Date: 3/19/26 8:11 am From: Grove, Deborah Shuey <dsg4...> Subject: Re: Project Feederwatch March 17-18
That’s a great addition!
With 20 years you know how fun it is!
Deb
Deborah S. Grove
________________________________
From: Ann Wilken <abwilken0451...>
Sent: Thursday, March 19, 2026 10:25:55 AM
To: Grove, Deborah Shuey <dsg4...>
Cc: <SCBIRDCL...> <SCBIRDCL...>
Subject: Re: Project Feederwatch March 17-18
You don't often get email from <abwilken0451...> Learn why this is important<https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification> And I have been participating with Project Feederwatch about 20 years, here at my home near Julian.
This year a sweet little brown creeper has replaced the red-breasted nuthatch as my favorite. I find her picking up droppings off the ground under the suet feeder, usually too timid to fight the woodpeckers at the feeder itself.
Ann
On Thu, Mar 19, 2026 at 9:11 AM Grove, Deborah Shuey <dsg4...><mailto:<dsg4...>> wrote:
For 36 years I have been using Project Feederwatch sponsored by Cornell Ornithology Lab to document birds at our feeders. Here at our house on the ridge near Huntingdon where we have been for 13 years, we have had an up and down winter. This PF entry is over 2 days and counts must have 5 days in between.
This is the first year since we moved here that we have had Pileated Woodpeckers visit the suet feeders. They are no stranger to the yard as they have been busy on the trees, excavating several. And one day two were present although we did not see two during this two day period.
Two counts in January had 55 and 65 Purple Finch. This plunged to 8 in February but American Goldfinch soared with about 100 and with this most recent count, I tried to count and 300 was my best estimate. I could hear the loud sound of their chirping inside even with the house closed up. Cars going by at 40 feet away caused them to lift off nearly every time.
The Sapsucker has been present nearly every count. We rarely have Starlings but they started to visit at the end of February. Red-winged Blackbirds are on time too with the beginning of March and now Common Grackles and Brown-headed Cowbirds in mid-March. The Cowbirds hang around all year. However, the number of Common Grackles counted in previous Feederwatches has always been no more than 1! It seems as if a roving band has found us this time. There is a large number that nest about a mile away.
Dark-eyed Juncos were higher in January peaking at 100 and 220. The number has fallen since then.
Cooper’s Hawk has been only a few occasions.
Some days Greg fills the 5 tube feeders and 2 platform feeders twice a day and I won’t even venture a number of how much we have spent on black oil sunflower seed and white millet.
21 species
Mourning Dove 22
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Downy Woodpecker 2
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Pileated Woodpecker 1
Blue Jay 2
American Crow 2
Black-capped Chickadee 2
Tufted Titmouse 2
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
Red-breasted Nuthatch 1
European Starling 8
Purple Finch 6
American Goldfinch 300 best estimate.
Dark-eyed Junco 55
White-throated Sparrow 1
Red-winged Blackbird 15
Brown-headed Cowbird 5
Common Grackle 50
Northern Cardinal 2
Date: 3/19/26 7:27 am From: Ann Wilken <abwilken0451...> Subject: Re: Project Feederwatch March 17-18
And I have been participating with Project Feederwatch about 20 years, here
at my home near Julian.
This year a sweet little brown creeper has replaced the red-breasted
nuthatch as my favorite. I find her picking up droppings off the ground
under the suet feeder, usually too timid to fight the woodpeckers at the
feeder itself.
Ann
On Thu, Mar 19, 2026 at 9:11 AM Grove, Deborah Shuey <dsg4...> wrote:
> For 36 years I have been using Project Feederwatch sponsored by Cornell
> Ornithology Lab to document birds at our feeders. Here at our house on the
> ridge near Huntingdon where we have been for 13 years, we have had an up
> and down winter. This PF entry is over 2 days and counts must have 5 days
> in between.
> This is the first year since we moved here that we have had Pileated
> Woodpeckers visit the suet feeders. They are no stranger to the yard as
> they have been busy on the trees, excavating several. And one day two were
> present although we did not see two during this two day period.
> Two counts in January had 55 and 65 Purple Finch. This plunged to 8 in
> February but American Goldfinch soared with about 100 and with this most
> recent count, I tried to count and 300 was my best estimate. I could hear
> the loud sound of their chirping inside even with the house closed up. Cars
> going by at 40 feet away caused them to lift off nearly every time.
> The Sapsucker has been present nearly every count. We rarely have
> Starlings but they started to visit at the end of February. Red-winged
> Blackbirds are on time too with the beginning of March and now Common
> Grackles and Brown-headed Cowbirds in mid-March. The Cowbirds hang around
> all year. However, the number of Common Grackles counted in previous
> Feederwatches has always been no more than 1! It seems as if a roving band
> has found us this time. There is a large number that nest about a mile
> away.
> Dark-eyed Juncos were higher in January peaking at 100 and 220. The number
> has fallen since then.
> Cooper’s Hawk has been only a few occasions.
> Some days Greg fills the 5 tube feeders and 2 platform feeders twice a day
> and I won’t even venture a number of how much we have spent on black oil
> sunflower seed and white millet.
>
> 21 species
>
> Mourning Dove 22
> Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1
> Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
> Downy Woodpecker 2
> Hairy Woodpecker 1
> Pileated Woodpecker 1
> Blue Jay 2
> American Crow 2
> Black-capped Chickadee 2
> Tufted Titmouse 2
> White-breasted Nuthatch 1
> Red-breasted Nuthatch 1
> European Starling 8
> Purple Finch 6
> American Goldfinch 300 best estimate.
> Dark-eyed Junco 55
> White-throated Sparrow 1
> Red-winged Blackbird 15
> Brown-headed Cowbird 5
> Common Grackle 50
> Northern Cardinal 2
>
>
Date: 3/19/26 6:35 am From: Constanza Ehrenhaus <cxe1169...> Subject: Bird biology and conservation summer program for middle school students
Good morning, club,
I will be offering a one week, full time summer camp program based on bird
biology and conservation. Pre-registration is now open, please, help me
spread the word!
Date: 3/18/26 6:54 pm From: Thomas Filip <thomasfilip0660...> Subject: Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch (18 Mar 2026) 5 Raptors
*Tussey Mountain Hawk WatchState College, Pennsylvania, USADaily Raptor
Counts: Mar 18, 2026SpeciesDay's CountMonth TotalSeason TotalBlack
Vulture000 Turkey Vulture11536 Osprey000 Bald Eagle03235 Northern
Harrier001 Sharp-shinned Hawk01417 Cooper's Hawk088 American Goshawk000
Red-shouldered Hawk02223 Broad-winged Hawk000 Red-tailed Hawk05359
Rough-legged Hawk011 Golden Eagle3157166 American Kestrel188 Merlin022
Peregrine Falcon000 Unknown Accipitrine002 Unknown Buteo011 Unknown
Falcon011 Unknown Eagle001 Unknown Raptor011 Total:5315362Observation start
time: 08:30:00 Observation end time: 17:00:00 Total observation time: 8.5
hoursOfficial CounterThomas FilipObservers: Visitors:JeffWeather:S winds
throughout the day starting off very low at 1-3mph in the morning gradually
rising to 8-10 mph by the end of the day. A bit chilly in the morning but
warmer than yesterday with a low of -5℃ and a high of 2℃. Cloud cover
varied throughout the day but was generally mostly cloudy in the morning
and mostly sunny in the afternoon.Raptor Observations:3 GOEA spotted today.*
*2 adult*
*15:40, 16:20*
*1 immature 15:31*
*The day started off very slow with no migrating raptors in the morning.
