Date: 6/26/25 11:17 am From: Wentzel, Doug <djw105...> Subject: Looking for forest landowners to participate in a study
Hi All,
See the attached letter if you are interested in helping with a forest landowners study, and/or please forward to anyone that you think might be interested.
Thanks in advance,
Doug

Doug Wentzel
Program Director & Naturalist
Shaver's Creek Environmental Center
The Pennsylvania State University
3400 Discovery Road
Petersburg, PA 16669-2114
Date: 6/25/25 6:10 pm From: Constanza Ehrenhaus <cxe1169...> Subject: Fwd: Threat reduction must be coupled with targeted recovery programmes to conserve global bird diversity | Nature Ecology & Evolution
Hi Club,
I just found this article from Nature and thought it could be of interest
to the group.
Have a good evening!
Coty
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Constanza Ehrenhaus <cxe1169...>
Date: Wed, Jun 25, 2025 at 7:23 PM
Subject: Threat reduction must be coupled with targeted recovery programmes
to conserve global bird diversity | Nature Ecology & Evolution
To: Constanza Ehrenhaus <cxe1169...>
Yes. More than one person said vireo.
Thanks. From a friend in Ohio.
Deb
Deborah S. Grove
________________________________
From: Constanza Ehrenhaus <cxe1169...>
Sent: Wednesday, June 25, 2025 5:05:56 PM
To: Grove, Deborah Shuey <dsg4...>
Cc: <SCBIRDCL...> <SCBIRDCL...>
Subject: Re: Bird ID?
The nest reminds me of vireos, did you get any answers? I am curious.
On Tue, Jun 24, 2025, 7:01 AM Grove, Deborah Shuey <dsg4...><mailto:<dsg4...>> wrote:
A friend sent me this photo. Wondering what type of birds?
[Image.png]
The Pennsylvania Game Commission again is seeking input from the public in surveying wild turkeys this summer. The Annual Pennsylvania Wild Turkey Sighting Survey runs July 1 through Aug. 31.
Public participation is important for turkey population management. Survey data allow the agency to determine total wild turkey productivity and compare long-term reproductive success within Pennsylvania and across states, as this is a standard methodology used across the country. Data also are used in the turkey population model to track population trends.
Turkey sightings can be reported through the Game Commission’s website athttps://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpgcforms.pa.gov%2FTurkeySightingSurvey&data=05%7C02%<7Cscbirdcl...>%7C348bde1b5bbd48d692df08ddb4282eef%7C7cf48d453ddb4389a9c1c115526eb52e%7C0%7C0%7C638864806858216939%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=cQqEezrpacCvYgbaiQvDcfcUoS0%2BTdzXdQEPjLRDlgg%3D&reserved=0. This is a new URL from last year. The mobile app no longer is available.
Participants are asked to report the number of wild turkeys they see, along with the county, township, wildlife management unit (WMU), date and contact information if agency biologists have any questions. Participants may also simply drop a “pin” on the map for the location data to automatically populate. Location data are used only for the survey, not for law enforcement, and are not shared. Viewers can also access the raw data and reports from previous years.
“The turkey survey enhances our agency’s internal survey, which serves as a long-term index of turkey reproduction and is used in our turkey population model,” said Game Commission Turkey Biologist Mary Jo Casalena. “Participants should report all turkeys seen, whether gobblers, hens with broods, hens without broods, or turkeys of unknown sex and age.”
Many factors, including spring weather, habitat conditions, previous winter food abundance, predation, and last fall’s harvest affect wild turkey productivity.
Statewide reproductive success last summer, which is measured by the number of young turkeys (poults) seen per all hens seen, was 3.2 poults per hen, compared to 2.9 poults per hen in 2023 and 3.1 in 2022 and 2021. At the WMU level in 2024, all 22 indices were above the general threshold of 2.0 poults per hen,which is considered adequate for replacing adult mortality.That was the first year since the national standardized survey began in 2019 that all WMU-level indices were above 2.0; from 2.4 poults per hen in WMU 5D to 4.0 in WMU 2E
Like many other states this survey includes input from both agency personnel and the public.
“Thanks to the large sample size from all corners of the Commonwealth, we have high confidence in the results,” Casalena emphasized. “Let’s maintain these results in 2025 and even increase participation.”
