Date: 5/28/20 6:04 am From: Hawkcount.Org Reports <reports...> Subject: Del. Nature Society's Kite & Shorebird Watch at Bucktoe Creek Preserve (27 May 2020) Raptors
Del. Nature Society's Kite & Shorebird Watch at Bucktoe Creek Preserve
Avondale, Pennsylvania, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: May 27, 2020
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 11:00:00
Observation end time: 20:30:00
Total observation time: 9.5 hours
Official Counter: Larry Lewis
Observers:
Visitors:
THE DELAWARE NATURE SOCIETY’S SOUTHERN CHESTER COUNTY KITE & SHOREBIRD
WATCH AT BUCKTOE CREEK PRESERVE
<BR><BR>
Visitors (11): Chad Hutchinson, Jean-Marie Gauthier, Brigitte Gauthier,
Ross Gallardy, Brian Quindlen, Mike Defina, Dorothy & Rush Bedford, Gerry
Teig, Jason Horn
<BR><BR>
Thanks everyone, for coming to beautiful Bucktoe Creek Preserve!
<BR><BR>
Raptor Observations:
----“Raptors” seen, but deemed not to be migrating: 2-Bald Eagle,
2-Red-shouldered Hawk, 5-Red-tailed Hawk, and numerous Black (38) and
Turkey Vultures (52).
<BR><BR>
----Bald Eagle ages: 1 yr.-0; 2 yr.-0; 3 yr.-0; 4 yr.-0; adult-2
<BR><BR>
Non-raptor Observations:
----“BUCKTOE BIRD BLOG” (BBB) - (Comments on the events & “feel” of
the day – read on, if you dare) We see birds, many of them hawks;
encounter other wildlife; discuss plants; while striving to laugh and have
FUN with it all! Notes on the raptors will be here, other birds and
wildlife we notice or discuss, and humorous (I hope) stories and anecdotes.
This isn’t brain surgery. Trust me, I know about that. I’ve already
been “dead” once (it’s overrated). So, you WILL have to forgive me,
but I AM going to have the ultimate fun with what remains of this life!
<BR><BR>
TODAY’S ‘BBB:’ [PLEASE NOTE: On May 21, I sent out the new large
weekly “blog” and hotline in my new format - a newsletter. This is NOT
these reports you get from HawkCount. Rather, it’s the newsletter from
EBNT, with our upcoming schedule and the County year bird list, etc.. If
you aren’t receiving it and are a regular subscriber, look in your spam
– a few servers send it there. [go figure-lol] If you enjoy “the
blog,” featuring the county species list, and it ended up in your spam,
you’ll have to follow your provider’s method of “whitelisting” it,
marking it as “not spam” or it will always go there. You may also have
to ok the pictures and expand it at the end to see the entire thing -
it’s long and often truncated. It usually comes out every Thursday.
<BR><BR>
On the way to Bucktoe, I visited Wilson Rd. Pond and saw the usual Eastern
Meadowlarks and Bobolinks. Wollaston Vernal Pool had just Ovenbirds.
Finally, New Garden WTP [private] held only Spotted Sandpipers of note; a
pretty dry commute today.
<BR><BR>
Things looked good and felt right when I arrived at the Kite & Shorebird
Watch at Bucktoe Creek Preserve. Moderate southerly winds and a nice
supply of clouds bode well! I could find no Kites, but the shorebird
flight commenced early. At 5:50pm, 50 birds streamed by, distantly to our
east; too far to identify. The flocks continued, all on the same flight
line this evening and too distant to ID:
50 @ 6:22
50 @ 6:35
200 @ 7:20
30 @ 7:30
300 @ 7:35
50 @ 7:40
50 @ 7:50
This was very frustrating; roughly 800 birds, too far off to ID. This
certainly happens here. Sometimes they are to our east, sometimes to our
west, but sometimes they are directly overhead. Those are the great times!
Chad was here tonight. Jean-Marie & Brigitte were out to join me. For
Brigitte, it was her first time ever at Bucktoe. Ross, Brian, and Mike
followed. Dorothy and Rush were here trying their luck, as did Gerry and
Jason. Mike, Chad, and I stayed late, hoping to hear a Barred Owl while
draining all we could from the sky. There was no owl or late shorebird
flocks, but we enjoyed a spectacular sunset. Bucktoe is beautiful on such
an evening. [other highlights listed below].
<BR><BR>
---- Thanks to Delaware Nature Society for their sponsorship, and
especially, to the Brokaws, for not only their incredible support, but
gracious generosity in opening their property to the public for this watch,
and oh, so very much more!
<BR><BR>
----ADDITIONAL BIRD HIGHLIGHTS:
<BR><BR>
Great Blue Herons, Great Egret, Willow Flycatchers, Purple Martins, Brown
Thrashers, Yellow-breasted Chats, Orchard Orioles, Scarlet Tanagers, and
Indigo Buntings
<BR><BR>
----OTHER WILDLIFE NOTED: Butterflies (6): Monarch - 1, Cabbage White,
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, Clouded Sulphur, Question Mark, Red Admiral.
Dragonflies (1): Green Darner. Reptiles & Amphibians (0). Mammals (3):
Eastern Cottontail, Eastern Gray Squirrel, Little Brown Bat.
<BR><BR>
----EBNT’s “Walk with Nature” ™ Program Daily Tally with our
Fitbits: This is a stationary watch, but if I stay stationary too long, I
might tend to “bulk up.” Besides, I am ever so fortunate to be walking
unaided, at all! Therefore, I keep moving (if you’ve been here, then you
know that I pace endlessly….) - my Fitbit thanks me and its part of my
“Walk with Nature” program. So, below are MY results at the watch for
the day. Your totals could all be zero, if you choose to sit and relax.
You are certainly welcome to take it easy….I simply choose not to,
affording me a panoramic view of our entire sky and a bit of exercise. So
come join our “Walk with Nature!” ™ Anyway, just for fun, here are my
numbers at the site for today (join me, if you wish): Miles: 6.2; Steps:
14,541; Floors: 41.
<BR><BR>
----“SEASON’S BIRD SPECIES LIST” – we at Bucktoe are not just a
Hawk Watch, but conduct a migration tally from the site. We include it
here, from time to time (about once a week), to let you know what else
we’re seeing here at the Bucktoe Watch. Our tally board, on site, will
feature an approximation (very rough, best “guestimate,” – searching
for Kites, other Hawks, and shorebird flocks must remain our primary focus)
for totals of each species seen for “The Watch” year. The overall list
for the season from the watch will be part of the large weekly “blog,”
if you’ve signed up for that.
<BR><BR>
TOTAL SPECIES – Identified from watch site: today: 56; this season:
90
<BR><BR>
NEW SPECIES ADDED TODAY TO THIS YEAR’S “WATCH SPECIES LIST (0):”
none.
<BR><BR>
Predictions:
Tomorrow’s flight looks like a bit of a washout with clouds and showers.
There may be some dry periods, though.
<BR><BR>
Come join us, folks! We’re here every day thru June 6, 3pm thru 9pm.
Rain or shine.
This report is being sent individually to participants and people deemed to
be interested parties. If you wish off the list, kindly notify me and you
will be removed. However, this one mailing list is how I notify every one
of our events, our walk schedule, tours and rare birds.
The Kite & Shorebird Watch at Bucktoe Creek Preserve is sponsored by THE
DELAWARE NATURE SOCIETY. Please contact us at <earlybirdtours...>
with questions or comments.
========================================================================
Report submitted by Larry Lewis (<earlybirdtours...>)
Site Description:
High open meadow near Red Clay Creek
Directions to site:
From Kennett Square, PA (in southern Chester County):
Take Union Street south out of town. This becomes Kaolin Road. Make a right
onto Hillendale Road. Proceed about 1.5 miles to Sharp Road and make a
left. At the second hilltop on Sharp Road, the entrance is on the left
across from Candlewyck development. (432 Sharp Rd.) Upon entering driveway,
make a right on gravel road opposite first driveway you see on left. Follow
gravel road (and the "Hawk Watch" signs for about 1/2 mile to the pavilion
on the left and the parking area in the grass to the right.
Observation start time: 08:30:00 Observation end time: 14:15:00 Total observation time: 5.75 hours
Official Counter: Jerry McWilliams
Observers: Bernie O Connor
Visitors: Joao Taveres, Mark Lethaby, and Don Snyder
Weather: Cloudy until afternoon becoming variably cloudy with light SSE winds through the day with temporary wind shifts to the north. Very warm again today.
Raptor Observations: A very slow start to the morning with birds not moving until the 1000 hr. EST with the heaviest flight occurring between 1130 and the 1400 hr. EST. Vultures and Broad-wings took the show again today with vultures staying very low, but most BWs stayed high. All birds remained close to the lake.
Today might be the final day of the hawk watch season based upon the upcoming weather events.
Non-raptor Observations: Great Blue Heron--2, Eastern Kingbird--2, Ruby-throated Hummingbird--6, Eastern Bluebird--15, Baltimore Oriole--1, American Goldfinch--2
Predictions: Showers and thunderstorms likely in the morning then showers possible in the PM with continuing warm weather and light SE wind. Maybe a few birds if there are any breaks in the weather, then rain increases on Friday and much cooler on the weekend.
Jerry McWilliamsErie, Erie County, Pa.,<jerrymcw...>
Date: 5/27/20 12:51 pm From: Ryan Tomazin <wvwarblers...> Subject: Allegheny County - Corvidpalooza in Bridgeville
All,
Having a really distracting day at work here... Before lunch, a Fish Crow landed across the street, calling, and then flew right by my window at eye level. It then spent a few minutes irritating the starlings and grackles, and was so loud that even the mail man and my neighbor both took note of it.
Just now, I had four ravens flying around the hill just north of me. I had three on Monday morning.
Date: 5/27/20 10:11 am From: Dean Newhouse <dean.newhouse...> Subject: Ospreys, Catch and Carry - York County
At Pinchot Lake this morning, I witnessed another Osprey dive, make a catch, and then fly laps at tree top level around the immediate area of the lake carrying its catch. I've noticed this behavior repeatedly, and not just at Pinchot Lake. It almost seems ritualistic! Like a sacrificial catch that is being offered up to the Eagle gods of the lake that would love to snatch it away! Why do the Ospreys do this? Why don't they take their catch immediately to a perch or roost and start eating it?
Date: 5/27/20 8:54 am From: Hawkcount.Org Reports <reports...> Subject: Del. Nature Society's Kite & Shorebird Watch at Bucktoe Creek Preserve (26 May 2020) 1 Raptors
Del. Nature Society's Kite & Shorebird Watch at Bucktoe Creek Preserve
Avondale, Pennsylvania, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: May 26, 2020
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 13:00:00
Observation end time: 20:00:00
Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Larry Lewis
Observers: Adam Bartles, Beaty Broughton, Joel Flachs, Mike Fowles
Visitors:
THE DELAWARE NATURE SOCIETY’S SOUTHERN CHESTER COUNTY KITE & SHOREBIRD
WATCH AT BUCKTOE CREEK PRESERVE
<BR><BR>
Visitors (7): Adam Bartles, Joel Flachs, LaFang Flachs, George Flachs,
Beaty Broughton, Mike Fowles
<BR><BR>
Thanks everyone, for coming to beautiful Bucktoe Creek Preserve!
<BR><BR>
Raptor Observations:
----“Raptors” seen, but deemed not to be migrating: 2-Red-shouldered
Hawk, 5-Red-tailed Hawk, and numerous Black (45) and Turkey Vultures (65).
<BR><BR>
Non-raptor Observations:
----“BUCKTOE BIRD BLOG” (BBB) - (Comments on the events & “feel” of
the day – read on, if you dare) We see birds, many of them hawks;
encounter other wildlife; discuss plants; while striving to laugh and have
FUN with it all! Notes on the raptors will be here, other birds and
wildlife we notice or discuss, and humorous (I hope) stories and anecdotes.
This isn’t brain surgery. Trust me, I know about that. I’ve already
been “dead” once (it’s overrated). So, you WILL have to forgive me,
but I AM going to have the ultimate fun with what remains of this life!
<BR><BR>
TODAY’S ‘BBB:’ [PLEASE NOTE: On May 21, I sent out the new large
weekly “blog” and hotline in my new format - a newsletter. This is NOT
these reports you get from HawkCount. Rather, it’s the newsletter from
EBNT, with our upcoming schedule and the County year bird list, etc.. If
you aren’t receiving it and are a regular subscriber, look in your spam
– a few servers send it there. [go figure-lol] If you enjoy “the
blog,” featuring the county species list, and it ended up in your spam,
you’ll have to follow your provider’s method of “whitelisting” it,
marking it as “not spam” or it will always go there. You may also have
to ok the pictures and expand it at the end to see the entire thing -
it’s long and often truncated. It usually comes out every Thursday.
<BR><BR>
Before heading off to Bucktoe, I visited Struble Lake at dawn and saw fog.
I wrote until it lifted a bit, when I saw or heard Ruddy Ducks,
Double-crested Cormorants, Common Loon, Great Blue Herons, Green Herons,
Purple Martins, Willow Flycatchers, Orchard Orioles, Northern Waterthrush,
and Blackpoll Warbler, among the more common species.
<BR><BR>
Continuing on towards Bucktoe, I drove by the Citadel Bank & the nearby
Wal-Mart retention basin which held nothing but Mallards.
<BR><BR>
Wilson Road Pond was somewhat more interesting with an American Kestrel,
Eastern Meadowlarks, and Bobolinks, along with a Mockingbird who regaled me
with his repertoire, which included a perfect Phoebe, Killdeer and
Meadowlark. Sounds he hears here regularly - that’s how Mockingbirds
learn the calls they “mock.” If they hear cell phones or bells, they
mimic those. I’ve heard them mimic car alarms!
<BR><BR>
The Wollaston Vernal Pool had nothing in it, but Wood Thrush and Ovenbird
could be heard. New Garden WTP [private] had Spotted Sandpipers.
<BR><BR>
Once at Bucktoe Kite & Shorebird Watch, the weather seemed perfect. It was
warm, with a gentle southerly breeze. There were clouds too, just enough
to provide a suitable background to see migrants. It was perfect for Kites
and shorebirds! Adam was hot tonight, despite the haircut. People,
don’t let the haircut - a tragic self-inflicted error - scare you! Adam
is a great spotter. He found the first flock of shorebirds at 7:20
distantly to our southeast. We had been texted by Kelley, that she had
seen a flock of Black-bellied Plovers over her Wilmington home. We had
what I call a “heightened sense of awareness.” Sure enough, likely the
same flock of Black-bellied Plovers flew over Bucktoe 4 minutes later!
Incredible! Additional flocks followed:
150 Black-bellied Plovers at 7:50
250 Black-bellied Plovers at 8:05
150 unidentified shorebirds at 8:15
With his performance this evening, Adam has been promoted to Assistant
Spotter Specialist [that’s right, ASS]. A position he must handle with
his current job as Chief Libations Officer, a title he had been thirsting
for. I think you join me in welcoming Adam to his new position. I know
many of you believe that if there’s one thing we don’t need around here
is yet another ASS, but all indications are that Adam will make a fine ASS.
He has only one hole in his new skills that I can see, he’s a crack
finder of distant birds, has a new scope, and I think we can all agree he
has an air about him. Wear your new ASS position like a badge of honor.
No one deserves it more, buddy. An ASS with a scope – a proctologist’s
dream, that’s Adam! [heavily blogged there, buddy. Heavily blogged] As
we were packing up for the day, a Barred Owl was hooting. It was a fitting
sendoff to yet another spectacular evening at Bucktoe! [other highlights
listed below].
<BR><BR>
ASS, Adam was here early, hoping for a Kite. One was not seen. We are
seriously due for another; we’ve had but one, thus far. Joel, LaFang,
and George were out. LaFang insisted on working on our water feature.
Thanks, LaFang! Mike watched for Kites, but left before the shorebirds
flew - fantastic timing as usual there, Mike. [that’s how you got your
blog nickname!] Beatty had perfect timing, arriving for their flight.
<BR><BR>
Elsewhere, the Least Bittern continues to be seen at Exton Park [RR]
<BR><BR>
---- Thanks to Delaware Nature Society for their sponsorship, and
especially, to the Brokaws, for not only their incredible support, but
gracious generosity in opening their property to the public for this watch,
and oh, so very much more!
<BR><BR>
----ADDITIONAL BIRD HIGHLIGHTS:
<BR><BR>
Great Blue Herons, Great Egrets, Osprey, Red-shouldered Hawks, Barred Owl,
Willow Flycatchers, Great Crested Flycatchers, Purple Martins, Brown
Thrashers, Yellow-breasted Chats, Orchard Orioles, Scarlet Tanagers, and
Indigo Buntings
<BR><BR>
----OTHER WILDLIFE NOTED: Butterflies (9): Gray Hairstreak, Cabbage White,
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, Eastern Tailed Blue, Clouded Sulphur, Orange
Sulphur, Common Checkered Skipper, Red Admiral, Little Wood Satyr.
Dragonflies (1): Green Darner. Reptiles & Amphibians (0). Mammals (2):
Eastern Cottontail, Eastern Gray Squirrel.
<BR><BR>
----EBNT’s “Walk with Nature” ™ Program Daily Tally with our
Fitbits: This is a stationary watch, but if I stay stationary too long, I
might tend to “bulk up.” Besides, I am ever so fortunate to be walking
unaided, at all! Therefore, I keep moving (if you’ve been here, then you
know that I pace endlessly….) - my Fitbit thanks me and its part of my
“Walk with Nature” program. So, below are MY results at the watch for
the day. Your totals could all be zero, if you choose to sit and relax.
You are certainly welcome to take it easy….I simply choose not to,
affording me a panoramic view of our entire sky and a bit of exercise. So
come join our “Walk with Nature!” ™ Anyway, just for fun, here are my
numbers at the site for today (join me, if you wish): Miles: 6.95; Steps:
16,308; Floors: 40.
<BR><BR>
----“SEASON’S BIRD SPECIES LIST” – we at Bucktoe are not just a
Hawk Watch, but conduct a migration tally from the site. We include it
here, from time to time (about once a week), to let you know what else
we’re seeing here at the Bucktoe Watch. Our tally board, on site, will
feature an approximation (very rough, best “guestimate,” – searching
for Kites, other Hawks, and shorebird flocks must remain our primary focus)
for totals of each species seen for “The Watch” year. The overall list
for the season from the watch will be part of the large weekly “blog,”
if you’ve signed up for that.
<BR><BR>
TOTAL SPECIES – Identified from watch site: today: 59; this season:
90
<BR><BR>
NEW SPECIES ADDED TODAY TO THIS YEAR’S “WATCH SPECIES LIST (1):”
Black-bellied Plover.
<BR><BR>
Predictions:
Tomorrow’s flight looks Cloudy with light favorable winds.
<BR><BR>
Come join us, folks! We’re here every day thru June 6, 3pm thru 9pm.
Rain or shine.
This report is being sent individually to participants and people deemed to
be interested parties. If you wish off the list, kindly notify me and you
will be removed. However, this one mailing list is how I notify every one
of our events, our walk schedule, tours and rare birds.
The Kite & Shorebird Watch at Bucktoe Creek Preserve is sponsored by THE
DELAWARE NATURE SOCIETY. Please contact us at <earlybirdtours...>
with questions or comments.
========================================================================
Report submitted by Larry Lewis (<earlybirdtours...>)
Site Description:
High open meadow near Red Clay Creek
Directions to site:
From Kennett Square, PA (in southern Chester County):
Take Union Street south out of town. This becomes Kaolin Road. Make a right
onto Hillendale Road. Proceed about 1.5 miles to Sharp Road and make a
left. At the second hilltop on Sharp Road, the entrance is on the left
across from Candlewyck development. (432 Sharp Rd.) Upon entering driveway,
make a right on gravel road opposite first driveway you see on left. Follow
gravel road (and the "Hawk Watch" signs for about 1/2 mile to the pavilion
on the left and the parking area in the grass to the right.
As I was picking up take-out this evening in Swissvale, I heard a peent call and looked up to see a common nighthawk. I often see and hear them in this area in the summer.
Date: 5/26/20 12:37 pm From: Jerry McWilliams <0000001b5c226889-dmarc-request...> Subject: Erie County Hawkwatch correction
For those of you who read my hawk watch posts, for todays report I hit the wrong box where it should have been six Red-tails I put six Rough-legs. OOPS! Sorry about that folks.
Jerry McWilliamsErie, Erie County, <Pa.jerrymcw...>
Observation start time: 08:15:00 Observation end time: 13:00:00 Total observation time: 4.75 hours
Official Counter: Jerry McWilliams
Observers: Bernie O Connor, Russ States
Visitors: Linda McWilliams, Frank & Julie Leonard, Bonnie Ginader, Ken Felix, and a couple of cyclists
Weather: Clear with mostly south wind in the morning becoming NE in the afternoon. Unseasonably warm.
Raptor Observations: Light movement of the big three again today, and they remained close to the lake, though very high. The lakeshore flight shut down when the winds became persistent from the NE.
Predictions: Continued clear and hot with SE wind. Maybe a flight much like the past couple of days, though I expect fewer birds as the pipeline empties.
Jerry McWilliamsErie, Erie County, Pa.,<jerrymcw...>
Date: 5/26/20 1:19 am From: Hawkcount.Org Reports <reports...> Subject: Del. Nature Society's Kite & Shorebird Watch at Bucktoe Creek Preserve (25 May 2020) 2 Raptors
Del. Nature Society's Kite & Shorebird Watch at Bucktoe Creek Preserve
Avondale, Pennsylvania, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: May 25, 2020
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 13:00:00
Observation end time: 20:00:00
Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Larry Lewis
Observers: Adam Bartles, Gerry Teig, John McNamara, Ross Gallardy
Visitors:
THE DELAWARE NATURE SOCIETY’S SOUTHERN CHESTER COUNTY KITE & SHOREBIRD
WATCH AT BUCKTOE CREEK PRESERVE
<BR><BR>
Visitors (10): Adam Bartles, Sue McLaughlin, Ken Reynolds, Ross Gallardy,
Melissa Gallardy, Beaty Broughton, Ellen Nunn, John McNamara, Gerry Teig
<BR><BR>
Thanks everyone, for coming to beautiful Bucktoe Creek Preserve!
<BR><BR>
Raptor Observations:
----“Raptors” seen, but deemed not to be migrating: 2-Cooper's Hawk,
2-Red-shouldered Hawk, 6-Red-tailed Hawk, and numerous Black (40) and
Turkey Vultures (65).
<BR><BR>
Non-raptor Observations:
----“BUCKTOE BIRD BLOG” (BBB) - (Comments on the events & “feel” of
the day – read on, if you dare) We see birds, many of them hawks;
encounter other wildlife; discuss plants; while striving to laugh and have
FUN with it all! Notes on the raptors will be here, other birds and
wildlife we notice or discuss, and humorous (I hope) stories and anecdotes.
This isn’t brain surgery. Trust me, I know about that. I’ve already
been “dead” once (it’s overrated). So, you WILL have to forgive me,
but I AM going to have the ultimate fun with what remains of this life!
<BR><BR>
TODAY’S ‘BBB:’ [PLEASE NOTE: On May 21, I sent out the new large
weekly “blog” and hotline in my new format - a newsletter. This is NOT
these reports you get from HawkCount. Rather, it’s the newsletter from
EBNT, with our upcoming schedule and the County year bird list, etc.. If
you aren’t receiving it and are a regular subscriber, look in your spam
– a few servers send it there. [go figure-lol] If you enjoy “the
blog,” featuring the county species list, and it ended up in your spam,
you’ll have to follow your provider’s method of “whitelisting” it,
marking it as “not spam” or it will always go there. You may also have
to ok the pictures and expand it at the end to see the entire thing -
it’s long and often truncated. It usually comes out every Thursday.
<BR><BR>
Computer issues had me off to a bad mood and late start today. I began
drifting towards Bucktoe at 1pm, by way of Wilson Rd. Pond and the vernal
pool along Wollaston Rd. Wilson Road had the usual Eastern Meadowlarks and
Bobolinks; Wollaston only Rough-winged Swallow, of note. The Semipalmated
Sandpiper of previous days had moved on.
<BR><BR>
Late as I was getting started today, I arrived at the Kite & Shorebird
Watch at Bucktoe Creek Preserve early. So, I had that going for me, which
was nice. The weather looked good for both Kites and shorebird movement
today – warming temperatures and a bit of southerly breeze. I felt
certain we’d be seeing one, or both occur. I was basically wrong on both
accounts. We saw but one flock of distant shorebirds which went down as
200 unidentified birds. We did see a few Common Nighthawks as the day
waned. [other highlights listed below].
<BR><BR>
Adam was out to help scan an ever expanding deep blue sky and found our
only shorebird flock. Ross and Melissa were here for…hey, what were they
here for? Mustta been for window dressing. [welcome to the blogged club,
guys!] Sue and Ken were out for a time. John was here with his long lens,
as was Gerry, and it was nice to see Beaty and Ellen.
<BR><BR>
---- Thanks to Delaware Nature Society for their sponsorship, and
especially, to the Brokaws, for not only their incredible support, but
gracious generosity in opening their property to the public for this watch,
and oh, so very much more!
<BR><BR>
----ADDITIONAL BIRD HIGHLIGHTS:
<BR><BR>
Great Blue Herons, Barred Owl, Willow Flycatchers, Great Crested
Flycatchers, White-eyed Vireo, Purple Martins, Brown Thrashers,
Yellow-breasted Chats, Orchard Orioles, Scarlet Tanagers, and Indigo
Buntings
<BR><BR>
----OTHER WILDLIFE NOTED: Butterflies (8): Monarch - 1, Cabbage White,
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, Eastern Tailed Blue, Clouded Sulphur, Pearl
Crescent, Question Mark, Red Admiral. Dragonflies (1): Green Darner.
Reptiles & Amphibians (0). Mammals (2): Eastern Cottontail, Eastern Gray
Squirrel.
<BR><BR>
----EBNT’s “Walk with Nature” ™ Program Daily Tally with our
Fitbits: This is a stationary watch, but if I stay stationary too long, I
might tend to “bulk up.” Besides, I am ever so fortunate to be walking
unaided, at all! Therefore, I keep moving (if you’ve been here, then you
know that I pace endlessly….) - my Fitbit thanks me and its part of my
“Walk with Nature” program. So, below are MY results at the watch for
the day. Your totals could all be zero, if you choose to sit and relax.
You are certainly welcome to take it easy….I simply choose not to,
affording me a panoramic view of our entire sky and a bit of exercise. So
come join our “Walk with Nature!” ™ Anyway, just for fun, here are my
numbers at the site for today (join me, if you wish): Miles: 5.4; Steps:
12,680; Floors: 3.
<BR><BR>
----“SEASON’S BIRD SPECIES LIST” – we at Bucktoe are not just a
Hawk Watch, but conduct a migration tally from the site. We include it
here, from time to time (about once a week), to let you know what else
we’re seeing here at the Bucktoe Watch. Our tally board, on site, will
feature an approximation (very rough, best “guestimate,” – searching
for Kites, other Hawks, and shorebird flocks must remain our primary focus)
for totals of each species seen for “The Watch” year. The overall list
for the season from the watch will be part of the large weekly “blog,”
if you’ve signed up for that.
<BR><BR>
TOTAL SPECIES – Identified from watch site: today: 57; this season:
89
<BR><BR>
NEW SPECIES ADDED TODAY TO THIS YEAR’S “WATCH SPECIES LIST (1):”
White-eyed Vireo.
<BR><BR>
Predictions:
Tomorrow’s flight at least looks like it could be good. There are
supposed to be about half clouds and moderate south winds.
<BR><BR>
Come join us, folks! We’re here every day thru June 6, 3pm thru 9pm.
Rain or shine.
This report is being sent individually to participants and people deemed to
be interested parties. If you wish off the list, kindly notify me and you
will be removed. However, this one mailing list is how I notify every one
of our events, our walk schedule, tours and rare birds.
The Kite & Shorebird Watch at Bucktoe Creek Preserve is sponsored by THE
DELAWARE NATURE SOCIETY. Please contact us at <earlybirdtours...>
with questions or comments.
========================================================================
Report submitted by Larry Lewis (<earlybirdtours...>)
Site Description:
High open meadow near Red Clay Creek
Directions to site:
From Kennett Square, PA (in southern Chester County):
Take Union Street south out of town. This becomes Kaolin Road. Make a right
onto Hillendale Road. Proceed about 1.5 miles to Sharp Road and make a
left. At the second hilltop on Sharp Road, the entrance is on the left
across from Candlewyck development. (432 Sharp Rd.) Upon entering driveway,
make a right on gravel road opposite first driveway you see on left. Follow
gravel road (and the "Hawk Watch" signs for about 1/2 mile to the pavilion
on the left and the parking area in the grass to the right.
Date: 5/25/20 8:49 pm From: JFoulke <000000e096e748ef-dmarc-request...> Subject: [BucksCoBirders] Insect Apocalypse at virtual May 26th meeting
Your yard might look beautiful, but how do you know if it's contributing to the local ecosystem? Numerous studies from around the world suggest that insect populations are in decline, and that affects birds who rely on insects for food. Tune in on May 26th at 7 pm EST when Dr. Ashley Kennedy will show how food webs connect plants, insects, and birds, and how you can convert your yard into better wildlife habitat for these groups.
Dr. Kennedy earned her doctorate at the University of Delaware's Dept. of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology. She is a board-certified entomologist, a Science Policy Fellow of the Entomological Society of America, and a member of the Delaware Native Species Commission. She currently researches tick-borne diseases at the Army Public Health Center in Edgewood, MD.
This meeting is jointly sponsored by Bucks County Birders and the Bucks County Audubon Society. Please use the links below to connect:
Join Zoom Meetinghttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/86050799149?pwd=MXRrUmtWMXEwQmZEeC9iMnJpNjgydz09Meeting ID: 860 5079 9149Password: 624747One tap mobile+16465588656,,86050799149#,,1#,624747# US (New York)+13017158592,,86050799149#,,1#,624747# US (Germantown)Dial by your location +1 646 558 8656 US (New York) +1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown) +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose) +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)Meeting ID: 860 5079 9149Password: 624747Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kbh4trAUUo __._,_.___ Posted by: JFoulke <ivylamb...>
| Reply via web post | • | Reply to sender | • | Reply to group | • | Start a New Topic | • | Messages in this topic (1) |
Visit Your Group
• Privacy • Unsubscribe • Terms of Use
.
__,_._,___
Date: 5/25/20 7:29 pm From: Paul Heveran <birdmeister.paul...> Subject: Nighthawks, waxwings, and an egret - upper Montgomery Co.
Hello PA Birders,
I had a great nighthawk flight over the yard this evening. I ended up with 61 birds in about two hours, including nearly 40 in just a few minutes. Other migrants included 69 Cedar Waxwings and a surprise Great Egret. Here's hoping for some migrant shorebirds later this week!
Observation start time: 07:15:00 Observation end time: 13:00:00 Total observation time: 5.75 hours
Official Counter: Jerry McWilliams
Observers: Jennifer Ferrick, Russ States
Visitors: Bonnie Ginader, David Sublette, Finley Ferrick, and two other bypassers.
Weather: Mostly sunny along the lake becoming partly cloudy inland. Unseasonably warm with light south wind early then gradually switching around to the NW by early afternoon moving migrants far inland and out of view.
Raptor Observations: Just a portion of the birds today compared to yesterday with the same species leading the pack. Birds were quite high and a bit away from the lake early on then with the wind shift they moved inland even farther.
Non-raptor Observations: Highlight of the morning was a very large flock of distant Whimbrels moving north towards Canada in a broken "V" formation. We made a rough estimate of around 100 birds, but there may have been more. Other migrants included Double-crested Cormorant--6, Blue Jay--75, Red-headed Woodpecker--1, Cedar Waxwing--6, Eastern Kingbird--2, American Goldfinch--4. Many apparent migrant Swamp Darners.
Predictions: Sunny and hot with light south wind. Probably a continuation of todays light flight. Hopefully any migrant birds will remain close to the lake.
Jerry McWilliamsErie, Erie County, <Pa.Jerrymcw...>
Date: 5/25/20 7:25 am From: Dave DeReamus <becard...> Subject: Re: Search for PORC Secretary
I just wanted to send a special "thank you" out to Ian, who has done a
monster job at helping get PORC from where it was several years ago (a
few YEARS BEHIND on evaluating reports) to where it is now, which is
right up to date. Without him preparing the massive amount of reports
that were left him at the time he came in (especially all of the reports
generated by Hurricane Sandy), this would not have been possible. He
has left the new, incoming secretary at a great place. Thanks again, Ian.
On 5/25/2020 7:25 AM, Pennsylvania Ornithological Records Committee wrote:
> The Pennsylvania Ornithological Records Committee (PORC) is conducting a
> search for a new committee Secretary. Currently, the Secretary is a
> "non-voting" position within our records committee. Detailed description
> outlined below. This is a volunteer position. Time commitment is
> approximately 3-10 hours per month, but could be less or more, depending on
> incoming reports (hurricane, low rarity season, etc.).
> PORC operates digitally, but is obliged to one "in-person" meeting held
> annually.
>
> We have opened our nomination process in hopes that we will receive
> applicants interested in serving the committee. This role is an excellent
> way to expand your understanding of Pennsylvania's avifauna, and acquire
> experience in maintaining an avian database.
>
> If you feel you meet the qualifications, and are willing to serve the
> birding community and PORC, please submit your name to this email address:
> <porcbirds...>
> Include a brief bio explaining how you meet the criteria below, and your
> experience level with the birds of Pennsylvania. Per our bylaws, the
> committee will hold a "Special Election" in June to vote on the candidates
> presented.
> *Deadline for applicant submissions is: June 5, 2020. *
>
> The PORC would like to acknowledge with extreme gratitude, our current
> Secretary, Ian Gardner. Ian will be ending his current term after over 5
> years serving in this capacity. Ian has been the machine behind getting
> this committee to its present state, which is fully up-to-date with record
> review (we have NO backlog). In addition, Ian helped establish a full
> revision of the Bylaws for this committee, and has represented our
> committee in dealing with some "high profile" records with national
> exposure in the past few years (European Robin and Black-backed Oriole).
> Our birding community, and this committee, are grateful for his service.
> Ian has agreed to help the new Secretary get brought up-to-speed.
>
> *Requirements for the role of PORC Secretary are as follows:*
>
> a) *Tech Savvy*- PORC operates on an online platform hosted by WordPress.
> Candidates should be proficient in WordPress and an ability to integrate
> Jot-forms (which holds our submissions), and think of other ways to help
> this committee in its technological efficiency.
>
> b) *Needs to be efficient, organized, and timely*. We need to continue to
> roll out our reviews with the precedent Ian, and this committee, has set
> and maintained since 2018. This person MUST be committed to the upkeep of
> work-flow. Records are posted for review in "batches" --typically 6-10 at a
> time, and usually every 6-10 weeks (depending on rarity influx).
>
> c) *Excellent communication skills *To communicate with this committee, and
> the general public on behalf of PORC, and in some cases, other records
> committees.
>
> d) Although the Secretary term is one year, it is in PORC's best interest
> for a candidate to give a commitment to take on the role for 2-3 years.
>
> *Outline of official duties of the PORC Secretary per our current bylaws:*
> 1. Duties
>
> a. Receive, circulate, re-circulate, and file all bird records and
> supporting data submitted to the Committee.
>
> b. Tabulate results of all votes of the Committee.
>
> c. Keep or cause to keep minutes of Committee meetings.
>
> d. Furnish members with a list of nominees for election.
>
> Furnish anyone, upon request, with all evidence, including Committee
> comments, concerning any submitted bird record
>
>
> Thank you for your consideration.
>
> The Pennsylvania Ornithological Records Committee
>
>
Date: 5/25/20 6:47 am From: August Mirabella <am4birds1...> Subject: Peace Valley Park - Bucks Co. (5/17-5/23)
The reported species count was 101 this past week. 1 Common Merganser 1 Black-billed Cuckoo Least Sandpiper-high report 12 5/17 2 Solitary Sandpipers 5/17 1 Greater Yellowlegs 5/21 2 Lesser Yellowlegs 5/17 1 Common Loon 5/17 photo 1 Osprey-5/21 Bald Eagle- high report 2 5/21 1 Red-headed Woodpecker adjacent to Myers Rd. so may be a different bird than previous reports 1 Olive-sided Flycatcher 5/20 1 Acadian Flycatcher 5/20 1 White-eyed Vireo 5/20 2 Common Raven 5/20 Veery - high report 2 5/23 Swainson's Thrush-through the week 1 White-throated Sparrow 5/20 19 warbler species with the last good species count 5/20. The week's last report dates: N. Waterthrush to 5/23 Tennessee Warbler - 5/20 Nashville Warbler 5/20 Bay-breasted Warbler 5/21 Blackburnian Warbler 5/20 Chestnut-sided Warbler 5/20 Black-throated Blue Warbler 5/24 Yellow-rumped Warbler 5/20 Canada Warbler 5/20 Some other regularly reported colorful species: Wood Thrush, Cedar Waxwing, Amer. Goldfinch, Orchard Oriole, Baltimore Oriole, Scarlet Tanager, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting
Date: 5/25/20 6:39 am From: K Springer <springer0707...> Subject: Fwd: [PABIRDS] Common Nighthawks in Mercer County
I heard one as well around 5:30pm. (This was behind my neighbor's house. His backyard ends at the Shenango Reservoir.)
Happy birding, Kim Springer Transfer, PA Mercer County
---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Scott Kinzey <0000007977429723-dmarc-request...> Date: Sun, May 24, 2020, 9:05 PM Subject: [PABIRDS] Common Nighthawks in Mercer County To: <PABIRDS...>
It must have been a good day for Common Nighthawk migration as I've read four reports on this list (and one yesterday). I saw two flying together over the New Vernon Grange in Mercer County around 5pm. They were headed about due north towards upper Lake Wilhelm.
Scott Kinzey Allegheny County Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android
Date: 5/25/20 5:52 am From: Ryan Tomazin <wvwarblers...> Subject: Allegheny Co. - Common Ravens - completed email...
Sorry...I hit 'return' and stupid Hotmail sent the email...
All,
Was happy to hear my ravens just now. There were three perched along the edge of an apartment building roof just across the street. Unfortunately, I had to face east into the sun to see them, so no photos.
Only one was calling, switching to a deeper 3-note call instead of the medium-range 2-note call that I've been hearing for a couple of months.
Hear a Fish Crow outside my bathroom window the other evening while getting out of the shower. It's corvid-palooza around here!
Date: 5/25/20 5:50 am From: Hawkcount.Org Reports <reports...> Subject: Del. Nature Society's Kite & Shorebird Watch at Bucktoe Creek Preserve (24 May 2020) 2 Raptors
Del. Nature Society's Kite & Shorebird Watch at Bucktoe Creek Preserve
Avondale, Pennsylvania, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: May 24, 2020
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 13:00:00
Observation end time: 20:00:00
Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Larry Lewis
Observers: Adam Bartles, Beaty Broughton, Jeff Uhlenburg, Mike Fowles
Visitors:
THE DELAWARE NATURE SOCIETY’S SOUTHERN CHESTER COUNTY KITE & SHOREBIRD
WATCH AT BUCKTOE CREEK PRESERVE
<BR><BR>
Visitors (10): Jeff Uhlenburg, Mike Yonda, Jerry Jeffers, Susan Jeffers,
Adam Bartles, Sue McLaughlin, Ken Reynolds, Mike Fowles, Beaty Broughton
<BR><BR>
Thanks everyone, for coming to beautiful Bucktoe Creek Preserve!
<BR><BR>
Raptor Observations:
----“Raptors” seen, but deemed not to be migrating: 5-Red-tailed Hawk,
and numerous Black (22) and Turkey Vultures (61).
<BR><BR>
Non-raptor Observations:
----“BUCKTOE BIRD BLOG” (BBB) - (Comments on the events & “feel” of
the day – read on, if you dare) We see birds, many of them hawks;
encounter other wildlife; discuss plants; while striving to laugh and have
FUN with it all! Notes on the raptors will be here, other birds and
wildlife we notice or discuss, and humorous (I hope) stories and anecdotes.
This isn’t brain surgery. Trust me, I know about that. I’ve already
been “dead” once (it’s overrated). So, you WILL have to forgive me,
but I AM going to have the ultimate fun with what remains of this life!
<BR><BR>
TODAY’S ‘BBB:’ [PLEASE NOTE: On May 21, I sent out the new large
weekly “blog” and hotline in my new format - a newsletter. This is NOT
these reports you get from HawkCount. Rather, it’s the newsletter from
EBNT, with our upcoming schedule and the County year bird list, etc.. If
you aren’t receiving it and are a regular subscriber, look in your spam
– a few servers send it there. [go figure-lol] If you enjoy “the
blog,” featuring the county species list, and it ended up in your spam,
you’ll have to follow your provider’s method of “whitelisting” it,
marking it as “not spam” or it will always go there. You may also have
to ok the pictures and expand it at the end to see the entire thing -
it’s long and often truncated. It usually comes out every Thursday.
<BR><BR>
While commuting to Bucktoe, traveling what was the King Ranch when I was a
budding birder, I saw Eastern Meadowlarks, Bobolinks and Killdeer at Wilson
Road Pond.
<BR><BR>
Wollaston Vernal Pool held the same Semipalmated Sandpiper as yesterday,
along with Rough-winged Swallows.
<BR><BR>
After yesterday, I had high hopes for shorebirds flocks over the Kite &
Shorebird Watch at Bucktoe Creek Preserve this evening. There were no
Kites, but we did see 2 flocks of Whimbrels streaming over. The first
flock at 6:50pm, was low, right overhead with everyone getting fantastic
views at the roughly 150 birds. A second flock at 7:17pm and numbering
about 100, also held 5 smaller unidentified shorebirds. [other highlights
listed below].
<BR><BR>
Jeff, Mike, Jerry, Susan, Ken, and Beaty were all out for the first time
this season. Regulars Susan, Adam and Mike were here too. Jerry made
steaks and we had a great dinner. Thanks, guys!
<BR><BR>
---- Thanks to Delaware Nature Society for their sponsorship, and
especially, to the Brokaws, for not only their incredible support, but
gracious generosity in opening their property to the public for this watch,
and oh, so very much more!
<BR><BR>
----ADDITIONAL BIRD HIGHLIGHTS:
<BR><BR>
Common Nighthawks, Great Blue Herons, Green Heron, Willow Flycatchers,
Yellow-throated Vireo, Purple Martins, Brown Thrashers, Yellow-breasted
Chats, Orchard Orioles, Pine Warbler, Scarlet Tanagers,, and Indigo
Buntings
<BR><BR>
----OTHER WILDLIFE NOTED: Butterflies (4): Monarch - 1, Cabbage White,
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, Clouded Sulphur. Dragonflies (1): Green Darner.
Reptiles & Amphibians (1): Spring Peeper. Mammals (2): Eastern
Cottontail, Eastern Gray Squirrel.
<BR><BR>
----EBNT’s “Walk with Nature” ™ Program Daily Tally with our
Fitbits: This is a stationary watch, but if I stay stationary too long, I
might tend to “bulk up.” Besides, I am ever so fortunate to be walking
unaided, at all! Therefore, I keep moving (if you’ve been here, then you
know that I pace endlessly….) - my Fitbit thanks me and its part of my
“Walk with Nature” program. So, below are MY results at the watch for
the day. Your totals could all be zero, if you choose to sit and relax.
You are certainly welcome to take it easy….I simply choose not to,
affording me a panoramic view of our entire sky and a bit of exercise. So
come join our “Walk with Nature!” ™ Anyway, just for fun, here are my
numbers at the site for today (join me, if you wish): Miles: 6.64; Steps:
15,573; Floors: 17.
<BR><BR>
----“SEASON’S BIRD SPECIES LIST” – we at Bucktoe are not just a
Hawk Watch, but conduct a migration tally from the site. We include it
here, from time to time (about once a week), to let you know what else
we’re seeing here at the Bucktoe Watch. Our tally board, on site, will
feature an approximation (very rough, best “guestimate,” – searching
for Kites, other Hawks, and shorebird flocks must remain our primary focus)
for totals of each species seen for “The Watch” year. The overall list
for the season from the watch will be part of the large weekly “blog,”
if you’ve signed up for that.
<BR><BR>
TOTAL SPECIES – Identified from watch site: today: 59; this season:
88
<BR><BR>
NEW SPECIES ADDED TODAY TO THIS YEAR’S “WATCH SPECIES LIST (1):”
Feral Pigeon.
<BR><BR>
Predictions:
Tomorrow’s flight looks like a great migration day with clouds
diminishing and light , favorable winds from the south. I will need help
scanning a vast blue sky, though.
<BR><BR>
Come join us, folks! We’re here every day thru June 6, 3pm thru 9pm.
Rain or shine.
This report is being sent individually to participants and people deemed to
be interested parties. If you wish off the list, kindly notify me and you
will be removed. However, this one mailing list is how I notify every one
of our events, our walk schedule, tours and rare birds.
The Kite & Shorebird Watch at Bucktoe Creek Preserve is sponsored by THE
DELAWARE NATURE SOCIETY. Please contact us at <earlybirdtours...>
with questions or comments.
========================================================================
Report submitted by Larry Lewis (<earlybirdtours...>)
Site Description:
High open meadow near Red Clay Creek
Directions to site:
From Kennett Square, PA (in southern Chester County):
Take Union Street south out of town. This becomes Kaolin Road. Make a right
onto Hillendale Road. Proceed about 1.5 miles to Sharp Road and make a
left. At the second hilltop on Sharp Road, the entrance is on the left
across from Candlewyck development. (432 Sharp Rd.) Upon entering driveway,
make a right on gravel road opposite first driveway you see on left. Follow
gravel road (and the "Hawk Watch" signs for about 1/2 mile to the pavilion
on the left and the parking area in the grass to the right.
Date: 5/25/20 5:50 am From: Ryan Tomazin <wvwarblers...> Subject: Allegheny Co. - Common Ravens
All,
Was happy to hear my ravens just now. There were three perched along the edge of an apartment building roof just across the street. Unfortunately, I had to face east into the sun to see them, so no photos.
Date: 5/25/20 4:26 am From: Pennsylvania Ornithological Records Committee <porcbirds...> Subject: Search for PORC Secretary
The Pennsylvania Ornithological Records Committee (PORC) is conducting a search for a new committee Secretary. Currently, the Secretary is a "non-voting" position within our records committee. Detailed description outlined below. This is a volunteer position. Time commitment is approximately 3-10 hours per month, but could be less or more, depending on incoming reports (hurricane, low rarity season, etc.). PORC operates digitally, but is obliged to one "in-person" meeting held annually.
We have opened our nomination process in hopes that we will receive applicants interested in serving the committee. This role is an excellent way to expand your understanding of Pennsylvania's avifauna, and acquire experience in maintaining an avian database.
If you feel you meet the qualifications, and are willing to serve the birding community and PORC, please submit your name to this email address: <porcbirds...> Include a brief bio explaining how you meet the criteria below, and your experience level with the birds of Pennsylvania. Per our bylaws, the committee will hold a "Special Election" in June to vote on the candidates presented. *Deadline for applicant submissions is: June 5, 2020. *
The PORC would like to acknowledge with extreme gratitude, our current Secretary, Ian Gardner. Ian will be ending his current term after over 5 years serving in this capacity. Ian has been the machine behind getting this committee to its present state, which is fully up-to-date with record review (we have NO backlog). In addition, Ian helped establish a full revision of the Bylaws for this committee, and has represented our committee in dealing with some "high profile" records with national exposure in the past few years (European Robin and Black-backed Oriole). Our birding community, and this committee, are grateful for his service. Ian has agreed to help the new Secretary get brought up-to-speed.
*Requirements for the role of PORC Secretary are as follows:*
a) *Tech Savvy*- PORC operates on an online platform hosted by WordPress. Candidates should be proficient in WordPress and an ability to integrate Jot-forms (which holds our submissions), and think of other ways to help this committee in its technological efficiency.
b) *Needs to be efficient, organized, and timely*. We need to continue to roll out our reviews with the precedent Ian, and this committee, has set and maintained since 2018. This person MUST be committed to the upkeep of work-flow. Records are posted for review in "batches" --typically 6-10 at a time, and usually every 6-10 weeks (depending on rarity influx).
c) *Excellent communication skills *To communicate with this committee, and the general public on behalf of PORC, and in some cases, other records committees.
d) Although the Secretary term is one year, it is in PORC's best interest for a candidate to give a commitment to take on the role for 2-3 years.