Weather conditions gradually improved later and finally an immature GOEA
flew in at 15:31, soaring for a minute and giving nice looks before moving
on. The next one at 15:40 glided through much more quickly. The last one at
the 16:20 was lower than the last 2 and descending, a behavior I have seen
in previous days where a GOEA was spotted in the last hour, probably
looking for a place to roost for the night.*
Date: 3/17/26 6:21 pm From: Thomas Filip <thomasfilip0660...> Subject: Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch (17 Mar 2026) 5 Raptors
*Tussey Mountain Hawk WatchState College, Pennsylvania, USADaily Raptor
Counts: Mar 17, 2026SpeciesDay's CountMonth TotalSeason TotalBlack
Vulture000 Turkey Vulture01435 Osprey000 Bald Eagle03235 Northern
Harrier001 Sharp-shinned Hawk01417 Cooper's Hawk088 American Goshawk000
Red-shouldered Hawk02223 Broad-winged Hawk000 Red-tailed Hawk25359
Rough-legged Hawk011 Golden Eagle2154163 American Kestrel177 Merlin022
Peregrine Falcon000 Unknown Accipitrine002 Unknown Buteo011 Unknown
Falcon011 Unknown Eagle001 Unknown Raptor011 Total:5310357Observation start
time: 08:30:00 Observation end time: 16:30:00 Total observation time: 8
hoursOfficial CounterThomas FilipObservers: Nick BolgianoWeather:Last
night's storm left some snow on the ground and the temperature dropped with
a low of -4.4℃ and a high of 0.7. Snow squalls came through several times,
dramatically lowering visibility, but visibility was otherwise good in
between. Winds were fairly consistent with W winds at 10-13mph for most of
the day shifting to WNW in the last hour.Raptor Observations:2 GOEA spotted
today.*
*2 adult 12:35, 13:31*
*Our first GOEA gave us some great views but also difficulty in identifying
it as first. A particularly small and dark individual, at first it was
hunting close to the ridge and it was only when it flew near a RTHA and
turned that we could get a proper sense of size and a better look at its
plumage. After it went around the hawk watch once, it turned NE while
gaining altitude and continued on its way. The second was larger and also
seemed to be hunting briefly but did not stop like the first and continued
NE.*
*Other migrating raptors include 2 RTHA and 1 AMKE. 1 of the migrating RTHA
was escorted out by a territorial resident.*
*By far the most surprising passerine flyover of the season was the flock
of Redpolls that flew over today, see the eBird checklist for more details.
We also had some AGOL, PISI, a AMPI, and a HOLA, all heading S/SSE. We also
saw a pair of raven, 1 with what looked like a black feather in its mouth.
Perhaps courtship behavior. A third raven tried to join in but the pair did
not seem to be interested.Predictions:Mostly cloudy with weak winds
starting SW and shifting to S later. We might see a couple GOEA.*
Date: 3/16/26 3:43 pm From: Nick Bolgiano <nickbolgiano...> Subject: Tussey Mt Cumulative Golden Eagle chart update
The attached graph shows that this year's Golden Eagle tally continues to be among the higher historical tallies. The trajectory suggests that this year's final count may end up near levels tallied by some well-known past hawk counters at Tussey Mt:
Date: 3/16/26 4:32 am From: KATHLEEN BECHDEL <0000d165c6a818d5-dmarc-request...> Subject: State College Bird Club Field Trip Date Change
Hello,
Please note that the Bald Eagle State Park Field Trip that was cancelled has been rescheduled for March 29. All other details are the same. See more information below.
DATE CHANGE - Sunday, March 29, 2026 (8:00 am - 11:00 am) Bald Eagle State Park
Trip Leader: Bob Snyder
Meet at the Swimming Beach parking lot.
We will be looking for migrating waterfowl: possibly various ducks and other waterfowl, Tundra Swans, Bald Eagles and winter hawks that may be in, or passing through the park while heading back north.
Bring binoculars, a spotting scope (handy if you have one) and a camera. Please dress for the weather and time of year; we can still have snow squalls in late March and wear a pair of sturdy hiking boots, as we might walk down from the war memorial on the dam to Hunter Run Cove and the spillway marsh.
This field trip is open to members and non-members.
Date: 3/15/26 7:49 pm From: Thomas Filip <thomasfilip0660...> Subject: Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch (15 Mar 2026) 23 Raptors
*Tussey Mountain Hawk WatchState College, Pennsylvania, USADaily Raptor
Counts: Mar 15, 2026SpeciesDay's CountMonth TotalSeason TotalBlack
Vulture000 Turkey Vulture31435 Osprey000 Bald Eagle83235 Northern
Harrier001 Sharp-shinned Hawk11417 Cooper's Hawk088 American Goshawk000
Red-shouldered Hawk12223 Broad-winged Hawk000 Red-tailed Hawk65157
Rough-legged Hawk011 Golden Eagle4152161 American Kestrel066 Merlin022
Peregrine Falcon000 Unknown Accipitrine002 Unknown Buteo011 Unknown
Falcon011 Unknown Eagle001 Unknown Raptor011 Total:23305352Observation
start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time:
7 hoursOfficial CounterThomas FilipObservers: Butch Rittlemann, Connor
Schmitt, Deb Rittlemann, Elizabeth Cathcurt, George Young, Nick Bolgiano,
Nina Wolf, Peggy Wagoner, Phil Park, Randy Flament, Warren
WolfVisitors:Becky Lengerich, Jean Lengerich, Matt Jackson, Amber Jackson,
Bruce Woods, Percy Meriwether, Vinnie ArcanaWeather:A warmer day than the
last few with a low of 4.8℃ and a high of 14.9℃. Mostly sunny with SE winds
in the morning turning to mostly cloudy with SSE winds in the afternoon.
Generally consistent wind speed of around 20mph but we did have some
stronger gusts up to 30mph in the afternoon.Raptor Observations:4 GOEA
spotted today.*
*3 adult*
*10:34, 10:40, 13:47*
*1 unknown*
*12:29*
*Less action than expected today despite seemingly perfect conditions. The
4 GOEA that came through today were a little distant and somewhat difficult
to view. No raptors were spotted after the last GOEA at 12:29, making for a
slow afternoon.*
Observation start time: 08:30:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 5.5 hours
Official Counter: Darrell Smith
Observers:
Visitors: Two groups of Amish walked up from the valley and there were several site seers. The site seers didn't stay long because of the wind.
Weather: High winds 15-20mph most of the day with complete cloud cover. The clouds were light and fluffy to start turning to thick cloud cover as the day progressed. I wasn't prepared for the cool winds and had to hang it up at 2pm.
Raptor Observations: Only raptors counted were Turkey Vultures. Local Red-tails hunting during the day.
