Date: 4/19/24 1:47 am From: Hawkcount.Org Reports <reports...> Subject: Chester County Hawk Watch & Migration Count at Chambers Lake (18 Apr 2024) 7 Raptors
Chester County Hawk Watch & Migration Count at Chambers Lake Wagontown, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Apr 18, 2024 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Larry Lewis (Early Bird Nature Tours)
Observers: Bill Burkert, Rick Robinson
Visitors: CHESTER COUNTY HAWK WATCH & MIGRATION COUNT AT CHAMBERS LAKE <BR><BR> Visitors (3): Bill Burkert, Rick Robinson <BR><BR> Thanks everyone, for coming to beautiful Chambers Lake! <BR><BR>
Raptor Observations: ----“Raptors” seen but deemed not to be migrating: 1-Bald Eagle, 4-Red-tailed Hawk, and numerous Black (21) and Turkey Vultures (69). <BR><BR> ----Bald Eagle ages: 1 yr.-_; 2 yr.-_; 3 yr.-_; 4 yr.-_; adult-1 <BR><BR>
Non-raptor Observations: TODAY’S Bird Blog: [PLEASE NOTE: I send out a large weekly “blog/newsletter” detailing much more than these small daily recaps. This newsletter from EBNT, has our upcoming schedule and the County year bird list, etc. If you aren’t receiving it and would like to, kindly email me <earlybirdtours...> to be added. <BR><BR> After my morning walk, I sat at Chambers Lake, scanning sky and lake. The Bonaparte’s Gulls were gone by the time I arrived. A Warbling Vireo was here singing away as I unpacked. A Great Egret [my FOY] was in a tree in the far cove. It was a cold, raw day at The Watch. I spent the day layered up, gloves and all, trying to keep warm. This was no day for a hawk migration. Still, the sky was active with local birds, the thickets and trees full of warblers, and the water active with swallows and gulls feeding. [Additional highlights listed below] <BR><BR> ---- Thanks to Frank Haas and his gracious generosity and support over the years, in his name and in the memory of his wife, Barbara. <BR><BR> ----ADDITIONAL BIRD HIGHLIGHTS: <BR><BR> Bufflehead, Wood Ducks, Ring-necked Ducks, Pied-billed Grebe, Spotted Sandpiper, Greater Yellowlegs, Cormorants, Bonaparte’s Gulls, Great Egret, Great Blue Herons, Kingfisher, Warbling Vireo, Purple Martins, Rough-winged Swallows, Raven, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Gnatcatchers, Field Sparrows, Swamp Sparrow, Towhees, Palm Warblers, and Yellow-rumped Warblers <BR><BR> TOTAL SPECIES – Identified from watch site: today: 61; this season: 100 <BR><BR> NEW SPECIES ADDED TODAY TO THIS YEAR’S “WATCH SPECIES LIST (2):” Great Egret and House Wren. <BR><BR> Contact: Larry Lewis ------- Early Bird Nature Tours(EBNT)---"Exciting & Fun Adventures in Nature"---63 S. Park Ave., Coatesville, PA 19320---484-340-SORA (7672)--Business Cell---email: <earlybirdtours...> "Group Birding - The Economical, Fun and Environmentally Friendly Way to Bird!"
Predictions: Tomorrow’s flight looks to be mostly cloudy with SE wind <BR><BR> . The Chester County Hawk Watch and Migration Count is sponsored, in large part, by Frank Haas and in the memory of Barbara Haas. Membership in EBNT is requested. Please contact us at <earlybirdtours...> with questions or comments.
======================================================================== Report submitted by Larry Lewis (<earlybirdtours...>)
Site Description: The platform just left of the only boat ramp for Chambers Lake in the main parking lot, overlooking the lake to the north.
Directions to site: We set up in the main parking lot for the lake, on the platform just left of the only boat ramp. The Hawk Watch at Chambers Lake (as part of the Chester County Hawk Watch) operates daily, March 1 thru April 30 from 9am - 3 pm (unless counter is away leading a tour elsewhere). In fall the season is Sept. 1 thru Nov. 30,each day 9am-3pm. Please contact Larry at 484-340-7672 to confirm counter is present. This count welcomes all visitors to this fine habitat. When there are no hawks present, many birds still are. The lake holds numerous waterfowl species and the variable shoreline can produce incredible shorebirds.
Directions to hawk watch: From the Rt. 30 By-pass take the Rt. 82 exit north. Turn left at the first light(Rt. 340) and go 1.3 miles to Wagontown Rd. Turn Rt. on Wagontown Rd. and continue on this winding road for 1.8 miles (you will pass the Hibernia Park entrance on your right, the Chambers Lake parking lot, and Chambers Lake on your right). Pull off the road to the left and park safely at the end of the lake to visit the hawk watch. You will see us sitting on the dike near the road at the end of the lake.
Observation start time: 08:30:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 6.5 hours
Official Counter: Jim Rocco
Observers:
Visitors: None
Weather: Winds from the WNW. Temperatures went from 10.2 to 14.9 C.Cloud cover was 100% most of the day then 50%.Visibility was up to 32 km, with a haze in the early morning.
Raptor Observations: 31 raptors counted,
Non-raptor Observations: Tree swallows, bluebirds, flickers, bc chickadees, towhees, bluejays, red bellied woodpecker, wb nuthatches, doves, hairy woodpecker, favens, local tv'sCabbagewhites, least skipper, cloudless sulpher Wood turtle, grey squirell, 2 white tail deer, 3 turkey's
Predictions: clear with rain in the late afternoon. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Jim Rocco (<jd.jh.rocco...>)
Observation start time: 08:30:00 Observation end time: 16:30:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Andrew Bechdel
Observers: Kathy Bechdel, Ken Bowman
Visitors: Kathy & Dave Bechdel, Ken Bowman
Weather: Overcast in the morning becoming partly cloudy in the afternoon with light to moderate WNW wind. Wind speed peaked around midday and tapered off in the afternoon. Wind speed: 3-9mph. Temperature: 13-19 Celsius.
Raptor Observations: No Golden Eagles. Intense Broad-winged flight in the AM, peaking between 10-11. Most birds were easily identifiable with the naked eye flying relatively low along the ridgetop and close to the S and N sides of the ridge. Our day's total of 576 BWs ranks as the 4th highest BW day count of all time at Tussey.
Non-migratory raptors: 1 Black Vulture, 9 Turkey Vulture, 2 Bald Eagle, 1 Cooper's Hawk, 2 Broad-winged Hawk, 2 Red-tailed Hawk
Predictions: Uncertain; Tomorrow could be another excellent day with moderate SSE/SE wind, but the rain might put an end to it early. Saturday and Sunday are unknowns. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Andrew Bechdel () Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch information may be found at: tusseymountainspringhawkwatch.org/
Observation start time: 11:00:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 3 hours
Compiler:
Counters: Mary-Kate Reed, Rileigh Leach
Weather: Cloudy with heavy fog/haze and limited visibility, high 55F
Raptor Observations: Observed two local Broad-winged Hawks
Non-raptor Observations:
======================================================================== Report submitted by Laurie Goodrich (<goodrich...>) Hawk Mountain Sanctuary information may be found at: http://www.hawkmountain.org/
Observation start time: 12:00:00 Observation end time: 16:30:00 Total observation time: 4.5 hours
Official Counter: Andrew Bechdel
Observers: Dave Bechdel, Kathy Bechdel
Visitors: Kathy and Dave Bechdel
Weather: Overcast upon arrival then clearing a bit around 1400 with light SE wind. Wind speed: 1-5mph. Temperature: about 15 Celsius.
Raptor Observations: No Golden Eagles. Initially, I called the day due to forecasted rain, but I decided to conduct the count after conditions cleared and wind shifted to the SE. Around 1400, cloud cover cleared a bit and spurred a large flight of BWs. Unfortunately, I had to leave at 16:30. I think I could've seen another 100 BWs if I had stayed.
Non-migratory raptors: 1 Black Vulture, 15 Turkey Vulture, 2 Broad-winged Hawk, 1 Bald Eagle, 1 Red-tailed Hawk
Non-raptor Observations: N/A
Predictions: Friday could be an excellent day with moderate SSE/S wind. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Andrew Bechdel () Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch information may be found at: tusseymountainspringhawkwatch.org/
Date: 4/18/24 4:50 am From: Hawkcount.Org Reports <reports...> Subject: Chester County Hawk Watch & Migration Count at Chambers Lake (17 Apr 2024) 3 Raptors
Chester County Hawk Watch & Migration Count at Chambers Lake Wagontown, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Apr 17, 2024 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Larry Lewis (Early Bird Nature Tours)
Observers: Bill Burkert, Rick Robinson
Visitors: CHESTER COUNTY HAWK WATCH & MIGRATION COUNT AT CHAMBERS LAKE <BR><BR> Visitors (3): Rick Robinson, Bill Burkert <BR><BR> Thanks everyone, for coming to beautiful Chambers Lake! <BR><BR>
Raptor Observations: ----“Raptors” seen but deemed not to be migrating: 2-Bald Eagle, 2-Red-shouldered Hawk, 3-Red-tailed Hawk, and numerous Black (6) and Turkey Vultures (27). <BR><BR> ----Bald Eagle ages: 1 yr.-_; 2 yr.-1; 3 yr.-_; 4 yr.-_; adult-1 <BR><BR>
Non-raptor Observations: TODAY’S Bird Blog: [PLEASE NOTE: I send out a large weekly “blog/newsletter” detailing much more than these small daily recaps. This newsletter from EBNT, has our upcoming schedule and the County year bird list, etc. If you aren’t receiving it and would like to, kindly email me <earlybirdtours...> to be added. <BR><BR> Arriving at Chambers Lake, I set up my field office. The willows right off the deck were alive with passerines – Palm Warblers, Yellow-rumped Warblers, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, and Gnatcatchers, chief among them. Then rain came – so what’s new? At 1:30p, during a short break in the rain, a pair of Caspian Terns [my FOY] dropped onto the lake for a short time [see lousy picture]. [Additional highlights listed below] <BR><BR> ---- Thanks to Frank Haas and his gracious generosity and support over the years, in his name and in the memory of his wife, Barbara. <BR><BR> ----ADDITIONAL BIRD HIGHLIGHTS: <BR><BR> Wood Ducks, Bufflehead, Pied-billed Grebe, Cormorants, Green Heron, Ring-billed Gull, Caspian Terns, Great Blue Herons, Spotted Sandpipers, Killdeer, Kingfisher, Purple Martins, Rough-winged Swallows, Warbling Vireo, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Gnatcatchers, Brown Thrasher, Field Sparrows, Swamp Sparrow, Towhees, Palm Warblers, and Yellow-rumped Warblers <BR><BR> ----OTHER WILDLIFE NOTED: Butterflies (3): Cabbage White, Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, Clouded Sulphur. Dragonflies (0). Reptiles & Amphibians (2): Spring Peeper, American Toad. Mammals (2): Eastern Gray Squirrel, Eastern Chipmunk. <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): Steps – 7,050, Miles – 3, Floors – 12 <BR><BR> ----“SEASON’S BIRD SPECIES LIST” – we are not just a Hawk Watch but conduct a migration tally from the site. The complete species list will be in our weekly email blog sent to those requesting it. 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 at <earlybirdtours...> <BR><BR> TOTAL SPECIES – Identified from watch site: today: 60; this season: 98 <BR><BR> NEW SPECIES ADDED TODAY TO THIS YEAR’S “WATCH SPECIES LIST (2):” Warbling Vireo and Caspian Tern. <BR><BR> Contact: Larry Lewis ------- Early Bird Nature Tours(EBNT)---"Exciting & Fun Adventures in Nature"---63 S. Park Ave., Coatesville, PA 19320---484-340-SORA (7672)--Business Cell---email: <earlybirdtours...> "Group Birding - The Economical, Fun and Environmentally Friendly Way to Bird!"
Predictions: Tomorrow’s flight looks cloudy with NE winds <BR><BR> . The Chester County Hawk Watch and Migration Count is sponsored, in large part, by Frank Haas and in the memory of Barbara Haas. Membership in EBNT is requested. Please contact us at <earlybirdtours...> with questions or comments.
======================================================================== Report submitted by Larry Lewis (<earlybirdtours...>)
Site Description: The platform just left of the only boat ramp for Chambers Lake in the main parking lot, overlooking the lake to the north.
Directions to site: We set up in the main parking lot for the lake, on the platform just left of the only boat ramp. The Hawk Watch at Chambers Lake (as part of the Chester County Hawk Watch) operates daily, March 1 thru April 30 from 9am - 3 pm (unless counter is away leading a tour elsewhere). In fall the season is Sept. 1 thru Nov. 30,each day 9am-3pm. Please contact Larry at 484-340-7672 to confirm counter is present. This count welcomes all visitors to this fine habitat. When there are no hawks present, many birds still are. The lake holds numerous waterfowl species and the variable shoreline can produce incredible shorebirds.
Directions to hawk watch: From the Rt. 30 By-pass take the Rt. 82 exit north. Turn left at the first light(Rt. 340) and go 1.3 miles to Wagontown Rd. Turn Rt. on Wagontown Rd. and continue on this winding road for 1.8 miles (you will pass the Hibernia Park entrance on your right, the Chambers Lake parking lot, and Chambers Lake on your right). Pull off the road to the left and park safely at the end of the lake to visit the hawk watch. You will see us sitting on the dike near the road at the end of the lake.
Date: 4/18/24 4:37 am From: jerry Kruth <00000005ead0dac6-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Clarion Co- black-throated green, yellow-rump and yellow-throated warblers
Lovely post Carol, kudos!
Jerry
On Tuesday, April 16, 2024 at 10:24:54 AM EDT, Carole Winslow <cjwinslow94...> wrote:
It's been a wonderful three days of spring birding, even Sunday before
the storms later in the day.
On Sunday I walked the Redbank Valley Trail from Lawsonham towards
Redbank, and was very happy to find the yellow-throated warblers returned
and singing, I saw and heard two and possibly three right around the
parking area and start of trail where I typically find them. Louisiana
waterthrush were also back and singing nonstop, along with blue-gray
gnatcatchers,blue-headed vireos, and ruby-crowned kinglets, back several
days now.
Yesterday we walked along the North Country Trail outside of Clarion
between 322 and 66 along Doe Run. In the 30 years I have lived here I am
embarrassed to say that we have never really explored this stretch, not
appreciating what a great little microhabitat is left here along this
stream emptying into the Clarion River. Winter wrens were singing several
weeks ago and continued in the same location, along with a singing
Louisiana waterthrush, a location with no records, at least in eBird.
Happily I was already able to code that for the atlas. Many singing
blue-headed vireos here as well, and the first black-throated green I have
heard this year, it always sounds so great to hear the first time each
spring !
This morning we walked the entire property and also had a
black-throated green singing here, as well as a yellow-rumped warbler, and
gnatcatchers yesterday. Kestrels appear to be nesting again at the
neighboring farm, and here we now have a Cooper's hawk on the nest as well
as the red-tailed hawk which should be hatching within the week I expect.
Chickadees are building a nest in a bluebird box and we currently have two
boxes with bluebird eggs. I expect Henslow's sparrows must be back and
weather and other issues have kept me from confirming yet, so hopefully
this evening.
Happy spring birding folks, more birds are in safe dates as of
yesterday..
Observation start time: 12:30:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 3.5 hours
Official Counter: Jerry McWilliams
Observers: John DePaul, Julie Leonard, Katie Andersen
Visitors: John DePaul, Katie Andersen, and Julie Leonard assisted with the count. Sam Paulson stopped for a visit.
Weather: Cloudy with rain in the AM then clearing by mid-day with strong SSE wind and quite warm.
Raptor Observations: Wow! What a surprise! My only regret is that I didn't get to the hawk watch 30 minutes earlier when all hell broke loose. The sky was full of Broad-wings when I arrived with and estimated 1500 birds in the air in three kettles and they were still coming. I estimated 7300 BWs in the first 30 minutes of the watch. Today was a record-breaking day for BWs. A man doing bird counts from the tower said they started pouring through around 1200 hrs. EST. He had already recorded twice as many birds before I arrived. With the strong south wind and approaching low pressure system birds were stacked up along the lake. After the 1300 hr. when more clouds moved in, the number of birds dropped significantly, but was still steady. Many Sharp-shins were mixed among them, but were difficult to sort out and count among the huge kettles of BWs. Highlight was a Golden Eagle passing high overhead.
Non-raptor Observations: Tree Swallow, Cliff Swallow 1 (early), Double-crested Cormorant, blackbirds, Northern Flickers, Canada Goose, Ring-billed and Herring Gull.
Predictions: Cloudy in the AM becoming partly cloudy with west winds and cooler. After today's big show not expecting much unless we get a wind shift to the south.Jerry McWilliamsErie, Erie County, <Pa.jerrymcw...>
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:30:00 Total observation time: 7.5 hours
Official Counter: Rosemary McGlynn
Observers: Georgia Shalek, Regina Gaison
Visitors: Regina Gaison,Georgia Shalek who both pulled those BWs out of the blue
Weather: light SSW winds switching to SSE in the PM; solid clouds with off & on drizzle then skies opened up to a mix of sun/clouds in the PM. 59-62F. After a slow start it turned out to be a great birding day.
Raptor Observations: 241 migrating birds including 1 GE subadult @2:32EST,3 OSs,& 230 BWs
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 13:00:00 Total observation time: 3 hours
Compiler:
Counters: Katia Gutierrez , madalen Goitia
Weather: Cloudy, rain showers, high 61 degrees, winds ESE 10-15 mph. Hazy, stop counting because of rain.
Raptor Observations: We got a 2 year Bald Eagle coming up close from East to the North Look Out
Non-raptor Observations: Group of 17 Double-Crested cormorant migrating during the morning ======================================================================== Report submitted by Laurie Goodrich (<goodrich...>) Hawk Mountain Sanctuary information may be found at: http://www.hawkmountain.org/
Date: 4/17/24 6:56 am From: Grant Stevenson <stevensongrant03...> Subject: Re: Cardinal nest - Indiana County
Hey Dan, Please rotect your kitchen window from bird window collisions!
Collidescape.com is one approved way by Dr. Dan Klem, Jr., 40+ year expert
in the field. Read his book, All, Solid Air. The problem: windows are
invisible to birds! This is important year-round, not just in migration.