Date: 6/23/25 6:25 pm From: Kurt <000000926143b032-dmarc-request...> Subject: Fw: new breeding species in PA
You are correct Chad, Carl was the first to document successful breeding.
Kurt Engstrom
----- Forwarded Message ----- From: Chad Kauffman <chadkauffman...>To: "<scbirdcl...>" <scbirdcl...>Sent: Monday, June 23, 2025 at 11:45:23 AM EDTSubject: Re: new breeding species in PA
congrats to Carl Engram for being one of the first if not the first to see it?
awesome.
On 6/23/2025 8:58 AM, Grove, Gregory William wrote:
A recent post, with photos, on Facebook of a new (to best of my knowledge) breeding species for Pennyslania - Wilson's Phalarope at Gull Point at Presque Isle SP, Erie Co. Note - Gull Point is off limits during the shorebird and tern nesting season,
Date: 6/23/25 7:43 am From: Constanza Ehrenhaus <cxe1169...> Subject: Re: new breeding species in PA
That is exciting!
There are a couple of watch towers at Gull's Point that are within the
delimited area as part of the allowed trail during breeding season. They
are best with a scope, but you still get to see quite a bit with
binoculars. Last year, I witnessed the comeback (unknown to me at the
moment) of the Common Terns breeding there, and the hike was probably the
most fun I've had that trip.
On Mon, Jun 23, 2025 at 8:59 AM Grove, Gregory William <gwg2...> wrote:
> A recent post, with photos, on Facebook of a new (to best of my knowledge)
> breeding species for Pennyslania - *Wilson's Phalarope* at Gull Point at
> Presque Isle SP, Erie Co. Note - Gull Point is off limits during the
> shorebird and tern nesting season,
>
>
>
> Greg Grove
> eBird reviewer: Blair, Cambria, Clearfield, Huntingdon, Juniata, Mifflin
> PBA Ridge and Valley Coordinator
> Stone Mt. Hawk Watch, Winter Raptor Survey
> Huntingdon, PA.
>
Date: 6/23/25 7:22 am From: Gyekis, Joseph Peter <jpg186...> Subject: Re: new breeding species in PA
A good set of vantage points at gull point are accessible but stay on the well marked/roped off areas. Long hike. But always worth it! Certainly on the short list of most exciting birding spots in PA.
________________________________
From: State College (PA) Bird Club <SCBIRDCL...> on behalf of Grove, Gregory William <gwg2...>
Sent: Monday, June 23, 2025 8:58:54 AM
To: <SCBIRDCL...> <SCBIRDCL...>
Subject: new breeding species in PA
A recent post, with photos, on Facebook of a new (to best of my knowledge) breeding species for Pennyslania - Wilson's Phalarope at Gull Point at Presque Isle SP, Erie Co. Note - Gull Point is off limits during the shorebird and tern nesting season,
Greg Grove
eBird reviewer: Blair, Cambria, Clearfield, Huntingdon, Juniata, Mifflin
PBA Ridge and Valley Coordinator
Stone Mt. Hawk Watch, Winter Raptor Survey
Huntingdon, PA.
Date: 6/23/25 5:59 am From: Grove, Gregory William <gwg2...> Subject: new breeding species in PA
A recent post, with photos, on Facebook of a new (to best of my knowledge) breeding species for Pennyslania - Wilson's Phalarope at Gull Point at Presque Isle SP, Erie Co. Note - Gull Point is off limits during the shorebird and tern nesting season,
Greg Grove
eBird reviewer: Blair, Cambria, Clearfield, Huntingdon, Juniata, Mifflin
PBA Ridge and Valley Coordinator
Stone Mt. Hawk Watch, Winter Raptor Survey
Huntingdon, PA.
Date: 6/21/25 5:11 pm From: Margaret Brittingham <pba3.centre...> Subject: Re: Anybody have good experience in ID'ing Cowbird young in nest boxes?
It looks like a cowbird to me. Cowbird young have a red mouth lining. It
was a little hard to see in the picture but looks red. The Carolina wren
has a yellow mouth lining. Nesting also looks large.