*Outline of official duties of the PORC Secretary per our current bylaws:* 1. Duties
a. Receive, circulate, re-circulate, and file all bird records and supporting data submitted to the Committee.
b. Tabulate results of all votes of the Committee.
c. Keep or cause to keep minutes of Committee meetings.
d. Furnish members with a list of nominees for election.
Furnish anyone, upon request, with all evidence, including Committee comments, concerning any submitted bird record
Date: 5/24/20 11:52 pm From: jerry stanley <bhnsjerry...> Subject: Venango Co. 5/24
At home, while listening to a WORM-EATING WARBLER, I spotted 2 LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH building a nest in an earthen hole under the exposed root of a tree. They were gathering dead tattered tree leaves off the bare tracks on a dirt road. I thought it unusual that the nest was being built above a roadside ditch with a small amount of flowing water. Later 57 NIGHTHAWK between 6:30 & 8 PM, groups of 24, 2, 2, 10, 16, & 3. Also, today, CANADA WARBLER, YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO, 2 PURPLE MARTIN, 2 PURPLE FINCH, BARRED OWL, RAVEN, RED-SHOULDERED HAWK. On 5/23, an ORCHARD ORIOLE came to the feeder.
Date: 5/24/20 6:05 pm From: Scott Kinzey <0000007977429723-dmarc-request...> Subject: Common Nighthawks in Mercer County
It must have been a good day for Common Nighthawk migration as I've read four reports on this list (and one yesterday).
I saw two flying together over the New Vernon Grange in Mercer County around 5pm. They were headed about due north towards upper Lake Wilhelm.
Scott Kinzey
Allegheny County
Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Jerry McWilliams
Observers: Jennifer Ferrick, Julie Leonard
Visitors: Bonnie Ginader, Duane Seib, and Barbara
Weather: Variably cloudy with SSW wind and record breaking temperatures in the mid-80s F
Raptor Observations: A super day at the watch with large numbers of TVs, BWs and a new single day high of Bald Eagles, breaking the old record by 25 birds. It was a slow start but birds really took off after the 1000 hr. EST and continued well into the last hour before numbers began to fall. Most of the BWs were directly overhead, but very high. One kettle of BWs contained over 130 birds. Despite the high number of birds passing over, nothing unusual was spotted.
Non-raptor Observations: Blue Jay--33, Common Nighthawk--2, Cedar Waxwing--42, Eastern Kingbird--7, Bank Swallow--1, Magnolia Warbler--1, Yellow Warbler--1, Ruby-throated Hummingbird--3, Eastern Bluebird--2, Baltimore Oriole--5, Bobolink--7, American Goldfinch--11
Predictions: Even warmer with south wind and mostly sunny with a slight chance of rain
Jerry McWilliamsErie, Erie County, <Pa.jerrymcw...>
Date: 5/24/20 5:22 pm From: DAVID KOCH <0000012d74227426-dmarc-request...> Subject: Orioles, etc., Koch property, Northampton County
Two weeks ago adult male Baltimore orioles flooded the yard, as was the case at other places also. However, 14+ in view at the same time only lasted a few days and, as usual, they dispersed to the point where I now see several of them daily but not in big numbers. Females are now gathering nesting material I put out and I've been watching one build a nest in the back yard. Orchard orioles have been regular also, and one first year male hasn't stopped singing for two days. Female orchards and adult male orchards are here too but they're still outnumbered by the Baltimores. One oddly marked Baltimore is chasing every other bird of any kind from the yard, from feeders, from oranges, etc. And all of them at times have been at wisteria and/or red buckeye tree blossoms. As Rudy Keller said several weeks ago, orioles have a natural preference for sweet things and I, too, have seen this en masse in the Tropics. They don't just suddenly appear and develop a liking for jelly. In my yard they visit suet and hummingbird feeders just as much. The hummer feeders have a 20-30% sugar content like natural nectar sources. A few mornings ago a pileated woodpecker was in the front yard working a dead snag that we let get covered with poison ivy vines because the warbs like their berries in the fall and none of us go near that snag due to its location. The pileated was only about a foot off the ground and pecking away, but apparently the vine's leaves were getting in its way So it systematically pulled them off, tossed them aside, and kept pecking until it reached the ants it was after. Other species of note recently seen have been a Lincoln's sparrow, eastern kingbirds, a veery, redstarts, yellow warbs, a black-billed cuckoo hawking insects from a dogwood tree, indigo buntings, a great crested flycatcher, male scarlet tanager, chickadees, titmice, white-breasted nuthatches, lots of woodpeckers, and almost constant rose-breasted grosbeaks, both males and females. A territorial male ruby-throated hummer now patrols the yard although I haven't seen a female for a few days. There were several females about a week ago but they've either moved on or they've already mated and their nests are somewhere on the property as far away from the male as they can get.
Arlene Koch Easton, PA Northampton County <davilene...>
Date: 5/24/20 4:24 pm From: Ron & Amy Burkert <raburkert...> Subject: Common Nighthawk- Oakmont, Allegheny Co
7:03 pm - Enjoying the evening on my patio when I heard several peents and happened to have camera with telephoto lens beside me after photographing seven FOS cedar waxwings and possibly my FOYard black-and-white warbler (female) working neighboring trees.
Found the CONI continuing to peent as it circled high over Oakwood Terr. Drifted out of sight to W heading for downtown Oakmont and the Allegheny River. As it went out of sight a great blue heron flew by heading N in the direction of the island rookery.
Number 17 and 18 of 23 species (38 individual birds) seen or heard, so far.
Great birding and I’ve walked all of 100’ to get the camera after hearing and seeing the CEWAs fly-catching from the tree tops!
Date: 5/24/20 11:49 am From: The Stahls <jalstahl...> Subject: Hooded Merganser with 1 young, Lancaster County
I observed a female Hooded Merganser accompanied by 1 downy youngster in the wetland pond at Riverfront Park
along Vinegar Ferry Rd. I saw also 3 adult Wood Ducks, 2 males and a female there also.
Later, further up the river at Conoy Wetland near Prescott Rd., a Prothonotary Warbler sang. Last week, I heard a Prothonotary Warbler sing at Riverfront Park.
Stanley Stahl
Date: 5/24/20 7:26 am From: Mark Vass <hawk5571...> Subject: Common Gallinule - Allegheny Co.
Randall McCarthy found a Common Gallinule at the Imperial Grasslands back on 5-13 The bird was found at a wetland that is below Solar Dr. at the Findlay Industrial Park
I was fortunate to see the bird this morning out in the open before it disappeared in the willows
Date: 5/24/20 6:44 am From: Hawkcount.Org Reports <reports...> Subject: Del. Nature Society's Kite & Shorebird Watch at Bucktoe Creek Preserve (23 May 2020) Raptors
Del. Nature Society's Kite & Shorebird Watch at Bucktoe Creek Preserve
Avondale, Pennsylvania, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: May 23, 2020
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 13:30:00
Observation end time: 20:00:00
Total observation time: 6.5 hours
Official Counter: Larry Lewis
Observers: Dan Noznisky, Steve Cottrell
Visitors:
THE DELAWARE NATURE SOCIETY’S SOUTHERN CHESTER COUNTY KITE & SHOREBIRD
WATCH AT BUCKTOE CREEK PRESERVE
<BR><BR>
Visitors (3): Steve Cottrell, Dan Noznisky
<BR><BR>
Thanks everyone, for coming to beautiful Bucktoe Creek Preserve!
<BR><BR>
Raptor Observations:
----“Raptors” seen, but deemed not to be migrating: 2-Bald Eagle,
5-Red-tailed Hawk, and numerous Black (25) and Turkey Vultures (44).
<BR><BR>
----Bald Eagle ages: 1 yr.-0; 2 yr.-0; 3 yr.-0; 4 yr.-0; adult-2
<BR><BR>
Non-raptor Observations:
----“BUCKTOE BIRD BLOG” (BBB) - (Comments on the events & “feel” of
the day – read on, if you dare) We see birds, many of them hawks;
encounter other wildlife; discuss plants; while striving to laugh and have
FUN with it all! Notes on the raptors will be here, other birds and
wildlife we notice or discuss, and humorous (I hope) stories and anecdotes.
This isn’t brain surgery. Trust me, I know about that. I’ve already
been “dead” once (it’s overrated). So, you WILL have to forgive me,
but I AM going to have the ultimate fun with what remains of this life!
<BR><BR>
TODAY’S ‘BBB:’ [PLEASE NOTE: On May 21, I sent out the new large
weekly “blog” and hotline in my new format - a newsletter. This is NOT
these reports you get from HawkCount. Rather, it’s the newsletter from
EBNT, with our upcoming schedule and the County year bird list, etc.. If
you aren’t receiving it and are a regular subscriber, look in your spam
– a few servers send it there. [go figure-lol] If you enjoy “the
blog,” featuring the county species list, and it ended up in your spam,
you’ll have to follow your provider’s method of “whitelisting” it,
marking it as “not spam” or it will always go there. You may also have
to ok the pictures and expand it at the end to see the entire thing -
it’s long and often truncated. It usually comes out every Thursday.
<BR><BR>
Before going to Bucktoe, I visited Marsh Creek Lake just as the day broke.
I joined Adam and many others who saw 2 Black Terns [see picture]. Mute
Swans, Wood Ducks, Spotted Sandpipers, Solitary Sandpipers, Double-crested
Cormorants, Great Egret, Great Blue Herons, Osprey, Belted Kingfisher,
Yellow-throated Vireo, Rough-winged Swallows, Bank Swallows, Northern
Waterthrush, American Redstart, Northern Parula, and Scarlet Tanager were
also seen here, among many more common species.
<BR><BR>
While there, I received a text from Holly. She had started at Marsh Creek,
but gone on to Struble Lake and found Surf Scoters [FOY]. So off I went,
soon joining her, Scott, and Nikki and seeing the Surf Scoters [see
picture], plus Ruddy Ducks, Common Loon, Double-crested Cormorants, Great
Blue Herons, Bald Eagle, Willow Flycatcher, Purple Martin, and Orchard
Orioles.
<BR><BR>
Pleasant View Road was next, seeing or hearing Killdeer, Purple Martins,
Grasshopper Sparrows, Horned Larks, Savannah Sparrow, Blackpoll Warbler,
and of course one of “our” Red-headed Woodpeckers.
<BR><BR>
A drive by Wilson Rd. Pond yielded Eastern Meadowlarks and Bobolinks.
<BR><BR>
There was a Semipalmated Sandpiper at Wollaston Vernal Pool [see picture],
my next stop.
<BR><BR>
Finally reaching Bucktoe and our Kite & Shorebird Watch, I found the sky
changing from a lovely, equal part cloud and blue sky, to a dark imposing
cloud cover. On it went; back and forth. Steve was out, checked on our
Purple Martin colony, finding 20 nests already in the process of being
built. Dan was out to join me, too. I needed him big-time, as it turned
out. It began to rain at 7:30, resulting in a fantastic rainbow [see
picture], a full arc, seemingly touching ground just left of “Olive-sided
Flycatcher snag.” Surely there was a pot of gold to be had there. I
certainly needed it. I was down and disappointed. We still had not seen a
single shorebird flock. Shortly, our luck began to change with 5 Common
Nighthawks as evening rushed ahead. Though not a shorebird, they were
certainly something of interest.
It was 7:55, our bold rainbow a dimming memory, when Dan said, “Larry,
what are these back here? A huge flock of geese?”
Realizing that was unlikely at this season, I leapt to my feet and looked
behind me. [Yes, I leap when necessary, although not a pretty sight!] I
was soon on a large flock of big, barrel-chested, brown shorebirds with no
obvious pattern, flying in a rolling v-formation on deliberate wing beats.
Their stiff, steady, strokes were slower than other species.
“Whimbrel!” I exclaimed. [I exclaim, when necessary, too]
I’d have totally missed the flock; fully 200 of them! They had already
passed me and they weren’t even that high! I either stink or am rusty
[both?] on my shorebird locating! But thanks to Dan, we had found it, our
pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. It came in the form of a
golden-brown, large shorebird – the rare Whimbrel [FOY]. Full-partial
credit goes to Dan! The highest I am permitted to give under the EBNT
by-laws. [other highlights listed below].
<BR><BR>
Elsewhere, a Barred Owl was found at Bondsville Mill [JW-see picture].
<BR><BR>
---- Thanks to Delaware Nature Society for their sponsorship, and
especially, to the Brokaws, for not only their incredible support, but
gracious generosity in opening their property to the public for this watch,
and oh, so very much more!
<BR><BR>
----ADDITIONAL BIRD HIGHLIGHTS:
<BR><BR>
Great Blue Heron, Willow Flycatchers, Great Crested Flycatcher,
Yellow-throated Vireo, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Brown Thrashers,
Yellow-breasted Chat, Orchard Orioles, Scarlet Tanager, and Indigo Bunting
<BR><BR>
----OTHER WILDLIFE NOTED: Butterflies (4): Cabbage White, Eastern Tiger
Swallowtail, Eastern Tailed Blue, Clouded Sulphur. Dragonflies (1): Green
Darner. Reptiles & Amphibians (0). Mammals (3): Eastern Cottontail,
Eastern Gray Squirrel, Red Fox.
<BR><BR>
----EBNT’s “Walk with Nature” ™ Program Daily Tally with our
Fitbits: This is a stationary watch, but if I stay stationary too long, I
might tend to “bulk up.” Besides, I am ever so fortunate to be walking
unaided, at all! Therefore, I keep moving (if you’ve been here, then you
know that I pace endlessly….) - my Fitbit thanks me and its part of my
“Walk with Nature” program. So, below are MY results at the watch for
the day. Your totals could all be zero, if you choose to sit and relax.
You are certainly welcome to take it easy….I simply choose not to,
affording me a panoramic view of our entire sky and a bit of exercise. So
come join our “Walk with Nature!” ™ Anyway, just for fun, here are my
numbers at the site for today (join me, if you wish): Miles: 3.97; Steps:
9,302; Floors: 24.
<BR><BR>
----“SEASON’S BIRD SPECIES LIST” – we at Bucktoe are not just a
Hawk Watch, but conduct a migration tally from the site. We include it
here, from time to time (about once a week), to let you know what else
we’re seeing here at the Bucktoe Watch. Our tally board, on site, will
feature an approximation (very rough, best “guestimate,” – searching
for Kites, other Hawks, and shorebird flocks must remain our primary focus)
for totals of each species seen for “The Watch” year. The overall list
for the season from the watch will be part of the large weekly “blog,”
if you’ve signed up for that.
<BR><BR>
TOTAL SPECIES – Identified from watch site: today: 58; this season:
87
<BR><BR>
NEW SPECIES ADDED TODAY TO THIS YEAR’S “WATCH SPECIES LIST (4):”
Yellow-throated Vireo, Common Nighthawk, Whimbrel, and Bald Eagle .
<BR><BR>
Predictions:
Tomorrow’s flight looks good for at lest shorebirds, maybe a Kite, too.
The sky will have some breaks in it, but plenty of background clouds.
Light, favorable winds for shorebird flight and it's time. Maybe more
Whimbrel, with Black-bellied Plovers?
<BR><BR>
Come join us, folks! We’re here every day thru June 6, 3pm thru 9pm.
Rain or shine.
This report is being sent individually to participants and people deemed to
be interested parties. If you wish off the list, kindly notify me and you
will be removed. However, this one mailing list is how I notify every one
of our events, our walk schedule, tours and rare birds.
The Kite & Shorebird Watch at Bucktoe Creek Preserve is sponsored by THE
DELAWARE NATURE SOCIETY. Please contact us at <earlybirdtours...>
with questions or comments.
========================================================================
Report submitted by Larry Lewis (<earlybirdtours...>)
Site Description:
High open meadow near Red Clay Creek
Directions to site:
From Kennett Square, PA (in southern Chester County):
Take Union Street south out of town. This becomes Kaolin Road. Make a right
onto Hillendale Road. Proceed about 1.5 miles to Sharp Road and make a
left. At the second hilltop on Sharp Road, the entrance is on the left
across from Candlewyck development. (432 Sharp Rd.) Upon entering driveway,
make a right on gravel road opposite first driveway you see on left. Follow
gravel road (and the "Hawk Watch" signs for about 1/2 mile to the pavilion
on the left and the parking area in the grass to the right.
Date: 5/23/20 12:24 pm From: Matthew Juskowich <0000000ca4f4ccd1-dmarc-request...> Subject: White Rumped Sandpiper & Dunlin Westmoreland County
I apologize for the late post but I had both species of shorebirds at Mammoth Lake Park this Morning. Mark McConaughy and Annie L both saw both species in the late morning early afternoon Hours.
Date: 5/22/20 7:32 pm From: Hawkcount.Org Reports <reports...> Subject: Del. Nature Society's Kite & Shorebird Watch at Bucktoe Creek Preserve (22 May 2020) Raptors
Del. Nature Society's Kite & Shorebird Watch at Bucktoe Creek Preserve
Avondale, Pennsylvania, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: May 22, 2020
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 14:00:00
Observation end time: 20:00:00
Total observation time: 6 hours
Official Counter: Larry Lewis
Observers: Sue McLaughlin
Visitors:
THE DELAWARE NATURE SOCIETY’S SOUTHERN CHESTER COUNTY KITE & SHOREBIRD
WATCH AT BUCKTOE CREEK PRESERVE
<BR><BR>
Visitors (2): Sue McLaughlin
<BR><BR>
Thanks everyone, for coming to beautiful Bucktoe Creek Preserve!
<BR><BR>
Raptor Observations:
----“Raptors” seen, but deemed not to be migrating: NOTHING TODAY!
<BR><BR>
Non-raptor Observations:
----“BUCKTOE BIRD BLOG” (BBB) - (Comments on the events & “feel” of
the day – read on, if you dare) We see birds, many of them hawks;
encounter other wildlife; discuss plants; while striving to laugh and have
FUN with it all! Notes on the raptors will be here, other birds and
wildlife we notice or discuss, and humorous (I hope) stories and anecdotes.
This isn’t brain surgery. Trust me, I know about that. I’ve already
been “dead” once (it’s overrated). So, you WILL have to forgive me,
but I AM going to have the ultimate fun with what remains of this life!
<BR><BR>
TODAY’S ‘BBB:’ [PLEASE NOTE: On May 21, I sent out the new large
weekly “blog” and hotline in my new format - a newsletter. This is NOT
these reports you get from HawkCount. Rather, it’s the newsletter from
EBNT, with our upcoming schedule and the County year bird list, etc.. If
you aren’t receiving it and are a regular subscriber, look in your spam
– a few servers send it there. [go figure-lol] If you enjoy “the
blog,” featuring the county species list, and it ended up in your spam,
you’ll have to follow your provider’s method of “whitelisting” it,
marking it as “not spam” or it will always go there. You may also have
to ok the pictures and expand it at the end to see the entire thing -
it’s long and often truncated. It usually comes out every Thursday.
<BR><BR>
Wilson Road Pond held the usual Bobolinks and Eastern Meadowlarks as I
drifted by, heading towards Bucktoe. Further along, the vernal pond on
Wollaston Rd. had Rough-winged Swallows and a lone Least Sandpiper in the
rain.
<BR><BR>
Once at Bucktoe, a layer of fog made the already bad conditions, horrible.
I sheltered in place. That place being my van. I birded by ear out my
open window through the rain, being entertained by the calls and antics of
a Yellow-breasted Chat [see picture], among others. I did have a Green
Heron fly over [additional highlights listed below].
<BR><BR>
Sue was out to join me; just to be nice. I had expected nobody today. We
couldn’t see a thing overhead.
<BR><BR>
Elsewhere, Adam texted with news of a Black Tern he was watching feed at
Marsh Creek Lake [AB2]
<BR><BR>
---- Thanks to Delaware Nature Society for their sponsorship, and
especially, to the Brokaws, for not only their incredible support, but
gracious generosity in opening their property to the public for this watch,
and oh, so very much more!
<BR><BR>
----ADDITIONAL BIRD HIGHLIGHTS:
<BR><BR>
Willow Flycatchers, Purple Martins, Brown Thrashers, Orchard Orioles, and
Indigo Buntings.
<BR><BR>
----OTHER WILDLIFE NOTED: Butterflies (0). Dragonflies (0). Reptiles &
Amphibians (0). Mammals (2): Eastern Cottontail, Eastern Gray Squirrel.
<BR><BR>
----EBNT’s “Walk with Nature” ™ Program Daily Tally with our
Fitbits: This is a stationary watch, but if I stay stationary too long, I
might tend to “bulk up.” Besides, I am ever so fortunate to be walking
unaided, at all! Therefore, I keep moving (if you’ve been here, then you
know that I pace endlessly….) - my Fitbit thanks me and its part of my
“Walk with Nature” program. So, below are MY results at the watch for
the day. Your totals could all be zero, if you choose to sit and relax.
You are certainly welcome to take it easy….I simply choose not to,
affording me a panoramic view of our entire sky and a bit of exercise. So
come join our “Walk with Nature!” ™ Anyway, just for fun, here are my
numbers at the site for today (join me, if you wish): FITBIT MALFUNCTION!
<BR><BR>
----“SEASON’S BIRD SPECIES LIST” – we at Bucktoe are not just a
Hawk Watch, but conduct a migration tally from the site. We include it
here, from time to time (about once a week), to let you know what else
we’re seeing here at the Bucktoe Watch. Our tally board, on site, will
feature an approximation (very rough, best “guestimate,” – searching
for Kites, other Hawks, and shorebird flocks must remain our primary focus)
for totals of each species seen for “The Watch” year. The overall list
for the season from the watch will be part of the large weekly “blog,”
if you’ve signed up for that.
<BR><BR>
TOTAL SPECIES – Identified from watch site: today: 45; this season:
83
<BR><BR>
NEW SPECIES ADDED TODAY TO THIS YEAR’S “WATCH SPECIES LIST (1):”
Green Heron.
<BR><BR>
Predictions:
Tomorrow’s flight looks changeable with thunderstorms giving way to
cloudy skies and winds switching from NW to E,
<BR><BR>
Come join us, folks! We’re here every day thru June 6, 3pm thru 9pm.
Rain or shine.
This report is being sent individually to participants and people deemed to
be interested parties. If you wish off the list, kindly notify me and you
will be removed. However, this one mailing list is how I notify every one
of our events, our walk schedule, tours and rare birds.
The Kite & Shorebird Watch at Bucktoe Creek Preserve is sponsored by THE
DELAWARE NATURE SOCIETY. Please contact us at <earlybirdtours...>
with questions or comments.
========================================================================
Report submitted by Larry Lewis (<earlybirdtours...>)
Site Description:
High open meadow near Red Clay Creek
Directions to site:
From Kennett Square, PA (in southern Chester County):
Take Union Street south out of town. This becomes Kaolin Road. Make a right
onto Hillendale Road. Proceed about 1.5 miles to Sharp Road and make a
left. At the second hilltop on Sharp Road, the entrance is on the left
across from Candlewyck development. (432 Sharp Rd.) Upon entering driveway,
make a right on gravel road opposite first driveway you see on left. Follow
gravel road (and the "Hawk Watch" signs for about 1/2 mile to the pavilion
on the left and the parking area in the grass to the right.
Date: 5/22/20 6:55 pm From: Dave DeReamus <becard...> Subject: Eastern PA Birdline: 5/22/2020
- RBA
* Pennsylvania
* Lehigh / Northampton Counties and Vicinity
* May 22, 2020
* PAEA2005.22
- Birds mentioned
OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER
GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSH
BLUE GROSBEAK
YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER
PROTHONOTARY WARBLER
MISSISSIPPI KITE
RED-HEADED WOODPECKER
ALDER FLYCATCHER
- Transcript
Hotline: Eastern PA Birdline
Date: May 22^nd at 9:00 PM
To Report by E-Mail: Send to <_becard...>
<mailto:<becard...>_with “Birdline” in subject heading.
Compiler: Dave DeReamus
My reporting area includes all of Lehigh and Northampton Counties with
the northern edge of the area reaching Beltzville State Park and the
southern edge reaching Peace Valley Park in Bucks County.Updates are
typically done every Friday, more often when necessary.
Unfortunately due to COVID-19, all L.V.A.S. events are cancelled until
further notice.
Directions to many of the sites in this report can be found in the
area’s birding guidebook, “Birds of the Lehigh Valley and Vicinity”. A
completely revised, 2^nd edition of the book can be ordered at:
http://www.lvaudubon.org/shop/ .
NOW FOR THE BIRDS!
Sightings from UPPER MOUNT BETHEL TOWNSHIP, Northampton County:
Along National Park Drive:
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker----1 on 5/17 (fairly late date)
OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER----1 on 5/17
GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSHES----2 on 5/16.
Sightings from PLAINFIELD TOWNSHIP, Northampton County:
At the Grand Central landfill:
BLUE GROSBEAK----1 on 5/17 and 5/22.
Sightings from BUSHKILL TOWNSHIP, Northampton County:
At the Albert Road ponds:
GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSH----1 on 5/16.
Sightings from JACOBSBURG STATE PARK, Northampton County:
OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER----1 on 5/18.
Sightings from the MARITON WILDLIFE SANCTUARY, Northampton County:
OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER----1 on 5/18.
Sightings from HOUSENICK PARK, Northampton County:
GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSH----1 on 5/16.
Sightings from LEASER LAKE, Lehigh County:
Bonaparte’s Gulls----2 on 5/16
Winter Wren----1 from 5/15 to at least 5/22 (fairly late date)
BLUE GROSBEAK----1 on 5/17.
Sightings from STATE GAME LANDS 217, Lehigh County:
OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER----1 on 5/17 (Reservoir Road area).
Sightings from GREEN LANE RESERVOIR, Montgomery County:
Bonaparte’s Gull----1 on 5/21.
At the Church Road area:
Semipalmated Sandpiper----1 on 5/20 and 5/22.
Sightings from the UNAMI CREEK VALLEY, Montgomery County:
YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER----1 on 5/16
White-eyed Vireo----1 on 5/22
GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSHES----2 on 5/16
Kentucky Warbler----1 on 5/21.
Sightings from the RIEGELSVILLE area, Bucks County:
PROTHONOTARY WARBLER----1 on 5/15, 5/21, and 5/22.
Sightings from the UPPER BLACK EDDY area, Bucks County:
MISSISSIPPI KITE----1 on 5/17 (near the Milford bridge).
Sightings from STATE GAME LANDS 157, Bucks County:
Date: 5/22/20 11:02 am From: Hawkcount.Org Reports <reports...> Subject: Del. Nature Society's Kite & Shorebird Watch at Bucktoe Creek Preserve (21 May 2020) 1 Raptors
Del. Nature Society's Kite & Shorebird Watch at Bucktoe Creek Preserve
Avondale, Pennsylvania, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: May 21, 2020
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 12:30:00
Observation end time: 20:00:00
Total observation time: 7.5 hours
Official Counter: Larry Lewis
Observers:
Visitors:
THE DELAWARE NATURE SOCIETY’S SOUTHERN CHESTER COUNTY KITE & SHOREBIRD
WATCH AT BUCKTOE CREEK PRESERVE
<BR><BR>
Visitors (23): Chad Hutchinson, Brian Quindlen [plus 1], Ross Gallardy,
Melissa Gallardy, Zach & Rebecca Millen, Mike Hartshorne, Scott Stollery,
Nikki Flood, Adam Bartles, Holly Merker, Jason Horn, Joe Meloney, Sue
McLaughlin, Sabrena Boekell, Mike & Evelyn Fowles, Hank Davis, Mike Defina,
Gerry Teig, and Molly Daly
<BR><BR>
Thanks everyone, for coming to beautiful Bucktoe Creek Preserve!
<BR><BR>
Raptor Observations:
----“Raptors” seen, but deemed not to be migrating: 2-Cooper's Hawk,
1-Red-shouldered Hawk, 5-Red-tailed Hawk, and numerous Black (36) and
Turkey Vultures (60).
<BR><BR>
Non-raptor Observations:
----“BUCKTOE BIRD BLOG” (BBB) - (Comments on the events & “feel” of
the day – read on, if you dare) We see birds, many of them hawks;
encounter other wildlife; discuss plants; while striving to laugh and have
FUN with it all! Notes on the raptors will be here, other birds and
wildlife we notice or discuss, and humorous (I hope) stories and anecdotes.
This isn’t brain surgery. Trust me, I know about that. I’ve already
been “dead” once (it’s overrated). So, you WILL have to forgive me,
but I AM going to have the ultimate fun with what remains of this life!
<BR><BR>
TODAY’S ‘BBB:’ [PLEASE NOTE: On May 21, I sent out the new large
weekly “blog” and hotline in my new format - a newsletter. This is NOT
these reports you get from HawkCount. Rather, it’s the newsletter from
EBNT, with our upcoming schedule and the County year bird list, etc.. If
you aren’t receiving it and are a regular subscriber, look in your spam
– a few servers send it there. [go figure-lol] If you enjoy “the
blog,” featuring the county species list, and it ended up in your spam,
you’ll have to follow your provider’s method of “whitelisting” it,
marking it as “not spam” or it will always go there. You may also have
to ok the pictures and expand it at the end to see the entire thing -
it’s long and often truncated. It usually comes out every Thursday.
<BR><BR>
Today was to be a big day at Bucktoe. It was “Whimbrel Day.” The day
when traditionally, much of the Whimbrel population migrates north, being
seen in Canada on the 22nd. Traditionally, that is. This time the birds
didn’t get the memo. The least said, the better.
<BR><BR>
So, it was Whimbrel Day. That’s it. Not a single shorebird came by
today. Well, tomorrow is another day, right? [other highlights listed
below]
<BR><BR>
Adam was out early to start this “Whimbrel Day.” He was followed by
over 20 others, many with scopes and long lenses which are usually
essential. Then suddenly, there was a “Little Blip” on the radar and
there was Holly. [gotcha] We had lots of laughs, told lots of stories and
didn’t see lots of birds.
<BR><BR>
---- Thanks to Delaware Nature Society for their sponsorship, and
especially, to the Brokaws, for not only their incredible support, but
gracious generosity in opening their property to the public for this watch,
and oh, so very much more!
<BR><BR>
----ADDITIONAL BIRD HIGHLIGHTS:
<BR><BR>
Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, Barred Owl,
Willow Flycatcher, Great Crested Flycatcher, Purple Martins, Brown
Thrashers, Yellow-breasted Chat, Orchard Orioles, and Indigo Buntings
<BR><BR>
----OTHER WILDLIFE NOTED: Butterflies (3): Cabbage White, Eastern Tiger
Swallowtail, Clouded Sulphur. Dragonflies (1): Green Darner. Reptiles &
Amphibians (0). Mammals (2): Eastern Cottontail, Eastern Gray Squirrel.
<BR><BR>
----EBNT’s “Walk with Nature” ™ Program Daily Tally with our
Fitbits: This is a stationary watch, but if I stay stationary too long, I
might tend to “bulk up.” Besides, I am ever so fortunate to be walking
unaided, at all! Therefore, I keep moving (if you’ve been here, then you
know that I pace endlessly….) - my Fitbit thanks me and its part of my
“Walk with Nature” program. So, below are MY results at the watch for
the day. Your totals could all be zero, if you choose to sit and relax.
You are certainly welcome to take it easy….I simply choose not to,
affording me a panoramic view of our entire sky and a bit of exercise. So
come join our “Walk with Nature!” ™ Anyway, just for fun, here are my
numbers at the site for today (join me, if you wish): Miles: 7.38; Steps:
17,314; Floors: 27
<BR><BR>
----“SEASON’S BIRD SPECIES LIST” – we at Bucktoe are not just a
Hawk Watch, but conduct a migration tally from the site. We include it
here, from time to time (about once a week), to let you know what else
we’re seeing here at the Bucktoe Watch. Our tally board, on site, will
feature an approximation (very rough, best “guestimate,” – searching
for Kites, other Hawks, and shorebird flocks must remain our primary focus)
for totals of each species seen for “The Watch” year. The overall list
for the season from the watch will be part of the large weekly “blog,”
if you’ve signed up for that.
<BR><BR>
TOTAL SPECIES – Identified from watch site: today: 59; this season:
82
<BR><BR>
NEW SPECIES ADDED TODAY TO THIS YEAR’S “WATCH SPECIES LIST (1):”
Broad-winged Hawk.
<BR><BR>
Predictions:
Tomorrow’s flight looks like a washout with rain. There may be some time
between showers, but I do not expect a flight.
<BR><BR>
Come join us, folks! We’re here every day thru June 6, 3pm thru 9pm.
Rain or shine.
This report is being sent individually to participants and people deemed to
be interested parties. If you wish off the list, kindly notify me and you
will be removed. However, this one mailing list is how I notify every one
of our events, our walk schedule, tours and rare birds.
The Kite & Shorebird Watch at Bucktoe Creek Preserve is sponsored by THE
DELAWARE NATURE SOCIETY. Please contact us at <earlybirdtours...>
with questions or comments.
========================================================================
Report submitted by Larry Lewis (<earlybirdtours...>)
Site Description:
High open meadow near Red Clay Creek
Directions to site:
From Kennett Square, PA (in southern Chester County):
Take Union Street south out of town. This becomes Kaolin Road. Make a right
onto Hillendale Road. Proceed about 1.5 miles to Sharp Road and make a
left. At the second hilltop on Sharp Road, the entrance is on the left
across from Candlewyck development. (432 Sharp Rd.) Upon entering driveway,
make a right on gravel road opposite first driveway you see on left. Follow
gravel road (and the "Hawk Watch" signs for about 1/2 mile to the pavilion
on the left and the parking area in the grass to the right.
Date: 5/22/20 9:22 am From: Jady <jadyconroy...> Subject: Warblers and other colorful joys
Hello birding friends,
I live in northern York County and primarily bird there. I wanted to share some experiences my husband and I have had recently. We have been walking in the campground at Gifford Pinchot SP a lot this spring. It has been a wonderful oasis for birding since it has been closed for camping and we have had full access to explore all of the campsites in pursuit of what we see or hear. (No need to fear freaking out campers by aiming binoculars in what may seem to be their direction! 😳)
Yesterday we visited again for our last opportunity before the campground reopened. First, we saw a Woodthrush nabbing a worm along the path we walked to reach the group camping area. As we walked, we were amazed to hear a pair or Barred Owls calling. This was the third time we’ve heard them there in daylight hours. I heard American Redstarts in the newly-dense vegetation, and other buzzy and trilling things. I know some of the warbler songs but need to learn more. As we rounded the bend, one singer stood out and we pursued it, heads cranked back, mouths open, trying to pin it down. Finally, there! I saw movement to go with the sound and we were able to discern a beautiful Chestnut-sided Warbler. He continued to call and we also heard an insistent, clear, loud, rising whistle. I knew I had heard it before but doubted that it would be what I suspected.... Then my husband spotted that telltale bright yellow bird with darker wings! A Prothonotary Warbler was singing quite close to us in the dense, wet woods we were facing! As we watched, we saw him disappear into a cavity in a dead tree. He was in there for quite a while and we realized that it could be an ideal nest site for a pair of these gorgeous birds. We have seen them several times this year in a busier part of the park, but this secluded cove would be perfect for a breeding pair. How exciting!
Next we kept hearing a White-eyed Vireo and soon spotted him and a mate in the brushy area in front of us. His call was quite varied, compared to Merlin’s suggestions, but the squeaky, insistent key remained the same. Least and Great Crested Flycatchers joined their voices to the symphony and Northern Parulas and Scarlet Tanagers chimed in.
Continuing around the loop, we heard and saw Blackpolls, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers and even Bay-breasted Warblers! American Redstarts were flitting through the shrubbery, defying my attempts to get any focused photos. It’s like they are playing a constant game of hot potato... 😆
As we walked back to the parking lot after a very pleasant two and a half hours of birding, we were serenaded by Northern Cardinals, Robins, Red-winged Blackbirds, Eastern Bluebirds and Chipping Sparrows. Finally, we heard the rising, stair-step call of the Prairie Warbler in his usual spot near the big oak tree by the parking lot. He has been very reliable there!
We wonder if the migrating birds at Pinchot have been especially numerous this year or if we have seen so many because it has been so peaceful there without campers. In any event, it has certainly proved to be a wonderful distraction to socially isolate amid such beautiful surroundings, tallying up the return of our beloved migrants.
I wish you all good birding!
Jady Conroy
Date: 5/22/20 7:37 am From: William Young <wayoung04...> Subject: Report: Trout Run Nature Preserve
Pennsylvania Birders,
Hope you are well. My name is William Young, and I am a young birder from Lancaster. Currently, I am participating in the ABA's Young Birder of the Year Mentoring Program. One of the modules I am participating in is the Field Notebook Module, in which contestants make detailed observations while in the field, then share their sightings via ebird, listerv, and other methods. This email hopes to fulfill the sharing component of the observation.
Yesterday morning, I had the opportunity to visit Trout Run Nature Preserve south of Willow Street. Although cold, it was an excellent morning. Perhaps the best sighting of the morning was six Swainson's Thrushes, three of which were singing. Swainson's Thrushes are unusual in high numbers in Lancaster, so this was indeed a special occasion.
Below is an eBird checklist which details the morning:
Trout Run Nature Preserve (Lancaster Co.), Lancaster, Pennsylvania, US
May 21, 2020 5:25 AM - 6:40 AM
Protocol: Traveling
1.2 mile(s)
Checklist Comments: Clear and cool with temperatures ranging from 35-40 degrees Fahrenheit. Very little wind coming from NW at 1 mph. Birds active, despite the cold temperatures. It seems that there was a major push of migrant, and especially of thrushes. I walked the main trail for most of the time, and also birded around the parking lot. This checklist was submitted in park of the Young Birder of the Year Mentoring Program's Field Notebook Module.
32 species
Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura) 2 Seen perching on powelines by parking lot.
Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus) 1 Singing/displaying bird.
Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens) 1
Hairy Woodpecker (Dryobates villosus) 1 Calling.
Eastern Wood-Pewee (Contopus virens) 1 Singing bird.
Acadian Flycatcher (Empidonax virescens) 1
Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus) 3
Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) 4 Loosely associating with each other.
American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) 6 Small flock.
Carolina Chickadee (Poecile carolinensis) 3
Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor) 6 All singing birds. Higher count for this species due to recent decline.
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (Polioptila caerulea) 2 Calling.
Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus) 4
European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) 1 Flyover.
Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis) 1 Singing and displaying in brushy area by parking lot.
Swainson's Thrush (Catharus ustulatus) 6 High count for this location. Three of these birds were singing, the others were seen.
Wood Thrush (Hylocichla mustelina) 12 Most birds singing. Throughout the preserve.
American Robin (Turdus migratorius) 5 Calling and singing.
American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis) 1
Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina) 1 Calling by parking lot.
Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) 1 Singing bird by parking lot.
Eastern Towhee (Pipilo erythrophthalmus) 3 Calling and singing.
Orchard Oriole (Icterus spurius) 1 Heard by parking lot. Singing adult male.
Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula) 3 Throughout the preserve. All singing birds.
Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula) 2 Flyovers.
Worm-eating Warbler (Helmitheros vermivorum) 1 Singing bird.
Black-and-white Warbler (Mniotilta varia) 2 One singing bird observed. Another was seen, and was an adult female.
Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas) 1 Singing bird.
Northern Parula (Setophaga americana) 1 Singing type A song.
Scarlet Tanager (Piranga olivacea) 4 Including two singing males.
Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) 12 Throughout the preserve.
Indigo Bunting (Passerina cyanea) 3 By parking lot and along the stretch of the Enola Low Grade Biking Trail. All birds were adult males.
Date: 5/22/20 5:49 am From: jerry Kruth <00000005ead0dac6-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: PVC bird houses
Jeff,
I thank you most kindly for the response and this information. I've been building boxes since about fifteen when I put the first ones up for my Mum, I've experienced the greatest mortality for wooden boxes is they fall apart because their fasteners rust through.
Regular steel nails will give 2-3 years only; galvanized nails 3-5. I went to galvanized screws twenty-five years ago -- they give another few years (I never use nails any more, except for the door latch), so that is about a 5-8 year life span (when you're as old as me {sigh!}, that's not long).
The introduction of plastic has apparently revolutionized box building. I was always afraid the smooth walls would be a detriment, but you and others have mentioned SCRIBING THE INSIDE OF THE BOX TO FACILITATE THE LITTLE ONES TRYING TO EXIT THE BOX. (duhhhh! Jerry).
I hope you don't mind I publish this on the Lists. Perhaps it will encourage others to become involved in nestboxing. I find it absolutely one of the most satisfying experiences in nature to open a box and find evidence of another generation of our favorite songbirds through one's own efforts. Perhaps it will motivate others?
Thanks again and best wishes with your little broods. The photos are adorable.
jk
-----Original Message-----
From: Jeff Musser <jmusser1956...>
To: <gkruth...> <gkruth...>
Sent: Fri, May 22, 2020 6:27 am
Subject: PVC bird houses
<!--#yiv0879329590 _filtered {} _filtered {}#yiv0879329590 #yiv0879329590 p.yiv0879329590MsoNormal, #yiv0879329590 li.yiv0879329590MsoNormal, #yiv0879329590 div.yiv0879329590MsoNormal {margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri", sans-serif;}#yiv0879329590 a:link, #yiv0879329590 span.yiv0879329590MsoHyperlink {color:blue;text-decoration:underline;}#yiv0879329590 .yiv0879329590MsoChpDefault {} _filtered {}#yiv0879329590 div.yiv0879329590WordSection1 {}-->Good morning, Per your recent post about PVC Bluebird houses. I made 10 of these boxes 10-12 years ago. I used 5” schedule 40 pvc pipe with a pine floor and roof. Same bottom of hole to floor dimensions. I replaced the roofs this spring with plastic/vinyl wood. I did scarify the inside of the boxes inside from the bottom of the hole to the bottom of the box. I see the same use in theses boxes as my wooden boxes (~80). Jeff Musser Sent from Mail for Windows 10
Date: 5/21/20 11:40 pm From: Michael David <michaeltdavid...> Subject: Sterna tern, Common/Arctic, Somerset
Hi All,
Late Thursday evening I found a Sterna tern at Quemahoning Reservoir. It struck me as a possible Arctic but it stayed quite distant and I didn't reach a conclusion (besides that it is either Common or Arctic). I did take numerous photos and a couple videos which are not good, but I hope will be of use for those with more experience differentiating those two.
Observation start time: 07:30:00
Observation end time: 11:30:00
Total observation time: 4 hours
Official Counter: Jerry McWilliams
Observers: Jennifer Ferrick, Kyler Sonney, Russ States
Visitors:
Bonnie Ginader, Roger Donn, Paul & Cheryl from Ohio, and Linda McWilliams
Weather:
Clear with SE wind early becoming gusty out of the NE. Quite mild temps.
Raptor Observations:
The clear skies of death made it extremely difficult to spot and track
birds. Many BWs were going in and out of visibility as the blue skies
swallowed them up. As in the past days, most birds were TVs and BWs with a
continuation of migrant BEs. The switch to NE winds pushed birds too far
away from the shoreline to see, so the watch ended for the day.
Non-raptor Observations:
Great Blue Heron--1, Blue Jay--13, Baltimore Oriole--1, Eastern
Kingbird--1, several Barn Swallows, Yellow Warbler--1, a few unidentified
warblers, American Goldfinch--6
Predictions:
Cloudy with a 40% chance of rain and continued SE wind.Jerry McWilliamsErie, Erie County, <Pa.jerrymcw...>
Date: 5/21/20 8:04 am From: Brian Clark <parleezfive...> Subject: Re: Ring-neck Pheasant Re: [PABIRDS] Pensey Swamp and Volant Strips
Pheasants certainly faced a myriad of challenges. PGC studies, however,
very clearly attributed the root cause of their decline to the termination
of the Soil Bank program. The evidence is clear, with each reduction of
acreage in the program there was a proportionate decline in
pheasant numbers, until both were eliminated. Midwestern states didn't
experience this phenomenon, at least not as quickly, as the Soil Bank was
largely replaced by another set-aside program, the Crop Reserve Program
(CRP). Unfortunately, CRP did not prove economically viable for
Pennsylvania farmers.
On Thu, May 21, 2020 at 9:31 AM Dean Kendall <deankendall...>
wrote:
> To add a wee bit. Pheasants were abundant on farmland when I was growing
> up here in Berks Co in the 50s and 60s, but gone by the time I came back in
> early 90s. I've always attributed it to the near-total loss of habitat,
> but my farmer neighbor pinned some of the blame on the bigger machinery
> that went along with enlarging the fields by removing the fencerows,
> specifically the longer cutter-bars on hay mowers. The hen sits on the
> nest til the last moment before running, but with the longer cutter bars
> would get her legs cut off before she could clear the bar, as he'd
> witnessed. Dn
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Bird discussion list for Pennsylvania <PABIRDS...> On
> Behalf Of Ron Burkert
> Sent: Wednesday, May 20, 2020 3:57 PM
> To: <PABIRDS...>
> Subject: Re: [PABIRDS] Ring-neck Pheasant Re: [PABIRDS] Pensey Swamp and
> Volant Strips
>
> Scott,
>
> Sorry to have missed reading your email before I wrote my diatribe, which
> really echoes and is strongly supported by the research you mentioned!
>
> Ron Burkert
> Oakmont
>
>
>
> > On May 20, 2020 at 3:24 PM Scott Weidensaul <
> <000001343b2dd726-dmarc-request...> wrote:
> >
> >
> > Folks,
> >
> > As Rob Blye noted earlier, the research has been incontrovertible on
> ring-necked pheasants for decades. What did in ringnecks, and grassland
> birds in general, were not predators but changing agricultural practices,
> especially earlier and more frequent hayfield mowing that destroys nests
> and incubating hens; dramatic increases in insecticide use (which kills the
> bugs on which young pheasants feed exclusively for the first six weeks or
> so of life); and clean farming practices, with the elimination of
> fencerows, fallow corners, corn stubble and other cover, especially in
> winter.
> >
> > Scott Weidensaul
> > Milton, NH (but still missing PA)
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > > On May 20, 2020, at 2:54 PM, Russ Ruffing <
> <00000166d4e1229a-dmarc-request...> wrote:
> > >
> > > I also think the dramatic increase beginning in the 70’s of bird of
> prey populations (a good thing) played a huge role in the demise of
> pheasants I remember talking to farmers in Washington Co where I grew up
> who said they would see Red-tails nabbing young pheasants routinely.
> > >
> > > Russ Ruffing
> > > Maryland
> > >
> > > Sent from my iPhone
> > >
> > >> On May 20, 2020, at 10:05 AM, Rob Blye <rwblye...> wrote:
> > >>
> > >> Lack of unmown grass (demise of federal soilbank program), loss of
> > >> habitat to development and maturing landscape killed the pheasants
> > >> (and bobwhite while favoring turkey and deer). See article by Nick
> > >> Bolgiano in PA Birds from around 2002.
> > >>
> > >> *Rob*
> > >>
> > >> Robert W. Blye
> > >> 34603 Doe Run
> > >> Lewes DE 19958-3332
> > >> 302 945-8618
> > >> 610 213-2413 mobile
> > >>
> > >>
> > >> On Wed, May 20, 2020 at 8:58 AM jerry Kruth <
> > >> <00000005ead0dac6-dmarc-request...> wrote:
> > >>
> > >>> A pheasant!? They used to be common when I was a kid -- I guess
> > >>> the PA GC stocked them more regularly?
> > >>> They're more rare than Connecticut Warbler these days.
> > >>> thanks Randy. Put a ball and chain on it next time; we may not
> > >>> see another.
> > >>> jk
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>> -----Original Message-----
> > >>> From: Randy Stringer
> > >>> <0000014328ddae02-dmarc-request...>
> > >>> To: <PABIRDS...>
> > >>> Sent: Tue, May 19, 2020 7:35 pm
> > >>> Subject: [PABIRDS] Pensey Swamp and Volant Strips
> > >>>
> > >>> Dear Birders,
> > >>> On a Monday evening May 18 I birded Pensey Swamp in Mercer County
> > >>> and Volant Strips in Lawrence County from 6-9 PM.
> > >>> Highlights include- Ring-necked Pheasant- 1;Clay-colored Sparrow-
> > >>> 1; Henslow’s Sparrow- 3; Vesper Sparrow- 1; American Woodcock- 7;
> > >>> and Common
> > >>> Nighthawk- 2.