Buildings are a grave threat, but research shows home window are a more
serious one.
Aco.muhlenberg.edu. (They may be having tech difficulty with this site,
now.)
Grant Stevenson
Allentown, Lehigh County
On Tue, Apr 16, 2024, 7:28 PM Dan Cunkelman <dancunkelman...> wrote:
> I think we can upgrade the breeding bird status for Northern Cardinals in
> Conemaugh Twp, Indiana County. A couple weeks ago I noticed some sticks
> arranged on the branch of a Holly tree. Last week I discovered a completed
> nest. This Holly is at the corner of our garage where I park my car. The
> nest is about 4 feet off the ground. Sunday I noticed one egg and momma
> was hiding in the tree. Earlier today I observed egg number two. When I
> came home later, momma was sitting on the nest. I am hoping she feels safe
> and secure. Night time predators could be a problem.
> This may be the same nester that previously took residence in shrubs under
> the kitchen window. I had to remove those shrubs before they started
> construction.
>
> Dan Cunkelman
> Conemaugh Twp, Indiana County
>
>
>
> Sent from Dan Cunkelman's iPhone
Date: 4/17/24 4:00 am From: Hawkcount.Org Reports <reports...> Subject: Chester County Hawk Watch & Migration Count at Chambers Lake (16 Apr 2024) 246 Raptors
Chester County Hawk Watch & Migration Count at Chambers Lake Wagontown, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Apr 16, 2024 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 10:00:00 Observation end time: 17:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Larry Lewis (Early Bird Nature Tours)
Observers: Judy Ford
Visitors: CHESTER COUNTY HAWK WATCH & MIGRATION COUNT AT CHAMBERS LAKE <BR><BR> Visitors (2): Judy Ford <BR><BR> Thanks everyone, for coming to beautiful Chambers Lake! <BR><BR>
Raptor Observations: ----“Raptors” seen but deemed not to be migrating: 2-Bald Eagle, 2-Red-shouldered Hawk, 4-Red-tailed Hawk, and numerous Black (4) and Turkey Vultures (65). <BR><BR> ----Bald Eagle ages: 1 yr.-1; 2 yr.-_; 3 yr.-_; 4 yr.-_; adult-1 <BR><BR>
Non-raptor Observations: TODAY’S Bird Blog: [PLEASE NOTE: I send out a large weekly “blog/newsletter” detailing much more than these small daily recaps. This newsletter from EBNT, has our upcoming schedule and the County year bird list, etc. If you aren’t receiving it and would like to, kindly email me <earlybirdtours...> to be added. <BR><BR> At Chambers Lake, migrating waterfowl is down to just a few Bufflehead remaining. There still may be a few stragglers to come but it’s mostly over. A Ruddy Duck later joined them. I watched a first-year Bald Eagle swoop down and snare a fish, catching his own meal. The woods around the parking lot were alive with passerines - mostly Palm Warblers, but Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Yellow-rumped Warblers, and Pine Warbler were there. While on my walk thru the woods, the clothing fairy paid a visit to my site, dropping off a fine green hoodie. I have no idea who dropped it off for me. Anyway, thanks clothes fairy! I was further treated to a Green Heron [my FOY], flying by. A Spotted Sandpiper worked the shoreline a few feet away. I took another walk, adding no birds or any more to my wardrobe. The clothes fairy did not visit again. Damn, the luck but I had to try! Late in the day there were lots of Broad-winged Hawks moving, very high in a deep blue sky and difficult to see. I wonder how many I had missed earlier in the day before I latched on to them. They were on the move! A fisherman right in front of me landed a 2-pound Largemouth Bass. [Additional highlights listed below] <BR><BR> ---- Thanks to Frank Haas and his gracious generosity and support over the years, in his name and in the memory of his wife, Barbara. <BR><BR> ----ADDITIONAL BIRD HIGHLIGHTS: <BR><BR> Bufflehead, Ruddy Duck, Wood Ducks, Pied-billed Grebes, Cormorants, Great Blue Herons, Green Heron, Spotted Sandpiper, Purple Martins, Rough-winged Swallow, Field Sparrows, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Pine Warbler, Palm Warblers, Yellow-rumped Warblers, and Towhees <BR><BR> ----OTHER WILDLIFE NOTED: Butterflies (4): Cabbage White, Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, Clouded Sulphur, Red Admiral. Dragonflies (0). Reptiles & Amphibians (3): Spring Peeper, Green Frog, American Toad. Mammals (3): Eastern Gray Squirrel, White-tailed Deer, Eastern Chipmunk. <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): Steps – 7,367, Miles – 3.74, Floors – 7 <BR><BR> ----“SEASON’S BIRD SPECIES LIST” – we are not just a Hawk Watch but conduct a migration tally from the site. The complete species list will be in our weekly email blog sent to those requesting it. 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 at <earlybirdtours...> <BR><BR> TOTAL SPECIES – Identified from watch site: today: 50; this season: 96 <BR><BR> NEW SPECIES ADDED TODAY TO THIS YEAR’S “WATCH SPECIES LIST (2):” Green Heron, Pine Warbler. <BR><BR> Contact: Larry Lewis ------- Early Bird Nature Tours(EBNT)---"Exciting & Fun Adventures in Nature"---63 S. Park Ave., Coatesville, PA 19320---484-340-SORA (7672)--Business Cell---email: <earlybirdtours...> "Group Birding - The Economical, Fun and Environmentally Friendly Way to Bird!"
Predictions: Tomorrow’s flight looks fairly cloudy with light westerly winds <BR><BR> . The Chester County Hawk Watch and Migration Count is sponsored, in large part, by Frank Haas and in the memory of Barbara Haas. Membership in EBNT is requested. Please contact us at <earlybirdtours...> with questions or comments.
======================================================================== Report submitted by Larry Lewis (<earlybirdtours...>)
Site Description: The platform just left of the only boat ramp for Chambers Lake in the main parking lot, overlooking the lake to the north.
Directions to site: We set up in the main parking lot for the lake, on the platform just left of the only boat ramp. The Hawk Watch at Chambers Lake (as part of the Chester County Hawk Watch) operates daily, March 1 thru April 30 from 9am - 3 pm (unless counter is away leading a tour elsewhere). In fall the season is Sept. 1 thru Nov. 30,each day 9am-3pm. Please contact Larry at 484-340-7672 to confirm counter is present. This count welcomes all visitors to this fine habitat. When there are no hawks present, many birds still are. The lake holds numerous waterfowl species and the variable shoreline can produce incredible shorebirds.
Directions to hawk watch: From the Rt. 30 By-pass take the Rt. 82 exit north. Turn left at the first light(Rt. 340) and go 1.3 miles to Wagontown Rd. Turn Rt. on Wagontown Rd. and continue on this winding road for 1.8 miles (you will pass the Hibernia Park entrance on your right, the Chambers Lake parking lot, and Chambers Lake on your right). Pull off the road to the left and park safely at the end of the lake to visit the hawk watch. You will see us sitting on the dike near the road at the end of the lake.
A Vesper Sparrow continues to sing at our school east of Cambridge Springs. I don't know if one continues to from last week when I heard several singing on Tuesday or if new ones keep arriving, but I've been hearing them nearly every day. Also this morning at home (Cambridge Springs) I had a Northern Mockingbird singing, an unusual bird for this far north in PA.
Observation start time: 08:30:00 Observation end time: 16:30:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Andrew Bechdel
Observers: Judy Sinn, Kyle Smith, Nick Bolgiano
Visitors: Judy Sinn, Kyle Smith
Weather: Nearly full sun with a few clouds and very warm all day. Wind started light ESE then quickly switched to light SW then WSW and was calm at times. Wind Speed: calm-3mph. Temperature: 13-26 Celsius.
Raptor Observations: No Golden Eagles. Broad-winged flight almost entirely on the S side of the ridge and over the ridge and very high. In many cases, birds were difficult to spot and probably beyond the limit of detection.
Predictions: Uncertain; Tomorrow and Thursday will bring rain and likely be a wash. Friday could be a good day if rain holds off. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Andrew Bechdel () Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch information may be found at: tusseymountainspringhawkwatch.org/
Date: 4/16/24 4:28 pm From: Dan Cunkelman <dancunkelman...> Subject: Cardinal nest - Indiana County
I think we can upgrade the breeding bird status for Northern Cardinals in Conemaugh Twp, Indiana County. A couple weeks ago I noticed some sticks arranged on the branch of a Holly tree. Last week I discovered a completed nest. This Holly is at the corner of our garage where I park my car. The nest is about 4 feet off the ground. Sunday I noticed one egg and momma was hiding in the tree. Earlier today I observed egg number two. When I came home later, momma was sitting on the nest. I am hoping she feels safe and secure. Night time predators could be a problem.
This may be the same nester that previously took residence in shrubs under the kitchen window. I had to remove those shrubs before they started construction.
Lisa,
Ruby-throated hummers are being reported from various places in PA. One report was from Tioga County. This is early but not unheard of especially with this warm weather.
Sent from my iPhone
> On Apr 16, 2024, at 6:43 PM, Lisa Dziuban <dziubanlisa...> wrote:
>
> This morning while I was working in my garden (I was bent over transplanting some perennials) when I thought I heard the distinctive humming of a humming bird’s wings. I thought to myself, was that a hummer? Nah, it’s too early. I turned around to look and saw the brilliant red tulips right behind me. Maybe? So I took a break and sat on the fore-bay and watched for about 30 min. did not see one. Spring has sprung here and I have multitudes of tulips and flowering shrubs blooming. The fragrant viburnums are blooming too. I’m keeping a sharp lookout.
> Lisa Dziuban
>
> “For nature, who abhors mannerism, has set her heart on breaking up all styles and tricks.”
> Ralph Waldo Emerson
This morning while I was working in my garden (I was bent over transplanting some perennials) when I thought I heard the distinctive humming of a humming bird’s wings. I thought to myself, was that a hummer? Nah, it’s too early. I turned around to look and saw the brilliant red tulips right behind me. Maybe? So I took a break and sat on the fore-bay and watched for about 30 min. did not see one. Spring has sprung here and I have multitudes of tulips and flowering shrubs blooming. The fragrant viburnums are blooming too. I’m keeping a sharp lookout.
Lisa Dziuban
“For nature, who abhors mannerism, has set her heart on breaking up all styles and tricks.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Observation start time: 08:30:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 6.5 hours
Official Counter: Jim Rocco
Observers: Bob Stewart, Greg Gdula, Kevin Georg
Visitors: Bob Stewart, Greg Gdula, Ray Myers, Kevin Georg
Weather: Winds from the SE most of the day then switching to SW and W. winds were moderate 4 to 16 mph. Temperatures wentn from 12 to 22 C, Cloud cover 20% to 50%. Visibility clear up to 40km.
Raptor Observations: 122 raptors counted for the day including one juv. golden at 11:o1 and one adult bald at 12:02
Non-raptor Observations: Flickers, chimney swifts, tree swallows, towhee's, juncos, robins, bluejays, bc chickadee's, ravens, local tv's, doves ravens. Butterflies:4 tiger swallowtail's, cabbage whites, skippers, mourning cloak. a large number of dragon flies.
Predictions: Warm possible afternoon showers ======================================================================== Report submitted by Jim Rocco (<jd.jh.rocco...>)
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 6 hours
Compiler: Matt Wlasniewski
Counters: Alexandra Hagans, Matt Wlasniewski, Rileigh Leach
Weather: Sunny, wispy clouds in the afternoon, high of 71, NW winds 4-7MPH, thick East haze
Raptor Observations: Witnessed adult Bald Eagle and immature Bald Eagle vocalizing and interacting with each other, saw Black Vulture with a Hawk Mountain wing tag, and saw Merlin chase pigeon, separate Merlin calling while migrating.
Non-raptor Observations:
======================================================================== Report submitted by Laurie Goodrich (<goodrich...>) Hawk Mountain Sanctuary information may be found at: http://www.hawkmountain.org/
Subject: Allegheny County -eBird Report - Snead's, Apr 16, 2024
I walked at Snead's this afternoon and found a FOY Yellow-throated Warbler & Louisiana Waterthrush singing continuously. A bonus was a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker.
Karyn Delaney
Snead's, Allegheny, Pennsylvania, US Apr 16, 2024 1:03 PM - 1:31 PM Protocol: Traveling 0.25 mile(s) 14 species
Date: 4/16/24 7:24 am From: Carole Winslow <cjwinslow94...> Subject: Clarion Co- black-throated green, yellow-rump and yellow-throated warblers
It's been a wonderful three days of spring birding, even Sunday before the storms later in the day.
On Sunday I walked the Redbank Valley Trail from Lawsonham towards Redbank, and was very happy to find the yellow-throated warblers returned and singing, I saw and heard two and possibly three right around the parking area and start of trail where I typically find them. Louisiana waterthrush were also back and singing nonstop, along with blue-gray gnatcatchers,blue-headed vireos, and ruby-crowned kinglets, back several days now.
Yesterday we walked along the North Country Trail outside of Clarion between 322 and 66 along Doe Run. In the 30 years I have lived here I am embarrassed to say that we have never really explored this stretch, not appreciating what a great little microhabitat is left here along this stream emptying into the Clarion River. Winter wrens were singing several weeks ago and continued in the same location, along with a singing Louisiana waterthrush, a location with no records, at least in eBird. Happily I was already able to code that for the atlas. Many singing blue-headed vireos here as well, and the first black-throated green I have heard this year, it always sounds so great to hear the first time each spring !
This morning we walked the entire property and also had a black-throated green singing here, as well as a yellow-rumped warbler, and gnatcatchers yesterday. Kestrels appear to be nesting again at the neighboring farm, and here we now have a Cooper's hawk on the nest as well as the red-tailed hawk which should be hatching within the week I expect. Chickadees are building a nest in a bluebird box and we currently have two boxes with bluebird eggs. I expect Henslow's sparrows must be back and weather and other issues have kept me from confirming yet, so hopefully this evening.
Happy spring birding folks, more birds are in safe dates as of yesterday..
Date: 4/16/24 6:41 am From: Denise Donmoyer <nightowl57...> Subject: Sweet Arrow Lake, Schuylkill Co
I was just sent a very interesting picture of a Female Merganser sitting on the chimney at our park Clubhouse. I don't have a way to forward it but it is posted on the Sweet Arrow Lake Facebook page.
Observation start time: 08:30:00 Observation end time: 16:30:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Andrew Bechdel
Observers: Nick Bolgiano
Visitors: N/A
Weather: Warm and partly cloudy with light to moderate W/WNW/NW wind all day. Wind speed: 5-15mph. Temperature: 15-22 Celsius.
Raptor Observations: No Golden Eagles: Broad-winged flight was concentrated early with many birds getting very high both over the ridge and over Nittany Valley.
Predictions: Uncertain; Westerly wind is always variable. Wednesday and Thursday could be good days if rain holds off. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Andrew Bechdel () Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch information may be found at: tusseymountainspringhawkwatch.org/
Observation start time: 08:30:00 Observation end time: 16:30:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Andrew Bechdel, Nick Bolgiano
Observers: Constanza Ehrenhaus, Kathy Bechdel, Nick Bolgiano
Weather: Wind SSW mostly 8-12 mph for 830-1230, then SW and WSW mostly 8-12 mph. A few clouds, temp reached 80F
Raptor Observations: Nearly all the birds flew on the SSW wind, only a few afterward. The 2nd and 3rd Golden Eagles crossed the ridge and flew N with a tailwind, possibly utilizing a thermal street.
GE(3):
Non-raptor Observations:
Predictions: predicted wind 10-13 W/WNW, partly cloudy ======================================================================== Report submitted by Andrew Bechdel () Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch information may be found at: tusseymountainspringhawkwatch.org/
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 14:30:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Erika Bowman
Observers: Adam Katrancha, Bob Stewart, Greg Gdula
Visitors: Bob Stewart, Greg Gdula, Adam Katrancha
Weather: Sunny, breezy to start but very windy most of the day. Gusts over 20mph, enough to shake the car.
Raptor Observations: 6 local Turkey vultures at a time. At least 3 local Red-tailed Hawks. A local Sharp-shinned Hawk gave several appearances. Heard a Red-shouldered Hawk cry in an area they have nested in previous years.
Non-raptor Observations: Wild Turkey, M Dove, Red-bellied WP, Downy WP, N Flicker, Blue Jay, A Crow, C Raven, BC Chickadee, T Titmouse, T Swallow, WB Nuthatch, E Bluebird, A Robin, A Goldfinch, Field Sparrow, DE Junco, E Towhee
Predictions: Partly cloudy. High 68F. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Erika Bowman (<dizzechick...>)
Subject: Allegheny County - eBird -- Linbrook Park -- Apr 15, 2024
We went for a short walk along Big Sewickley Creek in Linbrook Park this afternoon. There is a lot of water damage with one bridge closed. Some of the blooming Trout Lily and Spring Beauty has taken a toll, but the other wildflowers are doing well. We were hoping to see FOY Blue-gray Gnatcatchers and perhaps a Louisiana Waterthrush, and were rewarded with both! The Waterthrush walked along the opposite side of the stream for over 15 minutes giving us wonderful looks. Af the end of our walk, I heard the sounds of a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, and found it feeding in a flowering tree. Three Phoebes have returned again this year.
Karyn & Ray Delaney
Linbrook Park Apr 15, 2024 3:18 PM Traveling 0.78 miles 82 minutes All birds reported? Yes Comments: Wildflower Trail and creek paths.
1 Mallard 0 Wild Turkey 1 Mourning Dove 1 Killdeer 2 Turkey Vulture 1 Red-tailed Hawk 1 Belted Kingfisher 3 Eastern Phoebe 1 Blue Jay 6 American Crow 2 Black-capped Chickadee 1 Tufted Titmouse 1 Tree Swallow 1 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 1 Carolina Wren 1 American Robin 1 American Goldfinch 1 Song Sparrow 2 Red-winged Blackbird 1 Louisiana Waterthrush 5 Northern Cardinal
Date: 4/15/24 3:04 pm From: Grove, Deborah Shuey <dsg4...> Subject: Atlasing this morning in Huntingdon County near Stone Creek Ridge
Spent this morning atlassing in two blocks. I was able to move some species into the Probable status from earlier checklists. I enjoyed some of the new migrants. Louisiana Waterthrush are one of my favorite and found 8. I heard some singing but most made themselves known by the strong chip notes by the streams. Another new migrant was Blue-headed Vireo and they showed up in the pine and hemlocks and I heard 5. 5 Blue-gray Gnatchatchers buzzed as I walked along. Pine Warblers breed in the area and I heard 12. Another unusual breeder is Red-breasted Nuthatch and I had 3. Not all will stay. And 2 White-breasted.