On Sat, Jun 21, 2025 at 7:36 PM Ramsey, Lawrence William <lwr...>
wrote:
> After several years of Carolina wrens nesting in the garage on and off, I
> wanted to stop that. The garage nests were usually successful, but it was
> a pain to get up at twilight to open the garage and similarly closing it
> late. This year I built a wren nest box per Cornell plans and but it on
> the garage near some cover. We were thrilled a few days ago when we saw
> Carolinas going back and for with food. Today I got a photo of a chick
> being fed (Pic 1) but I was concerned it was a cowbird. A bit later that
> chick was perched at the house entrance (Pic2). I rarely get cowbirds in
> my Gilbertson Bluebird house and even more rarely see cowbird chicks. Can
> any of you nest box folks out there verify that this is likely a cowbird.
> It does not look like any wren young I have seen.
> larry
>
Date: 6/21/25 4:36 pm From: Ramsey, Lawrence William <lwr...> Subject: Anybody have good experience in ID'ing Cowbird young in nest boxes?
After several years of Carolina wrens nesting in the garage on and off, I wanted to stop that. The garage nests were usually successful, but it was a pain to get up at twilight to open the garage and similarly closing it late. This year I built a wren nest box per Cornell plans and but it on the garage near some cover. We were thrilled a few days ago when we saw Carolinas going back and for with food. Today I got a photo of a chick being fed (Pic 1) but I was concerned it was a cowbird. A bit later that chick was perched at the house entrance (Pic2). I rarely get cowbirds in my Gilbertson Bluebird house and even more rarely see cowbird chicks. Can any of you nest box folks out there verify that this is likely a cowbird. It does not look like any wren young I have seen.
larry
Date: 6/19/25 9:17 am From: Larry Miles <ljmiles23...> Subject: Swarovski Binos for Sale
SLC 10X42WB Habicht in very good condition. Include factory neck strap and use manual. Include non-factory (but good nevertheless) carry bag. No lens caps. Available all over the Internet at $1300+- plus s&h, so we feel them to be a genuine bargain at $1000 and I will deliver them anywhere in Centre County. Reply to <ljmiles23...>
Date: 6/17/25 2:26 pm From: Robert Snyder <birdphotoginpa...> Subject: White Pelicans at Baled Eagle SP: 6/17
There have been 3 American White Pelicans at Bald Eagle SP since 6/13(?).
They are hanging out on the SW side of the causeway bridge (Rte 26) at the
east end of the old partially submerged rail grade; between Upper and Lower
Green’s Run landings. A scope or binoculars are needed to see them. I took
this photo from the fishing pier at Lower Green’s Run landing while talking
with 3 fishermen. I also photographed the pelicans from Upper Green’s Run
landing as well. Both are about the same distance from the end of the old
rail grade where it goes under water.
Bob Snyder
6/17/25
Do the best you can, where you are, with what you have.
Theodore Roosevelt
Date: 6/16/25 8:05 am From: Ron Rovansek <rrovansek...> Subject: Re: Crane flying with canada geese?
I saw two Sandhill Cranes near State College last week. One June 11 in Stormstown and the other June 12 in Bellefonte. Both were flyovers calling repeatedly. Both were alone without other Cranes nor Geese.
Ron Rovansek
Stormstown
From: State College (PA) Bird Club <SCBIRDCL...> On Behalf Of Grove, Gregory William
Sent: Sunday, June 15, 2025 9:07 AM
To: <SCBIRDCL...>
Subject: Re: Crane flying with canada geese?
A few days ago a lone Sandhill Crane was well-described flying over in NW Huntingdon Co, Camp Blue Diamond by Gabriel Imler.
Greg Grove
eBird reviewer: Blair, Cambria, Clearfield, Huntingdon, Juniata, Mifflin
PBA Ridge and Valley Coordinator
Stone Mt. Hawk Watch, Winter Raptor Survey
Huntingdon, PA.
________________________________
From: State College (PA) Bird Club <SCBIRDCL...><mailto:<SCBIRDCL...>> on behalf of Shawn Davis <davisflydesigns...><mailto:<davisflydesigns...>> Sent: Saturday, June 14, 2025 5:18 PM
To: <SCBIRDCL...><mailto:<SCBIRDCL...> <SCBIRDCL...><mailto:<SCBIRDCL...>> Subject: Crane flying with canada geese?
Yesterday while driving in Park Forest I saw a flock of about 15 canada geese flying in formation and headed North. At the back of the formation was a bird with a straight neck and long legs stretching out behind it. My first impression was a sandhill crane, but I only caught a glimpse of their silhouettes before they went overhead. Has anyone ever observed something like this, and are there other possibilities I should consider?