> > >>> Randy Stringer
> > >>>
> > >>> Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone
> > >>>
>
--
*It is OK to print this e-mail. Paper is a renewable, recyclable, and
biodegradable product made from trees. Well-managed forests are good for
the environment - providing wildlife habitat for dozens of species that
require young forests.*
Date: 5/21/20 6:31 am From: Dean Kendall <deankendall...> Subject: Re: Ring-neck Pheasant Re: [PABIRDS] Pensey Swamp and Volant Strips
To add a wee bit. Pheasants were abundant on farmland when I was growing up here in Berks Co in the 50s and 60s, but gone by the time I came back in early 90s. I've always attributed it to the near-total loss of habitat, but my farmer neighbor pinned some of the blame on the bigger machinery that went along with enlarging the fields by removing the fencerows, specifically the longer cutter-bars on hay mowers. The hen sits on the nest til the last moment before running, but with the longer cutter bars would get her legs cut off before she could clear the bar, as he'd witnessed. Dn
-----Original Message-----
From: Bird discussion list for Pennsylvania <PABIRDS...> On Behalf Of Ron Burkert
Sent: Wednesday, May 20, 2020 3:57 PM
To: <PABIRDS...>
Subject: Re: [PABIRDS] Ring-neck Pheasant Re: [PABIRDS] Pensey Swamp and Volant Strips
Scott,
Sorry to have missed reading your email before I wrote my diatribe, which really echoes and is strongly supported by the research you mentioned!
Ron Burkert
Oakmont
> On May 20, 2020 at 3:24 PM Scott Weidensaul <000001343b2dd726-dmarc-request...> wrote:
>
>
> Folks,
>
> As Rob Blye noted earlier, the research has been incontrovertible on ring-necked pheasants for decades. What did in ringnecks, and grassland birds in general, were not predators but changing agricultural practices, especially earlier and more frequent hayfield mowing that destroys nests and incubating hens; dramatic increases in insecticide use (which kills the bugs on which young pheasants feed exclusively for the first six weeks or so of life); and clean farming practices, with the elimination of fencerows, fallow corners, corn stubble and other cover, especially in winter.
>
> Scott Weidensaul
> Milton, NH (but still missing PA)
>
>
>
>
> > On May 20, 2020, at 2:54 PM, Russ Ruffing <00000166d4e1229a-dmarc-request...> wrote:
> >
> > I also think the dramatic increase beginning in the 70’s of bird of prey populations (a good thing) played a huge role in the demise of pheasants I remember talking to farmers in Washington Co where I grew up who said they would see Red-tails nabbing young pheasants routinely.
> >
> > Russ Ruffing
> > Maryland
> >
> > Sent from my iPhone
> >
> >> On May 20, 2020, at 10:05 AM, Rob Blye <rwblye...> wrote:
> >>
> >> Lack of unmown grass (demise of federal soilbank program), loss of
> >> habitat to development and maturing landscape killed the pheasants
> >> (and bobwhite while favoring turkey and deer). See article by Nick
> >> Bolgiano in PA Birds from around 2002.
> >>
> >> *Rob*
> >>
> >> Robert W. Blye
> >> 34603 Doe Run
> >> Lewes DE 19958-3332
> >> 302 945-8618
> >> 610 213-2413 mobile
> >>
> >>
> >> On Wed, May 20, 2020 at 8:58 AM jerry Kruth <
> >> <00000005ead0dac6-dmarc-request...> wrote:
> >>
> >>> A pheasant!? They used to be common when I was a kid -- I guess
> >>> the PA GC stocked them more regularly?
> >>> They're more rare than Connecticut Warbler these days.
> >>> thanks Randy. Put a ball and chain on it next time; we may not
> >>> see another.
> >>> jk
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> -----Original Message-----
> >>> From: Randy Stringer
> >>> <0000014328ddae02-dmarc-request...>
> >>> To: <PABIRDS...>
> >>> Sent: Tue, May 19, 2020 7:35 pm
> >>> Subject: [PABIRDS] Pensey Swamp and Volant Strips
> >>>
> >>> Dear Birders,
> >>> On a Monday evening May 18 I birded Pensey Swamp in Mercer County
> >>> and Volant Strips in Lawrence County from 6-9 PM.
> >>> Highlights include- Ring-necked Pheasant- 1;Clay-colored Sparrow-
> >>> 1; Henslow’s Sparrow- 3; Vesper Sparrow- 1; American Woodcock- 7;
> >>> and Common
> >>> Nighthawk- 2.
> >>> Randy Stringer
> >>>
> >>> Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone
> >>>
Date: 5/21/20 2:24 am From: Hawkcount.Org Reports <reports...> Subject: Del. Nature Society's Kite & Shorebird Watch at Bucktoe Creek Preserve (20 May 2020) 1 Raptors
Del. Nature Society's Kite & Shorebird Watch at Bucktoe Creek Preserve
Avondale, Pennsylvania, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: May 20, 2020
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 07:00:00
Observation end time: 19:30:00
Total observation time: 12.5 hours
Official Counter: Larry Lewis
Observers: Adam Bartles, Molly Daly, Rhoda McNitt, Sue McLaughlin
Visitors:
THE DELAWARE NATURE SOCIETY’S SOUTHERN CHESTER COUNTY KITE & SHOREBIRD
WATCH AT BUCKTOE CREEK PRESERVE
<BR><BR>
Visitors (6): Bob Reitz, Rhoda McNitt, Adam Bartles, Molly Daly, Sue
McLaughlin
<BR><BR>
Thanks everyone, for coming to beautiful Bucktoe Creek Preserve!
<BR><BR>
Raptor Observations:
----“Raptors” seen, but deemed not to be migrating: 8-Red-tailed Hawk,
and numerous Black (35) and Turkey Vultures (48).
<BR><BR>
Non-raptor Observations:
----“BUCKTOE BIRD BLOG” (BBB) - (Comments on the events & “feel” of
the day – read on, if you dare) We see birds, many of them hawks;
encounter other wildlife; discuss plants; while striving to laugh and have
FUN with it all! Notes on the raptors will be here, other birds and
wildlife we notice or discuss, and humorous (I hope) stories and anecdotes.
This isn’t brain surgery. Trust me, I know about that. I’ve already
been “dead” once (it’s overrated). So, you WILL have to forgive me,
but I AM going to have the ultimate fun with what remains of this life!
<BR><BR>
TODAY’S ‘BBB:’ [PLEASE NOTE: On May 14, I sent out the new large
weekly “blog” and hotline in my new format - a newsletter. This is NOT
these reports you get from HawkCount. Rather, it’s the newsletter from
EBNT, with our upcoming schedule and the County year bird list, etc.. If
you aren’t receiving it and are a regular subscriber, look in your spam
– a few servers send it there. [go figure-lol] If you enjoy “the
blog,” featuring the county species list, and it ended up in your spam,
you’ll have to follow your provider’s method of “whitelisting” it,
marking it as “not spam” or it will always go there. You may also have
to ok the pictures and expand it at the end to see the entire thing -
it’s long and often truncated. It usually comes out every Thursday.
<BR><BR>
I cheated today, stretching the range of what I call my “Hawk watch
site” by walking down along the Red Clay Creek here at Bucktoe. I
couldn’t resist. The songs of warblers drew me down the hill. And they,
and other migrants, were there, in splendid variety for late spring. My
best were a Mourning Warbler [my FOY] and Yellow-throated Warbler [my FOY],
both first brought to my attention by their familiar songs. The song of
the Mourning Warbler is one of the most frequently dubbed bird songs/calls
on TV and radio [the other being red-tailed Hawk]. No matter the species
they show, where they are or the season, listen to commercials and you’ll
hear it; drives me nuts. [other highlights listed below].
<BR><BR>
It was nice to see Rhoda and Bob her for the first time this season and
with a couple of treats. With the pandemic, I had been worried about them.
Molly was here for the first time, too. Sue was here and so was Adam.
<BR><BR>
---- Thanks to Delaware Nature Society for their sponsorship, and
especially, to the Brokaws, for not only their incredible support, but
gracious generosity in opening their property to the public for this watch,
and oh, so very much more!
<BR><BR>
----ADDITIONAL BIRD HIGHLIGHTS:
<BR><BR>
Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Great Blue Herons, Acadian Flycatchers, Willow
Flycatchers, Great Crested Flycatchers, Rough-winged Swallow, Purple
Martins, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, Brown Thrashers, Veery, Yellow-breasted
Chat, Orchard Orioles, Black-and-white Warblers, American Redstarts,
Northern Parula, Blackpoll Warblers, Black-throated Blue Warblers, Canada
Warblers, Scarlet Tanager, and Indigo Buntings
<BR><BR>
----OTHER WILDLIFE NOTED: Butterflies (4): Cabbage White, Eastern Tailed
Blue, Clouded Sulphur, Silver-spotted Skipper. Dragonflies (1): Green
Darner. Reptiles & Amphibians (0). Mammals (2): Eastern Cottontail,
Eastern Gray Squirrel.
<BR><BR>
----EBNT’s “Walk with Nature” ™ Program Daily Tally with our
Fitbits: This is a stationary watch, but if I stay stationary too long, I
might tend to “bulk up.” Besides, I am ever so fortunate to be walking
unaided, at all! Therefore, I keep moving (if you’ve been here, then you
know that I pace endlessly….) - my Fitbit thanks me and its part of my
“Walk with Nature” program. So, below are MY results at the watch for
the day. Your totals could all be zero, if you choose to sit and relax.
You are certainly welcome to take it easy….I simply choose not to,
affording me a panoramic view of our entire sky and a bit of exercise. So
come join our “Walk with Nature!” ™ Anyway, just for fun, here are my
numbers at the site for today (join me, if you wish): Miles: 7.85; Steps:
18,428; Floors: 20.
<BR><BR>
----“SEASON’S BIRD SPECIES LIST” – we at Bucktoe are not just a
Hawk Watch, but conduct a migration tally from the site. We include it
here, from time to time (about once a week), to let you know what else
we’re seeing here at the Bucktoe Watch. Our tally board, on site, will
feature an approximation (very rough, best “guestimate,” – searching
for Kites, other Hawks, and shorebird flocks must remain our primary focus)
for totals of each species seen for “The Watch” year. The overall list
for the season from the watch will be part of the large weekly “blog,”
if you’ve signed up for that.
<BR><BR>
TOTAL SPECIES – Identified from watch site: today: 69; this season:
81
<BR><BR>
NEW SPECIES ADDED TODAY TO THIS YEAR’S “WATCH SPECIES LIST (12):”
Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Acadian Flycatcher, Rough-winged Swallow,
Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, Black-and-white Warblers, Mourning Warbler,
American Redstarts, Northern Parula, Blackpoll Warblers, Black-throated
Blue Warblers, Yellow-throated Warbler, and Canada Warblers .
<BR><BR>
Predictions:
Tomorrow’s flight looks great for shorebirds to move with light easterly
winds and good background clouds to see against. Might be good for Kites,
too!
<BR><BR>
Come join us, folks! We’re here every day thru June 6, 3pm thru 9pm.
Rain or shine.
This report is being sent individually to participants and people deemed to
be interested parties. If you wish off the list, kindly notify me and you
will be removed. However, this one mailing list is how I notify every one
of our events, our walk schedule, tours and rare birds.
The Kite & Shorebird Watch at Bucktoe Creek Preserve is sponsored by THE
DELAWARE NATURE SOCIETY. Please contact us at <earlybirdtours...>
with questions or comments.
========================================================================
Report submitted by Larry Lewis (<earlybirdtours...>)
Site Description:
High open meadow near Red Clay Creek
Directions to site:
From Kennett Square, PA (in southern Chester County):
Take Union Street south out of town. This becomes Kaolin Road. Make a right
onto Hillendale Road. Proceed about 1.5 miles to Sharp Road and make a
left. At the second hilltop on Sharp Road, the entrance is on the left
across from Candlewyck development. (432 Sharp Rd.) Upon entering driveway,
make a right on gravel road opposite first driveway you see on left. Follow
gravel road (and the "Hawk Watch" signs for about 1/2 mile to the pavilion
on the left and the parking area in the grass to the right.
Date: 5/20/20 6:23 pm From: Barbara Malt <bcm0...> Subject: new resources for parents, teachers, kids, and everyone!
Lehigh Valley Audubon Society has some updates to our list of on-line resources for learning about birds - please visit our Google doc (click below) for loads of great links!
The first one is our brand new Bird Education Blog, where you'll find Bird of the Day videos and a new trivia quiz for beginners, with prizes! Please share with parents, teachers, children, and beginners or advanced beginners wanting to learn more about the birds around them.
-- Barbara Malt Professor of Psychology and Cognitive Science Director, Cognitive Science Program
office: 101 Chandler-Ullmann Hall phone: (610) 758-4797 email: <bcm0...> US mail: Department of Psychology 17 Memorial Drive East Lehigh University Bethlehem, PA 18015
Date: 5/20/20 5:13 pm From: Dick Byers <000001677cde01c3-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Ring-neck Pheasant Re: [PABIRDS] Pensey Swamp and Volant Strips
People mowing their fields to make it neat and looking nice. They have
no nesting cover. Neither do the bobolinks, red wings, meadowlarks,
field sparrows and everyhting else that nests in grasslands.
Dick byers
On 5/20/2020 12:14 PM, <kvanfleet...> wrote:
> Also pesticide use.
>
> Kim
>
> Shermans Dale PA
>
>
> Quoting Rob Blye <rwblye...>:
>
>> Lack of unmown grass (demise of federal soilbank program), loss of
>> habitat
>> to development and maturing landscape killed the pheasants (and bobwhite
>> while favoring turkey and deer). See article by Nick Bolgiano in PA
>> Birds
>> from around 2002.
>>
>> *Rob*
>>
>> Robert W. Blye
>> 34603 Doe Run
>> Lewes DE 19958-3332
>> 302 945-8618
>> 610 213-2413 mobile
>>
>>
>> On Wed, May 20, 2020 at 8:58 AM jerry Kruth <
>> <00000005ead0dac6-dmarc-request...> wrote:
>>
>>> A pheasant!? They used to be common when I was a kid -- I guess
>>> the PA
>>> GC stocked them more regularly?
>>> They're more rare than Connecticut Warbler these days.
>>> thanks Randy. Put a ball and chain on it next time; we may not see
>>> another.
>>> jk
>>>
>>>
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: Randy Stringer <0000014328ddae02-dmarc-request...>
>>> To: <PABIRDS...>
>>> Sent: Tue, May 19, 2020 7:35 pm
>>> Subject: [PABIRDS] Pensey Swamp and Volant Strips
>>>
>>> Dear Birders,
>>> On a Monday evening May 18 I birded Pensey Swamp in Mercer County and
>>> Volant Strips in Lawrence County from 6-9 PM.
>>> Highlights include- Ring-necked Pheasant- 1;Clay-colored Sparrow- 1;
>>> Henslow?s Sparrow- 3; Vesper Sparrow- 1; American Woodcock- 7; and
>>> Common
>>> Nighthawk- 2.
>>> Randy Stringer
>>>
>>> Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone
>>>
>>
Date: 5/20/20 3:21 pm From: Daniel Weeks <daniel.e.weeks...> Subject: Warblers -- Frick Park -- May 20, 2020
Highlights this morning in Frick Park included hearing the wonderfully lovely song of a Swainson's Thrush, a nice view of an Eastern Wood-Pewee, and six kinds of beautiful warblers.
Good birding,
Dan Weeks
Pittsburgh, Allegheny County.
Frick Park
May 20, 2020
07:57
Traveling
1.92 miles
79 Minutes
All birds reported? Yes
Comments: Birding by bicycle in the Riverview hill area near the Blue slide entrance of Frick Park, Pittsburgh, Allegheny County.
Submitted from eBird for iOS, version 2.0.13 Build 2.0.122
2 Red-bellied Woodpecker
1 Eastern Wood-Pewee
3 Red-eyed Vireo
1 Blue Jay
1 Carolina Chickadee
1 Tufted Titmouse
1 European Starling
1 Swainson's Thrush -- Heard calling!
2 American Robin
2 Song Sparrow
1 Eastern Towhee
1 Baltimore Oriole
2 Tennessee Warbler
1 Cape May Warbler
1 Magnolia Warbler
2 Bay-breasted Warbler
1 Chestnut-sided Warbler
2 Blackpoll Warbler
1 Northern Cardinal
Observation start time: 09:00:00
Observation end time: 13:45:00
Total observation time: 4.75 hours
Official Counter: Jerry McWilliams
Observers: Julie Leonard
Visitors:
Bob Scribner, Joao Taveres, Delores Taveres, John Laskos (DCNR
environmental educator), and a DCNR ranger.
Weather:
Variably cloudy and mild with ESE wind later becoming NNE
Raptor Observations:
Today we surpassed our record high season total, set last year, by 111
birds. There was a steady flow of birds until the wind shift from the NNE
which shut the lakeshore flight down completely. Most of the day birds
were flying overhead, but were quite high. As yesterday, the majority of
birds were TVs and BWs (all immatures as in the past few days) with a
decent flight of BEs.
Non-raptor Observations:
Double-crested Cormorant--8, Eastern Bluebird--4, Ruby-throated
Hummingbird--2, Red-headed Woodpecker--1, Blue Jay--17, Blue-gray
Gnatcatcher--1, Indigo Bunting--2, Bobolink--9, American Goldfinch--13.
Also a first was a small airplane and a large airplane flying together
connected by a tube, so either copulating or refueling, likely the latter.
Predictions:
More sunshine, but continuing SE wind, at least in the morning, becoming NE
by mid-afternoon and warmer. I suspect a few birds will be moving along
the lake before the NE wind shift.Jerry McWilliamsErie, Erie County, <Pa.jerrymcw...>
Date: 5/20/20 12:57 pm From: Ron Burkert <raburkert...> Subject: Re: Ring-neck Pheasant Re: [PABIRDS] Pensey Swamp and Volant Strips
Scott,
Sorry to have missed reading your email before I wrote my diatribe, which really echoes and is strongly supported by the research you mentioned!
Ron Burkert
Oakmont
> On May 20, 2020 at 3:24 PM Scott Weidensaul <000001343b2dd726-dmarc-request...> wrote:
>
>
> Folks,
>
> As Rob Blye noted earlier, the research has been incontrovertible on ring-necked pheasants for decades. What did in ringnecks, and grassland birds in general, were not predators but changing agricultural practices, especially earlier and more frequent hayfield mowing that destroys nests and incubating hens; dramatic increases in insecticide use (which kills the bugs on which young pheasants feed exclusively for the first six weeks or so of life); and clean farming practices, with the elimination of fencerows, fallow corners, corn stubble and other cover, especially in winter.
>
> Scott Weidensaul
> Milton, NH (but still missing PA)
>
>
>
>
> > On May 20, 2020, at 2:54 PM, Russ Ruffing <00000166d4e1229a-dmarc-request...> wrote:
> >
> > I also think the dramatic increase beginning in the 70’s of bird of prey populations (a good thing) played a huge role in the demise of pheasants I remember talking to farmers in Washington Co where I grew up who said they would see Red-tails nabbing young pheasants routinely.
> >
> > Russ Ruffing
> > Maryland
> >
> > Sent from my iPhone
> >
> >> On May 20, 2020, at 10:05 AM, Rob Blye <rwblye...> wrote:
> >>
> >> Lack of unmown grass (demise of federal soilbank program), loss of habitat
> >> to development and maturing landscape killed the pheasants (and bobwhite
> >> while favoring turkey and deer). See article by Nick Bolgiano in PA Birds
> >> from around 2002.
> >>
> >> *Rob*
> >>
> >> Robert W. Blye
> >> 34603 Doe Run
> >> Lewes DE 19958-3332
> >> 302 945-8618
> >> 610 213-2413 mobile
> >>
> >>
> >> On Wed, May 20, 2020 at 8:58 AM jerry Kruth <
> >> <00000005ead0dac6-dmarc-request...> wrote:
> >>
> >>> A pheasant!? They used to be common when I was a kid -- I guess the PA
> >>> GC stocked them more regularly?
> >>> They're more rare than Connecticut Warbler these days.
> >>> thanks Randy. Put a ball and chain on it next time; we may not see
> >>> another.
> >>> jk
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> -----Original Message-----
> >>> From: Randy Stringer <0000014328ddae02-dmarc-request...>
> >>> To: <PABIRDS...>
> >>> Sent: Tue, May 19, 2020 7:35 pm
> >>> Subject: [PABIRDS] Pensey Swamp and Volant Strips
> >>>
> >>> Dear Birders,
> >>> On a Monday evening May 18 I birded Pensey Swamp in Mercer County and
> >>> Volant Strips in Lawrence County from 6-9 PM.
> >>> Highlights include- Ring-necked Pheasant- 1;Clay-colored Sparrow- 1;
> >>> Henslow’s Sparrow- 3; Vesper Sparrow- 1; American Woodcock- 7; and Common
> >>> Nighthawk- 2.
> >>> Randy Stringer
> >>>
> >>> Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone
> >>>
Date: 5/20/20 12:38 pm From: Ron Burkert <raburkert...> Subject: Re: Ring-neck Pheasant Re: [PABIRDS] Pensey Swamp and Volant Strips
All,
I grew up in Berks County and had pheasants breeding all around, in fact when as kids, we looked at our new house for the first time about 1963, the large side yard hadn't been mowed for a few weeks and we flushed a hen off her nest! Had them roosting in the pole-stage trees across the road and it was common to see cocks' blazing colors in the spring clover and alfalfa fields and broods crossing the roads on the way to and from school. One heavy winter storm brought a counted 12 roosters feeding on the multiflora rose hips in the rose hedge around the yard - what a beautiful sight!
I truly believe that the continued release of pen-raised birds, with NO sense of avian predators, and the use of pre-emergent herbicides as well as more efficient grain and bedding harvesters turning corn fields from foxtail grass blankets with almost knee-high broken-over corn stalks to dirt expanses punctuated by rows of 6" tall corn stalk stubs which wouldn't hide a mouse, is/was more of a problem than the hawks due to this EXTREMELY POOR habitat. In the '60's, it was routine to be stepping over a row and have a rabbit or pheasant bolt out from under you. More recently, I have observed pen-raised pheasants on State Game Lands that didn't have the sense to run and hide, as they did when I was seeing wild birds in my youth, and that were EASY meals for raptors because they stood around in groups in the open.
The Dakotas also have avian predators but the last I heard they still have some fantastic wild pheasant hunting.
Ron Burkert
Oakmont, Allegheny County
> On May 20, 2020 at 2:54 PM Russ Ruffing <00000166d4e1229a-dmarc-request...> wrote:
>
>
> I also think the dramatic increase beginning in the 70’s of bird of prey populations (a good thing) played a huge role in the demise of pheasants. I remember talking to farmers in Washington Co where I grew up who said they would see Red-tails nabbing young pheasants routinely.
>
> Russ Ruffing
> Maryland
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> > On May 20, 2020, at 10:05 AM, Rob Blye <rwblye...> wrote:
> >
> > Lack of unmown grass (demise of federal soilbank program), loss of habitat
> > to development and maturing landscape killed the pheasants (and bobwhite
> > while favoring turkey and deer). See article by Nick Bolgiano in PA Birds
> > from around 2002.
> >
> > *Rob*
> >
> > Robert W. Blye
> > 34603 Doe Run
> > Lewes DE 19958-3332
> > 302 945-8618
> > 610 213-2413 mobile
> >
> >
> > On Wed, May 20, 2020 at 8:58 AM jerry Kruth <
> > <00000005ead0dac6-dmarc-request...> wrote:
> >
> >> A pheasant!? They used to be common when I was a kid -- I guess the PA
> >> GC stocked them more regularly?
> >> They're more rare than Connecticut Warbler these days.
> >> thanks Randy. Put a ball and chain on it next time; we may not see
> >> another.
> >> jk
> >>
> >>
> >> -----Original Message-----
> >> From: Randy Stringer <0000014328ddae02-dmarc-request...>
> >> To: <PABIRDS...>
> >> Sent: Tue, May 19, 2020 7:35 pm
> >> Subject: [PABIRDS] Pensey Swamp and Volant Strips
> >>
> >> Dear Birders,
> >> On a Monday evening May 18 I birded Pensey Swamp in Mercer County and
> >> Volant Strips in Lawrence County from 6-9 PM.
> >> Highlights include- Ring-necked Pheasant- 1;Clay-colored Sparrow- 1;
> >> Henslow’s Sparrow- 3; Vesper Sparrow- 1; American Woodcock- 7; and Common
> >> Nighthawk- 2.
> >> Randy Stringer
> >>
> >> Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone
> >>
Date: 5/20/20 12:24 pm From: Scott Weidensaul <000001343b2dd726-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Ring-neck Pheasant Re: [PABIRDS] Pensey Swamp and Volant Strips
Folks,
As Rob Blye noted earlier, the research has been incontrovertible on ring-necked pheasants for decades. What did in ringnecks, and grassland birds in general, were not predators but changing agricultural practices, especially earlier and more frequent hayfield mowing that destroys nests and incubating hens; dramatic increases in insecticide use (which kills the bugs on which young pheasants feed exclusively for the first six weeks or so of life); and clean farming practices, with the elimination of fencerows, fallow corners, corn stubble and other cover, especially in winter.
Scott Weidensaul
Milton, NH (but still missing PA)
> On May 20, 2020, at 2:54 PM, Russ Ruffing <00000166d4e1229a-dmarc-request...> wrote:
>
> I also think the dramatic increase beginning in the 70’s of bird of prey populations (a good thing) played a huge role in the demise of pheasants I remember talking to farmers in Washington Co where I grew up who said they would see Red-tails nabbing young pheasants routinely.
>
> Russ Ruffing
> Maryland
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
>> On May 20, 2020, at 10:05 AM, Rob Blye <rwblye...> wrote:
>>
>> Lack of unmown grass (demise of federal soilbank program), loss of habitat
>> to development and maturing landscape killed the pheasants (and bobwhite
>> while favoring turkey and deer). See article by Nick Bolgiano in PA Birds
>> from around 2002.
>>
>> *Rob*
>>
>> Robert W. Blye
>> 34603 Doe Run
>> Lewes DE 19958-3332
>> 302 945-8618
>> 610 213-2413 mobile
>>
>>
>> On Wed, May 20, 2020 at 8:58 AM jerry Kruth <
>> <00000005ead0dac6-dmarc-request...> wrote:
>>
>>> A pheasant!? They used to be common when I was a kid -- I guess the PA
>>> GC stocked them more regularly?
>>> They're more rare than Connecticut Warbler these days.
>>> thanks Randy. Put a ball and chain on it next time; we may not see
>>> another.
>>> jk
>>>
>>>
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: Randy Stringer <0000014328ddae02-dmarc-request...>
>>> To: <PABIRDS...>
>>> Sent: Tue, May 19, 2020 7:35 pm
>>> Subject: [PABIRDS] Pensey Swamp and Volant Strips
>>>
>>> Dear Birders,
>>> On a Monday evening May 18 I birded Pensey Swamp in Mercer County and
>>> Volant Strips in Lawrence County from 6-9 PM.
>>> Highlights include- Ring-necked Pheasant- 1;Clay-colored Sparrow- 1;
>>> Henslow’s Sparrow- 3; Vesper Sparrow- 1; American Woodcock- 7; and Common
>>> Nighthawk- 2.
>>> Randy Stringer
>>>
>>> Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone
>>>
Date: 5/20/20 11:54 am From: Russ Ruffing <00000166d4e1229a-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Ring-neck Pheasant Re: [PABIRDS] Pensey Swamp and Volant Strips
I also think the dramatic increase beginning in the 70’s of bird of prey populations (a good thing) played a huge role in the demise of pheasants. I remember talking to farmers in Washington Co where I grew up who said they would see Red-tails nabbing young pheasants routinely.
Russ Ruffing
Maryland
Sent from my iPhone
> On May 20, 2020, at 10:05 AM, Rob Blye <rwblye...> wrote:
>
> Lack of unmown grass (demise of federal soilbank program), loss of habitat
> to development and maturing landscape killed the pheasants (and bobwhite
> while favoring turkey and deer). See article by Nick Bolgiano in PA Birds
> from around 2002.
>
> *Rob*
>
> Robert W. Blye
> 34603 Doe Run
> Lewes DE 19958-3332
> 302 945-8618
> 610 213-2413 mobile
>
>
> On Wed, May 20, 2020 at 8:58 AM jerry Kruth <
> <00000005ead0dac6-dmarc-request...> wrote:
>
>> A pheasant!? They used to be common when I was a kid -- I guess the PA
>> GC stocked them more regularly?
>> They're more rare than Connecticut Warbler these days.
>> thanks Randy. Put a ball and chain on it next time; we may not see
>> another.
>> jk
>>
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Randy Stringer <0000014328ddae02-dmarc-request...>
>> To: <PABIRDS...>
>> Sent: Tue, May 19, 2020 7:35 pm
>> Subject: [PABIRDS] Pensey Swamp and Volant Strips
>>
>> Dear Birders,
>> On a Monday evening May 18 I birded Pensey Swamp in Mercer County and
>> Volant Strips in Lawrence County from 6-9 PM.
>> Highlights include- Ring-necked Pheasant- 1;Clay-colored Sparrow- 1;
>> Henslow’s Sparrow- 3; Vesper Sparrow- 1; American Woodcock- 7; and Common
>> Nighthawk- 2.
>> Randy Stringer
>>
>> Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone
>>
Date: 5/20/20 9:24 am From: Ryan Tomazin <wvwarblers...> Subject: Re: Ring-neck Pheasant Re: [PABIRDS] Pensey Swamp and Volant Strips
Coyotes.
Ryan Tomazin
________________________________
From: Bird discussion list for Pennsylvania <PABIRDS...> on behalf of <kvanfleet...> <kvanfleet...>
Sent: Wednesday, May 20, 2020 12:14 PM
To: <PABIRDS...> <PABIRDS...>
Subject: Re: [PABIRDS] Ring-neck Pheasant Re: [PABIRDS] Pensey Swamp and Volant Strips
Also pesticide use.
Kim
Shermans Dale PA
Quoting Rob Blye <rwblye...>:
> Lack of unmown grass (demise of federal soilbank program), loss of habitat
> to development and maturing landscape killed the pheasants (and bobwhite
> while favoring turkey and deer). See article by Nick Bolgiano in PA Birds
> from around 2002.
>
> *Rob*
>
> Robert W. Blye
> 34603 Doe Run
> Lewes DE 19958-3332
> 302 945-8618
> 610 213-2413 mobile
>
>
> On Wed, May 20, 2020 at 8:58 AM jerry Kruth <
> <00000005ead0dac6-dmarc-request...> wrote:
>
>> A pheasant!? They used to be common when I was a kid -- I guess the PA
>> GC stocked them more regularly?
>> They're more rare than Connecticut Warbler these days.
>> thanks Randy. Put a ball and chain on it next time; we may not see
>> another.
>> jk
>>
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Randy Stringer <0000014328ddae02-dmarc-request...>
>> To: <PABIRDS...>
>> Sent: Tue, May 19, 2020 7:35 pm
>> Subject: [PABIRDS] Pensey Swamp and Volant Strips
>>
>> Dear Birders,
>> On a Monday evening May 18 I birded Pensey Swamp in Mercer County and
>> Volant Strips in Lawrence County from 6-9 PM.
>> Highlights include- Ring-necked Pheasant- 1;Clay-colored Sparrow- 1;
>> Henslow?s Sparrow- 3; Vesper Sparrow- 1; American Woodcock- 7; and Common
>> Nighthawk- 2.
>> Randy Stringer
>>
>> Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone
>>
>
Date: 5/20/20 9:14 am From: <kvanfleet...> <kvanfleet...> Subject: Re: Ring-neck Pheasant Re: [PABIRDS] Pensey Swamp and Volant Strips
Also pesticide use.
Kim
Shermans Dale PA
Quoting Rob Blye <rwblye...>:
> Lack of unmown grass (demise of federal soilbank program), loss of habitat > to development and maturing landscape killed the pheasants (and bobwhite > while favoring turkey and deer). See article by Nick Bolgiano in PA Birds > from around 2002. > > *Rob* > > Robert W. Blye > 34603 Doe Run > Lewes DE 19958-3332 > 302 945-8618 > 610 213-2413 mobile > > > On Wed, May 20, 2020 at 8:58 AM jerry Kruth < > <00000005ead0dac6-dmarc-request...> wrote: > >> A pheasant!? They used to be common when I was a kid -- I guess the PA >> GC stocked them more regularly? >> They're more rare than Connecticut Warbler these days. >> thanks Randy. Put a ball and chain on it next time; we may not see >> another. >> jk >> >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: Randy Stringer <0000014328ddae02-dmarc-request...> >> To: <PABIRDS...> >> Sent: Tue, May 19, 2020 7:35 pm >> Subject: [PABIRDS] Pensey Swamp and Volant Strips >> >> Dear Birders, >> On a Monday evening May 18 I birded Pensey Swamp in Mercer County and >> Volant Strips in Lawrence County from 6-9 PM. >> Highlights include- Ring-necked Pheasant- 1;Clay-colored Sparrow- 1; >> Henslow?s Sparrow- 3; Vesper Sparrow- 1; American Woodcock- 7; and Common >> Nighthawk- 2. >> Randy Stringer >> >> Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone >> >
Date: 5/20/20 7:05 am From: Rob Blye <rwblye...> Subject: Re: Ring-neck Pheasant Re: [PABIRDS] Pensey Swamp and Volant Strips
Lack of unmown grass (demise of federal soilbank program), loss of habitat
to development and maturing landscape killed the pheasants (and bobwhite
while favoring turkey and deer). See article by Nick Bolgiano in PA Birds
from around 2002.
*Rob*
Robert W. Blye
34603 Doe Run
Lewes DE 19958-3332
302 945-8618
610 213-2413 mobile
On Wed, May 20, 2020 at 8:58 AM jerry Kruth <
<00000005ead0dac6-dmarc-request...> wrote:
> A pheasant!? They used to be common when I was a kid -- I guess the PA
> GC stocked them more regularly?
> They're more rare than Connecticut Warbler these days.
> thanks Randy. Put a ball and chain on it next time; we may not see
> another.
> jk
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Randy Stringer <0000014328ddae02-dmarc-request...>
> To: <PABIRDS...>
> Sent: Tue, May 19, 2020 7:35 pm
> Subject: [PABIRDS] Pensey Swamp and Volant Strips
>
> Dear Birders,
> On a Monday evening May 18 I birded Pensey Swamp in Mercer County and
> Volant Strips in Lawrence County from 6-9 PM.
> Highlights include- Ring-necked Pheasant- 1;Clay-colored Sparrow- 1;
> Henslow’s Sparrow- 3; Vesper Sparrow- 1; American Woodcock- 7; and Common
> Nighthawk- 2.
> Randy Stringer
>
> Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone
>
Date: 5/20/20 5:58 am From: jerry Kruth <00000005ead0dac6-dmarc-request...> Subject: Ring-neck Pheasant Re: [PABIRDS] Pensey Swamp and Volant Strips
A pheasant!? They used to be common when I was a kid -- I guess the PA GC stocked them more regularly?
They're more rare than Connecticut Warbler these days.
thanks Randy. Put a ball and chain on it next time; we may not see another.
jk
-----Original Message-----
From: Randy Stringer <0000014328ddae02-dmarc-request...>
To: <PABIRDS...>
Sent: Tue, May 19, 2020 7:35 pm
Subject: [PABIRDS] Pensey Swamp and Volant Strips
Dear Birders,
On a Monday evening May 18 I birded Pensey Swamp in Mercer County and Volant Strips in Lawrence County from 6-9 PM.
Highlights include- Ring-necked Pheasant- 1;Clay-colored Sparrow- 1; Henslow’s Sparrow- 3; Vesper Sparrow- 1; American Woodcock- 7; and Common Nighthawk- 2.
Randy Stringer
Date: 5/20/20 3:56 am From: Hawkcount.Org Reports <reports...> Subject: Del. Nature Society's Kite & Shorebird Watch at Bucktoe Creek Preserve (19 May 2020) 1 Raptors
Del. Nature Society's Kite & Shorebird Watch at Bucktoe Creek Preserve
Avondale, Pennsylvania, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: May 19, 2020
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 13:00:00
Observation end time: 19:30:00
Total observation time: 6.5 hours
Official Counter: Larry Lewis
Observers: Gerry Teig
Visitors:
THE DELAWARE NATURE SOCIETY’S SOUTHERN CHESTER COUNTY KITE & SHOREBIRD
WATCH AT BUCKTOE CREEK PRESERVE
<BR><BR>
Visitors (2): Gerry Teig
<BR><BR>
Thanks everyone, for coming to beautiful Bucktoe Creek Preserve!
<BR><BR>
Raptor Observations:
----“Raptors” seen, but deemed not to be migrating: 2-Cooper's Hawk,
6-Red-tailed Hawk, and numerous Black (31) and Turkey Vultures (37).
<BR><BR>
----Mississippi Kite ages: Sub adult-1; adult-0
<BR><BR>
Non-raptor Observations:
----“BUCKTOE BIRD BLOG” (BBB) - (Comments on the events & “feel” of
the day – read on, if you dare) We see birds, many of them hawks;
encounter other wildlife; discuss plants; while striving to laugh and have
FUN with it all! Notes on the raptors will be here, other birds and
wildlife we notice or discuss, and humorous (I hope) stories and anecdotes.
This isn’t brain surgery. Trust me, I know about that. I’ve already
been “dead” once (it’s overrated). So, you WILL have to forgive me,
but I AM going to have the ultimate fun with what remains of this life!
<BR><BR>
TODAY’S ‘BBB:’ [PLEASE NOTE: On May 14, I sent out the new large
weekly “blog” and hotline in my new format - a newsletter. This is NOT
these reports you get from HawkCount. Rather, it’s the newsletter from
EBNT, with our upcoming schedule and the County year bird list, etc.. If
you aren’t receiving it and are a regular subscriber, look in your spam
– a few servers send it there. [go figure-lol] If you enjoy “the
blog,” featuring the county species list, and it ended up in your spam,
you’ll have to follow your provider’s method of “whitelisting” it,
marking it as “not spam” or it will always go there. You may also have
to ok the pictures and expand it at the end to see the entire thing -
it’s long and often truncated. It usually comes out every Thursday.
<BR><BR>
Before going to Bucktoe, I visited Wilson Road Pond, as usual. Today there
were the regular summer residents: Eastern Meadowlark, Bobolinks [see
picture], and a Killdeer.
<BR><BR>
At the Kite & Shorebird Watch at Bucktoe Creek Preserve, there was much
more flying today. How could they not? The wind was howling out here.
Hell, I almost went flying a couple of times in this horrible and cold
gale. It was hard to even stand against the 30+ mph gusts. Then at 3:20pm,
a small hawk appeared right overhead and low, hurriedly gliding with the
wind; gray body, an even lighter head, longish black tail with a few light
bands, pointy wings, and an obvious short first primary. Yep, it was our
first Mississippi Kite of the season; a first summer bird! It disappeared
low over the woods to the north. I looked hard but could not find it, or
another again. Nor could I see a hint of any shorebirds moving today. I
feel that when it happens [and it will happen], it is going to be rushed.
[other highlights listed below].
<BR><BR>
Gerry was out to join me just about 20 minutes late, missing the Kite. He
also missed having long sleeves, quickly wanting more clothes.
<BR><BR>
---- Thanks to Delaware Nature Society for their sponsorship, and
especially, to the Brokaws, for not only their incredible support, but
gracious generosity in opening their property to the public for this watch,
and oh, so very much more!
<BR><BR>
----ADDITIONAL BIRD HIGHLIGHTS:
<BR><BR>
Great Egret, Great Blue Heron, Willow Flycatchers, Purple Martins, Brown
Thrashers, Orchard Orioles, Scarlet Tanagers, and Indigo Buntings
<BR><BR>
----OTHER WILDLIFE NOTED: Butterflies (3): Cabbage White, Eastern Tiger
Swallowtail, Clouded Sulphur. Dragonflies (1): Green Darner. Reptiles &
Amphibians (0). Mammals (2): Eastern Cottontail, Eastern Gray Squirrel.
<BR><BR>
----EBNT’s “Walk with Nature” ™ Program Daily Tally with our
Fitbits: This is a stationary watch, but if I stay stationary too long, I
might tend to “bulk up.” Besides, I am ever so fortunate to be walking
unaided, at all! Therefore, I keep moving (if you’ve been here, then you
know that I pace endlessly….) - my Fitbit thanks me and its part of my
“Walk with Nature” program. So, below are MY results at the watch for
the day. Your totals could all be zero, if you choose to sit and relax.
You are certainly welcome to take it easy….I simply choose not to,
affording me a panoramic view of our entire sky and a bit of exercise. So
come join our “Walk with Nature!” ™ Anyway, just for fun, here are my
numbers at the site for today (join me, if you wish): Miles: 7.2; Steps:
16,881; Floors: 25.
<BR><BR>
----“SEASON’S BIRD SPECIES LIST” – we at Bucktoe are not just a
Hawk Watch, but conduct a migration tally from the site. We include it
here, from time to time (about once a week), to let you know what else
we’re seeing here at the Bucktoe Watch. Our tally board, on site, will
feature an approximation (very rough, best “guestimate,” – searching
for Kites, other Hawks, and shorebird flocks must remain our primary focus)
for totals of each species seen for “The Watch” year. The overall list
for the season from the watch will be part of the large weekly “blog,”
if you’ve signed up for that.
<BR><BR>
TOTAL SPECIES – Identified from watch site: today: 49; this season:
69
<BR><BR>
NEW SPECIES ADDED TODAY TO THIS YEAR’S “WATCH SPECIES LIST (3):”
Great Blue Heron, Cooper's Hawk, and Mississippi Kite.
<BR><BR>
Predictions:
Tomorrow’s flight looks better, with more sun than clouds, but strong
east winds. I expect our first shorebird flocks today.
<BR><BR>
Come join us, folks! We’re here every day thru June 6, 3pm thru 9pm.
Rain or shine.
This report is being sent individually to participants and people deemed to
be interested parties. If you wish off the list, kindly notify me and you
will be removed. However, this one mailing list is how I notify every one
of our events, our walk schedule, tours and rare birds.
The Kite & Shorebird Watch at Bucktoe Creek Preserve is sponsored by THE
DELAWARE NATURE SOCIETY. Please contact us at <earlybirdtours...>
with questions or comments.
========================================================================
Report submitted by Larry Lewis (<earlybirdtours...>)
Site Description:
High open meadow near Red Clay Creek
Directions to site:
From Kennett Square, PA (in southern Chester County):
Take Union Street south out of town. This becomes Kaolin Road. Make a right
onto Hillendale Road. Proceed about 1.5 miles to Sharp Road and make a
left. At the second hilltop on Sharp Road, the entrance is on the left
across from Candlewyck development. (432 Sharp Rd.) Upon entering driveway,
make a right on gravel road opposite first driveway you see on left. Follow
gravel road (and the "Hawk Watch" signs for about 1/2 mile to the pavilion
on the left and the parking area in the grass to the right.
Date: 5/19/20 6:59 pm From: Randy Stringer <0000014328ddae02-dmarc-request...> Subject: PISP- Erie County 500+ Warblers
Dear Birders,
Strong Northeasterly winds prevailed most of the day at Presque Isle SP in Erie County. I birded the park from 5:55 AM to 5:55 PM due to the nonstop passerine activity due, in part, to the winds that kept the birds pinned down.
About 105 species were found. Most notable was the number of warblers present everywhere. One birder told me he was having a slow day and migration is nearly completed. What is a good day?
I had my best species and number day of warblers in May, having birded PISP every year since 1993. It was constant activity for the whole day.
Total warblers by my count added up to 556 including unidentified flyovers and those that fled before an ID could be made. Yet this only accounted for 52 individuals. Total species registered 28 in number- my second highest number in one day here. Therefore over 500 were assigned a species designation.
It would take too long to tally this tonight. Getting up at 4:00 AM does that to you.
Highlights were:
Prairie- 1Cerulean- 1Worm-eating- 2
Canada- 3Blackpoll- 2Wilson’s- 8
Black-throated Blue- 45American Redstart- 62Magnolia-32
There were high numbers of Swainson’s Thrush and Least Flycatcher as well.
Good Birding,
Randy StringerGrove City
Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone
Date: 5/19/20 6:35 pm From: Randy Stringer <0000014328ddae02-dmarc-request...> Subject: Pensey Swamp and Volant Strips
Dear Birders,
On a Monday evening May 18 I birded Pensey Swamp in Mercer County and Volant Strips in Lawrence County from 6-9 PM.
Highlights include- Ring-necked Pheasant- 1;Clay-colored Sparrow- 1; Henslow’s Sparrow- 3; Vesper Sparrow- 1; American Woodcock- 7; and Common Nighthawk- 2.
Randy Stringer
Subject: Lawrence County - eBird Report - McConnells Mill SP, May 19, 2020
I walked Hell's Hollow Trail this afternoon. Saw and heard 2 FOY Acadian Flycatchers. Red-eyed Vireo were everywhere. Scarlet Tanagers and Grosbeaks were singing, as was a Pewee at the trail entrance.
Karyn Delaney "half the fun of birding is sharing"
McConnells Mill SP, Lawrence, Pennsylvania, US May 19, 2020 2:40 PM - 3:50 PM Protocol: Traveling 1.0 mile(s) 16 species
Turkey Vulture 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker 2 Downy Woodpecker 1 Eastern Wood-Pewee 1 Acadian Flycatcher 2 FOY Red-eyed Vireo 14 Blue Jay 1 Tufted Titmouse 1 Carolina Wren 1 Swainson's Thrush 2 American Robin 2 American Goldfinch 4 Baltimore Oriole 2 Hooded Warbler 2 Scarlet Tanager 4 Rose-breasted Grosbeak 4 males
Date: 5/19/20 11:25 am From: Dan Richards <00000132f63ed96f-dmarc-request...> Subject: Mourning Warbler, Gray-cheeked Thrush, Clearfield Co.
This morning there was a singing Gray-cheeked Thrush near my parent's home in Clear Run. Additionally, there were several Wilson's Warblers, a Canada Warbler, and a Mourning Warbler along the Beaver Meadow Walkway in DuBois. Dan Richards Treasure Lake
Observation start time: 10:00:00 Observation end time: 12:00:00 Total observation time: 2 hours
Official Counter: Jerry McWilliams
Observers: Julie Leonard
Visitors: Bonnie Ginader
Weather: variably cloudy with ESE winds early then becoming variable, with some wind out of the NNE and warm.
Raptor Observations: Arriving a little late at the watch there was a flight already in progress, mostly TVs and BWs with a fair number of BEs as well. Most were flying high overhead. When the wind started vary and come out of the north, the flight shut down along the lake.
Non-raptor Observations: Blue Jay--15
Predictions: Mostly sunny with SE wind and a bit cooler, but there may be a few birds if the winds stay steady.Jerry McWilliamsErie, Erie County, <Pa.jerrymcw...>
Date: 5/19/20 8:30 am From: Hawkcount.Org Reports <reports...> Subject: Del. Nature Society's Kite & Shorebird Watch at Bucktoe Creek Preserve (18 May 2020) 1 Raptors
Del. Nature Society's Kite & Shorebird Watch at Bucktoe Creek Preserve
Avondale, Pennsylvania, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: May 18, 2020
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 14:00:00
Observation end time: 19:30:00
Total observation time: 5.5 hours
Official Counter: Larry Lewis
Observers: Adam Bartles, Kathleen Pileggi, Sue McLaughlin
Visitors:
THE DELAWARE NATURE SOCIETY’S SOUTHERN CHESTER COUNTY KITE & SHOREBIRD
WATCH AT BUCKTOE CREEK PRESERVE
<BR><BR>
Visitors (5):Steve Cottrell, Adam Bartles, Sue McLaughlin, Kathleen
Pileggi
<BR><BR>
Thanks everyone, for coming to beautiful Bucktoe Creek Preserve!
<BR><BR>
Raptor Observations:
----“Raptors” seen, but deemed not to be migrating: 1-Red-shouldered
Hawk, 6-Red-tailed Hawk, and numerous Black (23) and Turkey Vultures (34).
