birds for the bird atlas this spring are two active northern saw-whet owls nesting in nest boxes. Several members of our local Seneca Rocks Audubon are very active in placing and checking nest boxes and they get the credit for doing all the work and finding these two active nests several weeks ago. They are both on local game lands but that's all I can say about location. They both had 5 eggs on the 9th, and one checked on Thurs had at least four very small young, probably just days old. I am hoping that these nests can fledge successfully. I also have an area where short-eared owls remain as of Wednesday, so hoping once again I can find any concrete sign of breeding.
Cooper's hawks are still working on a new nest right near the house, and there is a red-tailed hawk nest not far away in a white pine near the field edge where I finally was able to see a couple of young ones being fed by mom a couple days ago, still very small so I think they just hatched last week.
A couple of birds were fairly early this year, orchard orioles have been here on the japonica, along with yellow warblers and common yellow-throats, catbirds, wood thrush, rose-breasted grosbeak, and yesterday ovenbirds, redstarts and prairie warblers. I am looking forward to more everyday. Despite so many springs passing since I started birding, it still always comes as almost a shock how fast the changes come every year. One week passes and it's a whole new world..
On Thursday evening Don found a whip-poor-will back and calling at the regenerating clear cut area that we have found them in the last several years, not far from Sandstone Springs on Rt 337. We also have had a small flock of siskins that have been around through the winter and were still there through last weekend. I've been hoping that they might stick around to nest. Winter wrens and blue-headed vireo were back and singing in their usual areas last weekend as well.
Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 12:00:00 Total observation time: 4.25 hours
Official Counter: AB
Observers:
Visitors: None
Weather: SE winds at 12-19kph. Visibility was limited to Warrior’s Ridge due to a haze in Stone Valley. Mostly cloudy skies for the entire count made for excellent spotting conditions. Low temperature of 15C at 08:00 and a high of 22C by noon.
Raptor Observations: OS 2 (82) SS 3 (229) CH 1 (53) BW 3 (1473) ML 1 (10) UB 1 (20) Total 11 (2955)
Any hopes of cracking 3k for the season were quickly dashed by the lackluster flight. Despite this I enjoyed each and every individual that passed by the cut this morning. A favorite sighting of the morning was a MERL low near the blinky cell tower at the base of Leading Ridge. I was able to get on it in the scope and watching the dark mysterious falcon’s wings flapping gracefully like pistons. It made the flight special by flying right up the cut head on before blinking out over the canopy.
I thought perhaps the Leading Ridge BW had found a mate as two soared into view close downhill in the cut at 11:20. However, the one kept climbing higher before peeling out to the NW. The other returned to its forested ridge. Perhaps another day soon it will find its mate for the season. At 11:38 the COHA was again performing its wing display over Stone Valley.
Non-raptor Observations: Another nice pulse of COLO in the morning hours. Several flocks of 12 -15 BLJA’s again migrated past the cut. I have enjoyed hearing a call they make before rallying across the cut or from Leading Ridge onto the Flanks of Tussey Mountain.
Mourning Dove 3 Killdeer 1 Common Loon 12 Double-crested Cormorant 3 Great Blue Heron 2 Black Vulture 2 Turkey Vulture 11 Red-bellied Woodpecker 1 Pileated Woodpecker 1 Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) 1 Eastern Phoebe 1 Blue Jay 56 American Crow 1 Common Raven 1 Tufted Titmouse 1 White-breasted Nuthatch 1 Eastern Bluebird 2 American Robin 1 Purple Finch 1 Pine Siskin 1 American Goldfinch 4 Field Sparrow 2 Eastern Towhee 2 Brown-headed Cowbird 6 Common Grackle 3 Ovenbird 3 Black-and-white Warbler 1 Palm Warbler 1 Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 2 Black-throated Green Warbler 6
Predictions: Scattered showers, mainly before 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 69. West wind 5 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.
======================================================================== Report submitted by Adam Richardson (<poecile.gambeli...>) Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch information may be found at: tusseymountainspringhawkwatch.org/
Observation start time: 08:30:00 Observation end time: 12:30:00 Total observation time: 4 hours
Official Counter: Sandy Cline
Observers: Dave Poder, Ed Gowarty,Sr, Greg Gdula, Nancy Ott
Weather: Cloudy, SSE winds, temps in upper 60's
Raptor Observations: 1 BE 11:27. 2-3 yr many raptors flying about the valley and south but not many migrating
Non-raptor Observations: Ravens, Towhees, tree swallows, mouring doves, bluebirds, blue jays, common yellowthroat, n cardinal, pilated WP, hairy WP, downey WP, several cormorants making multiple circles around the hawk watch in early AM
Predictions: Cloudy, morning showers, high of 66 ======================================================================== Report submitted by Sandy Cline (<horseldy...>)
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Compiler: David Barber
Counters: Evelyn de Chazal, Mathew sacul
Weather: Mostly overcast, sun illuminating haze.
Raptor Observations: Slow flight numbers today.
Non-raptor Observations:
======================================================================== Report submitted by Laurie Goodrich (<goodrich...>) Hawk Mountain Sanctuary information may be found at: http://www.hawkmountain.org/
Date: 4/24/25 5:52 pm From: Lisa Dziuban <dziubanlisa...> Subject: Brown Thrasher, Plumstead Twp., Bucks Co.
One seen on April 23, scratching in dead leaf litter in my backyard. Have not seen him or the male eastern towhee since.
Lisa Dziuban
“People aren’t longing to be impressed; they’re longing to feel like they’re home. If you create a space full of love and character and creativity and soul, they’ll take off their shoes and curl up with gratitude and rest, no matter how small, no matter how undone, no matter how odd.”
Shauna Niequist
Date: 4/24/25 4:40 pm From: Arlene Koch <0000012d74227426-dmarc-request...> Subject: Short hummer visit, Koch property, Northampton County
A friend texted me to say that she had a ruby-throated hummer late this morning and I told her she beat me. But late this afternoon an adult male almost flew into David by the kitchen door and then it went to a feeder. It lapped up some liquid (they use their tongues, they don’t suck) and left right away. I haven seen it since, which isn’t surprising. Research has shown that they can travel about 23 miles in a day so it’s probably now somewhere in eastern New Jersey.
Sent from my iPhone
Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: AB
Observers:
Visitors: Jon Kauffman came out to take the sign down. I visited with a nice family from DE who had spent the morning down at Shavers Creek. I was happy they got to see a BW while up at the cut.
Jon Kauffman
5 hikers
Weather: Warm day, but with nice S breezes it didn’t feel as hot as yesterday. Light, but inconsistent SE winds didn’t help the flight much at 6-11kph. Visibility was good again like yesterday with views to Stone Mountain during the entire count. Mostly high cirrus clouds to begin the count, but these burned off by 11:00. By noon a few low cumulus clouds drifted in from the SW, but most burned up as the pushed over the ridge. Low temperature of 17C at 08:30 and a high of 30C by 15:00.
Raptor Observations: TV 2 (286) OS 2 (80) BE 5 (123) SS 4 (226) CH 2 (52) RS 1 (46) BW 11 (1470) RT 1 (314) UR 1 (42) Total 29 (2944)
Another slow day at the cut. The flight looked promising in the 10:00 hour with BW’s getting moving and a few SS’s. However, by 11:00 the flight had slowed to a trickle for the rest of the day.
Another BW exhibiting resident behavior was detected at 09:36 with a few primaries missing. At 09:59 the immature RT flew S along the ridge top. At 11:37 a BW parachuted down onto Leading Ridge to perch in the forest. At 13:18 the SS flew S through cut below the canopy of the forest.
Non-raptor Observations: Several nice size flocks of BLJA migrating through. They seem to stage together before venturing across the cut which is interesting.
Mourning Dove 3 Chimney Swift 1 Double-crested Cormorant 9 Great Blue Heron 1 Turkey Vulture 11 Broad-winged Hawk 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker 1 Downy Woodpecker 2 Pileated Woodpecker 1 Blue-headed Vireo 1 Blue Jay 54 American Crow 1 Common Raven 1 Black-capped Chickadee 1 Tufted Titmouse 1 Tree Swallow 4 Barn Swallow 1 White-breasted Nuthatch 1 Eastern Bluebird 1 House Finch 1 Purple Finch 3 American Goldfinch 5 Field Sparrow 2 Eastern Towhee 2 Brown-headed Cowbird 5 Common Grackle 8 Ovenbird 1 Black-and-white Warbler 1 Palm Warbler 1 Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 1 Black-throated Green Warbler 10
Predictions: Showers likely, mainly after 2pm. Increasing clouds, with a high near 74. Calm wind becoming south 5 to 7 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Adam Richardson (<poecile.gambeli...>) Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch information may be found at: tusseymountainspringhawkwatch.org/
Non-raptor Observations: BC Chickadees, WB nuthatches, Tufted Titmice, Juncos, Tree Swallows, E Bluebirds, M Doves, Red-headed wp, Yellow-rumped Warbler, N Cardinal, Chipping, Song Sparrows, Brown-headed Cowbirds, Towhees, Robins, Crows, Ravens, Blue jays
Lambert Mt Road to be open tomorrow.
Predictions: Cloudy, chance of rain showers after noon, SE winds, high temp near 20C ======================================================================== Report submitted by Dave Poder (<avions...>)
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 12:00:00 Total observation time: 4 hours
Compiler: David Barber
Counters: Antonella Mascaro, Gracey Brouillard
Weather: Sunny
Raptor Observations:
Non-raptor Observations:
======================================================================== Report submitted by Laurie Goodrich (<goodrich...>) Hawk Mountain Sanctuary information may be found at: http://www.hawkmountain.org/
Date: 4/23/25 8:06 pm From: Wayne Laubscher <000001f695296b94-dmarc-request...> Subject: Red Crossbill, Eastville, Clinton County, 4/21
Jacob and Jesse Kauffman reported a Red Crossbill on Schwenks Road off of McCall Dam Road south of Eastville on April 21. This is the same area where a few sightings were reported in October and November of last year. It is uncertain if a recording was obtained. With all of the western call types apparently having returned out west after the 2023-24 irruption, it is likely that this bird was a Type 1 or 12, both of which are generalist foragers.
Wayne Laubscher Lock Haven Clinton Co. <wnlaubscher...>
Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: AB
Observers: Jacqui McKee
Visitors: Jacqui and Dave McKee joined me late in the afternoon to help spot a few migrating raptors. They gave me a really nice card and gift which I greatly appreciated. They have been great help late in the survey season helping spot migrating BW’s. It has been awesome sharing some great flights with them this season and I hope our paths cross again. Certainly, when I reflect on my time spent on Tussey Mountain it will include great times with them and many others.
Jacqui and Dave McKee
Weather: Scorcher. Light NW winds at 6-11kph for most of the count. Really good visibility to Stone Mountain for the entire count. Partly cloudy skies to begin with, high cirrus. These burned off by 13:00 leaving the blue sky of death to locate high flying raptors in. Low temperature of 10C at 08:00 and a high of 27C by 15:00.
Raptor Observations: TV 5 (284) OS 2 (78) BE 3 (118) SS 5 (222) CH 2 (50) RS 3 (45) BW 7 (1459) RT 3 (313) UB 2 (19) UR 1 (41) Total 33 (2915)
Slow but steady flight that peaked in the 10:00 hour. It is interesting to note that more than half of the day’s raptors were picked up low moving down Stone Valley. It wasn’t until 11:20 that I saw my first BW up on the ridge. Late in the afternoon I lucked out getting on some sky-high BE’s under a cloud that had formed directly above the ridge. Jacqui McKee also picked up some extremely high TUVU following the same line which helped the numbers out to close out the day’s effort.
At 10:12 the resident COHA was performing its wing display over Stone Valley. At 11:07 three adult BE’s were in a skirmish over Leading Ridge. At 15:30 the first resident OSPR of the season was spotted flying S over Stone Valley probably enroute for Lake Perez and a tasty trout.
Non-raptor Observations: The resident FISP has secured a mate. I see them together several times during the day. I also think EATO has secured a mate as I hear some interesting calls coming from the same shrubbery. A PAWA visited the cute briefly, possibly migrating through. I heard its call note, then got eyes on it in time to get a good look. It then flitted off the N side of the ridge.
Mourning Dove 4 Double-crested Cormorant 2 Great Blue Heron 2 Turkey Vulture 10 Red-bellied Woodpecker 1 Downy Woodpecker 1 Hairy Woodpecker 1 Pileated Woodpecker 2 Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) 1 Blue-headed Vireo 1 Blue Jay 7 American Crow 1 Common Raven 2 Black-capped Chickadee 3 Tufted Titmouse 1 Tree Swallow 2 Northern Rough-winged Swallow 1 Barn Swallow 1 Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1 White-breasted Nuthatch 1 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 1 European Starling 6 Eastern Bluebird 1 American Robin 1 House Finch 2 Purple Finch 1 American Goldfinch 14 Field Sparrow 2 Eastern Towhee 4 Red-winged Blackbird 2 Brown-headed Cowbird 3 Common Grackle 2 Ovenbird 1 Black-and-white Warbler 1 Palm Warbler 1 Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 1 Black-throated Green Warbler 15
1 helium balloon, a shiny blue star with some ribbon attached.
Predictions: Mostly sunny, with a high near 81. Calm wind becoming south around 6 mph in the afternoon.
======================================================================== Report submitted by Adam Richardson (<poecile.gambeli...>) Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch information may be found at: tusseymountainspringhawkwatch.org/
This morning a group of us were privileged to watch copulation between an adult male Cooper's Hawk and a juvenile female. Later the female was seen breaking off sticks and carrying them to a White Pine. We also had a Northern Waterthrush singing!
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 09:00:00 Total observation time: 1 hours
Official Counter: Jerry McWilliams
Observers:
Visitors: none
Weather: Variably cloudy, with south wind and mild
Raptor Observations: A single kestrel was all that passed by
Non-raptor Observations: Chimney Swift 1, Tree Swallow, American Robin, Red-winged Blackbird, Brown-headed Cowbird, Common Grackle, Northern Flicker, Rock Pigeon 3, Mourning Dove 2, American Crow.
Predictions: Sunny and warm, but west wind is likely to keep birds away from the lake.Jerry McWilliamsErie, Erie County, <Pa.jerrymcw...>
Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 14:30:00 Total observation time: 7.5 hours
Official Counter: Rosemary McGlynn
Observers: Greg Gdula, Joe Sabo
Visitors: Joe Sabo, Greg Gdula
Weather: light E winds all day;mostly sunny;55-69F.
Raptor Observations: 28 migrating raptors including 19 BWs & 1 BE subadult @ 12:15EST. There were several TVs,BWs,RTs,& 1 CH that flew throughout the day but did not migrate North
Non-raptor Observations: TVs,jays,crows,ravens,robins,E bluebirds,brown headed cowbirds,bc chickadees,E towhees,tree swallows,mourning doves,t titmice,juncos,1 red-bellied wp. There were several cabbage white & tiger swallowtail butterflies
Predictions: Another beautiful day; light S or SW winds;dry;high near 75F ======================================================================== Report submitted by Rosemary McGlynn (<denali...>)
Observation start time: 07:30:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7.5 hours
Compiler: David Barber
Counters: Emily Jones, Mathew sacul
Weather: Sunny, high near 76
Raptor Observations:
Non-raptor Observations:
======================================================================== Report submitted by Laurie Goodrich (<goodrich...>) Hawk Mountain Sanctuary information may be found at: http://www.hawkmountain.org/
I'm not sure if this went out to the Crawford Co. birders yet or not, but this evening Nathan Schlabaugh found a pair of American Avocets in breeding plumage in a flooded pasture on the corner of Hwy. 98 and Creek Rd. just north of Little's Corners. Andy Troyer, Adam Troyer, and Larry Slomski also got to see and photograph them, but the last report I heard from just after sunset was that they weren't visible anymore. The length of time from the last sighting until someone couldn't find them was less than 15 minutes, so I don't know if they flew off or if they went into cover for the night. If someone wants an early morning trip it might be worth checking again first thing in the morning.
Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: AB
Observers:
Visitors: None
1 hiker
Weather: Surprisingly cool in the morning with NW winds at 12-19kph and clouds in place. Visibility was excellent for the entire count as the air quality was superb after the rain again last night. Mostly cloudy skies giving way to partly cloudy high cirrus clouds in the afternoon. Low temperature of 11C at 08:00 and a high of 20C at 14:00.
Raptor Observations: OS 4 (76) BE 1 (115) CH 1 (48) BW 12 (1452) RT 2 (310) Total 20 (2882)
No lift off occurred which isn’t surprising considering how cool it was this morning. The flight was slow and steady, peaking in the 09:00 hour with BW’s and one RT migrating out over Stone Valley.
Resident raptors were quite active during the count. At 08:13 a COHA was spotted out near Stone Mountain performing its wing display flight. At 08:38 an AK shot through the cut low on the S side of the ridge heading south. At 13:03 a RSHA was heard putting up a fuss and it eventually appeared low in the cut heading S. At 14:30 a SSHA shot across the cut from right behind me.
Non-raptor Observations: OVEN on the walk into the cut this morning. The CATE had me pondering what they were late in the afternoon. Three of them flying together on the line the COLO tend to take. A FISP was quite active in the low bushes on either side of where I stand. At one point I was sitting on my rock seat and I believe he may have made a friend as they hung out just feet away together. Later in the day one of them was singing from the EATO’s spot, but became quiet suddenly. It was giving the bird side eye and was in an alert posture. Seconds later a SSHA shot though the gap just behind it, never seeing the FISP.
Mourning Dove 1 Caspian Tern 3 Great Blue Heron 1 Turkey Vulture 8 Downy Woodpecker 1 Hairy Woodpecker 1 Pileated Woodpecker 1 Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) 2 Blue Jay 1 American Crow 1 Common Raven 2 Black-capped Chickadee 3 Tufted Titmouse 1 White-breasted Nuthatch 1 European Starling 2 Eastern Bluebird 2 American Robin 1 House Finch 1 Purple Finch 2 American Goldfinch 3 Field Sparrow 2 Eastern Towhee 2 Brown-headed Cowbird 2 Common Grackle 4 Ovenbird 2 Black-and-white Warbler 2 Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 2 Black-throated Green Warbler 7 y
Predictions: Mostly sunny, with a high near 75. Calm wind.