An unusual species for me was Barred Owl. Those that know me know I usually can not hear them but this one must have been close. I answered with my best imitation and it shut up. Maybe it was disgusted. Birds that will breed farther north that I found are 1 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, 2 Dark-eyed Junco and 29 White-throated Sparrows. Eastern Towhees are also prevalent and I had 20 singing. 1 singing Fox Sparrow was special.
33 Species observed
7 Checklists
1
Red-shouldered Hawk
1
Barred Owl
1
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
7
Red-bellied Woodpecker
3
Downy Woodpecker
4
Hairy Woodpecker
5
Pileated Woodpecker
4
Eastern Phoebe
5
Blue-headed Vireo
18
Blue Jay
5
American Crow
1
Common Raven
12
Black-capped Chickadee
5
Tufted Titmouse
3
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
2
Golden-crowned Kinglet
2
White-breasted Nuthatch
3
Red-breasted Nuthatch
5
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
5
Carolina Wren
1
Eastern Bluebird
3
American Robin
4
American Goldfinch
10
Chipping Sparrow
5
Field Sparrow
1
Fox Sparrow
2
Dark-eyed Junco
29
White-throated Sparrow
20
Eastern Towhee
5
Brown-headed Cowbird
8
Louisiana Waterthrush
12
Pine Warbler
17
Northern Cardinal
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 6 hours
Compiler:
Counters: Mary-Kate Reed, madalen Goitia
Weather: Partly Cloudy, high of 75. WNW winds, very slow, less than 1 mph
Raptor Observations:
Non-raptor Observations:
======================================================================== Report submitted by Laurie Goodrich (<goodrich...>) Hawk Mountain Sanctuary information may be found at: http://www.hawkmountain.org/
Observation start time: 13:00:00 Observation end time: 13:30:00 Total observation time: 0.5 hours
Official Counter: Brian M. Wargo
Observers:
Visitors: 15 Members of the Naturalist Club.
Weather: Sunny and 73 degrees.
Raptor Observations:
Non-raptor Observations: 36 American Lady Butterfly all following a precise path across the field northward, 7 Cabbage Whites Sparrows, Dove, Cardinals, Starlings, ======================================================================== Report submitted by Brian M. Wargo (<brianwargo...>)
Date: 4/15/24 10:43 am From: Arlene Koch <0000012d74227426-dmarc-request...> Subject: Scissor-tailed flycatcher, Juniata County
I’ve been away for three days but I see that there’s a scissor-tailed flycatcher in Juniata county in the Oakland Mills area. Apparently it’s been there several days.
Date: 4/15/24 6:30 am From: Hawkcount.Org Reports <reports...> Subject: Chester County Hawk Watch & Migration Count at Chambers Lake (14 Apr 2024) 20 Raptors
Chester County Hawk Watch & Migration Count at Chambers Lake Wagontown, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Apr 14, 2024 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 11:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 5 hours
Official Counter: Larry Lewis (Early Bird Nature Tours)
Observers:
Visitors: CHESTER COUNTY HAWK WATCH & MIGRATION COUNT AT CHAMBERS LAKE <BR><BR> Visitors (_): Just me <BR><BR> Thanks everyone, for coming to beautiful Chambers Lake! <BR><BR>
Raptor Observations: ----“Raptors” seen but deemed not to be migrating: 1-Bald Eagle, 1-Red-shouldered Hawk, 4-Red-tailed Hawk, and numerous Black (25) and Turkey Vultures (52). <BR><BR> ----Bald Eagle ages: 1 yr.-_; 2 yr.-_; 3 yr.-_; 4 yr.-_; adult-1 <BR><BR>
Non-raptor Observations: TODAY’S Bird Blog: [PLEASE NOTE: I send out a large weekly “blog/newsletter” detailing much more than these small daily recaps. This newsletter from EBNT, has our upcoming schedule and the County year bird list, etc. If you aren’t receiving it and would like to, kindly email me <earlybirdtours...> to be added. <BR><BR> Once at Chambers Lake, I found John Q. Public was here, in force, enjoying the incredible weather. I set up my field office site and began to partake, myself. I immensely enjoyed watching a Pied-billed Grebe snorkeling away from an approaching kayaker. When feeling threatened, they will dive, only surface with their bill protruding for air, until making good their escape. I really enjoy watching that. Apparently, I’m easily amused. [Additional highlights listed below] <BR><BR> ---- Thanks to Frank Haas and his gracious generosity and support over the years, in his name and in the memory of his wife, Barbara. <BR><BR> ----ADDITIONAL BIRD HIGHLIGHTS: <BR><BR> Bufflehead, Pied-billed Grebe, Great Blue Herons, Rough-winged Swallows, Purple Martins, Field Sparrows, and Towhees <BR><BR> ----OTHER WILDLIFE NOTED: Butterflies (2): Cabbage White, Clouded Sulphur. Dragonflies (0). Reptiles & Amphibians (2): Spring Peeper, American Toad. Mammals (1): 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): Steps – 3,500 Miles – 1.5, Floors – 4 <BR><BR> ----“SEASON’S BIRD SPECIES LIST” – we are not just a Hawk Watch but conduct a migration tally from the site. The complete species list will be in our weekly email blog sent to those requesting it. 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 at <earlybirdtours...> <BR><BR> TOTAL SPECIES – Identified from watch site: today: 45; this season: 94 <BR><BR> NEW SPECIES ADDED TODAY TO THIS YEAR’S “WATCH SPECIES LIST (0):” nothing. <BR><BR> Contact: Larry Lewis ------- Early Bird Nature Tours(EBNT)---"Exciting & Fun Adventures in Nature"---63 S. Park Ave., Coatesville, PA 19320---484-340-SORA (7672)--Business Cell---email: <earlybirdtours...> "Group Birding - The Economical, Fun and Environmentally Friendly Way to Bird!"
Predictions: I won't be able to be there tomorrow so it will likely be great! <BR><BR> . The Chester County Hawk Watch and Migration Count is sponsored, in large part, by Frank Haas and in the memory of Barbara Haas. Membership in EBNT is requested. Please contact us at <earlybirdtours...> with questions or comments.
======================================================================== Report submitted by Larry Lewis (<earlybirdtours...>)
Site Description: The platform just left of the only boat ramp for Chambers Lake in the main parking lot, overlooking the lake to the north.
Directions to site: We set up in the main parking lot for the lake, on the platform just left of the only boat ramp. The Hawk Watch at Chambers Lake (as part of the Chester County Hawk Watch) operates daily, March 1 thru April 30 from 9am - 3 pm (unless counter is away leading a tour elsewhere). In fall the season is Sept. 1 thru Nov. 30,each day 9am-3pm. Please contact Larry at 484-340-7672 to confirm counter is present. This count welcomes all visitors to this fine habitat. When there are no hawks present, many birds still are. The lake holds numerous waterfowl species and the variable shoreline can produce incredible shorebirds.
Directions to hawk watch: From the Rt. 30 By-pass take the Rt. 82 exit north. Turn left at the first light(Rt. 340) and go 1.3 miles to Wagontown Rd. Turn Rt. on Wagontown Rd. and continue on this winding road for 1.8 miles (you will pass the Hibernia Park entrance on your right, the Chambers Lake parking lot, and Chambers Lake on your right). Pull off the road to the left and park safely at the end of the lake to visit the hawk watch. You will see us sitting on the dike near the road at the end of the lake.
Heard on 4/14, 1 Yellow-throated warbler in Oil Creek State Park, at the closed bridge. Also, 1 Blue-headed vireo heard at home in Seneca, Venango Co, on 4/14. Meg/Nick Kolodick
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Compiler:
Counters: Alexandra Hagans, Andy Price, Mary-Kate Reed
Weather: sunny, high of 74F, WNW winds less than 1 mph
Raptor Observations:
Non-raptor Observations: Local Black Vulture with wingtag #21 ======================================================================== Report submitted by Laurie Goodrich (<goodrich...>) Hawk Mountain Sanctuary information may be found at: http://www.hawkmountain.org/
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Compiler:
Counters: Alexandra Hagans, Andy Price, Mary-Kate Reed
Weather: sunny, high of 74F, WNW winds less than 1 mph
Raptor Observations:
Non-raptor Observations:
======================================================================== Report submitted by Laurie Goodrich (<goodrich...>) Hawk Mountain Sanctuary information may be found at: http://www.hawkmountain.org/
Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 11:30:00 Total observation time: 4.5 hours
Official Counter: Jerry McWilliams
Observers: Julie Leonard, Roger Donn, Russ States
Visitors: Roger Donn, Russ States, and Julie Leaonard assisted with the count. Visitors included Cathy Norris, Doug Massey, Bob Grubbs, John Garrett, Brian Berchtold, Josh from DCNR, and a runner.
Weather: Cloudy becoming clear with strong SSW wind early with a few sprinkles becoming clear with strong west wind and mild.
Raptor Observations: Despite the right weather conditions and time of year, it was disappointingly slow with just a few birds passing, and often just singles. After mid-day the wind shifted to the west and the flight shut down.
Non-raptor Observations: American Crow, Double-crested Cormorant 230 (nearly all westbound), Great Blue Heron 3, Horned Lark/American Pipit 25, Northern Flicker (numerous), Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1, small finches, Tree Swallow, Barn Swallow, Mourning Dove, Rock Pigeon, Red-winged Blackbird, Brown-headed Cowbird, Common Grackle, Ring-billed and Herring Gull, Wood Duck, Common and Red-breasted Merganser.
Predictions: Clouds in the AM then mostly clear with west wind and a bit cooler. Not expecting much if anything along the lake.
Date: 4/14/24 10:41 am From: linda & bill franz <00000021c311e447-dmarc-request...> Subject: Wood Duck - Cumberland County
A local birder friend of mine who is helping me with a blockin the PA Breeding Bird Atlas confirmed a nesting Wood Duck using a uniqueapproach. After carefully peering into andobserving a female in one of the two boxes she placed on her property,she installed a trail cam camera several feet in front of the opening. And after a little trial and error, shesuccessfully snapped a photo of the female flying away from the box. The lens in the camera was good enough tocatch the unmistakable white area surrounding her eye. Yes, it was an “ON,” occupied nest. That wonderful photo is a keeper and is included in the eBird PA BBA checklist.Bill Franz / Newville
Date: 4/14/24 8:54 am From: Donna Collett <dcollett57...> Subject: Yellow throated Warbler, Bald Eagle - WSH CTY
A vocal Yellow throated Warbler, FOY, was in back yard this AM , believe just passing thru. Bonus, an immature Bald Eagle cruised overhead. What gifts!
Date: 4/14/24 3:14 am From: Hawkcount.Org Reports <reports...> Subject: Chester County Hawk Watch & Migration Count at Chambers Lake (13 Apr 2024) 4 Raptors
Chester County Hawk Watch & Migration Count at Chambers Lake Wagontown, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Apr 13, 2024 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Raptor Observations: ----“Raptors” seen but deemed not to be migrating: 1-Bald Eagle, and numerous Black (7) and Turkey Vultures (18). <BR><BR> ----Bald Eagle ages: 1 yr.-_; 2 yr.-_; 3 yr.-_; 4 yr.-_; adult-1 <BR><BR>
Non-raptor Observations: TODAY’S Bird Blog: [PLEASE NOTE: I send out a large weekly “blog/newsletter” detailing much more than these small daily recaps. This newsletter from EBNT, has our upcoming schedule and the County year bird list, etc. If you aren’t receiving it and would like to, kindly email me <earlybirdtours...> to be added. <BR><BR> Once at Chambers Lake, I noticed even less waterfowl. The winds, coming off the lake, were ridiculous today – steady at 25 mph+. I couldn’t set up outside and was relegated to the van again. The weather this year has been excruciating to conduct a watch. A fisherman parked and walked over to me huddled in the van, resulting in this: Fisherman: “May I ask what you are looking at?” Me: “Birds.” Fisherman: “Birds?!?!” He seemed so very amazed, incredulous, and confused that anyone would do such a thing ANYONE! Are we birders somehow not obnoxiously evident enough to show people we exist?? I must redouble my efforts. Until 3pm, not a single raptor was seen to migrate in this. I felt migration, especially hawk migration, was passing by me barely being noticed this year. Three Ospreys, all together, finally broke the ice today. A fourth came by later. All this Osprey presence soon drew the attention of an adult Bald Eagle. [Additional highlights listed below] <BR><BR> ---- Thanks to Frank Haas and his gracious generosity and support over the years, in his name and in the memory of his wife, Barbara. <BR><BR> ----ADDITIONAL BIRD HIGHLIGHTS: <BR><BR> Bufflehead, Wood Ducks, Ring-necked Ducks, Great Blue Herons, Pied-billed Grebe, Purple Martins, Rough-winged Swallows, Field Sparrows, and Towhees <BR><BR> ----OTHER WILDLIFE NOTED: Butterflies (0). Dragonflies (0). Reptiles & Amphibians (2): Spring Peeper, American Toad. Mammals (3): Eastern Gray Squirrel, White-tailed Deer, Eastern Chipmunk. <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): Steps – 6,821, Miles – 2.91, Floors – 23 <BR><BR> ----“SEASON’S BIRD SPECIES LIST” – we are not just a Hawk Watch but conduct a migration tally from the site. The complete species list will be in our weekly email blog sent to those requesting it. 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 at <earlybirdtours...> <BR><BR> TOTAL SPECIES – Identified from watch site: today: 43; this season: 94 <BR><BR> NEW SPECIES ADDED TODAY TO THIS YEAR’S “WATCH SPECIES LIST (0):” nothing. <BR><BR> Contact: Larry Lewis ------- Early Bird Nature Tours(EBNT)---"Exciting & Fun Adventures in Nature"---63 S. Park Ave., Coatesville, PA 19320---484-340-SORA (7672)--Business Cell---email: <earlybirdtours...> "Group Birding - The Economical, Fun and Environmentally Friendly Way to Bird!"
Predictions: Tomorrow’s flight looks to be pretty good with increasing SW winds <BR><BR> . The Chester County Hawk Watch and Migration Count is sponsored, in large part, by Frank Haas and in the memory of Barbara Haas. Membership in EBNT is requested. Please contact us at <earlybirdtours...> with questions or comments.
======================================================================== Report submitted by Larry Lewis (<earlybirdtours...>)
Site Description: The platform just left of the only boat ramp for Chambers Lake in the main parking lot, overlooking the lake to the north.
Directions to site: We set up in the main parking lot for the lake, on the platform just left of the only boat ramp. The Hawk Watch at Chambers Lake (as part of the Chester County Hawk Watch) operates daily, March 1 thru April 30 from 9am - 3 pm (unless counter is away leading a tour elsewhere). In fall the season is Sept. 1 thru Nov. 30,each day 9am-3pm. Please contact Larry at 484-340-7672 to confirm counter is present. This count welcomes all visitors to this fine habitat. When there are no hawks present, many birds still are. The lake holds numerous waterfowl species and the variable shoreline can produce incredible shorebirds.
Directions to hawk watch: From the Rt. 30 By-pass take the Rt. 82 exit north. Turn left at the first light(Rt. 340) and go 1.3 miles to Wagontown Rd. Turn Rt. on Wagontown Rd. and continue on this winding road for 1.8 miles (you will pass the Hibernia Park entrance on your right, the Chambers Lake parking lot, and Chambers Lake on your right). Pull off the road to the left and park safely at the end of the lake to visit the hawk watch. You will see us sitting on the dike near the road at the end of the lake.
Date: 4/13/24 5:04 pm From: Grove, Deborah Shuey <dsg4...> Subject: Re: Penn State Arboretum Bird Walks
I meant to say the walks are April 18 and 25.
Thanks Karen for the correction!!
Deb
Deborah S. Grove
________________________________
From: Bird discussion list for Pennsylvania <PABIRDS...> on behalf of Grove, Deborah Shuey <dsg4...>
Sent: Saturday, April 13, 2024 6:01:00 PM
To: pabirds <PABIRDS...>
Subject: [PABIRDS] Penn State Arboretum Bird Walks
Margaret Brittingham and I will be leading 2 migration walks again at the Arboretum the next two Thursdays at 8 am, May 18 and 25.
If you haven't been there for a while, the new Palmer Art Museum is now where the parking lot was. You will park just beyond the law school building and there is a pay site that only takes a credit card or you can use an app.
Joe Gyekis is the leader on May 2.
Observation start time: 08:30:00 Observation end time: 16:30:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Andrew Bechdel
Observers: Nick Bolgiano
Visitors: N/A
Weather: Overcast in the morning with cloud cover slowly dissipating in the afternoon. Very strong W/WNW throughout. Wind Speed: 15-30mph. Temperature: 4-10 Celsius.
Raptor Observations: No Golden Eagles. Flight was slow due to the strong W/WNW wind. Most of the flight was located on the far N side of the ridge and high with most raptors flying quickly in a glide.
Non-raptor Observations: Notable Birds: 1 Common Loon
Predictions: Uncertain; Tomorrow's forecast could bring a decent flow of Broad-wings and other raptors that have been bottled up for the last few days. Otherwise, Tuesday and Wednesday are still possible good days. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Andrew Bechdel () Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch information may be found at: tusseymountainspringhawkwatch.org/
Date: 4/13/24 3:01 pm From: Grove, Deborah Shuey <dsg4...> Subject: Penn State Arboretum Bird Walks
Margaret Brittingham and I will be leading 2 migration walks again at the Arboretum the next two Thursdays at 8 am, May 18 and 25.
If you haven't been there for a while, the new Palmer Art Museum is now where the parking lot was. You will park just beyond the law school building and there is a pay site that only takes a credit card or you can use an app.
Joe Gyekis is the leader on May 2.
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Compiler: Matt Wlasniewski
Counters: Katia Gutierrez , madalen Goitia
Weather: Cloudy, occasional rain, high 56 degrees, WNW 15-25 mph
Raptor Observations: Local juvenile golden seen at 9:45 coming from East side of the ridge, follow the ridge and continue going Schuykill county direction.