<BR><BR>
Non-raptor Observations:
----“BUCKTOE BIRD BLOG” (BBB) - (Comments on the events & “feel” of
the day – read on, if you dare) We see birds, many of them hawks;
encounter other wildlife; discuss plants; while striving to laugh and have
FUN with it all! Notes on the raptors will be here, other birds and
wildlife we notice or discuss, and humorous (I hope) stories and anecdotes.
This isn’t brain surgery. Trust me, I know about that. I’ve already
been “dead” once (it’s overrated). So, you WILL have to forgive me,
but I AM going to have the ultimate fun with what remains of this life!
<BR><BR>
TODAY’S ‘BBB:’ [PLEASE NOTE: On May 14, I sent out the new large
weekly “blog” and hotline in my new format - a newsletter. This is NOT
these reports you get from HawkCount. Rather, it’s the newsletter from
EBNT, with our upcoming schedule and the County year bird list, etc.. If
you aren’t receiving it and are a regular subscriber, look in your spam
– a few servers send it there. [go figure-lol] If you enjoy “the
blog,” featuring the county species list, and it ended up in your spam,
you’ll have to follow your provider’s method of “whitelisting” it,
marking it as “not spam” or it will always go there. You may also have
to ok the pictures and expand it at the end to see the entire thing -
it’s long and often truncated. It usually comes out every Thursday.
<BR><BR>
I slept in today. There is no other way to say it. I was tired. In the
end, I could barely drag my butt out of bed, but I hauled it out just in
time to start my Kite & Shorebird Watch. I carried it by Wilson Road Pond,
carted it by Lamborntown Pond, and even towed it to the Polo Fields. The
drive to “work” was uneventful for birds, hitting all the usual spots
without stopping, but spectacular as always for scenery. There’s
something in that, right?
<BR><BR>
When I finally got around to birding at the Kite & Shorebird Watch at
Bucktoe Creek Preserve. I was hopeful that the small breaks in the clouds
might give rise to more activity in the sky; and it did. Sadly though,
there were no kites or shorebirds in the mix. Steve was here to care for
his Purple Martins. Sue joined me and Adam was back again. It was nice to
see Kathleen, who came looking for one of her favorites – Common
Nighthawk. Sadly, none showed up tonight. [other highlights listed
below].
<BR><BR>
Elsewhere, an Olive-sided Flycatcher [FOY] was seen along Pickering Creek
and added to the County Year List.
<BR><BR>
---- Thanks to Delaware Nature Society for their sponsorship, and
especially, to the Brokaws, for not only their incredible support, but
gracious generosity in opening their property to the public for this watch,
and oh, so very much more!
<BR><BR>
----ADDITIONAL BIRD HIGHLIGHTS:
<BR><BR>
Wood Ducks, Great Egret, Osprey, Red-shouldered Hawk, Willow Flycatchers,
Great Crested Flycatcher, Brown Thrashers, Yellow-breasted Chat, Orchard
Oriole, Ovenbirds, Tennessee Warbler, Magnolia Warbler, Scarlet Tanagers,
and Blue Grosbeak
<BR><BR>
----OTHER WILDLIFE NOTED: Butterflies (3): Cabbage White, Eastern Tiger
Swallowtail, Clouded Sulphur. Dragonflies (1): Green Darner. Reptiles &
Amphibians (0). Mammals (2): Eastern Cottontail, Eastern Gray Squirrel.
<BR><BR>
----EBNT’s “Walk with Nature” ™ Program Daily Tally with our
Fitbits: This is a stationary watch, but if I stay stationary too long, I
might tend to “bulk up.” Besides, I am ever so fortunate to be walking
unaided, at all! Therefore, I keep moving (if you’ve been here, then you
know that I pace endlessly….) - my Fitbit thanks me and its part of my
“Walk with Nature” program. So, below are MY results at the watch for
the day. Your totals could all be zero, if you choose to sit and relax.
You are certainly welcome to take it easy….I simply choose not to,
affording me a panoramic view of our entire sky and a bit of exercise. So
come join our “Walk with Nature!” ™ Anyway, just for fun, here are my
numbers at the site for today (join me, if you wish): Miles: 4.77; Steps:
11,198; Floors: 7.
<BR><BR>
----“SEASON’S BIRD SPECIES LIST” – we at Bucktoe are not just a
Hawk Watch, but conduct a migration tally from the site. Below is the list
of species identified on this year’s “Watch,” from the watch area.
We include it here, from time to time (about once a week), to let you know
what else we’re seeing here at the Bucktoe Watch. Our tally board, on
site, will feature an approximation (very rough, best “guestimate,” –
searching for Kites, other Hawks, and shorebird flocks must remain our
primary focus) for totals of each species seen for “The Watch” year.
The overall list for the season from the watch will be part of the large
weekly “blog,” if you’ve signed up for that.
<BR><BR>
TOTAL SPECIES – Identified from watch site: today: __; this season:
__
<BR><BR>
NEW SPECIES ADDED TODAY TO THIS YEAR’S “WATCH SPECIES LIST (_):”
_____.
<BR><BR>
Predictions:
Tomorrow’s flight looks mostly Sunny, but with clouds building. Strong
ENE winds too.
<BR><BR>
Come join us, folks! We’re here every day thru June 6, 3pm thru 9pm.
Rain or shine.
This report is being sent individually to participants and people deemed to
be interested parties. If you wish off the list, kindly notify me and you
will be removed. However, this one mailing list is how I notify every one
of our events, our walk schedule, tours and rare birds.
The Kite & Shorebird Watch at Bucktoe Creek Preserve is sponsored by THE
DELAWARE NATURE SOCIETY. Please contact us at <earlybirdtours...>
with questions or comments.
========================================================================
Report submitted by Larry Lewis (<earlybirdtours...>)
Site Description:
High open meadow near Red Clay Creek
Directions to site:
From Kennett Square, PA (in southern Chester County):
Take Union Street south out of town. This becomes Kaolin Road. Make a right
onto Hillendale Road. Proceed about 1.5 miles to Sharp Road and make a
left. At the second hilltop on Sharp Road, the entrance is on the left
across from Candlewyck development. (432 Sharp Rd.) Upon entering driveway,
make a right on gravel road opposite first driveway you see on left. Follow
gravel road (and the "Hawk Watch" signs for about 1/2 mile to the pavilion
on the left and the parking area in the grass to the right.
Date: 5/18/20 5:51 pm From: Ron & Amy Burkert <raburkert...> Subject: Re: Common nighthawk - Allegheny County
I should have stated the bird was not hunting, vocalizing or performing. It was flying just above tree height and headed NNE seemingly in a hurry.
Ron Burkert
Oakmont
Sent from my iPhone
> On May 18, 2020, at 8:47 PM, Ron & Amy Burkert <raburkert...> wrote:
>
> Enjoying the cool evening breeze on the patio when at 8:41 pm a common nighthawk flew over with its thin pointed wings with white patches.
>
> Will have to verify if it is a new yard bird.
>
> Ron Burkert
> Oakmont
> Sent from my iPhone
Date: 5/18/20 4:14 pm From: William Young <wayoung04...> Subject: Correction: Lancaster County Birds of Note
PA Birders,
It has been brought to my attention that I incorrectly labelled a species on my report. I incorrectly called the two Trumpeter Swans being seen at Octoraro Reservoir "Tundra Swans". I apologize for this miscommunication and for any confusion this may have caused.
Date: 5/18/20 10:15 am From: Craig Holt <0000007fe6ec5d00-dmarc-request...> Subject: Mahoning Twp., Lawrence Co.
Birds were quite active this morning in Mahoning Twp., where I bird from roadsides. Seen and heard were ruby-throated hummingbird, e. wood-pewees, e. phoebes, great crested flycatcher, yellow-throated vireo, warbling vireos, red-eyed vireos, n. rough-winged swallows, house wrens, Carolina wrens, gray catbirds, n. mockingbird, e. bluebird, wood thrushes, field sparrow, orchard oriole, Baltimore orioles, c. yellowthroats, hooded warbler, Am. redstarts, yellow warblers, chestnut-sided warblers, black-throated blue warbler, Canada warbler, scarlet tanagers, and rose-breasted grosbeaks. Craig Holt, Lowellville Ohio
Date: 5/18/20 8:18 am From: William Young <wayoung04...> Subject: Lancaster County Birds of Note - 5/11/20 - 5/18/20
To All Pennsylvania Birders,
Hope you are well. My name is William Young, and I am a young birder residing in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Below you will find the birds of note from Lancaster County, between the dates of 5/11/20 and 5/18/20. This information was taken from eBird, this listserv, and verbal reports at the Lancaster County Bird Club meetings (every 2nd Thursday of the month).
Begin Report:
Most notably, a pair of Tundra swans were noted by many observers in the past few weeks at Octoraro Reservoir.
A Tundra Swan has been noted at Conejohela Flats IBA, and was last seen on May 17th
A Common Gallinule was reported at Middle Creek on May 16th.
On The Susquehanna River Blue Rock Road Boat Launch, an American White Pelican was observed on May 18th.
A Yellow-Crowned Night Heron Continues at the Ephrata Community Hospital Rookery.
A Merlin was observed on Conejohela Flats, May 13th.
At Noel Dowart Park, A Yellow Bellied Flycatcher was observed on May 16th.
In Denver PA, a Summer Tanager was seen and photographed on May 17th. The bird was found at a private residence.
On May 13th, a Dickcissel was reported in Willow Street at a private residence.
End Report
.......................................
Thank you for your time. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to email me. Have a wonderful rest of your day.
Date: 5/18/20 6:38 am From: Hawkcount.Org Reports <reports...> Subject: Del. Nature Society's Kite & Shorebird Watch at Bucktoe Creek Preserve (17 May 2020) 1 Raptors
Del. Nature Society's Kite & Shorebird Watch at Bucktoe Creek Preserve
Avondale, Pennsylvania, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: May 17, 2020
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 12:30:00
Observation end time: 19:15:00
Total observation time: 6.75 hours
Official Counter: Larry Lewis
Observers: Adam Bartles, Dorothy Bedford, Ellen Nunn, John McNamara
Visitors:
THE DELAWARE NATURE SOCIETY’S SOUTHERN CHESTER COUNTY KITE & SHOREBIRD
WATCH AT BUCKTOE CREEK PRESERVE
<BR><BR>
Visitors (6):Dorothy Bedford, Adam Bartles, Jim Green, John McNamara, and
Ellen Nunn
<BR><BR>
Thanks everyone, for coming to beautiful Bucktoe Creek Preserve!
<BR><BR>
Raptor Observations:
----“Raptors” seen, but deemed not to be migrating: 3-Red-tailed Hawk,
and numerous Black (10) and Turkey Vultures (19).
<BR><BR>
Non-raptor Observations:
----“BUCKTOE BIRD BLOG” (BBB) - (Comments on the events & “feel” of
the day – read on, if you dare) We see birds, many of them hawks;
encounter other wildlife; discuss plants; while striving to laugh and have
FUN with it all! Notes on the raptors will be here, other birds and
wildlife we notice or discuss, and humorous (I hope) stories and anecdotes.
This isn’t brain surgery. Trust me, I know about that. I’ve already
been “dead” once (it’s overrated). So, you WILL have to forgive me,
but I AM going to have the ultimate fun with what remains of this life!
<BR><BR>
TODAY’S ‘BBB:’ [PLEASE NOTE: On April 14, I sent out the new
large weekly “blog” and hotline in my new format - a newsletter. This
is NOT these reports you get from HawkCount. Rather, it’s the newsletter
from EBNT, with our upcoming schedule and the County year bird list, etc..
If you aren’t receiving it and are a regular subscriber, look in your
spam – a few servers send it there. [go figure-lol] If you enjoy “the
blog,” featuring the county species list, and it ended up in your spam,
you’ll have to follow your provider’s method of “whitelisting” it,
marking it as “not spam” or it will always go there. You may also have
to ok the pictures and expand it at the end to see the entire thing -
it’s long and often truncated. It usually comes out every Thursday.
<BR><BR>
Before going to Bucktoe for the first day of the Kite & Shorebird Watch, I
received a call from Kathleen. She was looking at several Barred Owls in
Unionville Park; a mother and two fledglings on a branch. It was quite a
sight! [KP] I joined her and several locals, all enjoying their antics and
calls. Other birds of note were Red-shouldered Hawk, Willow Flycatcher,
Great Crested Flycatcher, Veery, Wood Thrush, Swainson’s Thrushes,
American Redstarts, Northern Parula, Blackburnian Warbler, Blackpoll
Warblers, and Indigo Bunting.
<BR><BR>
I drove by Wilson Road Pond on the way. There were Bobolinks, Eastern
Meadowlarks, and Killdeer in residence.
<BR><BR>
I stopped at New Garden WTP [private] where all that was there were Spotted
Sandpipers and Wood Ducks.
<BR><BR>
By the time I started the Kite & Shorebird Watch at Bucktoe Creek Preserve
in the afternoon, the weather had deteriorated to a non-Kite-like cool,
cloudy medley. Still, excitement runs high in anticipation at this event.
You just never know when this graceful flier will happen by or a flock of
shorebirds will thrill us all. Today was not the day, though. Our thrills
had to come from Blue Grosbeak and a very cooperative Tennessee Warbler,
which sang the entire evening. [other highlights listed below]
<BR><BR>
Dorothy was out to join me. Chief Libations Officer, Adam came fully
stocked. Bearing gifts of food, Jim arrived. John was here with his long
lens and it was so nice to see Ellen. I miss you, Ellen.
<BR><BR>
Elsewhere, in a vernal puddle alongside Wollaston Road in Unionville there
have been an assortment of shorebirds: Least Sandpipers, Solitary
Sandpiper, and a Yellowlegs. [NL] I checked it today, seeing those species
plus Spotted Sandpipers, while Rough-winged Swallows worked the pool’s
surface. The attached woods held a calling Northern Waterthrush.
<BR><BR>
I received a call from Mike & Evelyn about a non-descript, diving duck they
had drop in at the pond at Traditions. [EF & MF] I stopped and checked,
finding it to be a late, female Ring-necked Duck.
<BR><BR>
---- Thanks to Delaware Nature Society for their sponsorship, and
especially, to the Brokaws, for not only their incredible support, but
gracious generosity in opening their property to the public for this watch,
and oh, so very much more!
<BR><BR>
----ADDITIONAL BIRD HIGHLIGHTS:
<BR><BR>
Osprey, Great Horned Owl, Barred Owl, Willow Flycatchers, Great Crested
Flycatchers, Purple Martins, Brown Thrashers, Veery, Cedar Waxwings,
Yellow-breasted Chat, Orchard Orioles, Ovenbirds, Pine Warbler, Scarlet
Tanagers, and Indigo Buntings
<BR><BR>
----OTHER WILDLIFE NOTED: Butterflies (2): Cabbage White, Clouded Sulphur.
Dragonflies (1): Green Darner. Reptiles & Amphibians (0). Mammals (2):
Eastern Cottontail, Eastern Gray Squirrel.
<BR><BR>
----EBNT’s “Walk with Nature” ™ Program Daily Tally with our
Fitbits: This is a stationary watch, but if I stay stationary too long, I
might tend to “bulk up.” Besides, I am ever so fortunate to be walking
unaided, at all! Therefore, I keep moving (if you’ve been here, then you
know that I pace endlessly….) - my Fitbit thanks me and its part of my
“Walk with Nature” program. So, below are MY results at the watch for
the day. Your totals could all be zero, if you choose to sit and relax.
You are certainly welcome to take it easy….I simply choose not to,
affording me a panoramic view of our entire sky and a bit of exercise. So
come join our “Walk with Nature!” ™ Anyway, just for fun, here are my
numbers at the site for today (join me, if you wish): Miles: 8.99; Steps:
21,100; Floors: 12.
<BR><BR>
----“SEASON’S BIRD SPECIES LIST” – we at Bucktoe are not just a
Hawk Watch, but conduct a migration tally from the site. We include it
here, from time to time (about once a week), to let you know what else
we’re seeing here at the Bucktoe Watch. Our tally board, on site, will
feature an approximation (very rough, best “guestimate,” – searching
for Kites, other Hawks, and shorebird flocks must remain our primary focus)
for totals of each species seen for “The Watch” year. The overall list
for the season from the watch will be part of the large weekly “blog,”
if you’ve signed up for that.
<BR><BR>
TOTAL SPECIES – Identified from watch site: today: 61; this season:
61
<BR><BR>
NEW SPECIES ADDED TODAY TO THIS YEAR’S “WATCH SPECIES LIST (61):” all
of them - it was the first day.
<BR><BR>
Predictions:
Tomorrow’s flight looks like another cloudy day with stronger winds with
an easterly component.
<BR><BR>
Come join us, folks! We’re here every day thru June 6, 3pm thru 9pm.
Rain or shine.
This report is being sent individually to participants and people deemed to
be interested parties. If you wish off the list, kindly notify me and you
will be removed. However, this one mailing list is how I notify every one
of our events, our walk schedule, tours and rare birds.
The Kite & Shorebird Watch at Bucktoe Creek Preserve is sponsored by THE
DELAWARE NATURE SOCIETY. Please contact us at <earlybirdtours...>
with questions or comments.
========================================================================
Report submitted by Larry Lewis (<earlybirdtours...>)
Site Description:
High open meadow near Red Clay Creek
Directions to site:
From Kennett Square, PA (in southern Chester County):
Take Union Street south out of town. This becomes Kaolin Road. Make a right
onto Hillendale Road. Proceed about 1.5 miles to Sharp Road and make a
left. At the second hilltop on Sharp Road, the entrance is on the left
across from Candlewyck development. (432 Sharp Rd.) Upon entering driveway,
make a right on gravel road opposite first driveway you see on left. Follow
gravel road (and the "Hawk Watch" signs for about 1/2 mile to the pavilion
on the left and the parking area in the grass to the right.
Date: 5/17/20 6:02 pm From: Robin and Daniel Zmoda <robinanddanielz...> Subject: Saturday out Northampton County
My wife and I took a mental health day Saturday along with three friends who did the same around their homes in NY and MD. It was a sort of make up day for last weekend's WSB which we were not able to compete in for the first time in 31 years. We all stayed close to home and our route took us from Mount Bethel to National Park Dr, Lake Minsi, Bear Swamp, Martin's Creek, and Plainfield Township to home in Pen Argyl. Our total for the day was 86 species from 5:45 till 4:15. Included were 15 warblers including eye level looks at Hooded and Bay Breasted, a bathing Canada and a couldn't be better visual on a Blackburnian with the sun hitting it just so. Vireos included Red-eyed, Blue headed and Warbling. Flycatcher numbers were less than hoped, but we did get Least (thanks Jeff). Woodpeckers were all except Red-headed. Flyover Peregrine was nice at Minsi and we had both Kestrel and Cooper's Hawk working on a meal. We passed a field with Meadowlarks and Bobolinks because the hoped for Kestrel was not there and we did not stop.. Live and learn. No owls, but American Bittern and Virginia Rail were pulled out of a marsh in NY. Best bird by far besides the Bay breasteds was the Ruffed Grouse my wife saw flush off the side of the road on National Park Dr. Rusty tail with dark terminal band and too small for a turkey. Did not know they were out there. All told, the four groups ended with 148 species between the three states with a total of 27 warblers. As fickle as migration can be, there were only five warblers we all saw. Dan Zmoda Pen Argyl
Date: 5/17/20 5:26 pm From: Jerry McWilliams <0000001b5c226889-dmarc-request...> Subject: Erie County birds of note
The following birds of note were reported this past from Presque Isle S.P. unless noted otherwise:
Glossy/White-faced Ibis 1; May 14; Presque Isle Hawk Watch
Multiple Sandhill Cranes reported from various sites on Presque Isle and the county, nearly all in flight.
Black Tern up to 2; Edinboro Lake; May 10 to 12 1; May 11; Misery Bay
Summer Tanager 1 imm. male; May 15; Erie
Golden-winged Warbler 1; May 15; Fry's landing
Kentucky Warbler up to 2; May 16; Pine Tree Trail and Sidewalk Trail
Jerry McWilliamsErie, Erie County, <Pa.jerrymcw...>
Date: 5/17/20 10:50 am From: The Stahls <jalstahl...> Subject: Common Moorhen roadkill, Lancaster County
I found a roadkill Common Moorhen on White Oak Rd. near Doe Run Rd. at Manheim. It might have made a good specimen, but a car ran over it before I took photos. I thought back to a time a half century ago when I tape recorded gallinules ( Moorhens) on the New Jersey side of Delaware Bay. Their calls are incredible!
Stanley Stahl
Observation start time: 07:30:00 Observation end time: 10:30:00 Total observation time: 3 hours
Official Counter: Jerry McWilliams
Observers: Bernie O Connor, Jennifer Ferrick, Julie Leonard
Visitors: Bonnie Ginader
Weather: Mostly cloudy with light ENE wind and mild. Rain starting just before noon.
Raptor Observations: The SE wind never materialized saw we had only three Osprey and a few Passerines.
Non-raptor Observations: Great Blue Heron--3, Caspian Tern--2, Blue Jay--45, Cedar Waxing--8, Ruby-throated Hummingbird--3, Red-headed Woodpecker--1, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher--1, Least Flycatcher--1, American Goldfinch--37
Predictions: Cloudy with continuing rain and SE wind, remaining relatively warm.Jerry McWilliamsErie, Erie County, <Pa.jerrymcw...>
Date: 5/17/20 9:51 am From: reeser <reeser...> Subject: Indigo Bunting -- Cumberland County
Yesterday, Sat 5/16/20 at 6 AM a male indigo bunting was seen eating something he found in the garden. He stayed for about 15 minutes after we spotted him. A vibrant blue color was what gave him away. We generally have been lucky to spot one or two of the males during migration many years. This was the first and only one so far this year.
We saw the male red breasted grosbeak again at the end of the week and two of the neighbors have also been seeing him. He or another have been making the rounds of the neighborhood feeders!
Also now have a stream of bright yellow goldfinches on the thistle feeder.
Date: 5/17/20 6:08 am From: Billy Weber <robot.stories...> Subject: Re: FW: Baird's Sandpiper, Crawford Co.
Hi Kendall,
Andy Markel and I were at Miller’s Ponds yesterday (Saturday) and there was a single shorebird in the drained pond, a White-rumped Sandpiper. Doesn’t necessarily mean anything regarding your bird from Friday, but ours was definitely WR, not Baird’s, given the drooped bill and fine flank streaking. In my experience, the white rump of WR is not always as obvious or solid-looking as you’d think it would be in flight. Of course, you could have had a Baird’s that moved on with the rest of the birds and was replaced by our WR.
Singing male Golden-winged Warbler at the Pymatuning spillway yesterday, for those interested. Also singing Yellow-throated Vireo in Linesville.
Billy Weber
Walnutport, PA
Sent from my iPhone
> On May 16, 2020, at 8:12 PM, Kendall Zook <kendallzook98...> wrote:
>
> This afternoon Adam Erb and I returned to Miller Ponds and found the
> sandpiper in question still present. With a beautiful afternoon sun behind
> our backs, and the bird closer to the road than yesterday afternoon, we
> could observe it in much more detail. Plumage details seemed to point toward
> Baird's Sandpiper over White-rumped Sandpiper, but we couldn't see the big
> ID mark - the rump. So we waited it out, for probably half an hour, until
> finally the bird obliged and flew, showing us a rump with white on the
> sides, but a definite dark section in the middle. Baird's Sandpiper
> confirmed.
>
>
>
> From: Kendall Zook [mailto:<kendallzook98...>]
> Sent: Saturday, May 16, 2020 8:19 AM
> To: '<PABirds...>'
> Subject: Baird's Sandpiper, Crawford Co.
>
>
>
> Hello Crawford Co. Birders,
>
> Yesterday our big day team stopped by Miller Ponds. In the back rightmost
> corner of the large pond that is almost drained, we found a larger,
> lighter-colored peep hanging out with some smaller peeps, Least Sandpipers
> as best as we could tell. By its size (we could compare it with Semipalmated
> Plover which was almost exactly the same size), dark legs, heavy black
> bill, and long pointed tail, we concluded that it must be a Baird's or
> White-rumped Sandpiper. But because of the distance, poor lighting, and
> rain, we could hardly discern field marks that enabled us to make a concrete
> ID. Based on its lighter buffy, brown color, and by the absence of clear
> streaking along the flanks (as far as we could see) , we called it a
> Baird's. But I'd be interested in hearing if anyone else gets by Miller
> Ponds today to look for it. If someone can confirm or disprove our ID, I'd
> be happy to hear. If you stop by Miller Ponds and can't find it, I'd be
> happy to hear that too, as I might go back to look again this afternoon if I
> have time.
>
>
>
> Kendall Zook
>
> Crawford Co.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
Date: 5/17/20 5:47 am From: Mark Vass <hawk5571...> Subject: Wilson's Phalarope - Allegheny Co.
This morning I was doing a sit at the Imperial Grasslands main pond
a male WILSON'S PHALAROPE dropped in during a rain shower but unfortunately did not stay long..I managed to get two crappy pics of it before it flew off
This evening, I found a Black-billed Cuckoo feeding on a nest Tent Caterpillars at Heisey Road Old Orchard! I watched it for about an hour until it flew down into some thick brush (probably to roost for the night). It provided some good opportunities to photograph it, as it gorged on the worms. It was also a lifer for me!
Date: 5/16/20 6:39 pm From: Karyn Delaney <delaneykaryn...> Subject: Fwd: eBird Report - Linn Run SP, May 16, 2020
Subject: Westmoreland County -eBird Report - Linn Run SP, May 16, 2020
We birded Linn Run Road heading home, pulling over at pullouts.The best stops were the old railroad water station overlooks and the park office. Highlights were a FOY Red-eyed Vireo and a beautiful Bay-breasted Warbler, along with 3 Black & White Warblers, 3 Chestnut-sided Warblers, 2 Black-throated Greens and 2 Swainson's Thrushes. Redstarts were everywhere it seemed, with 6 visible and a White-crowned Sparrow was a nice surprise. Today was a lovely break from the virus news and statistics!
Karyn and Ray Delaney "half the fun of birding is sharing"
Linn Run SP, Westmoreland, Pennsylvania, US May 16, 2020 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM Protocol: Traveling 5.0 mile(s) Checklist Comments: Linn Run Road with stops at Railroad Water Station overlook and Park Office 21 species
Eastern Phoebe 1 Blue-headed Vireo 1 Red-eyed Vireo 1 FOY Blue Jay 1 Tufted Titmouse 1 Veery 4 Swainson's Thrush 2 Wood Thrush 1 American Robin 2 American Goldfinch 2 Chipping Sparrow 1 Dark-eyed Junco 2 White-crowned Sparrow 1 Ovenbird 1 Black-and-white Warbler 3 American Redstart 6 Bay-breasted Warbler 1 Chestnut-sided Warbler 3 Black-throated Green Warbler 2 Scarlet Tanager 3 Rose-breasted Grosbeak 1 female
Date: 5/16/20 6:33 pm From: Karyn Delaney <delaneykaryn...> Subject: Fwd: eBird Report - Forbes SF--Spruce Flats Bog area (Westmoreland Co.), May 16, 2020
Subject: eBird Report - Forbes SF--Spruce Flats Bog area (Westmoreland Co.), May 16, 2020
It was a beautiful day in the mountains today with nice looks at birds as the trees are just beginning to leaf and most birds were low in the understory. Highlights were: 3 Canada Warblers, 17 Ovenbirds, 8 Veery, 2 gorgeous Blackburnian Warblers at the bog along with a Pine Warbler, and Chestnut-sided, Black-throated Green, and Hooded Warblers the majority of which were on Picnic Area Trail. The Wolf Rocks Trail section that we walked was busy, but no more than a regular weekend day. It was easy to social distance.
Karyn and Ray Delaney "half the fun of birding is sharing"
Forbes SF--Spruce Flats Bog area (Westmoreland Co.), Westmoreland, Pennsylvania, US May 16, 2020 11:15 AM - 2:30 PM Protocol: Traveling 2.0 mile(s) Checklist Comments: Spruce Flats Bog; Picnic Area Trail, J.E. Miller Road, Spruce Flats Trail, Wolf Rocks Trail Loop 24 species
Turkey Vulture 2 Blue-headed Vireo 3 Blue Jay 3 White-breasted Nuthatch 1 Gray Catbird 1 Eastern Bluebird 1 Veery 8 Wood Thrush 2 American Robin 2 Chipping Sparrow 2 Dark-eyed Junco 5 Song Sparrow 1 Eastern Towhee 7 Ovenbird 17 Common Yellowthroat 2 Hooded Warbler 5 American Redstart 2 Blackburnian Warbler 2 Chestnut-sided Warbler 3 Pine Warbler 1 Yellow-rumped Warbler 1 Black-throated Green Warbler 4 Canada Warbler 3 2 male, 1 female Scarlet Tanager 1
Date: 5/16/20 6:32 pm From: Paul Heveran <birdmeister.paul...> Subject: Nighthawks are back! - upper Montgomery Co.
Hello PA Birders,
I've observed plenty of nighthawks over the yard the past several evenings. Thursday evening brought one, Friday brought 16, and tonight brought 57 (!), bringing my yearly total so far to 74.
Date: 5/16/20 5:59 pm From: Thomas Wilson <cowdoc99...> Subject: Re: 23 species of warblers, Frick Park, Allegheny County
Wow that’s impressive!! Thanks for sharing.
Has anyone seen Black-throated Green warblers one Lancaster Co.? I was out
at Chestnut Grove NA and thought I saw one.
Tom Wilson
Strasburg PA
On Sat, May 16, 2020 at 3:47 PM Robert Mulvihill <robert.mulvihill...>
wrote:
> My son, Anthony, and I had a terrific morning of birding at Frick Park
> today with our friend Jim Hausman. We met many other birders through the
> course of the morning there, and everybody seemed to be thrilled to be
> seeing lots of birds, and seeing many of them extremely well!
>
> Altogether, we tallied 81 species (again, 23 were wood warblers). Among
> our favorite finds were Mourning Warbler, Kentucky Warbler, Cerulean
> Warbler, Canada Warbler, and Gray-cheeked Thrush. The most abundant
> warblers were Chestnut-sided, Bay-breasted, Magnolia, Blackburnian,
> Yellow-rumped, and Black-throated Green--all in double digits!
>
> https://ebird.org/checklist/S69161056 >
> Bob Mulvihill
> Allegheny Co.
>
--
Tom Wilson V.M.D.
Strasburg PA
(_))
(oo)_______
(__) )\
| |---------w| \~
| | | |
This afternoon Adam Erb and I returned to Miller Ponds and found the sandpiper in question still present. With a beautiful afternoon sun behind our backs, and the bird closer to the road than yesterday afternoon, we could observe it in much more detail. Plumage details seemed to point toward Baird's Sandpiper over White-rumped Sandpiper, but we couldn't see the big ID mark - the rump. So we waited it out, for probably half an hour, until finally the bird obliged and flew, showing us a rump with white on the sides, but a definite dark section in the middle. Baird's Sandpiper confirmed.
From: Kendall Zook [mailto:<kendallzook98...>] Sent: Saturday, May 16, 2020 8:19 AM To: '<PABirds...>' Subject: Baird's Sandpiper, Crawford Co.
Hello Crawford Co. Birders,
Yesterday our big day team stopped by Miller Ponds. In the back rightmost corner of the large pond that is almost drained, we found a larger, lighter-colored peep hanging out with some smaller peeps, Least Sandpipers as best as we could tell. By its size (we could compare it with Semipalmated Plover which was almost exactly the same size), dark legs, heavy black bill, and long pointed tail, we concluded that it must be a Baird's or White-rumped Sandpiper. But because of the distance, poor lighting, and rain, we could hardly discern field marks that enabled us to make a concrete ID. Based on its lighter buffy, brown color, and by the absence of clear streaking along the flanks (as far as we could see) , we called it a Baird's. But I'd be interested in hearing if anyone else gets by Miller Ponds today to look for it. If someone can confirm or disprove our ID, I'd be happy to hear. If you stop by Miller Ponds and can't find it, I'd be happy to hear that too, as I might go back to look again this afternoon if I have time.
Date: 5/16/20 3:03 pm From: Chris Blazo <000000a22b6b5249-dmarc-request...> Subject: Franklin County- Bicknell's Thrush
This May has been quite extraordinary for me in my home county of Franklin. I pretty much started out the day along the Conococheague Creek off Minnich Rd. and found a Bicknell's Thrush. Thought to be a Gray-cheeked until I heard it sing two repetitions. I did a single playback and it flew in immediately. I got off a few decent photos as most experienced birders know how difficult Catharus Thrushes can be to observe. This is my 2nd in Pennsylvania after finding one at Caledonia SP back in 2009. Another interesting thing I'm noticing is how many Least Flycatchers I've been able to find. I've kept a count, because it's peculiar for this area, at 14. They're mainly with warbler flocks and always near water. As with the warbler flocks, my specie count is phenomenal this year at 32 before May has even ended and fall migration nowhere in sight. With the above species mentioned and many more like Blue Grosbeak, Philadelphia Vireo, Yellow-bellied Flycatcher and Willet to name a few, May has come in like a lion and I hope it only continues. Happy birding to all and take care!
Date: 5/16/20 1:11 pm From: Aidan Place <aidanjplace...> Subject: Migrants in Frick Park, Allegheny
I spent an excellent day birding in Frick Park yesterday as the abatement of a weeks worth of north winds made for incredible migration overnight. Over the course of the day I tallied up 23 species of warbler among other highlights. By noon I was at 85 species which, according to Jack Solomon and corroborated by Ted Floyd, is a new big day record for Frick. Now with a record to set, I headed out again in the afternoon and finished the day with a total of 94 species.
Highlights follow:
Mourning Warbler- seen and heard between the Meadow and S. Clayton Trails. The habitat restoration in that area has created excellent habitat for this species.
Cerulean Warbler- singing at the bottom of Falls Ravine. Good numbers in the park this year.
Golden-winged Warbler- first seen by the wooden bridge at the bottom of Falls Ravine. Later was turned up just north of the Nine Mile Run parking area.
Canada Warbler- Intersection of Biddle and Tranquil Trails.
Northern Waterthrush- Intersection of Tranquil and Homewood Trails.
Lincoln’s Sparrow (2)
Willow Flycatcher- Singing at Nine Mile Run.
Solitary Sandpiper
Green Heron
Black-bilked Cuckoo
Common Tern- Six at Duck Hollow.
Common Nighthawk
Date: 5/16/20 12:47 pm From: Robert Mulvihill <robert.mulvihill...> Subject: 23 species of warblers, Frick Park, Allegheny County
My son, Anthony, and I had a terrific morning of birding at Frick Park today with our friend Jim Hausman. We met many other birders through the course of the morning there, and everybody seemed to be thrilled to be seeing lots of birds, and seeing many of them extremely well!
Altogether, we tallied 81 species (again, 23 were wood warblers). Among our favorite finds were Mourning Warbler, Kentucky Warbler, Cerulean Warbler, Canada Warbler, and Gray-cheeked Thrush. The most abundant warblers were Chestnut-sided, Bay-breasted, Magnolia, Blackburnian, Yellow-rumped, and Black-throated Green--all in double digits!
Date: 5/16/20 12:30 pm From: Jefferson Shank <dawn...> Subject: Warblers, Flycatchers, and Northern Waterthrushes
Bob Keener and I went birding together this morning at a few different places. A few highlights were; a Magnolia Warbler, about 5 Eastern Wood-Pewees, 4 Least Flycatchers, 1 Blackpoll Warbler, 2 Bay-breasted Warblers, 3 Northern Parulas, 2 Northern Waterthrushes, 1 Cedar Waxwing, and 1 American Coot.
Black-throated Blue Warblers, and American Redstarts are here in good numbers too.
Date: 5/16/20 11:11 am From: Amy Henrici <henriciac...> Subject: Lawrences’s Warbler and Olive-sided Flycatcher, Deer Lakes Park, Allegheny County
We had a great morning while out birding today. Both birds were seen along the maintenance road at the end of Cattail Drive. We last saw a Lawrence’s in August of 1992 on the Rachel Carson Trail where it passes through Agan Park, Springdale. Lots of warblers and other spring migrants, as well as local breeding birds.
Amy Henrici
Pat McShea
https://ebird.org/checklist/S69153313
Date: 5/16/20 6:46 am From: Alan Buriak <a_buriak...> Subject: Mourning, Canada Warbler, No. Waterthrush - Armstrong County
Hello all,
This morning along the creek on the Shrub Swamp Trail at Crooked Creek Lake, Armstrong County, there was an incredible concentration of migrants in about a half mile area. The highlights were a Mourning Warbler singing from an area of thick undergrowth along a pipeline, a Canada Warbler singing along the creek, and a Northern Waterthrush singing intermittently between the trail and the creek. There were also multiple Yellow-throated, Cerulean, and Cape May Warblers among the 53 species.
Yesterday our big day team stopped by Miller Ponds. In the back rightmost corner of the large pond that is almost drained, we found a larger, lighter-colored peep hanging out with some smaller peeps, Least Sandpipers as best as we could tell. By its size (we could compare it with Semipalmated Plover which was almost exactly the same size), dark legs, heavy black bill, and long pointed tail, we concluded that it must be a Baird's or White-rumped Sandpiper. But because of the distance, poor lighting, and rain, we could hardly discern field marks that enabled us to make a concrete ID. Based on its lighter buffy, brown color, and by the absence of clear streaking along the flanks (as far as we could see) , we called it a Baird's. But I'd be interested in hearing if anyone else gets by Miller Ponds today to look for it. If someone can confirm or disprove our ID, I'd be happy to hear. If you stop by Miller Ponds and can't find it, I'd be happy to hear that too, as I might go back to look again this afternoon if I have time.
Date: 5/15/20 6:00 pm From: Margaret <bcoriole...> Subject: Ruddy Turnstone still present in Indiana Co.
The Ruddy Turnstone, found 5/13 at Yellow Creek State Park, was still
present this afternoon on the beach on the south shore. It feeds on the
upper beach where the grass is poking through the white sand.
Right as I opened the door for one of my family this morning, i noticed a darting bird by our door. I don't know if the insect this Barn swallow was chasing took a dive for our door( by the look of things that would be likely, flies always do feel very welcome to enter our door), but anyway, just the instance the door opened the swallow entered. Imagine my horror to think of getting a darting bird like that out again. He didn't seem to be able to think the door he'd used for entrance could also be an exit. He went for our large picture window and of course persisted on getting out there. I held still, it felt like for awhile,so he would calm down and I could get a chance to catch him. He fluttered down behind a potted plant on our windowsill. I crept up quietly and gently put my hand around him. I took him out and let him go. I imagine 20 seconds is the longest he ever plans to stay in a house:) It's the longest I want a wild bird in my house anyway. Was my mom ever relieved to hear that the fluttering thing was not a bat this time but only a harmless Barn swallow.
Date: 5/15/20 5:07 pm From: Dave DeReamus <becard...> Subject: Eastern PA Birdline: 5/15/2020
- RBA
* Pennsylvania
* Lehigh / Northampton Counties and Vicinity
* May 15, 2020
* PAEA2005.15
- Birds mentioned
SUMMER TANAGER (2^nd and 3^rd Northampton County records)
MARSH WREN
GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSH
WHITE-WINGED DOVE
COMMON GALLINULE
RED-HEADED WOODPECKER
MOURNING WARBLER
- Transcript
Hotline: Eastern PA Birdline
Date: May 15^th at 8:00 PM
To Report by E-Mail: Send to <_becard...>
<mailto:<becard...>_with “Birdline” in subject heading.
Compiler: Dave DeReamus
My reporting area includes all of Lehigh and Northampton Counties with
the northern edge of the area reaching Beltzville State Park and the
southern edge reaching Peace Valley Park in Bucks County.Updates are
typically done every Friday, more often when necessary.
Unfortunately due to COVID-19, all L.V.A.S. events are cancelled until
further notice.
Directions to many of the sites in this report can be found in the
area’s birding guidebook, “Birds of the Lehigh Valley and Vicinity”. A
completely revised, 2^nd edition of the book can be ordered at:
http://www.lvaudubon.org/shop/ .
NOW FOR THE BIRDS!
Sightings from BEAR SWAMP, Northampton County:
SUMMER TANAGER----1 on 5/15 (3^rd Northampton County record).
Sightings from EAST BANGOR DAM, Northampton County:
MARSH WREN----1 on 5/8 and 5/9.
Sightings from the MARTINS CREEK area, Northampton County:
SUMMER TANAGER----1 on 5/11 (2^nd Northampton County record).
Sightings from LEASER LAKE, Lehigh County:
Merlin----1 on 5/9 and 5/11 (fairly late date)
Winter Wren----1 on 5/15 (fairly late date).
Sightings from TREXLER NATURE PRESERVE, Lehigh County:
GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSH----1 on 5/11.
Sightings from UPPER MACUNGIE TOWNSHIP, Lehigh County:
Clay-colored Sparrow----1 on 5/10 (at private property near Lone Lane Park).
Sightings from LOWER MACUNGIE TOWNSHIP, Lehigh County:
WHITE-WINGED DOVE----1 on 5/13 and 5/14 (at private property near the
Shepherd Hills Golf Club).
Sightings from LAKE WARREN, Bucks County:
COMMON GALLINULE----1 from 5/10 to at least 5/15.
Sightings from PEACE VALLEY PARK, Bucks County:
RED-HEADED WOODPECKER----1 to at least 5/14
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker----1 on 5/13 (fairly late date)
Hi Frank and everyone.
I belong to the 2 Lebanon WhatsApp birding groups, and enjoy each message.
I spend a lot of time in Elk County, and am happy to be Administrator for the new WhatsApp group I’ve just set up for 9 counties on the western side of North Central PA … Cameron, Clarion, Clearfield, Elk, Forest, Jefferson, McKean, Venango and Warren. I’ve named it “PaWestNorCentrl RareBirds.” I’m also setting up “PaWestNorCentrl BirdChat.”
With these groups, birders can share their local sightings with other birders who spend time in this area. If you would like to join, download the WhatsApp app onto your phone, then send a text message to me at 717-964-2324. I will then add you to both groups. As an example, under Rare Birds, I would post a message that on Wednesday evening (May 13) I saw a Summer Tanager at the Windfall Laundromat in St. Mary’s, Elk County.
I hope to get overrun with requests from a bunch of you to be added. I’ve never done this before, but you will get added to both groups. Please be patient.
PaWestNorCentrl RareBirds
PaWestNorCentrl BirdChat
on WhatsApp app
Carol Light
cell 717-964-2324
<lightpc2...>
and <lightpc...>
From: Franklin Haas
Sent: Friday, May 15, 2020 2:17 PM
To: <PABIRDS...>
Subject: [PABIRDS] RFI: Rare Bird Alerts
There are an increasing number of County-based Rare Bird Alerts and chat
groups being created around the state.
I am updating the PSO website and would like to know what ones exist.
I already know about the following
Lancaster
Lebanon
Chester
Berks
If you run a chat group in any other county (or know who does) please
contact me with the following information:
Name of the group
Which app it uses (GroupMe, WhatsApp, etc.)
Contact information for the owner (administrator) of the group.
Thanks,
Frank
--
Frank Haas
Wisdom begins with putting the right name to a thing.
Observation start time: 09:00:00
Observation end time: 12:15:00
Total observation time: 3.25 hours
Official Counter: Jerry McWilliams
Observers: Jennifer Ferrick
Visitors:
Bonnie Ginader
Weather:
Variably cloudy in the morning becoming cloudy with rain showers in the
afternoon. A good SSW wind with mild temps.
Raptor Observations:
There was a decent flight of birds between early morning storms and
afternoon storms. Birds were moving through high and fast close to the
lake. BWs and TVs dominated the flight. We got enough Bald Eagles today
to break are all time season total.
Non-raptor Observations:
Great Blue Heron--1, Blue Jay--113, Ruby-throated Hummingbird--1, Eastern
Kingbird--3, Cliff Swallow--1, Rose-breasted Grosbeak--1, Indigo
Bunting--4, Baltimore Oriole--2, Bobolink--7. Several high flying small
Passerines, mostly warblers.
Predictions:
Mostly cloudy in the AM then becoming mostly sunny and mild, but the light
NE winds won't be good for a lakeshore hawkwatch.Jerry McWilliamsErie, Erie County, <Pa.jerrymcw...>
Date: 5/15/20 11:52 am From: Seth McComsey <0000002968f82554-dmarc-request...> Subject: Spring "Connecticut" Warblers in PA
Just some quick notes- Connecticut Warbler would be a rare spring migrant in Pennsylvania, so assume your gray-headed, eye-ringed warblers with yellow below are Nashville Warblers. Connecticut shows a deep hood like Mourning, without so much of a black bib, and walks on the ground like an Ovenbird except about 10 times more secretive. In Nashville, only the head is gray, the throat is yellow, and exhibits probing and hanging behavior. They can also be separated by song. So, if you're itching to report that spring Connecticut Warbler, audio/photo is absolutely crucial! Hope this helps!
Date: 5/15/20 11:02 am From: Bob Schutsky <info...> Subject: Free Birding Journals
Dear PABirders,
I have some birding journals that I am pleased to give away to anyone who wants them, at absolutely no charge. Even though they are dated from the 1970s into the 1990s, they never go out of date. They contain many entertaining articles and an abundance of useful information.
Please contact me if you are interested in any of them. We will arrange a date and time for you to pick them up. I will leave them outside on the picnic table for you. There will be no need to come into our house.
You may want to bring your binoculars and do a bit of birding along the Susquehanna River. I suggest stopping at the Peach Bottom Boat Launch, which is across the railroad tracks at the very end of Peach Bottom Road. I see many good birds from that location.
Here are the journals:
AMERICAN BIRDS, publication of the National Audubon Society, 1971-1992.
PENNSYLVANIA BIRDS, journal of the Pennsylvania Ornithological Society, 1987-1993.
WILSON BULLETIN, published by the Wilson Ornithological Society, 1976-1993.
SIALIA, Journal of the North American Bluebird Society, 1979-1991.
JOURNAL of FIELD ORNITHOLOGY (formerly BIRD BANDING), A Journal of Ornithological Investigation, 1981-1994.
BIRDING, published by the American Birding Association, 1984-1995.
AMERICAN BIRDING ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER, 1988-1994.
ORNITHOLOGICAL NEWSLETTER, 1990-1994.
WINGING IT, newsletter of the American Birding Association, 1988-1994.
And several issues of the following: MARYLAND BIRDLIFE BIRD WATCHING CASSINIA, Journal of the Delaware Valley Ornithological Club
I hope to hear from you soon!
Take care, BOB
BOB SCHUTSKY 216 Spring Lane Peach Bottom, PA USA 17563-4008
TEXT 717-572-0771 E-MAIL <info...> VOICE 717-548-3303
Date: 5/15/20 7:52 am From: Randy Stringer <0000014328ddae02-dmarc-request...> Subject: Northwest Pa Birding 5/14/20
Dear Birders, Conditions were right for a profitable day at Presque Isle and Shaner Road near Custards. Total warbler species: 27. Full report later. RC Stringer
Date: 5/15/20 6:33 am From: Daniel Weeks <daniel.e.weeks...> Subject: Warblers!! -- Frick Park -- May 15, 2020
The trees were full of birds this morning! Highlights include close views of Bay-breasted and Blackburnian Warblers and a male Black-throated Blue Warbler. A Black-billed Cuckoo landed briefly in a leafless tree. And the Swainson’s Thrushes have arrived.
Good birding,
Dan Weeks
Pittsburgh, Allegheny County.
Frick Park
May 15, 2020
07:30
Traveling
1.55 miles
90 Minutes
All birds reported? Yes
Comments: Birding by bicycle in the Riverview hill area near the Blue slide entrance of Frick Park, Pittsburgh, Allegheny County.