======================================================================== Report submitted by Adam Richardson (<poecile.gambeli...>) Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch information may be found at: tusseymountainspringhawkwatch.org/
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Compiler: David Barber
Counters: Aishwarya Laghate, Dave Reisfield, Evelyn de Chazal, Mathew sacul
Weather: Mostly sunny.
Raptor Observations: First golden eagles of the spring migration count!
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: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 6 hours
Official Counter: Nancy Ott
Observers: Jim Rocco
Visitors: none
Weather: west winds gusted up to 40 mph. Calmer later in day. Temps mild up to 14.2 C. Partly cloudy.
Raptor Observations: 11 raptors with close looks in morning then distant. Juv BE 1 p flew south.BW landed in trees along ridge couple times with a blue jay diving at it at one time.
Non-raptor Observations: Entered hawkwatch along Fleegle road off Shaffer to Cmetery road. TV's floated around all day not migrating. Mourning doves, towhees, tree swallows, flickers, cardinals, nuthatch, chipmunks, cowbird, blue birds, crows. 13 white tailed deer down in fields and couple turkeys.
Predictions: Winds SE, temp up to 70, partly cloudy to all sun. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Nancy Ott (<ednancy.ott...>)
Date: 4/22/25 8:10 am From: Lisa Dziuban <dziubanlisa...> Subject: Sights and sounds Plumstead Twp., Bucks Co.
Lots of birdsong going on now….mostly from resident birds, mating and pairing up with the white throated sparrows’ song so prevalent.
Early this morning I saw a handsome male eastern towhee right outside my back door in the exact same spot I saw one on 4/16/13. He’s still here scratching under a feeder.
Barn swallows returned on 4/17. American goldfinches now in breeding plumage and male cardinal is feeding his mate. Easter Sunday I heard the common yellow throat.
I keep forgetting to mention that a few months ago someone posted a question asking which birds we had been missing. It finally occurred to me that I haven’t seen any American Kestrels in a long time, maybe a year?! I used to see them regularly along the local roads in neighboring townships where nest boxes have been placed. I travel these roads often and have seen none. Hopefully I am just missing them.
Lisa Dziuban
“People aren’t longing to be impressed; they’re longing to feel like they’re home. If you create a space full of love and character and creativity and soul, they’ll take off their shoes and curl up with gratitude and rest, no matter how small, no matter how undone, no matter how odd.”
Shauna Niequist
Date: 4/22/25 7:58 am From: Bobbie Rochow <bobbielou1960...> Subject: Re: Moraine St park nestboxes
I really enjoyed everything you shared. Thank you. I noticed about flying
squirrels, when I cut the limbs off the tree hanging over my cabin roof,
they quit getting in. One night I had one run across my pillow at night!
On Tue, Apr 22, 2025, 10:24 AM jerry Kruth <
<00000005ead0dac6-dmarc-request...> wrote:
> Linda and I motored up I-79 yesterday, to Moraine St. Park,to do our
> sorta-annual nestbox review.
>
>
>
> From all the dozens and dozens of boxes once erected aroundthe area, old
> age and lethargy have reduced my efforts, now limited to thetrove of boxes
> centered around Porter’s Cove, in the extreme SW corner of thepark.
>
>
>
> We had a strange mixed-bag outcome.
>
>
>
> First there were the half-dozen “tele-poles” we erected someyears back,
> with the wonderful help of a power company who “planted” thoseguys, and I
> installed each with six boxes. Sadly, on the four down the bridal trail
> (horses, not marriages) onlyone box appeared to have a Chickadee nest, with
> light moss surrounding a bed ofleaves. Other than that, we had whatmight
> be a flying squirrel’s hangout, and then several with those wasps thatbuild
> those mud nests? Extremely disappointingfor all that effort.
>
>
>
> Back up at ‘The Cove,” are the two other poles. Around those boxes was
> already a delightfulswarm of those dazzling iridescent green-and-white
> long-range migrants! So now, I’m up on a ladder, hoping not tokill myself,
> or worse -- end up some cripple, and peering in, hoping not to getstung,
> bitten, or whatever. I find abox packed with materials similar to the
> ubiquitous field mice, so I take astick and gently began to remove the moss
> and debris.
>
>
>
> Out pop one, two, four tiny (flying?) squirrels, They all fall into the
> leaves below. Fortunately not one hit the water (did I mentionI again
> foolishly forgot boots, so now my sneakers are freezing cold with theApril
> water (sigh!). I race down theladder, scoop them all up in my hat, so as
> not to touch them -- with theireyes still closed, and now whimpering tiny
> squeaks of protest, and I then gentlyclimb and put them back!
>
>
>
> How these squirrels get into those boxes (and mice) amazes,as they have
> thirty inches of aluminum wrap to traverse, but I also suspect
> overhangingbranches can help them arrive by parachute!.
>
>
>
> The rest of those dozen boxes contained several for-sure oldnests, which I
> removed, and scraped out the boxes. Then there were several more nests,
> which ifnot new construction, at least contain materials that can be
> reused, so I left them.
>
>
>
> There was also at least one box containing a completeold nest built over a
> previous one, feathers and all, so it begs the question – Ifan old nest
> seems okay, why do they go the work to do an entirely new one?
>
>
>
> I replaced a broken box (perhaps from one of the Park’s miscreantvisitor’s
> efforts?); repaired the roof of another, and retreated so the vexedswarm of
> arrivals could continue their own efforts.
>
>
>
> By this time, the Park boat had arrived, skippered bynone-the-less than
> the Park Manager, himself, Dustin Drew! This guy is one of a long-line of
> great MS ParkManagers who have been just great in giving Bartramian Audubon
> every kind ofgreat assistance over the years. Thank you Dustin, et al.
> Heskippered me out to the Last Man Standing snag, where, upon arrival I
> found Ihad foolishly left my cordless drill atop one of the poles I had
> just finished(sigh!). Dustin cheerfully hauled us backto the landing
> (another sigh!). By nowthe rains had started AGAIN. Dustin wasnot
> deterred, and we went back out, where I found another swarm of TS
> alreadyworking on their own efforts!
>
>
>
> I lamented to Dustin, “It’s a real pity we never had someoneinterested in
> banding these guys.” I believe those small “swarms,” must be those
> offspring bornhere over the years, but no way to prove that, I guess.
>
>
>
> Tragically, one box contained SIX of last year’s tinynestlings,
> long-desiccated. Perhaps the resultof a freeze, or maybe the parents
> succumbed? Nature is beautiful, but also heart-rending; you see much of
> both if you’reat this long enough
>
>
>
> I replaced a roof or two, did a few other fixes, and thenremoved several
> obviously old nests, and left the swarming bunch to their owndevices. I
> reflected on how, when therewere the original SIX snags, the annual
> pre-nesting huge swarm of TS was an absolutedelight to encounter. Time and
> lake icehave finally consumed the other five, so Last Man Standing hangs on
> anotheryear.
>
>
>
> When does our own time come, one might muse? No one gets out alive!
>
>
>
> From that vantage point, I could see the previouslymentioned four poles on
> land, just a couple of hundred yards away that areignored!?
>
>
> Go figure?
>
> Dustin dropped us back at the wharf? We gave a profuse thanks, and waved
> him a warm goodbye as he motored off!
>
>
> In closing, Linda and I left, tired, but exultant! Not every effort at
> nestboxes is successful;some have unhappy endings, but all the efforts are
> worthwhile!
>
>
>
> So – in case you are equivocating -- If you want your own experienceon how
> YOU can make a positive impact, just do it. It’s still not too late to get
> a few boxes upsomewhere, in the right habitat! If youneed any
> encouragement or help, write me.
>
>
>
> Thanks for reading, and best wishes for good birding experiences!
>
>
>
> Jerry Kruth
>
>
>
> Pittsburgh
>
Date: 4/22/25 7:24 am From: jerry Kruth <00000005ead0dac6-dmarc-request...> Subject: Moraine St park nestboxes
Linda and I motored up I-79 yesterday, to Moraine St. Park,to do our sorta-annual nestbox review.
From all the dozens and dozens of boxes once erected aroundthe area, old age and lethargy have reduced my efforts, now limited to thetrove of boxes centered around Porter’s Cove, in the extreme SW corner of thepark.
We had a strange mixed-bag outcome.
First there were the half-dozen “tele-poles” we erected someyears back, with the wonderful help of a power company who “planted” thoseguys, and I installed each with six boxes. Sadly, on the four down the bridal trail (horses, not marriages) onlyone box appeared to have a Chickadee nest, with light moss surrounding a bed ofleaves. Other than that, we had whatmight be a flying squirrel’s hangout, and then several with those wasps thatbuild those mud nests? Extremely disappointingfor all that effort.
Back up at ‘The Cove,” are the two other poles. Around those boxes was already a delightfulswarm of those dazzling iridescent green-and-white long-range migrants! So now, I’m up on a ladder, hoping not tokill myself, or worse -- end up some cripple, and peering in, hoping not to getstung, bitten, or whatever. I find abox packed with materials similar to the ubiquitous field mice, so I take astick and gently began to remove the moss and debris.
Out pop one, two, four tiny (flying?) squirrels, They all fall into the leaves below. Fortunately not one hit the water (did I mentionI again foolishly forgot boots, so now my sneakers are freezing cold with theApril water (sigh!). I race down theladder, scoop them all up in my hat, so as not to touch them -- with theireyes still closed, and now whimpering tiny squeaks of protest, and I then gentlyclimb and put them back!
How these squirrels get into those boxes (and mice) amazes,as they have thirty inches of aluminum wrap to traverse, but I also suspect overhangingbranches can help them arrive by parachute!.
The rest of those dozen boxes contained several for-sure oldnests, which I removed, and scraped out the boxes. Then there were several more nests, which ifnot new construction, at least contain materials that can be reused, so I left them.
There was also at least one box containing a completeold nest built over a previous one, feathers and all, so it begs the question – Ifan old nest seems okay, why do they go the work to do an entirely new one?
I replaced a broken box (perhaps from one of the Park’s miscreantvisitor’s efforts?); repaired the roof of another, and retreated so the vexedswarm of arrivals could continue their own efforts.
By this time, the Park boat had arrived, skippered bynone-the-less than the Park Manager, himself, Dustin Drew! This guy is one of a long-line of great MS ParkManagers who have been just great in giving Bartramian Audubon every kind ofgreat assistance over the years. Thank you Dustin, et al. Heskippered me out to the Last Man Standing snag, where, upon arrival I found Ihad foolishly left my cordless drill atop one of the poles I had just finished(sigh!). Dustin cheerfully hauled us backto the landing (another sigh!). By nowthe rains had started AGAIN. Dustin wasnot deterred, and we went back out, where I found another swarm of TS alreadyworking on their own efforts!
I lamented to Dustin, “It’s a real pity we never had someoneinterested in banding these guys.” I believe those small “swarms,” must be those offspring bornhere over the years, but no way to prove that, I guess.
Tragically, one box contained SIX of last year’s tinynestlings, long-desiccated. Perhaps the resultof a freeze, or maybe the parents succumbed? Nature is beautiful, but also heart-rending; you see much of both if you’reat this long enough
I replaced a roof or two, did a few other fixes, and thenremoved several obviously old nests, and left the swarming bunch to their owndevices. I reflected on how, when therewere the original SIX snags, the annual pre-nesting huge swarm of TS was an absolutedelight to encounter. Time and lake icehave finally consumed the other five, so Last Man Standing hangs on anotheryear.
When does our own time come, one might muse? No one gets out alive!
From that vantage point, I could see the previouslymentioned four poles on land, just a couple of hundred yards away that areignored!?
Go figure?
Dustin dropped us back at the wharf? We gave a profuse thanks, and waved him a warm goodbye as he motored off!
In closing, Linda and I left, tired, but exultant! Not every effort at nestboxes is successful;some have unhappy endings, but all the efforts are worthwhile!
So – in case you are equivocating -- If you want your own experienceon how YOU can make a positive impact, just do it. It’s still not too late to get a few boxes upsomewhere, in the right habitat! If youneed any encouragement or help, write me.
Thanks for reading, and best wishes for good birding experiences!
Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 18:00:00 Total observation time: 10.17 hours
Official Counter: AB
Observers: NB
Visitors: George Young was up bright and early and picked a swell day to experience migration. He was great company as always and put me on several of the day’s birds.
George Young 1 hiker
Weather: Strong SE winds for the entire count at 29-38kph. Visibility was excellent for the entire count to Stone Mountain. Mostly cloudy skies for the entire day made for excellent spotting conditions. Low temperature of 11C at 08:20 and a high of 24C at 13:00.
Raptor Observations: OS 16 (72) BE 8 (114) NH 4 (40) SS 24 (217) CH 5 (47) RS 1 (42) BW 113 (1440) RT 28 (308) AK 5 (68) ML 2 (9) UR 1 (40) Total 207 (2862)
The flight got underway in the 10:00 hour with BW’s beginning to surge along the ridge top. SS’s and OS got moving as well. A memorable OS came through at the close of this hour as it had packed a lunch possibly from Lake Perez of what looked like a nice trout. Good on the OS for planning ahead when lighting out for new territory. Brief lull in the following hour then in the noon hour the flight picked up again with excellent diversity. The flight was steady from noon on and then peaked in the 15:00 – 17:00 hours. The raptors were really pounding the same line which made getting on them easier. The 16:00 hour saw a total of 9 species of migrating raptor which may be one of the most diverse hours of the season. Nick peeled out at 16:30 with the threat of rain and thunder looming. However, as the official counter at Tussey Mountain the protocol dictates I stay until I can hear the tower snap and the lines sizzle before I can leave my post. Fortunately, other than a few droplets on the tablet rain and thunder never did form and I picked up an excellent pulse of birds in the 17:00 hour to close out a stellar day.
Resident RT’s on Leading Ridge and Warrior’s Ridge during the count. At 09:57 the Leading Ridge BW got into an incredible skirmish with one of its kind over Leading Ridge. Pretty impressive as I have yet to see BW’s dogfight. At 15:39 a COHA was performing its display flight near Stone Mountain. Towards the end of the 16:00 hour a resident SSHA was gliding to the S of the cut before moving S along the ridge.
Non-raptor Observations: Nice pulse of COLO in the morning. The usual band of trouble makers made visits to the forest near the OP. EATO getting his hop scratch on, BAWW singing briefly and of course BNWA singing later in the day.
Canada Goose 2 Mourning Dove 3 Ring-billed Gull 3 Common Loon 5 Double-crested Cormorant 54 Great Blue Heron 2 Black Vulture 3 Turkey Vulture 8 Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) 1 Blue-headed Vireo 1 Common Raven 1 Black-capped Chickadee 3 Tree Swallow 1 Barn Swallow 1 American Goldfinch 15 Field Sparrow 1 Eastern Towhee 3 Brown-headed Cowbird 3 Black-and-white Warbler 1 Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 1 Black-throated Green Warbler 2
1 helium balloon
Predictions: Sunny, with a high near 70. West wind around 7 mph.
======================================================================== Report submitted by Adam Richardson (<poecile.gambeli...>) Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch information may be found at: tusseymountainspringhawkwatch.org/
Date: 4/21/25 1:28 pm From: <jerrymcw...> <0000001b5c226889-dmarc-request...> Subject: Erie County, Presque Isle Hawk Watch for April 21, 2025 take 2
I went back out in the PM when the rain stopped. There was a nice little push of BWs that lasted for about 30 minutes as well as several SS and AK.Presque Isle Erie, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Apr 21, 2025 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 5.25 hours
Official Counter: Jerry McWilliams
Observers: Russ States
Visitors: Russ States assisted with the count in the AM.
Weather: Mostly cloudy and warm with strong south wind. Light rain arrived by mid-day.
Raptor Observations: Light flight with few TVs and mostly SS moving through as singles or groups of two and three within a few hundred yards of the lake. I went back out in the PM when the rain stopped to see a nice push of BWs. A large accipiter passed through rather high that may have been an American Goshawk.
Non-raptor Observations: Canada Goose 7, Mallard 4, Rock Pigeon 1, Mourning Dove 3, Killdeer 1, Solitary Sandpiper 1, Ring-billed Gull, Herring Gull, Caspian Tern 2, Common Loon 1, Double-crested Cormorant 1, Great Blue Heron 5, Belted Kingfisher 1, Northern Flicker 15, American Crow, Tree Swallow, Barn Swallow, European Starling, American Robin 2, House Finch 2, American Goldfinch 6, Red-winged Blackbird, Brown-headed Cowbird, Common Grackle, Passerine species 25
Predictions: Much cooler with west wind. Some AM clouds giving way to mostly sunny skies in the PM. A lake 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: David Barber
Counters: Antonella Mascaro, Felix Timmons, Gracey Brouillard
Weather: Mostly cloudy
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: 11:30:00 Total observation time: 3.5 hours
Official Counter: Jerry McWilliams
Observers: Russ States
Visitors: Russ States assisted with the count.
Weather: Mostly cloudy and warm with strong south wind. Light rain arrived by mid-day.
Raptor Observations: Light flight with few TVs and mostly SS moving through as singles or groups of two and three within a few hundred yards of the lake.