Migrating Osprey avoid confrontation with an adult Bald Eagle by changing altitude of flight.
Non-raptor Observations:
======================================================================== Report submitted by Laurie Goodrich (<goodrich...>) Hawk Mountain Sanctuary information may be found at: http://www.hawkmountain.org/
Date: 4/13/24 8:48 am From: Douglas Filler <0000012c09e09177-dmarc-request...> Subject: Silver Lake in Bucks CO.
The following were seen or heard on the morning bird walk led by Steve Boyle from the Silver Lake Nature Center located in Bucks CO.
Silver Lake Park/Nature Center, Bucks, Pennsylvania, US
Apr 13, 2024 7:27 AM - 9:45 AM
Protocol: Traveling
0.98 mile(s)
38 species
Canada Goose 2
Wood Duck 1
Mallard 2
Mourning Dove 2
Ring-billed Gull 3
Double-crested Cormorant 2
Great Blue Heron 1
Turkey Vulture 1
Osprey 1
Cooper's Hawk 2
Red-bellied Woodpecker 3
Downy Woodpecker 2
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker 2
Eastern Phoebe 1
Blue Jay 2
Fish Crow 4
Carolina Chickadee 2
Tufted Titmouse 2
Tree Swallow 7
White-breasted Nuthatch 2
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 2
Carolina Wren 5
European Starling 3
American Robin 25
House Sparrow 2
House Finch 1
American Goldfinch 4
Chipping Sparrow 3
White-throated Sparrow 25
Song Sparrow 2
Swamp Sparrow 2
Red-winged Blackbird 15
Brown-headed Cowbird 1
Rusty Blackbird 5
Palm Warbler 5
Yellow-rumped Warbler 4
Northern Cardinal 4
Date: 4/12/24 7:10 pm From: Hawkcount.Org Reports <reports...> Subject: Chester County Hawk Watch & Migration Count at Chambers Lake (12 Apr 2024) 5 Raptors
Chester County Hawk Watch & Migration Count at Chambers Lake Wagontown, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Apr 12, 2024 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 6 hours
Official Counter: Larry Lewis (Early Bird Nature Tours)
Observers: Rick Robinson
Visitors: CHESTER COUNTY HAWK WATCH & MIGRATION COUNT AT CHAMBERS LAKE <BR><BR> Visitors (1): Rick Robinson <BR><BR> Thanks everyone, for coming to beautiful Chambers Lake! <BR><BR>
Raptor Observations: ----“Raptors” seen but deemed not to be migrating: 3-Bald Eagle, 3-Red-tailed Hawk, and numerous Black (14) and Turkey Vultures (37). <BR><BR> ----Bald Eagle ages: 1 yr.-_; 2 yr.-1; 3 yr.-_; 4 yr.-1; adult-2 <BR><BR>
Non-raptor Observations: TODAY’S Bird Blog: [PLEASE NOTE: I send out a large weekly “blog/newsletter” detailing much more than these small daily recaps. This newsletter from EBNT, has our upcoming schedule and the County year bird list, etc. If you aren’t receiving it and would like to, kindly email me <earlybirdtours...> to be added. <BR><BR> Hard to believe but more rain today. I decided not to walk Mom’s Loop in the rain but did sit in my van at the Hawk Watch. First, I stopped by Sadsbury Woods Preserve to see if any early shorebirds had been forced down but found only Killdeer. Once at Chambers Lake, I found a couple new ones for the season – a Spotted Sandpiper [my FOY] teetering on the boat ramp and a Bonaparte’s Gull [my FOY] nearing full breeding plumage [see picture]. This was not a day for migration – hawk, or otherwise. [Additional highlights listed below] <BR><BR> ---- Thanks to Frank Haas and his gracious generosity and support over the years, in his name and in the memory of his wife, Barbara. <BR><BR> ----ADDITIONAL BIRD HIGHLIGHTS: <BR><BR> Bufflehead, Wood Ducks, Ring-necked Ducks, Pied-billed Grebes, Cormorants, Great Blue Herons, Spotted Sandpiper, Greater Yellowlegs, Bonaparte’s Gull, Ring-billed Gulls, Phoebes, Rough-winged Swallows, Purple Martins, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Field Sparrows, Swamp Sparrow, Towhees, Palm Warbler, and Yellow-rumped Warbler <BR><BR> ----OTHER WILDLIFE NOTED: Butterflies (0). Dragonflies (0). Reptiles & Amphibians (2): Spring Peeper, American Toad. Mammals (2): Eastern Gray Squirrel, Eastern Chipmunk. <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): Steps – 1,426, Miles – 0.61, Floors – 2 <BR><BR> ----“SEASON’S BIRD SPECIES LIST” – we are not just a Hawk Watch but conduct a migration tally from the site. The complete species list will be in our weekly email blog sent to those requesting it. 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 at <earlybirdtours...> <BR><BR> TOTAL SPECIES – Identified from watch site: today: 54; this season: 94 <BR><BR> NEW SPECIES ADDED TODAY TO THIS YEAR’S “WATCH SPECIES LIST (2):” Bonaparte’s Gull and Spotted Sandpiper. <BR><BR> Contact: Larry Lewis ------- Early Bird Nature Tours(EBNT)---"Exciting & Fun Adventures in Nature"---63 S. Park Ave., Coatesville, PA 19320---484-340-SORA (7672)--Business Cell---email: <earlybirdtours...> "Group Birding - The Economical, Fun and Environmentally Friendly Way to Bird!"
Predictions: Tomorrow’s flight looks very windy from the West. <BR><BR> . The Chester County Hawk Watch and Migration Count is sponsored, in large part, by Frank Haas and in the memory of Barbara Haas. Membership in EBNT is requested. Please contact us at <earlybirdtours...> with questions or comments.
======================================================================== Report submitted by Larry Lewis (<earlybirdtours...>)
Site Description: The platform just left of the only boat ramp for Chambers Lake in the main parking lot, overlooking the lake to the north.
Directions to site: We set up in the main parking lot for the lake, on the platform just left of the only boat ramp. The Hawk Watch at Chambers Lake (as part of the Chester County Hawk Watch) operates daily, March 1 thru April 30 from 9am - 3 pm (unless counter is away leading a tour elsewhere). In fall the season is Sept. 1 thru Nov. 30,each day 9am-3pm. Please contact Larry at 484-340-7672 to confirm counter is present. This count welcomes all visitors to this fine habitat. When there are no hawks present, many birds still are. The lake holds numerous waterfowl species and the variable shoreline can produce incredible shorebirds.
Directions to hawk watch: From the Rt. 30 By-pass take the Rt. 82 exit north. Turn left at the first light(Rt. 340) and go 1.3 miles to Wagontown Rd. Turn Rt. on Wagontown Rd. and continue on this winding road for 1.8 miles (you will pass the Hibernia Park entrance on your right, the Chambers Lake parking lot, and Chambers Lake on your right). Pull off the road to the left and park safely at the end of the lake to visit the hawk watch. You will see us sitting on the dike near the road at the end of the lake.
Observation start time: 10:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 4.75 hours
Compiler:
Counters: Madalen Goitia, Mary-Kate Reed
Weather: Overcast, occasional rain showers, high of 57, 10-18 mph
Raptor Observations: One Black Vulture with wingtag and two broad-winged hawks doing courtship flight.
Non-raptor Observations:
======================================================================== Report submitted by Laurie Goodrich (<goodrich...>) Hawk Mountain Sanctuary information may be found at: http://www.hawkmountain.org/
Observation start time: 08:30:00 Observation end time: 13:00:00 Total observation time: 4.5 hours
Official Counter: Andrew Bechdel
Observers:
Visitors: N/A
Weather: Overcast and rain and drizzle throughout with a moderate to strong WSW wind. Actual wind speed was likely stronger than was felt on the ridge. I ended the watch with the onset of more significant showers at 1300. Wind Speed: 8-15mph. Temperature: 8-9 Celsius
Predictions: Tomorrow's strong W wind will likely deter most raptors. Next good flight will probably be toward the middle of next week (Tuesday or Wednesday). ======================================================================== Report submitted by Andrew Bechdel () Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch information may be found at: tusseymountainspringhawkwatch.org/
Date: 4/12/24 9:15 am From: jerry Kruth <00000005ead0dac6-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Hummingbird "houses"?
Thanks to everyone who responded on this!
All bets say no - go to Hbs in these things. Logic is, it has been mentioned of 300 Hb species, none of them use cavities. So presumably, if they liked cavities, they'd already be in them (I don't know of any species that nests BOTH in cavities and open-grass nests. Anyone else?)
To those who remarked at having received these things as presents, I'd say, put them up anyway and see what happens? Who knows til you try something? Maybe a flying squirrel? If nothing else, they can be conversation pieces with curious neighbors.
On Thursday, April 11, 2024 at 01:04:06 PM EDT, Bill and Carole Telfair <wbchtelfair...> wrote:
My sister just gave me 2 of these for my birthday. Has anyone used one and do they actually work? I have never had hummers build a nest around my house.
Thanks, Bill Telfair
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On Thursday, April 11, 2024 at 10:33:17 AM EDT, jerry Kruth <00000005ead0dac6-dmarc-request...> wrote:
I saw this solicitation today on the internet for a Hummingbird "Nestbox" ??????? And wondered about it's efficacy?
I'm not promoting; just curious . . . has anyone acquired any such a HB "house" and tried it? All kinds of things are advertised out there, especially those crazy fancy-painted "Bluebird" boxes, and other stuff . . . I've tried all kinds of nestboxes during the past fifty years, but never seen or heard of something like this until now?
Anyone else?
Date: 4/12/24 7:30 am From: Hawkcount.Org Reports <reports...> Subject: Chester County Hawk Watch & Migration Count at Chambers Lake (11 Apr 2024) 1 Raptors
Chester County Hawk Watch & Migration Count at Chambers Lake Wagontown, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Apr 11, 2024 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Larry Lewis (Early Bird Nature Tours)
Observers: John McNamara, Rand McIlvaine
Visitors: CHESTER COUNTY HAWK WATCH & MIGRATION COUNT AT CHAMBERS LAKE <BR><BR> Visitors (2): Rand McIlvaine, John McNamara <BR><BR> Thanks everyone, for coming to beautiful Chambers Lake! <BR><BR>
Raptor Observations: ----“Raptors” seen but deemed not to be migrating: 2-Red-shouldered Hawk, 3-Red-tailed Hawk, and numerous Black (12) and Turkey Vultures (56).
<BR><BR>
Non-raptor Observations: TODAY’S Bird Blog: [PLEASE NOTE: I send out a large weekly “blog/newsletter” detailing much more than these small daily recaps. This newsletter from EBNT, has our upcoming schedule and the County year bird list, etc. If you aren’t receiving it and would like to, kindly email me <earlybirdtours...> to be added. <BR><BR> Prior to setting up my post at the Hawk watch, I walked mom’s loop at the attached Hibernia Park. Yet another spell of rain is on the way today, but held off for this morning. I saw or heard Rough-winged Swallow, Great Blue Heron, Kingfisher, Phoebe, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Gnatcatchers, Swamp Sparrow, Towhees, House Wrens, Louisiana Waterthrushes, and a Yellow-throated Warbler [FOY], a bit early, singing where one summered [bred?] last year. Up at Chambers Lake, it was evident that the first strong wave of warblers was moving thru. The oaks around the parking lot were full of Yellow-rumped and Palm Warblers. As expected, waterfowl numbers are quickly decreasing. This was not a good day here. [Additional highlights listed below] <BR><BR> ---- Thanks to Frank Haas and his gracious generosity and support over the years, in his name and in the memory of his wife, Barbara. <BR><BR> ----ADDITIONAL BIRD HIGHLIGHTS: <BR><BR> Bufflehead, Ring-necked Ducks, Green-winged Teal, Cormorants, Pied-billed Grebe, Great Blue Herons, Kingfisher, Phoebes, Gnatcatchers, Purple Martins, Rough-winged Swallows, Field Sparrows, Swamp Sparrow, Towhees, Palm Warblers, and Yellow-rumped Warblers <BR><BR> ----OTHER WILDLIFE NOTED: Butterflies (0). Dragonflies (0). Reptiles & Amphibians (2): Spring Peeper, American Toad. Mammals (3): Eastern Gray Squirrel, White-tailed Deer, Eastern Chipmunk. <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: 3.0; Steps: 7,175; Floors: 17. <BR><BR> ----“SEASON’S BIRD SPECIES LIST” – we are not just a Hawk Watch but conduct a migration tally from the site. The complete species list will be in our weekly email blog sent to those requesting it. 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 at <earlybirdtours...> <BR><BR> TOTAL SPECIES – Identified from watch site: today: 51; this season: 92 <BR><BR> NEW SPECIES ADDED TODAY TO THIS YEAR’S “WATCH SPECIES LIST (1):” Green-winged Teal. <BR><BR> Contact: Larry Lewis ------- Early Bird Nature Tours(EBNT)---"Exciting & Fun Adventures in Nature"---63 S. Park Ave., Coatesville, PA 19320---484-340-SORA (7672)--Business Cell---email: <earlybirdtours...> "Group Birding - The Economical, Fun and Environmentally Friendly Way to Bird!"
Predictions: Tomorrow’s flight looks like more of the same but with strong West winds. <BR><BR> . The Chester County Hawk Watch and Migration Count is sponsored, in large part, by Frank Haas and in the memory of Barbara Haas. Membership in EBNT is requested. Please contact us at <earlybirdtours...> with questions or comments.
======================================================================== Report submitted by Larry Lewis (<earlybirdtours...>)
Site Description: The platform just left of the only boat ramp for Chambers Lake in the main parking lot, overlooking the lake to the north.
Directions to site: We set up in the main parking lot for the lake, on the platform just left of the only boat ramp. The Hawk Watch at Chambers Lake (as part of the Chester County Hawk Watch) operates daily, March 1 thru April 30 from 9am - 3 pm (unless counter is away leading a tour elsewhere). In fall the season is Sept. 1 thru Nov. 30,each day 9am-3pm. Please contact Larry at 484-340-7672 to confirm counter is present. This count welcomes all visitors to this fine habitat. When there are no hawks present, many birds still are. The lake holds numerous waterfowl species and the variable shoreline can produce incredible shorebirds.
Directions to hawk watch: From the Rt. 30 By-pass take the Rt. 82 exit north. Turn left at the first light(Rt. 340) and go 1.3 miles to Wagontown Rd. Turn Rt. on Wagontown Rd. and continue on this winding road for 1.8 miles (you will pass the Hibernia Park entrance on your right, the Chambers Lake parking lot, and Chambers Lake on your right). Pull off the road to the left and park safely at the end of the lake to visit the hawk watch. You will see us sitting on the dike near the road at the end of the lake.
This is as bogus as the “hummingbird” in the ad. More than 300 species of hummers in the world and none of them nest in cavities or boxes. This is like those fishing lures that are designed to fool anglers, not fish.
Scott Weidensaul
Milton NH (formerly Schuylkill County)
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Compiler:
Counters: Alexandra Hagans, JF Therrien, Mary-Kate Reed
Weather: overcast with heavy fog until early afternoon. High 67, scattered showers
Raptor Observations: Local Retail Hawks fighting, vocalizing and displaying. One local Redtail dived at and vocalized at Juvenile Golden Eagle
Non-raptor Observations:
======================================================================== Report submitted by Laurie Goodrich (<goodrich...>) Hawk Mountain Sanctuary information may be found at: http://www.hawkmountain.org/
Observation start time: 08:30:00 Observation end time: 12:00:00 Total observation time: 3.5 hours
Official Counter: Bob Stewart
Observers:
Visitors: none
Weather: 100% Cloud Cover with low ceiling. Winds out of the SE aver. velocity 19 mph gusts to 29 mph. 8:30 AM watch dry but rain showers in valley. 9:00 AM- very distant rain to the east. Watch terminated at 12 noon EST with radar showing rain approaching the watch site.
Raptor Observations: No migrant raptors observes. 1 Golden Eagle Sub-ad flying south, not counted. Non-migrants: turkey vultures: 3+, red-tailed hawk.
Non-raptor Observations: 3 ravens, crows, northern cardinal, towhee, 2 tree swallows, blue jay, black-capped chickadee, tufted titmouse, red-bellied woodpecker, field sparrow.
Predictions: Rain - morning and afternoon.
======================================================================== Report submitted by Robert Stewart (<bob...>)
Observation start time: 11:30:00 Observation end time: 13:45:00 Total observation time: 2.25 hours
Official Counter: Jerry McWilliams
Observers: Jason Bojczyk
Visitors: Jason Bojczyk assisted with the watch.
Weather: Mostly cloudy, SSE wind gusting to 23 mph.
Raptor Observations: There was a break in the rain from late morning to mid-afternoon when a few birds passed through close to the lake.
Non-raptor Observations:
Predictions: Very windy with winds out of the WSW, but much colder and 100% chance of rain. Doesn't sound good.Jerry McWilliamsErie, Erie County, <Pa.jerrymcw...>
A friend of mine just mentioned getting one of these houses since she gets multiple HBs every summer. She was very excited about the prospect of them nesting at her house.
I was thinking (but not saying) “I don’t think HBs use houses.” Based on my quick research, HBs do not nest in cavities.
There are a lot of sellers who hope people don’t do any research though!
Date: 4/11/24 7:26 am From: jerry Kruth <00000005ead0dac6-dmarc-request...> Subject: Hummingbird "houses"?
I saw this solicitation today on the internet for a Hummingbird "Nestbox" ??????? And wondered about it's efficacy?
I'm not promoting; just curious . . . has anyone acquired any such a HB "house" and tried it? All kinds of things are advertised out there, especially those crazy fancy-painted "Bluebird" boxes, and other stuff . . . I've tried all kinds of nestboxes during the past fifty years, but never seen or heard of something like this until now?
Anyone else?