Submitted from eBird for iOS, version 2.0.13 Build 2.0.122
1 Black-billed Cuckoo -- FOY
1 Northern Flicker
1 Least Flycatcher
1 Blue-headed Vireo
3 Red-eyed Vireo -- FOY
4 Blue Jay
2 American Crow
1 Ruby-crowned Kinglet
1 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
1 Carolina Wren
2 Swainson's Thrush -- FOY
1 Wood Thrush
3 American Robin
1 Chipping Sparrow
1 Eastern Towhee
3 Baltimore Oriole
1 Common Grackle
1 Ovenbird
2 Tennessee Warbler
2 Nashville Warbler
1 American Redstart
1 Cape May Warbler
1 Northern Parula
2 Magnolia Warbler -- FOY
2 Bay-breasted Warbler -- FOY
2 Blackburnian Warbler -- Male
2 Yellow Warbler
1 Chestnut-sided Warbler
1 Black-throated Blue Warbler -- Male
1 Yellow-rumped Warbler
1 Black-throated Green Warbler
1 Scarlet Tanager -- FOY
3 Northern Cardinal
3 Rose-breasted Grosbeak
1 Indigo Bunting
Date: 5/14/20 6:19 pm From: Karyn Delaney <delaneykaryn...> Subject: Fwd: eBird Report - Moraine State Park, Barber's Point, May 14, 2020
Subject: Butler County - eBird Report - Moraine State Park, Barber's Point, May 14, 2020
I drove the North Shore Trail this afternoon, stopping at the pull outs and points. At Barber's Point, there was a FOY Golden-winged Warbler in a shrub by the bike trail along with a Blue-winged Warbler. I also heard a FOY Gray-cheeked Thrush along North Shore Road. List below is for Barber's Point.
Karyn Delaney "half the fun of birding is sharing"
Moraine State Park, Barber's Point, Butler, Pennsylvania, US May 14, 2020 3:16 PM - 4:00 PM Protocol: Traveling 1.0 mile(s) 18 species
Canada Goose 2 Double-crested Cormorant 1 Turkey Vulture 3 Blue-headed Vireo 1 Warbling Vireo 1 Tree Swallow 2 Gray Catbird 4 Northern Mockingbird 1 American Robin 3 Song Sparrow 4 Eastern Towhee 1 Baltimore Oriole 1 Golden-winged Warbler 1 Watched for 10 minutes. Gold wings and cap. Unmistakable. Blue-winged Warbler 1 Common Yellowthroat 1 Yellow Warbler 3 Yellow-rumped Warbler 1 Black-throated Green Warbler 1
Subject: Washington County - eBird Report - Hillman SP, May 13, 2020
Yesterday, we walked Colt Trail at Hillman State Park. Highlights were a FOY Black-throated Blue that was just off the trail and provided great looks for 10 minutes. While watching it, a Hooded Warbler came in and stayed for awhile too. We heard 10 Ovenbirds (saw 1) and there was a Great-crested Flycatcher at the beginning of the trail.
Karyn & Ray Delaney "half the fun of birding is sharing"
Hillman SP, Washington, Pennsylvania, US May 13, 2020 12:50 PM - 2:36 PM Protocol: Traveling 1.17 mile(s) 20 species
Wild Turkey 5 Great Blue Heron 1 Great Crested Flycatcher 1 Blue-headed Vireo 1 Blue Jay 6 American Crow 1 Tufted Titmouse 2 Red-breasted Nuthatch 2 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 2 Wood Thrush 1 American Robin 2 American Goldfinch 2 Chipping Sparrow 2 Eastern Towhee 7 Ovenbird 10 Hooded Warbler 5 Black-throated Blue Warbler 1 FOY, excellent looks, low shrub & tree base Black-throated Green Warbler 1 Scarlet Tanager 1 Northern Cardinal 4
Date: 5/14/20 4:31 pm From: Michael Fialkovich <0000012b4af48ab0-dmarc-request...> Subject: Westmoreland County YB Chat
Hi,
I heard a Yellow-breasted Chat singing at Sewickley Creek Wetlands in New Stanton today. I have never had one at this location. I hope it stays to set up a territory, the habitat looks suitable. It was close but impossible to see buried in the dense shrubs.
Date: 5/14/20 4:15 pm From: linda & bill franz <00000021c311e447-dmarc-request...> Subject: Orchard Oriole - Cumberland County
Very much enjoyed listening to the bright, warbling song ofan Orchard Oriole on the eastern end of the Cumberland Valley Rail Trail thismorning. The beautiful bird came by tosing quite often as I was working as a volunteer clearing brush along the trail. I would guess the trail provided a woodedgreenway through meadows that provided good habitat.
While beginning to trim alarge bush honeysuckle, I heard a sharp sound that made me abruptly step back. As I walked around the shrub I spotted aBrown Thrasher looking right at me. Afew feet away was its nest. I have neverheard a thrasher make that noise. The Sibleyfield guide describes it as a low, toneless growl. I would add the adjective fierce. I moved on to the next shrub some twentyfeet away. Later in the morning thethrasher was at the top of a nearby tree giving its doubled calls. I can only hope all was forgiven.Bill Franz / Newville
Date: 5/14/20 1:52 pm From: William Young <wayoung04...> Subject: Lancaster County Big Days
Good Afternoon Pennsylvania Birders,
Hope you are staying well. My name is William Young, and I am a 15 year old young birder from Lancaster. Yesterday, May 13th, my father and I completed a Lancaster County Big Day. After an excellent day of birding, we ended the undertaking with 139 species. Highlights include Trumpeter Swan, Yellow Crowned Night Heron, and Dickcissel.
I found that county Big Days are an tremendous way to quickly assimilate and lean about a region's avian life. Although one might not want this test of stamina to be a weekly ordeal, it certainly could yield interesting insights on a county's avian life if completed annually.
Date: 5/14/20 1:13 pm From: Barber, Patricia <patbarber...> Subject: be kind to nesting birds
The ease of getting high quality of sound recordings has made playback use much more common. It can be a useful tool. You might not be aware but playing bird vocalizations near nesting birds is a problem. As a member of the birding community and employee of the Pennsylvania Game Commission, I feel like I need to remind folks to avoid actions that may unintentionally harm the very birds we're going out of our way to see. To maintain healthy populations and protect our favorite past time we need to work as a team. Habitat loss and pollution aren't the only threats; make sure your actions aren't added to the list!
It's come to my attention that people are using playbacks near nests, especially nest of rare hard-to-find species. Under no circumstances should recordings for a species be played near their nest. It disturbs nesting birds, increasing stress and risk of predation while taking adults away from parental duties. The negative consequences of playbacks are magnified when dealing with rare and endangered species. Not only can disturbances increase nest failures, but it can push adults to abandon, and is against the law.
Thanks,
Patti
Patricia Barber
Endangered Species Biologist
Pennsylvania Game Commission
2001 Elmerton Avenue
Harrisburg, PA 17110-9797
717-303-4482
<patbarber...><mailto:<patbarber...>
Observation start time: 07:45:00
Observation end time: 12:30:00
Total observation time: 4.75 hours
Official Counter: Jerry McWilliams
Observers: Jennifer Ferrick, Russ States
Visitors:
Bonnie Ginader
Weather:
Mostly cloudy to variably cloudy in the morning then cloudy with rain
arriving at 1130 EST.
Raptor Observations:
Surprisingly few birds, and most were high, but remained along the
lakeshore. First immature BWs seen today.
Non-raptor Observations:
Highlight was a very distant Ibis, believed to be a Glossy or White-faced.
Too far to see details only general profile and flight behavior. It
circled a few times with shallow wing beats then it flew NE along the
lakeshore towards Presque Isle S.P. Other migrants included Common
Loon--2, Great Blue Heron--6, Blue Jay--15, Rose-breasted Grosbeak--3,
Eastern Bluebird--2, Ruby-throated Hummingbird--1, Eastern Kingbird--1,
Chestnut-sided Warbler--1, warbler species--12, Scarlet Tanager--1, Indigo
Bunting--1, Baltimore Oriole--3, Bobolink--4
Predictions:
Continued warm with south winds, but rain likely all day. A break in the
weather might produce some birds, but it doesn't look promising right now.Jerry McWilliamsErie, Erie County, <Pa.jerrymcw...>
Date: 5/14/20 5:45 am From: Moses Martin <00000164618c6282-dmarc-request...> Subject: Red-headed Woodpecker Columbia County
Looked out this morning at our feeder and there on the Black Gum was a Red-headed Woodpecker! Only the second time I've seen one in PA and definitely a first for a yard bird. Other feeder birds this week have been loads of Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, as many as six at a time and a male Baltimore Oriole. Had a nice eye level view of a Black-throated Blue Warbler last weekend, and looked out my front window Tuesday to see a Black-throated Green and Magnolia Warblers as well as a Northern Parula in the large oak tree out front. Had a probable Veery yesterday morning on our dog walk and a Brown Thrasher greeted us when we got back to the yard this morning. Been hearing Ovenbirds (about the only warbler I can hear) and Wood Thrushes every morning now.
Spring is great!
Moses MartinMillville, PA
Date: 5/13/20 6:12 pm From: Randy Stringer <0000014328ddae02-dmarc-request...> Subject: Wolfe Creek Narrows: Butler County
Dear Birders,
This under-birded location was productive this morning between 8 and 10 AM. Warblers were plentiful in the evergreens on the west slope of the creek. Sixty- four total species were found including a singing Winter Wren on territory.
Twenty (20) species of warblers were seen or heard including Kentucky, BT Blue, Pine and Magnolia.
Check out this site just west of Slippery Rock. Two Barred Owls called to each other.
Yellow-throated Warblers have nested here in previous years. At least five LA Waterthrushes were singing and a Broad-winged Hawk called from above the canopy:
Randy Stringer
Date: 5/13/20 1:26 pm From: David Gibson <20cabot...> Subject: Birds are about life and beauty
Hi all, I've put together another photo essay <https://birdpartner.com/2020/05/13/life-and-beauty/> and had a lot of fun doing it. The idea behind it was to cheer. Included is a fun story, a few recordings, and a few photo tips. Thank you for reading, and I welcome your thoughts. Dave Gibson https://birdpartner.com/
Date: 5/13/20 12:02 pm From: Rob Fergus <birdchaser...> Subject: Birding Club of Delaware County webinar tonight on Autralian Firehawks with Mark Bonta
Tonight at 7:30pm the Birding Club of Delaware County will have a club Zoom call featuring a presentation by Dr. Mark Bonta. You may have seen his research on hawks in Australia spreading fires, featured last year all over the media. Tonight we will hear all about it. If you would like to join our club tonight online, send me an email and I will send you the sign in info for the call.
Date: 5/13/20 6:06 am From: Daniel Weeks <daniel.e.weeks...> Subject: Blue-winged Warbler -- Frick Park -- May 13, 2020
Under a clear blue sky, birding in Frick Park this morning was good - several kinds of warblers, including a Blue-winged Warbler.
Good birding,
Dan Weeks
Pittsburgh, Allegheny County.
Frick Park
May 13, 2020
07:46
Traveling
1.80 miles
64 Minutes
All birds reported? Yes
Comments: Birding by bicycle in the Riverview hill area near the Blue slide entrance of Frick Park, Pittsburgh, Allegheny County.
Submitted from eBird for iOS, version 2.0.13 Build 2.0.122
1 Red-bellied Woodpecker
1 Least Flycatcher -- Calling
1 Blue-headed Vireo
2 Blue Jay
1 Tufted Titmouse
1 Ruby-crowned Kinglet
1 White-breasted Nuthatch
1 House Wren
4 Carolina Wren
3 Hermit Thrush -- Reddish tail, whitish eye ring, bold spots.
8 American Robin
3 House Sparrow
1 Chipping Sparrow
1 White-throated Sparrow
1 Song Sparrow
2 Eastern Towhee
1 Baltimore Oriole
1 Red-winged Blackbird
1 Brown-headed Cowbird
2 Common Grackle
1 Ovenbird
1 Blue-winged Warbler -- Seen
1 Black-and-white Warbler
1 Nashville Warbler
1 American Redstart -- FOY
2 Black-throated Green Warbler
7 Northern Cardinal
2 Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Date: 5/13/20 5:45 am From: Ron & Amy Burkert <raburkert...> Subject: Re: Allegheny County - Barking Slooes Yellow-breasted Chat
I meant East not South
Ron
Sent from my iPhone
> On May 13, 2020, at 8:44 AM, Ron & Amy Burkert <raburkert...> wrote:
>
> YBCH currently singing from brushy hillside S of power substation. Same area as 2019.
>
> Ron Burkert
> Oakmont
> Sent from my iPhone
Date: 5/12/20 5:56 pm From: Randy Stringer <0000014328ddae02-dmarc-request...> Subject: Mercer County, Tieline Road
Dear Birders,
This evening there were four Short-billed Dowitchers feeding on the east side of Tieline Road. It is the 11th species of shorebirds the Spring for this location.
RC Stringer
Date: 5/12/20 3:03 pm From: Alan Buriak <a_buriak...> Subject: Tundra Swan - Armstrong County
Hello all,
On my way home I figured I'd swing down by the river at Manorville, Armstrong County to see if I could catch a glimpse from the car of anything interesting, and saw about the last thing I expected, a lone Tundra Swan swimming near the far side. Seems very late for one.
Today over my lunch break I scoped Pymatuning Lake from the University of Pittsburgh's Pymatuning Lab of Ecology housing site, which was where we were working. I had about 100 small white terns (Common and Forster's) actively feeding over the lake. It's amazing to watch their acrobatics as they suddenly somersault in the air and dive down for fish. Imagine my delight to find one Black Tern feeding with the others. Although the terns were half a mile away, feeding beside the Linesville Marina, I could easily see the black body and darker wings of the Black Tern. It's the first Black Tern I've seen in the state. This could weather has brought the terns to a standstill in our area, I believe. Large numbers of Common and Forster's Terns have been reported from Edinboro Lake, Erie Co. and this Black Tern is the fifth one found that I know of in the last 3 days in Crawford and Erie Counties.
Date: 5/12/20 7:44 am From: Anne Annibali <anneanni...> Subject: Another New Yard Bird
A male scarlet tanager was a first-time visitor at the peanut-butter suet log this morning, joining the oriole flock that's still hanging around. We're seeing 5-6 male orioles & at least 2 females and they've starting courting behavior. Add in a rose breasted grosbeak pair passing through last week and around a dozen bluebirds who've become regulars this winter & spring, it's shaping up to be an incredible year of firsts. Can't wait to see what shows up next.
Anne Annibali
Mt. Gretna, Lebanon County
Date: 5/12/20 7:03 am From: Paul Heveran <birdmeister.paul...> Subject: Bluebird mortality, eagle parade, and more, upper Montgomery Co.
Hello PA Birders,
Migration has been going at a steady rate from my Pennsburg yard. Both migrants and locals have had a tough time with the weather, though.
Friday morning (5/8), much of Montgomery County (maybe the state?) experienced a great migrant fallout in light rain. I got out a bit later in the morning than I wanted to, but I had some success. Flyover migration was low, but I heard two new yard birds in Nashville Warbler and Yellow-throated Vireo. A real treat was an adult White-crowned Sparrow that ended up staying in the yard for three days.
Friday night must have been brutal for thousands of nestlings. Although I had a final exam at noon Saturday, I was informed that our four bluebird chicks did not make it. Saturday was anything but a "Big Day" for me. Between the exam and the cold, I submitted one measly eBird checklist to document an Eastern Kingbird that made a rare visit to the hollies, presumably for berries.
Several nice birds were heard and seen early Sunday morning. Blue-headed Vireo and Tennessee Warbler were both my second ever for the yard, and a male Common Yellowthroat landed just a few feet away to feed in the hollies. The local catbirds were willing to risk the mockingbird gauntlet to get at the hollies, too.
Sunday afternoon (Mothers' Day!) had a memorable raptor watch. Nearly the whole family sat outside, finding several eagles that I surely would have missed! Although I only counted 29 migrating raptors, 19 of them were Bald Eagles! The 21 total eagles for the day is probably a new high count for Montgomery, and a fine spring count anywhere. A few Turkey Vultures and Redtails passed through, as well as an Osprey, kestrel, and a moderately late harrier. Other FOYs included two migrating hummingbirds and a Cape May Warbler.
Yesterday (Monday) I had great anticipation for a morning flight, but the rain didn't clear until a bit too late. I did get a FOY Green Heron and a heard-only parula (new yard bird), but flyover action was fairly light. Main movers were Solitary Sandpiper (5) and Cedar Waxwing (35), with singles and pairs of other species.
Date: 5/11/20 2:48 pm From: DAVID SIEMINSKI <dksieminski...> Subject: Northampton County
This morning I observed at least 2 Eastern Meadowlarks in a field on Hower Road in Plainfield Township. It has been a few years that I have seen or heard them in this area a very pleasant surprise..
Kathy Sieminski Plainfield Township Northampton County Nazareth, PA
This morning there were a pair of Forster's Terns resting on a dock at Curwensville Lake. This afternoon 15-16 Common Terns were actively feeding at Bimini Lake.
Additionally, my parent's yard in Clear Run has become an aviary of sorts with the miserable weather. Their feeders are attracting several Baltimore Orioles, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Brown Thrashers, Eastern Towhees, and Carolina Wrens. This afternoon, I observed a Swainson's Thrush feeding in the grass along the edge of the yard.
Dan Richards
Treasure Lake
Date: 5/11/20 1:58 pm From: Ann Pettigrew <rook185...> Subject: Update on cormorant with fishing gear attached
I ran up to Gut Rd. this morning to look for the entangled cormorant. I could not find it so hard to know the outcome. Hard to imagine any good outcome though. I called the Game Commission yesterday but they did not have anyone working in York over the weekend. Wonder if the bird took the bait while someone was fishing and, if so, wouldn’t it be nice if fishermen who notice any diving birds in the water would hold off casting until the bird leaves? Or, move to another spot. Probably too much to ask of many of them.
Sorry for the sarcasm but I get so tired of seeing trash, including lines and hooks and bait boxes, left behind by fishermen. This is the third bird I have been involved with due to fishing hooks, lures, and lines and it is heartbreaking. The others were a great egret and a common loon. We humans need to be more considerate of our fellow creatures.
Ann C. Pettigrew, V.M.D.
York, PA
<rook185...>
www.pbase.com/rook185
“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.”
― Mahatma Gandhi
Date: 5/11/20 10:59 am From: jerry stanley <bhnsjerry...> Subject: Venango Co. 5/11
At Kahle Lake, 1 BLACK TERN, 5 COMMON TERN. At Justus Lake, 1 W W SCOTER, 9 LEAST SANDPIPER. In Franklin, 17 sterna sp. probably COMMON. At home 1 VEERY, 1 WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW.
Date: 5/11/20 10:03 am From: Scott Brookens <scottbrookens...> Subject: Re: Cormorant with fish hook and lure
The Game Commission is aware of this issue and will determine the best course of action. Thank you for your concern,
Scott Brookens
On Sat, May 9, 2020 at 14:09 Ann Pettigrew <rook185...> wrote:
> Can anyone think of anyone who would be able to try to net a cormorant > with a large hook and long oblong bobbin attached. It can swim. A boat > rescue would be needed. It is in the water along Gut Rd. in York County. > Thanks. Text me if you have any thoughts or suggestions. > > 717-880-8715 > > Ann C. Pettigrew, V.M.D. > York, PA > <rook185...> > > Sent from my iPhone
Date: 5/11/20 7:55 am From: Kendall Zook <kendallzook98...> Subject: Warblers in Lebanon and Dauphin Co.
Dave DeReamus mentioned in an earlier email about the unusual conditions created by the cold and wind on Sunday. Regina Brubaker and I were birding Saturday afternoon and had an active afternoon of warblering. Apparently the cold and wind kept the birds highly active throughout the afternoon. The warblers were moving fast and low to the ground. From an afternoon of birding in Lebanon and Dauphin Counties, we had 17 warbler species. Two highlights were a male Wilson's Warbler at Memorial Lake State Park, Lebanon Co. and a male Golden-winged Warbler at Roundtop in Dauphin Co.
Date: 5/11/20 2:00 am From: Kate StJohn <0000000f59b962a9-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Bluebirds, Allegheny Co.
Q: Why feed scrambled eggs to purple martins when it's cold?
A: Purple martins are aerial insectivores that eat *only* *flying* insects. When insects don't fly for a couple of days, the martins starve. There was a huge purple martin die-off during Hurricane Agnes in August 1972. It took 30 years for the martin population to recover.
Purple martin landlords used to be watch helplessly when this happened. Then during a cold spell in April 2000 Ken Kostka and Andy Troyer figured out an emergency feeding strategy: toss live crickets in the air. At first the purple martins idly watched the airborne objects. Then they recognized the crickets as insects and made the connection “flying+insects”=food. ... After the martins learned about crickets some landlords switched to eggs (faster and easier supply). Read the details & see two videos on supplemental feeding for purple martins at this link.
Date: 5/10/20 10:13 pm From: Dave DeReamus <becard...> Subject: Landbirds at low levels on Sunday, Northampton County
Hi all,
Sunday morning's temperatures in the low 30's and moderate winds created
one of those rare landbird migration days where the insect-eating birds
were forced low to the ground to find food. While the number of species
wasn't impressive, I had Blackburnian and Chestnut-sided Warbler among
the many Yellow-rumpeds, and Blue-headed and Red-eyed Vireo all at
eye-level, and a Scarlet Tanager was seen hopping around on the ground.
While kneeling to get photos of the tanager, it hopped towards me and
came within 18 inches as it hopped by and continued on behind me,
totally unconcerned with my presence! Photos can be found on my day's
checklist:
https://ebird.org/checklist/S68846447
Observation start time: 07:30:00 Observation end time: 12:00:00 Total observation time: 4.5 hours
Official Counter: Jerry McWilliams
Observers: Bernie O Connor, Julie Leonard, Russ States
Visitors: Carolyn Sturtevant
Weather: Mostly cloudy with SW wind becoming WSW by 1300 hrs. EST then rain.
Raptor Observations: Even though there was cloud cover birds were coming in high and were not spotted until they were directly overhead. With the SW wind the few birds detected were near the lake shore.
Non-raptor Observations: Great Blue Heron--3, Blue Jay--153, Baltimore Oriole--1, American Goldfinch--5
Predictions: Cloudy and much colder with a mix of snow and rain becoming all rain by PM. West wind. Looks like another lost day.Jerry McWilliamsErie, Erie County, <Pa.jerrymcw...>
Date: 5/10/20 9:59 am From: Lisa Dziuban <dziubanlisa...> Subject: Rose-Breasted Grosbeak- Plumstead Twp., Bucks Co.
Had my first ever female Rose-Breasted Grosbeak at one of my suet feeders today. I had just refilled the feeder. After it flew off a Hairy Woodpecker flew in.
Catbirds nesting in an adjacent boxwood.
Date: 5/10/20 9:19 am From: Ian Gardner <gardnie07...> Subject: Re: Bluebirds, Allegheny Co.
Alan, that sounds wonderful. I applaud your efforts. I have helped with
many invasive plant removal projects myself. If you re-read what I wrote,
I’m not deriding anyone for acting (“doing”) with good knowledge and
intention, in fact I said it’s a “noble pursuit”. And you’re correct, I
have no knowledge of Ken Kostka or his work. I was honestly hoping to start
this conversation to learn more, because that initial post sounds so
bizarre to me. So I decided to google him and I found a Purple Martin
Alliance blog post authored by Ken Kostka (
https://purplemartinblog.wordpress.com/) in which he advocates flinging
CRICKETS into the air to train Purple Martins to accept food from humans
during cold snaps. He states that this supplemental feeding does indeed
improve Martin survival. THEN he decided to start feeding them
microwave-cooked scrambled eggs because it was a cheaper alternative to
crickets. My question is WHY? Just simply for financial reasons? Sounds
like something written in a Purple Martin brochure from the 1950s.
Ian Gardner,
Harrisburg, PA
On Sun, May 10, 2020 at 11:49 AM Alan Buriak <a_buriak...> wrote:
> Ian,
>
> Ken Kostka has done far more for Purple Martins in this country than you
> apparently are aware of. He is not some dope that is seeking entertainment
> for himself by flinging eggs in the air. You may want to change your tone.
>
> And as far as planting native plants, I couldn't agree more. I just got
> finished removing almost 900 autumn olive trees from an area of our
> property and am now looking at how to CREATE a more natural habitat. I
> emphasize the word create, because, in my opinion, yourself and others
> place great emphasis on removing ourselves and our human impact from
> nature. In general this sounds nice, and it would have been effective if
> we could press the rewind button about 400 years, however for all those
> seeking a practical solution to the environmental problems of today, I
> think it's far more effective to take an approach that involves humanity's
> good stewardship and MANAGEMENT of the natural world. I dont think that
> most of us are interested in seeing the human race disappear from this
> planet, so we better find a way to have it both ways. Furthermore, you
> emphasize native plants, but what is too often not acknowledged is that
> things are far enough along currently in the year 2020 that if we simply
> suddenly took a hands off approach to conservation, many or most natural
> spaces would be overrun by invasive species, even more than they already
> are! This is exactly what happened on my farm over the last 15 years and
> is exactly what would happen in many areas. We can argue all day that this
> was the fault of past human activities, fine, but we are where we are, so
> we better find a way to deal with it. I for one firmly believe that there
> is a way to coexist and for humans to assume a role of steward, whether it
> be feeding Purple Martins so that they survive a bad weather spell (there
> is plenty of evidence that they dont often survive these events), building
> nest boxes as Jerry does so well, or actively managing habitat by removing
> invasives and planting native species. Your message seems inconsistent in
> that regard. All of those activities are "Doing" things for wildlife.
> Just my thoughts.
>
> Alan Buriak
> Armstrong County
>
>
>
> Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
>
>
>
> -------- Original message --------
> From: Ian Gardner <gardnie07...>
> Date: 5/10/20 10:30 AM (GMT-05:00)
> To: <PABIRDS...>
> Subject: Re: [PABIRDS] Bluebirds, Allegheny Co.
>
> Wait, what? Somebody is feeding scrambled chicken eggs to Purple Martins?
> Why? Is there any evidence that helps the birds or their chicks survive
> during cold snaps? Was there ever a thought to feed them mealworms or other
> insects that they should actually be eating? They are insectivorous after
> all. I know there are plenty of birds that eat eggs. Blue Jays are
> notorious nest robbers. But this just seems beyond necessary.
>
> And Jerry, “DOING” something for nature, beyond just expressing sentiment
> is a noble pursuit, but I find it’s wiser to plant native plants, stop
> using fertilizer and pesticides on lawns, and overall limit our negative
> impact on the environment, rather than feeding cooked chicken eggs to
> another bird. That being said, these are birds that are artificially
> supported by humans through the construction of nest boxes. Natural
> cavities could never support the number of birds that exist present day. So
> go ahead and provide food if you desire the entertainment, but please
> consider attempting to make it as natural as possible. I think these birds
> are hardier than we assume and can make a more instinctual adaptation to
> stochastic adverse conditions.
>
> Ian Gardner,
> Harrisburg, PA
>
> On Sat, May 9, 2020 at 6:27 PM jerry Kruth <
> <00000005ead0dac6-dmarc-request...> wrote:
>
> > Dave,
> > A big, public 'Thank you," to great folks like you and your buddy Ken,
> who
> > actually "DO" something to help nature. There aren't many, but you do
> much
> > and it makes a difference.
> >
> > jk
> >
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Dave Brooke <davbrooke...>
> > To: <PABIRDS...>
> > Sent: Sat, May 9, 2020 2:54 pm
> > Subject: [PABIRDS] Bluebirds, Allegheny Co.
> >
> > These freezing temperatures are going to have a terrible impact on
> nesting
> > birds I'm afraid.
> > I just got back from checking our Bluebird boxes at Harrison Hills Park
> > where 2 of the 6 boxes I cover had Bluebird nests. The first one with 5
> > eggs was abandoned, last week mom was incubating, but today no adults
> were
> > to be seen anywhere. The second had chicks that would be around 10-12
> days
> > old, but all were dead.
> > Out of the 28 boxes in the park, 15 had bluebird nest, 24 eggs, and 18
> > nestlings. as of last weekend. I'm fearful we may loose all of them.
> >
> > These bluebirds often produce a second nesting in the summer so they'll
> > probably go back to work next week to start over again.
> >
> > On a more hopeful note. The Purple Martin colony which has 50+ birds in
> it
> > are doing OK but only because of the efforts of Ken Kostka, our local
> > Martin expert. He feeds them scrambled eggs everyday during weather like
> > this. He developed a technique of shooting crumbled scrambled eggs up in
> > the air using a plastic spoon where the martins learn to catch them and
> eat
> > them. After they all start to catch on, he puts a pile of eggs in a tray
> > feeder where they can continue to feed. This gives the martins enough
> > protein to survive until the insects start flying again.
> >
> > --
> > Dave Brooke
> > DDB Photography <https://www.flickr.com/photos/ddbphoto/albums> > >
>
Date: 5/10/20 8:49 am From: Alan Buriak <a_buriak...> Subject: Re: Bluebirds, Allegheny Co.
Ian,
Ken Kostka has done far more for Purple Martins in this country than you apparently are aware of. He is not some dope that is seeking entertainment for himself by flinging eggs in the air. You may want to change your tone.
And as far as planting native plants, I couldn't agree more. I just got finished removing almost 900 autumn olive trees from an area of our property and am now looking at how to CREATE a more natural habitat. I emphasize the word create, because, in my opinion, yourself and others place great emphasis on removing ourselves and our human impact from nature. In general this sounds nice, and it would have been effective if we could press the rewind button about 400 years, however for all those seeking a practical solution to the environmental problems of today, I think it's far more effective to take an approach that involves humanity's good stewardship and MANAGEMENT of the natural world. I dont think that most of us are interested in seeing the human race disappear from this planet, so we better find a way to have it both ways. Furthermore, you emphasize native plants, but what is too often not acknowledged is that things are far enough along currently in the year 2020 that if we simply suddenly took a hands off approach to conservation, many or most natural spaces would be overrun by invasive species, even more than they already are! This is exactly what happened on my farm over the last 15 years and is exactly what would happen in many areas. We can argue all day that this was the fault of past human activities, fine, but we are where we are, so we better find a way to deal with it. I for one firmly believe that there is a way to coexist and for humans to assume a role of steward, whether it be feeding Purple Martins so that they survive a bad weather spell (there is plenty of evidence that they dont often survive these events), building nest boxes as Jerry does so well, or actively managing habitat by removing invasives and planting native species. Your message seems inconsistent in that regard. All of those activities are "Doing" things for wildlife. Just my thoughts.
Alan Buriak
Armstrong County
Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
-------- Original message --------
From: Ian Gardner <gardnie07...>
Date: 5/10/20 10:30 AM (GMT-05:00)
To: <PABIRDS...>
Subject: Re: [PABIRDS] Bluebirds, Allegheny Co.
Wait, what? Somebody is feeding scrambled chicken eggs to Purple Martins?
Why? Is there any evidence that helps the birds or their chicks survive
during cold snaps? Was there ever a thought to feed them mealworms or other
insects that they should actually be eating? They are insectivorous after
all. I know there are plenty of birds that eat eggs. Blue Jays are
notorious nest robbers. But this just seems beyond necessary.
And Jerry, DOING something for nature, beyond just expressing sentiment
is a noble pursuit, but I find its wiser to plant native plants, stop
using fertilizer and pesticides on lawns, and overall limit our negative
impact on the environment, rather than feeding cooked chicken eggs to
another bird. That being said, these are birds that are artificially
supported by humans through the construction of nest boxes. Natural
cavities could never support the number of birds that exist present day. So
go ahead and provide food if you desire the entertainment, but please
consider attempting to make it as natural as possible. I think these birds
are hardier than we assume and can make a more instinctual adaptation to
stochastic adverse conditions.
Ian Gardner,
Harrisburg, PA
On Sat, May 9, 2020 at 6:27 PM jerry Kruth <
<00000005ead0dac6-dmarc-request...> wrote:
> Dave,
> A big, public 'Thank you," to great folks like you and your buddy Ken, who
> actually "DO" something to help nature. There aren't many, but you do much
> and it makes a difference.
>
> jk
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Dave Brooke <davbrooke...>
> To: <PABIRDS...>
> Sent: Sat, May 9, 2020 2:54 pm
> Subject: [PABIRDS] Bluebirds, Allegheny Co.
>
> These freezing temperatures are going to have a terrible impact on nesting
> birds I'm afraid.
> I just got back from checking our Bluebird boxes at Harrison Hills Park
> where 2 of the 6 boxes I cover had Bluebird nests. The first one with 5
> eggs was abandoned, last week mom was incubating, but today no adults were
> to be seen anywhere. The second had chicks that would be around 10-12 days
> old, but all were dead.
> Out of the 28 boxes in the park, 15 had bluebird nest, 24 eggs, and 18
> nestlings. as of last weekend. I'm fearful we may loose all of them.
>
> These bluebirds often produce a second nesting in the summer so they'll
> probably go back to work next week to start over again.
>
> On a more hopeful note. The Purple Martin colony which has 50+ birds in it
> are doing OK but only because of the efforts of Ken Kostka, our local
> Martin expert. He feeds them scrambled eggs everyday during weather like
> this. He developed a technique of shooting crumbled scrambled eggs up in
> the air using a plastic spoon where the martins learn to catch them and eat
> them. After they all start to catch on, he puts a pile of eggs in a tray
> feeder where they can continue to feed. This gives the martins enough
> protein to survive until the insects start flying again.
>
> --
> Dave Brooke
> DDB Photography <https://www.flickr.com/photos/ddbphoto/albums> >
Date: 5/10/20 7:48 am From: Laura & Mike Jackson <jacksonlaura73...> Subject: Global Big Day Report Bedford Co. Jackson Property
Hi folks,
I never tried combining all my Global Big Day eBird checklists before, so wanted to see if I could - and I did. That told us we recorded a total of 50 species.
Thanks to Vern G. for telling me that this was possible in eBird.
Now I’m hoping I can post a copy on PABirds just to show what we saw on our mostly wooded property on the lower flanks of Tussey Mtn. in Bedford Co. south of Everett.
We birded from 6:10 am to around noon.
May 9 was unbelievably cold when we started birding at 6:10 am; it was only 28°F. The sun soon gave way to clouds and then even snow. What’s worse it got really windy.
Those weather conditions dampened our enthusiasm for any afternoon birding. We missed many common species, since so many birds were hunkered down and not singing.
The previous night, on May 8, we heard a FOY whip-poor-will, but no luck on May 9. However, we did record and photograph a new species for our property: a Least Flycatcher!
Also, due to the pandemic, we only birded our property, which really reduced our species count.
This year’s Global Big Day was so different in many ways compared to other years. Let’s hope that 2021 brings warmer weather and no travel restrictions.
Laura and Mike Jackson
Bedford County south of Everett
lower flanks of Tussey Mountain
9-May
Species Name Species Count
Wood Duck 5
Wild Turkey 3
Mourning Dove 15
Ruby-throated Hummingbird 3
Turkey Vulture 8
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Barred Owl 2
Red-bellied Woodpecker 6
Downy Woodpecker 2
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Pileated Woodpecker 4
Northern Flicker 1
Least Flycatcher 1
Eastern Phoebe 5
Blue Jay 19
American Crow 4
Common Raven 2
Black-capped Chickadee 5
Tufted Titmouse 4
Tree Swallow 2
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 3
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 8
Winter Wren 1
Gray Catbird 4
Brown Thrasher 3
Eastern Bluebird 1
Wood Thrush 5
American Robin 6
House Sparrow 2
House Finch 4
American Goldfinch 9
Chipping Sparrow 4
White-throated Sparrow 6
Song Sparrow 4
Eastern Towhee 12
Baltimore Oriole 8
Brown-headed Cowbird 7
Common Grackle 3
Ovenbird 6
Worm-eating Warbler 1
Kentucky Warbler 1
Hooded Warbler 1
Northern Parula 1
Chestnut-sided Warbler 1
Black-throated Green Warbler 2
Scarlet Tanager 1
Northern Cardinal 13
Rose-breasted Grosbeak 15
Indigo Bunting 9
Date: 5/10/20 7:30 am From: Ian Gardner <gardnie07...> Subject: Re: Bluebirds, Allegheny Co.
Wait, what? Somebody is feeding scrambled chicken eggs to Purple Martins?
Why? Is there any evidence that helps the birds or their chicks survive
during cold snaps? Was there ever a thought to feed them mealworms or other
insects that they should actually be eating? They are insectivorous after
all. I know there are plenty of birds that eat eggs. Blue Jays are
notorious nest robbers. But this just seems beyond necessary.
And Jerry, “DOING” something for nature, beyond just expressing sentiment
is a noble pursuit, but I find it’s wiser to plant native plants, stop
using fertilizer and pesticides on lawns, and overall limit our negative
impact on the environment, rather than feeding cooked chicken eggs to
another bird. That being said, these are birds that are artificially
supported by humans through the construction of nest boxes. Natural
cavities could never support the number of birds that exist present day. So
go ahead and provide food if you desire the entertainment, but please
consider attempting to make it as natural as possible. I think these birds
are hardier than we assume and can make a more instinctual adaptation to
stochastic adverse conditions.
Ian Gardner,
Harrisburg, PA
On Sat, May 9, 2020 at 6:27 PM jerry Kruth <
<00000005ead0dac6-dmarc-request...> wrote:
> Dave,
> A big, public 'Thank you," to great folks like you and your buddy Ken, who
> actually "DO" something to help nature. There aren't many, but you do much
> and it makes a difference.
>
> jk
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Dave Brooke <davbrooke...>
> To: <PABIRDS...>
> Sent: Sat, May 9, 2020 2:54 pm
> Subject: [PABIRDS] Bluebirds, Allegheny Co.
>
> These freezing temperatures are going to have a terrible impact on nesting
> birds I'm afraid.
> I just got back from checking our Bluebird boxes at Harrison Hills Park
> where 2 of the 6 boxes I cover had Bluebird nests. The first one with 5
> eggs was abandoned, last week mom was incubating, but today no adults were
> to be seen anywhere. The second had chicks that would be around 10-12 days
> old, but all were dead.
> Out of the 28 boxes in the park, 15 had bluebird nest, 24 eggs, and 18
> nestlings. as of last weekend. I'm fearful we may loose all of them.
>
> These bluebirds often produce a second nesting in the summer so they'll
> probably go back to work next week to start over again.
>
> On a more hopeful note. The Purple Martin colony which has 50+ birds in it
> are doing OK but only because of the efforts of Ken Kostka, our local
> Martin expert. He feeds them scrambled eggs everyday during weather like
> this. He developed a technique of shooting crumbled scrambled eggs up in
> the air using a plastic spoon where the martins learn to catch them and eat
> them. After they all start to catch on, he puts a pile of eggs in a tray
> feeder where they can continue to feed. This gives the martins enough
> protein to survive until the insects start flying again.
>
> --
> Dave Brooke
> DDB Photography <https://www.flickr.com/photos/ddbphoto/albums> >
Date: 5/10/20 7:28 am From: Lauren Conkle <chickadee54...> Subject: Red-headed Woodpeckers in E. Washington and Washington Park
Yesterday, my friend Roy Ickes (Roy is a retired biology professor who lives in Washington) had a tip about a red-headed woodpecker sighting in East Washington on 5/8/20. A lady on Christman Avenue took a picture of a red-headed woodpecker perched on her back porch and posted it on facebook. Roy's wife happens to be a facebook friend with this lady, so she showed the picture to Roy and it was indeed a red-headed. Since Roy and I were planning to bird Washington Park the next day (5/9/20), we stopped by the house where the picture had been taken. There is a playground behind the house, so we looked for the bird there and there it was!
Then we went to Washington Park to do our birding there and right at the beginning of the trail was none other than another red-headed woodpecker. This was about a mile away from the sighting we just had in East Washington, so we don't think it was the same bird. We have never seen this species at Washington Park before, so seeing one there and one in town on the same day is most amazing. We were hardly more surprised when a blast of winter weather came and cut short our birding for the day. Some of the other birds we saw while birding the park were black-and-white warbler, magnolia warbler, Nashville warbler, American redstart and a very nice eye level view of a colorful great crested flycatcher.
Date: 5/10/20 6:29 am From: jerry Kruth <00000005ead0dac6-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Jelly feeder question
enjoy the catbirds with the lemonade. add an orange for dessert
jk
-----Original Message-----
From: Dean Newhouse <dean.newhouse...>
To: <PABIRDS...>
Sent: Sun, May 10, 2020 6:18 am
Subject: Re: [PABIRDS] Jelly feeder question
I heard an Oriole singing in the trees, so I put an orange out by our
feeders hoping to draw it down for a view. Instead, several Catbirds
devoured it within a couple hours.
On Sun, May 10, 2020, 8:00 AM <kvanfleet...> <kvanfleet...> wrote:
> I've found that cutting oranges in half and setting them out also does
> the trick. Plus, the oranges don't contain the processed sugar
> (although I doubt the orioles know the difference). Over this past
> week we've had up to 8 orioles at the same time voraciously feeding on
> the orange halves. They're also doing a number on our suet feeders.
>
> Kim
>
> Shermans Dal, PA
> Perry County
>
> Quoting Sally Zaino <szaino...>:
>
> > Hi everyone,
> >
> > This is the second year we have put up a jelly feeder. Last year the
> > orioles found it, and we had a few visiting it throughout the
> > summer, as we definitely have some nesting here every year. We put
> > it up this year as soon as we saw our first oriole, and now we have
> > so many orioles visiting it that we have had to decide to refill it
> > only once per day, as they go through it within hours. We have
> > counted as many as 9 at once, and believe that we have at least 15
> > or more visiting off and on. They also visit the suet, but It is the
> > jelly that is being mobbed. It?s like kids around a candy jar. And
> > that has made me wonder: is this healthy for them? Are we disrupting
> > either their diet or their migration pattern? Should they, like
> > children, not eat so much sugar and fat? We really enjoy seeing
> > them, it?s incredible to be awakened by oriole song, but we want
> > them to be healthy, and also worry that they might become dependent
> > on us. Is there any science on this? Opinions?
> >
> > Thank you,
> >
> > Sally Zaino
> > Hummelstown PA.
>
Date: 5/10/20 5:18 am From: Dean Newhouse <dean.newhouse...> Subject: Re: Jelly feeder question
I heard an Oriole singing in the trees, so I put an orange out by our feeders hoping to draw it down for a view. Instead, several Catbirds devoured it within a couple hours.
On Sun, May 10, 2020, 8:00 AM <kvanfleet...> <kvanfleet...> wrote:
> I've found that cutting oranges in half and setting them out also does > the trick. Plus, the oranges don't contain the processed sugar > (although I doubt the orioles know the difference). Over this past > week we've had up to 8 orioles at the same time voraciously feeding on > the orange halves. They're also doing a number on our suet feeders. > > Kim > > Shermans Dal, PA > Perry County > > Quoting Sally Zaino <szaino...>: > > > Hi everyone, > > > > This is the second year we have put up a jelly feeder. Last year the > > orioles found it, and we had a few visiting it throughout the > > summer, as we definitely have some nesting here every year. We put > > it up this year as soon as we saw our first oriole, and now we have > > so many orioles visiting it that we have had to decide to refill it > > only once per day, as they go through it within hours. We have > > counted as many as 9 at once, and believe that we have at least 15 > > or more visiting off and on. They also visit the suet, but It is the > > jelly that is being mobbed. It?s like kids around a candy jar. And > > that has made me wonder: is this healthy for them? Are we disrupting > > either their diet or their migration pattern? Should they, like > > children, not eat so much sugar and fat? We really enjoy seeing > > them, it?s incredible to be awakened by oriole song, but we want > > them to be healthy, and also worry that they might become dependent > > on us. Is there any science on this? Opinions? > > > > Thank you, > > > > Sally Zaino > > Hummelstown PA. >
I've found that cutting oranges in half and setting them out also does the trick. Plus, the oranges don't contain the processed sugar (although I doubt the orioles know the difference). Over this past week we've had up to 8 orioles at the same time voraciously feeding on the orange halves. They're also doing a number on our suet feeders.
Kim
Shermans Dal, PA Perry County
Quoting Sally Zaino <szaino...>:
> Hi everyone, > > This is the second year we have put up a jelly feeder. Last year the > orioles found it, and we had a few visiting it throughout the > summer, as we definitely have some nesting here every year. We put > it up this year as soon as we saw our first oriole, and now we have > so many orioles visiting it that we have had to decide to refill it > only once per day, as they go through it within hours. We have > counted as many as 9 at once, and believe that we have at least 15 > or more visiting off and on. They also visit the suet, but It is the > jelly that is being mobbed. It?s like kids around a candy jar. And > that has made me wonder: is this healthy for them? Are we disrupting > either their diet or their migration pattern? Should they, like > children, not eat so much sugar and fat? We really enjoy seeing > them, it?s incredible to be awakened by oriole song, but we want > them to be healthy, and also worry that they might become dependent > on us. Is there any science on this? Opinions? > > Thank you, > > Sally Zaino > Hummelstown PA.
Dave,
A big, public 'Thank you," to great folks like you and your buddy Ken, who actually "DO" something to help nature. There aren't many, but you do much and it makes a difference.
jk
-----Original Message-----
From: Dave Brooke <davbrooke...>
To: <PABIRDS...>
Sent: Sat, May 9, 2020 2:54 pm
Subject: [PABIRDS] Bluebirds, Allegheny Co.
These freezing temperatures are going to have a terrible impact on nesting
birds I'm afraid.
I just got back from checking our Bluebird boxes at Harrison Hills Park
where 2 of the 6 boxes I cover had Bluebird nests. The first one with 5
eggs was abandoned, last week mom was incubating, but today no adults were
to be seen anywhere. The second had chicks that would be around 10-12 days
old, but all were dead.
Out of the 28 boxes in the park, 15 had bluebird nest, 24 eggs, and 18
nestlings. as of last weekend. I'm fearful we may loose all of them.
These bluebirds often produce a second nesting in the summer so they'll
probably go back to work next week to start over again.
On a more hopeful note. The Purple Martin colony which has 50+ birds in it
are doing OK but only because of the efforts of Ken Kostka, our local
Martin expert. He feeds them scrambled eggs everyday during weather like
this. He developed a technique of shooting crumbled scrambled eggs up in
the air using a plastic spoon where the martins learn to catch them and eat
them. After they all start to catch on, he puts a pile of eggs in a tray
feeder where they can continue to feed. This gives the martins enough
protein to survive until the insects start flying again.
These freezing temperatures are going to have a terrible impact on nesting birds I'm afraid. I just got back from checking our Bluebird boxes at Harrison Hills Park where 2 of the 6 boxes I cover had Bluebird nests. The first one with 5 eggs was abandoned, last week mom was incubating, but today no adults were to be seen anywhere. The second had chicks that would be around 10-12 days old, but all were dead. Out of the 28 boxes in the park, 15 had bluebird nest, 24 eggs, and 18 nestlings. as of last weekend. I'm fearful we may loose all of them.
These bluebirds often produce a second nesting in the summer so they'll probably go back to work next week to start over again.
On a more hopeful note. The Purple Martin colony which has 50+ birds in it are doing OK but only because of the efforts of Ken Kostka, our local Martin expert. He feeds them scrambled eggs everyday during weather like this. He developed a technique of shooting crumbled scrambled eggs up in the air using a plastic spoon where the martins learn to catch them and eat them. After they all start to catch on, he puts a pile of eggs in a tray feeder where they can continue to feed. This gives the martins enough protein to survive until the insects start flying again.
Date: 5/9/20 1:28 pm From: tom and sheri <troberts2459...> Subject: Re: Swallows - York County
Yesterday later afternoon and all day today I have not observed any swallows. We have perhaps a dozen pairs (barn) in the barn and perhaps three pairs ( tree) in the back orchard. I purposely did not go through the barn to wildly expect for animals potentially disturbing them assuming they might be in a stupor.
Wondering how they - and other early nesters - like robins, song sparrow, grackles, etc. will fair.
A pair of song sparrows nesting - I believe - near the house .... haven’t seen them today.
Tom Roberts
Somerset County
-----Original Message-----
From: Bird discussion list for Pennsylvania [mailto:<PABIRDS...>] On Behalf Of Ann Pettigrew
Sent: Saturday, May 9, 2020 10:45 AM
To: <PABIRDS...>
Subject: [PABIRDS] Swallows - York County
Just witnessed one of the most heartbreaking things I have ever seen. I came across Hess Farm Rd. which crosses over Lake redman and watched one after another swallow getting hit by cars. Trees, barn and rough-wings. I assume they are trying to warm up on the macadam as it is in the 30’s. Some never made it into the air. Humans...
Date: 5/9/20 11:09 am From: Ann Pettigrew <rook185...> Subject: Cormorant with fish hook and lure
Can anyone think of anyone who would be able to try to net a cormorant with a large hook and long oblong bobbin attached. It can swim. A boat rescue would be needed. It is in the water along Gut Rd. in York County. Thanks. Text me if you have any thoughts or suggestions.