Non-raptor Observations: Canada Goose 7, Mallard 4, Rock Pigeon 1, Mourning Dove 3, Killdeer 1, Solitary Sandpiper 1, Ring-billed Gull, Herring Gull, Caspian Tern 2, Common Loon 1, Double-crested Cormorant 1, Great Blue Heron 5, Belted Kingfisher 1, Northern Flicker 15, American Crow, Tree Swallow, Barn Swallow, European Starling, American Robin 2, House Finch 2, American Goldfinch 6, Red-winged Blackbird, Brown-headed Cowbird, Common Grackle, Passerine species 25
Predictions: Much cooler with west wind. Some AM clouds giving way to mostly sunny skies in the PM. A lake flight not likely. Jerry McWilliamsErie, Erie County, <Pa.jerrymcw...>
Date: 4/21/25 8:50 am From: A. Liebner <000000d98121eaef-dmarc-request...> Subject: Sch. Co. FOY Brown Trasher, Bald Eagles, Ravens, Purple Finches and more
April has been good for birding here in the valley.On 4/01 Black Vultures were seen soaring overhead.On 4/02, a Brown Creeper appeared on the dogwood tree.On 4/09 it was nice to see a Northern Flicker foraging around the grounds. (flickers nested here for the past several years) Also on 4/09, I found a Bluebird nest in one of the boxes.4/10 -FOY Purple Finches showed up at the feeders followed by an Adult Bald Eagle in the neighboring fields on 4/11.There was a feeding frenzy in the neighbor's Chicken Farm fields on 4/14. An Immature Bald Eagle, a Red-tailed Hawk, 9 Turkey Vultures, 2 Black Vultures, 6 Ravens and several Crows were observed feeding on a pile of chicken carcasses thrown on the ground outside on of the chicken farm buildings. Of course, the Eagle had first dibs.The next day, 4/15 an Adult Bald Eagle picked at more chicken carcasses while a Wild Turkey gobbler strutted and displayed in front of a hen at the top of the same field.Also, on 4/15, a FOY Brown Trasher returned to the window feeder but was immediately chased by the resident N. Mockingbird. Things have settled since and the Thrasher is finally able to eat in peace.
Non-birding, but still exciting. on 4/18 I spotted the first Mourning Cloak fluttering through the yard.As of 4/20 there are no eggs in the Bluebird nest, but second pair is inspecting another box on our property.4/21- Juncos and White-throats are still here but their numbers are fluctuating. Tree Swallows have been inspecting a box near the house every day for the past few days. It's time to make sugar water for the Hummingbirds. My records indicate their return to our yard on 4/28 and once on 4/29 since the 80's. Timing is everything - Heuchera is ready to bloom; hummers love those pretty Coral Bells and the best thing is they continue to bloom until fall.
Spring is a great time for birding!
Ann M. Liebner
Wayne Twp. Schuylkill Co.
Date: 4/21/25 5:41 am From: Michael Fialkovich <0000012b4af48ab0-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: various birds, Crawford Co.
These days, any location for Vesper Sparrow is notable, so glad you have two locations for them.
Mike Fialkkovich Allegheny County
On Monday, April 21, 2025 at 07:00:49 AM EDT, Kendall Zook <kendallzook98...> wrote:
Although they are considered unreliable and unusual in Crawford County, I have a few regular spots to find Vesper Sparrow by now. At our school along Rt. 408 east of Cambridge Springs, I get them singing almost every year and they did not disappoint this year either. I heard the first one singing April 3, then about a week of cold weather past, and now the past week or so one has been singing regularly. Last year one stayed late enough that it made it into the possible breeding window for the atlas, but then I could no longer find it after that so I don't know for sure if they breed. This past Saturday (4/19), Daryl Nolt and I had one Vesper Sparrow at another of my regular spots just down the road from my house just west of Cambridge Springs.
A few other noteworthy observations recently. at least 8 Fox Sparrows on April 6 at the same place we saw the Vesper Sparrow near my house. Also FOY Pine Warbler singing near the same spot on April 19. Then at home in the afternoon of April 19, as the cold front moved through, four almost microscopic Broad-winged Hawks moved through pushed ahead of the storm. I have only seen them on my property once before, but that's probably because I don't sky watch enough.
Date: 4/21/25 4:00 am From: Kendall Zook <kendallzook98...> Subject: various birds, Crawford Co.
Although they are considered unreliable and unusual in Crawford County, I have a few regular spots to find Vesper Sparrow by now. At our school along Rt. 408 east of Cambridge Springs, I get them singing almost every year and they did not disappoint this year either. I heard the first one singing April 3, then about a week of cold weather past, and now the past week or so one has been singing regularly. Last year one stayed late enough that it made it into the possible breeding window for the atlas, but then I could no longer find it after that so I don't know for sure if they breed. This past Saturday (4/19), Daryl Nolt and I had one Vesper Sparrow at another of my regular spots just down the road from my house just west of Cambridge Springs.
A few other noteworthy observations recently. at least 8 Fox Sparrows on April 6 at the same place we saw the Vesper Sparrow near my house. Also FOY Pine Warbler singing near the same spot on April 19. Then at home in the afternoon of April 19, as the cold front moved through, four almost microscopic Broad-winged Hawks moved through pushed ahead of the storm. I have only seen them on my property once before, but that's probably because I don't sky watch enough.
Date: 4/21/25 3:52 am From: Kendall Zook <kendallzook98...> Subject: Oil Creek State Park, Venango Co.
A few new arrivals for us as we walked the southern end of the Oil Creek Bike Trail in Oil Creek State Park: two Yellow-throated Warblers, singing in the sycamores along the creek, a Black-throated Green Warbler, two Northern Waterthrushes, and a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. I don't regularly bird here so I can't say they were new arrivals in the park, but it was nice to see them anyway. Also had lots of Yellow-rumped Warblers and we heard a Broad-winged Hawk calling.
Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: AB
Observers:
Visitors: David Stiemling from Wagoners Gap HW was up in the afternoon and helped put me on several migrating raptors. His timing was perfect as there was another pulse while he was up and we got to see a few migrants moving N.
David Stiemling 18 hikers
Weather: Fairly cool start to the morning which was welcome after yesterday’s scorcher. 12-19kph NW winds for most of the count. Visibility was really good during the entire count with views to Stone Mountain and beyond. I believe it may have rained a little last night as all the haze was gone today and the air quality was superb. There were high cirrus clouds for the entire count which made for excellent spotting conditions. Low temperature of 9c at 08:40 and a high of 23C at 15:00.
Raptor Observations: TV 1 (279) OS 4 (56) BE 2 (106) SS 2 (193) CH 1 (42) BW 11 (1327) RT 3 (280) Total 24 (2655)
Slow but steady flight with BW’s leading the flight. They would surprise me throughout the day as they were indeed flying on top of the ridge even in the NW winds. I got lucky in the 09:00 hour as I hadn’t really been looking to the NW and caught one naked eye trying to sneak by. I then tracked back on the flight line it took and picked up 3 others that where in tow streaming out on the same line. Despite frequent scope scanning over Stone Valley and Stone Mountain that didn’t yield much.
Resident raptors were mildly active during the count. RT’s out over stone, BE’s in skirmishes on Warrior’s Ridge and the BW on Leading Ridge.
Non-raptor Observations: There were several BAWW up at the OP this morning. Really enjoyed getting good looks at them. BGGN made it up for a first of the year too.
Mourning Dove 5 Common Loon 1 Black Vulture 1 Turkey Vulture 5 Red-bellied Woodpecker 1 Downy Woodpecker 1 Pileated Woodpecker 1 Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) 2 American Crow 1 Common Raven 3 Black-capped Chickadee 5 Tufted Titmouse 1 Tree Swallow 3 Barn Swallow 2 Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1 White-breasted Nuthatch 1 Brown Creeper 2 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 1 Northern House Wren 1 Purple Finch 2 Pine Siskin 1 American Goldfinch 8 Field Sparrow 1 Eastern Towhee 2 Brown-headed Cowbird 7 Black-and-white Warbler 2 Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 1 Black-throated Green Warbler 6
Predictions: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm, mainly after 5pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 68. South wind 7 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
======================================================================== Report submitted by Adam Richardson (<poecile.gambeli...>) Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch information may be found at: tusseymountainspringhawkwatch.org/
Observation start time: 07:30:00 Observation end time: 15:30:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Bob Stewart, Mike Smith
Observers: Mike Smith, Terry Suder
Visitors: 12 including: Terry Suder, Mihir Khanna, Natalia Wiatey (Pittsburgh), Mike Smith
Weather: Warm up to 17 degrees C. High clouds with sunshine . Cloud cover light in AM increasing during the day to 100% at 2 PM EST. Haze, visibility 25 km.
Raptor Observations: 3 migrating raptors: 1 ea ofsharp-shinned hawk, broad-winged hawk and turkey vulture. About 5 or 6 turkey vultures going up and down the valley.
Non-raptor Observations: brown-headed cowbirds, n. cardinal, field sparrow, pileated woodpecker, wild turkey, bluebirds, wb nuthatch, tufted titmouse, mourning doves, robin, towhee, rb woodpecker, raven, crow, song sparrow.
Predictions: High of 70 degrees. Rain by mid-afternoon. Wind from the SE 10-20 mph. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Robert Stewart (<bob...>)
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Compiler:
Counters: Gracey Brouillard , Mathew sacul, R0xanne Wolf, Sami teich
Weather: Sunny, blue skies overcast with thin veil of clouds. North 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: 4/20/25 11:05 am From: Donna Collett <dcollett57...> Subject: Blue headed Vireo Ovenbird Bluegrey Gnatcatcher - Washington County
FOY Blue headed Vireo and Blue Grey Gnatcatchers and Ovenbirds at Hillman SP- Colt to Short n Sweet loop trails. One Pine Warbler. Many RB Nuthatch, White throated Sparrow and Goldfinch . One Sharpshinned Hawk.
Happy Easter! Donna Collett Washington County, I think
Had a male FOY show up this evening at 7:05 out my front door. One of my earliest dates. Usually around 22nd-27th. Redbud and crabapples are blooming along with the spring ephemerals like Virginia bluebells.
Marcy Cunkelman
SW Indiana County, PA
Sent from my iPhone
> On Apr 19, 2025, at 8:11 AM, Donna Collett <dcollett57...> wrote:
>
> FOY Ruby throated Hummingbird landed for a sip this morning . I just put
> feeder out yesterday.
>
> Donna Collett
> Washington County
Date: 4/19/25 7:13 pm From: Michael Fialkovich <0000012b4af48ab0-dmarc-request...> Subject: Pacific Loon in Allegheny County
Hi,
A Pacific Loon was discovered this morning at Duck Hollow in Allegheny County.
Many birders were able to see it this evening. It was sometimes visible at distance from the parking lot at Duck Hollow looking upriver near two red channel markers. It was also visible from the opposite side of the river behind the condos at the Waterfront Shopping area. It was surprisingly not easy to find. It was diving a lot and was out of sight most of the time. The bird settled down at dusk and stopped diving, allowing longer views.
Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: AB
Observers:
Visitors: None
11 hikers 3 runners
Weather: Warm. Light NW winds to start the count shifting to the W by 13:00. Visibility was limited to a haze for the entire count over Stone Valley limiting views to Warrior’s Ridge. Clouds came and went, but built steadily again in the afternoon. Despite a forecast of thunderstorms and rain, all that weather stayed over the Allegheny Front. Low temperature of 21 C at 08:00 and a high of 29C by 13:00. The count was called off at 15:00 due to flight tapering off.
Raptor Observations: OS 1 (52) BE 3 (104) NH 1 (36) SS 12 (191) BW 47 (1316) RT 1 (277) AK 1 (63) UR 1 (39) Total 67 (2631)
Arrived early on to mop up the last BW’s of yesterday’s movement. Lift off didn’t disappoint as my first bino pass I got a SSHA and second pass yielded a BW. Based on that, I am sure raptors were moving right at dawn as it was very warm and the winds were good all night. I had 44 of the 67 raptors for the day by 09:30 which is when the count is usually supposed to start. BW’s led the flight, however there was a nice push of SS’s too. By noon I couldn’t find a migrating raptor no matter how hard I scanned either in bins or out over the Stone Valley. I may have been limited on the Stone Valley side though as a heavy haze had developed.
Resident raptors detected were of course the RT’s and BE’s. The resident BW was out on Leading Ridge zipping around during the afternoon. I tracked it down onto the W face of Leading Ridge and got to watch it perch through the scope.
Non-raptor Observations: On the walk into the cut I was greeted by many BTNW that may have arrived overnight on the warm S winds. Lots of zee zee zee zee zo zeet going on. EATO was on territory holding down the fort when I arrived at the cut. He was belting out his song and could care less as I set up my gear. He then descended into the bushes to get his hop scratch on. I heard some loud chip notes directly behind me and got on a BAWW looking sharp. It got its nuthatch on by foraging under branches upside down.
duck sp. 1 Chimney Swift 1 Double-crested Cormorant 14 Great Blue Heron 1 Black Vulture 1 Turkey Vulture 10 Red-bellied Woodpecker 1 Downy Woodpecker 1 Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) 2 Blue-headed Vireo 1 Blue Jay 1 American Crow 1 Common Raven 1 Black-capped Chickadee 2 Tufted Titmouse 1 Tree Swallow 1 Northern Rough-winged Swallow 1 Barn Swallow 1 White-breasted Nuthatch 1 Red-breasted Nuthatch 1 Brown Creeper 2 American Robin 2 House Finch 1 Purple Finch 6 American Goldfinch 3 Field Sparrow 1 Eastern Towhee 2 Brown-headed Cowbird 7 Common Grackle 2 Black-and-white Warbler 1 Pine Warbler 1 Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 2 Black-throated Green Warbler 5
Predictions: Mostly sunny, with a high near 67. North wind 5 to 8 mph. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Adam Richardson (<poecile.gambeli...>) Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch information may be found at: tusseymountainspringhawkwatch.org/
Observation start time: 07:45:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7.25 hours
Official Counter: Brian M. Wargo
Observers: Adam Katrancha, Bill Cline, Jeanine Ging, Sandy Cline
Visitors: Today was Raptorthon and we had several visitors...Thank you for your support and your donations! Freedom Area High School's Naturalist Club had the current president Dekota Roberts with future president Leo Kaleugher and past president Ella Walden representing!
Weather: A bit of haze in the valley this morning with warm temperatures (about 70 degrees). Winds from the west picked up and remained strong throughout the day as temperatures rose.
Raptor Observations: Bald Eagle Adult - 7:45 a.m.
About 10 Broad-winged Hawks, a few sharpies, and a Cooper's Hawk were flying throughout the day, most likely hunting, but were not migrating.
Non-raptor Observations: American Crow, American Robin, Black-capped Chickadee, Blue Jay, Brown-headed Cowbird, Chimney Swift, Common Loon, Common Raven, Double-crested Cormorant, Dark-eyed Junco, Downy Woodpecker, Eastern Bluebird, Eastern Phoebe, Eastern Towhee, Northern Cardinal, Northern Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker, Rough-winged Swallow, Tree Swallow, Tufted Titmouse, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, White-Breasted Nuthatch
Many Black Swallowtail Butterflies along with a few Eastern Tiger Swallowtails
Predictions: Mostly cloudy skies early - will become partly cloudy later in the day. High 71F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Brian M. Wargo (<brianwargo...>)
Date: 4/19/25 2:41 pm From: Nick Bolgiano <nickbolgiano...> Subject: State College Bird Club, Wed, April 23, 7 p.m., Zoom presentation: The Red-tailed Hawk Project
On Wed, Apr 23, 7 p.m., the State College Bird Club will be hosting Bryce
Robinson from Cornell Lab of Ornithology, who will give a Zoom presentation
on The Red-tailed Hawk Project.
This is timely because the Cornell Lab of Ornithology's Living Bird
magazine's recent issue has a cover article by Scott Weidensaul on this
very topic. There are generally thought to be about 16 subspecies of
Red-tailed Hawk and this project is a collaboration among researchers to
determine where the different subspecies winter and summer. For example,
some of the Red-tails that winter in the Central Plains are dark - where do
they breed? The Hawk Ridge hawk watch typically records a handful of
dark Red-tails every fall - where do they breed? Do some subspecies that
are mostly light-colored have some dark individuals? Those types of puzzles
are why the Red-tailed Hawk project started.
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Compiler: David Barber
Counters: Aishwarya Laghate, Antonella Mascaro
Weather: Partly cloudy. High near 81. North west wind
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: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 19:00:00 Total observation time: 11.48 hours
Official Counter: AB
Observers: Jacqui McKee
Visitors: Jacqui and David McKee brought their daughter who is in town along with her daughter’s boyfriend up to catch a spectacular BW migration. The McKees are killer spotters and I greatly appreciate their help point out birds as always. I also had two other visitors whose names I didn’t get, one of whom studies asteroids. They too got to see a BW a minute during their visit.
Jacqui and David McKee (with their daughter and her boyfriend) 2 more visitors I didn’t get their name
2 runners 12 hikers
Weather: Strong SE winds for the entire count peaking at 29-38 kph at 17:00. Visibility was excellent to Stone Mountain for the entire day. Clouds came and went, mostly high cirrus. Fortunately, enough of a haze from the clouds stuck around all day to provide excellent spotting conditions. Low temperature of 10C at 08:00 and a high of 26C by 16:00.
Raptor Observations: TV 5 (278) OS (51) BE 8 (101) NH 3 (35) SS 24 (179) CH 4 (41) BW 365 (1269) RT 17 (276) GE 3 (150) AK 2 (62) ML 2 (7) UB 1 (17) Total 446 (2564)
GE Immature 16:05, Immature 16:33, Immature 17:47
The flight got underway in the 09:00 hour with a total of 30 raptors making their way past the OP. BW’s led the flight obviously, with all the birds up on the ridge top in the SE winds. Excellent diversity too, with 6 species in that hour. In the 11:00 hour the hourly total nearly doubled with a notable uptick in BW’s. Today was much easier than yesterday as they were pretty much pounding the same line over the cut, just getting higher and higher as it warmed up. At 13:00 the flight lulled dropping to about half the hourly totals prior at 25 raptors coming through. I thought maybe the flight was going to taper at this point, but was pleasantly surprised when the biggest push of the day came in the 14:00 hour with 89 raptors coming through. Again, the BW’s lead this hour with 79 total coming through and nice diversity as well. From 15:00 – 18:00 the flight was steady at about 25ish raptors per hour. Staying late paid off as BW’s clearly were going to fly until sunset. In the 18:00 I picked up another 52 BW’s and again the diversity was good too. I also got an excellent look at the sharpest looking immature GE of the season with beautiful wing patches. All the GE’s that flew over the OP late in the day made their way over me effortlessly without hesitation as I just blend in to the surroundings in the cut. By the 19:00 hour I was wore out from all the scanning over an 11.5-hour effort.
