Date: 1/18/26 6:34 am From: Gyekis, Joseph Peter <jpg186...> Subject: Re: Local Hotspots for Tomorrow
Hi Jeff,
I would totally have replied last night if I had anything useful to say but aside from randomly striving for a lucky new discovery according to common sense (be near conifers if hoping for crossbills, look around at big fields if looking for longspurs) I don't know of any spot within an hour of State College that has had your target birds recently. If you wanted to drive 2+ hours I could be helpful for recr/evgr/lalo (all on ebird), but nothing in close. My best crossbill spot on Poe Mountain has been empty this fall/winter despite repeated checks.
Joe
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From: State College (PA) Bird Club <SCBIRDCL...> on behalf of Jeff Gallo <psugallo...>
Sent: Saturday, January 17, 2026 2:49 PM
To: <SCBIRDCL...> <SCBIRDCL...>
Subject: Local Hotspots for Tomorrow
Good afternoon. Hoping to get out tomorrow for a few hours with a friend from out of town. Trying to see if we can luck into anything interesting for empty slots on the bird list.
Within an hour or so of State College, can anyone recommend a particular trail or hotspot that might be reasonable for red crossbills or grosbeaks? Or perhaps a good field for longspurs? Any recent rare birds worth chasing that are not getting a lot of press?
I understand that these are low percentage chances, but figured if someone had an understanding of the correct habitat or a lead, perhaps we can increase the odds by a smidge.