Non-raptor Observations: Several Ravens including Nemo. I thought maybe I could squeeze out a GE for the day with the good SE winds. It was not to be. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Darrell Smith (<oleagleye...>)
Date: 3/14/26 6:17 pm From: Thomas Filip <thomasfilip0660...> Subject: Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch (14 Mar 2026) 14 Raptors
*Tussey Mountain Hawk WatchState College, Pennsylvania, USADaily Raptor
Counts: Mar 14, 2026SpeciesDay's CountMonth TotalSeason TotalBlack
Vulture000 Turkey Vulture01132 Osprey000 Bald Eagle12427 Northern
Harrier001 Sharp-shinned Hawk01316 Cooper's Hawk088 American Goshawk000
Red-shouldered Hawk02122 Broad-winged Hawk000 Red-tailed Hawk44551
Rough-legged Hawk011 Golden Eagle7148157 American Kestrel166 Merlin022
Peregrine Falcon000 Unknown Accipitrine002 Unknown Buteo011 Unknown
Falcon011 Unknown Eagle001 Unknown Raptor111 Total:14282329Observation
start time: 08:30:00 Observation end time: 17:00:00 Total observation time:
8.5 hoursOfficial CounterNick Bolgiano, Thomas FilipObservers: Angela
Fasold, Bill Chambers, Jon Kauffman, Matt Fasold, Nick Bolgiano, Robert
McLaughlinVisitors:Bald Eagle State Park Nature Inn Tour Group, Matt,
LisaWeather:Partly cloudy throughout the day with a low of 0℃ and a high of
9.1℃. Consistent WNW winds starting at 8-12mph, speeding up to 20-22mph at
noon, and then falling to 13-15mph at the end of the day. Raptor
Observations:7 GOEA spotted today.*
*adult 09:40, 10:08, 11:06, 11:08, 11:08*
*unknown 09:50, 15:49*
*Our first GOEA was spotted at 09:40 just as the Bald Eagle SP Nature Inn
tour group arrived. It soared not too high above the N side of the ridge
for a few minutes, giving the whole group a great look at it. 2 more GOEA
came through while the group was at the hawk watch, but these were more
distant and difficult to spot. An hour after the group left, we had 3 come
through within 2 minutes, 1 that glided past somewhat far out on the N
side, and 2 soaring above the N side together, likely a pair. After these 3
GOEA, the afternoon would be slow with few raptors. Close to the end of the
day, one last GOEA was spotted behind the tower very high up soaring.*
Date: 3/13/26 7:51 pm From: Thomas Filip <thomasfilip0660...> Subject: Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch (13 Mar 2026) 29 Raptors
*Tussey Mountain Hawk WatchState College, Pennsylvania, USADaily Raptor
Counts: Mar 13, 2026SpeciesDay's CountMonth TotalSeason TotalBlack
Vulture000 Turkey Vulture41132 Osprey000 Bald Eagle12326 Northern
Harrier001 Sharp-shinned Hawk11316 Cooper's Hawk188 American Goshawk000
Red-shouldered Hawk22122 Broad-winged Hawk000 Red-tailed Hawk104147
Rough-legged Hawk011 Golden Eagle10141150 American Kestrel055 Merlin022
Peregrine Falcon000 Unknown Accipitrine002 Unknown Buteo011 Unknown
Falcon011 Unknown Eagle001 Unknown Raptor000 Total:29268315Observation
start time: 07:15:00 Observation end time: 17:00:00 Total observation time:
9.75 hoursOfficial CounterThomas FilipObservers: Connor Schmitt, Craig
Kochel, Joe Gyekis, Nick Bolgiano, Randy PhillipsVisitors:Frank
BlumWeather:Moderate winds in the morning around 10mph from 08:00-11:00,
increased quickly afterwards to around 21-24mph by 12:00 before decreasing
steadily until the end of the day. Mostly cloudy throughout the day
clearing up only slightly by the end. Chilly in the morning with a low of
-2.2℃, warming up to a high of 6.1℃ in the afternoon.Raptor Observations:10
GOEA spotted today.*
*adult 11:32, 14:48, 15:44, 15:45, 16:14*
*immature 14:36, 15:15*
*juvenile 14:54*
*unknown 14:10, 14:53*
*After a very long and slow morning with no raptors, we had our first GOEA
at 11:32. The wind speed increased a lot after this one and we didn't see
any more for 3 more hours until after the wind slowed down. After Connor
arrived, we got 5 within an hour. A few more would pass through until the
last one at 16:14, which was lower than the rest and likely looking for a
place to roost overnight in Rothrock State Forest.*
Date: 3/13/26 1:32 pm From: KATHLEEN BECHDEL <0000d165c6a818d5-dmarc-request...> Subject: March 15 Field Trip CANCELLED
Dear Bird Club Members,
The field trip scheduled for March 15 at Bald Eagle State Park has been cancelled. There is a good chance that it will be rescheduled, so check your email and our website for updates. scbirdcl.org
Date: 3/13/26 12:54 pm From: Robert Snyder <birdphotoginpa...> Subject: Need to Postpone the outing to Bald Eagle SP: Sunday 15
Hello All,
I'm sorry, but I need to postpone the Sunday, 3/15 outing to Bald Eagle SP, as I am not feeling well. I would like to reschedule the trip to Sunday, March 22, or 29.
Thank you for your attention,
Bob Snyder
-- Do the best you can, where you are, with what you have. Theodore Roosevelt
________________________________
From: State College (PA) Bird Club <SCBIRDCL...> on behalf of Eric Oliver <ericmoliver...>
Sent: Friday, March 13, 2026 2:29:00 PM
To: <SCBIRDCL...> <SCBIRDCL...>
Subject: Re: Lower trail Alfarata stn walk this Saturday?
Just an FYI. I was there today and there is lots of construction activity around the flea market area. No parking space, and I couldn't access the trail due to heavy equipment.
On Thu, Mar 12, 2026 at 10:16 PM Grove, Deborah Shuey <dsg4...><mailto:<dsg4...>> wrote:
Chad Kauffman organized Spotlight on Huntingdon County as a continuing series of spotlights on different counties that he has done over several years.
Yes, there was a walk scheduled there but I had heard of shutdowns last week and I have attached a news story of the shutdown on the trailhead end of the Lower trail.
You can learn more about this weekend's activities at the FB site Huntingdon County Birding Spotlight that describes several bird walks led by a few of us this weekend.
[Image.png]
Deb
Deborah S. Grove
Hi,
Does anyone know if there's a bird walk at the Alfarata station of the Lower Trail this coming Saturday?
I may have mis-entered a February walk into my March calendar- can't find it on any of the local(ish) birding websites😬
Thanks,
Judy Sinn
Date: 3/13/26 11:30 am From: Eric Oliver <ericmoliver...> Subject: Re: Lower trail Alfarata stn walk this Saturday?
Just an FYI. I was there today and there is lots of construction activity
around the flea market area. No parking space, and I couldn't access the
trail due to heavy equipment.
Thanks,
Eric Oliver
<ericmoliver...>
Look closely at nature. Every species is a masterpiece, exquisitely adapted
to the particular environment in which it has survived. Who are we to
destroy or even diminish biodiversity?- E.O Wilson
On Thu, Mar 12, 2026 at 10:16 PM Grove, Deborah Shuey <dsg4...> wrote:
> Chad Kauffman organized Spotlight on Huntingdon County as a continuing
> series of spotlights on different counties that he has done over several
> years.
> Yes, there was a walk scheduled there but I had heard of shutdowns last
> week and I have attached a news story of the shutdown on the trailhead end
> of the Lower trail.
> You can learn more about this weekend's activities at the FB site
> Huntingdon County Birding Spotlight that describes several bird walks led
> by a few of us this weekend.
> [image: Image.png]
> Deb
> Deborah S. Grove
>
> ------------------------------
> *From:* State College (PA) Bird Club <SCBIRDCL...> on behalf
> of Judy Sinn <junebugg1910...>
> *Sent:* Thursday, March 12, 2026 7:06:36 PM
> *To:* <SCBIRDCL...> <SCBIRDCL...>
> *Subject:* Lower trail Alfarata stn walk this Saturday?
>
> Hi,
> Does anyone know if there's a bird walk at the Alfarata station of the
> Lower Trail this coming Saturday?
> I may have mis-entered a February walk into my March calendar- can't find
> it on any of the local(ish) birding websites😬
> Thanks,
> Judy Sinn
>
Date: 3/13/26 1:38 am From: Chad Kauffman <chadkauffman...> Subject: Re: Lower trail Alfarata stn walk this Saturday?
here is the link to the pso site showing the spotlights, both past, current and future ones. to see what all we have lined up for huntingdon county birding spotlight, click on that link below upcoming spotlights
Date: 3/12/26 7:16 pm From: Grove, Deborah Shuey <dsg4...> Subject: Re: Lower trail Alfarata stn walk this Saturday?
Chad Kauffman organized Spotlight on Huntingdon County as a continuing series of spotlights on different counties that he has done over several years.
Yes, there was a walk scheduled there but I had heard of shutdowns last week and I have attached a news story of the shutdown on the trailhead end of the Lower trail.
You can learn more about this weekend's activities at the FB site Huntingdon County Birding Spotlight that describes several bird walks led by a few of us this weekend.
[Image.png]
Deb
Deborah S. Grove
________________________________
From: State College (PA) Bird Club <SCBIRDCL...> on behalf of Judy Sinn <junebugg1910...>
Sent: Thursday, March 12, 2026 7:06:36 PM
To: <SCBIRDCL...> <SCBIRDCL...>
Subject: Lower trail Alfarata stn walk this Saturday?
Hi,
Does anyone know if there's a bird walk at the Alfarata station of the Lower Trail this coming Saturday?