Resident raptors were quite active in the favorable S winds. RT’s gliding S along the RT and Leading Ridge throughout the day’s effort. The BWHA spent some time low on Leading Ridge and might have gotten chased off by the RT’s whose territory that is. Late in the count there was 3 BE’s in a skirmish over Stone Valley.
Non-raptor Observations: The COLO made another excellent push in the morning hours. The DCCO’s were on the move again as well. There has been a huge gap since my first of the season detection of CHSW, but got a loner ripping through the cut today. The first BHVI of the season showed up late in the afternoon and was quite vocal. Clearly it can belt out its song plenty loud enough over the high winds. It bounced around in the trees behind me for a bit before flying directly overhead to the S side of the cut to take up singing again.
Canada Goose 15 Mourning Dove 3 Chimney Swift 1 Common Loon 71 Double-crested Cormorant 16 Great Blue Heron 1 Black Vulture 2 Turkey Vulture 5 Downy Woodpecker 1 Pileated Woodpecker 1 Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) 1 Blue-headed Vireo 1 Blue Jay 1 American Crow 5 Common Raven 9 Black-capped Chickadee 1 Tufted Titmouse 1 Tree Swallow 3 European Starling 4 American Robin 1 House Finch 2 American Goldfinch 6 Field Sparrow 1 Eastern Towhee 2 Brown-headed Cowbird 2 Common Grackle 3
Predictions: A slight chance of showers between 9am and 2pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 81. West wind 8 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Adam Richardson (<poecile.gambeli...>) 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: Sandy Cline
Observers: Dave Poder, Greg Gdula, Jim Rocco, Nancy Ott
Visitors: Bob Stewart also helped spot! Shari & David Rogers, Haydon Adain, Matthias Lowry
Weather: Very warm, temps in the 70's, SE/ESE winds 5-15 mph
Raptor Observations: 3 Bald Eagle 11:37 Ad, 1:20 3-4 yr, 1:20 Ad 4 Golden Eagle 12:44 juv., 12:45 sub-adult, 1:19 juv., 1:32 juv. It was an awesome raptor day! Thanks to all who helped find/spot birds.
Non-raptor Observations: Eastern Towhee, Tree Swallows, Eastern Bluebirds, Titmouse, Junco, Starlings, Brown headed Cowbirds, Chipping Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Flicker, Brown Thrasher; 2 Loon & 5 Cormorants flew over site
Predictions: Warm, AM clouds, PM sun 60-70 temps ======================================================================== Report submitted by Sandy Cline (<horseldy...>)
======================================================================== Report submitted by Laurie Goodrich (<goodrich...>) Hawk Mountain Sanctuary information may be found at: http://www.hawkmountain.org/
Observation start time: 10:30:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 3.5 hours
Official Counter: Craig McCoy
Observers:
Weather: Breezy wind from the south. Cloud cover varied from about 20% at the start, 90% half way, and back to 20% at the end.
Raptor Observations: Turkey vulture, black vulture, bald eagles, red-tail hawk, and cooper hawk seen but not counted as migrants. Four osprey seen following similar flight path as the broad-wings also not counted.
Non-raptor Observations: Count was conducted near the park's south observation deck. Most of the broad-wings streamed along the south edge of the ridge. Largest kettle was 45. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Parks Volunteer (<parks...>)
Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 13:00:00 Total observation time: 6 hours
Official Counter: Jerry McWilliams
Observers: Julie Leonard, Katie Andersen
Visitors: Julie Leonard and later, Katie Andersen assisted with the count. Julie Dell and Mark Lethaby stopped for a visit along with Mike and several others from Verizon who were working at the site. Two curious bicyclists stopped for a short chat as well.
Weather: Mostly cloudy with periods of sun. Strong SSW wind then after a brief shower winds shifted to WNW and temps. fell a bit. Unseasonably warm in the AM.
Raptor Observations: The first big day for BWs with a fair number of SS and AK as well. They were flying low and close to the lake early then later rising to heights almost out of view with 8X binoculars. After a brief shower the winds shifted off the lake and the flight shut down.
Non-raptor Observations: Canada Goose 7, American Wigeon 2, Common Merganser 2, Rock Pigeon 4, Mourning Dove 2, Ring-billed and Herring gull, Caspian Tern 1, Common Loon 1, Double-crested Cormorant 56, Great Blue Heron 5, Belted Kingfisher 2, Northern Flicker 15, American Crow, Tree Swallow, Purple Martin 6, Barn Swallow 6, European Starling, American Robin, Purple Finch 4, Red-winged Blackbird, Brown-headed Cowbird, Common Grackle.
Predictions: 90% chance of showers and thunderstorms especially in the AM with strong WSW wind. I think the rain will put a damper on the flight. Jerry McWilliamsErie, Erie County, <Pa.jerrymcw...>
Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 17:00:00 Total observation time: 9.55 hours
Official Counter: AB
Observers:
Visitors: None
2 hikers.
Weather: The morning started off cold on Tussey Mountain. NW winds at 6-11kph to start at 08:00. The NW winds peaked at 20-28kph by 13:00. By the close of the count the winds had shifted to the SW at 6-11kph which is likely why the last few hours of the count saw another pulse of migrating raptors. Visibility was excellent with views for the entire day to Stone Mountain. Blue skies for the entire day made detecting sky-high BW’s a chore. Low temperature of -1C at 08:00 and a high of 17C by 16:00.
Raptor Observations: TV 3 (273) OS 5 (39) BE 1 (93) SS 3 (155) BW 83 (904) RT 8 (259) AK 2 (60) UF 1 (2) UR 3 (38) Total 107 (2118)
Once it warmed up enough in Stone Valley the flight got underway at 09:00 with 16 migrants moving through. BW led the flight with a total of 83 coming through. Almost all of the raptors on the count were picked up by scope scanning Stone Valley and Mountain. The flight appeared to lull in the 11:00 hour, but I have a hunch BW’s were going sky high in the blue sky. This likely made them next to impossible to detect. I completely lucked out in the 13:00 hour and got on the largest kettle of the day over Stone Valley. Again, I was scoping Stone Mountain and noticed the kettle. I then went to the bottom of the kettle and started picking up the BW’s streaming in from Stone Mountain to the bottom of the kettle so I could get a good count. Suddenly what seemed to be another slow hour had some good numbers on the boards. It wasn’t until the 15:00 hour that I started to see BW’s up on Tussey Mountain. I have found that once the sun is directly over the ridge it gets more traffic. I was thinking of calling the day at 17:00, but after picking up another 8 BW’s I decided to close out the count at 17:30 with 4 more raptors.
Resident raptors were quite active making use of the excellent thermals. At 11:20 the adult RT was kiting on Leading Ridge. At 11:54 the Stone Valley COHA was out performing its display flight over the power line cut in Stone Valley. At 12:23 the immature RT was spotted moving S along the top of Tussey Mountain. At 15:27 the first resident BW of the season was detected to the S of the OP, then it moved down onto Leading Ridge. At 17:05 a local SS flew the exact same line as the BW noted above.
Non-raptor Observations: The WITU was getting rowdy near the cut. Nice pulse of COLO early in the morning. DCCO’s got in on the movement as well. First BARS of the season, aka micro falcon. RCKI started to get riled up, but moved on.
Wild Turkey 1 Mourning Dove 3 Common Loon 26 Double-crested Cormorant 17 Black Vulture 1 Turkey Vulture 5 Red-bellied Woodpecker 1 Downy Woodpecker 1 Pileated Woodpecker 2 Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) 1 American Crow 2 Common Raven 1 Black-capped Chickadee 7 Tree Swallow 8 Barn Swallow 1 Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1 Golden-crowned Kinglet 1 White-breasted Nuthatch 2 Brown Creeper 1 Eastern Bluebird 1 American Robin 3 American Goldfinch 11 Field Sparrow 1 Brown-headed Cowbird 2 Common Grackle 2 Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 1
Predictions: Mostly sunny, with a high near 76. Light southeast wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 22 mph. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Adam Richardson (<poecile.gambeli...>) Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch information may be found at: tusseymountainspringhawkwatch.org/
Non-raptor Observations: BC Chickadees, WB nuthatches, Tufted Titmice, Juncos, Tree Swallows, E Bluebirds, M Doves, Hairy wp, N Cardinal, Chipping, Song Sparrows, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Brown-headed Cowbirds, Towhees, Robins, Crows, Ravens, Blue jays
Local TVs
Predictions: Mostly sunny, S winds, high temp near 20C ======================================================================== Report submitted by Dave Poder (<avions...>)
Date: 4/17/25 2:04 pm From: Meg Kolodick <000000dc3b46d747-dmarc-request...> Subject: 2 Mile Run Co. Park, Venango Co. 4/17
Flying and along the mud flat/lake shore:
TREE, BANK, ROUGH-WINGED and BARN SWALLOWS, 8 BUFFLEHEADS, 1 SWAMP SPARROW, 1 RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET, 1 AMERICAN PIPPIT, 1 COMMON YELLOWTHROAT, 1 BELTED KINGFISHER, 1 SONG SPARROW, RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS, 1 EASTERN PHOEBE, 1 RED-TAILED HAWK, 1 TURKEY VULTURE.
Contributors: Kerry Bell, David Bennett, Shelley Berg, Kimberly Berry, Dave Brooke, Kyle Brubaker, John Campbell, Meredith Cellitti, Richard Chirichiello, Adrian Fenton, Eric Hall, Margaret Higbee, Tyler Hodges, Meg Kolodick, Glenn Koppel, Eric Liebgold, Joanna Lorance, Richard Love, Dan McGuire, Ann McMican, Jerry McWilliams, Dan Mendenhall, Joseph Pumford, Nathan Rees, Natalie Rodgers, Randy Sanner, Donald Snyder, Kyle Spencer, Kim Springer, Daniel Tatomir, John Taylor, Shannon Thompson, Carl Thomson, Gregory Tomb, Robert Walczak, Sara Wetzel, Michael Williams, Bill Winkler, Carole Winslow, Eric Yanyo.
Compiler: Amy Taracido
Tuesday, 1 April 2025 through Tuesday, 8 April 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 LOON, SORA, WHITE-WINGED SCOTER, LONG-TAILED DUCK, GREATER YELLOWLEGS, HORNED LARK, PINE SISKIN continue to be reported.
ALLEGHENY COUNTY:
In Creighton on 3/31-4/8, 1 BARNACLE GOOSE (MC et. al.).
On 4/2 and 4/5 at Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve, 1 SPOTTED TOWHEE X EASTERN TOWHEE (hybrid) (DMe, EL).
On 4/3 in Bethel Park, 1 BLACK VULTURE (ST).
At Sharpsburg Marina on 4/4, 1 FORSTER'S TERN (DB et. al.).
On 4/5 at Janoski's Farm, 1 PURPLE MARTIN (DBe).
On 4/5 and 4/7 at Wingfield Pines, 1 MARSH WREN (DT et. al.).
At North Park on 4/6, 1 CASPIAN TERN (EH).
At Harrison Hills Park on 4/6-4/7, 1 PURPLE MARTIN (DBr).
BUTLER COUNTY:
On 4/5 at Moraine State Park, 2 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS (KBer); on 4/7, 2 RED-THROATED LOONS (GK).
CLARION COUNTY:
On 4/5 in Sligo, 3+ SHORT-EARED OWLS (CW).
At Kahle Lake on 4/6, 2 SANDHILL CRANES (CW).
CRAWFORD COUNTY:
At Deer Run Overlook on 4/5, 1 TRUMPETER SWAN (KBr).
On 4/8 at Pymatuning State Park, 2 COMMON TERNS (NR).
ERIE COUNTY:
On 4/5 at Fairview Business Park, 1 NORTHERN SHRIKE (JL).
At Presque Isle State Park on 4/5, 1 BLACK-HEADED GULL (JC), 2 EARED GREBES (AM); on 4/8, 1 FORSTER'S TERN (JM), 9 COMMON TERNS (DS).
FAYETTE COUNTY:
On 4/4 at Greenlick Run Lake, 3 CASPIAN TERNS (KBel).
In Mount Pleasant on 4/4, 1 COMMON TERN (SB).
On 4/4 at Heritage Scout Reservation, 1 RED-THROATED LOON (CT).
At Duck Pond Road on 4/7, 4 DUNLIN (KBel et. al.).
In Farmington on 4/7, 1 flyover RED-THROATED LOON (DMcG).
GREENE COUNTY:
Along Drift Ridge Road on 4/2, 1 BLACK VULTURE (NR).
On 4/6 near Ryerson Station State Park, 5 BLACK VULTURES (JP).
INDIANA COUNTY:
At Yellow Creek State Park on 4/1, 1 LITTLE GULL (RL); on 4/5 and 4/6, 1 FORSTER'S TERN (GT, TH); on 4/8, 2 RED-THROATED LOONS (MH).
On 4/8 at Hemlock Lake, 1 TRUMPETER SWAN (KSpe).
LAWRENCE COUNTY:
In the Volant area on 4/4, 1 NORTHERN HARRIER; on 4/5, 1 NORTHERN HARRIER (RW).
MERCER COUNTY:
At the Shenango Wildlife Area ponds on 4/1, 1 possible FISH CROW (via Ebird), 7 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE, 1 AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN (AF), 2 TRUMPETER SWANS (MW); on 4/3, 1 DUNLIN (JT); on 4/6, 1 CACKLING GOOSE (BW), 10 CLIFF SWALLOWS (MW).
On 4/5 along District Road, 1 CACKLING GOOSE (KSpr).
SOMERSET COUNTY:
On 4/2 and 4/4 at Lake Somerset, 3 SANDHILL CRANES (via Ebird, SW).
VENANGO COUNTY:
On 4/4 at Kahle Lake, 1 MERLIN (MK).
WASHINGTON COUNTY:
This week in the Coal Center/California area, BLACK VULTURES (AT, DA).
On 4/6 at Cross Creek County Park, 1 FORSTER'S TERN (EY).
WESTMORELAND COUNTY:
On 4/2 at Saint Vincent Lake and Wetlands, 1 SNOW GOOSE (RC).
At Keystone State Park on 4/5, 5 CASPIAN TERNS (RS).
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 6 hours
Compiler: David Barber
Counters: Antonella Mascaro, Gracey Brouillard
Weather: Sunny. North wind
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: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 13:00:00 Total observation time: 5.33 hours
Official Counter: AB
Observers:
Visitors: None
Weather: Cold, cloudy morning with a few snow flurries to begin the survey. Strong NW winds at 29-38kph Increasing to 39-49kph by 10:00. Visibility was excellent. Mostly cloudy skies for the entire count, although the sun did peak out a few times. Low temperature of 1C at 08:40 and a high of 6C by 13:00. The count was called off at 14:00 due to the poor conditions for migrating raptors and increasing winds.
Raptor Observations: TV 2 (272) BE 1 (92) SS 1 (152) BW 3 (821) RT 2 (251) Total 9 (2011)
Slow flight which was to be expected considering the less-than-ideal conditions for migrating raptors.
At 10:31 the resident immature RT glided through the cut and into the gap. At 13:55 an adult BE was spotted far out over Stone Valley gaining altitude. It eventually moved S down the valley.
Non-raptor Observations: Mourning Dove 1 Common Loon 6 Turkey Vulture 4 Pileated Woodpecker 1 American Crow 1 Tree Swallow 2 White-breasted Nuthatch 1 American Goldfinch 1 Brown-headed Cowbird 1
Predictions: Areas of frost before 8am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 60. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Adam Richardson (<poecile.gambeli...>) Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch information may be found at: tusseymountainspringhawkwatch.org/
======================================================================== Report submitted by Laurie Goodrich (<goodrich...>) Hawk Mountain Sanctuary information may be found at: http://www.hawkmountain.org/
Observation start time: 06:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 6.78 hours
Official Counter: AB
Observers:
Visitors: None
Weather: Warm and cloudy morning with light NW winds at 1-5km. By noon the NW winds had picked up to 29-38kph which pretty much killed the flight. Visibility was mostly excellent after the rain last night with good views to Stone Mountain. Mostly cloudy skies to start, but every hour or so they would burn off significantly only to rebuild in 30 minutes as multiple rain and hail squalls blew over Tussey Mountain later in the count. Low temperature of 6C at 11:00 when the hail and thunder blew in. High temperature of 12C at 09:00.
Raptor Observations: Several milestones for the spring count were achieved during the day’s effort. I have now put in 400.97 hours of observation time for the season. I had been looking forward to the 1,000 raptors for the season, but in a couple days I have managed to now cross 2,000 raptors for season. It will be very interesting to see how these final days of the 2025 season pan out.
The early morning start didn’t disappoint with 40 raptors moving through in the first 30 minutes of 08:00 hour. The morning was primarily compromised of BW’s that had likely bedded down in the forest overnight. The morning sun breaking through the clouds occasionally on the BW’s low on Leading Ridge was all-star. Seeing these graceful long distance travelers making their way from Central and South America along the ridges of Tussey Mountain is one of the many gifts of time well spent in the cut. In the second half of this hour, I started to see small kettles of less than 10 individuals out over the fields in Stone Valley near the blinky cell tower. There was a nice pulse of SS’s in this hour too. A lone SA GE was spotted circling out over the gap quite close to the OP. I was lucky this eagle was so close as I had been fixated on tracking sky high BW’s. Having good camouflage helps as this eagle streamed right over the powerline never hesitating like many do when there is lots of traffic in the cut. In the 09:00 hour the BW’s started to get much higher with the buteos being detected high up above leading ridge. I really lucked onto a few groups that had snuck by sky high under a large cumulus cloud to the S of the OP. Fortunately these BW’s then hopscotched over to Tussey Mountain almost directly over the cut so I could get a good count. A memorable close encounter was a BW that flew right through the cut from N to S to join a kettle down at the base of Leading Ridge. Nothing like following the BW’s to where the party is. By 10:00 the flight had started to shut down before the first round of rain, thunder and hail arrived around 13:30. After that I hunkered down at the truck for about 45 minutes before coming out for a second attempt to count between 14:20 and 15:12. I did pick up another RT and BW to close out the day with 201 raptors before another round of rain made its way over Tussey Mountain with associated high winds, cooler temps and thunder.