Date: 4/11/24 4:25 am From: Hawkcount.Org Reports <reports...> Subject: Chester County Hawk Watch & Migration Count at Chambers Lake (10 Apr 2024) 20 Raptors
Chester County Hawk Watch & Migration Count at Chambers Lake Wagontown, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Apr 10, 2024 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Raptor Observations: ----“Raptors” seen but deemed not to be migrating: 2-Bald Eagle, 3-Red-shouldered Hawk, 4-Red-tailed Hawk, and numerous Black (5) and Turkey Vultures (68). <BR><BR> ----Bald Eagle ages: 1 yr.-_; 2 yr.-2; 3 yr.-_; 4 yr.-_; adult-3 <BR><BR>
Non-raptor Observations: TODAY’S Bird Blog: [PLEASE NOTE: I send out a large weekly “blog/newsletter” detailing much more than these small daily recaps. This newsletter from EBNT, has our upcoming schedule and the County year bird list, etc. If you aren’t receiving it and would like to, kindly email me <earlybirdtours...> to be added. <BR><BR> Morning field brew just wasn’t the same on my trip. It was good to have a familiar java warming my hands. It was also good to be back on my post at Chambers Lake. I saw some “old friends” but expect many new ones with Broad-winged Hawk migration underway. First, I walked my mom’s 2-mile loop – the children’s pond along forge trail. I hoped for several early migrants – Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Wood Thrush, Louisiana Waterthrush, Blue-headed Vireo, and Prairie Warbler – but got only Louisiana Waterthrush [my FOY] when its vibrant, distinct song rang over Birch Run near where it runs into the Brandywine. This species loves fast moving, rocky creeks, especially those with decent sized tributaries, like Birch Run. As I walked along the Brandywine, I came across an adult Bald Eagle soaking in what morning sun there was from a perch overlooking the creek. I couldn’t help but think of that stunning blonde at a party, checking herself in a mirror. Fantastic to look at – I could all day – but at some point you have to deal with her and those great looks become but a distant memory. Other birds seen on my morning constitutional included Great Blue Heron, Kingfisher, Phoebe, Swamp Sparrows, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, and Towhee. Back at the lake… Red-eared Sliders were suddenly evident, out basking on exposed rocks. American Toads were heard calling, too. An occasional Pickerel Frog chimed in. A few Deer grazed in Rand’s meadow. My first Broad-winged Hawk [my FOY] way seen at 11:15, appearing suddenly, and low, over Rand’s Woods while watching 4 Common Ravens interplaying. I heard my first Blue-gray Gnatcatcher [my FOY] here, not on my walk. Palm Warblers [my FOY] quickly followed. Later in the day, a few breaks in the clouds brought a few patches of blue, resulting in thermals and a tiny uptick in hawk movement, among them, a few more Broad-wings. I stayed late to drink it all in. It was a rather birdy day. On the people watching front… ZZ Top was back fishing again in front of this “Sharp Dressed Man.” [Google it] [See picture]. [Additional highlights listed below] <BR><BR> ---- Thanks to Frank Haas and his gracious generosity and support over the years, in his name and in the memory of his wife, Barbara. <BR><BR> ----ADDITIONAL BIRD HIGHLIGHTS: <BR><BR> Bufflehead, Wood Ducks, Ring-necked Ducks, Blue-winged Teal, Pied-billed Grebe, Great Blue Herons, Cormorants, Kingfishers, Common Loon, Ravens, Killdeer, Phoebes, Rough-winged Swallows, Purple Martins, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, Palm Warblers, Phoebes, Swamp Sparrow, Towhees, Yellow-rumped Warblers, and Field Sparrows <BR><BR> ----OTHER WILDLIFE NOTED: Butterflies (1): Cabbage White. Dragonflies (0). Reptiles & Amphibians (4): Red-eared Slider, Spring Peeper, Pickerel Frog, American Toad. Mammals (4): Eastern Cottontail, Eastern Gray Squirrel, White-tailed Deer, Eastern Chipmunk. <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): Steps – 12,588, Miles – 5.37, Floors – 16 <BR><BR> ----“SEASON’S BIRD SPECIES LIST” – we are not just a Hawk Watch but conduct a migration tally from the site. The complete species list will be in our weekly email blog sent to those requesting it. 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 at <earlybirdtours...> <BR><BR> TOTAL SPECIES – Identified from watch site: today: 60; this season: 91 <BR><BR> NEW SPECIES ADDED TODAY TO THIS YEAR’S “WATCH SPECIES LIST (4):” Killdeer, Broad-winged Hawk, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, and Palm Warbler. <BR><BR> Contact: Larry Lewis ------- Early Bird Nature Tours(EBNT)---"Exciting & Fun Adventures in Nature"---63 S. Park Ave., Coatesville, PA 19320---484-340-SORA (7672)--Business Cell---email: <earlybirdtours...> "Group Birding - The Economical, Fun and Environmentally Friendly Way to Bird!"
Predictions: Tomorrow’s flight looks ok in morning but rain in afternoon <BR><BR> . The Chester County Hawk Watch and Migration Count is sponsored, in large part, by Frank Haas and in the memory of Barbara Haas. Membership in EBNT is requested. Please contact us at <earlybirdtours...> with questions or comments.
======================================================================== Report submitted by Larry Lewis (<earlybirdtours...>)
Site Description: The platform just left of the only boat ramp for Chambers Lake in the main parking lot, overlooking the lake to the north.
Directions to site: We set up in the main parking lot for the lake, on the platform just left of the only boat ramp. The Hawk Watch at Chambers Lake (as part of the Chester County Hawk Watch) operates daily, March 1 thru April 30 from 9am - 3 pm (unless counter is away leading a tour elsewhere). In fall the season is Sept. 1 thru Nov. 30,each day 9am-3pm. Please contact Larry at 484-340-7672 to confirm counter is present. This count welcomes all visitors to this fine habitat. When there are no hawks present, many birds still are. The lake holds numerous waterfowl species and the variable shoreline can produce incredible shorebirds.
Directions to hawk watch: From the Rt. 30 By-pass take the Rt. 82 exit north. Turn left at the first light(Rt. 340) and go 1.3 miles to Wagontown Rd. Turn Rt. on Wagontown Rd. and continue on this winding road for 1.8 miles (you will pass the Hibernia Park entrance on your right, the Chambers Lake parking lot, and Chambers Lake on your right). Pull off the road to the left and park safely at the end of the lake to visit the hawk watch. You will see us sitting on the dike near the road at the end of the lake.
Observation start time: 08:30:00 Observation end time: 16:30:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Andrew Bechdel
Observers:
Visitors: Kathy and Dave Bechdel
Weather: Overcast with very light SW/WSW wind for a majority of the day. Cloud cover dissipated some around 1500. Wind speed: calm-4mph. Temperature: 15-20 Celsius.
Raptor Observations: No Golden Eagles
Flight was dead for a majority of the day. A few raptors began to move once the clouds parted late in the day.
Non-raptor Observations: Notable Birds: Great Blue Heron, FOY Blue-headed Vireo, FOY Ruby-crowned Kinglet, N. Rough-winged Swallow, 15 Brown-headed Cowbird, 15 Common Loon: (4)9:42,(8)9:46,(2)9:51,10:37
Predictions: Uncertain; tomorrow might be a wash along with Friday. Next possible good day will be Tuesday. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Andrew Bechdel () Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch information may be found at: tusseymountainspringhawkwatch.org/
Date: 4/10/24 4:57 pm From: linda & bill franz <00000021c311e447-dmarc-request...> Subject: Brown Thrasher - Cumberland County
Walked out the back door this morning and was pleasantly surprised to hearand see a Brown Thrasher singing from the very top of our wild cherry in fullbloom. That bright, double warblebrought a broad smile. Can there be abetter messenger to herald the upcoming migration than this bird species? I think not.
Bill Franz / Newville
Predictions: moderate to strong SE winds;morning rain likely with clouds & possible showers in the PM;high 60F ======================================================================== Report submitted by Rosemary McGlynn (<denali...>)
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 6 hours
Compiler: David Barber
Counters: Katia Gutierrez , Rileigh Leach
Weather:
Raptor Observations:
Non-raptor Observations:
======================================================================== Report submitted by Laurie Goodrich (<goodrich...>) Hawk Mountain Sanctuary information may be found at: http://www.hawkmountain.org/
Date: 4/10/24 9:23 am From: Debbie Beer <debbeer1023...> Subject: BCDC Program April 10 - Photo Journey by Kevin Loughlin
Hello,
All are invited to the Birding Club of Delaware County (BCDC) program
meeting on Wednesday, April 10, 7:30 pm. Our speaker, Kevin Loughlin,
presents "So Many Places to Explore - a Photo Journey."
The world is open and there are so many places to visit! Kevin Loughlin
travels the globe leading wildlife and photography tours that feature some
of the world’s most stunning landscapes and amazing animals. Kevin will
share a colorful presentation of some of his favorite destinations,
highlighting a variety of birds, big cats, and other wildlife through
eye-popping photos and stories.
Kevin Loughlin, former president of BCDC, is an expert photographer,
author, and founder/owner of Wildside Nature Tours. His photos and articles
have appeared in publications including Nature Photographer, Audubon,
Birding, and Living Bird magazines. He is co-author with John Kricher of
“Galapagos: A Natural History.” Kevin’s passion is to share birds, nature,
and conservation with other people through traveling and exploring.
Kevin is presenting the program via Zoom.
All are welcome to attend BCDC program meetings – members and non-members.
Join us in person at the Haverford Community Center, 9000 Parkview Drive,
Haverford, PA 19041 in the main community room. Or click on the Zoom
weblink to join us online:
Date: 4/10/24 6:01 am From: Carole Winslow <cjwinslow94...> Subject: Clarion Co- short-eared owls, Wilson's snipe, woodcocks, no Henslow's
Last evening we went back out to a grassland area (which I won't be more specific about) to check on short-eared owls that had still been present as of 4/1. To my delight they were still in the same area of the grassland. Right after the first peent of a woodcock, the female flew up from the ground and across in front of us and landed off to the right and stayed there watching. A short while later a male joined her from just over the hill and they circled up together briefly and then flew over the ridge. It was so dark at that point I wasn't able to see again if one returned to the field. I will be anxiously watching in hopes of getting any more specific breeding evidence.
In addition to the owls, this field is full of displaying woodcocks and snipe were winnowing briefly from a wetland/pond area not far off. A mockingbird was also singing a little distance away. I listened for the first of the Henslow's sparrows but without luck. I expect them in the next couple of days though as the 12th is my early date and I see the first ones arrived in the midwest according to eBird yesterday and Monday and we are usually just a couple days behind those arrivals.
Chipping sparrows and brown thrashers have returned at home, as well as several purple finches singing now,and they normally nest on the property.
Raptor Observations: Morning flight seemed like a continuation of Monday's flight. After 1300, there were fewer birds and most of those were very high.
GE (Sub): 10:36
Non-raptor Observations: Notable Birds: Chimney Swift, Herring Gull, Double-crested Cormorant, N. Rough-winged Swallow, Barn Swallow
Predictions: Rain is forecast over the next 3 days, with Thursday predicted to have the most rain. Uncertainty about Wednesday and Friday. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Andrew Bechdel () Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch information may be found at: tusseymountainspringhawkwatch.org/
Observation start time: 08:30:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 7.5 hours
Official Counter: Jerry McWilliams
Observers: Bernie O'Connor, Katie Andersen, Ken Felix, Sam Stull
Visitors: Thanks to Sam Stull, Katie Andersen, Bernie O'Connor, & Ken Felix for helping with the count. Visitors and temporary spotters included Sharon and Chuck Stafford, Danny Maloney, Josh from DCNR, My son Nathan and my granddaughter Ava, and Pat Howell. Katie Andersen may report the flight to me a little later for the period of time during my short absence.
Weather: Mostly clear becoming variably cloudy and quite warm with a good SSW all day.
Raptor Observations: Birds stayed near the lake all day but gained altitude quickly with some of the smaller raptors often disappearing in the blue sky. The flight was steady with no sudden mass movements, though TV kettles occasionally reached 40 or 50 birds.
Non-raptor Observations: Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1, Barn Swallow 1, Tree Swallow, blackbirds, Mourning Dove, Rock Pigeon, House Finch. numerous Northern Flickers, Ring-billed and Herring gulls, Double-crested Cormorant. Red Admiral butterflies were on the move with at least a couple dozen seen flying past mostly to the NE. Other butterflies noted were Mourning Cloak, and Cabbage White.
Predictions: Winds light and mostly cloudy and cooler with a chance of rain. Jerry McWilliamsErie, Erie County, <Pa.jerrymcw...>
Date: 4/9/24 3:48 pm From: Dan Cunkelman <dancunkelman...> Subject: Species diversity increasing - Indiana County
From Conemaugh Twp, Indiana County
Just looking out the windows today I have seen at least 7 purple finches - male, female, and immature
Eastern Towhee
Chipping Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Cowbirds
White-throated sparrows
Juncos
Goldfinches
House Finches
Mourning Doves
Cardinals
Chickadee sp
White-breasted Nuthatches
Tufted Titmouse
Downy Woodpecker
Red-bellied Woodpecker
House Sparrows
While walking the dogs I heard/saw:
Northern Flicker
Pileated Woodpecker
Redwing Blackbirds
American Crows
Common Raven
Probable Turkey Vulture
Bluebirds
At the edge of the woods I heard something different (so did Lucy the coonhound). We looked up and saw a Cooper's Hawk fly over still calling.
I'm probably forgetting something. It's neat to see something different in recent days.
This morning was Vesper Sparrow morning for me. Two were singing in the usual habitat where I find them at our school along Rt. 408, just east of Cambridge Springs.
Observation start time: 08:15:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 5.75 hours
Official Counter: Jim Rocco
Observers: Joe Sabo, Nancy Ott
Visitors: Nancy Ott, Joe Sabo
Weather: Light WSW winds all day. Temperatures went from 14.7 t0 19.9 Cloud cover was 100% to 75% . Visibility went from 17 km up to 32 km with a haze across the valley all day.
Raptor Observations: Only 7 raptors counted for the day. 2 Golden eagles sub adults at 9:55 and 9:57
Non-raptor Observations: Robins, bc chickadees, over 25 flickers, tree swallows and blue birds fighting over the nest boxes. tufted titmouse, white breasted nuthatches, crows, ravens, local turkey vultures,juncos, downy woodpecker. Gray squirell spent time cleaning up the bird seed. Tiger swallowtail butterfly.
Predictions: West winds with temperatures in the 60.s. possible rain showers ======================================================================== Report submitted by Jim Rocco (<jd.jh.rocco...>)
Observation start time: 08:30:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 5.25 hours
Official Counter: Jerry McWilliams
Observers: Bernie O'Connor, Katie Andersen, Ken Felix, Sam Stull
Visitors: Thanks to Sam Stull, Katie Andersen, Bernie O'Connor, & Ken Felix for helping with the count. Visitors and temporary spotters included Sharon and Chuck Stafford, Danny Maloney, Josh from DCNR, My son Nathan and my granddaughter Ava, and Pat Howell. Katie Andersen may report the flight to me a little later for the period of time during my short absence.
Weather: Mostly clear becoming variably cloudy and quite warm with a good SSW all day.
Raptor Observations: Birds stayed near the lake all day but gained altitude quickly with some of the smaller raptors often disappearing in the blue sky. The flight was steady with no sudden mass movements, though TV kettles occasionally reached 40 or 50 birds.
Non-raptor Observations: Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1, Barn Swallow 1, Tree Swallow, blackbirds, Mourning Dove, Rock Pigeon, House Finch. numerous Northern Flickers, Ring-billed and Herring gulls, Double-crested Cormorant. Red Admiral butterflies were on the move with at least a couple dozen seen flying past mostly to the NE. Other butterflies noted were Mourning Cloak, and Cabbage White.
Predictions: Winds light and mostly cloudy and cooler with a chance of rain.Jerry McWilliamsErie, Erie County, <Pa.jerrymcw...>
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 6 hours
Compiler:
Counters: Alexandra Hagans, Madalen Goitia, Rebecca McCabe
Weather: Partly cloudy, low W/NNW wind, haze all throughout the day
Raptor Observations:
Non-raptor Observations: 1 spicebush, 2 mourning cloak ======================================================================== Report submitted by Laurie Goodrich (<goodrich...>) Hawk Mountain Sanctuary information may be found at: http://www.hawkmountain.org/
Date: 4/9/24 8:35 am From: DAVID KOCH <0000012d74227426-dmarc-request...> Subject: Additions, Koch property, Northampton County
I just took a drive to the bottom of our property that's bordered by Fry's Run Creek that goes into the river. I haven't been able to get down there for a while because we had some much rain that the driveways and walking trails were either washed out badly or still covered wit hwater. Wood ducks are on the creek, flickers. field sparrows, and song sparrows were at many places, I saw a few purple finches, titmice and Carolina wrens were singing all over the place, and the ruby-crowned kinglet that's been here all winter (I assume it's the same one) is still here. That's it for me for a while unless a rose-breasted shows up!
Arlene Koch Easton, PA Northampton County <davilene...>
Date: 4/9/24 6:35 am From: DAVID KOCH <0000012d74227426-dmarc-request...> Subject: Spring arrivals, etc., Koch property, Northampton County
My location is halfway up the state at its extreme eastern boundary, a few miles west of the Delaware River. Juncos are still around in big numbers but I'm seeing some that I haven't seen previously, indicating migration. A few days ago I had one that looked exactly like an Oregon first year female in Sibley's book, but I haven't seen it since. About a month ago I had an unmistakable adult male Oregon that only stuck around for a few days. Also yesterday one adult male had a white left cheek, causing me to constantly look at it. An adult white-crowned sparrow is still here and most likely will remain for a while. Through the years I've always had white-crowned's right up until around Mother''s Day. A few chipping sparrows have now joined the white-throated sparrows and juncos feeding on the millet. Goldfinches have returned and most of them already have 75% summer plumage. A few catbirds have arrived and eastern bluebirds are checking out several boxes. A chickadee (sp. ?) is constantly chasing away other birds from a hole in a downed branch where it obviously is nesting or intending to nest. Yesterday while watching the eclipse I also saw some raptor spring migration. It was partially cloudy, warm, and there was no wind, so it was perfect for spring migration. In an hour's time I saw two northern harriers, a juvenile bald eagle, a redtail, an osprey, and a Cooper's hawk. And on the previous day a merlin strafed the yard and a sharpie spent a few hours along the driveway. It's supposed to reach 75 degrees here today so we'll see what happens.
Arlene Koch Easton, PA Northampton County <davilene...>
Date: 4/9/24 4:24 am From: Rob Dickerson <radickerson...> Subject: Call for Photos
Do you have some great photos of any birds taken in Pennsylvania from December 1, 2023 - February 29, 2024? Or a picture of a notable/significant sighting from that period?