I may have mis-entered a February walk into my March calendar- can't find it on any of the local(ish) birding websites😬
Thanks,
Judy Sinn
Date: 3/12/26 6:06 pm From: Constanza Ehrenhaus <cxe1169...> Subject: Call for volunteers for a June summer camp
Good evening,
I am developing a low cost summer camp pilot for this summer. The topic is Bird Biology and Conservation, and I am currently finishing up the syllabus. The objective of this camp is to prioritize low income families who otherwise are excluded from science educational extra curricular programs; and to keep the price low, a friend and I are volunteering our time and work. This includes educational materials development, web page design, meetings with potential sponsors, contact hours, and more.
A couple of people have offered to give a hand during this camp, and I would like to have a few more volunteers to help me. This will be helpful with supervising children when I need to take a restroom break, answer questions students might have, and if you feel so inclined, to give a talk about a certain topic. I also want the students to get to meet great people who love birds to establish connections with the community.
This pilot will run from June 15th to 20th, 9 AM to 3 PM in Harris Township, and it is designed for 10 students in middle school, patience and good will toward adolescents are a must. We will be out and indoors, as the students will take bird walks, perform ecological observations, do hands on work, and participate in seminars.
Date: 3/12/26 5:46 pm From: Thomas Filip <thomasfilip0660...> Subject: Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch (12 Mar 2026) 11 Raptors
*Tussey Mountain Hawk WatchState College, Pennsylvania, USADaily Raptor
Counts: Mar 12, 2026SpeciesDay's CountMonth TotalSeason TotalBlack
Vulture000 Turkey Vulture0728 Osprey000 Bald Eagle12225 Northern Harrier001
Sharp-shinned Hawk01215 Cooper's Hawk077 American Goshawk000 Red-shouldered
Hawk01920 Broad-winged Hawk000 Red-tailed Hawk13137 Rough-legged Hawk111
Golden Eagle8131140 American Kestrel055 Merlin022 Peregrine Falcon000
Unknown Accipitrine002 Unknown Buteo011 Unknown Falcon011 Unknown Eagle001
Unknown Raptor000 Total:11239286Observation start time: 07:00:00
Observation end time: 17:00:00 Total observation time: 10 hoursOfficial
CounterBill Chambers, Thomas FilipObservers: Debra Rittlemann, Nick
Bolgiano, Robert McLaughlinVisitors:Ron, CindyWeather:A cold and windy day
with a low of -1.4℃ in the morning and a high of 2.7℃ in the afternoon.
Consistent NW winds at 12-19mph for most of the day with some stronger
gusts above 20mph. Cloudy in the morning but cleared up quickly between
14:00-13:00.Raptor Observations:8 GOEA spotted today.*
*adult*
*07:14, 07:14, 07:16, 09:05, 12:31*
*unknown 10:01, 12:04, 13:13*
*3 GOEA were spotted by Bill early in the morning before 08:00. Most likely
they put down yesterday when it started to rain and thunder in the
afternoon and were eager to go first thing in the morning. Afterwards we
would get a GOEA about every 1-2 hours until 13:13. The afternoon was slow
with no GOEA, or other raptors, seen after the last one.*
*Surprisingly, a light morph RLHA also flew past at 08:48 heading SW on the
N side of the ridge, the first and most likely only of the season. We also
had 1 BAEA and 1 RTHA.*
Date: 3/12/26 4:07 pm From: Judy Sinn <junebugg1910...> Subject: Lower trail Alfarata stn walk this Saturday?
Hi,
Does anyone know if there's a bird walk at the Alfarata station of the
Lower Trail this coming Saturday?
I may have mis-entered a February walk into my March calendar- can't find
it on any of the local(ish) birding websites😬
Thanks,
Judy Sinn
Date: 3/11/26 8:27 am From: KATHLEEN BECHDEL <0000d165c6a818d5-dmarc-request...> Subject: State College Bird Club Field Trip this Sunday
Sunday, March 15, 2026 (8:00 am - 11:00 am) Bald Eagle State Park
Trip Leader: Bob Snyder
Meet at the Swimming Beach parking lot.
We will be looking for migrating waterfowl: possibly various ducks and other waterfowl, Tundra Swans, Bald Eagles and winter hawks that may be in, or passing through the park while heading back north.
Bring binoculars, a spotting scope (handy if you have one) and a camera. Please dress for the weather and time of year; we can still have snow squalls in late March and wear a pair of sturdy hiking boots, as we might walk down from the war memorial on the dam to Hunter Run Cove and the spillway marsh.
This field trip is open to members and non-members.
Date: 3/10/26 6:16 pm From: Thomas Filip <thomasfilip0660...> Subject: Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch (10 Mar 2026) 18 Raptors
*Tussey Mountain Hawk WatchState College, Pennsylvania, USADaily Raptor Counts: Mar 10, 2026SpeciesDay's CountMonth TotalSeason TotalBlack Vulture000 Turkey Vulture2728 Osprey000 Bald Eagle52225 Northern Harrier001 Sharp-shinned Hawk11114 Cooper's Hawk077 American Goshawk000 Red-shouldered Hawk31920 Broad-winged Hawk000 Red-tailed Hawk23036 Rough-legged Hawk000 Golden Eagle4120129 American Kestrel155 Merlin022 Peregrine Falcon000 Unknown Accipitrine002 Unknown Buteo011 Unknown Falcon011 Unknown Eagle001 Unknown Raptor000 Total:18225272Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 17:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hoursOfficial CounterThomas FilipObservers: Craig Kochel, Joe Sabo, Jon Kauffman, Nick BolgianoVisitors:Jim, Stacy, EmmaWeather:Partly cloudy in the morning with SW winds and partly sunny in the afternoon with WNW winds. Generally low 4-7mph winds today with occasional moderate 8-12mph winds.Raptor Observations:4 GOEA spotted today.* *3 adult 10:22, 14:04, 15:58* *1 unknown 12:14*
*Our first GOEA of the day came through at 10:22 on the S side. At 12:14 we spotted probably the highest GOEA we have had this season flying over the ridge before it left the ridge and flew N over the valley. Our next GOEA at 14:04 was lower and exhibited the same behavior. Our last GOEA of the day at 14:58, spotted by Jon, was on the S side and surprisingly low compared to the earlier ones.*
*Other migrating raptors include 5 BAEA, 2 RTHA, 4 RSHA, 2 SSHA, 2 TUVU, and 1 AMKE. *
Date: 3/9/26 6:41 pm From: Thomas Filip <thomasfilip0660...> Subject: Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch (09 Mar 2026) 20 Raptors
*Tussey Mountain Hawk WatchState College, Pennsylvania, USADaily Raptor
Counts: Mar 09, 2026SpeciesDay's CountMonth TotalSeason TotalBlack
Vulture000 Turkey Vulture2526 Osprey000 Bald Eagle41720 Northern Harrier001
Sharp-shinned Hawk11013 Cooper's Hawk077 American Goshawk000 Red-shouldered
Hawk31617 Broad-winged Hawk000 Red-tailed Hawk12834 Rough-legged Hawk000
Golden Eagle5116125 American Kestrel244 Merlin022 Peregrine Falcon000
Unknown Accipitrine002 Unknown Buteo111 Unknown Falcon111 Unknown Eagle001
Unknown Raptor000 Total:20207254Observation start time: 09:00:00
Observation end time: 17:00:00 Total observation time: 7.67 hoursOfficial
CounterThomas FilipObservers: Constanza Ehrenhaus, Laurie McLaughlin, Mark
McLaughlin, Nick Bolgiano, Phil ParkVisitors:Lou, Bobby,
AngelenaWeather:Clear skies and warm throughout the day with a low of 14.1℃
and a high 22.4℃. SW winds at 4-7 mph at the start of the day that
gradually shifted to S and then SSE at 8-12mph around 12:00 before shifting
back to SW winds at the end of the day at 4-7mph.Raptor Observations:5 GOEA
spotted today.*
*1 adult 11:14*
*1 immature 14:54*
*3 unknown 14:42, 15:16, 16:05*
*Our first GOEA was an adult that came through on the S side at 11:14. The
next four did not come until over 2 hours later. These were much higher up,
making it difficult to spot and age them.*
Date: 3/9/26 4:45 pm From: Nick Bolgiano <nickbolgiano...> Subject: Tussey Mt Cumulative Golden Eagle chart
You may remember that I update the Tussey Mt cumulative Golden Eagle chart several times each spring season.