TUVU were the only resident raptors detected.
Non-raptor Observations: Non-raptor Notes
I’m enjoying seeing HETH on the trail in to the cut. One NOFL was going absolutely bonkers before the weather rolled in. If Crandell doesn’t come back I may have to name that flicker. While the flicker was going berserk there were several BCCH skirmishes behind me in the forest. At one point two were arm’s length away having worn each other out in a bout of fee beeyee. This of course got all the other small passerines interested and the WBNU, DOWO, EAPH and even a RCKI got cued up. Across the cut a BTNW got in on the jam and eventually the first MYWA’s of the season started singing too. Pretty raucous bird party while I was trying to focus on spotting distant BWHA’s.
Common Merganser 4 Mourning Dove 2 Common Loon 2 Double-crested Cormorant 9 Great Blue Heron 1 Turkey Vulture 7 Red-bellied Woodpecker 1 Downy Woodpecker 1 Pileated Woodpecker 1 Northern Flicker 2 Eastern Phoebe 1 Blue Jay 1 American Crow 2 Black-capped Chickadee 5 Tufted Titmouse 1 Tree Swallow 1 Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1 Golden-crowned Kinglet 2 White-breasted Nuthatch 2 Eastern Bluebird 1 Hermit Thrush 2 American Robin 1 House Finch 2 Purple Finch 5 American Goldfinch 2 Field Sparrow 1 Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) 1 Eastern Towhee 1 Red-winged Blackbird 1 Brown-headed Cowbird 7 Common Grackle 2 Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 2 Black-throated Green Warbler 1
Predictions: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 46. West wind around 17 mph, with gusts as high as 37 mph.
======================================================================== Report submitted by Adam Richardson (<poecile.gambeli...>) Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch information may be found at: tusseymountainspringhawkwatch.org/
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Compiler: David Barber
Counters: Aishwarya Laghate, Evelyn de Chazal
Weather: Mostly cloudy.
Raptor Observations: Broadwing migration in full force!
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: 10:30:00 Total observation time: 2.5 hours
Official Counter: Jim Rocco
Observers:
Weather: Early morning heavy cloud cover . Strong winds from the West with gust up to 34 mph. Cloud cover increased to 100% with rain starting around 10:15. when rain started visibility decreased down to less than 7 miles ending the count for the day
Raptor Observations: 4 raptors counted
Non-raptor Observations: Juncos, blue birds,tree swallows, robins, doves, tree sparrows, black capped chicadees, brown headed cow birds, flickers, pileated woodpecker, local tv's.
Predictions: cold ith possible snow showers ======================================================================== Report submitted by Jim Rocco (<jd.jh.rocco...>)
Date: 4/15/25 10:57 am From: Amy Taracido <amytaracido...> Subject: RBA western Pennsylvania, 1 April 2025 (two weeks)
RBA
*Pennsylvania
*Pittsburgh and western Pennsylvania
*PAWE0401.25twoweeks
Highlights:
BARNACLE GOOSE (Allegheny County)
ROSS'S GOOSE (Greene County)
GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE (Mercer County)
CACKLING GOOSE (Mercer County)
RED-NECKED GREBE
EASTERN WHIP-POOR-WILL
AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER (Crawford County)
PURPLE SANDPIPER
LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL
LITTLE GULL (Indiana County)
BLACK-HEADED GULL (Erie County)
AMERICAN HERRING GULL X LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL (hybrid) (Erie County)
CASPIAN TERN
RED-THROATED LOON
AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN (Mercer County)
SHORT-EARED OWL
FISH CROW (Armstrong, Butler, and Washington Counties)
NORTHERN SHRIKE
PURPLE MARTIN
MARSH WREN
LAPLAND LONGSPUR
SAVANNAH SPARROW
RUSTY BLACKBIRD
Contributors: Nancy Andersen, Tammy Anderson, Marc Behr, David Bennett, Jason Bojczyk, Amanda Borcz, Jeff Brinker, Claudia Brzoska, John Campbell, Kraig Cawley, Thomas Connor, Jeannette Cordell, Michael David, Adrian Fenton, Donna Foyle, John Garrett, Arlene Gmitter, Barbara Griffith, Eric Hall, Amy Henrici, MiMi Hoffmaster, Deborah Kalbfleisch, Mary Alice Koenecke, Meg Kolodick, Fritz Koppschall, Malcolm Kurtz, Sara Mcclelland, Dan McGuire, Jim McGuire, Jerry McWilliams, Ariella Malfaro, Michele Mannella, Doug Massey, Dan Mendenhall, Jeff Moore, Ron Mumme, Jim Offhaus, Kevin Parsons, Aaron Paul, Kenneth Pinnow, Theo Rickert, Walter Shaffer, Linda Sporrer, Kim Springer, Jerry Stanley, Russ States, Rudy Wareham, TJ Stone, E. White via Ebird, Michael Williams, Bill Winkler, Andrew Wood, Kendall Zook.
Compiler: Amy Taracido
Tuesday, 18 March 2025 through Tuesday, 1 April 2025 (two weeks)
**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: VIRGINIA RAIL, COMMON NIGHTHAWK, COMMON LOON, GREAT EGRET, LESSER YELLOWLEGS, GREATER YELLOWLEGS, PECTORAL SANDPIPER, ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK, PINE SISKIN, FOX SPARROW continue to be reported.
ALLEGHENY COUNTY:
At Moody Road pond on 3/20, 1 SAVANNAH SPARROW (DB).
On 3/22 and 3/28-3/30 at Wingfield Pines, 1 MARSH WREN (AW, DF, et. al.); on 3/23, 1 BLACK VULTURE (TC).
At Hartwood Acres on 3/24-3/25, 1 BLACK VULTURE (DB, JCo).
On 3/26 at Cavalry Cemetery, 4 BLACK VULTURES (MK).
At Glenwood Bridge on 3/27, 1 BLACK VULTURE (via Ebird).
On 3/28 at Thornburg Conservation Park, 2 BLACK VULTURES (EW).
On 3/29 and 4/1 at East Deer Recreational Park, 1 BARNACLE GOOSE (AH).
Near Jefferson Hills on 3/29, 2 BLACK VULTURES (EW).
On 3/29-3/31 in Creighton, 1 BARNACLE GOOSE (TC, JO, et. al.).
At Imperial Grasslands on 3/29, 2 SAVANNAH SPARROWS (TJS).
On 3/30 at the Elizabeth Bridge, 2 BLACK VULTURES (MM).
On 3/31 at Aspinwall Riverfront Park, 1 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL (AH).
At Stoney Lane Farm on 4/1, 5 SANDHILL CRANES (KPa).
ARMSTRONG COUNTY:
Along Sportsman Road on 3/29, 1 FISH CROW (TR).
BEAVER COUNTY:
Along Rogers Drive on 3/27, 1 BLACK VULTURE (JMo).
BUTLER COUNTY:
On 3/27 at Penn State Extension, 1 FISH CROW (MAK).
At Moraine State Park on 3/29, 1 RED-THROATED LOON (EH).
CLARION COUNTY:
In Leeper on 3/28, 1 PINE WARBLER (CB).
CRAWFORD COUNTY:
At Millers Ponds on 3/22 and 4/1, 1 REDHEAD X RING-NECKED DUCK (hybrid) (DMe, AF); on 3/25, 7+ SHORT-EARED OWLS (KZ); on 3/29, 6 PURPLE MARTINS (JMcG), 1 AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER (BG et. al.); on 3/30-4/1, 1 AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER (WS, AF, et. al.); on 4/1, 2 NORTHERN HARRIERS, 2 SANDHILL CRANES, 3 SHORT-EARED OWLS, and others (RS).
On 3/23 at Meadville Country Club, 5 RED-HEADED WOODPECKERS (RM).
At Pymatuning State Park on 3/23, 1 RED-HEADED WOODPECKER (SM).
On 3/25 along Alden Street, 1 BLACK VULTURE (KPi).
In Cambridge Springs on 3/27, 2 BLACK VULTURES (KZ).
On 4/1 along McMichael Road, 11 SANDHILL CRANES, RUSTY BLACKBIRDS (RS).
ERIE COUNTY:
This week at Presque Isle State Park, sightings included 4 NORTHERN HARRIERS, 1 MERLIN, 1 BLACK-HEADED GULL (3/26) (JMcW), 1 CASPIAN TERN (MB), 1 AMERICAN HERRING GULL X LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL (hybrid) (3/27), PURPLE MARTIN (JBo), RED-THROATED LOON (3/29) (JG), 1 PURPLE SANDPIPER (3/30) (DMa).
On 3/20 and 3/29-3/30 at Fairview Business Park, 1 NORTHERN SHRIKE (KC, MB et. al.); also on 3/29, 2 LAPLAND LONGSPURS (JG).
On 3/23 at State Gamelands #218, 2 TRUMPETER SWANS (JCa).
Near Ravine Park on 3/24 and 3/27, 1 PINE WARBLER (NA).
FAYETTE COUNTY:
At Greenlick Run Lake on 3/19-3/23, 1 RED-NECKED GREBE (MD et. al.).
On 3/19 at Deer Lake, 1 BLACK VULTURE (FK).
Along Duck Pond Road on 3/20-3/21, 1 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE (AG, TA).
On 3/23 near Meadow Run, 1 PURPLE MARTIN (AP).
In Farmington on 3/28, 1 PURPLE MARTIN (DMcG).
Near Lake Courage on 3/29, 1 EASTERN WHIP-POOR-WILL (FK); on 3/30, 8 LONG-TAILED DUCKS (RW).
On 3/30 at the Youghiogheny spillway, 6 LONG-TAILED DUCKS (AM).
GREENE COUNTY:
In Waynesburg on 3/21, 1 ROSS'S GOOSE (TA).
INDIANA COUNTY:
At Yellow Creek State Park on 4/1, 1 LITTLE GULL (DK).
MERCER COUNTY:
At Shenango Wildlife Area this week, 7 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE (MW, BW et. al.); on 3/21, 4 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE (BW); on 3/27, 2 CACKLING GEESE; on 3/30, 2 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS (MW); on 3/31, 4 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE (AB), 1 AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN (MW).
On 3/25 in Transfer, 2 TRUMPETER SWANS (MW).
At Maurice K. Goddard State Park on 3/28 and 3/29, 1 RED-NECKED GREBE (MW, MH); also on 3/28, 2 PURPLE MARTINS (KS).
On 3/28 at Lake Wilhelm, 2 PURPLE MARTINS (KS).
In Mercer on 3/29-3/30, 2 BLACK VULTURES (JBr, MW).
At Lake Latonka on 3/30, 9 LONG-TAILED DUCKS (KS).
VENANGO COUNTY:
On 3/24 at Oil City Marina, 24 BONAPARTE'S GULLS (MK).
Along the Allegheny River between Oil City and Franklin on 3/28, BONAPARTE'S GULLS (RS).
On 3/29 near Kahle Lake, 3 RUSTY BLACKBIRDS (JS); on 3/30 at Kahle Lake, 5 LONG-TAILED DUCKS, 1 MERLIN (JS).
WASHINGTON COUNTY:
This week in the Coal Center/California area, BLACK VULTURES (AT, DA).
On 3/19 near Trax Farm area, 1 flyover FISH CROW (LS).
Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 18:00:00 Total observation time: 10.88 hours
Official Counter: AB
Observers: Jacqui McKee, Nick Bolgiano
Visitors: Jacqui and David Mckee where up early to catch the days flight. I was happy that they both got to see the incredible COLO flight and the beginning of an incredible BWHA flight. David picked out our first GE of the day which was helpful as well. Both were great company as always and helped with many of the days detections.
Jacqui McKee David McKee
5 hikers.
Weather: SE winds at 12-19kph to start the morning. By 11:00 the SE winds had subsided a bit to 6-11kph. By 14:00 the SE winds had picked back up to 12-19kph which is when the flight began to pick up. Visibility was good most of the day to Stone Mountain. Mostly cloudy skies until about noon when the sun burned through, although a high cirrus stayed in place all day which made for excellent spotting conditions. By 13:00 lower and thicker clouds built in again. Low temperature of 7C at 08:00 and a high of 22C by 13:00.
Raptor Observations: TV 2 (267) OS 7 (32) BE 9 (91) NH 5 (30) SS 38 (140) CH 7 (37) RS 5 (41) BW (635) RT 23 (247) GE 4 (145) AK 18 (56) ML 3 (5) UA 2 (7) UF (1) UR 7 (33) Total 766 (1801)
GE imm 10:05, unk 11:31, unk 15:30, imm 16:15
Interesting flight today as far as the surprise ending. The flight got underway int the 10:00 hour with a dozen raptors moving through including 7 BW’s. These first BW’s of the day were frequently spotted in groups of 2 out of nowhere below horizon so there is a good chance they bedded down in the area overnight. We also picked up our first GE of the day. By the 11:00 hour the SS’s rallied with 13 moving through now leading the BW’s. This continued into the noon hour with the SS’s leading the BW’s with another 13 to 11 coming through. A nice pulse of RT’s came through in this hour as well. By 13:00 the BW’s began a steady ramp up with 29 coming through which helped the hour close out with 48 birds. By 14:00 another 43 BW’s came through and going into the 15:00 hour I thought it was going to be a nice taper to the end of the days survey with 31 BW’s moving through. By 16:00 though, we started to see kettles of BW’s at times throughout the area. Some were on top of the ridge in the gap, some were over Leading Ridge, some out over Stone Valley and one significant kettle formed under some TUVU out over Happy Valley. 171 BW’s total came through in this hour and it is noteable that the AK’s really picked up with 7 ripping through the cut. Going into the 17:00 hour I again thought the flight might taper off, but I remembered my time spent at Chestnut Ridge scoping the far southern horizon near the pinch of Long Island Sound. So, when there wasn’t BW’s visible in bin’s I began scanning the horizon out over Stone Mountain. I got onto the first of two several large kettles numbering approximately 60 and 50 individuals. These kettles appeared to be over the gap near Sideling Hill, but were likely over Warrior’s Ridge. During this entire hour I kept picking up small kettles of BW’s every time I scoped Stone Mountain. In this hour I kept seeing solo BW’s using powered flight to wing low down Stone Valley. I stayed until 19:00 just to make sure the flight had finished and was happy to pick up another 18 raptors to close out an all star day on Tussey Mountain. Based on the behavior of these late day BW’s and depending on the weather tomorrow morning there could be another good lift off.
Resident raptors were active today with both the immature and adult RT’s kiting over Tussey Mountain and Leading Ridge. An adult BE was spotted a couple of times during the count as well. At 14:50 a nice looking adult male AK came zipping through the cut heading south along the ridge.
Non-raptor Observations: The COLO were leading the raptor flight in numbers through the early part of the day’s effort. The first group of 13 were spotted at 09:19. They fanned out beside each other in a line such that it looked like they took up the entire horizon over Stone Mountain. Not in a line like geese or DCCO’s, but winging beside each other in a horizontal line if that makes sense. Several groups of 11 and eventually 15 came through. DCCO’s appeared to be migrating and GBHE’s got in on the action as well. I think Crandall has possibly moved on, or has given up during the busy days on Tussey Mountain.
Canada Goose 2 Wild Turkey 1 Mourning Dove 5 Ring-billed Gull 3 American Herring Gull 2 Common Loon 103 Double-crested Cormorant 24 Great Blue Heron 11 Black Vulture 2 Turkey Vulture 8 Red-bellied Woodpecker 2 Pileated Woodpecker 1 Northern Flicker 1 Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) 1 Blue Jay 1 American Crow 1 Common Raven 2 Black-capped Chickadee 4 Tree Swallow 3 Golden-crowned Kinglet 1 White-breasted Nuthatch 1 Eastern Bluebird 2 American Robin 4 American Pipit 1 House Finch 2 American Goldfinch 1 Field Sparrow 2 Fox Sparrow 1 Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) 4 Eastern Towhee 2 Red-winged Blackbird 1 Brown-headed Cowbird 8 Common Grackle 2
Predictions:
Showers likely before 2pm, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between 2pm and 5pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 5pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 55. Breezy, with a west wind 11 to 16 mph increasing to 17 to 22 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 46 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
======================================================================== Report submitted by Adam Richardson (<poecile.gambeli...>) Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch information may be found at: tusseymountainspringhawkwatch.org/
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Nancy Ott
Observers: Barb Carrier, Dave Poder, Greg Gdula, Joe Carrier
Visitors: Greg Gdula, Dave Poder, Barb and Joe Carrier.
Weather: Started the day with cloudy skies and beams of sun coming through in the valley. East to SE winds mild. Towards end of day winds switched to W/SW and winds increased with gusts as high as 18 mph. Clouds cirrus most of day making birds appear silhouettes with poor lighting for color.
Raptor Observations: 88 raptors with 68 of those BW. 3 eagles flew south all BE not counted. RS flew around valley in afternoon, not migrating. GE ad at 11:17 flew over head high. BE adult 11:18 and BE 11:54-Juv. 3 eagles counted. TV's floated around during the day.
Non-raptor Observations: Blue birds, juncos, chickadees, cardinals, nuthatches, tree swallows, mourning doves, great blue heron-close overhead, 3 different flocks of water fowl-distant, turkey, deer, towhee, golden crown kinglet, 1 beat up raven looking rough-feathers missing.
Predictions: Starts out mild temps 40's-50's, partly sunny that changes to cloudy, rain around 1:30 DST. West winds with gusts up to 48 mph. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Nancy Ott (<ednancy.ott...>)
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 6 hours
Official Counter: Jerry McWilliams
Observers: Julie Leonard, Katie Andersen, Russ States
Visitors: Julie Leonard, Russ States, and Katie Andersen assisted with the count. Six visitors including John DePaul.
Weather: Mostly cloudy with periods of hazy sun. Much warmer today with a good southerly wind early becoming WNW by late afternoon.
Raptor Observations: There was a steady lake shore flight of birds that remained low most of the day, but later elevating nearly out of view. Finally, a good number of hawks among the kettles of vultures with the first BWs of the season.