Date: 6/15/25 9:06 am From: Grove, Gregory William <gwg2...> Subject: Re: Crane flying with canada geese?
A few days ago a lone Sandhill Crane was well-described flying over in NW Huntingdon Co, Camp Blue Diamond by Gabriel Imler.
Greg Grove
eBird reviewer: Blair, Cambria, Clearfield, Huntingdon, Juniata, Mifflin
PBA Ridge and Valley Coordinator
Stone Mt. Hawk Watch, Winter Raptor Survey
Huntingdon, PA.
________________________________
From: State College (PA) Bird Club <SCBIRDCL...> on behalf of Shawn Davis <davisflydesigns...>
Sent: Saturday, June 14, 2025 5:18 PM
To: <SCBIRDCL...> <SCBIRDCL...>
Subject: Crane flying with canada geese?
Yesterday while driving in Park Forest I saw a flock of about 15 canada geese flying in formation and headed North. At the back of the formation was a bird with a straight neck and long legs stretching out behind it. My first impression was a sandhill crane, but I only caught a glimpse of their silhouettes before they went overhead. Has anyone ever observed something like this, and are there other possibilities I should consider?
Date: 6/14/25 2:19 pm From: Shawn Davis <davisflydesigns...> Subject: Crane flying with canada geese?
Yesterday while driving in Park Forest I saw a flock of about 15 canada geese flying in formation and headed North. At the back of the formation was a bird with a straight neck and long legs stretching out behind it. My first impression was a sandhill crane, but I only caught a glimpse of their silhouettes before they went overhead. Has anyone ever observed something like this, and are there other possibilities I should consider?
Thank you for the update. I live very close by. I’m looking forward to
stopping there soon.
Deb
On Fri, Jun 13, 2025 at 12:12 PM Gyekis, Joseph Peter <jpg186...>
wrote:
> Hi Everyone,
> I've been doing these Nightjar Survey Network point counts in spring or
> early summer moonlit nights for a few years now along the Allegheny Front
> on Underwood Road and Strawband Beaver Road, with many stops along the edge
> of regrowing clear cuts.
> It's hard to get up there in perfect conditions with minimal clouds and
> wind, no precipitation, when the moon is close to full. Most of the time
> the counts are a little bit subpar conditions—like the 11th was a little
> windier than desired but still decent. The 10 stops require 6 minutes count
> time at each spot plus a few minutes to drive between them, so with how
> short nights are this time of year, it always cuts into a little sleep. But
> it's fun when it works out because the whip poor wills are plentiful up
> there.
>
> It makes sense that it's also an area where moths are abundant along the
> roads while driving. I've seen a luna moth and a couple other big moths
> (maybe Imperial I think), plus great numbers of mid sized and small moths.
>
> The total number of birds of all species are in the middle of this table,
> with the survey dates and times on the rows/columns:
> Unsurprisingly, doing a count in the morning gets a lot of dawn chorus
> starting up long before sunrise, hence the big totals.
>
> The species breakdown totaled across all 6 years of effort are here:
> Especially at the first two stops, the biggest challenge for counting the
> distant whips is how loud the up close ones are.
>
> The mammals are also fun, I usually hear some flying squirrels, hear
> coyotes about half the outings, and see some porcupines on the road.
>
> When counting in late May, I usually hear some nocturnal flight calls too,
> especially thrushes and cuckoos.
>
> Anyone in State College wishing to enjoy an impressive chorus of many whip
> poor wills should walk the scrub oak/pitch pine scrub areas along Scotia
> Range Road at dawn or dusk. That area the density is even more spectacular
> than the Underwood clear cuts, and quicker to drive to for most of us.
>
> Joe
>
Date: 6/13/25 9:12 am From: Gyekis, Joseph Peter <jpg186...> Subject: whip survey
Hi Everyone,
I've been doing these Nightjar Survey Network point counts in spring or early summer moonlit nights for a few years now along the Allegheny Front on Underwood Road and Strawband Beaver Road, with many stops along the edge of regrowing clear cuts.
[cid:0c9dedf5-abb9-43fa-94f1-28b7cfeda73d]
It's hard to get up there in perfect conditions with minimal clouds and wind, no precipitation, when the moon is close to full. Most of the time the counts are a little bit subpar conditionslike the 11th was a little windier than desired but still decent. The 10 stops require 6 minutes count time at each spot plus a few minutes to drive between them, so with how short nights are this time of year, it always cuts into a little sleep. But it's fun when it works out because the whip poor wills are plentiful up there.