Here is the first 2026 update, showing that our weekend count of 127 GE pushed our season tally out of an early deficit andt put us ahead of other years.
Date: 3/9/26 12:59 pm From: Elizabeth Manlove <0000f31937ef584a-dmarc-request...> Subject: March 25 bird club Photo and Recording show at Millbrook Marsh
Nick and I are looking forward to MCing the annual bird club photo and recording show again this year.
To participate in the photo show, send up to 5 bird photos that you have taken to Nick Bolgiano: <nickbolgiano...>
To participate in the recordings portion, communicate with Betsy Manlove: <eemanlove...>
Please send photos and let us know about audio recording participation by Friday, March 20 so we will have time to put things together.
Date: 3/9/26 8:17 am From: Sean McLaughlin <stormwigeon...> Subject: Re: Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch (08 Mar 2026) 118 Raptors
I’ll echo Dave’s thoughts— a huge congrats on an epic flight! These are the days all hawk watchers dream of, and I must say my jaw dropped when I saw the 15 GE in 15 minutes from 9:00-9:15. Keep up the great work!
Date: 3/9/26 7:20 am From: David Brandes <000016035b42742c-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch (08 Mar 2026) 118 Raptors
Congrats to Tom, Nick and the crew for an amazing weekend at the watchsite and new GOEA record, biggest day in over 30 years of spring watching at Tussey!!!Â
Dave Brandes
On Sunday, March 8, 2026 at 11:57:22 PM EDT, Thomas Filip <thomasfilip0660...> wrote:
Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch
State College, Pennsylvania, USA
| Observation start time: | 07:00:00 |
| Observation end time: | 17:00:00 |
| Total observation time: | 9.12 hours |
| Official Counter | Thomas Filip |
| Observers: | Bill Chambers, Ken Tucker, Nick Bolgiano, Robert McLaughlin |
Visitors:
Sophie, Adam, Greg, Lou, Jason, Abigail
Weather:
Overall a warm and pleasant day. Winds started off W and low at 4-7mph from08:00 to 10:00 but shifted to NW at 8-12mph for most of the day until thelast hour when they shifted to NNW at 13-18mph. Partly sunny for the wholemorning and partly cloudy for the afternoon. Warm throughout the day with alow of 10.2℃ and a high of 16.2℃.
Raptor Observations:
80 GOEA spotted today.72 adult07:54, 08:15, 08:17, 08:20, 08:23, 08:33, 08:33, 08:34, 08:41, 08:41,08:45, 08:48, 08:50, 09:05, 09:07, 09:08, 09:12, 09:12, 09:12, 09:13,09:13, 09:13, 09:13, 09:14, 09:14, 09:14, 09:15, 09:15, 09:19, 09:23,09:28, 09:30, 09:32, 09:33, 09:38, 09:50, 09:52, 09:59, 09:59, 10:02,10:10, 10:10, 10:11, 10:20, 10:24, 10:32, 10:33, 10:36, 10:39, 10:39,10:51, 11:01, 11:01, 11:07, 11:08, 11:09, 11:10, 11:14, 11:14, 11:14,11:14, 11:18, 11:21, 11:21, 11:25, 11:29, 11:35, 12:03, 12:08, 12:13,12:36, 13:272 sub-adult09:28, 11:512 immature09:10, 09:304 unknown10:06, 10:20, 13:18, 14:44
I thought today would be a decent to good day so I arrived about an hourearly thinking that would be plenty of time to catch any early GOEA. Littledid I know we would be breaking records today. Not even aminute after I set my gear down the first GOEA came through at 07:54. At08:15 the second came through and it really started to get hectic soonafter. At one point we had 12 GOEA within 3 minutes from 09:12-09:15. Mostof our GOEA were flying at low-medium height above us over the ridge toptoday, but a few flew on the N side of the ridge and at the end of the daysome were distant on the S side. After 12:00 the action started to die downand we were rewarded with our 80th and final GOEA at 15:44.
Our 80 GOEA count today was a new record not only for Tussey Mountain (62)but also officially for PA (74 at Allegheny Front). I'm told there was an82 count in PA at a different site that was not entered.
Other migrating raptors included 5 BAEA, 16 RTHA, 9 RSHA, 2 SSHA, 1 COHA, 2AMKE, and 1 MERL. The AMKE were our firsts of the season and the BAEA andRTHA were high counts for the season.
Predictions:
Tomorrow looks to be a sunny day with SW winds, low in the morning andmoderate in the afternoon. We won't see as many as today and probably notas many as Saturday but we should still see some GOEA tomorrow.
Report submitted by Thomas Filip ()
Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch information may be found at: tusseymountainspringhawkwatch.org/
More information at hawkcount.org: [Site Profile] [Day Summary] [Month Summary]
Date: 3/8/26 8:57 pm From: Thomas Filip <thomasfilip0660...> Subject: Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch (08 Mar 2026) 118 Raptors
*Tussey Mountain Hawk WatchState College, Pennsylvania, USADaily Raptor
Counts: Mar 08, 2026SpeciesDay's CountMonth TotalSeason TotalBlack
Vulture000 Turkey Vulture2324 Osprey000 Bald Eagle51316 Northern Harrier001
Sharp-shinned Hawk2912 Cooper's Hawk177 American Goshawk000 Red-shouldered
Hawk91314 Broad-winged Hawk000 Red-tailed Hawk162733 Rough-legged Hawk000
Golden Eagle80111120 American Kestrel222 Merlin122 Peregrine Falcon000
Unknown Accipitrine002 Unknown Buteo000 Unknown Falcon000 Unknown Eagle001
Unknown Raptor000 Total:118187234Observation start time: 07:00:00
Observation end time: 17:00:00 Total observation time: 9.12 hoursOfficial
CounterThomas FilipObservers: Bill Chambers, Ken Tucker, Nick Bolgiano,
Robert McLaughlinVisitors:Sophie, Adam, Greg, Lou, Jason,
AbigailWeather:Overall a warm and pleasant day. Winds started off W and low
at 4-7mph from 08:00 to 10:00 but shifted to NW at 8-12mph for most of the
day until the last hour when they shifted to NNW at 13-18mph. Partly sunny
for the whole morning and partly cloudy for the afternoon. Warm throughout
the day with a low of 10.2℃ and a high of 16.2℃.Raptor Observations:80 GOEA
spotted today.*
*72 adult*
*07:54, 08:15, 08:17, 08:20, 08:23, 08:33, 08:33, 08:34, 08:41, 08:41,
08:45, 08:48, 08:50, 09:05, 09:07, 09:08, 09:12, 09:12, 09:12, 09:13,
09:13, 09:13, 09:13, 09:14, 09:14, 09:14, 09:15, 09:15, 09:19, 09:23,
09:28, 09:30, 09:32, 09:33, 09:38, 09:50, 09:52, 09:59, 09:59, 10:02,
10:10, 10:10, 10:11, 10:20, 10:24, 10:32, 10:33, 10:36, 10:39, 10:39,
10:51, 11:01, 11:01, 11:07, 11:08, 11:09, 11:10, 11:14, 11:14, 11:14,
11:14, 11:18, 11:21, 11:21, 11:25, 11:29, 11:35, 12:03, 12:08, 12:13,
12:36, 13:27*
*2 sub-adult*
*09:28, 11:51*
*2 immature*
*09:10, 09:30*
*4 unknown*
*10:06, 10:20, 13:18, 14:44*
*I thought today would be a decent to good day so I arrived about an hour
early thinking that would be plenty of time to catch any early GOEA. Little
did I know we would be breaking records today. Not even a minute after I
set my gear down the first GOEA came through at 07:54. At 08:15 the second
came through and it really started to get hectic soon after. At one point
we had 12 GOEA within 3 minutes from 09:12-09:15. Most of our GOEA were
flying at low-medium height above us over the ridge top today, but a few
flew on the N side of the ridge and at the end of the day some were distant
on the S side. After 12:00 the action started to die down and we were
rewarded with our 80th and final GOEA at 15:44.*
*Our 80 GOEA count today was a new record not only for Tussey Mountain (62)
but also officially for PA (74 at Allegheny Front). I'm told there was an
82 count in PA at a different site that was not entered.*
*It was also a good day for other birds. We had 2 flocks of TUSW for a
total of 52. Many flocks of CANG flew over with a total of 755. 16 RNDU and
3 COME also flew over the ridge. Around 13:35 we had 3 SACR flying around
on the S side of the ridge for a while before they decided to fly N over
the ridge.*
*At least 107 RWBL flew over today in small groups. *