Non-raptor Observations: Highlight was a single circling Sandhill Crane and later a group of three. Other birds recorded were Wood Duck 5, Rock Pigeon, Mourning Dove 1, Killdeer 1, Ring-billed Gull 3, Herring/Ring-billed Gull 20, Common Loon 1, Double-crested Cormorant 54, Northern Flicker 20, American Crow, Tree Swallow, Barn Swallow 2, European Starling, American Robin, Red-winged Blackbird, Brown-headed Cowbird, Common Grackle
Predictions: Much colder with showers and strong west winds. A flight not likely. Jerry McWilliamsErie, Erie County, <Pa.jerrymcw...>
Weather: Partly sunny. High near 54. S winds around 5 mph.
Raptor Observations:
Non-raptor Observations:
======================================================================== Report submitted by Laurie Goodrich (<goodrich...>) Hawk Mountain Sanctuary information may be found at: http://www.hawkmountain.org/
Date: 4/14/25 7:30 am From: jerry Kruth <00000005ead0dac6-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: PSO Education Series: "Why are Tree Swallows Stressed?" by Jennifer Houtz on 4/24 at 7pm
Joe, Thanks for the invite, but I'm unable to discern WHERE this presentation is to take place! Sorry, Jerry Kruth Pittsburgh
On Monday, April 14, 2025 at 08:37:27 AM EDT, Joe Gyekis <gyekis9...> wrote:
Hello Everyone,
As the bird boxes around us fill up with their brilliantly plumaged summer inhabitants, the PSO Education Committee invites everyone to a meeting about Tree Swallows.
"Why are Tree Swallows Stressed?" by Jennifer Houtz at 7:00 pm on Thursday, April 24, 2025
A bird's ability to cope with and recover from ecological stressors such as extreme temperatures can influence its survival. Wild birds can respond to stressful events by upregulating hormone levels. Our speaker Dr. Jenn Houtz will share results from her doctorate work on Tree Swallow stress physiology and general tips for attracting cavity nesting birds to your backyard.
Dr. Jennifer Houtz is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology at Allegheny College. She received her Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Cornell University, where she studied gut microbiomes and stress physiology in tree swallows. She received her B.S. in Animal Behavior from Millersville University, where she studied the social behavior of wire-tailed manakins in Ecuador. As the faculty advisor of the Allegheny College Bird Club, Jennifer is passionate about involving undergraduate students in ornithological research and outreach.
Date: 4/14/25 5:37 am From: Joe Gyekis <gyekis9...> Subject: PSO Education Series: "Why are Tree Swallows Stressed?" by Jennifer Houtz on 4/24 at 7pm
Hello Everyone,
As the bird boxes around us fill up with their brilliantly plumaged summer inhabitants, the PSO Education Committee invites everyone to a meeting about Tree Swallows.
"Why are Tree Swallows Stressed?" by Jennifer Houtz at 7:00 pm on Thursday, April 24, 2025
A bird's ability to cope with and recover from ecological stressors such as extreme temperatures can influence its survival. Wild birds can respond to stressful events by upregulating hormone levels. Our speaker Dr. Jenn Houtz will share results from her doctorate work on Tree Swallow stress physiology and general tips for attracting cavity nesting birds to your backyard.
Dr. Jennifer Houtz is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology at Allegheny College. She received her Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Cornell University, where she studied gut microbiomes and stress physiology in tree swallows. She received her B.S. in Animal Behavior from Millersville University, where she studied the social behavior of wire-tailed manakins in Ecuador. As the faculty advisor of the Allegheny College Bird Club, Jennifer is passionate about involving undergraduate students in ornithological research and outreach.
> On Apr 14, 2025, at 12:00 AM, PABIRDS automatic digest system <LISTSERV...> wrote:
>
> There are 9 messages totaling 776 lines in this issue.
>
> Topics of the day:
>
> 1. Request for Photos
> 2. Owelet outta the box! Pittsburgh Fire Dept guys to the rescue!
> 3. Owelet outta the box! Pittsburgh Fire Dept guys to the rescue!
> 4. Erie County, Presque Isle Hawk Watch for April 13, 2025
> 5. Various - Mercer County
> 6. Hawk Mountain Sanctuary (13 Apr 2025) 92 Raptors
> 7. Golden Eagle, Crawford Co.
> 8. Allegheny Front (13 Apr 2025) 3 Raptors
> 9. Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch (13 Apr 2025) 55 Raptors
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Date: Sun, 13 Apr 2025 09:20:43 -0400
> From: Rob Dickerson <radickerson...>
> Subject: Request for Photos
>
> Request for Photos
>
> Do you have some great photos of any birds taken in Pennsylvania from December 1, 2024 - ebruary 28, 2025? Or a picture of a notable/significant sighting from that period?
>
> I am currently accepting photo submissions through end of day April 25 to be considered for publication as space permits in the Pennsylvania Society for Ornithology (PSO) Winter 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 WINTER in the subject line to simplify processing.
>
> - Please do not submit me 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!
>
>
>
> Regards,
>
> Rob Dickerson
>
> Photo Editor, Pennsylvania Birds
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Sun, 13 Apr 2025 13:57:13 +0000
> From: jerry Kruth <gkruth...>
> Subject: Re: Owelet outta the box! Pittsburgh Fire Dept guys to the rescue!
>
> Hail the Fire Dept Guys! (and all first-responders!)
>
> Linda and I debated what to do with our fuzzy little visitor? If we just set the little thing is some thicket, it would be chirping for its folks, and we thought with the bevy of prowling raccoons, cats, hawks, crows and Horny Owls, it wouldn't last long hanging outside. I was about to go retrieve my long ladder and climb up to the box with it, when Linda suggested asking the Fire Dept guys?
>
> So, I went over to the station, just as guys were coming down. A a nice guy asked what's up?. I laughed at myself and quickly explained. He smiled as he listened, and replied, "We're just on our way now to a back-up call, we shouldn't be long. I'll see! What's the address?," he called out as they headed out. One minute later and I'd have missed them!
>
> I waited a little while at home and it was getting dark. I was just about to go drive out to fetch my ladder, when a bunch of red-blinking lights pulled up in front of the house!!!
>
> Those guys were great They threw up a ladder, and one carried the little thing up in the cardboard box, and gently took it, without touching it, wrapped in a tea towel, and deposited it back into the box!
>
> We hope this was the best option! Nature takes its own turns with myriad exceptions. I took the responsibility to erect boxes and invite wildlife onto our urban plot; I did what I hope will turn out the best!
>
> We hope this has a happy ending.
>
>
> This mini-drama played out because we have these NESTBOXES (six), around the house. This includes one with a glass side at my office window, so I can watch (the squirrels) in there carrying on! YOU can do it too!
>
>
>
> Linda ( Goodfellow ) will have some video, and me some pics, later on FB, if interested.
>
>
> Thanks for reading, and create your own mini-dramas, no matter where you live!
>
>
>
> Jerry Kruth
>
> Pgh
>
>
> ---------------------------------
> On Saturday, April 12, 2025 at 12:46:59 PM EDT, SCOTT WEIDENSAUL <scottweidensaul...> wrote:
>
> Jerry,
>
> I wouldn’t try to give it anything unless you have a dead mouse that you are certain couldn’t have gotten into rodenticide. Chances are it’s got some baby fat on it, and should be OK for roughly 24 hours. I would be more focused on placing it somewhere with dense cover, even if it’s not right next to the nest box. When the chicks fledge they scatter like quail, and the adults always manage to find them and feed them. Main thing is making sure a cat or other predator like a barred owl doesn’t spot it first.
>
> Scott
>
>> On Apr 12, 2025, at 11:53 AM, jerry Kruth <gkruth...> wrote:
>>
>> Hi Scott, and thanks for the reply. "Wait until dark," does appear to be the timeline.
>>
>> This evening I'm going to get a smaller ladder, and hope to perch the little thing on a tree limb near the nestbox where the parents can access.
>>
>> Til then, we'll leave it closed in the powder room where it can move around but not bolt through the rest of the house. n.b. -- it had no intention of remaining cooped up in that closed (albeit briefly) box, so pushed its way out again, so why stress it!
>>
>> Do you (or anyone) have any suggestions as to what to attempt to feed it until this evening?
>>
>> We have Cesar dog treats for Maggie -- that has small bits of various meats in some jelled concoction. It's soft. We also thought of finely chopped lunch meat, or tuna?
>>
>> Thoughts?
>>
>> If you have any lengthy thoughts (or anyone), please feel free to phone: 412-491-6354.
>>
>> Thanks for any and all suggestions.
>>
>> I'll also add -- when you have nestboxes around, even if you live on an urban postage stamp, YOU TOO can still have interesting dramas with wildlife if you create the habitat (with feeders, and a water feature), and native plantings.
>>
>>
>>
>> Jerry Kruth
>>
>> Pgh
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> On Saturday, April 12, 2025 at 06:48:56 AM EDT, SCOTT WEIDENSAUL <scottweidensaul...> wrote:
>>
>>
>> Jerry,
>>
>> Like any fledgling, if as you say it appears old enough to be moving on its own, I would wait until dark and put it near the nestbox in thick cover. It will vocalize and the adults will find it. This all sounds perfectly normal to me.
>>
>> Scott Weidensaul
>> Milton, NH (formerly Schuylkill Co.)
>>
>>>> On Apr 11, 2025, at 10:59 PM, jerry Kruth <00000005ead0dac6-dmarc-request...> wrote:
>>>
>>> Does anybody have any advice?
>>> Well, we sure have Screechie making little ones. One of our neighbors found a little one on the street under the nest box this evening. We scooped it up to keep it safe from prowling varmints and have it closed up in a cardboard box with some soft cloth and a cup of water for the night.
>>> What should we do in the morning?
>>> I lent out my ext ladder last week and can't put it back up in the nestbox. It look like it is perhaps mature enough it's trying to move around on its own.
>>> Do I put it back on a tree branch? It's parents must be nearby I presume?
>>> Anybody?
>>> Thank you,
>>> Jerry Kruth
>>> Pgh
>>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Sun, 13 Apr 2025 10:14:48 -0400
> From: Jan Bennett <janmben...>
> Subject: Re: Owelet outta the box! Pittsburgh Fire Dept guys to the rescue!
>
> Love this story. Thanks for sharing.
>
>> On 04/13/2025 9:57 AM EDT jerry Kruth <00000005ead0dac6-dmarc-request...> wrote:
>>
>>
>> Hail the Fire Dept Guys! (and all first-responders!)
>>
>> Linda and I debated what to do with our fuzzy little visitor? If we just set the little thing is some thicket, it would be chirping for its folks, and we thought with the bevy of prowling raccoons, cats, hawks, crows and Horny Owls, it wouldn't last long hanging outside. I was about to go retrieve my long ladder and climb up to the box with it, when Linda suggested asking the Fire Dept guys?
>>
>> So, I went over to the station, just as guys were coming down. A a nice guy asked what's up?. I laughed at myself and quickly explained. He smiled as he listened, and replied, "We're just on our way now to a back-up call, we shouldn't be long. I'll see! What's the address?," he called out as they headed out. One minute later and I'd have missed them!
>>
>> I waited a little while at home and it was getting dark. I was just about to go drive out to fetch my ladder, when a bunch of red-blinking lights pulled up in front of the house!!!
>>
>> Those guys were great They threw up a ladder, and one carried the little thing up in the cardboard box, and gently took it, without touching it, wrapped in a tea towel, and deposited it back into the box!
>>
>> We hope this was the best option! Nature takes its own turns with myriad exceptions. I took the responsibility to erect boxes and invite wildlife onto our urban plot; I did what I hope will turn out the best!
>>
>> We hope this has a happy ending.
>>
>>
>> This mini-drama played out because we have these NESTBOXES (six), around the house. This includes one with a glass side at my office window, so I can watch (the squirrels) in there carrying on! YOU can do it too!
>>
>>
>>
>> Linda ( Goodfellow ) will have some video, and me some pics, later on FB, if interested.
>>
>>
>> Thanks for reading, and create your own mini-dramas, no matter where you live!
>>
>>
>>
>> Jerry Kruth
>>
>> Pgh
>>
>>
>> ---------------------------------
>> On Saturday, April 12, 2025 at 12:46:59 PM EDT, SCOTT WEIDENSAUL <scottweidensaul...> wrote:
>>
>> Jerry,
>>
>> I wouldn’t try to give it anything unless you have a dead mouse that you are certain couldn’t have gotten into rodenticide. Chances are it’s got some baby fat on it, and should be OK for roughly 24 hours. I would be more focused on placing it somewhere with dense cover, even if it’s not right next to the nest box. When the chicks fledge they scatter like quail, and the adults always manage to find them and feed them. Main thing is making sure a cat or other predator like a barred owl doesn’t spot it first.
>>
>> Scott
>>
>>>> On Apr 12, 2025, at 11:53 AM, jerry Kruth <gkruth...> wrote:
>>>
>>> Hi Scott, and thanks for the reply. "Wait until dark," does appear to be the timeline.
>>>
>>> This evening I'm going to get a smaller ladder, and hope to perch the little thing on a tree limb near the nestbox where the parents can access.
>>>
>>> Til then, we'll leave it closed in the powder room where it can move around but not bolt through the rest of the house. n.b. -- it had no intention of remaining cooped up in that closed (albeit briefly) box, so pushed its way out again, so why stress it!
>>>
>>> Do you (or anyone) have any suggestions as to what to attempt to feed it until this evening?
>>>
>>> We have Cesar dog treats for Maggie -- that has small bits of various meats in some jelled concoction. It's soft. We also thought of finely chopped lunch meat, or tuna?
>>>
>>> Thoughts?
>>>
>>> If you have any lengthy thoughts (or anyone), please feel free to phone: 412-491-6354.
>>>
>>> Thanks for any and all suggestions.
>>>
>>> I'll also add -- when you have nestboxes around, even if you live on an urban postage stamp, YOU TOO can still have interesting dramas with wildlife if you create the habitat (with feeders, and a water feature), and native plantings.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Jerry Kruth
>>>
>>> Pgh
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>> On Saturday, April 12, 2025 at 06:48:56 AM EDT, SCOTT WEIDENSAUL <scottweidensaul...> wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>> Jerry,
>>>
>>> Like any fledgling, if as you say it appears old enough to be moving on its own, I would wait until dark and put it near the nestbox in thick cover. It will vocalize and the adults will find it. This all sounds perfectly normal to me.
>>>
>>> Scott Weidensaul
>>> Milton, NH (formerly Schuylkill Co.)
>>>
>>>> On Apr 11, 2025, at 10:59 PM, jerry Kruth <00000005ead0dac6-dmarc-request...> wrote:
>>>>
>>>> Does anybody have any advice?
>>>> Well, we sure have Screechie making little ones. One of our neighbors found a little one on the street under the nest box this evening. We scooped it up to keep it safe from prowling varmints and have it closed up in a cardboard box with some soft cloth and a cup of water for the night.
>>>> What should we do in the morning?
>>>> I lent out my ext ladder last week and can't put it back up in the nestbox. It look like it is perhaps mature enough it's trying to move around on its own.
>>>> Do I put it back on a tree branch? It's parents must be nearby I presume?
>>>> Anybody?
>>>> Thank you,
>>>> Jerry Kruth
>>>> Pgh
>>>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Sun, 13 Apr 2025 15:51:20 +0000
> From: "<jerrymcw...>" <jerrymcw...>
> Subject: Erie County, Presque Isle Hawk Watch for April 13, 2025
>
> Presque Isle
> Erie, Pennsylvania, USA
> Daily Raptor Counts: Apr 13, 2025
> -------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
> ------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
> Black Vulture 0 0 0
> Turkey Vulture 127 1460 6644
> Osprey 1 2 2
> Bald Eagle 0 3 34
> Northern Harrier 0 0 7
> Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 3 20
> Cooper's Hawk 0 1 5
> American Goshawk 0 0 0
> Red-shouldered Hawk 0 1 45
> Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 0
> Red-tailed Hawk 0 4 59
> Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
> Golden Eagle 0 0 0
> American Kestrel 1 13 22
> Merlin 0 0 5
> Peregrine Falcon 0 0 0
> Unknown Accipitrine 0 0 1
> Unknown Buteo 0 0 6
> Unknown Falcon 0 0 1
> Unknown Eagle 0 0 0
> Unknown Raptor 0 0 0
>
> Total: 130 1487 6851
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Observation start time: 07:30:00
> Observation end time: 10:00:00
> Total observation time: 2.5 hours
>
> Official Counter: Jerry McWilliams
>
> Observers: Julie Leonard
>
> Visitors:
> Julie Leonard assisted with the count. Mark Lethaby stopped for a visit.
>
>
> Weather:
> Mostly clear, SW wind early becoming WNW later. Unseasonably cold.
>
> Raptor Observations:
> There was a burst of TV activity shortly after the 0800 hr. than last for a
> short period then the winds began to shift to the west moving birds farther
> south. Almost no hawks during that period.