Date: 5/9/20 9:56 am From: Douglas Filler <0000012c09e09177-dmarc-request...> Subject: Silver Lake in Bucks co
The following were seen on the morning bird walk from the Sliver Lake Nature Center located in Bristol Pa.
Lots of warblers still around. Great look at an eye level Black Throated Green warbler.
Silver Lake Park/Nature Center, Bucks, Pennsylvania, US
Date: 5/9/20 7:45 am From: Ann Pettigrew <rook185...> Subject: Swallows - York County
Just witnessed one of the most heartbreaking things I have ever seen. I came across Hess Farm Rd. which crosses over Lake redman and watched one after another swallow getting hit by cars. Trees, barn and rough-wings. I assume they are trying to warm up on the macadam as it is in the 30’s. Some never made it into the air. Humans...
Thanks for the comments. I also saw on the FaceBook photo page that people are feeding jelly, and a comment to avoid high-fructose corn syrup. So what we have done now is to stop the jelly and switch out to orange halves. The suet is still there as well. The number of orioles has not decreased, they are now mobbing the orange, and still paying a lot of attention to the suet. It seems like at least the oranges would be a more natural food for them.
Sally Zaino
> Begin forwarded message:
>
> From: Rudy Keller <rckeller...>
> Subject: Re: [PABIRDS] Jelly feeder question
> Date: May 8, 2020 at 8:37:01 PM EDT
> To: <PABIRDS...>
> Reply-To: Rudy Keller <rckeller...>
>
> Orioles feed a lot on nectar on their tropical wintering grounds. I recall
> seeing flocks of Orchard Orioles stained with pollen in flowering trees in
> Central America in winter. They probably also eat sugary fruit in winter.
> Don't you think this accounts for their taste for sugar from jelly or citrus
> when they arrive depleted in spring from long migratory flights? It's a
> quick energy fix. If we give refined sugar to our hummers, why not to the
> orioles? I don't see the harm in it. They move on to more natural foods when
> they can. Middle class Americans have come to regard refined sugar as bad
> junk food because it rots our teeth, makes us fat or diabetic or you name
> it. Birds don't make such judgments. They eat what they need or what's
> available.
> Rudy Keller
> Berks County
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Sally Zaino
> Sent: Friday, May 8, 2020 3:28 PM
> To: <PABIRDS...>
> Subject: [PABIRDS] Jelly feeder question
>
> Hi everyone,
>
> This is the second year we have put up a jelly feeder. Last year the orioles
> found it, and we had a few visiting it throughout the summer, as we
> definitely have some nesting here every year. We put it up this year as soon
> as we saw our first oriole, and now we have so many orioles visiting it that
> we have had to decide to refill it only once per day, as they go through it
> within hours. We have counted as many as 9 at once, and believe that we have
> at least 15 or more visiting off and on. They also visit the suet, but It is
> the jelly that is being mobbed. It’s like kids around a candy jar. And that
> has made me wonder: is this healthy for them? Are we disrupting either their
> diet or their migration pattern? Should they, like children, not eat so much
> sugar and fat? We really enjoy seeing them, it’s incredible to be awakened
> by oriole song, but we want them to be healthy, and also worry that they
> might become dependent on us. Is there any science on this? Opinions?
>
> Thank you,
>
> Sally Zaino
> Hummelstown PA. =
Date: 5/8/20 7:06 pm From: Dave DeReamus <becard...> Subject: Eastern PA Birdline: 5/8/2020
- RBA
* Pennsylvania
* Lehigh / Northampton Counties and Vicinity
* May 8, 2020
* PAEA2005.08
- Birds mentioned
GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER
ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER
MARSH WREN
BLUE GROSBEAK
PHILADELPHIA VIREO
RED-HEADED WOODPECKER
GLOSSY IBIS
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON
“Brewster’s” Warbler
PROTHONOTARY WARBLER
- Transcript
Hotline: Eastern PA Birdline
Date: May 8^th at 10:00 PM
To Report by E-Mail: Send to <_becard...>
<mailto:<becard...>_with “Birdline” in subject heading.
Compiler: Dave DeReamus
My reporting area includes all of Lehigh and Northampton Counties with
the northern edge of the area reaching Beltzville State Park and the
southern edge reaching Peace Valley Park in Bucks County.Updates are
typically done every Friday, more often when necessary.
Unfortunately due to COVID-19, all L.V.A.S. events are cancelled until
further notice.
Directions to many of the sites in this report can be found in the
area’s birding guidebook, “Birds of the Lehigh Valley and Vicinity”. A
completely revised, 2^nd edition of the book can be ordered at:
http://www.lvaudubon.org/shop/ .
NOW FOR THE BIRDS!
Sightings from UPPER MOUNT BETHEL TOWNSHIP, Northampton County:
Along National Park Drive:
GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER----1 on 5/2
ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER----1 on 5/3.
Sightings from LAKE MINSI, Northampton County:
Red-breasted Merganser----1 back on 4/30.
Sightings from EAST BANGOR DAM, Northampton County:
MARSH WREN----1 on 5/4 and 5/8
Rusty Blackbirds----8 on 5/1; 20 on 5/2.
Sightings from PLAINFIELD TOWNSHIP, Northampton County:
At the Grand Central landfill:
BLUE GROSBEAK----1 on 5/6.
Sightings from JACOBSBURG STATE PARK, Northampton County:
PHILADELPHIA VIREO----1 on 5/4.
Sightings from WILLIAMS TOWNSHIP, Northampton County:
RED-HEADED WOODPECKER----1 on 5/4 and 5/5.
Sightings from BETHLEHEM TOWNSHIP, Northampton County:
At the St. Luke’s Anderson Campus retention pond:
BLUE GROSBEAK----1 on 5/3 (in the nearby field).
Sightings from HOUSENICK PARK, Northampton County:
GLOSSY IBIS----1 on 5/3 (fly-by).
Sightings from MOORE TOWNSHIP, Northampton County:
RED-HEADED WOODPECKER----1 on 5/3 (along E. Best Road).
Sightings from CATASAUQUA LAKE (Hanover Canal Park), Lehigh County:
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON----1 on 5/3.
Sightings from the PENN FOREST RESERVOIR area, Carbon County:
Fox Sparrow----1 on 5/2 (pretty late).
Sightings from LEASER LAKE, Lehigh County:
MARSH WREN----1 on 5/2.
Sightings from the JORDAN CREEK PARKWAY, Lehigh County:
“Brewster’s” Warbler----1 on 5/4 (Blue-winged x Golden-winged hybrid).
Sightings from GREEN LANE RESERVOIR, Montgomery County:
At the Church Road area:
Bonaparte’s Gull----1 on 5/2
Caspian Terns----2 on 5/2; 1 on 5/6.
At the Knight Road area:
Buffleheads----2 on 5/1 (fairly late).
Sightings from the RIEGELSVILLE area, Bucks County:
Orioles feed a lot on nectar on their tropical wintering grounds. I recall
seeing flocks of Orchard Orioles stained with pollen in flowering trees in
Central America in winter. They probably also eat sugary fruit in winter.
Don't you think this accounts for their taste for sugar from jelly or citrus
when they arrive depleted in spring from long migratory flights? It's a
quick energy fix. If we give refined sugar to our hummers, why not to the
orioles? I don't see the harm in it. They move on to more natural foods when
they can. Middle class Americans have come to regard refined sugar as bad
junk food because it rots our teeth, makes us fat or diabetic or you name
it. Birds don't make such judgments. They eat what they need or what's
available.
Rudy Keller
Berks County
-----Original Message-----
From: Sally Zaino
Sent: Friday, May 8, 2020 3:28 PM
To: <PABIRDS...>
Subject: [PABIRDS] Jelly feeder question
Hi everyone,
This is the second year we have put up a jelly feeder. Last year the orioles
found it, and we had a few visiting it throughout the summer, as we
definitely have some nesting here every year. We put it up this year as soon
as we saw our first oriole, and now we have so many orioles visiting it that
we have had to decide to refill it only once per day, as they go through it
within hours. We have counted as many as 9 at once, and believe that we have
at least 15 or more visiting off and on. They also visit the suet, but It is
the jelly that is being mobbed. It’s like kids around a candy jar. And that
has made me wonder: is this healthy for them? Are we disrupting either their
diet or their migration pattern? Should they, like children, not eat so much
sugar and fat? We really enjoy seeing them, it’s incredible to be awakened
by oriole song, but we want them to be healthy, and also worry that they
might become dependent on us. Is there any science on this? Opinions?
Date: 5/8/20 2:28 pm From: Bob Schutsky <info...> Subject: American White Pelican in nearby MARYLAND (not in PA, yet!)
Dear PABirders,
An American White Pelican was seen sometime today (probably in the morning) on the lower Susquehanna River, a few miles below Conowingo Dam, which is in Cecil and Harford counties, Maryland. This would be roughly 10 miles south of the PA/MD border. If it moves upriver, it could be in PA in an hour or two. Certainly something to watch for in the next few days.
On Fri, May 8, 2020 at 3:42 PM Barbara Granger <
<0000003815660d79-dmarc-request...> wrote:
> As I was also interested in this question, checked out internet and came
> across this commentary and thought it helpful:
> Tips for Feeding Grape Jelly to Your Birds
>
> |
> |
> |
> | | |
>
> |
>
> |
> |
> | |
> Tips for Feeding Grape Jelly to Your Birds
>
> Orioles aren't the only birds that eat grape jelly. So do finches and
> cardinals! Grape jelly is a fan favorite, ...
> |
>
> |
>
> |
>
>
>
>
>
> Barbara Granger, PhD, CPRP, LLC
> Granger Consultation Services
> 405 Randall Road
> Wyncote PA 19095-2105
> 215-680-1399
> *****************************************
> https://www.grangerconsultation.com > "Enhancing your creativity with consulting and editing services"
>
>
>
>
>
> On Friday, May 8, 2020, 03:28:15 PM EDT, Sally Zaino <
> <szaino...> wrote:
>
> Hi everyone,
>
> This is the second year we have put up a jelly feeder. Last year the
> orioles found it, and we had a few visiting it throughout the summer, as we
> definitely have some nesting here every year. We put it up this year as
> soon as we saw our first oriole, and now we have so many orioles visiting
> it that we have had to decide to refill it only once per day, as they go
> through it within hours. We have counted as many as 9 at once, and believe
> that we have at least 15 or more visiting off and on. They also visit the
> suet, but It is the jelly that is being mobbed. It’s like kids around a
> candy jar. And that has made me wonder: is this healthy for them? Are we
> disrupting either their diet or their migration pattern? Should they, like
> children, not eat so much sugar and fat? We really enjoy seeing them, it’s
> incredible to be awakened by oriole song, but we want them to be healthy,
> and also worry that they might become dependent on us. Is there any science
> on this? Opinions?
>
> Thank you,
>
> Sally Zaino
> Hummelstown PA.
>
Julie Zickefoose has a blog post on what to & not to feed orioles, and she is firmly against grape jelly (both as general feeding practice & in bird rehab). She also recommends filling citrus rinds with bark butter/tree icing/Zick dough (recipe given in blog) to give better nutrition during cold wet snaps: https://tinyurl.com/oriolefeeding
> On May 8, 2020, at 3:28 PM, Sally Zaino <szaino...> wrote:
>
> Hi everyone,
>
> This is the second year we have put up a jelly feeder. Last year the orioles found it, and we had a few visiting it throughout the summer, as we definitely have some nesting here every year. We put it up this year as soon as we saw our first oriole, and now we have so many orioles visiting it that we have had to decide to refill it only once per day, as they go through it within hours. We have counted as many as 9 at once, and believe that we have at least 15 or more visiting off and on. They also visit the suet, but It is the jelly that is being mobbed. It’s like kids around a candy jar. And that has made me wonder: is this healthy for them? Are we disrupting either their diet or their migration pattern? Should they, like children, not eat so much sugar and fat? We really enjoy seeing them, it’s incredible to be awakened by oriole song, but we want them to be healthy, and also worry that they might become dependent on us. Is there any science on this? Opinions?
>
> Thank you,
>
> Sally Zaino
> Hummelstown PA.
As I was also interested in this question, checked out internet and came across this commentary and thought it helpful:
Tips for Feeding Grape Jelly to Your Birds
|
|
|
| | |
|
|
|
| |
Tips for Feeding Grape Jelly to Your Birds
Orioles aren't the only birds that eat grape jelly. So do finches and cardinals! Grape jelly is a fan favorite, ...
|
|
|
Barbara Granger, PhD, CPRP, LLC
Granger Consultation Services
405 Randall Road
Wyncote PA 19095-2105
215-680-1399
*****************************************
https://www.grangerconsultation.com "Enhancing your creativity with consulting and editing services"
On Friday, May 8, 2020, 03:28:15 PM EDT, Sally Zaino <szaino...> wrote:
Hi everyone,
This is the second year we have put up a jelly feeder. Last year the orioles found it, and we had a few visiting it throughout the summer, as we definitely have some nesting here every year. We put it up this year as soon as we saw our first oriole, and now we have so many orioles visiting it that we have had to decide to refill it only once per day, as they go through it within hours. We have counted as many as 9 at once, and believe that we have at least 15 or more visiting off and on. They also visit the suet, but It is the jelly that is being mobbed. It’s like kids around a candy jar. And that has made me wonder: is this healthy for them? Are we disrupting either their diet or their migration pattern? Should they, like children, not eat so much sugar and fat? We really enjoy seeing them, it’s incredible to be awakened by oriole song, but we want them to be healthy, and also worry that they might become dependent on us. Is there any science on this? Opinions?
This is the second year we have put up a jelly feeder. Last year the orioles found it, and we had a few visiting it throughout the summer, as we definitely have some nesting here every year. We put it up this year as soon as we saw our first oriole, and now we have so many orioles visiting it that we have had to decide to refill it only once per day, as they go through it within hours. We have counted as many as 9 at once, and believe that we have at least 15 or more visiting off and on. They also visit the suet, but It is the jelly that is being mobbed. It’s like kids around a candy jar. And that has made me wonder: is this healthy for them? Are we disrupting either their diet or their migration pattern? Should they, like children, not eat so much sugar and fat? We really enjoy seeing them, it’s incredible to be awakened by oriole song, but we want them to be healthy, and also worry that they might become dependent on us. Is there any science on this? Opinions?
Date: 5/8/20 10:29 am From: Craig Holt <0000007fe6ec5d00-dmarc-request...> Subject: Lawrence Co. birds 5/7
I birded from roadsides yesterday in Mahoning Twp., Lawrence Co. Among the species found were Spotted Sandpiper, White-eyed Vireo, Warbling Vireos, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Bobolinks, Orchard Orioles, Baltimore Orioles, Am. redstart, Yellow-rumped Warblers, Yellow-throated Warbler, and Indigo Bunting. Craig Holt, Lowellville Ohio
Date: 5/8/20 10:07 am From: ofdewdrops <0000001e3bf8599f-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Allegheny Co., Sewickley Heights, Golden-winged Warbler and many other migrants
We later had a singing Orange-crowned Warbler in the cleared area near the butterfly meadow in Sewickley Heights Park. Many other warblers and migrants were also active there.Shannon Thompson Allegheny Co. -------- Original message --------From: ofdewdrops <0000001e3bf8599f-dmarc-request...> Date: 5/8/20 8:51 AM (GMT-05:00) To: <PABIRDS...> Subject: [PABIRDS] Allegheny Co., Sewickley Heights, Golden-winged Warbler and many other migrants There is a Golden-winged Warbler at the Sewickley Heights Road Dept. maintenance building 549 Fern Hollow Road this morning. Many Blackburnian Warblers among the good diversity of migrants this morning. Shannon Thompson Allegheny Co.
Date: 5/8/20 9:45 am From: Douglas Filler <0000012c09e09177-dmarc-request...> Subject: Silver Lake in Bucks co
The following were seen on a bird walk around Silver Lake Nature Center located in Bristol Pa.
Was alerted to a major fallout of warblers (thanks Dawn) at Silver Lake this morning and wasn't disappointed. Had 15 species of warblers most of them right behind the nature center.
Silver Lake Park/Nature Center, Bucks, Pennsylvania, US
Date: 5/8/20 5:52 am From: ofdewdrops <0000001e3bf8599f-dmarc-request...> Subject: Allegheny Co., Sewickley Heights, Golden-winged Warbler and many other migrants
There is a Golden-winged Warbler at the Sewickley Heights Road Dept. maintenance building 549 Fern Hollow Road this morning. Many Blackburnian Warblers among the good diversity of migrants this morning. Shannon Thompson Allegheny Co.
Date: 5/7/20 5:39 pm From: Karyn Delaney <delaneykaryn...> Subject: Fwd: eBird Report - Knob Hill Park, May 7, 2020
Subject: Allegheny County - eBird Report - Knob Hill Park, May 7, 2020
I walked briefly at Knob Hill today. It was very windy and most birds were low in cover. FOY for this park today: Palm Warbler, Ovenbird, Blue-headed Vireo, House Wren & Gray Catbird.
Karyn Delaney "half the fun of birding is sharing"
Knob Hill Park, Allegheny, Pennsylvania, US May 7, 2020 11:30 AM - 12:52 PM Protocol: Traveling 1.0 mile(s) 28 species
Non-raptor Observations: chicadees, blue jays, cardinals, eastern bluebirds, tufted titmouse, pileated woodpecker, barn swallows, rose-breasted grosbeak. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Bob Stewart (<bob...>)
Observation start time: 07:45:00 Observation end time: 12:00:00 Total observation time: 4.25 hours
Official Counter: Jerry McWilliams
Observers: Bernie O Connor, Joao Taveres, Ken Felix, Russ States
Visitors: Bonnie Ginader, Justin Berkheimer
Weather: Variably cloudy with WSW wind early becoming strong out of the west, but a bit warmer today than previous days
Raptor Observations: There was a light movement that abruptly ended when the wind shifted and picked up in velocity out of the west. There was a strong movement of Bald Eagles, especially during the 1000-1100 hr. EST mostly high overhead along the lakeshore.
Non-raptor Observations: There was a light movement of Blue Jays with 330 counted. Great Blue Heron 3, Barn Swallow 10, American Goldfinch 12.
Predictions: Mostly cloudy and much colder with northwest wind. No watching tomorrow or the next couple of days as snow is predicted in the future forecast.Jerry McWilliamsErie, Erie County, <Pa.jerrymcw...>
Date: 5/7/20 1:28 pm From: JFoulke <000000e096e748ef-dmarc-request...> Subject: Insect Apocalypse at Bucks Co. Birders virtual May 26th meeting
Your yard might look beautiful, but how do you know if it's contributing to the local ecosystem? Numerous studies from around the world suggest that insect populations are in decline, and that affects birds who rely on insects for food. Tune in on May 26th at 7pm EST when Dr. Ashley Kennedy will show how food webs connect plants, insects and birds, and how you can convert your yard into better wildlife habitat for these groups.
Dr. Kennedy earned her doctorate at the University of Delaware's Dept. of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology. She is a board certified entomologist, a Science Policy Fellow of the Entomological Society of America and a member of the Delaware Native Species Commission. She currently researches tick-borne diseases at the Army Public Health Center in Edgewood, MD.
This meeting is jointly sponsored by Bucks County Birders and the Bucks County Audubon Society. Please use the links below to connect:
Join Zoom Meetinghttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/86050799149?pwd=MXRrUmtWMXEwQmZEeC9iMnJpNjgydz09Meeting ID: 860 5079 9149Password: 624747One tap mobile+16465588656,,86050799149#,,1#,624747# US (New York)+13017158592,,86050799149#,,1#,624747# US (Germantown)Dial by your location +1 646 558 8656 US (New York) +1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown) +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose) +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)Meeting ID: 860 5079 9149Password: 624747Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kbh4trAUUo
Date: 5/7/20 11:14 am From: Cecelia Hard <ceceliahard...> Subject: FW: eBird Report - Riding Meadow Park, May 7, 2020 Allegheny County
Beautifully sunny, but very frosty morning in Fox Chapel. The highlight of my walk was a Blue-winged warbler about 10 feet away at eye level in bright sunshine!
Cecelia Hard
Sent from Mail for Windows 10
From: <ebird-checklist...>
Sent: Thursday, May 7, 2020 2:08 PM
To: <ceceliahard...>
Subject: eBird Report - Riding Meadow Park, May 7, 2020
Riding Meadow Park, Allegheny, Pennsylvania, US
May 7, 2020 7:52 AM - 9:30 AM
Protocol: Traveling
1.2 mile(s)
Checklist Comments: ,
24 species (+1 other taxa)
Killdeer 1 Shadyside Academy field
Belted Kingfisher 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 3
Downy Woodpecker 1
Pileated Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker 1
Eastern Phoebe 1
Blue Jay 5
American Crow 2
Carolina/Black-capped Chickadee 2
Tufted Titmouse 3
White-breasted Nuthatch 2
Carolina Wren 4
Gray Catbird 1
Wood Thrush 3
American Robin 6
American Goldfinch 2
Song Sparrow 3
Eastern Towhee 3
Baltimore Oriole 1
Red-winged Blackbird 8 Shadyside Academy field
Blue-winged Warbler 1
Nashville Warbler 1
Hooded Warbler 1
Northern Cardinal 5
Date: 5/7/20 7:12 am From: Randy Stringer <0000014328ddae02-dmarc-request...> Subject: Surf Scoter Lawrence County
There is currently an adult Surf Scoter at Shaner Road in Lawrence County. The bird is swimming with Female Buffleheads on the north side of the road. Randy Stringer
Date: 5/6/20 6:41 pm From: Trini y Sean (PATangoS) <00000100730d2974-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Nighthawk found today in Pittsburgh - Correction: Whip-poor-will
The bird has been identified as an Eastern Whip-poor-will, not a common nighthawk. I have to say I was surprised at how well it navigated the castle of mirrors that is PPG Plaza. It would reach for the steel framework to try to land rather than fly into the glass. I would expect nighthawks to be familiar with urban areas but not this species. Trini de Pittsburgh
On Wednesday, May 6, 2020, 01:16:51 PM EDT, Trini y Sean (PATangoS) <00000100730d2974-dmarc-request...> wrote:
While working downtown today I found a nighthawk today just sitting in the middle of PPG Plaza. Did not appear to be stunned and it found its way into Market Square. It appeared quite used to buildings as it had no trouble discerning that PPG was all glass.
Happy Birding!Trini de Pittsburgh
FOY hummingbird zipped through the yard late this afternoon. Do not know if it was male or female, but definitely a hummingbird!
Also, still have all those seen yesterday, except did not see the grosbeak today. The rose breasted grosbeak did appear several times yesterday through late afternoon. The brown thrasher is sticking around for now and coming to the suet dough feeder. There are at least 3 regular catbirds, several chipping sparrows and gold finches and house finches. Also, at least a pair of Carolina wrens, titmice singing, chickadees, song sparrows, downy woodpecker, 3 or more cardinals, robins, house sparrows, mourning doves, starlings, cowbird and several blue jays that come for peanuts.
And what looked like a pair of great blue herons flew low over the neighbor's house late yesterday, either headed to the Conodoguinet or the Susquehanna most likely.
I stopped by the Cussewago Bottoms (SGL 269) for 15 minutes this evening as I traveled by. As I was about to leave, I heard a call over the lake. As I looked, a flock of Common Terns appeared. I excitedly counted 34. They chattered to each other and circled over the lake for only 5 minutes. Then as suddenly as they had appeared, they flew off north. I've never seen a flock of terns nearly this large in Crawford Co. before. An amazing experience! A good reminder that in birding you never know when an exciting moment is just around the corner. Just after the Common Terns left, I heard a Sora calling from the reeds. I've never recorded either of these species at Cussewago Bottoms before.
Date: 5/6/20 10:34 am From: Dave Wilton <0000007469edbeee-dmarc-request...> Subject: Allegheny: Summer Tanager (fem.)
As per David Yeany: Female SUMMER TANAGER continues at Stoney Lane Farm, Allegheny Co. 4148 Ben Miller Rd, Gibsonia, PA 15044 Homeowner is open to visitors. Calling first is appreciated but not mandatory, as they also sell eggs and honey. https://www.facebook.com/StoneyLaneFarm/ [pic] http://s.groupme.com/skWPtVdj
Date: 5/6/20 10:16 am From: Trini y Sean (PATangoS) <00000100730d2974-dmarc-request...> Subject: Nighthawk found today in Pittsburgh
While working downtown today I found a nighthawk today just sitting in the middle of PPG Plaza. Did not appear to be stunned and it found its way into Market Square. It appeared quite used to buildings as it had no trouble discerning that PPG was all glass.
Happy Birding!Trini de Pittsburgh
Date: 5/6/20 6:42 am From: Chuck Berthoud <cbpabirds...> Subject: Global Big Day, May eBird challenge, checklist notes
This Saturday is Global Big Day, Cornell Labs'annual celebration of the birds around us. This year they are looking to see over 100,000 checklists submitted in one day. Only 3 checklists submitted on May 9 are needed to meet the requirements of the May eBird Challenge.
Often it is helpful to add notes to bird findings. This helps us remember our own observations as well as inform others who happen to view our checklists such as location of sighting details. eBird already has the ability to add Age and Sex, and Breeding Code information but often more information is useful. For instance here in south central PA I note Carolina Chickadees who sing a full song to differentiate from the hybrid Carolina/Black-capped Chickadee which is the proper designation for non vocal birds. Today on my walk I heard 7 Wood Thrush singing in 7 different areas and noted that 7 territories were estimated. Other notes might be: “found in appropriate habitat”, “on feeder”, “flyover”, and “(kingbird) attacking crow”.
Date: 5/6/20 4:38 am From: Ron & Amy Burkert <raburkert...> Subject: FOY Yard Birds - Allegheny County
Yesterday afternoon I heard my FOY Yard Bird Baltimore oriole. He was feeding and singing from a neighbor’s tree. While inputting it and other birds observed near the oriole I looked out at my feeders to add those birds to the report and I had a 1st year male and female BAOR with a few other birds. The orioles were getting drinks from the ant moats on one of the hummingbird feeders. Those two left and in a couple minutes a fully-colored male Baltimore oriole was checking the feeders. These were only my 2nd-4th eBird recorded BAOR in my Yard. The only previous was on May 8, 2018.
I created and hung a homemade oriole feeder for orange half and jelly cups but didn’t see anymore that evening.
I rousted myself to put out h-bird and oriole feeders this morning and the only bird under the sunflower feeders at 6:38am was a FOY white-crowned sparrow. A very gray, compared to WTSP’s that had been here all winter and SOSP’s breeding here, sparrow with bold white stripes on its crown. Surprisingly, the only previous eBird Yard record was May 1, 2018 - the same year as the orioles!
As of last evening, continuing since May 2, are both sexes of rose-breasted grosbeaks (2 males and a female in late afternoon/evening), with peak numbers of 3 males or 2 females at one time.
Date: 5/5/20 8:03 pm From: Dave Leibert <xdave...> Subject: Osprey, Green Pond, Northampton county
Howdy All,
I managed to drive by Green Pond this evening on my way to the grocery store. There was an Osprey hunting over the pond. This allowed for some great looks as they fly quite close to where you are standing. It reminds me of the very close looks you get once in a while up at Bake Oven Knob during the migration. This one obliged by taking a dunk in the pond and coming up with a sunfish in its talons. Then landed on top of a telephone along the road and started munching away. I've never seen an osprey sitting on a telephone pole like that before.
A little later I took a walk near the Lehigh in North side Bethlehem. I was able to predict that a turkey vulture was going to have to deal with a peregrine falcon that wasn't happy about the vulture straying towards the falcon's nesting site. Sure enough the male peregrine appeared in a dive towards the vulture and this drove the vulture away.
While looking over the Lehigh I got a close look at a nice Chipping sparrow.
Date: 5/5/20 6:56 pm From: Robin and Daniel Zmoda <robinanddanielz...> Subject: Northampton Cty Snow Goose
Snow Goose was at the duck feeding area on the Bushkill Creek in Easton today. Probably the same one that has been hanging around since last year. it seems to move around a lot so I think it still can fly, but not far. Dan Zmoda Pen Argyl, PA
Date: 5/5/20 6:54 pm From: Linda Rowan <000001476b4df963-dmarc-request...> Subject: Ruby Throated hummingbird Levittown Bucks County
Had my first Ruby throated Hummingbird for this year feeding at my Eastern Columbine. So glad I have all those flowers, since I have not been able to put out my hummer feeders yet.
My food store is totally out of sugar for 2 weeks now.
Date: 5/5/20 6:46 pm From: Jay Pitocchelli <jpitocch...> Subject: Request for assistance – song recordings of migrating Mourning Warblers
Request for assistance – song recordings of migrating Mourning Warblers
I am once again writing to request your help and record Mourning Warbler songs from spring migrants. It is year 6 of my research using birdsong to study migratory connectivity of Mourning Warbler song populations. Our lab is interested in whether different song populations of the Mourning Warbler (Western, Eastern, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland) migrate together or separately to their respective breeding areas. Here is a link to the latest map with previous years’ results based on recordings from over 100 birders.
Preliminary results from the map indicate that 1) Western song populations are separating out from the rest of the pack and migrating throughout the mid-western states directly to the Prairie Provinces, 2) Eastern, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland song populations are migrating together along the Appalachian Mountains, 3) Nova Scotia and Newfoundland song populations are beginning to hug the Atlantic coast in New Jersey and New York.
We are in need of recordings from more mid-western states, eastern Colorado and the New England coast. All you need is a smartphone with a voice recording app and some luck. Videos with recordings are also helpful. The web page link below describes the project and how to make recordings on your Smartphone in more detail. Please send song recordings to the Mourning Warbler Sound Lab (jpitocch AT anselm.edu).
Date: 5/5/20 5:28 pm From: Karyn Delaney <delaneykaryn...> Subject: Fwd: eBird Report - Linbrook Park, Wildflower Trail, May 5, 2020
Subject: Allegheny County - eBird Report - Linbrook Park, Wildflower Trail, May 5, 2020
Lots of FOY birds for this little trail this afternoon: Cedar Waxwings, Chimney Swifts, Common Yellowthroat, Yellow and Yellow-rumped Warblers. Trillium is still blooming. Cohosh getting ready.
Karyn Delaney "half the fun of birding is sharing"
Linbrook Park, Wildflower Trail, Allegheny, Pennsylvania, US May 5, 2020 4:07 PM - 5:25 PM Protocol: Traveling 0.61 mile(s) 21 species
Canada Goose 16 Mallard 2 Chimney Swift 8 FOY Red-tailed Hawk 1 Eastern Phoebe 1 American Crow 2 Northern Rough-winged Swallow 1 Barn Swallow 1 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 2 European Starling 1 American Robin 8 Cedar Waxwing 4 FOY American Goldfinch 5 Chipping Sparrow 2 Song Sparrow 6 Eastern Towhee 1 Common Grackle 1 Common Yellowthroat 1 FOY Yellow Warbler 2 FOY Yellow-rumped Warbler 1 FOY Northern Cardinal 7
Date: 5/5/20 5:08 pm From: Jerry McWilliams <0000001b5c226889-dmarc-request...> Subject: Erie County, Clay-colored Sparrow
Quite unexpected, and a new yard bird, was a Clay-colored Sparrow that drooped into my garden for about five minutes this evening before flying off. It fed briefly in the grass not more than 25 feet from me. No camera in hand of course, so I was not able to get a photo.
This species is now annual in the county, but most records are from the parking lots and mowed grassy areas of Presque Isle S.P. They are still quite rare with only about three or four sightings a year, mostly during the first couple weeks of May.
Jerry McWilliamsErie, Erie County, <Pa.jerrymcw...>
Date: 5/5/20 3:32 pm From: ACP <rook185...> Subject: Interesting tufted Titmouse Behavior - York County
There is a deceased groundhog up in the woods and this afternoon I noticed movement on the body. It was a tufted titmouse pulling wads of hair out presumably for nesting material. It was amazing how much hair it was able to gather in one visit!
On another note, had a first ever in the yard Ovenbird by the stream this morning. Sadly, I couldn’t get it in focus as it was very sneaky.
Have a good evening.
Ann
Ann C. Pettigrew, VMD
York, PA
<rook185...>
www.pbase.com/rook185 (Photographs)
Date: 5/5/20 8:22 am From: reeser <reeser...> Subject: Rose Breasted Grosbeak -- Cumberland County
FOY rose breasted grosbeak, a male, appeared at the hopper feeder this morning, Tuesday 5/5/20. Also about this morning are the house wren, catbirds, brown thrasher, several goldfinches male and female, song sparrow, chipping sparrows, mourning doves, starlings, white breasted nuthatch, house sparrows, and last evening chickadee, titmouse, downy woodpecker, robins, blue jays, cardinals and red tailed hawk.
This morning a third catbird was being chased away from the suet dough by the other two catbirds. And evening before last, there was a battle as two robins chased off a blue jay that came for peanuts but got too close to the robins home. Lots of noise from the robins and diving after the blue jay.
if you want to come try for it, you can park down at dollar general to the west and come up over the field, or park down at Subway parking lot and come up over the driveway, or you can try to park on the east side of the house in the stones and walk up above the house to look down over the yard to our feeding station that faces the dollar general. it was seen into the field at times behind the dollar general.
you are welcome to walk anywhere in the field behind my house and behind dollar general, maybe you can find the clay colored again as it would be nice to have for saturdays migration count, we are hoping the lincolns stays for that too.
we are working at our home office, but not open to the public.
feel free to take any house sparrows, starlings, chipmunks and squirrels along.
Date: 5/5/20 5:32 am From: Bill Zinn <wgzinn...> Subject: Great blue heron with a chipmunk - Washington Cnty
Yesterday morning I looked out the kitchen window and called my wife to join me quickly as there was a great blue heron just a few feet from the base of our deck steps.
As we watched, he moved very slowly as if stalking something and sure enough with a quick stab he suddenly had a chipmunk in his beak. He started off across the yard and as he was trying to get a better hold of the little guy he accidently dropped him to the ground. The chipmunk took off for the brush and the blue heron ran after him, but was unable to catch him again. I've never seen anything like this, but a search on YouTube brings up a few videos of these birds eating the little mammals.
Date: 5/4/20 11:01 pm From: Dave Leibert <xdave...> Subject: Pileated woodpecker. Lower Mt Bethel township, Northampton county
Howdy All,
Sunday evening up at the River House south of Martins creek we heard and then saw a Pileated woodpecker. This bird was a yard bird. It was calling and then flew off towards the trees along the nearby Delaware.
Subject: Lawrence County - eBird Report - Shaner Rd. Ponds, May 4, 2020
Some mud flats are back after this area having a lot of rainfall recently. Today there were Spotted Sandpipers, Greater & Lesser Yellowlegs, a Least Sandpiper and 2 Blue-winged Teal.
Karyn Delaney "half the fun of birding is sharing"
Shaner Rd. Ponds, Lawrence, Pennsylvania, US May 4, 2020 4:45 PM - 5:35 PM Protocol: Stationary 18 species
Canada Goose 2 Blue-winged Teal 2 Killdeer 1 Least Sandpiper 1 Spotted Sandpiper 3 Greater Yellowlegs 2 Lesser Yellowlegs 1 Belted Kingfisher 1 Blue Jay 1 Tree Swallow 35 Barn Swallow 1 American Robin 5 House Sparrow 2 American Goldfinch 2 Song Sparrow 2 Red-winged Blackbird 22 Yellow Warbler 1 Northern Cardinal 1
Date: 5/4/20 7:44 pm From: Karyn Delaney <delaneykaryn...> Subject: Fwd: eBird Report - Moraine State Park, North Country Trail, North Shore, May 4, 2020
Subject: Butler County - eBird Report - Moraine State Park, North Country Trail, North Shore, May 4, 2020
I walked a portion of the North Country Trail from the McDanel's parking area to the dam and back. Two new warblers were Parula and Tennessee, both found around the Sycamore trees near Muddy Creek. I walked the Butterfly Trails afterward and found 2 Swamp Sparrows in a marsh just before the pine tree grove. The first Swamp Sparrows I've seen in that location. Very windy, overcast and cold today, a big change from yesterday.
Karyn Delaney "half the fun of birding is sharing"
Moraine State Park, North Country Trail, North Shore, Butler, Pennsylvania, US May 4, 2020 2:05 PM - 3:25 PM Protocol: Traveling 1.25 mile(s) 29 species
Great Blue Heron 1 Turkey Vulture 1 Osprey 1 Red-tailed Hawk 1 Eastern Phoebe 3 Eastern Kingbird 4 Blue Jay 1 American Crow 2 Black-capped Chickadee 1 Tufted Titmouse 1 Purple Martin 8 Carolina Wren 2 European Starling 2 Gray Catbird 2 FOY Eastern Bluebird 3 Wood Thrush 1 American Robin 6 American Goldfinch 4 Chipping Sparrow 1 Song Sparrow 4 Eastern Towhee 3 Baltimore Oriole 2 Red-winged Blackbird 3 Blue-winged Warbler 1 Tennessee Warbler 1 FOY Northern Parula 1 FOY Yellow Warbler 1 Yellow-rumped Warbler 7 Northern Cardinal 3
This evening a Golden-winged Warbler was foraging in our crab apple in
our front yard. Roger and I both got photos. A Lincoln's Sparrow was
poking around in the brush pile on our driveway. Great day!
Date: 5/4/20 10:19 am From: A. Liebner <000000d98121eaef-dmarc-request...> Subject: First ever, male, Orchard Oriole Wayne Twp. Schuylkill Co., White-crowned remains
Hello all,
This morning a male Adult Orchard Oriole (first time visitor) flew in with the male Baltimore Oriole. The Baltimore Oriole went directly to the jelly feeder but the Orchard Oriole went to the large Hummingbird feeder; it perched on top, fluttered about and hovered by the flowers. Someone on a Facebook birding page said to remove one of the plastic flowers for easier drinking from the feeder. Orchard Orioles are new to me so I researched and found that they not only drink from Hummingbird feeders but also like to eat dark fruit. I put out some raisins and fresh organic blackberries. The Baltimore Oriole is feasting on the fruit right now.
A single White-crowned Sp. that first appeared in the yard May 1st remains here today. A White-crowned Sp. showed up on the same day last year and stayed in the yard for about three weeks.White-throat numbers dwindled to two yesterday and none today.
Good birding,
Ann M. Liebner
Wayne Twp. Schuylkill County
Date: 5/4/20 6:54 am From: Jeff Hopkins <laniusexcubitor1960...> Subject: Brewster's Warbler - Lehigh
All:
I just came from Jordan Creek Parkway here in Whitehall, where I found a Brewster's warbler along the creek between the bridges and and the pipeline cut. On first (short) glance I thought it was a kinglet since all I saw was the yellow crown and the clean underparts, but then it sang...a Golden-winged Warbler song. So I got back on it and saw the yellow on the wing and the black eye-line. And I watched it sing a few times. My first Brewster's for Lehigh County. Sweet.
Other warblers included BT Green, BT Blue, Yellow-rumped, Black-and-white, Parula, Redstart, Yellow, and Ovenbird. Also lots of Baltimore Orioles and Great Crested Flycatchers, a couple Scarlet Tanagers, and three species of vireos - Blue-headed, Red-eyed, and Warbling.
Date: 5/4/20 4:07 am From: william kussmaul <wgkussmaul...> Subject: Re: PABIRDS Digest - 2 May 2020 to 3 May 2020 (#2020-124)
Hi from a newbie.
I think I saw a Palm Warbler last week foraging on the ground near Media,
PA. Would that be likely?
On Mon, May 4, 2020 at 12:00 AM PABIRDS automatic digest system <
<LISTSERV...> wrote:
> There are 16 messages totaling 502 lines in this issue.
>
> Topics of the day:
>
> 1. Least Bittern in Lancaster County.
> 2. Hummingbird- Plumstead Twp., Bucks Co.
> 3. FOY Ruby-throated Hummingbird Allegheny County
> 4. Sweet Arrow Lake, Schuylkill Co.
> 5. Caspian Terns Fayette County
> 6. Golden-wing Warbler and Northern Waterthrush, Frick Park, Allegheny
> Co.
> 7. Migration in Dauphin County
> 8. Willets Fayette County
> 9. Erie County birds of note
> 10. Erie County, Presque Isle Hawk Watch for May 3, 2020
> 11. Kildeer Levittown Bucks County
> 12. Great all-around morning flight, Montgomery Co.
> 13. Fwd: eBird Report - Economy Borough Yard Birds, May 3, 2020
> 14. White-crowned Sparrow Allegheny County
> 15. Glossy Ibis, Somerset
> 16. White-crowned Sparrows in Allegheny County
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Date: Sun, 3 May 2020 07:48:40 -0400
> From: "(null) (null)" <osprey1984...>
> Subject: Least Bittern in Lancaster County.
>
> There is a Least Bittern sitting in the open right now in the basin next
> to the Best Buy in Red Rose Commons. Off Fruitville Pike in Lancaster
> County.
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Sun, 3 May 2020 09:03:38 -0400
> From: Lisa Dziuban <dziubanlisa...>
> Subject: Hummingbird- Plumstead Twp., Bucks Co.
>
> Just saw my FOY hummingbird zip in and out amount my flowering shrubs.
> Can’t be certain but it looked like a female. Also a female Hairy
> Woodpecker here last week. All other yard and feeder birds seem to be in
> pairs. Lots of activity! First House Wren has been heard since last week.
>
> Lisa Dziuban
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Sun, 3 May 2020 10:24:10 -0400
> From: Ron & Amy Burkert <raburkert...>
> Subject: FOY Ruby-throated Hummingbird Allegheny County
>
> At 9:56 am, a male RTHU made a brief appearance between our yard and the
> neighbor’s. In a couple minutes he reappeared and landed on an extended
> branch for his photo op! Haven’t seen use of my feeders yet.
>
> Ron Burkert
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Sun, 3 May 2020 11:25:19 -0400
> From: Denise Donmoyer <nightowl57...>
> Subject: Sweet Arrow Lake, Schuylkill Co.
>
> Sweet Arrow Lake 5/2/20
>
>
>
> Woodthrush
>
> Yellow Warbler
>
> Wilson's Warbler
>
> Yellow-rumped Warbler
>
> Hummingbird
>
> Downy, Hairy, Pileated, and Red-bellied Woodpeckers
>
>
>
>
>
> Denise Donmoyer
>
> Sweet Arrow Lake
>
> Pine Grove, Schuylkill Co.
>
> <nightowl57...>
>
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Sun, 3 May 2020 16:08:45 +0000
> From: Matthew Juskowich <jusko88...>
> Subject: Caspian Terns Fayette County
>
> Currently 5 at Deer Lake.
> Matthew JuskowichAllegheny County
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Sun, 3 May 2020 12:36:15 -0400
> From: Amy Henrici <henriciac...>
> Subject: Golden-wing Warbler and Northern Waterthrush, Frick Park,
> Allegheny Co.
>
> Pat and I decided to bird at Frick Park this morning in hopes of seeing
> the Northern Waterthrush that has been continuing there for several days.
> We got great looks at it. We didn’t see much in the way of other warblers
> until on our way back to the car, when we encountered a small flock feeding
> in an elm branch crossing the Firelane Trail Extension near its
> intersection with Firelane Trail. A Golden-wing Warbler was with a
> Magnolia, and Nashville. Pat also saw a redstart. We got great looks at the
> golden-wing, but my attempts to get a picture of it were unsuccessful. The
> last time I saw one in the county was in 1981, in the upper portion of what
> is now known as Barking Slopes.
>
> Amy Henrici
> Pat McShea
>
> Sent from my iPad,
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Sun, 3 May 2020 16:18:34 -0400
> From: Regina Brubaker <reginabrubaker1996...>
> Subject: Migration in Dauphin County
>
> Bird watching the last few days has been quite exciting! Here's a few of
> the highlights all found in our woods surrounding the farm.
>
> Blackburnian warbler
>
> Palm warbler
>
> Black-throated Blue Warbler
>
> American Redstart
>
> Common Yellowthroat
>
> Yellow-rumped Warblers
>
> Blue headed vireo
>
> Yellow Warbler
>
> Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
>
> Scarlet tanager
>
> Indigo Bunting
>
> Orchard Orioles
>
> Baltimore Oriole (the most predominate song in the woods, other than the
> Cat bird, was that of the_many _Oriols)
>
> Eastern Kingbird
>
> House Wren
>
> Wood Thrushs
>
> Eastern Towhee
>
> Ruby-crowned Kinglets
>
> It's been exciting to have my younger brother, Warren, take a more
> serious interest in birds. Thanks to my boy-friend, Kendall Zook, who
> has accompanied him.
>
> Warren saw, in addition to this list, a Nashville Warbler, Pileated
> Woodpecker, Red-headed Woodpecker. I regret that I wasn't with him at
> the time. It's always great to have an extra pair of eyes when there's
> so much to take in at once!
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Sun, 3 May 2020 20:18:59 +0000
> From: Matthew Juskowich <jusko88...>
> Subject: Willets Fayette County
>
> I had 4 Willets flying around Greenlick lake. I got there just in time
> because unfortunately they took off heading North. Migration is on in full
> swing folks!
> Matthew JuskowichAllegheny County
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Sun, 3 May 2020 23:59:57 +0000
> From: Jerry McWilliams <jerrymcw...>
> Subject: Erie County birds of note
>
> The following birds of note were reported this past week from Presque Isle
> State Park unless noted otherwise.
>
> American Bittern up to 10 (high count); April 28; Niagara Pond
> Black-crowned Night-Heron 2; April 28; Niagara Pond
> Golden Eagle 1; May 2; Presque Isle Hawk Watch at the TREC
> Broad-winged Hawk 4185 (high count); April 30; Presque Isle Hawk Watch at
> the TREC
> American Avocet 2; April 30; Edinboro Lake 2;
> April 30; Gull Point
> Willet 44; April 26; Gull Point 20 April 26; Manchester Beach;
> Fairview Twp. 2; April 30; Gull Point 22; May 3;
> Fairview Business Park
> Summer Tanager 1; May 1; Vista 4
> Golden-winged Warbler 1; May 3; Fry's Landing
>
> Other birds of note reported this week were Kentucky Warbler, Lincoln's
> Sparrows and Grasshopper Sparrows.
>
> Jerry McWilliamsErie, Erie County, <Pa.jerrymcw...>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Mon, 4 May 2020 00:13:32 +0000
> From: Jerry McWilliams <jerrymcw...>
> Subject: Erie County, Presque Isle Hawk Watch for May 3, 2020
>
> Presque Isle
> Erie, Pennsylvania, USA
> Daily Raptor Counts: May 03, 2020
> -------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
> ------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
> Black Vulture 0 0 0
> Turkey Vulture 115 414 15576
> Osprey 0 17 52
> Bald Eagle 2 43 206
> Northern Harrier 0 3 46
> Sharp-shinned Hawk 6 270 898
> Cooper's Hawk 0 0 43
> Northern Goshawk 0 0 1
> Red-shouldered Hawk 0 1 208
> Broad-winged Hawk 12 1844 7856
> Red-tailed Hawk 5 32 426
> Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
> Golden Eagle 0 1 1
> American Kestrel 1 53 337
> Merlin 0 0 20
> Peregrine Falcon 1 1 19
> Unknown Accipiter 0 0 12
> Unknown Buteo 0 1 36
> Unknown Falcon 0 0 4
> Unknown Eagle 0 0 0
> Unknown Raptor 0 0 2
> Short-eared Owl 0 0 1
>
> Total: 142 2680 25744
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Observation start time: 07:45:00
> Observation end time: 11:00:00
> Total observation time: 3.25 hours
>
> Official Counter: Jerry McWilliams
>
> Observers: Bernie O Connor, Russ States
>
> Visitors:
> Bonnie Ginader and David Sublett
>
>
> Weather:
> Clear with light SW wind and warm then becoming west and cooling down.
>
> Raptor Observations:
> Very light movement and birds were widely distributed away from the lake.
>
> Non-raptor Observations:
> Double-crested Cormorant--41, Blue Jay--60, Baltimore Oriole--1
>
> Predictions:
> Mostly clear and cold with north wind. There will be no lake flight with
> these winds.Jerry McWilliamsErie, Erie County, <Pa.jerrymcw...>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Sun, 3 May 2020 20:17:54 -0400
> From: Linda Rowan <lrowan1...>
> Subject: Kildeer Levittown Bucks County
>
> At mid-day on a walk in my neighborhood I saw a Kildeer which had just
> landed in a muddy area that often has a large puddle due to all the rain.