Date: 3/7/26 5:59 pm From: Thomas Filip <thomasfilip0660...> Subject: Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch (07 Mar 2026) 53 Raptors
*Tussey Mountain Hawk WatchState College, Pennsylvania, USADaily Raptor Counts: Mar 07, 2026SpeciesDay's CountMonth TotalSeason TotalBlack Vulture000 Turkey Vulture0122 Osprey000 Bald Eagle4811 Northern Harrier001 Sharp-shinned Hawk5710 Cooper's Hawk566 American Goshawk000 Red-shouldered Hawk345 Broad-winged Hawk000 Red-tailed Hawk81117 Rough-legged Hawk000 Golden Eagle273140 American Kestrel000 Merlin111 Peregrine Falcon000 Unknown Accipitrine002 Unknown Buteo000 Unknown Falcon000 Unknown Eagle001 Unknown Raptor000 Total:5369116Observation start time: 13:00:00 Observation end time: 18:00:00 Total observation time: 4.67 hoursOfficial CounterNick Bolgiano, Thomas FilipObservers: Joe Gyekis, Ken Bowman, Nick Bolgiano, Peggy Wagoner, Tom FilipVisitors:Lou Saporito, Elody Gyekis, Loanne Snavely, Justin Nichol, and Angelena MinardiWeather:Finally, after 4 days of no count, we were able to get a few hours in today. Heavy fog all morning that started to clear after 13:00 at which point the count began. Consistent S winds at 13-16mph in the afternoon. We started to see the rain clouds rolling in after 17:00 and it started to rain at 17:45 as we were walking back.Raptor Observations:27 GOEA spotted today. 25 adults, 1 juvenile at 13:56, and 1 unknown at 15:28, all on the south side of the ridge.*
*After bad conditions held them back since Tuesday, the eagles were eager to start flying soon after the fog cleared up. Our first GOEA of the day, a juvenile, came through at 13:56. 2 more followed shortly after and then we had about a 40 minute break until the next one at 14:59. After this we got one every few minutes until the last one at 17:13. A few of the early eagles were far out on the south but almost all were closer to the ridge, initially flying NE low over the ridge top until they spotted us and diverted slightly to fly along the south side of the ridge.*
Date: 3/5/26 5:34 am From: Peggy Wagoner Saporito <raven966...> Subject: 2026 Bird Conservation Grant money available from State College Bird Club
Greetings Everyone,
The State College Bird Club is happy to announce our 2026 Request for Proposals for bird-related projects. This year, we have $1,463.00 from the SCBC Endowment managed by Centre Foundation.
We are looking to support activities and projects related to bird conservation, research and/or education in the Centre region (Centre County and its contiguous counties). These funds will be disbursed as either several small grants or one larger grant.
In 2025 we funded several projects including Bluebird nest boxes in Tudek Park, Bird observation station and live cam at State College Friends School, BirdNET PUC unit at Musser Gap, and Bird-safe glass at Penn State University.
Anyone interested in applying for funding should complete the attached grant application, submitted as a PDF attachment by April 30, 2026 to Sue Braun (<braun3112...>).
Applications will be reviewed in May by the SCBC selection committee. Applicants will be notified about funding decisions by June 1, 2026. Any questions regarding the funding or application can be directed to selection committee members: Sue (<braun3112...>), Deb Escalet (<d5me16...>) or Peggy Wagoner (<raven966...>).
Thank you and we look forward to receiving applications to support birds in our area. Please feel free to share this application with others where appropriate.
*I**n 2025, World Animal Protection conducted a first-of-its-kind
undercover investigation at three bird mills that supply parrots to pet
stores across the country.*
We found filthy, crowded cages, dead baby birds, and birds suffocated to
death. This is the reality for parrots in the pet industry. Hundreds of
thousands of parrots are bred in mills and shipped to pet stores across the
US every year.
*Pete Paxton, Director of Investigation at Strategies for Ethical and
Environmental Development, was the investigator who went inside these
mills.* Hear from Pete about what’s happening to birds in the pet industry,
as well as stories from his decades of experience as an animal cruelty
investigator.
You’ll also hear from me, Senior Campaigns Manager at World Animal
Protection, to learn how you can help shut down bird mills and protect
birds from cruelty.
________________________________
From: State College (PA) Bird Club <SCBIRDCL...> on behalf of Colt, Ingrid Meta <imc10...>
Sent: Sunday, March 1, 2026 9:29 PM
To: <SCBIRDCL...> <SCBIRDCL...>
Subject: email address change
Hi. I've been in your Listserve for years, but retired from PSU a year ago. Can I continue to receive your emails at my personal address, <ingco56...>? Thanks!
Date: 3/2/26 6:29 am From: Gyekis, Joseph Peter <jpg186...> Subject: Re: Field trip next Tuesday
Looks like heavy rain. I will probably go up around 4 to look for ducks and send an update. If waterfowl everywhere, it could be a great outing, but most likely miserable cold rain so this is half of a cancelation notice. Certainly the 6:00-6:30 portion is not happening,
________________________________
From: State College (PA) Bird Club <SCBIRDCL...> on behalf of Kathy Bechdel <0000d165c6a818d5-dmarc-request...>
Sent: Friday, February 27, 2026 8:10:50 PM
To: <SCBIRDCL...> <SCBIRDCL...>
Subject: Field trip next Tuesday
Please see information below about upcoming field trip.
Tuesday, March 3, 2026 (5:30pm - 6:30 pm)
Sunset Bird Count at Sayer's Dam
Trip Leader: Joe Gyekis
Meet for bird watching at Sayer's Dam at the northeastern end of Bald Eagle State Park. We will meet at the PFC Foster Joseph Sayers Statue and War Memorial. If the birding is busy at the dam, we will stay there, if not, we will walk half a mile down to a small wetland nearby (see map). Target birds include various water birds on the lake and possible robin/blackbird roost near the wetland.
This field trip is open to members and non-members.
Date: 3/2/26 5:17 am From: Peggy Wagoner Saporito <raven966...> Subject: Minutes - State College Bird Club meeting, February 25
Hello Everyone,
I hope you all had a chance to enjoy the recent sunny weather during the weekend. Please find attached, minutes from our meeting this past Wednesday in both Word and PDF form .
Date: 3/1/26 6:29 pm From: Colt, Ingrid Meta <imc10...> Subject: email address change
Hi. I've been in your Listserve for years, but retired from PSU a year ago. Can I continue to receive your emails at my personal address, <ingco56...>? Thanks!
Date: 2/28/26 5:44 pm From: Thomas Filip <thomasfilip0660...> Subject: Re: Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch (28 Feb 2026) 21 Raptors
Apologies, forgot to include this in the report. We have had 9 GOEA this
season in Feburary; 2 on the first day and 7 today. Just to compare to
previous years, the average number of migrating GOEA in February is 12.
On Sat, Feb 28, 2026 at 8:34 PM Thomas Filip <thomasfilip0660...>
wrote:
Date: 2/27/26 5:11 pm From: Kathy Bechdel <0000d165c6a818d5-dmarc-request...> Subject: Field trip next Tuesday
Please see information below about upcoming field trip.
Tuesday, March 3, 2026 (5:30pm - 6:30 pm)Sunset Bird Count at Sayer's Dam Trip Leader: Joe Gyekis Meet for bird watching at Sayer's Dam at the northeastern end of Bald Eagle State Park. We will meet at the PFC Foster Joseph Sayers Statue and War Memorial. If the birding is busy at the dam, we will stay there, if not, we will walk half a mile down to a small wetland nearby (see map). Target birds include various water birds on the lake and possible robin/blackbird roost near the wetland. This field trip is open to members and non-members.