I am currently accepting photo submissions through end of day April 20 to be considered for publication as space permits in the Pennsylvania Society for Ornithology (PSO) Winter 2024 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!
Observation start time: 08:30:00 Observation end time: 16:30:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Andrew Bechdel
Observers: Nick Bolgiano
Visitors: 11 visitors for the Solar Eclipse
Weather: Overcast with light to moderate SSE/S wind all day. The wind speed tapered off towards the end of the day. Solar eclipse lasted from 13:30-15:00, peaking around 14:10. The flight was heavily concentrated before and after the eclipse. Wind speed: 1-14mph. Temperature: 7-14 Celsius.
Non-raptor Observations: Notable Birds: 5 Herring Gull, 27 Common Loon, 25 Dbl Crested Cormorant, 1 Great Blue Heron, 9 N. Flicker, 1 Pileated Woodpecker
Predictions: Uncertain; Tomorrow's S wind will be light but will be accompanied by more sun. There could be a continuation of today's flight or it could also be slow or anything in between. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Andrew Bechdel () Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch information may be found at: tusseymountainspringhawkwatch.org/
Observation start time: 08:30:00 Observation end time: 16:30:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Nancy Ott
Observers: Ed Gowarty,Sr, Greg Gdula, Joe Sabo
Visitors: Greg Gdula, Ed Gowarty Sr, Barb and Joe Carrier, Sandy and Bill Cline, Dave Poder, Jack Jullian, Joe Sabo.
Weather: Partly cloudy with east, ESE winds averaging 6-10 mph. rain drops started around 4p ish for a brief period. Clouds parted enough for about 9 visitors to observe eclipse and 11 hawk watchers to see some of the eclipse. Temp dropped(14.8 to 14.5 C) and light dimmed around 3:15 DST.
Raptor Observations: X8 GE-X4 AD 10:02,11:35,2:15,3:20-Juv 10:58,Sub 1:18,1:57,2:37. BE sub 2:30(white belly),2:31,3:02,3:56 total 4 BE. fairly good looks but scope and cameras helped ID. Perigrine falcon in 1-2 hour, PG in 2-3 hour and last PG 5:16.
Non-raptor Observations: Bluebirds, blue jays, tufted titmouses, nuthatches, juncos, chickadees, mourning doves, tree swallows, downy wp, red bellied wp, fox sparrow, 30 cormorants in 3 different groups, 14 loons in 2 groups and 1 alone.
Predictions: Cloudy, west winds, no precipitation. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Nancy Ott (<ednancy.ott...>)
Raptor Observations: First 2 merlins of the season, 4 Ospreys in 1 hour
Non-raptor Observations: 5 great blue heron migrating ======================================================================== Report submitted by Laurie Goodrich (<goodrich...>) Hawk Mountain Sanctuary information may be found at: http://www.hawkmountain.org/
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:45:00 Total observation time: 7.75 hours
Official Counter: Bob Stewart, Erika Bowman
Observers: Adam Katrancha, Bill Cline, Bob Stewart, Erika Bowman, Jim Rocco, Mike Wolfe
Visitors: Adam Katracha, Bob Stewart, Jim Rocco, Bill Cline, Erika Bowman, Mike & Doug Wolfe
Weather: Sunny, WNW to NW winds, unseasonably warm, 5-7mph winds
Raptor Observations: INCOMPLETE. FURTHER DATA TO FOLLOW ON MONDAY ******* *******************************************************
At least 7 Turkey Vultures and 1 Red-tailed Hawk that didn't migrate.
GE Unknown age 10:24 Juv 10:47 BE Adult 10:37, 10:37, 10:37 Juv 10:37 Sub 10:47 4yr Unknown Eagle 1:26
Non-raptor Observations: N Flicker, M Dove, BC Chickadee, T Titmouse, WB Nuthatch, T Swallow, E Bluebird, Hairy WP, W Turkey, DE Junco, A Crow, C Raven, E Phoebe, Blue Jay, E Towhee, N Cardinal
Porcupine
Predictions: Cloudy. Slight chance of a rain shower. High 62F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Robert Stewart (<bob...>)
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Compiler: Scott Morrison
Counters: Mary-Kate Reed, Rileigh Leach
Weather: Mostly sunny, W winds 4-7mph with a high of 59F
Raptor Observations: witnessed three Black Vultures circling and swooping at each other with talons out, one had a Hawk mountain wing tag
Non-raptor Observations:
======================================================================== Report submitted by Laurie Goodrich (<goodrich...>) Hawk Mountain Sanctuary information may be found at: http://www.hawkmountain.org/
Date: 4/6/24 6:14 pm From: Hawkcount.Org Reports <reports...> Subject: Chester County Hawk Watch & Migration Count at Chambers Lake (06 Apr 2024) 22 Raptors
Chester County Hawk Watch & Migration Count at Chambers Lake Wagontown, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Apr 06, 2024 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 17:00:00 Total observation time: 10 hours
Official Counter: Larry Lewis (Early Bird Nature Tours)
Observers:
Visitors: CHESTER COUNTY HAWK WATCH & MIGRATION COUNT AT CHAMBERS LAKE <BR><BR> Visitors (1): <BR><BR> Thanks everyone, for coming to beautiful Chambers Lake! <BR><BR>
Raptor Observations: ----“Raptors” seen but deemed not to be migrating: 2-Bald Eagle, 2-Red-shouldered Hawk, 3-Red-tailed Hawk, and numerous Black (6) and Turkey Vultures (53). <BR><BR> ----Bald Eagle ages: 1 yr.-1; 2 yr.-_; 3 yr.-_; 4 yr.-1; adult-2 <BR><BR>
Non-raptor Observations: TODAY’S Bird Blog: [PLEASE NOTE: I send out a large weekly “blog/newsletter” detailing much more than these small daily recaps. This newsletter from EBNT, has our upcoming schedule and the County year bird list, etc. If you aren’t receiving it and would like to, kindly email me <earlybirdtours...> to be added. <BR><BR> That’s all I was able to get to before setting up for the Hawk Watch. Yesterday’s Common Loon was still here and still asleep on the lake. He woke, even called a few times. How much do you love that? Shortly after 9am, he took to the air, circled the lake twice while gaining altitude, then flew NE to continue the miracle of migration. I watched it until it could be seen no longer, disappearing over the hill to the north. I hope someone else will be as thrilled to see it as I, someone further north. What certainly was a different Common Loon showed up late in the day. The throng of Cormorants had left, leaving a few in their wake. There were still periods of drizzle. STILL!! I am so weary of this. <BR><BR> ---- Thanks to Frank Haas and his gracious generosity and support over the years, in his name and in the memory of his wife, Barbara. <BR><BR> ----ADDITIONAL BIRD HIGHLIGHTS: <BR><BR> Wood Ducks, Ring-necked Ducks, Bufflehead, Common Mergansers, Ruddy Ducks, Pied-billed Grebes, Cormorants, Common Loons, Purple Martins, Rough-winged Swallows, Barn Swallow, Great Blue Herons, Phoebes, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Swamp Sparrows, Towhees, Chipping Sparrow, and Yellow-rumped Warblers <BR><BR> ----OTHER WILDLIFE NOTED: Butterflies (0). Dragonflies (0). Reptiles & Amphibians (1): Spring Peeper. Mammals (2): Eastern Gray Squirrel, Eastern Chipmunk. <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): Steps – 8,800, Miles – 3.75, Floors – 19 <BR><BR> ----“SEASON’S BIRD SPECIES LIST” – we are not just a Hawk Watch but conduct a migration tally from the site. The complete species list will be in our weekly email blog sent to those requesting it. 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 at <earlybirdtours...> <BR><BR> TOTAL SPECIES – Identified from watch site: today: 54; this season: 87 <BR><BR> NEW SPECIES ADDED TODAY TO THIS YEAR’S “WATCH SPECIES LIST (2):” Chipping Sparrow and Ruby-crowned Kinglet. <BR><BR> Contact: Larry Lewis ------- Early Bird Nature Tours(EBNT)---"Exciting & Fun Adventures in Nature"---63 S. Park Ave., Coatesville, PA 19320---484-340-SORA (7672)--Business Cell---email: <earlybirdtours...> "Group Birding - The Economical, Fun and Environmentally Friendly Way to Bird!"
Predictions: I won't be out for the next 3 days as I'm taking a trip to Cornell to see the eclipse and Sapsucker Woods. I will be back on Wednesday, April 10. <BR><BR> . The Chester County Hawk Watch and Migration Count has been sponsored, in large part, by Frank Haas and in the memory of Barbara Haas. Membership in EBNT is requested. Please contact us at <earlybirdtours...> with questions or comments.
======================================================================== Report submitted by Larry Lewis (<earlybirdtours...>)
Site Description: The platform just left of the only boat ramp for Chambers Lake in the main parking lot, overlooking the lake to the north.
Directions to site: We set up in the main parking lot for the lake, on the platform just left of the only boat ramp. The Hawk Watch at Chambers Lake (as part of the Chester County Hawk Watch) operates daily, March 1 thru April 30 from 9am - 3 pm (unless counter is away leading a tour elsewhere). In fall the season is Sept. 1 thru Nov. 30,each day 9am-3pm. Please contact Larry at 484-340-7672 to confirm counter is present. This count welcomes all visitors to this fine habitat. When there are no hawks present, many birds still are. The lake holds numerous waterfowl species and the variable shoreline can produce incredible shorebirds.
Directions to hawk watch: From the Rt. 30 By-pass take the Rt. 82 exit north. Turn left at the first light(Rt. 340) and go 1.3 miles to Wagontown Rd. Turn Rt. on Wagontown Rd. and continue on this winding road for 1.8 miles (you will pass the Hibernia Park entrance on your right, the Chambers Lake parking lot, and Chambers Lake on your right). Pull off the road to the left and park safely at the end of the lake to visit the hawk watch. You will see us sitting on the dike near the road at the end of the lake.
Observation start time: 08:30:00 Observation end time: 10:00:00 Total observation time: 1.5 hours
Official Counter: Jerry McWilliams
Observers:
Visitors: Jimmy Marz and Joe Susi
Weather: Mostly clear with cloud cover to the south with cold WNW wind.
Raptor Observations: TVs were moving along the lake early then quickly drifting to the south and out of view. A territorial Merlin was observed chasing a local Cooper's Hawk.
Non-raptor Observations: Canada Goose, Double-crested Cormorant, American Robin, blackbirds, House Finch.
Predictions: Mostly overcast with NE wind and a bit warmer than today. Monday looks promising, but won't have access to the hawk watch site, since it is designated as a privy stop for visiting solar eclipse viewers. Jerry McWilliamsErie, Erie County, <Pa.jerrymcw...>
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 5 hours
Official Counter: Brian M. Wargo
Observers:
Visitors: None
Weather: Upon arrival, there was snow with limited visibility. The second hour had northwest wind gusts of up to 18 miles an hour, which cleared the haze. The winds stayed all day with a mix of sun, rain, and snow.
Raptor Observations:
Non-raptor Observations: American Crow, American Robin, Black-capped Chickadee, Blue Jay, Canada Goose, Downy Woodpecker, Eastern Bluebird, Hairy Woodpecker, Northern Cardinal, Northern Flicker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Tufted Titmouse, White-Breasted Nuthatch
Predictions: A few clouds and a high in the 50s. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Brian M. Wargo (<brianwargo...>)
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Compiler: Andy Price
Counters: Katia Gutierrez , madalen Goitia
Weather: Overcast, short (10 minutes) rain showers at 9.45 and 10.10, high 51, wind NW 10-20 mph
Raptor Observations: Two wingtaged black vultures, non migrating osprey, first northern harrier of the season
Non-raptor Observations:
======================================================================== Report submitted by Laurie Goodrich (<goodrich...>) Hawk Mountain Sanctuary information may be found at: http://www.hawkmountain.org/
Date: 4/6/24 7:06 am From: Douglas Filler <0000012c09e09177-dmarc-request...> Subject: Silver Lake in Bucks CO
The following were seen on the morning bird walk form he Silver Lake Nature Center located in Bucks County.
Silver Lake Park/Nature Center, Bucks, Pennsylvania, US
Apr 6, 2024 7:30 AM - 9:30 AM
Protocol: Traveling
1.0 mile(s)
Participants: 729 species
Canada Goose 5
Wood Duck 4
Mallard 4
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 3
Mourning Dove 4
Double-crested Cormorant 5
Great Blue Heron 1
Osprey 1
Bald Eagle 1
Belted Kingfisher 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 3
Downy Woodpecker 3
Northern Flicker 2
Eastern Phoebe 4
Blue Jay 5
Carolina Chickadee 6
Tufted Titmouse 4
Tree Swallow 8
White-breasted Nuthatch 2
Carolina Wren 6
European Starling 5
American Robin 15
American Goldfinch 2
White-throated Sparrow 5
Song Sparrow 4
Red-winged Blackbird 12
Rusty Blackbird 5
Common Grackle 1
Northern Cardinal 3
Date: 4/5/24 6:25 pm From: Hawkcount.Org Reports <reports...> Subject: Chester County Hawk Watch & Migration Count at Chambers Lake (05 Apr 2024) 16 Raptors
Chester County Hawk Watch & Migration Count at Chambers Lake Wagontown, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Apr 05, 2024 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 06:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 10 hours
Official Counter: Larry Lewis (Early Bird Nature Tours)
Observers: Kevin Fryberger
Visitors: CHESTER COUNTY HAWK WATCH & MIGRATION COUNT AT CHAMBERS LAKE <BR><BR> Visitors (1): <BR><BR> Thanks everyone, for coming to beautiful Chambers Lake! <BR><BR>
Raptor Observations: ----“Raptors” seen but deemed not to be migrating: 2-Bald Eagle, 2-Red-shouldered Hawk, 4-Red-tailed Hawk, and numerous Black (7) and Turkey Vultures (58). <BR><BR> ----Bald Eagle ages: 1 yr.-3; 2 yr.-1; 3 yr.-_; 4 yr.-1; adult-1 <BR><BR>
Non-raptor Observations: TODAY’S Bird Blog: [PLEASE NOTE: I send out a large weekly “blog/newsletter” detailing much more than these small daily recaps. This newsletter from EBNT, has our upcoming schedule and the County year bird list, etc. If you aren’t receiving it and would like to, kindly email me <earlybirdtours...> to be added. <BR><BR> This morning, I set my field office up at Chambers Lake for the Hawk Watch but quickly retreated to the van, forced in by light rain and a ferocious wind developing, reminiscent of March. A huge flock [150+] of Cormorants was instantly seen, many departing. I checked for a Neotropic, remembering last year, but they were all Double-crested. Last year’s Neotropic Cormorant was first noticed when I saw it in trees 1/3 of a mile away, disagreeing with the neighboring Double-crested. A flock of birds will often tolerate a different bird that doesn’t belong but they will let him know that he is different. In human terms, it’s analogous to “different bird,” Bill Burkert somehow getting invited to a classy party full of attractive, stylish, intelligent, funny, interesting, sophisticates – you know the beautiful people. They might tolerate him for a while, but with constant reminders, jabs, and taunts that he doesn’t belong – that he has not a single thing in common with them. [That’s got to go right into my top 10 bloggings of all time. Sorry buddy, but I got you! Have a sip of Cognac, puff on a good Cuban cigar, maybe shower off – in time, you’ll be fine. I was gonna pick you or Adam for this blogging session, either would have worked. I spared Adam – this time.] Something I had never seen before occurred over the lake today when an Osprey, without a fish, was harassed by a Raven. We are all familiar with their frequent battles with Bald Eagles but this was a new one for me. Later, I watched another Osprey attempt to drive off an immature Eagle which was soaring right with it, waiting to steal a meal. It worked. Must be tough being an Osprey – on many levels. At 10:30, Kendyl, my daughter, texted wanting to know if I felt the earthquake. I hadn’t but there was, in fact, a 4.8 earthquake centered in New Jersey. Kendyl felt it big-time up in her 22nd floor condo in Philadelphia where she was working. She heard the glasses rattling, too. Around noon, an adult Common Loon dropped in. This was quickly becoming an interesting day. <BR><BR> ---- Thanks to Frank Haas and his gracious generosity and support over the years, in his name and in the memory of his wife, Barbara. <BR><BR> ----ADDITIONAL BIRD HIGHLIGHTS: <BR><BR> Wood Ducks, Blue-winged Teal [my FOY], Ring-necked Ducks, Ruddy Ducks, Bufflehead, Common Mergansers, Pied-billed Grebes, Cormorants, Great Blue Herons, Ring-billed Gulls, Common Loon, Phoebes, Common Raven, Kingfisher, Towhees, Purple Martins, Barn Swallows, Rough-winged Swallows, and Yellow-rumped Warblers <BR><BR> ----OTHER WILDLIFE NOTED: Butterflies (0). Dragonflies (0). Reptiles & Amphibians (0). Mammals (1): 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): Steps – 1,007, Miles – 0.43, Floors – 2 <BR><BR> ----“SEASON’S BIRD SPECIES LIST” – we are not just a Hawk Watch but conduct a migration tally from the site. The complete species list will be in our weekly email blog sent to those requesting it. 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 at <earlybirdtours...> <BR><BR> TOTAL SPECIES – Identified from watch site: today: 55; this season: 85 <BR><BR> NEW SPECIES ADDED TODAY TO THIS YEAR’S “WATCH SPECIES LIST (2):” Blue-winged Teal and American Kestrel. <BR><BR> Contact: Larry Lewis ------- Early Bird Nature Tours(EBNT)---"Exciting & Fun Adventures in Nature"---63 S. Park Ave., Coatesville, PA 19320---484-340-SORA (7672)--Business Cell---email: <earlybirdtours...> "Group Birding - The Economical, Fun and Environmentally Friendly Way to Bird!"
Predictions: Tomorrow’s flight looks to be a partly cloudy day with moderate NW winds <BR><BR> . The Chester County Hawk Watch and Migration Count has been sponsored, in large part, by Frank Haas and in the memory of Barbara Haas. Membership in EBNT is requested. Please contact us at <earlybirdtours...> with questions or comments.
======================================================================== Report submitted by Larry Lewis (<earlybirdtours...>)
Site Description: The platform just left of the only boat ramp for Chambers Lake in the main parking lot, overlooking the lake to the north.
