Mid-week, I found a perfect cup nest made of dry white pine needles in one of my boxes. This evening, I was surprised to find two eggs in it already. It probably just seems early because of the erratic temperatures we've had this month. New arrivals include a beautiful male Towhee, Chipping sparrows and some Meadowlarks lifting off my neighbor's hayfield and Ianding in the treeline, showing off his flashy yellow breast.
After six today, I drove to Meyerstown to check on the wildflowers along the Shenandoah. I got a real treat going down Dutch Hill Rd. A mature Bald eagle was soaring above. I followed him with my binoculars. That late sunlight really showed him off. He swooped down, buzzed another eagle sitting in the field, then went up into a nearby tree. The three Turkey vultures hovering made me look for a deer carcass. Just then, the eagle lifted off the ground, carrying something it had been feeding on, and then landed again to continue with its meal. Its mate stayed in the tree, keeping watch.
I stopped a man coming out of his long driveway adjacent to one of the fields on the right to tell him about the eagles. He told me they had a nest along the shore. Unfortunately, he said there is talk about the two big fields being turned into solar fields. Yuck! We've seen Horned larks there in years past.
Date: 3/28/26 2:47 am From: Bill Blauvelt <bil.blauvelt...> Subject: Sandhills Cranes
Yesterday is saw a pair of Sandhills Cranes on the northern edge of Cranesville Swamp in Preston County. It is not unusual to see them here and they are probably attempting to breed in the Nature Conservancy Preserve.
Our 8" of fresh snow brought them back! I just counted 30. Also a Pine Siskin, Red-winged Blackbirds, and Common Grackles, along with the usual suspects.
Two mornings ago, I was happy to see the first Phoebe of this year. It was hopping from one wingstem stalk to another. The upright posture and wagging of the tail made it easy to spot.
Sunday, there was a male Purple finch on the tube feeder. Another first for the year.
One of the female Cardinals in the yard is missing her tail feathers. The rest of her feathers are in good shape. She looks kind of cute with that round butt.
Walking on my neighbor's lane this evening, my dog spotted something on the edge and stopped. Sadly, it was a young Cedar waxwing that had perished. We had a very heavy downpour and winds this afternoon, which may have led to its demise. Brought it home to give it a decent burial tomorrow.
Date: 3/12/26 6:07 am From: James Phillips <jimandjudyphillips...> Subject: Pine warbler
83 degrees yesterday. 37 with snow this morning. Pine Warbler on the suet and 6 purple finches back at the feeders. Jim & Judy Phillips Summers County Pipestem, WV
On Saturday, our male Eastern Phoebe returned and started checking out the early season nesting site immediately singing all the while. There was also Pine Warbler singing in the Virginia Pines out front.
Amazingly, the female Eastern Phoebe showed up on Monday. I can only guess that she was spurred to move north by the exceptionally warm weather we’ve been having.
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Date: 3/11/26 10:54 am From: Bruni Haydl <bruni...> Subject: Textbook
I just saw a Sharp-shinned hawk standing on the food tray. He really was just the size of a Bluejay with pencil legs, matching the description in the guides to a tee. Best look ever. I should be able to ID them quickly in the future.
Yesterday morning, a Tree swallow showed up on my Merlin as a possible. Thinking that it seemed too early, I dismissed it. A little bit later, I was scrubbing the birdbath and saw a Tree swallow sitting on a branch near their favorite nest box. A welcome sight indeed. After a while, others showed up. I just love the joyous sound of their song and their aerial ballet.
Also heard my first Field sparrow of the year.
The morning chorus has really increased the last week, Housefinches being the loudest. Bluebirds are a close second. They are also checking out the nest boxes.
It has been a peculiar spring so far. A week ago, we had light snow. Yesterday and today were almost uncomfortably warm, really pushing the spring flowers along. Saw my first Bumblebee and a lovely Spring Azure today.
Date: 3/7/26 7:38 pm From: Derek Courtney <derek.dana.courtney...> Subject: Cheat Lake Waterbird Report --- Mountaineer Audubon Field Trip
Hi, all!
This morning, just about 20 people joined me for the annual Spring field trip around Cheat Lake in search of migrant waterfowl. It was a great turnout with lots of new faces. Spring had definitely arrived with temperatures reaching almost 70 degrees by the end and the southern winds carried a noticeable warmth with them as we walked around Cheat Lake Park. The birds, on the other hand, didn't arrive :) Cheat Lake was quite high, and there many boats on the lake taking advantage of the balmy day. No rain overnight meant there was nothing to push down big numbers, and the lack of fog or precipitation in the morning meant that whatever did land probably got an early start northward. Nonetheless, it was a great day to be out, with a fantastic group of friends. Waterbird totals listed below. Thanks to everyone who came out today. Mountaineer Audubon has a full slate of spring activities coming up; please check the website and social medias for the events you might be able to attend. Hope to see you all soon in the field this spring!
We were walking in a Huntington cemetery Wednesday afternoon when we noticed black vultures in some of the trees, in addition to more circling overhead. A Lot of vultures - like 30-plus. I've seen occasional black vultures in this cemetery but never this many before. They were spread out over half a dozen different trees.
Date: 2/28/26 10:29 am From: Derek Courtney <derek.dana.courtney...> Subject: Mountaineer Audubon Field Trip --- Cheat Lake, Mon. Co.
Hi, all!
Next week on Saturday, March 7, Mountaineer Audubon is sponsoring a field trip to Cheat Lake in search of northbound waterfowl. The warmer temperatures and southerly winds have spurred birds to start moving; spring migration is here!
We will meet at 8am in the parking lot behind the Chestnut Ridge Church before heading out. Most of the morning's activities will involve driving between stops and minimal walking while we scope Cheat Lake. The exception is at Cheat Lake Park which is usually our last stop. There, we may walk up to a mile or so on flat well maintained trails depending on where the birds are.
Per usual, there will be no cost to attend and pre-registration is not required. But please feel free to reach out if you have any concerns or questions. Dress for the weather, the trip will proceed as long as the roads are safe to drive.
I will try to be at Almost Heaven next to Chestnut Ridge Church around 7am if anyone wants breakfast or a caffeine fix before heading out.
I hope to see you all there! Have a great weekend!