Date: 2/26/26 7:32 pm From: Thomas Filip <thomasfilip0660...> Subject: Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch (26 Feb 2026) 9 Raptors
*Tussey Mountain Hawk WatchState College, Pennsylvania, USADaily Raptor Counts: Feb 26, 2026SpeciesDay's CountMonth TotalSeason TotalBlack Vulture000 Turkey Vulture777 Osprey000 Bald Eagle011 Northern Harrier111 Sharp-shinned Hawk000 Cooper's Hawk000 American Goshawk000 Red-shouldered Hawk000 Broad-winged Hawk000 Red-tailed Hawk111 Rough-legged Hawk000 Golden Eagle022 American Kestrel000 Merlin000 Peregrine Falcon000 Unknown Accipitrine000 Unknown Buteo000 Unknown Falcon000 Unknown Eagle000 Unknown Raptor000 Total:91212Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 17:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hoursOfficial CounterThomas FilipObservers: Andrew Bechdel, Bill Chambers, Connor Schmitt, Jon KauffmanVisitors:Jon Kauffman* *Bill Chambers* *Connor Schmitt* *Andrew Bechdel*
*JeffWeather:Contrary to the forecast, today was a mostly cloudy day until about 15:00 when most of the cloud cover broke. Visibility was better today, with the Allegheny Front being visible when I arrived and Stone Mountain being only slightly obscured by haze. The winds started off NW at a low 4.9mph, shifting slightly to NNW by 10:00 and gradually increasing throughout the morning to 7.8mph by 12:00. After 12:00 the winds shifted slightly to NW and began to slow down again.Raptor Observations:No GOEA were spotted today.*
*7 migrating TUVU were seen throughout the day moving NE. A female/immature NOHA was spotted in the afternoon on the south side of the ridge flying NE. A RTHA flying NE was seen towards the end of the day being escorted by our resident RTHA.*
Date: 2/25/26 8:56 am From: Thomas, Brady Scott <bst5117...> Subject: Re: February 25th, 7pm: David Towes presents “What’s on the Menu? Diet Variation in Wood Warblersâ€
A reminder about this evening's Bird Club meeting!
Also to note, Millbrook Marsh has been without internet. The plan is to still have our meeting as normal with David Toews presenting in person. We will do our best to run the zoom off of a hotspot, but we can make no guarantees of ability or quality. I am hoping to still be able to record the presentation to share out afterwards, but the recording is also done via zoom.
Thank you all for your patience and understanding as we encounter and overcome new technological hurdles!
Brady Thomas
(he/him)
Education Program Coordinator
School Programs and Summer Camp
Shaver's Creek Environmental Center
3400 Discovery Road
Petersburg, PA, 16669
________________________________
From: State College (PA) Bird Club <SCBIRDCL...> on behalf of Thomas, Brady Scott <bst5117...>
Sent: Thursday, February 19, 2026 12:17 PM
To: <SCBIRDCL...> <SCBIRDCL...>
Subject: February 25th, 7pm: David Towes presents “What’s on the Menu? Diet Variation in Wood Warblers”
Happy Thursday, Bird Club!
This month's meeting, on February 25th at 7:00 p.m., we will have David Toews presenting a program titled: What’s on the Menu? Diet Variation in Wood Warblers
David Toews is the Louis Martarano Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at The Pennsylvania State University. His research focused on the evolutionary ecology and genomics of birds, primarily the colorful New World wood warblers. Originally from Wolfville, Nova Scotia, Canada, he did graduate school—MSc and PhD—at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, British Columbia. He went as a Banting Postdoctoral Fellow at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology in Ithaca, New York. There he studied hybridizing golden-winged and blue-winged warblers, which was one of the earliest studies to describe carotenoid processing genes in wild birds. His work has expanded from there, encompassing genetic and diet data from across the warbler family.
[cid:404ac640-0bb7-4cb0-8d3b-d211ad0b7ce7]
We will meet in the Spring Creek Education Building at Millbrook Marsh, with a zoom option available for those that cannot attend in person. The link to register and attend is https://psu.zoom.us/meeting/register/9qbUrOZUS3OzuhBV98bZ8w.
Look forward to seeing you there!
Brady Thomas
(he/him)
Education Program Coordinator
School Programs and Summer Camp
Shaver's Creek Environmental Center
3400 Discovery Road
Petersburg, PA, 16669
Date: 2/25/26 3:36 am From: Jon Kauffman <jvk5019...> Subject: Tussey Hawkwatch Starts Today!
Good morning all,
If you have not noticed lately the temps have been slightly cool and snow has covered much of the landscape. Although winter still lingers in the region, the song of the cardinals create a moment of excitement that the increasing daylight is bringing signs of spring. Many are reporting the movement of snow geese in the piedmont region and a few blackbirds are starting to show themselves at feeding stations here in the ridge and valley region.
Today also marks the start of the spring hawkwatch on Tussey Mountain, another indicator that movement is stirring in spring migration. I would like to welcome the 2026 official counter, Tom Filip, to the area, as he will be making his first official trek out to the powerline cut today to kick off the season and share with the birding community his experience of spring migration. Tom will be sharing daily updates of the coming and goings from the watch, so I invite you to keep an eye out for the reports through the listserve and I encourage all to join Tom at the watch. Daily reports can also be viewed on the HawkCount.org website
Date: 2/19/26 9:18 am From: Thomas, Brady Scott <bst5117...> Subject: February 25th, 7pm: David Towes presents “What’s on the Menu? Diet Variation in Wood Warblersâ€
Happy Thursday, Bird Club!
This month's meeting, on February 25th at 7:00 p.m., we will have David Toews presenting a program titled: What’s on the Menu? Diet Variation in Wood Warblers
David Toews is the Louis Martarano Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at The Pennsylvania State University. His research focused on the evolutionary ecology and genomics of birds, primarily the colorful New World wood warblers. Originally from Wolfville, Nova Scotia, Canada, he did graduate school—MSc and PhD—at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, British Columbia. He went as a Banting Postdoctoral Fellow at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology in Ithaca, New York. There he studied hybridizing golden-winged and blue-winged warblers, which was one of the earliest studies to describe carotenoid processing genes in wild birds. His work has expanded from there, encompassing genetic and diet data from across the warbler family.
[cid:404ac640-0bb7-4cb0-8d3b-d211ad0b7ce7]
We will meet in the Spring Creek Education Building at Millbrook Marsh, with a zoom option available for those that cannot attend in person. The link to register and attend is https://psu.zoom.us/meeting/register/9qbUrOZUS3OzuhBV98bZ8w.
Look forward to seeing you there!
Brady Thomas
(he/him)
Education Program Coordinator
School Programs and Summer Camp
Shaver's Creek Environmental Center
3400 Discovery Road
Petersburg, PA, 16669
Date: 2/19/26 5:30 am From: Constanza Ehrenhaus <cxe1169...> Subject: Volunteers needed for the PNPS festival
Good morning, bird club,
We are formally invited to participate in the Pennsylvania Native Plant Society Annual Festival, to be held on Saturday, May 2, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm, at Millbrook Marsh. We are going to be tabling with Bird Town Pennsylvania, and we are seeking volunteers who are familiar with native plants to help run the table. Please notice that this is the same day as the Shaver's Creek Birding Cup.
Date: 2/18/26 6:55 am From: Constanza Ehrenhaus <cxe1169...> Subject: Re: Avian Lecture Registration and Additional Programs
There is a Zoom option, though. I just shared this on the Facebook page
(thank you Richard for letting me know!)
On Wed, Feb 18, 2026 at 9:27 AM Gyekis, Joseph Peter <jpg186...> wrote:
> Hi Everyone,
> The email below was meant to be just to the avian education committee. The
> public information will be released soon, but sadly there aren't going to
> be enough spaces at the dinner for a big group. Thanks for your
> understanding and apologies for the false start.
> Joe/Rachel
>
> ------------------------------
>
>
>
>
> Dr. Pepper Trail was selected as our 2026 Avian Speaker!