>
> Non-raptor Observations:
> Canada Goose 9, Wood Duck 1, Rock Pigeon, Killdeer 2, Ring-billed Gull 1,
> Herring/Ring-billed gull 3, Common Loon 4, Double-crested Cormorant 179,
> Great Blue Heron 1, Northern Flicker 9, Blue Jay 1, American Crow, Tree
> Swallow 2, European Starling, American Robin, House Finch 1, Red-winged
> Blackbird, Common Grackle, Northern Cardinal 2
> Jerry McWilliamsErie, Erie County, <Pa.jerrymcw...>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Sun, 13 Apr 2025 14:19:42 -0400
> From: K Springer <springer0707...>
> Subject: Various - Mercer County
>
> SGL 130:
> 2 Blue-head Vireo
> 2 Winter Wren
> 2 Louisiana Waterthrush (my FOY)
>
> Kim Springer,
> Transfer, PA
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Sun, 13 Apr 2025 20:38:10 +0000
> From: "Hawkcount.Org Reports" <reports...>
> Subject: Hawk Mountain Sanctuary (13 Apr 2025) 92 Raptors
>
> Hawk Mountain Sanctuary
> Kempton, Pennsylvania, USA
> Daily Raptor Counts: Apr 13, 2025
> -------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
> ------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
> Black Vulture 0 9 9
> Turkey Vulture 17 31 31
> Unknown Vulture 0 0 0
> Mississippi Kite 0 0 0
> Osprey 8 17 20
> Bald Eagle 18 36 51
> Northern Harrier 3 10 13
> Sharp-shinned Hawk 8 15 15
> Cooper's Hawk 7 16 20
> American Goshawk 1 1 1
> Unknown Accipitrine 1 1 1
> Red-shouldered Hawk 0 0 1
> Broad-winged Hawk 10 16 16
> Swainson's Hawk 0 0 0
> Red-tailed Hawk 10 26 29
> Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
> Unknown Buteo 0 0 0
> Golden Eagle 0 0 2
> Unknown Eagle 1 1 1
> American Kestrel 6 18 19
> Merlin 1 1 1
> Peregrine Falcon 1 1 2
> Unknown Falcon 0 1 1
> Unknown Raptor 0 0 0
>
> Total: 92 200 233
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Observation start time: 07:30:00
> Observation end time: 15:00:00
> Total observation time: 7.5 hours
>
> Compiler: David Barber
>
> Counters: Evelyn de Chazal, Jahan Okata, Lucas Shang, Mathew sacul,
> Matt Wlasniewski
>
> Weather:
> Mostly cloudy/overcast. Northwest wind about 12-19kmph.
>
> Raptor Observations:
>
>
> Non-raptor Observations:
>
> ========================================================================
> Report submitted by Laurie Goodrich (<goodrich...>)
> Hawk Mountain Sanctuary information may be found at:
> http://www.hawkmountain.org/ >
>
> More site information at hawkcount.org: https://hawkcount.org/siteinfo.php?rsite=109 >
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Sun, 13 Apr 2025 17:01:15 -0400
> From: Kendall Zook <kendallzook98...>
> Subject: Golden Eagle, Crawford Co.
>
> Hello all on this beautiful Sunday afternoon! This afternoon at SGL 277,
> Cambridge Springs, we had excellent looks at an immature Golden Eagle
> migrating northward. It caught our attention because it was circling low.
> Even with binoculars we could easily see the white underside of the tail
> with the distinct dark terminal band as well as the white patches on the
> underwing. Because it kept circling right in the same area, we were able to
> get it in the scope and see the light golden nape. It rode a thermal higher
> and higher until it streamed off the top and headed north. Definitely the
> best look I've had yet at a Golden Eagle. We also had a FOY Broad-winged
> Hawk, right on schedule. Both were nice additions to a Sunday afternoon
> walk.
>
> Kendall & Regina Zook
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Sun, 13 Apr 2025 22:56:20 +0000
> From: "Hawkcount.Org Reports" <reports...>
> Subject: Allegheny Front (13 Apr 2025) 3 Raptors
>
> Allegheny Front
> Central City, Pennsylvania, USA
> Daily Raptor Counts: Apr 13, 2025
> -------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
> ------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
> BV 0 0 6
> TV 0 19 236
> OS 0 0 2
> BE 0 1 23
> NH 0 0 3
> SS 0 0 12
> CH 0 0 17
> AG 0 0 0
> RS 1 2 16
> BW 1 1 1
> RT 1 7 111
> RL 0 0 0
> GE 0 2 88
> AK 0 0 4
> ML 0 0 2
> PG 0 0 0
> UA 0 0 1
> UB 0 0 0
> UF 0 0 0
> UE 0 0 0
> UR 0 0 10
>
> Total: 3 32 532
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Observation start time: 08:45:00
> Observation end time: 16:00:00
> Total observation time: 7.25 hours
>
> Official Counter: Bob Stewart
>
> Observers: Adam Katrancha
>
> Visitors:
> 3 - Adam Katrancha, Chuck and Barb Kauric
>
>
> Weather:
> AM: heavy cloud cover, Temp 1 to 4 degrees C, Mod NW wind
> PM: Cloud cover decreasing to 5% by 3PM EST, Temp 6 to 10 degrees C.
> Moderate wind out of the NW becoming light after 2 PM.
>
> Haze visibility 17 to 32 km.
>
> Raptor Observations:
> 3 migrating raptors: 1 ea our first broad-wing of the season, 1 red-tailed
> hawk, 1 red-shouldered hawk.
>
> Non-migrants: many TV's, BE, RT, possible Cooper's Hawk in display flight.
>
> Non-raptor Observations:
> n. flicker, hairy woodpecker, juncos, wb nuthatch, eastern bluebird, Am.
> robin, wild turkey in valley, tufted titmouse, crow, mourning dove, towhee.
>
> Predictions:
> Cloudy. Stray shower or t-storm possible.
> Wind from the SSW 10-15 mph
> High of 66 degrees F.
> ========================================================================
> Report submitted by Robert Stewart (<bob...>)
>
>
> More site information at hawkcount.org: https://hawkcount.org/siteinfo.php?rsite=111 >
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Mon, 14 Apr 2025 01:00:33 +0000
> From: "Hawkcount.Org Reports" <reports...>
> Subject: Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch (13 Apr 2025) 55 Raptors
>
> Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch
> State College, Pennsylvania, USA
> Daily Raptor Counts: Apr 13, 2025
> -------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
> ------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
> Black Vulture 0 0 0
> Turkey Vulture 6 15 265
> Osprey 2 11 25
> Bald Eagle 6 16 82
> Northern Harrier 3 11 25
> Sharp-shinned Hawk 13 36 102
> Cooper's Hawk 0 6 30
> American Goshawk 0 0 0
> Red-shouldered Hawk 0 0 36
> Broad-winged Hawk 8 9 9
> Red-tailed Hawk 7 38 224
> Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 1
> Golden Eagle 0 4 141
> American Kestrel 4 16 38
> Merlin 0 0 2
> Peregrine Falcon 0 0 4
> Unknown Accipitrine 1 2 5
> Unknown Buteo 0 2 16
> Unknown Falcon 0 0 0
> Unknown Eagle 0 1 4
> Unknown Raptor 5 9 26
>
> Total: 55 176 1035
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Observation start time: 07:00:00
> Observation end time: 16:00:00
> Total observation time: 8.6 hours
>
> Official Counter: AB
>
> Observers: Jacqui McKee
>
> Visitors:
> Jacqui McKee was up in the afternoon and was great help as always spotting
> distant small raptors.
>
> Jacqui McKee
>
> 18 hikers.
>
>
>
> Weather:
> Strong NW winds at 20-28kph to start the count, picking up to 29-38kph by
> 09:00. The NW winds set down significantly by 15:00 to 12-19kph which is
> when the flight picked up. Visibility was excellent for the entire count to
> Stone Mountain. Mostly cloudy skies kept things cool until 15:00 which
> again is when the flight surged. Low temperature of 4C at 08:24 and a high
> of 16 by 16:00.
>
> Raptor Observations:
> TV 6 (265) OS 2 (25) BE 6 (82) NH 3 (25) SS 13 (102) BW 8 (9) RT 7 (224) AK
> 4 (38) UA 1 (5) UR 5 (26) Total 55 (1035)
>
> Slow but steady flight in the morning hours with 14 migrants moving through
> before noon. By noon the winds had subsided a little and it began to warm
> up. From noon through 14:00 another 20 migrants moved through. For the
> first time this spring the 15:00 hour was the busiest of the day with a
> total of 19 migrants coming through. The first good push of BWâs was
> detected high out over Happy Valley with 3 streaming in formation together.
> During this hour migrants were all spotted streaming so like this past
> Wednesday they had gained altitude elsewhere and were already streaming out
> by the time we got on them. SSâs peaked during this hour with a total of
> 5 moving through, sometimes quite high as well. They were significantly
> closer to Tussey Mountain than the BWâs. SSâs led the flight with a
> total of 13 moving through. Surprisingly the flight shut down promptly in
> the 16:00 hour with just one SS and UR detected.
>
> Resident raptors were fairly active with both the immature and adult RTâs
> kiting in the gap throughout the day.
>
>
> Non-raptor Observations:
> Crandall was around this afternoon, but quite subdued compared to
> yesterday. He wasnât mobbing any of the resident raptors.
>
> Canada Goose 1
> Mourning Dove 5
> Common Loon 10
> Double-crested Cormorant 5
> Turkey Vulture 5
> Red-headed Woodpecker 1
> Downy Woodpecker 1
> Northern Flicker 1
> American Crow 3
> Common Raven 2
> Black-capped Chickadee 6
> Tufted Titmouse 1
> Tree Swallow 6
> Golden-crowned Kinglet 3
> Eastern Bluebird 1
> American Robin 1
> Purple Finch 1
> American Goldfinch 2
> Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) 3
> Brown-headed Cowbird 5
>
>
> Predictions:
> Cloudy, with a high near 60. Calm wind becoming south around 6 mph in the
> afternoon.
>
>
> ========================================================================
> Report submitted by Adam Richardson (<poecile.gambeli...>)
> Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch information may be found at:
> tusseymountainspringhawkwatch.org/
>
>
> More site information at hawkcount.org: https://hawkcount.org/siteinfo.php?rsite=438 >
> ------------------------------
>
> End of PABIRDS Digest - 12 Apr 2025 to 13 Apr 2025 (#2025-98)
> *************************************************************
Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 8.6 hours
Official Counter: AB
Observers: Jacqui McKee
Visitors: Jacqui McKee was up in the afternoon and was great help as always spotting distant small raptors.
Jacqui McKee
18 hikers.
Weather: Strong NW winds at 20-28kph to start the count, picking up to 29-38kph by 09:00. The NW winds set down significantly by 15:00 to 12-19kph which is when the flight picked up. Visibility was excellent for the entire count to Stone Mountain. Mostly cloudy skies kept things cool until 15:00 which again is when the flight surged. Low temperature of 4C at 08:24 and a high of 16 by 16:00.
Raptor Observations: TV 6 (265) OS 2 (25) BE 6 (82) NH 3 (25) SS 13 (102) BW 8 (9) RT 7 (224) AK 4 (38) UA 1 (5) UR 5 (26) Total 55 (1035)
Slow but steady flight in the morning hours with 14 migrants moving through before noon. By noon the winds had subsided a little and it began to warm up. From noon through 14:00 another 20 migrants moved through. For the first time this spring the 15:00 hour was the busiest of the day with a total of 19 migrants coming through. The first good push of BW’s was detected high out over Happy Valley with 3 streaming in formation together. During this hour migrants were all spotted streaming so like this past Wednesday they had gained altitude elsewhere and were already streaming out by the time we got on them. SS’s peaked during this hour with a total of 5 moving through, sometimes quite high as well. They were significantly closer to Tussey Mountain than the BW’s. SS’s led the flight with a total of 13 moving through. Surprisingly the flight shut down promptly in the 16:00 hour with just one SS and UR detected.
Resident raptors were fairly active with both the immature and adult RT’s kiting in the gap throughout the day.
Non-raptor Observations: Crandall was around this afternoon, but quite subdued compared to yesterday. He wasn’t mobbing any of the resident raptors.
Canada Goose 1 Mourning Dove 5 Common Loon 10 Double-crested Cormorant 5 Turkey Vulture 5 Red-headed Woodpecker 1 Downy Woodpecker 1 Northern Flicker 1 American Crow 3 Common Raven 2 Black-capped Chickadee 6 Tufted Titmouse 1 Tree Swallow 6 Golden-crowned Kinglet 3 Eastern Bluebird 1 American Robin 1 Purple Finch 1 American Goldfinch 2 Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) 3 Brown-headed Cowbird 5
Predictions: Cloudy, with a high near 60. Calm wind becoming south around 6 mph in the afternoon.
======================================================================== Report submitted by Adam Richardson (<poecile.gambeli...>) Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch information may be found at: tusseymountainspringhawkwatch.org/
Observation start time: 08:45:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 7.25 hours
Official Counter: Bob Stewart
Observers: Adam Katrancha
Visitors: 3 - Adam Katrancha, Chuck and Barb Kauric
Weather: AM: heavy cloud cover, Temp 1 to 4 degrees C, Mod NW wind PM: Cloud cover decreasing to 5% by 3PM EST, Temp 6 to 10 degrees C. Moderate wind out of the NW becoming light after 2 PM.
Haze visibility 17 to 32 km.
Raptor Observations: 3 migrating raptors: 1 ea our first broad-wing of the season, 1 red-tailed hawk, 1 red-shouldered hawk.
Non-migrants: many TV's, BE, RT, possible Cooper's Hawk in display flight.
Non-raptor Observations: n. flicker, hairy woodpecker, juncos, wb nuthatch, eastern bluebird, Am. robin, wild turkey in valley, tufted titmouse, crow, mourning dove, towhee.
Predictions: Cloudy. Stray shower or t-storm possible. Wind from the SSW 10-15 mph High of 66 degrees F. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Robert Stewart (<bob...>)
Hello all on this beautiful Sunday afternoon! This afternoon at SGL 277, Cambridge Springs, we had excellent looks at an immature Golden Eagle migrating northward. It caught our attention because it was circling low. Even with binoculars we could easily see the white underside of the tail with the distinct dark terminal band as well as the white patches on the underwing. Because it kept circling right in the same area, we were able to get it in the scope and see the light golden nape. It rode a thermal higher and higher until it streamed off the top and headed north. Definitely the best look I've had yet at a Golden Eagle. We also had a FOY Broad-winged Hawk, right on schedule. Both were nice additions to a Sunday afternoon walk.
Observation start time: 07:30:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7.5 hours
Compiler: David Barber
Counters: Evelyn de Chazal, Jahan Okata, Lucas Shang, Mathew sacul, Matt Wlasniewski
Weather: Mostly cloudy/overcast. Northwest wind about 12-19kmph.
Raptor Observations:
Non-raptor Observations:
======================================================================== Report submitted by Laurie Goodrich (<goodrich...>) Hawk Mountain Sanctuary information may be found at: http://www.hawkmountain.org/
Raptor Observations: There was a burst of TV activity shortly after the 0800 hr. than last for a short period then the winds began to shift to the west moving birds farther south. Almost no hawks during that period.
Non-raptor Observations: Canada Goose 9, Wood Duck 1, Rock Pigeon, Killdeer 2, Ring-billed Gull 1, Herring/Ring-billed gull 3, Common Loon 4, Double-crested Cormorant 179, Great Blue Heron 1, Northern Flicker 9, Blue Jay 1, American Crow, Tree Swallow 2, European Starling, American Robin, House Finch 1, Red-winged Blackbird, Common Grackle, Northern Cardinal 2 Jerry McWilliamsErie, Erie County, <Pa.jerrymcw...>
Date: 4/13/25 7:14 am From: Jan Bennett <00000208a7c2dcd7-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Owelet outta the box! Pittsburgh Fire Dept guys to the rescue!
Love this story. Thanks for sharing.
> On 04/13/2025 9:57 AM EDT jerry Kruth <00000005ead0dac6-dmarc-request...> wrote:
>
>
> Hail the Fire Dept Guys! (and all first-responders!)
>
> Linda and I debated what to do with our fuzzy little visitor? If we just set the little thing is some thicket, it would be chirping for its folks, and we thought with the bevy of prowling raccoons, cats, hawks, crows and Horny Owls, it wouldn't last long hanging outside. I was about to go retrieve my long ladder and climb up to the box with it, when Linda suggested asking the Fire Dept guys?
>
> So, I went over to the station, just as guys were coming down. A a nice guy asked what's up?. I laughed at myself and quickly explained. He smiled as he listened, and replied, "We're just on our way now to a back-up call, we shouldn't be long. I'll see! What's the address?," he called out as they headed out. One minute later and I'd have missed them!
>
> I waited a little while at home and it was getting dark. I was just about to go drive out to fetch my ladder, when a bunch of red-blinking lights pulled up in front of the house!!!
>
> Those guys were great They threw up a ladder, and one carried the little thing up in the cardboard box, and gently took it, without touching it, wrapped in a tea towel, and deposited it back into the box!
>
> We hope this was the best option! Nature takes its own turns with myriad exceptions. I took the responsibility to erect boxes and invite wildlife onto our urban plot; I did what I hope will turn out the best!
>
> We hope this has a happy ending.
>
>
> This mini-drama played out because we have these NESTBOXES (six), around the house. This includes one with a glass side at my office window, so I can watch (the squirrels) in there carrying on! YOU can do it too!
>
>
>
> Linda ( Goodfellow ) will have some video, and me some pics, later on FB, if interested.
>
>
> Thanks for reading, and create your own mini-dramas, no matter where you live!
>
>
>
> Jerry Kruth
>
> Pgh
>
>
> ---------------------------------
> On Saturday, April 12, 2025 at 12:46:59 PM EDT, SCOTT WEIDENSAUL <scottweidensaul...> wrote:
>
> Jerry,
>
> I wouldn’t try to give it anything unless you have a dead mouse that you are certain couldn’t have gotten into rodenticide. Chances are it’s got some baby fat on it, and should be OK for roughly 24 hours. I would be more focused on placing it somewhere with dense cover, even if it’s not right next to the nest box. When the chicks fledge they scatter like quail, and the adults always manage to find them and feed them. Main thing is making sure a cat or other predator like a barred owl doesn’t spot it first.
>
> Scott
>
> > On Apr 12, 2025, at 11:53 AM, jerry Kruth <gkruth...> wrote:
> >
> > Hi Scott, and thanks for the reply. "Wait until dark," does appear to be the timeline.
> >
> > This evening I'm going to get a smaller ladder, and hope to perch the little thing on a tree limb near the nestbox where the parents can access.
> >
> > Til then, we'll leave it closed in the powder room where it can move around but not bolt through the rest of the house. n.b. -- it had no intention of remaining cooped up in that closed (albeit briefly) box, so pushed its way out again, so why stress it!
> >
> > Do you (or anyone) have any suggestions as to what to attempt to feed it until this evening?
> >
> > We have Cesar dog treats for Maggie -- that has small bits of various meats in some jelled concoction. It's soft. We also thought of finely chopped lunch meat, or tuna?
> >
> > Thoughts?