It makes sense that it's also an area where moths are abundant along the roads while driving. I've seen a luna moth and a couple other big moths (maybe Imperial I think), plus great numbers of mid sized and small moths.
The total number of birds of all species are in the middle of this table, with the survey dates and times on the rows/columns:
[cid:9e71910c-4f1c-4ba7-935f-19d853fc58ec]
Unsurprisingly, doing a count in the morning gets a lot of dawn chorus starting up long before sunrise, hence the big totals.
The species breakdown totaled across all 6 years of effort are here:
[cid:fd911d32-385c-4b35-aa32-fcfdc30bb4e7]
Especially at the first two stops, the biggest challenge for counting the distant whips is how loud the up close ones are.
The mammals are also fun, I usually hear some flying squirrels, hear coyotes about half the outings, and see some porcupines on the road.
When counting in late May, I usually hear some nocturnal flight calls too, especially thrushes and cuckoos.
Anyone in State College wishing to enjoy an impressive chorus of many whip poor wills should walk the scrub oak/pitch pine scrub areas along Scotia Range Road at dawn or dusk. That area the density is even more spectacular than the Underwood clear cuts, and quicker to drive to for most of us.
Date: 6/13/25 7:34 am From: Blizard, David A <dab22...> Subject: Re: Dickcissel, Huntingdon County
A very rude bird, especially if you play around with his name! Haha Sent from my iPad
> On Jun 13, 2025, at 8:23 AM, Sean McLaughin <stormwigeon...> wrote: > > Male Dickcissel, near intersection of alan seeger rd and powell rd, singing! > > sean mclaughlin
Date: 6/10/25 8:50 am From: Peggy Wagoner Saporito <raven966...> Subject: 2025 State College Bird Club Bird Conservation Grant Recipients
Hello Everyone,
State College Bird Club is happy to announce our 2025 grant recipients of funds from the SCBC Bird Conservation Endowment managed by Centre Foundation. These funds are generated annually and are used to support bird conservation/research or education projects in the Center region. This year we had $1416.00 of endowment income that was approved for distribution by members present at our May regular meeting. The funded projects are:
- New Bluebird Nest Box Trail at Whitehall Road Regional Park by Bluebird Habitat Network Inc. - Educational Bird Observation Station and Live Cam at State College Friends School - Musser Gap BirdNET to monitor avian species in a regenerating riparian zone - Bird Safe Glass on University Park Campus
Congratulations to the recipients and we look forward to their good work to encourage bird conservation within our community.
Date: 6/9/25 9:45 am From: Peggy Wagoner Saporito <raven966...> Subject: 2025 SCBC Bird Conservation Grant Awardees
Hello Everyone,
State College Bird Club is happy to announce our 2025 grant recipients of funds from the SCBC Bird Conservation Endowment managed by Centre Foundation. These funds are generated annually and are used to support bird conservation/research or education projects in the Center region. This year we had $1416.00 of endowment income that was approved for distribution by members present at our May regular meeting. The funded projects are:
- New Bluebird Nest Box Trail at Whitehall Road Regional Park by Bluebird Habitat Network Inc. - Educational Bird Observation Station and Live Cam at State College Friends School - Musser Gap BirdNET to monitor avian species in a regenerating riparian zone - Bird Safe Glass on University Park Campus
Congratulations to the recipients and we look forward to their good work to encourage bird conservation within our community.
Date: 6/8/25 12:56 pm From: KATHLEEN BECHDEL <0000d165c6a818d5-dmarc-request...> Subject: June 15 Bird Walk Cancelled
Hello, Bird Club,
We were not aware when we scheduled this event that the Ironman bike race would cause Church St. in Centre Hall to be closed on Sunday, June 15. Therefore, the June 15 bird walk at Penns Prairie Tri-Municipal Park is cancelled. Sorry for the inconvenience.
Date: 6/2/25 9:26 am From: Julia Plummer <julia...> Subject: Re: Broad Mountain BBS route
I ran my Mifflintown BBS on Sunday. I start in Mifflintown and drive 25
miles (50 stops) through farmland of Juniata and Perry counties. I haven't
had a chance to do anything systematic to compare this year to previous
years. 67 species observed total (2024: 68 species; 2023: 69 species;
2022: 69 species; 2021: 60 species). I enjoyed hearing so many Baltimore
Orioles singing (9 total). There were also several very talented Northern
Mockingbirds that kept me on my toes to not misidentify who was singing on
my survey. One had a very good Whip-poor-will in its repertoire.