>
> Fighting Crime with Feathers: The Casebook of a Forensic Ornithologist -
> The Arboretum at Penn State
> <https://arboretum.psu.edu/events/fighting-crime-with-feathers-the-casebook-of-a-forensic-ornithologist/> >
> The link above is to register for a seat in the Palmer Event Space on
> March 19th for the lecture. *You must register to have a seat in the
> space*. Registration was new last year, so we want to make sure you are
> all aware that it is required. We also have a Zoom Webinar registration
> link for those who cannot attend.
>
> This is also the second year we have programming related to the lecture.
> Below are the programs:
>
> *March 19th:*
> 8a-9:30am - Bird Walk with Pepper, meeting at Overlook Pavilion
> 4-6pm - Pop-Up Audubon Prints Exhibit in collaboration with the Palmer
> Museum of Art
> 6-7:30pm - Avian Lecture in Palmer Event Space (registration required)
>
> *March 20th:*
> 1:30-2:30pm - *Arboretum Explorers Family Hike: Beginner Birders Edition
> with Jenn Hooven (registration required)
> 4-5pm - Bird Sketching: Eastern Screech Owl with Rebecca Horwitt
> (registration required)
> 5:30-7pm - *What Did That Owl Eat?: Owl Pellet Dissection in collaboration
> with Shaver's Creek (registration required)
>
> *all ages
>
> We will also have our dinner with the committee and Pepper after the
> lecture at 8 pm. Last year, we went to Lionne at the Nittany Lion Inn
> because the speaker had stayed there, and it's a short walk to their room,
> which is what I am planning to do again this year. *Please let me know if
> you plan to attend.*
>
> Thanks so much, and looking forward to seeing you all next month!
>
> *Rachel Duke (she/her)*
> *Public Programs Manager*
> *The Arboretum at Penn State*
> *126 Palmer Museum*
> *University Park, PA 16803*
> *www.arboretum.psu.edu <http://www.arboretum.psu.edu>* >
>
>
> *The Pennsylvania State University campuses are located on the original
> homelands of the Erie, Haudenosaunee (Seneca, Cayuga, Onondaga, Oneida,
> Mohawk, and Tuscarora), Lenape (Delaware Nation, Delaware Tribe,
> Stockbridge-Munsee), Monongahela, Shawnee (Absentee, Eastern, and
> Oklahoma), Susquehannock, and Wahzhazhe (Osage) Nations. As a land grant
> institution, we acknowledge and honor the traditional caretakers of these
> lands and strive to understand and model their responsible stewardship. We
> also acknowledge the longer history of these lands and our place in that
> history.*
>
Date: 2/18/26 6:27 am From: Gyekis, Joseph Peter <jpg186...> Subject: Re: Avian Lecture Registration and Additional Programs
Hi Everyone,
The email below was meant to be just to the avian education committee. The public information will be released soon, but sadly there aren't going to be enough spaces at the dinner for a big group. Thanks for your understanding and apologies for the false start.
Joe/Rachel
________________________________
Dr. Pepper Trail was selected as our 2026 Avian Speaker!
The link above is to register for a seat in the Palmer Event Space on March 19th for the lecture. You must register to have a seat in the space. Registration was new last year, so we want to make sure you are all aware that it is required. We also have a Zoom Webinar registration link for those who cannot attend.
This is also the second year we have programming related to the lecture. Below are the programs:
March 19th:
8a-9:30am - Bird Walk with Pepper, meeting at Overlook Pavilion
4-6pm - Pop-Up Audubon Prints Exhibit in collaboration with the Palmer Museum of Art
6-7:30pm - Avian Lecture in Palmer Event Space (registration required)
March 20th:
1:30-2:30pm - *Arboretum Explorers Family Hike: Beginner Birders Edition with Jenn Hooven (registration required)
4-5pm - Bird Sketching: Eastern Screech Owl with Rebecca Horwitt (registration required)
5:30-7pm - *What Did That Owl Eat?: Owl Pellet Dissection in collaboration with Shaver's Creek (registration required)
*all ages
We will also have our dinner with the committee and Pepper after the lecture at 8 pm. Last year, we went to Lionne at the Nittany Lion Inn because the speaker had stayed there, and it's a short walk to their room, which is what I am planning to do again this year. Please let me know if you plan to attend.
Thanks so much, and looking forward to seeing you all next month!
Rachel Duke (she/her)
Public Programs Manager
The Arboretum at Penn State
126 Palmer Museum
University Park, PA 16803
www.arboretum.psu.edu
The Pennsylvania State University campuses are located on the original homelands of the Erie, Haudenosaunee (Seneca, Cayuga, Onondaga, Oneida, Mohawk, and Tuscarora), Lenape (Delaware Nation, Delaware Tribe, Stockbridge-Munsee), Monongahela, Shawnee (Absentee, Eastern, and Oklahoma), Susquehannock, and Wahzhazhe (Osage) Nations. As a land grant institution, we acknowledge and honor the traditional caretakers of these lands and strive to understand and model their responsible stewardship. We also acknowledge the longer history of these lands and our place in that history.
Date: 2/17/26 11:22 am From: <bluebird6771...> <000056793b0161d0-dmarc-request...> Subject: Fw: Avian Lecture Registration and Additional Programs
----- Forwarded Message ----- From: Duke, Rachel <red1042...>To: Avery, Julian D <jda121...>; Sclar, Casey <csclar...>; Muccitelli, Jennifer <jjb28...>; Brittingham, Margaret <mxb21...>; Gyekis, Joseph Peter <jpg186...>; Hooven, Jennifer <jtb149...>; Horwitt, Rebecca Pearlson <ruh212...>; Kauffman, Melissa <mkauffman...>; <bluebird6771...> <bluebird6771...>; <ajp2487...> <ajp2487...>; Thomas, Emily Hope <eht5002...>; Wentzel, Doug <djw105...>; Williams, Patrick J <pjw117...>; Mucciolo, Sophia Marie <sophiamucciolo...>; richard_novak <richard_novak...>; Fields, Jasmine <jfields...>; Thomas, Brady Scott <bst5117...>Sent: Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 11:59:08 AM ESTSubject: Avian Lecture Registration and Additional Programs
Dr. Pepper Trail was selected as our 2026 Avian Speaker!
Fighting Crime with Feathers: The Casebook of a Forensic Ornithologist - The Arboretum at Penn State
The link above is to register for a seat in the Palmer Event Space on March 19th for the lecture.You must register to have a seat in the space. Registration was new last year, so we want to make sure you are all aware that it is required. We also have a Zoom Webinar registration link for those who cannot attend.Â
This is also the second year we have programming related to the lecture. Below are the programs:
March 19th:8a-9:30am - Bird Walk with Pepper, meeting at Overlook Pavilion4-6pm - Pop-Up Audubon Prints Exhibit in collaboration with the Palmer Museum of Art6-7:30pm - Avian Lecture in Palmer Event Space (registration required)
March 20th:1:30-2:30pm - *Arboretum Explorers Family Hike: Beginner Birders Edition with Jenn Hooven (registration required)4-5pm - Bird Sketching: Eastern Screech Owl with Rebecca Horwitt (registration required)5:30-7pm - *What Did That Owl Eat?: Owl Pellet Dissection in collaboration with Shaver's Creek (registration required)
*all ages
We will also have our dinner with the committee and Pepper after the lecture at 8 pm. Last year, we went to Lionne at the Nittany Lion Inn because the speaker had stayed there, and it's a short walk to their room, which is what I am planning to do again this year. Please let me know if you plan to attend.
Thanks so much, and looking forward to seeing you all next month!
Rachel Duke (she/her)
Public Programs ManagerThe Arboretum at Penn State126 Palmer MuseumUniversity Park, PA 16803www.arboretum.psu.edu
Â
The Pennsylvania State University campuses are located on the original homelands of the Erie, Haudenosaunee (Seneca, Cayuga, Onondaga, Oneida, Mohawk, and Tuscarora), Lenape (Delaware Nation, Delaware Tribe, Stockbridge-Munsee), Monongahela, Shawnee (Absentee, Eastern, and Oklahoma), Susquehannock, and Wahzhazhe (Osage) Nations. As a land grant institution, we acknowledge and honor the traditional caretakers of these lands and strive to understand and model their responsible stewardship. We also acknowledge the longer history of these lands and our place in that history.