>
>
>
> Linda Rowan
>
> Levittown Bucks County
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Sun, 3 May 2020 20:18:30 -0400
> From: Paul Heveran <birdmeister.paul...>
> Subject: Great all-around morning flight, Montgomery Co.
>
> Hello PA Birders,
>
> I enjoyed a fine migration flight this morning. Things started out slow
> with clouds and lingering showers until 6:30 or so. After that, the flight
> took off. I enjoyed new yard high counts of three species, and got two new
> yard birds! Of special note were Solitary Sandpiper (5!), Greater
> Yellowlegs (1), Blue Jay (39), Eastern Kingbird (6), Baltimore Oriole (10),
> Orchard Oriole (4), and Bobolink (6).
>
> Warblers were really moving, but most of the 70 that I counted were
> unidentified.
>
> Photos and comments are in my eBird checklist:
> https://ebird.org/checklist/S68303078.
>
>
> A watch around lunchtime for raptors only yielded 10 (mostly Sharp-shins),
> but I did get nice looks at a FOY Cliff Swallow.
>
>
> Tonight has light migration forecast for most, with a NW wind building
> mid-morning in southeastern PA. I expect a light morning flight, but these
> May days are a special time of year. You never know what will fly by.
>
>
> Good (and safe) birding,
> Paul Heveran
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Sun, 3 May 2020 22:37:32 -0400
> From: Karyn Delaney <delaneykaryn...>
> Subject: Fwd: eBird Report - Economy Borough Yard Birds, May 3, 2020
>
> Subject: Beaver County - eBird Report - Economy Borough, May 3, 2020
>
> Two FOY birds this evening: A beautiful White-crowned Sparrow came to feed
> under the feeders, and 2 Chimney Swifts circled overhead.
>
> Karyn Delaney
> "half the fun of birding is sharing"
>
> Economy Borough Yard Birds, Beaver, Pennsylvania, US
> May 3, 2020 7:15 PM - 8:15 PM
> Protocol: Stationary
> 27 species (+1 other taxa)
>
> Graylag Goose (Domestic type) 2 flyover
> Wild Turkey 1
> Mourning Dove 2
> Chimney Swift 2 FOY
> Red-bellied Woodpecker 2
> Downy Woodpecker 2
> Hairy Woodpecker 1
> Pileated Woodpecker 1
> Blue Jay 3
> American Crow 1
> Black-capped Chickadee 2
> Tufted Titmouse 2
> White-breasted Nuthatch 1
> House Wren 2
> Carolina Wren 2
> Wood Thrush 1
> American Robin 2
> American Goldfinch 3
> Chipping Sparrow 2
> White-crowned Sparrow 1 FOY
> White-throated Sparrow 1
> Song Sparrow 1
> Baltimore Oriole 3
> Red-winged Blackbird 1
> Brown-headed Cowbird 2
> Common Grackle 2
> Northern Cardinal 12
> Rose-breasted Grosbeak 1
>
> View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S68362584 >
> This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (
> https://ebird.org/home)
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Sun, 3 May 2020 22:43:20 -0400
> From: Dallas DiLeo <dileod...>
> Subject: White-crowned Sparrow Allegheny County
>
> My fourth new yard bird since retirement -
> Late afternoon White-Crowned Sparrow.
> Dallas DiLeo
> South Hills of Pittsburgh
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Sun, 3 May 2020 23:04:58 -0400
> From: Ron & Amy Burkert <raburkert...>
> Subject: Re: Glossy Ibis, Somerset
>
> Michael,
>
> I had no luck with the ibis today but had 30 species between the
> intersection and the sharp bend past the next farm house; including
> immature bald eagle in the plowed field beyond the next farm house,
> solitary sandpipers, spotted sandpiper, large number of greater yellowlegs
> (22+) flying, mostly in two flicks, and calling their 3-noted calls, where
> I expected to see the ibis. Also, 4 LONG range wild turkeys, catbirds,
> brown thrasher, barn, tree, a single cliff and possibly another swallow
> species as light was bad where it was perched on wire (photos to look at).
> And FOY Eastern kingbirds, common yellowthroats, yellow warblers, a singing
> Savannah sparrow, with its bright yellow lores just off the road for great
> photos, and three swamp sparrows singing their distinctive songs. A very
> interesting afternoon.
>
> Ran into a lady from Johnstown whose friend evidently met you last night
> and said the ibis didn’t show until 4:30 so I stayed, off the eBird clock,
> until 5 when it started raining but still nothing. I hope someone else saw
> it today or sees it tomorrow!
>
> My checklist (photos and audio to add later):
> https://ebird.org/checklist/S68343818.
>
> Ron Burkert
> Oakmont
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> P.S. Allegheny County: yesterday saw first yard bird yellow warbler in 18+
> years here; FOY rose-breasted grosbeaks (a “pair”) at my feeders and a pair
> this evening also and finally this morning a male ruby-throat in the back
> yard probably using the neighbor’s feeder and possibly same male this
> evening at my feeders right after the RBGR’s left.
>
> > On May 2, 2020, at 6:14 PM, Michael David <michaeltdavid...>
> wrote:
> >
> > After a negative report yesterday the Glossy Ibis is present again this
> > afternoon. East from the intersection of Willkow and Swamp Hollow Rd.
> >
> > Best,
> > Michael David
> > Allegheny Co.
> >
> >> On Thu, Apr 30, 2020, 6:29 PM Michael David <michaeltdavid...>
> wrote:
> >>
> >> Hi All,
> >>
> >> Jeff Payne just texted a report of a Glossy Ibis in Somerset Co at Swamp
> >> Hollow Rd. Coordinates of the beginning of the road are 39.96521,
> >> -78.91623, don't know how far along the Ibis is. Somerset has had a few
> >> other birds of note recently: Hudsonian Godwit, Wilson's Phalarope, and
> >> Western Sandpiper at Somerset Lake, and a Sedge Wren at Jeff's
> residence.
> >> Best,Michael DavidAllegheny Co.
> >>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Mon, 4 May 2020 03:16:34 +0000
> From: Scott Kinzey <blackburnian...>
> Subject: White-crowned Sparrows in Allegheny County
>
> I have seen the reports today of White-crowned Sparrows in
> Allegheny and Beaver Counties. I also saw two under my seed feeder in the
> morning in Verona, Allegheny County. I kept seed out hoping to get
> Rose-breasted Grosbeaks which I get some years but these sparrows were nice
> to see as I only get them some years also.
>
> Scott Kinzey
> Allegheny County
>
> Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android
>
> ------------------------------
>
> End of PABIRDS Digest - 2 May 2020 to 3 May 2020 (#2020-124)
> ************************************************************
>
Date: 5/3/20 9:19 pm From: Rob Fergus <birdchaser...> Subject: Eastern Whip-poor-will, Delco May 3
While recording and listening to my NFC microphone this evening I was able to hear and record a distant whippoorwill about 10:15pm. I’m in the suburbs, across the street from a golf course. Seems like peak whip migration right now, maybe worth listening for them the next few nights wherever you are even if you aren’t near a breeding area.
Rob Fergus
Wallingford, PA
<birdchaser...>
UrbanBirdscapes.com
Date: 5/3/20 9:04 pm From: Dave DeReamus <becard...> Subject: Marked(?) Louisiana Waterthrush, Northampton County
Hi all,
While birding at Jacobsburg State Park Sunday morning, I took photos of
a Louisiana Waterthrush that appeared to have a light blue marking on
its left side. The faint marking shows up in all of my photos
regardless of the angle of the bird, so it is not a lighting issue.
Does anyone happen to know if someone is or was marking LOWAs with a
blue dye? I did a quick search for "LOWA research" and came up empty.
Date: 5/3/20 8:16 pm From: Scott Kinzey <0000007977429723-dmarc-request...> Subject: White-crowned Sparrows in Allegheny County
I have seen the reports today of White-crowned Sparrows in Allegheny and Beaver Counties. I also saw two under my seed feeder in the morning in Verona, Allegheny County. I kept seed out hoping to get Rose-breasted Grosbeaks which I get some years but these sparrows were nice to see as I only get them some years also.
I had no luck with the ibis today but had 30 species between the intersection and the sharp bend past the next farm house; including immature bald eagle in the plowed field beyond the next farm house, solitary sandpipers, spotted sandpiper, large number of greater yellowlegs (22+) flying, mostly in two flicks, and calling their 3-noted calls, where I expected to see the ibis. Also, 4 LONG range wild turkeys, catbirds, brown thrasher, barn, tree, a single cliff and possibly another swallow species as light was bad where it was perched on wire (photos to look at). And FOY Eastern kingbirds, common yellowthroats, yellow warblers, a singing Savannah sparrow, with its bright yellow lores just off the road for great photos, and three swamp sparrows singing their distinctive songs. A very interesting afternoon.
Ran into a lady from Johnstown whose friend evidently met you last night and said the ibis didn’t show until 4:30 so I stayed, off the eBird clock, until 5 when it started raining but still nothing. I hope someone else saw it today or sees it tomorrow!
P.S. Allegheny County: yesterday saw first yard bird yellow warbler in 18+ years here; FOY rose-breasted grosbeaks (a “pair”) at my feeders and a pair this evening also and finally this morning a male ruby-throat in the back yard probably using the neighbor’s feeder and possibly same male this evening at my feeders right after the RBGR’s left.
> On May 2, 2020, at 6:14 PM, Michael David <michaeltdavid...> wrote:
>
> After a negative report yesterday the Glossy Ibis is present again this
> afternoon. East from the intersection of Willkow and Swamp Hollow Rd.
>
> Best,
> Michael David
> Allegheny Co.
>
>> On Thu, Apr 30, 2020, 6:29 PM Michael David <michaeltdavid...> wrote:
>>
>> Hi All,
>>
>> Jeff Payne just texted a report of a Glossy Ibis in Somerset Co at Swamp
>> Hollow Rd. Coordinates of the beginning of the road are 39.96521,
>> -78.91623, don't know how far along the Ibis is. Somerset has had a few
>> other birds of note recently: Hudsonian Godwit, Wilson's Phalarope, and
>> Western Sandpiper at Somerset Lake, and a Sedge Wren at Jeff's residence.
>> Best,Michael DavidAllegheny Co.
>>
Date: 5/3/20 5:18 pm From: Paul Heveran <birdmeister.paul...> Subject: Great all-around morning flight, Montgomery Co.
Hello PA Birders,
I enjoyed a fine migration flight this morning. Things started out slow with clouds and lingering showers until 6:30 or so. After that, the flight took off. I enjoyed new yard high counts of three species, and got two new yard birds! Of special note were Solitary Sandpiper (5!), Greater Yellowlegs (1), Blue Jay (39), Eastern Kingbird (6), Baltimore Oriole (10), Orchard Oriole (4), and Bobolink (6).
Warblers were really moving, but most of the 70 that I counted were unidentified.
A watch around lunchtime for raptors only yielded 10 (mostly Sharp-shins), but I did get nice looks at a FOY Cliff Swallow.
Tonight has light migration forecast for most, with a NW wind building mid-morning in southeastern PA. I expect a light morning flight, but these May days are a special time of year. You never know what will fly by.
Date: 5/3/20 5:00 pm From: Jerry McWilliams <0000001b5c226889-dmarc-request...> Subject: Erie County birds of note
The following birds of note were reported this past week from Presque Isle State Park unless noted otherwise.
American Bittern up to 10 (high count); April 28; Niagara Pond
Black-crowned Night-Heron 2; April 28; Niagara Pond
Golden Eagle 1; May 2; Presque Isle Hawk Watch at the TREC
Broad-winged Hawk 4185 (high count); April 30; Presque Isle Hawk Watch at the TREC
American Avocet 2; April 30; Edinboro Lake 2; April 30; Gull Point
Willet 44; April 26; Gull Point 20 April 26; Manchester Beach; Fairview Twp. 2; April 30; Gull Point 22; May 3; Fairview Business Park
Summer Tanager 1; May 1; Vista 4
Golden-winged Warbler 1; May 3; Fry's Landing
Other birds of note reported this week were Kentucky Warbler, Lincoln's Sparrows and Grasshopper Sparrows.
Jerry McWilliamsErie, Erie County, <Pa.jerrymcw...>
Date: 5/3/20 1:19 pm From: Matthew Juskowich <0000000ca4f4ccd1-dmarc-request...> Subject: Willets Fayette County
I had 4 Willets flying around Greenlick lake. I got there just in time because unfortunately they took off heading North. Migration is on in full swing folks! Matthew JuskowichAllegheny County
Date: 5/3/20 1:18 pm From: Regina Brubaker <reginabrubaker1996...> Subject: Migration in Dauphin County
Bird watching the last few days has been quite exciting! Here's a few of the highlights all found in our woods surrounding the farm.
Blackburnian warbler
Palm warbler
Black-throated Blue Warbler
American Redstart
Common Yellowthroat
Yellow-rumped Warblers
Blue headed vireo
Yellow Warbler
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Scarlet tanager
Indigo Bunting
Orchard Orioles
Baltimore Oriole (the most predominate song in the woods, other than the Cat bird, was that of the_many _Oriols)
Eastern Kingbird
House Wren
Wood Thrushs
Eastern Towhee
Ruby-crowned Kinglets
It's been exciting to have my younger brother, Warren, take a more serious interest in birds. Thanks to my boy-friend, Kendall Zook, who has accompanied him.
Warren saw, in addition to this list, a Nashville Warbler, Pileated Woodpecker, Red-headed Woodpecker. I regret that I wasn't with him at the time. It's always great to have an extra pair of eyes when there's so much to take in at once!
Date: 5/3/20 9:36 am From: Amy Henrici <henriciac...> Subject: Golden-wing Warbler and Northern Waterthrush, Frick Park, Allegheny Co.
Pat and I decided to bird at Frick Park this morning in hopes of seeing the Northern Waterthrush that has been continuing there for several days. We got great looks at it. We didn’t see much in the way of other warblers until on our way back to the car, when we encountered a small flock feeding in an elm branch crossing the Firelane Trail Extension near its intersection with Firelane Trail. A Golden-wing Warbler was with a Magnolia, and Nashville. Pat also saw a redstart. We got great looks at the golden-wing, but my attempts to get a picture of it were unsuccessful. The last time I saw one in the county was in 1981, in the upper portion of what is now known as Barking Slopes.
Date: 5/3/20 7:24 am From: Ron & Amy Burkert <raburkert...> Subject: FOY Ruby-throated Hummingbird Allegheny County
At 9:56 am, a male RTHU made a brief appearance between our yard and the neighbor’s. In a couple minutes he reappeared and landed on an extended branch for his photo op! Haven’t seen use of my feeders yet.
Date: 5/3/20 6:03 am From: Lisa Dziuban <dziubanlisa...> Subject: Hummingbird- Plumstead Twp., Bucks Co.
Just saw my FOY hummingbird zip in and out amount my flowering shrubs. Can’t be certain but it looked like a female. Also a female Hairy Woodpecker here last week. All other yard and feeder birds seem to be in pairs. Lots of activity! First House Wren has been heard since last week.
Date: 5/2/20 6:36 pm From: Marge . <marvantassel...> Subject: New yardbirds this week (Armstong County)
First hummingbird (male natch) 3 days ago, finally got photo today Rose-breasted Grosbeak male has been around for 3-4 days often and for long periods and a female showed up briefly today Chipping Sparrows have arrived and Mr; and Mrs; Redwing Blackbird have been busy filling up Marge Van Tassel Armstrong County
Date: 5/2/20 5:44 pm From: Karyn Delaney <delaneykaryn...> Subject: Fwd: eBird Report - Moraine State Park, Park Road, May 2, 2020
Subject: Butler County - eBird Report - Moraine State Park, Park Road, May 2, 2020
We walked a bit of Park Road this afternoon. FOY birds for the area were Blue-winged Warbler, Eastern Kingbird, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Ovenbird, Yellow Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Black-throated Green Warbler, Baltimore Oriole & Scarlet Tanager.
There was a Great Egret just off the Waterfowl Observation Platform, along with Red-breasted Mergansers (9) and Ring-necked Ducks (5).
The Park was very busy. We had originally intended to walk the Hell's Hollow Trail at McConnell's Mill, but found 30 cars parked everywhere at the trailhead and the road actually blocked by a truck hauling an atv which couldn't fit between the parked cars! Nothing was moving so we backed up and left and went to Park Road.
Karyn & Ray Delaney
Moraine State Park, Park Road, Butler, Pennsylvania, US May 2, 2020 1:30 PM - 3:10 PM Protocol: Traveling 1.0 mile(s) 26 species
Turkey Vulture 4 Osprey 1 Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 Red-tailed Hawk 1 Eastern Phoebe 2 Eastern Kingbird 1 FOY Blue Jay 4 American Crow 3 Black-capped Chickadee 3 Tufted Titmouse 1 Tree Swallow 4 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 2 FOY Wood Thrush 1 American Robin 7 American Goldfinch 1 Song Sparrow 5 Eastern Towhee 5 Baltimore Oriole 1 FOY Red-winged Blackbird 2 Ovenbird 1 FOY Blue-winged Warbler 1 FOY Common Yellowthroat 2 FOY Yellow Warbler 1 FOY Black-throated Green Warbler 1 FOY Scarlet Tanager 1 FOY Northern Cardinal 4
Observation start time: 08:30:00
Observation end time: 15:30:00
Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Jerry McWilliams
Observers: Bernie O Connor, Jennifer Ferrick, Julie Leonard, Ken Felix,
Robert Scribner
Visitors:
Linda McWilliams, Delores and Joao Taveres, and visiting birders from Ohio,
Wendy and Beverly
Weather:
Variably cloudy with strong SW wind and mild temperatures
Raptor Observations:
Another good BW day as well as SS and AK. Birds stayed relatively low, and
there were few large kettles, but the flight remained steady all day. With
today's BW total, it puts are BW season total at record level. Highlight
today was a Golden Eagle that passed directly overhead at 1330 EST.
Non-raptor Observations:
Great Blue Heron--3, Double-crested Cormorant--18, Blue Jay--10,
Yellow-rumped Warbler--1, Cliff Swallow--1,Eastern Bluebird--1, American
Goldfinch--5, Common Green Darner--4
Predictions:
Mostly sunny and continued mild, but with west wind, any birds are likely
to be spread out away from the lake.Jerry McWilliamsErie, Erie County, <Pa.jerrymcw...>
Date: 5/2/20 4:04 pm From: Darwin Evangelista <0000013a0054f307-dmarc-request...> Subject: New Yard Bird
I glanced out at the feeders and my eyes popped out of my head! There was a gorgeous red-headed woodpecker on the suet feeder! We get downy, hairy, and red-bellied on a regular basis, occasional flickers, and we even had a yellow-bellied sapsucker one winter. But this was a first. Never in a million years did I expect to look out and see a red-headed woodpecker. We only got about a 10 second look before it flew off - no time to get a photo. I hope it hangs around. Jane & Huey EvangelistaLaureldale, Berks County
Sent from AOL Mobile Mail Get the new AOL app: mail.mobile.aol.com
> On May 2, 2020, at 6:32 PM, THOMAS N PAWLESH <tpawlesh...> wrote: > > Had our FOY male ruby-throated hummingbird at our feeder at 6:30PM. > > Tom & Marina Pawlesh > Jefferson Hills > Allegheny County
Date: 5/2/20 3:14 pm From: Michael David <michaeltdavid...> Subject: Re: Glossy Ibis, Somerset
After a negative report yesterday the Glossy Ibis is present again this afternoon. East from the intersection of Willkow and Swamp Hollow Rd.
Best, Michael David Allegheny Co.
On Thu, Apr 30, 2020, 6:29 PM Michael David <michaeltdavid...> wrote:
> Hi All, > > Jeff Payne just texted a report of a Glossy Ibis in Somerset Co at Swamp > Hollow Rd. Coordinates of the beginning of the road are 39.96521, > -78.91623, don't know how far along the Ibis is. Somerset has had a few > other birds of note recently: Hudsonian Godwit, Wilson's Phalarope, and > Western Sandpiper at Somerset Lake, and a Sedge Wren at Jeff's residence. > Best,Michael DavidAllegheny Co. >
Date: 5/2/20 2:34 pm From: Matthew Juskowich <0000000ca4f4ccd1-dmarc-request...> Subject: Sanderling- Washington County
Currently one at Canonsburg Lake.Instructions:Park at causeway and walk to the horseshoe curve walk foot bridge on mudflat there! Matthew JuskowichAllegheny County
Date: 5/2/20 8:30 am From: Michael Fialkovich <0000012b4af48ab0-dmarc-request...> Subject: Frick Park, Allegheny
Hi,
While it was sunny on the way to the park, Frick Park in Pittsburgh was foggy this morning.
No sign of the Prothonotary Warbler while I was there; others were also searching unsuccessfully. Maybe it will appear now that the sun is out. The Northern Waterthrush continues and I heard another one near the intersection of Nine Mile Run and Firelane Trail across from the soccer field. The one near the boardwalk showed itself several times.
Other warblers included Nashville, Black-throated Green, Yellow, Black-and-white, Yellow-rumped. Good numbers of Ruby-crowned Kinglets continue.
Date: 5/1/20 10:07 pm From: Hawkcount.Org Reports <reports...> Subject: Southern Chester County Hawk Watch at Bucktoe Creek Preserve (30 Apr 2020) Raptors
Southern Chester County Hawk Watch at Bucktoe Creek Preserve
Avondale, Pennsylvania, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Apr 30, 2020
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 08:00:00
Observation end time: 14:00:00
Total observation time: 6 hours
Official Counter: Larry Lewis
Observers:
Visitors:
THE LAND CONSERVANCY FOR SOUTHERN CHESTER COUNTY’S HAWK WATCH AT BUCKTOE
CREEK PRESERVE
<BR><BR>
Visitors (3): Sue McLaughlin, Jim Balint
<BR><BR>
Thanks everyone, for coming to beautiful Bucktoe Creek Preserve!
<BR><BR>
Raptor Observations:
----“Raptors” seen, but deemed not to be migrating: 1-Bald Eagle,
3-Red-tailed Hawk, and numerous Black (74) and Turkey Vultures (44).
<BR><BR>
----Bald Eagle ages: 1 yr.-0; 2 yr.-0; 3 yr.-0; 4 yr.-0; adult-1
<BR><BR>
Non-raptor Observations:
TODAY’S Bucktoe Bird Blog [‘BBB’]: [PLEASE NOTE: On April 30, I
sent out the new large weekly “blog.” This is NOT THESE reports you
get from HawkCount. Rather, it’s the newsletter from EBNT, with our
upcoming schedule and the County year bird list, etc. If you aren’t
receiving it and are a regular subscriber, look in your spam – a few
servers send it there. [go figure-lol] If you enjoy “the blog,”
featuring the county species list, and it ended up in your spam, you’ll
have to follow your provider’s method of “whitelisting” it, marking
it as “not spam” or it will always go there. It usually comes out every
Thursday.
<BR><BR>
This is the final day of this year’s spring hawk watch, sponsored by The
Land Conservancy for Southern Chester County. My thanks go to each of you
during this strange year and to The Land Conservancy. If you appreciate
what TLC provides for you, you may want to become a member, or at least
drop them an email, a call, or a text to let them know.
<BR><BR>
A glance at Wilson Rd. Pond as I headed to Bucktoe, provided a couple of
nice birds – Least Sandpipers [FOY] and Bobolinks [FOY], a favorite,
their rambling, twangy song filling the air. Their song went well with the
Eastern Meadowlarks which were also singing. The Bobolink flight was last
night, as there were many when just yesterday, there had been none.
Further along, Lambornton Pond held nothing of note.
<BR><BR>
It sure was windy at Bucktoe today; the only ones seemingly enjoying the 25
mph [with much higher gusts] winds were the vultures, twisting wildly in
the sky. I moved my van out into the meadow, using it as a windbreak of
sorts. Birds are going to be exceedingly tough to come by in this! A nice
find was one of my favorites, a Yellow-breasted Chat [FOY], heard singing
in the valley below.
<BR><BR>
Sue and Jim were here in this ridiculous weather.
<BR><BR>
The watch completed, I went to New Garden WTP [private], now with just Wood
Ducks. Scarlet Road Wetlands, just around the corner, held a single
Greater Yellowlegs and a lone Lesser Yellowlegs. It made things easy! A
Solitary Sandpiper soon joined them.
<BR><BR>
I moved my field office to Marsh Creek Lake to spend the evening writing
and looking over the lake. Three Red-necked Grebes [FOY] that had just been
found here [MH] will give me something to look for. I quickly found them;
the birds changing into breeding plumage, rarely seen around here. Bank
Swallows were also found [my FOY]. Others seen included Double-crested
Cormorants, Ring-billed Gulls, Bonaparte’s Gulls, Killdeer, Rough-winged
Swallows, and Yellow-rumped Warbler.
<BR><BR>
Elsewhere, the Common Gallinule remains at Exton Park [CH].
<BR><BR>
---- Thanks to Delaware Nature Society & The Land Conservancy for Southern
Chester County for their support, and especially, to the Brokaws, for not
only their incredible support, but gracious generosity in opening their
property to the public for this watch, and oh, so very much more!
<BR><BR>
----ADDITIONAL BIRD HIGHLIGHTS:
<BR><BR>
Great Blue Heron, Eastern Kingbird, Purple Martins, Brown Thrashers,
White-crowned Sparrows, Yellow-breasted Chat, Orchard Orioles, Yellow
Warblers, and Common Yellowthroats
<BR><BR>
----OTHER WILDLIFE NOTED: Nothing
<BR><BR>
----EBNT’s “Walk with Nature” ™ Program Daily Tally with our
Fitbits: This is a stationary watch, but if I stay stationary too long, I
might tend to “bulk up.” Besides, I am ever so fortunate to be walking
unaided, at all! Therefore, I keep moving (if you’ve been here, then you
know that I pace endlessly….) - my Fitbit thanks me and its part of my
“Walk with Nature” program. So, below are MY results at the watch for
the day. Your totals could all be zero, if you choose to sit and relax.
You are certainly welcome to take it easy….I simply choose not to,
affording me a panoramic view of our entire sky and a bit of exercise. So
come join our “Walk with Nature!” ™ Anyway, just for fun, here are my
numbers at the site for today (join me, if you wish): Miles: 0.52; Steps:
1,218; Floors: 2.
<BR><BR>
----“SEASON’S BIRD SPECIES LIST” – we at Bucktoe are not just a
Hawk Watch, but conduct a migration tally from the site. We include it
here, from time to time (about once a week), to let you know what else
we’re seeing here at the Bucktoe Watch. Our tally board, on site, will
feature an approximation (very rough, best “guestimate,” – searching
for Hawks must remain our primary focus) for totals of each species seen
for “The Watch” year. The overall list for the season from the watch
will be part of the large weekly “blog,” if you’ve signed up for
that.
<BR><BR>
TOTAL SPECIES – Identified from watch site: today: 47; this season:
98
<BR><BR>
NEW SPECIES ADDED TODAY TO THIS YEAR’S “WATCH SPECIES LIST (1):”
Yellow-breasted Chat.
<BR><BR>
Predictions:
Tomorrow’s flight looks irrelevant. The hawk watch is over for this
spring!
<BR><BR>
Come join us, folks! We’re here every day thru Apr. 30, 9am thru 3pm.
Rain or shine.
This report is being sent individually to participants and people deemed to
be interested parties. If you wish off the list, kindly notify me and you
will be removed. However, this one mailing list is how I notify every one
of our events, our walk schedule, tours and rare birds.
The Hawk Watch at Bucktoe Creek Preserve is sponsored by THE LAND
CONSERVANCY FOR SOUTHERN CHESTER COUNTY. Please contact us at
<earlybirdtours...> with questions or comments.
========================================================================
Report submitted by Larry Lewis (<earlybirdtours...>)
Site Description:
High open meadow near Red Clay Creek
Directions to site:
From Kennett Square, PA (in southern Chester County):
Take Union Street south out of town. This becomes Kaolin Road. Make a right
onto Hillendale Road. Proceed about 1.5 miles to Sharp Road and make a
left. At the second hilltop on Sharp Road, the entrance is on the left
across from Candlewyck development. (432 Sharp Rd.) Upon entering driveway,
make a right on gravel road opposite first driveway you see on left. Follow
gravel road (and the "Hawk Watch" signs for about 1/2 mile to the pavilion
on the left and the parking area in the grass to the right.
Date: 5/1/20 6:19 pm From: Dave DeReamus <becard...> Subject: Eastern PA Birdline: 5/1/2020
- RBA
* Pennsylvania
* Lehigh / Northampton Counties and Vicinity
* May 1, 2020
* PAEA2005.01
- Birds mentioned
GLOSSY IBIS
VIRGINIA RAIL
AMERICAN BITTERN
MARSH WREN
ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER
RED-NECKED GREBE
WHITE-FACED IBIS (1^st Northampton County and 3^rd PA record)
COMMON TERN
LEAST BITTERN
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON
FORSTER’S TERN
RED-HEADED WOODPECKER
SANDHILL CRANE
PROTHONOTARY WARBLER
RED-NECKED PHALAROPE
- Transcript
Hotline: Eastern PA Birdline
Date: May 1^st at 9:00 PM
To Report by E-Mail: Send to <_becard...>
<mailto:<becard...>_with “Birdline” in subject heading.
Compiler: Dave DeReamus
My reporting area includes all of Lehigh and Northampton Counties with
the northern edge of the area reaching Beltzville State Park and the
southern edge reaching Peace Valley Park in Bucks County.Updates are
typically done every Friday, more often when necessary.
Unfortunately due to COVID-19, all L.V.A.S. events are cancelled until
further notice.
Directions to many of the sites in this report can be found in the
area’s birding guidebook, “Birds of the Lehigh Valley and Vicinity”. A
completely revised, 2^nd edition of the book can be ordered at:
http://www.lvaudubon.org/shop/ .
NOW FOR THE BIRDS!
Sightings from LAKE MINSI, Northampton County:
GLOSSY IBIS----2 on 4/30
Rusty Blackbirds----2 on 4/30.
Sightings from EAST BANGOR DAM, Northampton County:
VIRGINIA RAIL----1 on 4/25
AMERICAN BITTERN----1 on 4/25
MARSH WREN----1 on 4/25.
Sightings from the MARTINS CREEK PPL POWER PLANT area, Northampton County:
At the boat launch area:
ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER----1 on 4/29.
Sightings from BUSHKILL TOWNSHIP, Northampton County:
At the Albert Road ponds:
RED-NECKED GREBES----2 on 5/1.
Sightings from the GREEN POND area, Northampton County:
WHITE-FACED IBIS----1 on 5/1 (adult).This bird represents the 1^st
Northampton County record and only the 3^rd record for the state of
Pennsylvania!Fortunately, the bird was later refound at a nearby
location and seen by the lucky birders who received the correct
information guiding them to that spot.
Sightings from BELTZVILLE STATE PARK, Carbon County:
Red-breasted Merganser----1 on 4/28 and 4/29
COMMON TERN----1 on 4/26 and 4/28.
Sightings from LEASER LAKE, Lehigh County:
Red-breasted Mergansers----2 on 5/1
LEAST BITTERN----1 on 4/28 and 4/29
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON----1 on 4/28
VIRGINIA RAIL----1 on 4/28 and 4/29
FORSTER’S TERN----1 on 4/24 and 4/25
MARSH WREN----1 on 4/29.
Sightings from LYNN TOWNSHIP, Lehigh County:
RED-HEADED WOODPECKER----1 to at least 4/28 (along Kunkles Mill Road).
Sightings from the ALBURTIS area, Lehigh County:
SANDHILL CRANES----3 on 4/28 (fly-by’s).
Sightings from the UNAMI CREEK VALLEY, Montgomery County:
Worm-eating Warbler----1 on 4/30.
Sightings from the RIEGELSVILLE area, Bucks County:
PROTHONOTARY WARBLER----1 on 4/30.
Sightings from QUAKERTOWN SWAMP, Bucks County:
AMERICAN BITTERN----1 on 4/29.
Sightings from PEACE VALLEY PARK, Bucks County:
RED-NECKED PHALAROPES----3 on 4/30 and 5/1
RED-HEADED WOODPECKER----1 to at least 4/30
PROTHONOTARY WARBLER----1 from 4/29 to at least 5/1.
Indigo Bunting, Baltimore Oriole, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, and some of
the expected warblers among others were seen at several sites this past
week.
Date: 5/1/20 5:02 pm From: reeser <reeser...> Subject: FOY House Wren -- Cumberland County
The house wren appeared yesterday, Thursday 4/30/20, and again today singing. Also the brown thrasher is still here at the suet dough feeder, along with the catbird and the Carolina wren and various woodpeckers (northern flicker, downy and red bellied).
Still have white throated sparrows and chipping sparrows and the song and house sparrows that are here all year.
Have seen a few yellow goldfinches, house finches, cowbirds, several cardinals and blue jays each day and chickadees, mourning doves, starlings and robins.
The red tailed hawk has also been making daily appearances and hanging out in the top of the spruce trees.
Date: 5/1/20 2:18 pm From: Laurie Goodrich <goodrich...> Subject: anyone seeing a broadwinged hawk in SE PA?
Hi folks!
Broad-winged hawk research along Kittatinny Ridge is being augmented by a graduate student project seeking nests in SE PA counties of Bucks, Montgomery, Chester, southern Berks, and nearby areas. Lancaster too.
We are interested in hearing from any birders who are seeing broad-winged hawks regularly in their
area or in a nearby park or state land where they hike and especially if they see nesting behaviors (carrying stick, pair together, calling). And, if anyone lives near and visits Evansburg State Park in Collegeville let us know. Or if you have a nest in your back yard or woodlot please contact us privately.
All nest details will be kept confidential.
Gabie can be notified at <gabriellelent...><mailto:<gabriellelent...>. My details are below. Thanks!
Laurie Goodrich, Ph.D.
Sarkis Acopian Director of Conservation Science
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary
570-943-3411 x106
cell phone: 570-449-3933
<goodrich...>
Date: 5/1/20 2:15 pm From: Rob Dickerson <radickerson...> Subject: Call for Photos - Winter
Do you have some great photos of any birds taken in Pennsylvania from December 1, 2019 - February 29, 2020? Or a picture of a notable/significant sighting from that period?
I am currently accepting photo submissions through end of day May 15 to be considered for publication as space permits in the Pennsylvania Society for Ornithology (PSO) Winter 2020 issue of Pennsylvania Birds.
**Important Note** Images submitted must be high-res and are preferred to be horizontal shots. Submitted images must be able to be cropped to 1050px x 700px with a resolution of 300 px/in for horizontal images. If space allows high-quality vertical portrait shots may be used, but they take up the space of 2 photos in the layout used by the journal. Vertical photos submitted must be able to be cropped to 1050px x 1313px at 300 px/in.
Some further instructions... If your submission does not follow the instructions below or contain the info requested below, it will not be processed!
- Submissions for consideration **must** be taken during the above date range and emailed to <radickerson...>, please make mention of the word WINTER in the subject line to simplify processing.
- Please do not submit me dozens of images for consideration, please do some initial limiting/judging of selections on your end that reflect the best of your work. However, if you have 15 different images of truly notable sightings in the state from this period, I'll gladly accept them for consideration!
- VERY important!!! For each image attached to the e-mail, you must include a description in the body of the e-mail for that image. Best format to follow: Species Name - Location, County, DD Month. Sentence about significance if known/applicable. (Photographer Name) Example: Antillean Nighthawk - Presque Isle SP, Erie, 12 June. This bird represented a first state record and was observed through 1 July. (John Doe)
- Please also submit your photos for consideration in full resolution or as close to full resolution as possible as these will be printed. Your photo also may be considered for a cover shot and a 250KB image just won't work for that! I need to be able to crop your photo to fit the space as it permits in the journal and a precropped / low-resolution image is problematic for that. It's safe to say that if you're sending me an image under a megabyte in size, it isn't going to be the resolution I need to work with. I also need room to crop the image to the specs used for the newsletter (exact specs posted above) and an extremely tight crop may not allow me to do that.
- Photos selected for printing in the issue will be credited to the photographer, please DO NOT submit watermarked/signatured images or they will not be considered. The image should be clean of any add-ons.
Thanks for considering submitting your photos for consideration for our statewide ornithology journal!
Date: 5/1/20 1:31 pm From: Barb <0000001455f85cf8-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: blue grosbeak - Perry County
How cool!
Barb
Sent from my iPhone
> On May 1, 2020, at 4:15 PM, Cathy Brown <blueapis...> wrote:
>
> My Mom-in-Law photographed a blue grossbeak in her Perry County yard today. It may have been there yesterday, as she initially identified it as an indigo bunting and she told me of an indigo bunting yesterday.
>
> Cathy Brown
Date: 5/1/20 1:15 pm From: Cathy Brown <blueapis...> Subject: blue grosbeak - Perry County
My Mom-in-Law photographed a blue grossbeak in her Perry County yard today. It may have been there yesterday, as she initially identified it as an indigo bunting and she told me of an indigo bunting yesterday.
Date: 5/1/20 10:27 am From: Linda Widdop <linda...> Subject: Finally - hummingbird - Jenkintown Montgomery County
Wow, I was starting to feel short changed but she finally showed up at the feeder today. Lorimer park is also dripping with new arrivals this week - and a lingering Louisiana Waterthrush. Possible breeder?
Date: 5/1/20 10:26 am From: Robert Van Newkirk <van126...> Subject: FOY Birds - Walker Park - Allegheny County
Despite the overcast sky, the following birds were quite vocal this morning which helped me locate and identify the singers at Walker Park in Edgeworth Borough, Allegheny County. Most of these birds were in the vicinity of Shelter #2.
Date: 5/1/20 9:56 am From: Ann Pettigrew <rook185...> Subject: Least Bittern - York County
While doing a marsh bird survey this morning folks who had found a Least Bittern off the boardwalk at Lake Redman pointed it out to me. It ended up flying off and out of site. A nice bird for my first survey attempt and I appreciated people pointing it out to me.
I would like to say something that may get me in trouble, but I would like to ask people to wear masks and maintain the six foot social distancing while out birding. Most of the birders and photographers that I run into are over 60, including me, and I feel we need to be considerate during these trying times. Some of us may be asymptomatic carriers and could pose a threat to others.
Thank you!
Best regards,
Ann
Ann C. Pettigrew, V.M.D.
York, PA
<rook185...>
www.pbase.com/rook185
“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.”
― Mahatma Gandhi
Ooh the hummingbirds are in PA! Great. Hoping they come to my house soon!
Barb
Sent from my iPhone
> On Apr 30, 2020, at 7:54 PM, Karyn Delaney <delaneykaryn...> wrote:
>
> Subject: Beaver County - eBird Report - Economy Borough Yard Birds, Apr
> 30, 2020
>
> A FOY Ruby-throated Hummingbird came to the feeder this morning. It fed,
> rested, fed some more and left. I didn't see it again during the course of
> the day. Other FOY birds were a male Indigo Bunting, and this evening, 2
> Wood Thrush were serenading us in the back yard.
>
> Karyn Delaney
> "half the fun of birding is sharing"
>
> Economy Borough Yard Birds, Beaver, Pennsylvania, US
> Apr 30, 2020 8:00 AM
> Protocol: Incidental
> 22 species
>
> Wild Turkey 2
> Mourning Dove 3
> Ruby-throated Hummingbird 1 FOY
> Downy Woodpecker 2
> Blue Jay 2
> American Crow 1
> Black-capped Chickadee 2
> Tufted Titmouse 2
> White-breasted Nuthatch 1
> House Wren 1
> Carolina Wren 2
> Wood Thrush 2 FOY
> American Robin 4
> House Finch 2
> American Goldfinch 5
> Chipping Sparrow 2
> White-throated Sparrow 1
> Baltimore Oriole 3
> Common Grackle 5
> Northern Cardinal 10
> Rose-breasted Grosbeak 1 Male.
> Indigo Bunting 1 FOY. Male.
>
> View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S68150709 >
> This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (https://ebird.org/home)
A FOY Ruby-throated Hummingbird came to the feeder this morning. It fed, rested, fed some more and left. I didn't see it again during the course of the day. Other FOY birds were a male Indigo Bunting, and this evening, 2 Wood Thrush were serenading us in the back yard.
Karyn Delaney "half the fun of birding is sharing"
Economy Borough Yard Birds, Beaver, Pennsylvania, US Apr 30, 2020 8:00 AM Protocol: Incidental 22 species
Wild Turkey 2 Mourning Dove 3 Ruby-throated Hummingbird 1 FOY Downy Woodpecker 2 Blue Jay 2 American Crow 1 Black-capped Chickadee 2 Tufted Titmouse 2 White-breasted Nuthatch 1 House Wren 1 Carolina Wren 2 Wood Thrush 2 FOY American Robin 4 House Finch 2 American Goldfinch 5 Chipping Sparrow 2 White-throated Sparrow 1 Baltimore Oriole 3 Common Grackle 5 Northern Cardinal 10 Rose-breasted Grosbeak 1 Male. Indigo Bunting 1 FOY. Male.
Date: 4/30/20 3:29 pm From: Michael David <michaeltdavid...> Subject: Glossy Ibis, Somerset
Hi All,
Jeff Payne just texted a report of a Glossy Ibis in Somerset Co at Swamp Hollow Rd. Coordinates of the beginning of the road are 39.96521, -78.91623, don't know how far along the Ibis is. Somerset has had a few other birds of note recently: Hudsonian Godwit, Wilson's Phalarope, and Western Sandpiper at Somerset Lake, and a Sedge Wren at Jeff's residence. Best,Michael DavidAllegheny Co.
Observation start time: 11:00:00
Observation end time: 14:30:00
Total observation time: 3.5 hours
Official Counter: Jerry McWilliams
Observers: Bernie O Connor, Joao Taveres
Visitors:
none
Weather:
Cloudy and rain most of the morning then becoming variably cloudy and warm
with SSW until 1430 EST when a cold front pushed through dropping the
temp. by 18 degrees with heavy rain and strong NW wind.
Raptor Observations:
Clouds and rain kept birds at bay through the morning, but when the sun
came out there was an explosion of BWs with 1500 birds going through in
just 30 minutes between 1130 and 1200 EST. A passing shower shut the
flight down for about 30 minutes and then another huge push of birds before
the front arrived and ended the day. The SSW kept birds close to the lake,
but were quite high.
Non-raptor Observations:
none
Predictions:
Cooler temps. with NW winds and an abundance of clouds with chances of rain
until early afternoon. A lakeside flight doesn't look promising.Jerry McWilliamsErie, Erie County, <Pa.jerrymcw...>
Bimini Lake: Surf Scoter -2 Merlin -1 I observed the Merlin buzz through a flock of Bonaparte's Gulls near the dam breast. Amazingly, hundreds of indignant swallows responded by peeling off the lake in pursuit of the falcon. Dan Richards Treasure Lake
Now I have 3 rose breasted grosbeaks, males, seemingly gorging on black oil sunflower seeds, ignoring the suet cake. Maybe fueling up from their trip north. I don't expect to see them often once they set up their territories.
Date: 4/30/20 10:03 am From: drudy2 <00000019240c0ca1-dmarc-request...> Subject: Dauphin Country Indigo Bunting
Last evening a male Red-breasted Grosbeak and 2 Catbirds showed up at my suet feeders. Strong thermals along the Susquehanna river edge of Second Mt. brought several Broad-winged hawks and an Osprey circling overhead for 15 minutes. This morning, 1 male and 1 female Baltimore Oriole have been coming together to the mealworm suet cake. The Grosbeak still here. A yard lifer bird, Indigo Bunting, flew to the suet and back to the woods in the blink of an eye. Despite heavy rain and winds, a good indoor birding day.
Date: 4/30/20 9:57 am From: Kendall Zook <kendallzook98...> Subject: migration in Crawford Co.
Hello all,
Migration is finally picking up in Crawford Co. The last two or three days have been getting good. I haven't seen anything that I thought it worth composing a special email to report. But I'll give the accumulation of highlights and FOY's from the last several days.
April 24 - SGL 85 along Johnstown Rd., Cambridge Springs
I had one singing Winter Wren.
April 29 - SGL 277, Miller Station Rd., Cambridge Springs
5 Blue-gray Gnatcatchers
1 Palm Warbler
1 Great Crested Flycatcher
5 Yellow Warblers
1 Carolina Wren - this bird is a resident bird; I've been hearing it for several months.
2 Broad-winged Hawks - Tuesday and Wednesday the Broadwinged Hawks moved through. I saw probably 10 over those two days in my various stints outside. I never actually sat down to formally skywatch.
April 30 - Inlet Rd., Conneautville
1 Wood Thrush
1 singing Winter Wren
April 30 - West Rd., Saegertown
1 Vesper Sparrow - this seems to be a reliable place to find Vesper Sparrows in the spring. This is the third year I've found a Vesper Sparrow here, in exactly the same spot.
1 Ovenbird
1 White-crowned Sparrow
April 30 - E. Spring Rd.
1 Vesper Sparrow - I saw this Vesper Sparrow and the one on West Rd. only 5 minutes apart. What a surprise! Both times the birds flew and the white outer tail feathers caught my attention and I stopped to confirm them as Vesper Sparrows.
Two other old reports. On April 20 I had a Merlin at SGL 277 along Miller Station Rd. And on April 21 I had an early Common Tern sitting in the parking lot at the Pymatuning Spillway.
> Surprise Rose breasted grosbeak eating seeds under the feeder this morning! He hung out for quite awhile. Our first catbird was seen and heard this morning.
>
> On another note...we live on a quiet suburban street in Churchill/Wilkinsburg and last night saw a red-tailed hawk, we think our neighborhood one, in a yard listening (?), stalking (?) but we couldn't see anything. Was he hunting moles underground? Crows were hanging out above, keeping an eye on the situation, too.
>
> Hayley and Jennifer
> Pittsburgh
>
>
Date: 4/30/20 7:34 am From: Bob Elser <navman9...> Subject: FOY Rose-breasted Grosbeaks in York
We had 3 male Rose-breasted Grosbeaks at our seed feeder this morning in York, PA. The weather was windy and warm in conjunction with the storm that has been making its way across the US for the past few days. They may have been taking a break from their migration. This is a bit earlier than we usually see them. In past years it has been early to mid-May.
Nice! We were fine there last evening and saw our first yellow rumpled warbler of the season and heard a blue grey gnatcatcher also. We’ve seen orchard orioles there in the past.
And in my yard this am, a gorgeous red headed woodpecker has been feeding at the suet feeder.
Barb
Sent from my iPhone
> On Apr 29, 2020, at 8:58 PM, Laurel Chiappetta <laurel.chiappetta...> wrote:
>
> During a run this evening saw and heard a first of year orchard Oriole.
> There were two of us and we saw it near the wetlands at the field-side of
> nine Mile run.
Surprise Rose breasted grosbeak eating seeds under the feeder this morning! He hung out for quite awhile. Our first catbird was seen and heard this morning.
On another note...we live on a quiet suburban street in Churchill/Wilkinsburg and last night saw a red-tailed hawk, we think our neighborhood one, in a yard listening (?), stalking (?) but we couldn't see anything. Was he hunting moles underground? Crows were hanging out above, keeping an eye on the situation, too.
Date: 4/30/20 6:12 am From: K Springer <springer0707...> Subject: FOY Indigo Bunting & Orchard Orioles - MERCER COUNTY
Within about the past hour, I have had in my yard my first of the year male and female Orchard Oriole and male Indigo Bunting. I've also had 6 Baltimore Orioles at one time.
Date: 4/29/20 10:30 pm From: Hawkcount.Org Reports <reports...> Subject: Southern Chester County Hawk Watch at Bucktoe Creek Preserve (29 Apr 2020) 11 Raptors
Southern Chester County Hawk Watch at Bucktoe Creek Preserve
Avondale, Pennsylvania, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Apr 29, 2020
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 08:00:00
Observation end time: 14:00:00
Total observation time: 6 hours
Official Counter: Larry Lewis
Observers: Gerry Teig, Hank Davis, Jean-Marie Gauthier,
Sabrena Boekell
Visitors:
THE LAND CONSERVANCY FOR SOUTHERN CHESTER COUNTY’S HAWK WATCH AT BUCKTOE
CREEK PRESERVE
<BR><BR>
Visitors (7): Sabrena Boekell, Jean-Marie Gauthier, Hank Davis, Gerry Teig,
Sue McLaughlin, Howard Campbell
<BR><BR>
Thanks everyone, for coming to beautiful Bucktoe Creek Preserve!