> >
> > If you have any lengthy thoughts (or anyone), please feel free to phone: 412-491-6354.
> >
> > Thanks for any and all suggestions.
> >
> > I'll also add -- when you have nestboxes around, even if you live on an urban postage stamp, YOU TOO can still have interesting dramas with wildlife if you create the habitat (with feeders, and a water feature), and native plantings.
> >
> >
> >
> > Jerry Kruth
> >
> > Pgh
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > On Saturday, April 12, 2025 at 06:48:56 AM EDT, SCOTT WEIDENSAUL <scottweidensaul...> wrote:
> >
> >
> > Jerry,
> >
> > Like any fledgling, if as you say it appears old enough to be moving on its own, I would wait until dark and put it near the nestbox in thick cover. It will vocalize and the adults will find it. This all sounds perfectly normal to me.
> >
> > Scott Weidensaul
> > Milton, NH (formerly Schuylkill Co.)
> >
> > > On Apr 11, 2025, at 10:59 PM, jerry Kruth <00000005ead0dac6-dmarc-request...> wrote:
> > >
> > > Does anybody have any advice?
> > > Well, we sure have Screechie making little ones. One of our neighbors found a little one on the street under the nest box this evening. We scooped it up to keep it safe from prowling varmints and have it closed up in a cardboard box with some soft cloth and a cup of water for the night.
> > > What should we do in the morning?
> > > I lent out my ext ladder last week and can't put it back up in the nestbox. It look like it is perhaps mature enough it's trying to move around on its own.
> > > Do I put it back on a tree branch? It's parents must be nearby I presume?
> > > Anybody?
> > > Thank you,
> > > Jerry Kruth
> > > Pgh
> >
Date: 4/13/25 6:57 am From: jerry Kruth <00000005ead0dac6-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Owelet outta the box! Pittsburgh Fire Dept guys to the rescue!
Hail the Fire Dept Guys! (and all first-responders!)
Linda and I debated what to do with our fuzzy little visitor? If we just set the little thing is some thicket, it would be chirping for its folks, and we thought with the bevy of prowling raccoons, cats, hawks, crows and Horny Owls, it wouldn't last long hanging outside. I was about to go retrieve my long ladder and climb up to the box with it, when Linda suggested asking the Fire Dept guys?
So, I went over to the station, just as guys were coming down. A a nice guy asked what's up?. I laughed at myself and quickly explained. He smiled as he listened, and replied, "We're just on our way now to a back-up call, we shouldn't be long. I'll see! What's the address?," he called out as they headed out. One minute later and I'd have missed them!
I waited a little while at home and it was getting dark. I was just about to go drive out to fetch my ladder, when a bunch of red-blinking lights pulled up in front of the house!!!
Those guys were great They threw up a ladder, and one carried the little thing up in the cardboard box, and gently took it, without touching it, wrapped in a tea towel, and deposited it back into the box!
We hope this was the best option! Nature takes its own turns with myriad exceptions. I took the responsibility to erect boxes and invite wildlife onto our urban plot; I did what I hope will turn out the best!
We hope this has a happy ending.
This mini-drama played out because we have these NESTBOXES (six), around the house. This includes one with a glass side at my office window, so I can watch (the squirrels) in there carrying on! YOU can do it too!
Linda ( Goodfellow ) will have some video, and me some pics, later on FB, if interested.
Thanks for reading, and create your own mini-dramas, no matter where you live!
Jerry Kruth
Pgh
---------------------------------
On Saturday, April 12, 2025 at 12:46:59 PM EDT, SCOTT WEIDENSAUL <scottweidensaul...> wrote:
Jerry,
I wouldn’t try to give it anything unless you have a dead mouse that you are certain couldn’t have gotten into rodenticide. Chances are it’s got some baby fat on it, and should be OK for roughly 24 hours. I would be more focused on placing it somewhere with dense cover, even if it’s not right next to the nest box. When the chicks fledge they scatter like quail, and the adults always manage to find them and feed them. Main thing is making sure a cat or other predator like a barred owl doesn’t spot it first.
Scott
> On Apr 12, 2025, at 11:53 AM, jerry Kruth <gkruth...> wrote:
>
> Hi Scott, and thanks for the reply. "Wait until dark," does appear to be the timeline.
>
> This evening I'm going to get a smaller ladder, and hope to perch the little thing on a tree limb near the nestbox where the parents can access.
>
> Til then, we'll leave it closed in the powder room where it can move around but not bolt through the rest of the house. n.b. -- it had no intention of remaining cooped up in that closed (albeit briefly) box, so pushed its way out again, so why stress it!
>
> Do you (or anyone) have any suggestions as to what to attempt to feed it until this evening?
>
> We have Cesar dog treats for Maggie -- that has small bits of various meats in some jelled concoction. It's soft. We also thought of finely chopped lunch meat, or tuna?
>
> Thoughts?
>
> If you have any lengthy thoughts (or anyone), please feel free to phone: 412-491-6354.
>
> Thanks for any and all suggestions.
>
> I'll also add -- when you have nestboxes around, even if you live on an urban postage stamp, YOU TOO can still have interesting dramas with wildlife if you create the habitat (with feeders, and a water feature), and native plantings.
>
>
>
> Jerry Kruth
>
> Pgh
>
>
>
>
> On Saturday, April 12, 2025 at 06:48:56 AM EDT, SCOTT WEIDENSAUL <scottweidensaul...> wrote:
>
>
> Jerry,
>
> Like any fledgling, if as you say it appears old enough to be moving on its own, I would wait until dark and put it near the nestbox in thick cover. It will vocalize and the adults will find it. This all sounds perfectly normal to me.
>
> Scott Weidensaul
> Milton, NH (formerly Schuylkill Co.)
>
> > On Apr 11, 2025, at 10:59 PM, jerry Kruth <00000005ead0dac6-dmarc-request...> wrote:
> >
> > Does anybody have any advice?
> > Well, we sure have Screechie making little ones. One of our neighbors found a little one on the street under the nest box this evening. We scooped it up to keep it safe from prowling varmints and have it closed up in a cardboard box with some soft cloth and a cup of water for the night.
> > What should we do in the morning?
> > I lent out my ext ladder last week and can't put it back up in the nestbox. It look like it is perhaps mature enough it's trying to move around on its own.
> > Do I put it back on a tree branch? It's parents must be nearby I presume?
> > Anybody?
> > Thank you,
> > Jerry Kruth
> > Pgh
>
Date: 4/13/25 6:21 am From: Rob Dickerson <radickerson...> Subject: Request for Photos
Request for Photos
Do you have some great photos of any birds taken in Pennsylvania from December 1, 2024 - ebruary 28, 2025? Or a picture of a notable/significant sighting from that period?
I am currently accepting photo submissions through end of day April 25 to be considered for publication as space permits in the Pennsylvania Society for Ornithology (PSO) Winter 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 WINTER in the subject line to simplify processing.
- Please do not submit me 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: 10:00:00 Observation end time: 17:00:00 Total observation time: 6.25 hours
Official Counter: AB
Observers:
Visitors: None
3 hikers.
Weather: After the rain and fog lifted a count was initiated at 12:45. NW winds at 20-28kph peaking at 29-38kph by 15:00. Visibility was mostly good at 25km except when a few brief rain squalls made their way across Stone Valley. Mostly cloudy skies for the entire count. Low temperature of 6C at 12:45 and a high of 7C by 15:00. Light of and on drizzle during the entire count.
Raptor Observations: OS 1 (23) BE 2 (76) SS 4 (89) CH 2 (30) Total 9 (980)
A decent and steady push of migrating raptors were moving along Tussey Mountain once the rain, fog and ceiling lifted in the afternoon. In the noon hour 2 CH migrated past the OP, one quite high and the other shooting through directly in front of me. It was so close I wouldn’t have seen it as I was busy tracking the high bird from a seated position. The low bird came inches from my knees and I enjoyed it looking over its wing at me once it saw movement as it made its way past the stone barricade. I’ve really enjoyed the days with no visitors when I get these close encounters. It lets me know I have my camouflage dialed. In the 13:00 hour I began to start to see SS and it was impressive to see them getting going in less-than-ideal conditions. With how much precipitation we have had in the last week accompanied with fog on Tussey Mountain I am sure these raptors are ready to migrate.
TUVU were the first resident raptors moving again once the rain abated. The adult RT whose territory seems to include the gap has lost ground to the AMCR noted below.
Non-raptor Observations: Another nice push of COLO early in the count with two groups of 7 each. There is a new sheriff in town near the OP and it is an AMCR. Going forward its name shall be Crandall. Crandall earned its notoriety during the days effort by mobbing other crows and CORA that flew past the cut. Later in the count I noticed it repeatedly going after the resident RTHA whenever it was spotted kiting in the gap. Crandall was fierce and consistent enough that the RTHA moved out every time which is impressive considering how fiery RTHA’s are. Towards the end of the count the largest herd of GCKI I have seen yet this season moved up the cut and foraged behind me. They were joined by TUTI, BRCR and of course BCCH.
Canada Goose 3 Mourning Dove 3 Common Loon 16 Turkey Vulture 9 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1 Red-headed Woodpecker 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker 1 Downy Woodpecker 1 Hairy Woodpecker 1 Pileated Woodpecker 1 Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) 1 Blue Jay 2 American Crow 3 Common Raven 1 Black-capped Chickadee 2 Tufted Titmouse 1 Golden-crowned Kinglet 7 White-breasted Nuthatch 1 Brown Creeper 1 American Robin 1 American Goldfinch 1 Fox Sparrow 1
Predictions: Mostly sunny, with a high near 58. Northwest wind around 7 mph.
======================================================================== Report submitted by Adam Richardson (<poecile.gambeli...>) Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch information may be found at: tusseymountainspringhawkwatch.org/
Date: 4/12/25 11:10 am From: Douglas Filler <0000012c09e09177-dmarc-request...> Subject: Silver Lake in Bucks CO.
The following were seen or heard on the morning bird walk led by Ron Miller, from the Silver Lake Nature Center located in Bristol, PA. 1 participant
American CrowAmerican RobinBlue JayBlue-gray Gnatcatcher - 3Brown-headed CowbirdCanada GooseCarolina ChickadeeCarolina WrenCommon GrackleDark-eyed JuncoDouble-crested CormorantDowny WoodpeckerEastern PhoebeEuropean StarlingGadwallGreat Blue HeronHairy WoodpeckerHouse FinchHouse SparrowMallardMourning DoveNorthern FlickerNorthern CardinalOsprey - 2 Palm Warbler - 5Red-bellied WoodpeckerRed-winged BlackbirdGolden-crowned KingletRock PigeonRusty Blackbird - 4Song SparrowTree SwallowTufted TitmouseNorthern Rough-winged Swallow - 2Northern Mockingbird -2White-breasted NuthatchWhite-throated SparrowWood Duck - 8Yellow-rumped Warbler
Date: 4/12/25 8:53 am From: jerry Kruth <00000005ead0dac6-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Owelet outta the box! WHAT TO FEED IT???
Hi Scott, and thanks for the reply. "Wait until dark," does appear to be the timeline.
This evening I'm going to get a smaller ladder, and hope to perch the little thing on a tree limb near the nestbox where the parents can access.
Til then, we'll leave it closed in the powder room where it can move around but not bolt through the rest of the house. n.b. -- it had no intention of remaining cooped up in that closed (albeit briefly) box, so pushed its way out again, so why stress it!
Do you (or anyone) have any suggestions as to what to attempt to feed it until this evening?
We have Cesar dog treats for Maggie -- that has small bits of various meats in some jelled concoction. It's soft. We also thought of finely chopped lunch meat, or tuna?
Thoughts?
If you have any lengthy thoughts (or anyone), please feel free to phone: 412-491-6354.
Thanks for any and all suggestions.
I'll also add -- when you have nestboxes around, even if you live on an urban postage stamp, YOU TOO can still have interesting dramas with wildlife if you create the habitat (with feeders, and a water feature), and native plantings.
Jerry Kruth
Pgh
On Saturday, April 12, 2025 at 06:48:56 AM EDT, SCOTT WEIDENSAUL <scottweidensaul...> wrote:
Jerry,
Like any fledgling, if as you say it appears old enough to be moving on its own, I would wait until dark and put it near the nestbox in thick cover. It will vocalize and the adults will find it. This all sounds perfectly normal to me.
Scott Weidensaul
Milton, NH (formerly Schuylkill Co.)
> On Apr 11, 2025, at 10:59 PM, jerry Kruth <00000005ead0dac6-dmarc-request...> wrote:
>
> Does anybody have any advice?
> Well, we sure have Screechie making little ones. One of our neighbors found a little one on the street under the nest box this evening. We scooped it up to keep it safe from prowling varmints and have it closed up in a cardboard box with some soft cloth and a cup of water for the night.
> What should we do in the morning?
> I lent out my ext ladder last week and can't put it back up in the nestbox. It look like it is perhaps mature enough it's trying to move around on its own.
> Do I put it back on a tree branch? It's parents must be nearby I presume?
> Anybody?
> Thank you,
> Jerry Kruth
> Pgh
Date: 4/12/25 3:49 am From: SCOTT WEIDENSAUL <000001343b2dd726-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Owelet outta the box! WHAT TO DO!???
Jerry,
Like any fledgling, if as you say it appears old enough to be moving on its own, I would wait until dark and put it near the nestbox in thick cover. It will vocalize and the adults will find it. This all sounds perfectly normal to me.
Scott Weidensaul
Milton, NH (formerly Schuylkill Co.)
> On Apr 11, 2025, at 10:59 PM, jerry Kruth <00000005ead0dac6-dmarc-request...> wrote:
>
> Does anybody have any advice?
> Well, we sure have Screechie making little ones. One of our neighbors found a little one on the street under the nest box this evening. We scooped it up to keep it safe from prowling varmints and have it closed up in a cardboard box with some soft cloth and a cup of water for the night.
> What should we do in the morning?
> I lent out my ext ladder last week and can't put it back up in the nestbox. It look like it is perhaps mature enough it's trying to move around on its own.
> Do I put it back on a tree branch? It's parents must be nearby I presume?
> Anybody?
> Thank you,
> Jerry Kruth
> Pgh
Date: 4/11/25 7:59 pm From: jerry Kruth <00000005ead0dac6-dmarc-request...> Subject: Owelet outta the box! WHAT TO DO!???
Does anybody have any advice?
Well, we sure have Screechie making little ones. One of our neighbors found a little one on the street under the nest box this evening. We scooped it up to keep it safe from prowling varmints and have it closed up in a cardboard box with some soft cloth and a cup of water for the night.
What should we do in the morning?
I lent out my ext ladder last week and can't put it back up in the nestbox. It look like it is perhaps mature enough it's trying to move around on its own.
Do I put it back on a tree branch? It's parents must be nearby I presume?
Anybody?
Thank you,
Jerry Kruth
Pgh
Observation start time: 13:00:00 Observation end time: 17:00:00 Total observation time: 3 hours
Official Counter: AB
Observers:
Visitors: None
Weather: Despite only light rain mist on and off during the day a stubborn fog hung on the ridge of Tussey Mountain. By 14:00 it was lifting rapidly and by 14:30 the count was initiated. SE winds at 1-5kph for the beginning of the count, but by 17:00 the winds had set down. Visibility came and went during the 3-hour effort with max views to the base of Warrior’s Ridge. Cloudy skies for the entire day. High temperature of 5C at 14:30 and a low of 4C by 17:00.
Raptor Observations: BE 1 (74) Total 1 (971)
One adult BE winged past the OP on the S side of the ridge.
TUVU where the only resident raptors detected during the short effort. These were seen moving very low over Stone Valley and Leading ridge at 15:09.
Non-raptor Observations: Mourning Dove 3 Turkey Vulture 2 Red-bellied Woodpecker 1 Pileated Woodpecker 2 Blue Jay 1 American Crow 2 Common Raven 1 American Goldfinch 2 Field Sparrow 1
Predictions: Rain likely before 2pm, then a chance of sprinkles, mainly after 3pm. Cloudy, with a high near 50. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Adam Richardson (<poecile.gambeli...>) Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch information may be found at: tusseymountainspringhawkwatch.org/
Additionally at Kahle Lake.
30 Bonaparte's Gull
1 Ring-billed Gull
4 Forster's Tern
1 Common Tern
5 Horned Grebe
Many Purple Martin, Tree Swallow, N. Rough-winged Swallow & Barn Swallow
Russ States
Oil City
On Fri, Apr 11, 2025 at 4:55 PM jerry stanley <bhnsjerry...> wrote:
> 2 RED-THROATED LOON, 3 WW SCOTER, and 6 LONG-TAILED DUCK at Kahle Lake in
> Venango Co. 1 GREAT EGRET in Franklin.
>
> Jerry Stanley
>
>
>
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 10:00:00 Total observation time: 0 hours
Compiler: David Barber
Counters: Antonella Mascaro, Evelyn de Chazal, Laurie Goodrich
Weather: Heavy fog obstructing view.
Raptor Observations:
Non-raptor Observations:
======================================================================== Report submitted by Laurie Goodrich (<goodrich...>) Hawk Mountain Sanctuary information may be found at: http://www.hawkmountain.org/
While refilling the feeders on this very chilly morning, I saw our FOY Chipping Sparrow. Also, the Bluebirds continue to come to the sunflower chip feeders.
Karyn Delaney
Economy Borough Yard Birds, Beaver, Pennsylvania, US Apr 11, 2025 9:27 AM - 9:51 AM Protocol: Stationary 19 species (+1 other taxa)
Mourning Dove 6 Turkey Vulture 2 Flyover Red-bellied Woodpecker 1 Downy Woodpecker 2 Male and female Hairy Woodpecker 1 Male Blue Jay 2 American Crow 1 Carolina/Black-capped Chickadee 1 Tufted Titmouse 1 Carolina Wren 1 Eastern Bluebird 1 American Robin 3 House Finch 1 American Goldfinch 14 Chipping Sparrow 1 FOY Dark-eyed Junco 1 White-throated Sparrow 1 Red-winged Blackbird 2 Common Grackle 4 Northern Cardinal 6