I enjoyed adding to the Atlas effort when I observed evidence of breeding
throughout the survey. For example, I saw a Barn Swallow collecting mud and
materials for a nest. I also met someone who had been doing Atlas Point
counts (I think she said her name is Tammy). She stopped to say hi as I was
obviously birding (and have an Atlas magnet on my car!).
I also got a bit of a scare. At the fifth stop, I got out of my car and was
standing next to the door counting Barn Swallows in the field across the
street. All of a sudden, I heard something running around the end of my car
and before I knew it there was something large, black, and furry at my
feet! I screamed before I processed that it was just an exceedingly
friendly dog. I had to do that point count from inside my car because it
wouldn't stop trying to get my attention.
No cicadas on my route, but they were in my yard when I got home! They are
loudly singing in the trees in my neighborhood! I can hear them singing
"Pharaoh".
Julia
On Mon, Jun 2, 2025 at 7:16 AM Grove, Deborah Shuey <dsg4...> wrote:
> I ran my Broad Mountain USGS Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) route on Friday
> morning May 30. A BBS route consists of 50 stops every ½ mile starting ½
> hour before sunrise and counting birds for 3 minutes. This is one of three
> non-randomized routes that Greg set up in 1993 in Rothrock Forest. The
> route starts in Huntingdon county at the maintenance yard at Greenwood at
> Rag Hollow Rd and goes up Broad Mtn to Alan Seeger and then over to Cooper
> Hollow roads and then back to Stone Creek Rd, entering Mifflin and Centre
> counties along the way.
>
> It was a clear morning and no breeze on top of Broad Mtn that increased
> the number of birds I could hear.
>
> AND NO CICADA NOISE!! We have seen some but maybe only early emergent.
>
> After 33 years there are definite trends. Forty-eight species for this
> year is also my average over the last 19 years when I took over. 516
> individuals are above my average of 467. Unfortunately, some stops had a
> lot of noise because the creeks were roaring from recent rain!
>
> However, there were some new records. Twelve Common Ravens echo records of
> the increase seen in Christmas Bird Counts in the area. At one point I had
> 3 sounding an alarm as they flew above me. Tufted Titmouse had a modest 11
> individuals but still an increase. Gray Catbirds tied other records at 9.
> There were 10 Cedar Waxwings this year, a species that can be variable as
> some of these were flyovers. Although a modest number, there were 5
> Dark-eyed Juncos and I always am amazed that these “northern” birds breed
> on Broad Mtn. However, the BIG new record was 100 Ovenbirds! This was up
> from 88 in 2022. The clear quiet morning might have contributed to this but
> there were several stops that lowered counts because they were so noisy
> that I could only hear very close birds.
>
> I enjoy the warblers that pop up especially Canada Warblers which were
> only noticed at 2 stops. These birds were near the very loud areas at the
> high streams with lots of rhododendrons. The 32 Hooded Warbler were only
> 4 below the record 36 last year. This bird has shot up from about 5 or 6
> in early years, supporting a trend of increasing across the Appalachians in
> PA. Worm-eating was at 5, Louisiana Waterthrush 4 – others probably lost
> in the noise, Black-and-White down from 16 to 8, and other species heard
> are below in the list. However, missed are some that are variable from
> year to year such as Cerulean, Yellow-rumped (on top of Broad Mtn),
> Northern Parula, and even less often, Pine and Magnolia. BUT at stop 49, I
> heard a different song and having only 3 minutes to count, I strained to
> get it and it was a Northern Waterthrush! This species is what I consider
> a migrant and non-breeder for this northern breeder because the habitat was
> not right even though the stop is less than 2 miles away from Bear Meadows
> at a higher elevation where they have occasionally nested.
>
> No cuckoos this year. No Whip-poor-wills that are usually heard at some of
> the first 3 stops. Flycatchers were well-represented with even 3 Least
> Flycatchers. 3 Blue-headed Vireos but 63 Red-eyes. No Winter Wrens at the
> overlooks as I came down Broad Mtn on the Alan Seeger side. And no Hermit
> Thrush in this area either. Wood Thrush at 21 are still higher than early
> years which were at an average of 10. Towhees holding steady as well as
> Chipping Sparrows. Tanagers holding steady although down slightly this
> year.