Directions to site: We set up in the main parking lot for the lake, on the platform just left of the only boat ramp. The Hawk Watch at Chambers Lake (as part of the Chester County Hawk Watch) operates daily, March 1 thru April 30 from 9am - 3 pm (unless counter is away leading a tour elsewhere). In fall the season is Sept. 1 thru Nov. 30,each day 9am-3pm. Please contact Larry at 484-340-7672 to confirm counter is present. This count welcomes all visitors to this fine habitat. When there are no hawks present, many birds still are. The lake holds numerous waterfowl species and the variable shoreline can produce incredible shorebirds.
Directions to hawk watch: From the Rt. 30 By-pass take the Rt. 82 exit north. Turn left at the first light(Rt. 340) and go 1.3 miles to Wagontown Rd. Turn Rt. on Wagontown Rd. and continue on this winding road for 1.8 miles (you will pass the Hibernia Park entrance on your right, the Chambers Lake parking lot, and Chambers Lake on your right). Pull off the road to the left and park safely at the end of the lake to visit the hawk watch. You will see us sitting on the dike near the road at the end of the lake.
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Compiler: Andy Price
Counters: Katia Gutierrez , Rileigh Leach
Weather: Cloudy day, High 45 degrees. Winds 1-11 km/hr
Raptor Observations: Count the first BW and Osprey of the season. Saw one BV with a HMS wingtag
Non-raptor Observations:
======================================================================== Report submitted by Laurie Goodrich (<goodrich...>) Hawk Mountain Sanctuary information may be found at: http://www.hawkmountain.org/
Observation start time: 07:15:00 Observation end time: 12:45:00 Total observation time: 5.5 hours
Official Counter: Jerry McWilliams
Observers:
Visitors: Brian Berchtold and my wife Linda for a short chat.
Weather: Cloudy early with occasional snow showers and NNW wind, and quite cold.
Raptor Observations: Surprise! Surprise! In all of the years at this hawk watch I have never had a good movement of vultures moving along the lake with winds OFF the lake. Many vultures roosted overnight along the bayfront with Julie Leonard reporting over 100 birds roosting at her house. TV movement was steady and low until it cleared in the early PM when the flight shut down. Despite all of the vultures there were few hawks observed.
Non-raptor Observations: Canada Goose, Mourning Dove, American Goldfinch, House Finch, Ring-billed and Herring Gull, American Robin, Red-breasted Merganser, American Crow, Double-crested Cormorant, a few blackbirds, and Eastern Phoebe.
Predictions: The weather much the same as today. However, after what happened today, I better not say "nothing is likely to happen in the way of a flight."Jerry McWilliamsErie, Erie County, <Pa.jerrymcw...>
Date: 4/5/24 1:17 am From: Hawkcount.Org Reports <reports...> Subject: Chester County Hawk Watch & Migration Count at Chambers Lake (04 Apr 2024) 36 Raptors
Chester County Hawk Watch & Migration Count at Chambers Lake Wagontown, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Apr 04, 2024 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Larry Lewis (Early Bird Nature Tours)
Observers: John McNamara
Visitors: CHESTER COUNTY HAWK WATCH & MIGRATION COUNT AT CHAMBERS LAKE <BR><BR> Visitors (1): John McNamara <BR><BR> Thanks everyone, for coming to beautiful Chambers Lake! <BR><BR>
Raptor Observations: ----“Raptors” seen, but deemed not to be migrating: _-Bald Eagle, _-Osprey, _-Cooper's Hawk, _-Red-shouldered Hawk, _-Red-tailed Hawk, _-American Kestrel, and numerous Black (_) and Turkey Vultures (_). <BR><BR> ----Bald Eagle ages: 1 yr.-_; 2 yr.-_; 3 yr.-_; 4 yr.-_; adult-_ <BR><BR>
Non-raptor Observations: TODAY’S Bird Blog: [PLEASE NOTE: I send out a large weekly “blog/newsletter” detailing much more than these small daily recaps. This newsletter from EBNT, has our upcoming schedule and the County year bird list, etc. If you aren’t receiving it and would like to, kindly email me <earlybirdtours...> to be added. <BR><BR> I set my field office up at Chambers Lake…outside…for the Hawk Watch!! Finally, the weather let me out. They are saying more rain later, though, but I got some time in. I heard the first Rough-winged Swallows of the year [my FOY], feeding over the water among Tree Swallows. A “Gray Ghost” [male Northern Harrier] was a close flyover. Another flew thru as I left. I saw a few Yellow-rumped Warblers, now in spectacular plumage; not the drab gray fall and winter “garb.” I’m in the mood for warblers, particularly at the local hot spot – the Hibernia Park walking loop beginning at my Mom’s birthplace near the Children’s Pond. <BR><BR> ---- Thanks to Frank Haas and his gracious generosity and support over the years, in his name and in the memory of his wife, Barbara. <BR><BR> ----ADDITIONAL BIRD HIGHLIGHTS: <BR><BR> Bufflehead, Ruddy Ducks, Ring-necked Ducks, Wood Ducks, Common Mergansers, Pied-billed Grebes, Cormorants, Great Blue Herons, Purple Martins, Barn Swallows, Rough-winged Swallows, Kingfisher, Phoebe, Yellow-rumped Warblers, and Towhees <BR><BR> ----OTHER WILDLIFE NOTED: Butterflies (0). Dragonflies (0). Reptiles & Amphibians (1): Spring Peeper. Mammals (1): 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): Steps – 5,035, Miles – 2.15, Floors – 2 <BR><BR> ----“SEASON’S BIRD SPECIES LIST” – we are not just a Hawk Watch but conduct a migration tally from the site. The complete species list will be in our weekly email blog sent to those requesting it. 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 at <earlybirdtours...> <BR><BR> TOTAL SPECIES – Identified from watch site: today: 50; this season: 83 <BR><BR> NEW SPECIES ADDED TODAY TO THIS YEAR’S “WATCH SPECIES LIST (1):” Rough-winged Swallow. <BR><BR> Contact: Larry Lewis ------- Early Bird Nature Tours(EBNT)---"Exciting & Fun Adventures in Nature"---63 S. Park Ave., Coatesville, PA 19320---484-340-SORA (7672)--Business Cell---email: <earlybirdtours...> "Group Birding - The Economical, Fun and Environmentally Friendly Way to Bird!"
Predictions: Tomorrow’s flight looks pretty good but with increasing NW winds. <BR><BR> . The Chester County Hawk Watch and Migration Count has been sponsored, in large part, by Frank Haas and in the memory of Barbara Haas. Membership in EBNT is requested. Please contact us at <earlybirdtours...> with questions or comments.
======================================================================== Report submitted by Larry Lewis (<earlybirdtours...>)
Site Description: The platform just left of the only boat ramp for Chambers Lake in the main parking lot, overlooking the lake to the north.
Directions to site: We set up in the main parking lot for the lake, on the platform just left of the only boat ramp. The Hawk Watch at Chambers Lake (as part of the Chester County Hawk Watch) operates daily, March 1 thru April 30 from 9am - 3 pm (unless counter is away leading a tour elsewhere). In fall the season is Sept. 1 thru Nov. 30,each day 9am-3pm. Please contact Larry at 484-340-7672 to confirm counter is present. This count welcomes all visitors to this fine habitat. When there are no hawks present, many birds still are. The lake holds numerous waterfowl species and the variable shoreline can produce incredible shorebirds.
Directions to hawk watch: From the Rt. 30 By-pass take the Rt. 82 exit north. Turn left at the first light(Rt. 340) and go 1.3 miles to Wagontown Rd. Turn Rt. on Wagontown Rd. and continue on this winding road for 1.8 miles (you will pass the Hibernia Park entrance on your right, the Chambers Lake parking lot, and Chambers Lake on your right). Pull off the road to the left and park safely at the end of the lake to visit the hawk watch. You will see us sitting on the dike near the road at the end of the lake.
Observation start time: 08:30:00 Observation end time: 12:30:00 Total observation time: 4 hours
Official Counter: Bob Stewart
Observers:
Visitors: none
Weather: Near 100% cloud cover. Light wind out of the SW then W. Visibility 40 km in am. Decreasing to 27 km in snow storms. Temp -0.5 degrees C to +1.8 degrees C. Clear no precipitation in AM until 10:20 AM EDT when there was snow out in the valley but clear overhead. Snow got heavier at the watch. Periods of 25-30 minutes the n clearing for 10-15 minutes. Then more snow. This was pattern from noon EDT on. Watch terminated at 12:30 PM EDT.
Raptor Observations: No migrating raptors. 9 local TV's ( 7 in the air at one time).
Observation start time: 10:45:00 Observation end time: 16:30:00 Total observation time: 5.75 hours
Official Counter: Andrew Bechdel
Observers:
Visitors: N/A
Weather: An odd weather day. Watch started late due to light rain and fog. Upon arrival, skies were overcast with limited visibility. After an hour a snow squall temporarily halted watch effort. Following the snow squall overcast conditions continued and another prolonged snow squall hit around 1345. Most of the flight was concentrated, especially TVs, before the 2nd snow squall.
Non-raptor Observations: Notable Birds: 1 Common Merganser, 4 Pine Siskin, a possible Barn Swallow, 8 Common Loon-(2)11:06,(2)11:09,11:48,(3)13:33
Predictions: Uncertain; A moderate NW wind could bring more migrants that have been bottled up in the last few days. First Broad-wings could arrive this weekend. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Andrew Bechdel () Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch information may be found at: tusseymountainspringhawkwatch.org/
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 6 hours
Compiler:
Counters: Alexandra Hagans, David Barber, Madalen Goitia
Visitors: Large group of journalists (40+)
Weather: Overcast, low NW wind, light short rain for five minutes at 11:10 (bird time) and at 14:00 (bird time)
Raptor Observations: Few local birds flying
Non-raptor Observations:
======================================================================== Report submitted by Laurie Goodrich (<goodrich...>) Hawk Mountain Sanctuary information may be found at: http://www.hawkmountain.org/
Date: 4/3/24 6:37 am From: jerry Kruth <00000005ead0dac6-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Any new sightings??? Pink-footed Goose, Kettle Creek State Park, Clinton County 3/28???
Hi Wayne (and everybody),
I must have been in a coma to let this one slip by??? Has the PF Goose been sighted again by anyone recently?
Thanks,
Jerry Kruth
Pgh
On Thursday, March 28, 2024 at 10:27:19 PM EDT, Wayne Laubscher <wnlaubscher...> wrote:
This morning a Pink-footed Goose was found by Sara Lindgren at Kettle Creek SP in Clinton County. The general coordinates where it had been seen throughout the day are: 41.37865, -77.92649. This location is north of the boat launch and best viewed northeast of the boat launch parking area at the edge of Kettle Creek. This is likely a first county record.
Wayne Laubscher
Lock Haven
Clinton Co.
<wnlaubscher...>
"Owl be back"
Date: 4/1/24 7:22 pm From: Karyn Delaney <delaneykaryn...> Subject: Fwd: eBird Report - Moraine State Park-Watts Bay, Apr 1, 2024
Date: Mon, Apr 1, 2024 at 10:05 PM
Subject: Butler County eBird Report - Moraine State Park-Watts Bay, Apr 1,
2024
I drove the North Shore of Moraine State Park today. In the cove at Watts
Bay, there were at least 300 Red-breasted Mergansers which were flushed by
a fisherman on the opposite side of the cove. Remaining, however, was a
raft of 28 Horned Grebes of which about half were in breeding plumage.
Also here was a Common Loon, 8 Buffleheads and 4 Ruddy Ducks. There were
4 Killdeer in the parking lot, their usual breeding site.
I went to Nealys Point and found the Mergansers had moved there and while
there, found a beautiful Pine Warbler.
Karyn Delaney
Moraine State Park-Watts Bay, Butler, Pennsylvania, US
Apr 1, 2024 4:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Protocol: Stationary
11 species
Bufflehead 8
Red-breasted Merganser 300
Ruddy Duck 4
Horned Grebe 28
Killdeer 4
Common Loon 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
American Robin 8
Song Sparrow 4
Eastern Towhee 1
Red-winged Blackbird 5
Date: 4/1/24 6:07 pm From: Ted Nichols II <tanicholsii...> Subject: Ted Parker would be 71 today…
For those that are not on social media, I wanted to share this post (with
pictures) that Lancaster County Bird Club made today honoring a late
ornithological great from Pennsylvania.
If you’re on social media, you can also find the post with the photos in
the link in my signature.
Remembering Ted Parker: “The Greatest Field Ornithologist the World Has
Ever Seen” or the “Mozart of Ornithology”
Today would mark the 71st birthday of one our club’s most impactful figures
to the field of ornithology — Theodore “Ted” A. Parker III. After a
nurturing upbringing in Lancaster in a family that encouraged his childhood
interest in natural history — and frequent trips to the North Museum of
Nature & Science — Ted became a member of the Lancaster County Bird Club at
the age of 12. Under the mentorship of LCBC-legend Harold Morrin, he became
a phenom in the hobby of birding. Ted would fledge from LCBC and pursue
studies at the The University of Arizona ultimately becoming a staff
research associate at LSU Museum of Natural Science and setting his sights
on ornithology in the neotropics. His encyclopedic knowledge of neotropical
birds and their sounds and his ability to recognize birds by their
vocalizations was unmatched. Sadly, Ted would die — far too soon — in a
plane crash on Aug. 3, 1993, while conducting an aerial survey of an
Ecuadorian cloud forest. The survey was part of Conservation
International's Rapid Assessment Program. Botanist Al Gentry died with Ted
in the crash. At the time of the crash it was stated by Dr. Russell
Mittermeier, then president of Conservation International, the
Washington-based nonprofit organization that put the rapid assessment team
together: "Two-thirds of the unpublished, critically important information
on the Andes went with them in a split second.”
In 1996, Theodore A. Parker III Natural Area was created in his honor by
Lancaster County Parks. A memorial tree is also planted in the City of
Lancaster, PA’s Buchanan Park. Our club and the field of ornithology were
forever enriched by the contributions of Ted Parker. We remain forever
honored by his linkage to our organization.
Date: 4/1/24 4:19 pm From: JAMES and SHANNAN KELLAM <kellam1309...> Subject: Ornithology Camp in Westmoreland County
Do you know an 8th-12th grader interested in birds? We've still got openings for Ornithology Camp at Saint Vincent College, June 7-9, 2024. Students will get lots of experience with bird watching, learning about their natural behaviors, monitoring nests, observing a bird banding procedure, and being introduced to eBird, the Merlin app, and other data collection techniques. We're planning lots of hands-on activities with a strong emphasis on science. On-site housing (single room occupancy) and food are provided; or, choose to commute each day to the campus near Latrobe, Pa. (Westmoreland Co.). Register here: https://www.eventsquid.com/event.cfm?id=23583. Questions can be directed to <james.kellam...> mailto:<james.kellam...> Jim Kellam, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Biology Saint Vincent College
Date: 4/1/24 7:17 am From: Franklin Haas <fhaasbirds...> Subject: PSO BIrding Festival
Join birding enthusiasts from across the state at the 2024 PSO Birding
Festival in Washington County, May 31 - June 2, 2024. Registration opens on
April 1st at 8:00 AM at https://pabirds.org/2024-overview/
The Festival is the best place to enjoy great birding trips, learn from
experts, and meet or re-connect with birding friends. This year we’ll be
gathering at the DoubleTree by Hilton - Pittsburgh/Meadow Lands; our 33rd
gathering will be the first in Washington County.
This year’s festival features an impressive line-up of field trips,
speakers, and vendors. Choose from 16 field trip destinations across five
southwestern PA counties, led by knowledgeable guides, including a special
opportunity to tour the National Aviary.
Saturday afternoon’s session includes presentations on bird song,
hawkwatching, the search for the Ivory-billed Woodpecker, and
Pennsylvania’s Third Bird Atlas.
The 2024 PSO Birding Festival is being held at the beginning of peak
nesting season for many Pennsylvania birds to highlight the Atlas, a
community science project that started this year. Vendors will include art,
optics, apparel, conservation nonprofits, and a “leave one, take one” bird
book exchange.
Join the Saturday evening banquet as we honor Mike Fialkovich with the Earl
Poole Award and Allegheny Land Trust with the Conservation Award. We are
thrilled to welcome Katie Fallon, author and Executive Director of the
Avian Conservation Center of Appalachia, to present the keynote address,
Vulture: The Private Life of an Unloved Bird.
The Friday agenda includes a volunteer conservation project with Hollow Oak
Land Trust, time to visit with vendors, and PSO’s annual meeting, which
includes updates on PSO initiatives and the election of directors and
officers.
All of the details about the event - the location, schedule, lodging
options, and more - are available at https://pabirds.org/2024-overview. PSO
Festival registration is open to members and non-members alike; the
non-member registration cost includes a one-year digital membership, which
includes access to PSO’s exceptional newsletter and the Pennsylvania Birds
journal.
And don‛t forget the Art Auction!
We commissioned Seth McComsey to create two new t-shirt designs for us and
we are auctioning off his original artwork. The auction is online at
https://pabirds.org/auction/
We look forward to seeing you in Washington County this spring.
Brian Byrnes
Vice President
Pennsylvania Society for Ornithology (PSO)
--
Frank Haas
Wisdom begins with putting the right name to a thing.
Date: 4/1/24 5:10 am From: Hawkcount.Org Reports <reports...> Subject: Chester County Hawk Watch & Migration Count at Chambers Lake (31 Mar 2024) 22 Raptors
Chester County Hawk Watch & Migration Count at Chambers Lake Wagontown, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Mar 31, 2024 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 06:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 9 hours
Official Counter: Larry Lewis (Early Bird Nature Tours)
Observers:
Visitors: CHESTER COUNTY HAWK WATCH & MIGRATION COUNT AT CHAMBERS LAKE <BR><BR> Visitors (1): <BR><BR> Thanks everyone, for coming to beautiful Chambers Lake! <BR><BR>
Raptor Observations: ----“Raptors” seen but deemed not to be migrating: 2-Red-shouldered Hawk, 4-Red-tailed Hawk, and numerous Black (4) and Turkey Vultures (35).