<BR><BR>
Raptor Observations:
----“Raptors” seen, but deemed not to be migrating: 1-Red-shouldered
Hawk, 8-Red-tailed Hawk, and numerous Black (64) and Turkey Vultures (76).
<BR><BR>
Non-raptor Observations:
TODAY’S Bucktoe Bird Blog [‘BBB’]: [PLEASE NOTE: On April 23, I
sent out the new large weekly “blog.” This is NOT THESE reports you
get from HawkCount. Rather, it’s the newsletter from EBNT, with our
upcoming schedule and the County year bird list, etc. If you aren’t
receiving it and are a regular subscriber, look in your spam – a few
servers send it there. [go figure-lol] If you enjoy “the blog,”
featuring the county species list, and it ended up in your spam, you’ll
have to follow your provider’s method of “whitelisting” it, marking
it as “not spam” or it will always go there. It usually comes out every
Thursday.
<BR><BR>
Still hoping for a late migrating Scoter, I began the day at Marsh Creek
Lake. I ran into friend, Chad there and we found nothing much was
happening on the lake. I had heard a distant Northern Waterthrush [my FOY]
along the trail to the point and told Chad we should walk there. We
noticed a huge flock of Double-crested Cormorants, Great Blue Herons,
Spotted Sandpiper, Osprey, Warbling Vireo [my FOY], Ruby-crowned Kinglets,
Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, Ovenbird, Black-and-white Warblers [my FOY], Yellow
Warblers, a large number of Yellow-rumped Warblers, but no Waterthrush,
even though I heard it once more; Chad had not, again. We walked the trail
back and I briefly heard what I call the Pileated Woodpecker’s festering
call [a quiet chatter it makes when it’s just leisurely doing things]. I
called it out. I told Chad he might be able to get a good picture, as we
were just feet away. We didn’t see a thing as we continued on. There
just was nothing where I had told Chad the very large Pileated Woodpecker
surely was. I had heard it, while again Chad had not. About this time, I
had to figure Chad was wondering:
A] Had I been drinking?
B} Had my cheese finally slipped off my cracker? [was I nuts]
C] Was I hearing things
D] Did I not know how to bird?
E] All of the above
My money was on Chad picking “E.” I mean, I hadn’t produced the
Northern Waterthrush I heard twice, followed by a miss on a huge woodpecker
heard [I claimed] mere feet away – neither heard by Chad. Frankly, I was
beginning to wonder a bit myself. Had I lost it? I leaned against a
tree. The Pileated Woodpecker sprang off the ground and flew to an
adjacent tree, returning directly to the ground [see picture]. Just then
the Northern Waterthrush sang again and very close. Chad located it on a
log. I had total vindication! I hadn’t lost it, after all! After I
left, Chad texted that he found Yellow-billed Cuckoo [FOY] [CH] and a
Baltimore Oriole, proving once again, that for the benefit of everyone, I
should leave more often! I was off towards Bucktoe.
<BR><BR>
A glance at Wilson Rd. Pond as I headed to Bucktoe, revealed Solitary
Sandpipers, Greater Yellowlegs, Lesser Yellowlegs, and Eastern Meadowlarks.
Lambornton Pond had nothing to mention.
<BR><BR>
Once at Bucktoe, the weather bore no resemblance to the forecast. The sky
was nearly all blue; none of the showers and clouds predicted. The birding
remained quite slow, except for vultures – they were everywhere. I took
a walk, finding a Northern Brown Snake [see picture]
<BR><BR>
Sabrena, Jean-Marie [The French Connection], and Hank were all out early.
Hank filled the feeders; he knows his station. Honestly, nobody can fill
feeders like Hank can. Hank Davis, YOU are the man! Regulars, Sue and
Gerry came along, while Howard was here for the second time this season.
He brought with him his usual offering of peanuts for our woodpeckers.
They do look forward to Howard’s visits so. Thanks, Howard!
<BR><BR>
I went to New Garden WTP [private] where there were Wood Ducks, nothing
more. Passing by Scarlet Road wetlands I saw Solitary Sandpiper and
Greater Yellowlegs.
<BR><BR>
News had come in to me today of a Common Gallinule [FOY] discovered today
by my friends, Carol & Ron at Exton Park. I had to make a run for it,
right? I did and found it with difficulty, buried in the phragmites. [see
picture] Other birds found here included Great Blue Heron, Merlin,
Rough-winged Swallows, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, and Yellow Warblers.
<BR><BR>
I moved my field office to nearby Marsh Creek and spent the evening writing
and looking over the lake, while finding nothing new.
<BR><BR>
Elsewhere, my friend, Steve, texted he had Rose-breasted Grosbeak on his
Coatesville feeder. [SN] Another Rose-breasted Grosbeak appeared at
another friend’s feeders at Crosslands. [DK2 – see picture]
<BR><BR>
---- Thanks to Delaware Nature Society & The Land Conservancy for Southern
Chester County for their support, and especially, to the Brokaws, for not
only their incredible support, but gracious generosity in opening their
property to the public for this watch, and oh, so very much more!
<BR><BR>
----ADDITIONAL BIRD HIGHLIGHTS:
<BR><BR>
Great Blue Heron, Eastern Kingbirds, Purple Martins, Brown Thrashers,
White-crowned Sparrow, Orchard Orioles, Ovenbird, Common Yellowthroats,
Yellow Warblers, Palm Warblers, Scarlet Tanagers, and Indigo Bunting
<BR><BR>
----OTHER WILDLIFE NOTED: Butterflies (3): Cabbage White, Eastern Tailed
Blue, Clouded Sulphur. Dragonflies (1): Green Darner. Reptiles [1]: Brown
Snake. Mammals (3): Eastern Cottontail, Eastern Gray Squirrel, Red Fox.
<BR><BR>
----EBNT’s “Walk with Nature” ™ Program Daily Tally with our
Fitbits: This is a stationary watch, but if I stay stationary too long, I
might tend to “bulk up.” Besides, I am ever so fortunate to be walking
unaided, at all! Therefore, I keep moving (if you’ve been here, then you
know that I pace endlessly….) - my Fitbit thanks me and its part of my
“Walk with Nature” program. So, below are MY results at the watch for
the day. Your totals could all be zero, if you choose to sit and relax.
You are certainly welcome to take it easy….I simply choose not to,
affording me a panoramic view of our entire sky and a bit of exercise. So
come join our “Walk with Nature!” ™ Anyway, just for fun, here are my
numbers at the site for today (join me, if you wish): Miles: 5.25; Steps:
12,324; Floors: 28.
<BR><BR>
----“SEASON’S BIRD SPECIES LIST” – we at Bucktoe are not just a
Hawk Watch, but conduct a migration tally from the site. We include it
here, from time to time (about once a week), to let you know what else
we’re seeing here at the Bucktoe Watch. Our tally board, on site, will
feature an approximation (very rough, best “guestimate,” – searching
for Hawks must remain our primary focus) for totals of each species seen
for “The Watch” year. The overall list for the season from the watch
will be part of the large weekly “blog,” if you’ve signed up for
that.
<BR><BR>
TOTAL SPECIES – Identified from watch site: today: 53; this season:
97
<BR><BR>
NEW SPECIES ADDED TODAY TO THIS YEAR’S “WATCH SPECIES LIST (3):”
Indigo Bunting, Orchard Oriole, and Yellow Warbler.
<BR><BR>
Predictions:
Tomorrow’s flight looks like a washout yet again.
<BR><BR>
Come join us, folks! We’re here every day thru Apr. 30, 9am thru 3pm.
Rain or shine.
This report is being sent individually to participants and people deemed to
be interested parties. If you wish off the list, kindly notify me and you
will be removed. However, this one mailing list is how I notify every one
of our events, our walk schedule, tours and rare birds.
The Hawk Watch at Bucktoe Creek Preserve is sponsored by THE LAND
CONSERVANCY FOR SOUTHERN CHESTER COUNTY. Please contact us at
<earlybirdtours...> with questions or comments.
========================================================================
Report submitted by Larry Lewis (<earlybirdtours...>)
Site Description:
High open meadow near Red Clay Creek
Directions to site:
From Kennett Square, PA (in southern Chester County):
Take Union Street south out of town. This becomes Kaolin Road. Make a right
onto Hillendale Road. Proceed about 1.5 miles to Sharp Road and make a
left. At the second hilltop on Sharp Road, the entrance is on the left
across from Candlewyck development. (432 Sharp Rd.) Upon entering driveway,
make a right on gravel road opposite first driveway you see on left. Follow
gravel road (and the "Hawk Watch" signs for about 1/2 mile to the pavilion
on the left and the parking area in the grass to the right.
Subject: Allegheny County - eBird Report - Sewickley Heights Borough Park, Apr 29, 2020
Great day at Sewickley Heights Borough Park today. Highlights were FOY Warblers: Blackburnian, Redstart, Blue-winged, Black-throated Green, Hooded & Nashville. Yellow-rumps and a Yellow-throated Warbler also were seen. Other FOY birds: Grosbeaks, Catbird, Scarlet Tanagers, and Indigo Buntings. Over 50 Broad-winged Hawks were soaring north, and we were fortunate to see 2 kettles, one of 18 low and overhead. A joyous day to forget for awhile what's going on in the world!
Barb Griffith Kathy Saunders Karyn Delaney "half the fun of birding is sharing"
Sewickley Heights Borough Park, Allegheny, Pennsylvania, US Apr 29, 2020 9:45 AM - 1:35 PM Protocol: Traveling 3.25 mile(s) 43 species (+1 other taxa)
Canada Goose 6 Turkey Vulture 1 Sharp-shinned Hawk 2 Cooper's Hawk 1 Broad-winged Hawk 53 Low count/ Two large kettles, one very low. Smaller groups flying over as well. Viewed by 3 individuals. Red-bellied Woodpecker 3 Hairy Woodpecker 1 Northern Flicker 2 Great Crested Flycatcher 1 Blue-headed Vireo 2 Blue Jay 6 American Crow 5 Carolina Chickadee 1 Carolina/Black-capped Chickadee 5 Tufted Titmouse 4 Ruby-crowned Kinglet 3 White-breasted Nuthatch 2 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 8 Two were building a nest. House Wren 1 Carolina Wren 6 Gray Catbird 1 FOY Brown Thrasher 2 Eastern Bluebird 2 Wood Thrush 3 American Robin 6 American Goldfinch 21 Chipping Sparrow 1 Song Sparrow 3 Eastern Towhee 9 Red-winged Blackbird 1 Brown-headed Cowbird 4 Louisiana Waterthrush 1 Blue-winged Warbler 1 FOY Nashville Warbler 1 FOY Hooded Warbler 4 FOY American Redstart 1 FOY Blackburnian Warbler 2 FOY Yellow-rumped Warbler 3 Yellow-throated Warbler 1 Black-throated Green Warbler 2 FOY Scarlet Tanager 4 FOY Northern Cardinal 6 Rose-breasted Grosbeak 2 FOY Indigo Bunting 2 FOY
During a run this evening saw and heard a first of year orchard Oriole. There were two of us and we saw it near the wetlands at the field-side of nine Mile run.
Observation start time: 08:15:00 Observation end time: 18:00:00 Total observation time: 9.75 hours
Official Counter: Nick Bolgiano
Observers: Jason Wang, Zoey Greenberg
Weather: Perfect conditions for our site, wind SE 13-18 mph, sky variable cloudiness, temp 9-19C, and an approaching cold front pushing a late flight (mostly the last 3 hours)
Raptor Observations: This was the last day for our 20th full-time season. Today set a single-day record for Bald Eagle (26) and Merlin (5) and second-highest day for Osprey (57). Also, a season record for Bald Eagle. BE: 1335 Ad, 1404 Unk, 1451 Imm, 1455 Imm, 1514 Imm, 1528 Ad, 1531 Ad, 1542 Imm, 1550Imm, 1624 Imm, 1625 Ad, 1627 Imm, 1629 Ad, 1630 Imm, 1631 Ad, 1636 Ad, 1649 Unk, 1708 Imm, 1714 Ad, 1720 Unk, Ad, 1724 Imm, 1727 Imm, 1729 Ad, 1756 Ad, 1758 Ad, 5 BE not counted
Non-raptor Observations: Chimney Swift-12, C. Loon-1, Double-crested Cormorant-18, Barn Swallow-31, Brown-headed Cowbird-21 ======================================================================== Report submitted by Nick Bolgiano (<nickbolgiano...>) Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch information may be found at: tusseymountainspringhawkwatch.org/
Date: 4/29/20 4:17 pm From: Daniel Weeks <daniel.e.weeks...> Subject: Rose-breasted Grosbeaks -- Frick Park -- Apr 29, 2020
Highlights in Frick Park this morning included:
Rose-breasted Grosbeaks - such wonderful bright colors
A male Black-throated Blue Warbler, moving through the tree tops
A Red-tailed Hawk, having a melanistic gray squirrel for breakfast
The excitement of other birders sharing what nice other warblers they had seen.
And a very rare sighting: a car with a “Gyrfalcon” license plate, the only one in all of Pennsylvania!
Good birding,
Dan Weeks
Pittsburgh, Allegheny County.
Frick Park
Apr 29, 2020
07:30
Traveling
2.00 miles
60 Minutes
All birds reported? Yes
Comments: Birding by bicycle in the Riverview hill area near the Blue slide entrance of Frick Park, Pittsburgh, Allegheny County.
Submitted from eBird for iOS, version 2.0.12 Build 2.0.121
2 Mourning Dove
1 Red-tailed Hawk -- It caught one of the melanistic gray squirrels.
1 Red-bellied Woodpecker
1 Northern Flicker
3 Blue Jay
1 Carolina Chickadee
1 Tufted Titmouse
1 Ruby-crowned Kinglet
3 Carolina Wren
1 European Starling
1 Wood Thrush -- FOY
7 American Robin
1 Chipping Sparrow
3 White-throated Sparrow
2 Song Sparrow
2 Eastern Towhee
1 Brown-headed Cowbird
1 Black-throated Blue Warbler -- FOY.
2 Black-throated Green Warbler
3 Northern Cardinal
3 Rose-breasted Grosbeak -- FOY. 2 males, 1 female.
Date: 4/29/20 2:46 pm From: Bob Schutsky <info...> Subject: Many Orioles at Peach Bottom Village, Lancaster County
Dear PABirders,
Yesterday (Tuesday) I found one young male Orchard Oriole near my home in Peach Bottom along the Susquehanna River, my first oriole of the season, of either species. With the southerly winds, the floodgates opened overnight! This afternoon at 4:00pm I took our dog on a 45-minute walk from our house, 0.5 mile north along Peach Bottom Road. The oriole count was 13 Orchards and 8 Baltimores. All of the Orchards were chattering and singing, so they were easy to find. Most of the Baltimores were quiet, so I could easily have missed some.
There were also two adult male Indigo Buntings.
Earlier at 12:20pm an adult Peregrine Falcon brought a Baltimore Oriole to the nest in Harrisburg and fed pieces to the three young that are in the nest. It was fully consumed by 12:27pm. Seven minutes! They were hungry!
Date: 4/29/20 2:37 pm From: john flannigan <rublzrme...> Subject: Sandhill Crane-Washington county
This morning while walking along the front of the wetlands at Green Cove, Joe Papp and myself heard a strange call which did not register immediately. It came from the fields above the wetlands. As we turned our attention towards where the sound emanated from, a large gangly bird with long trailing legs and extended neck flew out and circled higher while bugling, helping to cinch the ID as a Sandhill Crane. We watched as it flew overhead in a northwesterly direction. Also seen were Baltimore Orioles, Orchard Oriole, Yellow-throated Vireo, Eastern Kingbirds, Common Yellowthroats ,several Broadwings and Wood Thrush.
Enjoy your birding(at a safe distance), John Flannigan Allegheny County
Weather:
Mostly cloudy with gusty SSE wind, warmest day this month with temps.
reaching the upper 60s F.
Raptor Observations:
There was a good flight of Sharp-shinned Hawks, and American Kestrels.
Everything else in small numbers including BWs. Birds remained relatively
low and close to the lake. Rain arriving at the end of the 1300 hours EST
shutting down the flight.
Non-raptor Observations:
Common Loon--10, Double-crested Cormorant--14, Great Blue Heron--1, Lesser
Yellowlegs--1, Northern Flicker--10, Chimney Swift--25, Eastern
Bluebird--1, Yellow-rumped Warbler--2, unidentified warblers--25, mixed
blackbirds--200, American Goldfinch--9
Predictions:
Cloudy with rain likely, a bit cooler than today, but southerly wind
continuing.Jerry McWilliamsErie County, <Pa.jerrymcw...>
Yesterday at Frick, in Falls Ravine, Charity Kheshgi saw and photographed a
Louisiana Waterthrush
Jack Solomon
PS. We stayed 6' or more from anyone we encountered, including other birders.
Date: 4/29/20 12:56 pm From: Darwin Evangelista <0000013a0054f307-dmarc-request...> Subject: FOYs
Our FOY catbird showed up today. They nest here every year. The FOY grackle arrived yesterday. We still have good numbers of white-throated sparrows. Still waiting for the rose-breasted grosbeaks, Baltimore Orioles, and brown thrashers that pass through here every year in early May.
The normal birds on the suet are Red Bellied Woodpeckers and Downy Woodpeckers. Then the starlings and grackles showed up. The robins found the suet too. There have been a couple of small birds occasionally. Today a Rose Breasted Grosbeak landed on it much to my surprise, even though the feeder has oil sunflower seeds. Wonder what tomorrow will bring?
Date: 4/29/20 12:22 pm From: Cecelia Hard <ceceliahard...> Subject: Riding Meadow Park, Allegheny County
A beautiful morning filled with birdsong. Highlights of my short walk were a male Blackburnian warbler, a female Scarlet tanager, and a male Red-bellied woodpecker calling insistently from an apparent nest hole in a snag. Full list below.
Sent from Mail for Windows 10
From: <ebird-checklist...>
Sent: Wednesday, April 29, 2020 2:24 PM
To: <ceceliahard...>
Subject: eBird Report - Riding Meadow Park, Apr 29, 2020
Riding Meadow Park, Allegheny, Pennsylvania, US
Apr 29, 2020 8:34 AM - 9:30 AM
Protocol: Traveling
1.1 mile(s)
17 species (+1 other taxa)
Canada Goose 5
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 3 1 male was calling from an apparent nest hole in a snag
Downy Woodpecker 2
Pileated Woodpecker 1
Blue Jay 4
American Crow 2
Carolina/Black-capped Chickadee 2
Tufted Titmouse 4
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
Carolina Wren 4
American Robin 3
White-throated Sparrow 1
Song Sparrow 3
Eastern Towhee 2
Blackburnian Warbler 1 FOS
Scarlet Tanager 1 Female FOS
Northern Cardinal 5
Date: 4/29/20 12:21 pm From: Jeff Hopkins <laniusexcubitor1960...> Subject: Least Bittern and Virginia Rail at Leaser Lake (Lehigh)
All:
Since I haven't seen the information posted here, I figure I'll share.
A Least Bittern was found yesterday morning in the west cove of Leaser Lake in NW Lehigh County. It disappeared in the middle of the day but was refound in the evening when the fishing and boat traffic dropped. And while looking for the bittern last evening, a Virginia Rail was found in the same area.
Both birds were still present this morning between 7 and 8 AM and seen by several observers.
To get to the location, park in the west lot (Ontelaunee Rd.) and walk north along the shoreline until the water ends at a couple of large willow trees. The birds were working the brush at the water's edge, but as is typical, disappear in the brush for long stretches.
Date: 4/29/20 10:31 am From: Marge . <marvantassel...> Subject: FOY E. Kingbird at Northmoreland Park 4/28 (Westmoreland Co.)
Yesterday (Tuesday) while watching one of the Wood Duck pair -- 1 Eastern Kingbird -- perched first on a wire then flew to a tree and gave its zippy call. I did not see the Loon while I was there but watched an American Crow pick up type of food at the waters edge 3X and carry it to a field and trees fairly far to the right of the lake but could not see/find a nest; Osprey flew over but did not stop; Marge Van Tassel Armstrong County
Date: 4/29/20 10:25 am From: Marge . <marvantassel...> Subject: Wood Thrush (FOY) at Harrison Hills Park 4/28 (Allegheny County)
1 Beautiful Wood Thrush popped up near a run by the path while I was watching one of the owlets;;; "The Forest Flutist' Marge Van Tassel Armstrong County
Date: 4/29/20 9:13 am From: Barry Blust <BarryBlust...> Subject: Cooper's Hawk Skydancing
I stepped out into my front yard about 8 AM this morning and noticed a distant hawk over the trees. It was flapping "weirdly", with deep, slow, moth-like flaps as it ascended and descended. It reminded me of a nighthawk, but this was obviously a Cooper's Hawk from the size and shape. As I watched it for 20 seconds or so before it dropped behind the trees I realized it was likely performing it's skydancing courtship ritual. First time I've ever seen this.
-- Barry Blust (from Win 10 laptop) Glenmoore, PA Chester County
"When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the Universe." -- John Muir
Date: 4/29/20 8:11 am From: Christina Schmidlapp <00000088be8d2f27-dmarc-request...> Subject: Schenley Park, Chimney Swifts: Allegheny County
Interesting things this morning 6:30-7:15am:
Nice view of a male Orchard Oriole
Gray Catbird, FOY for me
Eastern Phoebe
Male Baltimore Oriole
Many Wood Thrushes, singing
(KSJ commented on many Hermit Thrushes recently. These sure sounded like Woods. No sustained first note...)
Tufted Titmouse
Warblers beyond my pay grade and neck flexibility
Tuesday, April 29:
I had a good view of a Nashville Warbler in Panther Hollow; also
Goldfinches
Wood (or possibly Hermit?, ‘cuz of Kate) Thrush
Red-winged Blackbirds have been back for awhile
Always, the Red-bellied Woodpeckers. A view from directly beneath finally demonstrated to my husband that there actually is a (slight) justification for the name “Red-bellied...”
The Chimney Swifts have returned to their roost in Cathedral Mansions. I first noticed last night 4/28
Date: 4/29/20 7:49 am From: DAVID KOCH <0000012d74227426-dmarc-request...> Subject: Short hummingbird comment, Koch property, Northampton County
To date I have seen three ruby-throated hummingbirds, none of which have stuck around. There was a late day female on the 24th, a male at noon on the 25th, and one last night at 7:30. David and I were sitting on the deck watching the fading light and suddenly there was a hummer flycatching from a Buddleia alternifolia shrub about 20 feet away but quickly flew away after about 2 minutes. I couldn't determine sex although I'm guessing male.
Arlene Koch, Easton, PA Northampton County <davilien...>
Date: 4/29/20 7:21 am From: ACP <rook185...> Subject: Re: Question for the group
Thank you to all who responded. I was attracted to the birds only because of their call and it was a loon call. I just never heard them call while flying and, in fact, had never seen them fly in a group. I feel confident now that this is what I heard and saw.
Thanks again, Everyone. A fun morning!
Stay safe and stay well!
Ann C. Pettigrew, VMD
York, PA
<rook185...>
www.pbase.com/rook185 (Photographs)
> On Apr 29, 2020, at 8:33 AM, Ann Pettigrew <rook185...> wrote:
>
> I heard then saw very briefly three birds fly over the house this morning. Do loons vocalize when they fly? They were very high and silhouetted against the clouds. It was hard to get shape or size but had to be fairly big to see at all as high up as they were.
>
> Thanks!
>
> Ann C. Pettigrew, V.M.D.
> York, PA
> <rook185...>
>
> Sent from my iPhone
Date: 4/29/20 5:33 am From: Ann Pettigrew <rook185...> Subject: Question for the group
I heard then saw very briefly three birds fly over the house this morning. Do loons vocalize when they fly? They were very high and silhouetted against the clouds. It was hard to get shape or size but had to be fairly big to see at all as high up as they were.
With longer days, Pennsylvania birds are ramping up their breeding activities. House Finch and Song Sparrow started singing in January. This month woodpeckers are starting to nest and it is now appropriate to use the Breeding Codes for some species when entering eBird data. Breeding data provides crucial information for research and conservation globally. Our detailed breeding information is part of eBird’s goal of documenting the timing and locations of breeding behaviors on a year-round and worldwide basis. To find Breeding Codes on a PC or laptop open the Add Details button next to the species and then open the Breeding Code drop-down box. On a phone or tablet find the codes by tapping the species name and then the Breeding code.
The Possible and Probable breeding codes should only be used during the breeding season. Any bird singing in appropriate habitat may possibly be breeding within the safe dates for the species. The safe dates do not define the breeding season but are meant to exclude migrants and non breeding individuals. House Finch pairs are now with in the April 15 safe date until July 31. The American Goldfinch pairs we are seeing now however are not probable breeders until June 10, so unless there is other evidence of breeding activity goldfinch pairs are just plain observations at this time. Nemesis Bird <http://nemesisbird.com/pennsylvania-safe-dates-for-breeding-birds/> is the only online source of safe dates. Safe dates can also be found in the appendix of /Breeding Birds of Pennsylvania/, 2012.
Studying breeding birds is complex. When I was the Atlas Coordinator for the 2^nd PA Atlas in 2007 and 2008, I spoke to Ramsay Koury every week in May and June for an hour. It was a great learning experience! This year Maryland began its 3^rd Atlas using eBird as its data portal. Those who live in southern PA might consider signing up a specific territory for this 5-year effort. PA will probably begin a 3^rd atlas sometime this decade. Now is a good time to proficient with these protocols.
Date: 4/29/20 4:50 am From: Chuck Berthoud <cbpabirds...> Subject: Global Big Day is Saturday May
On Saturday, May 9 Cornell Labs and eBird are sponsoring Global Big Day as they have since 2015. Last year over 35 thousand birders from 174 countries submitted over 92,000 checklists in one day! This will be the first day the state of Pennsylvania will start reopening the economy. We should all continue to observe social distancing and respect the space of others. Some birders may not want to leave home so consider filling up your feeders and submitting several short checklists from home.
Date: 4/29/20 4:33 am From: Jefferson Shank <dawn...> Subject: FOY Prairie Warbler - Franklin Co.
I had a FOY Prairie Warbler singing this morning along Stillhouse Hollow Rd, in the Michaux State Forest! I also got at least 5 Ovenbirds singing and a good many Black-and-white Warblers.
> On Apr 28, 2020, at 9:07 PM, Paul Heveran <birdmeister.paul...> wrote:
>
> Hello PA Birders,
>
> I sat out in my yard for about half an hour this evening to see if I might
> get an American Bittern flyover at dusk. My proximity to Green lane
> Reservoir left open the possibility for a bird lifting from Church Rd. to
> be seen against the setting sun far to the west. I was beginning to lose
> hope by 8:10, and turned to star-gazing with the two younger sisters. Just
> as they were taking turns with the binoculars, I spotted a fuzzy shape way
> off to the west. Shouts went up and I got the binoculars on it. A bittern
> indeed, my first in PA! I watched as it fluttered its way out to the north,
> hardly believing that a plan of mine had actually worked.
>
> https://ebird.org/checklist/S68008575 >
> I guess this is how I should have imagined it happening, given our crazy
> world right now. Hope everyone is staying safe.
>
>
> Good birding,
> Paul Heveran
Date: 4/28/20 6:16 pm From: Hawkcount.Org Reports <reports...> Subject: Southern Chester County Hawk Watch at Bucktoe Creek Preserve (28 Apr 2020) 27 Raptors
Southern Chester County Hawk Watch at Bucktoe Creek Preserve
Avondale, Pennsylvania, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Apr 28, 2020
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 08:00:00
Observation end time: 14:00:00
Total observation time: 6 hours
Official Counter: Larry Lewis
Observers:
Visitors:
THE LAND CONSERVANCY FOR SOUTHERN CHESTER COUNTY’S HAWK WATCH AT BUCKTOE
CREEK PRESERVE
<BR><BR>
Visitors (12): Ellen Nunn, Carol DePalma, Joel Flachs, LaFang Flachs,
George Flachs, Sue McLaughlin [+3], Ken Reynolds, Margot Taylor
<BR><BR>
Thanks everyone, for coming to beautiful Bucktoe Creek Preserve!
<BR><BR>
Raptor Observations:
----“Raptors” seen, but deemed not to be migrating: 1-Bald Eagle,
2-Cooper's Hawk, 8-Red-tailed Hawk, and numerous Black (13) and Turkey
Vultures (79).
<BR><BR>
----Bald Eagle ages: 1 yr.-1; 2 yr.-0; 3 yr.-0; 4 yr.-0; adult-0
<BR><BR>
Non-raptor Observations:
TODAY’S Bucktoe Bird Blog [‘BBB’]: [PLEASE NOTE: On April 23, I
sent out the new large weekly “blog.” This is NOT THESE reports you
get from HawkCount. Rather, it’s the newsletter from EBNT, with our
upcoming schedule and the County year bird list, etc. If you aren’t
receiving it and are a regular subscriber, look in your spam – a few
servers send it there. [go figure-lol] If you enjoy “the blog,”
featuring the county species list, and it ended up in your spam, you’ll
have to follow your provider’s method of “whitelisting” it, marking
it as “not spam” or it will always go there. It usually comes out every
Thursday.
<BR><BR>
The sun crept up over Marsh Creek Lake as I sampled my field brew. The
weather was much better today, but we’ll see what the birds think. I
took a walk along the trail to the point at the Park road side, finding a
small-early-season fallout of warblers including Ovenbirds, Common
Yellowthroats, Palm Warbler, lots of Yellow-rumped Warblers, Yellow
Warbler, and an early, male Wilson’s Warbler which was singing away.
Other birds seen here included Wood Duck, Double-crested Cormorants,
Spotted Sandpiper, Great Blue Herons, Broad-winged Hawk, Rough-winged
Swallows, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, Hermit Thrush, and Wood Thrush.
<BR><BR>
As usual, I stopped at Wilson Rd. Pond as I headed to Bucktoe and my hawk
watch. Today I saw Lesser Yellowlegs and Eastern Meadowlarks. Lambornton
Pond had Killdeer.
<BR><BR>
At Bucktoe the day’s results didn’t match the spectacular conditions,
though we certainly got birds. The sky held its share of other
entertainment, though, with sun dogs flashing several times and something
else, likely similar to a sun dog, which we’re still trying to figure
out. Speaking of strange and exciting things in the sky: my daughter
texted from her apartment in Philadelphia with pictures of the Blue Angels
flying over her Philadelphia apartment three times today! I matched that
with a flyover by a Great Egret. About the same, right? I agree!
<BR><BR>
Ellen joined me, as did Carol. Sue and Ken brought three new folks – all
relatives of Ken, but we won’t hold that against them. [gotcha, buddy!]
Margot was here with them, too. Joel, LaFang and George, rounded out our
watchers for today.
<BR><BR>
Following the hawk watch, I went to New Garden WTP [private] where the best
birds were Wood Ducks, Blue-winged Teal, Killdeer, Great Blue Heron, and
Rough-winged Swallows.
<BR><BR>
While in the area, I threw a look at the effluent pond at Longwood Gardens
[private], finding Wood Ducks and a Ring-necked Duck.
<BR><BR>
Elsewhere, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are beginning to show up in our area.
One was seen in a Unionville yard today. [EN]
<BR><BR>
---- Thanks to Delaware Nature Society & The Land Conservancy for Southern
Chester County for their support, and especially, to the Brokaws, for not
only their incredible support, but gracious generosity in opening their
property to the public for this watch, and oh, so very much more!
<BR><BR>
----ADDITIONAL BIRD HIGHLIGHTS:
<BR><BR>
Chimney Swifts, Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, Eastern Kingbirds,
Rough-winged Swallows, Purple Martins, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Brown
thrashers, and Ovenbirds
<BR><BR>
----OTHER WILDLIFE NOTED: Butterflies (3): Cabbage White, Eastern Tiger
Swallowtail, Clouded Sulphur. Dragonflies (1): Green Darner. Reptiles &
Amphibians (0). Mammals (2): Eastern Cottontail, Eastern Gray Squirrel.
<BR><BR>
----EBNT’s “Walk with Nature” ™ Program Daily Tally with our
Fitbits: This is a stationary watch, but if I stay stationary too long, I
might tend to “bulk up.” Besides, I am ever so fortunate to be walking
unaided, at all! Therefore, I keep moving (if you’ve been here, then you
know that I pace endlessly….) - my Fitbit thanks me and its part of my
“Walk with Nature” program. So, below are MY results at the watch for
the day. Your totals could all be zero, if you choose to sit and relax.
You are certainly welcome to take it easy….I simply choose not to,
affording me a panoramic view of our entire sky and a bit of exercise. So
come join our “Walk with Nature!” ™ Anyway, just for fun, here are my
numbers at the site for today (join me, if you wish): Miles: 5.4; Steps:
12,679; Floors: 28.
<BR><BR>
----“SEASON’S BIRD SPECIES LIST” – we at Bucktoe are not just a
Hawk Watch, but conduct a migration tally from the site. We include it
here, from time to time (about once a week), to let you know what else
we’re seeing here at the Bucktoe Watch. Our tally board, on site, will
feature an approximation (very rough, best “guestimate,” – searching
for Hawks must remain our primary focus) for totals of each species seen
for “The Watch” year. The overall list for the season from the watch
will be part of the large weekly “blog,” if you’ve signed up for
that.
<BR><BR>
TOTAL SPECIES – Identified from watch site: today: 52; this season:
94
<BR><BR>
NEW SPECIES ADDED TODAY TO THIS YEAR’S “WATCH SPECIES LIST (1):”
Great Egret.
<BR><BR>
Predictions:
Tomorrow’s flight looks like what was supposed to be yet another washout,
will be just cloudy instead with brisk ESE winds.
<BR><BR>
Come join us, folks! We’re here every day thru Apr. 30, 9am thru 3pm.
Rain or shine.
This report is being sent individually to participants and people deemed to
be interested parties. If you wish off the list, kindly notify me and you
will be removed. However, this one mailing list is how I notify every one
of our events, our walk schedule, tours and rare birds.
The Hawk Watch at Bucktoe Creek Preserve is sponsored by THE LAND
CONSERVANCY FOR SOUTHERN CHESTER COUNTY. Please contact us at
<earlybirdtours...> with questions or comments.
========================================================================
Report submitted by Larry Lewis (<earlybirdtours...>)
Site Description:
High open meadow near Red Clay Creek
Directions to site:
From Kennett Square, PA (in southern Chester County):
Take Union Street south out of town. This becomes Kaolin Road. Make a right
onto Hillendale Road. Proceed about 1.5 miles to Sharp Road and make a
left. At the second hilltop on Sharp Road, the entrance is on the left
across from Candlewyck development. (432 Sharp Rd.) Upon entering driveway,
make a right on gravel road opposite first driveway you see on left. Follow
gravel road (and the "Hawk Watch" signs for about 1/2 mile to the pavilion
on the left and the parking area in the grass to the right.
I sat out in my yard for about half an hour this evening to see if I might get an American Bittern flyover at dusk. My proximity to Green lane Reservoir left open the possibility for a bird lifting from Church Rd. to be seen against the setting sun far to the west. I was beginning to lose hope by 8:10, and turned to star-gazing with the two younger sisters. Just as they were taking turns with the binoculars, I spotted a fuzzy shape way off to the west. Shouts went up and I got the binoculars on it. A bittern indeed, my first in PA! I watched as it fluttered its way out to the north, hardly believing that a plan of mine had actually worked.
Date: 4/28/20 5:02 pm From: Barry Blust <BarryBlust...> Subject: Tagged Black Vulture
Bob Schutsky's post about the Snow Geese with neck bands reminded me that late last week a friend of mine who's not a birder but shares some general wildlife sightings with me spotted a Black Vulture with a patagial (wing) tag feeding on a deer carcass along Rt. 100 a bit north of Exton in Chester County. He gave me the tag number and I searched online for who might be doing vulture research. I found that Dave Barber at Hawk Mountain had done so several years ago so I contacted him and quickly received a response. The bird was one he had tagged as a juvenile in a roost near Kempton, PA and my friend's sighting was the first report since the tagging.
-- Barry Blust (from Win 10 laptop) Glenmoore, PA Chester County
"When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the Universe." -- John Muir
Date: 4/28/20 3:14 pm From: Wayne Laubscher <wnlaubscher...> Subject: Wilson's Phalarope, S. Avis, Clinton Co. continues
The female Wilson's Phalarope found Saturday in South Avis, continues as of at least 5:00 p.m. today. It is foraging in a large farm field puddle on the north side of Old River Rd. a short distance west of Tiadaghton Avenue.
Wayne Laubscher Lock Haven Clinton Co. <wnlaubscher...> "Owl be back"
Date: 4/28/20 3:07 pm From: Alan Buriak <a_buriak...> Subject: Re: Black-crowned Night-heron - Armstrong County
One small correction, visible from the trail looking EAST.
Alan Buriak
Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
-------- Original message --------
From: Alan Buriak <a_buriak...>
Date: 4/28/20 5:59 PM (GMT-05:00)
To: <PABIRDS...>
Subject: [PABIRDS] Black-crowned Night-heron - Armstrong County
There is currently an adult Black-crowned Night-heron sitting on a branch arching over Fort Run creek right where the creek flows under the Armstrong Trail and enters the Allegheny River in McGrann, Armstrong county. The bird was reported earlier to John Boback and I just verified that it is still present, visible from the trail looking west.
Date: 4/28/20 2:59 pm From: Alan Buriak <a_buriak...> Subject: Black-crowned Night-heron - Armstrong County
There is currently an adult Black-crowned Night-heron sitting on a branch arching over Fort Run creek right where the creek flows under the Armstrong Trail and enters the Allegheny River in McGrann, Armstrong county. The bird was reported earlier to John Boback and I just verified that it is still present, visible from the trail looking west.
Date: 4/28/20 2:30 pm From: Jeff Vinosky <000000d5a223e2f3-dmarc-request...> Subject: Sandhill Cranes Lehigh Co
Just had 3 sandhill cranes fly high over Alburtis in Lehigh County. They were headed in a Northwesterly direction. Birds were way up there but the silhouette in the sky was unmistakeable. Long extended necks. Thick outstretched wings with fingertips. Short stumpy tail with legs extending well beyond.
Nice yard bird. It’s amazing what you can get just from your back deck.
Observation start time: 07:45:00
Observation end time: 14:30:00
Total observation time: 6 hours
Official Counter: Jerry McWilliams
Observers: Bernie O Connor, Jennifer Ferrick, Julie Leonard,
Katie Andersen, Ken Felix, Russ States
Visitors:
Bonnie Ginader, Julie Dell, Linda McWilliams, Joao Taveres, and John
DePaul.
Weather:
It started off cloudy with light rain then clearing, clouding up again by
early afternoon then clearing somewhat at the end of the watch. Light SSE
wind becoming variable then light out of the WNW. Temps. reaching the low
60s F
Raptor Observations:
One the rain stopped birds began to fly but the BW flight didn't get
started until the 1000 hr. EST. There was a heavy movement of BWs when the
sun came out that lasted for two hours before the flight shut down. Most
birds were high with some kettles exceeding 100 birds. There was a modest
flight of SS and a good flight of BEs from 1100 to 1300 hrs. EST.
Non-raptor Observations:
Common Loon--15, Double-crested Cormorant--30, Mallard--4, Great Blue
Heron--2, Great Egret--4, Northern Flicker--15, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher--1,
Eastern Bluebird--7, Barn Swallow--6, Purple Martin--12, Unidentified
warblers--12, Belted Kingfisher--2, Chimney Swift--5, American Robin--many,
mixed blackbirds--several hundred, American Goldfinch--20
Predictions:
Cloudy with strong SE wind and warmer with rain holding off until after
4:00 PM. Could be another good day, especially if the sun comes out.Jerry McWilliamsErie, Erie County, <Pa.jerrymcw...>
Date: 4/28/20 11:16 am From: Kate StJohn <0000000f59b962a9-dmarc-request...> Subject: Lots of hermit thrushes yesterday, Pittsburgh
Since I'm birding day after day near home I'm seeing waves of migrants by species.
Yesterday was the best day I've ever had for seeing hermit thrushes in Schenley Park.Yellow-rumped warblers had a burst on April 23. ...I expect more waves.Ruby-crowned kinglets have been numerous in the last 7 days. I've been surprised to see 30 kinglets per outing. Big numbers.
Dear PA Birders, A female Ruby Throated Hummingbird arrived first at our feeder today.We'll have to bring in the feeder at night. There's a bear in the neighborhood once again. Bob Keener, Shippensburg Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
Date: 4/28/20 8:54 am From: reeser <reeser...> Subject: Catbird -- Cumberland County
The first catbird of the season appeared early this morning (4/28/20) on the suet dough. He/she seemed quite hungry and/or possibly this bird was here last year and reclaiming ownership of the suet dough feeder again!
Also, had 4 bluejays under the hopper feeder at the same time as the catbird appearance. The bluejays appear out of nowhere when they spot someone outside with a bag of peanuts. They sit up in the trees and shell them, letting the shells drop to the ground. They often clean up most of the peanuts before the squirrels find them.
Date: 4/28/20 7:11 am From: g. g <birdersx5...> Subject: FOY Wood thrushes, Washington County
FOY Wood thrushes were bringing their heavenly song to the woods of Mingo last evening. It seemed as if a large group had arrived together and were practicing their songs. I'm sure they were responsibly distancing themselves from one another. :-)
Date: 4/28/20 2:23 am From: Hawkcount.Org Reports <reports...> Subject: Southern Chester County Hawk Watch at Bucktoe Creek Preserve (27 Apr 2020) 15 Raptors
Southern Chester County Hawk Watch at Bucktoe Creek Preserve
Avondale, Pennsylvania, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Apr 27, 2020
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 08:00:00
Observation end time: 14:00:00
Total observation time: 6 hours
Official Counter: Larry Lewis
Observers:
Visitors:
THE LAND CONSERVANCY FOR SOUTHERN CHESTER COUNTY’S HAWK WATCH AT BUCKTOE
CREEK PRESERVE
<BR><BR>
Visitors (1): Just me - bad weather
<BR><BR>
Thanks everyone, for coming to beautiful Bucktoe Creek Preserve!
<BR><BR>
Raptor Observations:
----“Raptors” seen, but deemed not to be migrating: 6-Red-tailed Hawk,
and numerous Black (22) and Turkey Vultures (48).
<BR><BR>
Non-raptor Observations:
TODAY’S Bucktoe Bird Blog [‘BBB’]: [PLEASE NOTE: On April 23, I
sent out the new large weekly “blog.” This is NOT THESE reports you
get from HawkCount. Rather, it’s the newsletter from EBNT, with our
upcoming schedule and the County year bird list, etc. If you aren’t
receiving it and are a regular subscriber, look in your spam – a few
servers send it there. [go figure-lol] If you enjoy “the blog,”
featuring the county species list, and it ended up in your spam, you’ll
have to follow your provider’s method of “whitelisting” it, marking
it as “not spam” or it will always go there. It usually comes out every
Thursday.
<BR><BR>
I was off to Marsh Creek Lake early this cloudy day. Highlights were
Common Loons, Great Blue Herons, Spotted Sandpipers, and a Bonaparte’s
Gull. It was a quiet visit.
<BR><BR>
A glance at Wilson Rd. Pond as I headed to Bucktoe, revealed American
Kestrel, Solitary Sandpiper, Greater Yellowlegs, and Eastern Meadowlarks.
Lamborntown Pond had Brown Thrashers.
<BR><BR>
Once at Bucktoe, waiting for this dismal sky to spring to life, I walked
Warbler Meadow. My reward came as a startling male Scarlet Tanager [FOY],
several Blue-gray Gnatcatchers and Ruby-crowned Kinglets, many singing.
This tiny songster always amazes me with the texture and volume of its
beautiful wandering offerings. I had not a single migrating hawk until
around 1:00 P.M., when the sky broke a little. Such breaks late in the day
can be terrific for hawk migration. Well, one can hope, right? I had my
first Broad-winged Hawk at 1:21 P.M. A few more followed, but a flight was
not to be.
<BR><BR>
Nobody was out again with the second straight day of poor weather. .
<BR><BR>
The watch completed, I went to New Garden WTP [private]. White-crowned
Sparrows remain here too, but the best birds were a pair of Blue-winged
Teal.
<BR><BR>
This evening, I moved my field office to Octoraro Reservoir. It worked so
well yesterday. Today there were Trumpeter Swans [on Bluegill Rd., today],
Blue-winged Teal, Ring-necked Ducks, Chimney swifts, Lesser Yellowlegs,
Bonaparte’s Gull [Lancaster County side today], Ring-billed Gulls,
Double-crested Cormorants, Great Blue Herons, Bald Eagles, Red-shouldered
Hawk, Rough-winged Swallows, and Purple Martins.
<BR><BR>
---- Thanks to Delaware Nature Society & The Land Conservancy for Southern
Chester County for their support, and especially, to the Brokaws, for not
only their incredible support, but gracious generosity in opening their
property to the public for this watch, and oh, so very much more!
<BR><BR>
----ADDITIONAL BIRD HIGHLIGHTS:
<BR><BR>
Wood Ducks, Chimney Swifts, Great Blue Heron, Purple Martin, Ruby-crowned
Kinglets, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, Brown Thrashers, White-crowned Sparrows,
and Scarlet Tanager
<BR><BR>
----OTHER WILDLIFE NOTED: Butterflies (2): Cabbage White, Clouded Sulphur.
Dragonflies (1): Green Darner. Reptiles & Amphibians (1). Mammals (2):
Eastern Cottontail, Eastern Gray Squirrel.
<BR><BR>
----EBNT’s “Walk with Nature” ™ Program Daily Tally with our
Fitbits: This is a stationary watch, but if I stay stationary too long, I
might tend to “bulk up.” Besides, I am ever so fortunate to be walking
unaided, at all! Therefore, I keep moving (if you’ve been here, then you
know that I pace endlessly….) - my Fitbit thanks me and its part of my
“Walk with Nature” program. So, below are MY results at the watch for
the day. Your totals could all be zero, if you choose to sit and relax.
You are certainly welcome to take it easy….I simply choose not to,
affording me a panoramic view of our entire sky and a bit of exercise. So
come join our “Walk with Nature!” ™ Anyway, just for fun, here are my
numbers at the site for today (join me, if you wish): Miles: 2.01; Steps:
4,705; Floors: 15.
<BR><BR>
----“SEASON’S BIRD SPECIES LIST” – we at Bucktoe are not just a
Hawk Watch, but conduct a migration tally from the site. We include it
here, from time to time (about once a week), to let you know what else
we’re seeing here at the Bucktoe Watch. Our tally board, on site, will
feature an approximation (very rough, best “guestimate,” – searching
for Hawks must remain our primary focus) for totals of each species seen
for “The Watch” year. The overall list for the season from the watch
will be part of the large weekly “blog,” if you’ve signed up for
that.
<BR><BR>
TOTAL SPECIES – Identified from watch site: today: 47; this season:
93
<BR><BR>
NEW SPECIES ADDED TODAY TO THIS YEAR’S “WATCH SPECIES LIST (1):”
Scarlet Tanager.
<BR><BR>
Predictions:
Tomorrow’s flight looks good with sunny skies quickly gaining background
clouds and light SW winds developing
<BR><BR>
Come join us, folks! We’re here every day thru Apr. 30, 9am thru 3pm.
Rain or shine.
This report is being sent individually to participants and people deemed to
be interested parties. If you wish off the list, kindly notify me and you
will be removed. However, this one mailing list is how I notify every one
of our events, our walk schedule, tours and rare birds.
The Hawk Watch at Bucktoe Creek Preserve is sponsored by THE LAND
CONSERVANCY FOR SOUTHERN CHESTER COUNTY. Please contact us at
<earlybirdtours...> with questions or comments.
========================================================================
Report submitted by Larry Lewis (<earlybirdtours...>)
Site Description:
High open meadow near Red Clay Creek
Directions to site:
From Kennett Square, PA (in southern Chester County):
Take Union Street south out of town. This becomes Kaolin Road. Make a right
onto Hillendale Road. Proceed about 1.5 miles to Sharp Road and make a
left. At the second hilltop on Sharp Road, the entrance is on the left
across from Candlewyck development. (432 Sharp Rd.) Upon entering driveway,
make a right on gravel road opposite first driveway you see on left. Follow
gravel road (and the "Hawk Watch" signs for about 1/2 mile to the pavilion
on the left and the parking area in the grass to the right.