>
> Another new species was a Red-winged Blackbird. There is a spot on
> Cooper’s Gap Rd that has cattails and one was loudly declaring its
> presence. I have also had a Blue-winged Warbler here before which was very
> unexpected! A Baltimore Oriole was also heard at this stop and has only
> been heard once before on this route but at another site in 2021. Checking
> eBird, I see that Jon Kauffman also had one close by the cattail stop in
> 2022.
>
> Here is the Trip Report. Because the USGS has had funds cut, this may be
> the last year for BBS routes. Most have been run since the late 60s, nearly
> 60 years. But, they will probably be considered non-essential. It was touch
> and go for the agency to get money for postage to mail our packets. So so
> sad.
>
> The photo is of a stop at the Standing Stone Trail that comes down from
> the fire tower at Broad Mountain and crosses Alan Seeger Road. I used this
> trail for training when I was getting ready for the 25K Hyner Trail
> Challenge.
>
> Wild Turkey
>
> 1
>
> Mourning Dove
>
> 4
>
> Downy Woodpecker
>
> 1
>
> Pileated Woodpecker
>
> 8
>
> Great Crested Flycatcher
>
> 1
>
> Eastern Wood-Pewee
>
> 15
>
> Acadian Flycatcher
>
> 18
>
> Least Flycatcher
>
> 2
>
> Eastern Phoebe
>
> 8
>
> Blue-headed Vireo
>
> 3
>
> Red-eyed Vireo
>
> 63
>
> Blue Jay
>
> 6
>
> American Crow
>
> 7
>
> Common Raven
>
> 12
>
> Black-capped Chickadee
>
> 7
>
> Tufted Titmouse
>
> 11
>
> Cedar Waxwing
>
> 10
>
> White-breasted Nuthatch
>
> 3
>
> Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
>
> 3
>
> Gray Catbird
>
> 9
>
> Veery
>
> 8
>
> Wood Thrush
>
> 21
>
> American Robin
>
> 9
>
> American Goldfinch
>
> 4
>
> Chipping Sparrow
>
> 6
>
> (Slate-colored Junco) Dark-eyed Junco
>
> 5
>
> Song Sparrow
>
> 1
>
> Eastern Towhee
>
> 32
>
> Brown-headed Cowbird
>
> 2
>
> Ovenbird
>
> 100
>
> Worm-eating Warbler
>
> 5
>
> Louisiana Waterthrush
>
> 4
>
> Black-and-white Warbler
>
> 8
>
> Common Yellowthroat
>
> 13
>
> Hooded Warbler
>
> 32
>
> American Redstart
>
> 13
>
> Blackburnian Warbler
>
> 9
>
> Chestnut-sided Warbler
>
> 6
>
> Black-throated Blue Warbler
>
> 9
>
> Black-throated Green Warbler
>
> 11
>
> Canada Warbler
>
> 2
>
> Scarlet Tanager
>
> 14
>
> Northern Cardinal
>
> 4
>
> Indigo Bunting
>
> 2
>
> Eastern Screech-Owl
>
> 1
>
> Baltimore Oriole
>
> 1
>
> Red-winged Blackbird
>
> 1
>
> Northern Waterthrush
>
> 1
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
Date: 6/2/25 4:16 am From: Grove, Deborah Shuey <dsg4...> Subject: Broad Mountain BBS route
I ran my Broad Mountain USGS Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) route on Friday morning May 30. A BBS route consists of 50 stops every mile starting hour before sunrise and counting birds for 3 minutes. This is one of three non-randomized routes that Greg set up in 1993 in Rothrock Forest. The route starts in Huntingdon county at the maintenance yard at Greenwood at Rag Hollow Rd and goes up Broad Mtn to Alan Seeger and then over to Cooper Hollow roads and then back to Stone Creek Rd, entering Mifflin and Centre counties along the way.
It was a clear morning and no breeze on top of Broad Mtn that increased the number of birds I could hear.
AND NO CICADA NOISE!! We have seen some but maybe only early emergent.
After 33 years there are definite trends. Forty-eight species for this year is also my average over the last 19 years when I took over. 516 individuals are above my average of 467. Unfortunately, some stops had a lot of noise because the creeks were roaring from recent rain!
However, there were some new records. Twelve Common Ravens echo records of the increase seen in Christmas Bird Counts in the area. At one point I had 3 sounding an alarm as they flew above me. Tufted Titmouse had a modest 11 individuals but still an increase. Gray Catbirds tied other records at 9. There were 10 Cedar Waxwings this year, a species that can be variable as some of these were flyovers. Although a modest number, there were 5 Dark-eyed Juncos and I always am amazed that these northern birds breed on Broad Mtn. However, the BIG new record was 100 Ovenbirds! This was up from 88 in 2022. The clear quiet morning might have contributed to this but there were several stops that lowered counts because they were so noisy that I could only hear very close birds.
I enjoy the warblers that pop up especially Canada Warblers which were only noticed at 2 stops. These birds were near the very loud areas at the high streams with lots of rhododendrons. The 32 Hooded Warbler were only 4 below the record 36 last year. This bird has shot up from about 5 or 6 in early years, supporting a trend of increasing across the Appalachians in PA. Worm-eating was at 5, Louisiana Waterthrush 4 others probably lost in the noise, Black-and-White down from 16 to 8, and other species heard are below in the list. However, missed are some that are variable from year to year such as Cerulean, Yellow-rumped (on top of Broad Mtn), Northern Parula, and even less often, Pine and Magnolia. BUT at stop 49, I heard a different song and having only 3 minutes to count, I strained to get it and it was a Northern Waterthrush! This species is what I consider a migrant and non-breeder for this northern breeder because the habitat was not right even though the stop is less than 2 miles away from Bear Meadows at a higher elevation where they have occasionally nested.
No cuckoos this year. No Whip-poor-wills that are usually heard at some of the first 3 stops. Flycatchers were well-represented with even 3 Least Flycatchers. 3 Blue-headed Vireos but 63 Red-eyes. No Winter Wrens at the overlooks as I came down Broad Mtn on the Alan Seeger side. And no Hermit Thrush in this area either. Wood Thrush at 21 are still higher than early years which were at an average of 10. Towhees holding steady as well as Chipping Sparrows. Tanagers holding steady although down slightly this year.
Another new species was a Red-winged Blackbird. There is a spot on Coopers Gap Rd that has cattails and one was loudly declaring its presence. I have also had a Blue-winged Warbler here before which was very unexpected! A Baltimore Oriole was also heard at this stop and has only been heard once before on this route but at another site in 2021. Checking eBird, I see that Jon Kauffman also had one close by the cattail stop in 2022.
Here is the Trip Report. Because the USGS has had funds cut, this may be the last year for BBS routes. Most have been run since the late 60s, nearly 60 years. But, they will probably be considered non-essential. It was touch and go for the agency to get money for postage to mail our packets. So so sad.
The photo is of a stop at the Standing Stone Trail that comes down from the fire tower at Broad Mountain and crosses Alan Seeger Road. I used this trail for training when I was getting ready for the 25K Hyner Trail Challenge.
Wild Turkey
1
Mourning Dove
4
Downy Woodpecker
1
Pileated Woodpecker
8
Great Crested Flycatcher
1
Eastern Wood-Pewee
15
Acadian Flycatcher
18
Least Flycatcher
2
Eastern Phoebe
8
Blue-headed Vireo
3
Red-eyed Vireo
63
Blue Jay
6
American Crow
7
Common Raven
12
Black-capped Chickadee
7
Tufted Titmouse
11
Cedar Waxwing
10
White-breasted Nuthatch
3
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
3
Gray Catbird
9
Veery
8
Wood Thrush
21
American Robin
9
American Goldfinch
4
Chipping Sparrow
6
(Slate-colored Junco) Dark-eyed Junco
5
Song Sparrow
1
Eastern Towhee
32
Brown-headed Cowbird
2
Ovenbird
100
Worm-eating Warbler
5
Louisiana Waterthrush
4
Black-and-white Warbler
8
Common Yellowthroat
13
Hooded Warbler
32
American Redstart
13
Blackburnian Warbler
9
Chestnut-sided Warbler
6
Black-throated Blue Warbler
9
Black-throated Green Warbler
11
Canada Warbler
2
Scarlet Tanager
14
Northern Cardinal
4
Indigo Bunting
2
Eastern Screech-Owl
1
Baltimore Oriole
1
Red-winged Blackbird
1
Northern Waterthrush
1