Non-raptor Observations: TODAY’S Bird Blog: [PLEASE NOTE: I send out a large weekly “blog/newsletter” detailing much more than these small daily recaps. This newsletter from EBNT, has our upcoming schedule and the County year bird list, etc. If you aren’t receiving it and would like to, kindly email me <earlybirdtours...> to be added. <BR><BR> I began the day at Turkey Hill trying to get my field brew for the day. While in line I got to watch some old man arguing over lottery tickets with the nice clerk, Tina. Tina called in reinforcements then the customer gave up arguing and leisurely went about picking his tickets for different days of the week. This went on for 15 minutes, all the while, holding up me with only field brew and birds to be seeing, and other folks with an actual life to live. You guys ever seen this “guy” before? Well, he was at Turkey Hill today. Don’t be THAT guy. Finally at Chambers Lake, I noted that yesterday’s Common Loon was gone. At 10:21, the season’s first Barn Swallow [FOY] flew over, just as the calls of my first Greater Yellowlegs [my FOY] reached my ears. People watching was at a premium today. Disturbing the silence was a group of beagles and a fox hunter. The next human annoyance was this discussion with a fisherman that I hadn’t seen before: Fisherman [aka true Sportsman” [FTS?]: “You looking at birds?” Befuddled obvious birder with scopes, binocs and “the works” [BOBSBW]: “Yes.” FTS?: “Funny story…I was fishing here one day and one of those "cranes” was there and walked near. I cast over and it got caught. I caught it.” BOBSBW: “You’ll pardon me while I don’t laugh. What on earth are you casting anywhere near a creature that eats fish and pond animals for!? Do you have any idea how many of these beautiful birds are killed by fishing lines?” FTS?: “He was OK. He broke the line and flew off with it.” BOBSBW: “Likely to die a slow death!” How could I argue with the logic this guy was using any further? Realizing he had found the wrong audience for his “funny story,” “the sportsman” stormed off. I hate humans. Next in line was the dog walker who brought his dog on a leash all the way over to where I was sitting to take a crap right in front of me, bypassing all the green grass that held no people. Furthering my disgust, the man didn’t pick it up, rather left it for me to “enjoy.” It continued with a woman wearing stretch, form-fitting yoga pants who had to top out at 300+ pounds. It was putting a helluva lot of stress on the fabric seams not to mention my eyes! Now, I am a bit overweight but I also am not wearing yoga pants! Perhaps they are comfortable, but for whom? Certainly NOT the observer! There oughta be a mandatory weight limit to wear those things in public. There were more waves and motion in that fabric as she walked towards me than there was on the wind-blown lake. I’m just sayin.’ [Additional highlights listed below] <BR><BR> ---- Thanks to Frank Haas and his gracious generosity and support over the years, in his name and in the memory of his wife, Barbara. <BR><BR> ----ADDITIONAL BIRD HIGHLIGHTS: <BR><BR> Bufflehead, Wood Ducks, Ring-necked Ducks, Common Mergansers, Hooded Mergansers, Pied-billed Grebes, Cormorants, Great Blue Herons, Greater Yellowlegs, Ring-billed Gulls, Phoebes, Purple Martins, Barn Swallow, and Towhee <BR><BR> ----OTHER WILDLIFE NOTED: Butterflies (0). Dragonflies (0). Reptiles & Amphibians (1): Spring Peeper. Mammals (3): Eastern Gray Squirrel, White-tailed Deer, Eastern Chipmunk. <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): Steps – 7,518, Miles – 3.2, Floors – 12 <BR><BR> ----“SEASON’S BIRD SPECIES LIST” – we are not just a Hawk Watch but conduct a migration tally from the site. The complete species list will be in our weekly email blog sent to those requesting it. 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 at <earlybirdtours...> <BR><BR> TOTAL SPECIES – Identified from watch site: today: 49; this season: 82 <BR><BR> NEW SPECIES ADDED TODAY TO THIS YEAR’S “WATCH SPECIES LIST (2):” Greater Yellowlegs and Barn Swallow. <BR><BR> Contact: Larry Lewis ------- Early Bird Nature Tours(EBNT)---"Exciting & Fun Adventures in Nature"---63 S. Park Ave., Coatesville, PA 19320---484-340-SORA (7672)--Business Cell---email: <earlybirdtours...> "Group Birding - The Economical, Fun and Environmentally Friendly Way to Bird!"
Predictions: Tomorrow’s flight looks to be yet another washout with rain all day. <BR><BR> . The Chester County Hawk Watch and Migration Count is sponsored, in large part, by Frank Haas and in the memory of Barbara Haas. Membership in EBNT is requested. Please contact us at <earlybirdtours...> with questions or comments.
======================================================================== Report submitted by Larry Lewis (<earlybirdtours...>)
Site Description: The platform just left of the only boat ramp for Chambers Lake in the main parking lot, overlooking the lake to the north.
Directions to site: We set up in the main parking lot for the lake, on the platform just left of the only boat ramp. The Hawk Watch at Chambers Lake (as part of the Chester County Hawk Watch) operates daily, March 1 thru April 30 from 9am - 3 pm (unless counter is away leading a tour elsewhere). In fall the season is Sept. 1 thru Nov. 30,each day 9am-3pm. Please contact Larry at 484-340-7672 to confirm counter is present. This count welcomes all visitors to this fine habitat. When there are no hawks present, many birds still are. The lake holds numerous waterfowl species and the variable shoreline can produce incredible shorebirds.
Directions to hawk watch: From the Rt. 30 By-pass take the Rt. 82 exit north. Turn left at the first light(Rt. 340) and go 1.3 miles to Wagontown Rd. Turn Rt. on Wagontown Rd. and continue on this winding road for 1.8 miles (you will pass the Hibernia Park entrance on your right, the Chambers Lake parking lot, and Chambers Lake on your right). Pull off the road to the left and park safely at the end of the lake to visit the hawk watch. You will see us sitting on the dike near the road at the end of the lake.
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 14:15:00 Total observation time: 6.25 hours
Official Counter: Ed Gowarty,Sr, Greg Gdula
Observers:
Weather: Gusts to 35mph
Raptor Observations: Local Turkey Vultures
Non-raptor Observations: A Crow, M Dove, WB Nuthatch, DE Junco, E Towhee, BC Chickadee
Predictions: Clear in the morning, rain in the afternoon ======================================================================== Report submitted by Erika Bowman (<dizzechick...>)
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 15:30:00 Total observation time: 6.5 hours
Official Counter: Erika Bowman
Observers:
Visitors: None
Weather: Cloudy, light winds, moderate temperature
Raptor Observations: GE Adult 10:10 Juv 1:55 Unk 1:05 At least 15 local Turkey Vultures in the air at one time plus 2 local Red-tailed Hawks
Non-raptor Observations: Fox Sparrow, BC Chickadee, WB Nuthatch, Downy WP, Hairy WP, Red-bellied WP, M Dove, Blue Jay, Tree Swallow, E Bluebird, E Towhee, DB Cormorant, A Crow, C Raven, A Robin, C Grackle, Wild Turkey, Golden-crowned Kinglet, DE Junco, Song Sparrow, N Cardinal
Predictions: A steady rain in the morning. Showers continuing in the afternoon. High near 55F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall around a quarter of an inch. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Erika Bowman (<dizzechick...>)
Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch State College, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Mar 31, 2024 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Non-raptor Observations: Notable Birds: 3 Pine Siskin, 10 Tree Swallow, 2 Herring Gulls, 1 Common Loon-14:38
Predictions: 4 days of rain in the forecast and then a period of W/NW winds, we will likely need a change in the weather for future good flights ======================================================================== Report submitted by Andrew Bechdel () Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch information may be found at: tusseymountainspringhawkwatch.org/
Date: 3/31/24 9:47 am From: Dan Richards <00000132f63ed96f-dmarc-request...> Subject: Great Egret, Blue-winged Teal, Clearfield Co.
This Easter Morning there was a Great Egret in the marsh along Beaver Drive in DuBois. Additionally, there were eight Blue-winged Teal and a drake Pintail in the swamp along Platt Road near the Morningside Cemetary. Dan Richards DuBois
Date: 3/31/24 5:19 am From: Hawkcount.Org Reports <reports...> Subject: Chester County Hawk Watch & Migration Count at Chambers Lake (30 Mar 2024) 22 Raptors
Chester County Hawk Watch & Migration Count at Chambers Lake Wagontown, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Mar 30, 2024 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Raptor Observations: ----“Raptors” seen but deemed not to be migrating: 2-Red-shouldered Hawk, 3-Red-tailed Hawk, and numerous Black (9) and Turkey Vultures (28).
Non-raptor Observations: TODAY’S Bird Blog: [PLEASE NOTE: I send out a large weekly “blog/newsletter” detailing much more than these small daily recaps. This newsletter from EBNT, has our upcoming schedule and the County year bird list, etc. If you aren’t receiving it and would like to, kindly email me <earlybirdtours...> to be added. <BR><BR> I needed field brew as I passed Turkey Hill. A full mug later and I was on my way. Once at Chambers Lake, I discovered the wind to be stronger and colder than expected, coming off the lake. It always is, though. [Or am I just becoming a “candy-ass” in my old age?] I stayed in the van, shielding myself from the wind while sipping my brew. It was so very nice to see a flock of 11 Great Blue Herons, apparently migrating, drift over, settling into the NW corner of the lake [see picture]. Also nice was the stunning adult Common Loon, in breeding plumage, riding the waves. By 1pm the wind had diminished but it was too late to set up my field office for the day. I remained van-bound. It clouded up thru the day, signaling the next storm on the way. A light drizzle had already begun by the time I left. Man, I hate March! [Additional highlights listed below] <BR><BR> ---- Thanks to Frank Haas and his gracious generosity and support over the years, in his name and in the memory of his wife, Barbara. <BR><BR> ----ADDITIONAL BIRD HIGHLIGHTS: <BR><BR> Wood Ducks, Ring-necked Ducks, Bufflehead, Hooded Mergansers, Common Mergansers, Common Loon, Pied-billed Grebe, Double-crested Cormorant, Ring-billed Gulls, Great Blue Herons, Purple Martin, Phoebe, Towhee, and Brown Thrasher <BR><BR> ----OTHER WILDLIFE NOTED: Butterflies (0). Dragonflies (0). Reptiles & Amphibians (1): Spring Peeper. Mammals (2): Eastern Gray Squirrel, White-tailed Deer. <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): Steps – 4,047, Miles – 1.72, Floors – 3 <BR><BR> ----“SEASON’S BIRD SPECIES LIST” – we are not just a Hawk Watch but conduct a migration tally from the site. The complete species list will be in our weekly email blog sent to those requesting it. 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 at <earlybirdtours...> <BR><BR> TOTAL SPECIES – Identified from watch site: today: 53; this season: 80 <BR><BR> NEW SPECIES ADDED TODAY TO THIS YEAR’S “WATCH SPECIES LIST (4):” Common Loon, Northern Harrier, Cooper’s Hawk, and Brown Thrasher. <BR><BR> Contact: Larry Lewis ------- Early Bird Nature Tours(EBNT)---"Exciting & Fun Adventures in Nature"---63 S. Park Ave., Coatesville, PA 19320---484-340-SORA (7672)--Business Cell---email: <earlybirdtours...> "Group Birding - The Economical, Fun and Environmentally Friendly Way to Bird!"
Predictions: Tomorrow’s flight looks to be a mostly sunny day with some background clouds ahead of another storm <BR><BR> . The Chester County Hawk Watch and Migration Count is sponsored, in large part, by Frank Haas and in the memory of Barbara Haas. Membership in EBNT is requested. Please contact us at <earlybirdtours...> with questions or comments.
======================================================================== Report submitted by Larry Lewis (<earlybirdtours...>)
Site Description: The platform just left of the only boat ramp for Chambers Lake in the main parking lot, overlooking the lake to the north.
Directions to site: We set up in the main parking lot for the lake, on the platform just left of the only boat ramp. The Hawk Watch at Chambers Lake (as part of the Chester County Hawk Watch) operates daily, March 1 thru April 30 from 9am - 3 pm (unless counter is away leading a tour elsewhere). In fall the season is Sept. 1 thru Nov. 30,each day 9am-3pm. Please contact Larry at 484-340-7672 to confirm counter is present. This count welcomes all visitors to this fine habitat. When there are no hawks present, many birds still are. The lake holds numerous waterfowl species and the variable shoreline can produce incredible shorebirds.
Directions to hawk watch: From the Rt. 30 By-pass take the Rt. 82 exit north. Turn left at the first light(Rt. 340) and go 1.3 miles to Wagontown Rd. Turn Rt. on Wagontown Rd. and continue on this winding road for 1.8 miles (you will pass the Hibernia Park entrance on your right, the Chambers Lake parking lot, and Chambers Lake on your right). Pull off the road to the left and park safely at the end of the lake to visit the hawk watch. You will see us sitting on the dike near the road at the end of the lake.
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 6 hours
Official Counter: Brian M. Wargo
Observers:
Visitors: Robert M Cotchen, Sandeep Cavan
Weather: Upon arrival, the hawk watch was sunny with the west wind, and pleasant. By the beginning of the second hour, the skies were overcast. As the day progressed, drizzle and rain along with a mild local east wind.
Raptor Observations: Golden Eagle 10:15 Sub 1 American Kestrel – not migrating Bald Eagles -12:16 p.m. - adult, sub adult II - flying west, not counted
Non-raptor Observations: Eastern Bluebird, Gold-shafted Flicker, Tree Swallow, Red- wing Blackbird, white-breasted Nuthatch, Chickadee, Blue Jay, Northern Cardinal, Junko, Titmouse, Crow, Raven, Common Loon, American Robin, Eastern Towhee, Mourning Dove, 8 Great Blue Herons flying in a straight line
Predictions: Mostly cloudy. High 63F. Winds light and variable. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Brian M. Wargo (<brianwargo...>)
Date: 3/30/24 11:14 am From: Randy Stringer <0000014328ddae02-dmarc-request...> Subject: Mercer County Birds
Dear Birders,
On Tieline Road there are two Trumpeter Swans as of 2:12 PM.
The immature Iceland Gull is still on the dock at Lake Wilhelm along with two Lesser Black-backed Gulls.
RC StringerGrove City
Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone
Date: 3/30/24 7:44 am From: Douglas Filler <0000012c09e09177-dmarc-request...> Subject: Silver Lake in Bucks CO.
The following were seen or heard on the morning bird walk from the Silver Lake Nature Center located in Bristol, PA.
Silver Lake Park/Nature Center, Bucks, Pennsylvania, US
Mar 30, 2024 7:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Protocol: Traveling
1.0 mile(s)Participants: 637 species
Canada Goose 4
Wood Duck 5
Mallard 4
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 4
Mourning Dove 2
Double-crested Cormorant 7
Turkey Vulture 2
Osprey 1
Belted Kingfisher 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 5
Downy Woodpecker 2
Hairy Woodpecker 2
Northern Flicker 1
Eastern Phoebe 2
Blue Jay 3
American Crow 1
Fish Crow 1
Carolina Chickadee 3
Tufted Titmouse 2
Tree Swallow 3
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 2
Golden-crowned Kinglet 2
White-breasted Nuthatch 2
Carolina Wren 6 observed two birds together gathering nest material
European Starling 4
American Robin 12
House Sparrow 3
House Finch 1
American Goldfinch 1
Dark-eyed Junco 6
White-throated Sparrow 24
Song Sparrow 4
Red-winged Blackbird 15
Brown-headed Cowbird 5
Rusty Blackbird 6
Common Grackle 1
Northern Cardinal 4
Date: 3/30/24 4:46 am From: Nick Bolgiano <nickbolgiano...> Subject: Butler County and Grove City CBCs need data entry help
The Butler County and Grove City Christmas Bird Counts were completed during the recent CBC period, but the compiler has not been able to enter the data.
If anyone involved in those counts knows the compiler and could help to complete the data entry, then those data can be preserved. Because we are past the regular data entry period, you will probably need to contact <cbcadmin...> to complete this.
Date: 3/30/24 2:44 am From: Grant Stevenson <stevensongrant03...> Subject: Rodenticides and Pesticide Information Links and PDFs
Thank you, Dr. Simpson. Sorry that most of these are unclickable and inconvenient. I am on a cell phone only right now and some links didn't cooperate. Herein lies what should be all anticoagulant, warfarin, superwarfarin, and other rodenticide names-- to avoid.
d-dbrieffoct2002.pdf (ASPCA on pets and rodenticides)
pgc.pa.gov. "rodenticide toxicity"
Also, a study by the PGC focused on Rodent carnivores fishers, bobcats, and river otters (and fox?), https://cdnsciencepub.com/ doi/full/10.1139/cjz-2023-0131.
Grant Stevenson Allentown, Lehigh County <stevensongrant03...>
Date: 3/29/24 7:06 pm From: Lee Simpson <0000013640a8a13a-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Flaco the Manhattan Eurasian Eagle Owl, Window-Killed, was Extremely Toxic with Anticoagulant Rodenticide
There are numerous types of rodenticides; some prevent Vit K from being activated and with these, treatment with Vit K can reverse the problem but may need to be given for many weeks depending on the specific rodenticide. But there are also numerous other chemicals used as rodenticides which work in different ways, many of which have no specific treatment. In my mind, the important message here is that this sort of exposure is what our smaller, and thus more vulnerable, raptors and other birds are potentially exposed to all the time. Is there any way that this unfortunate incident with such a popular and well known bird be used to pressure authorities to ramp down use of pesticides and other chemicals? Lee Simpson, DVM, Berks County
On Friday, March 29, 2024 at 06:20:19 PM EDT, Grant Stevenson <stevensongrant03...> wrote:
He would have probably succumbed anyways if not captured. Had he been,
Vitamin K , I believe, is still one of the preferred treatments. I don't
know the odds of survival with it. Anyone know? Does it depend on the
extent of the damage and time lapsed since first ingestion? Can one tell?
Just curious. Thanks.
Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch State College, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Mar 29, 2024 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 08:30:00 Observation end time: 16:30:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Andrew Bechdel
Observers:
Visitors: Kathy and Dave Bechdel
Weather: Full sun and strong NW wind all day. NW wind increased in intensity around 10am and was sustained for the remainder of the day. Wind speed: 9-25mph. Temperature: 2-7 Celsius.
Non-raptor Observations: Notable Birds: 1 Common Loon-11:54
Predictions: Uncertain; While the wind speeds will decrease tomorrow, the SW wind direction isn't favorable. We will likely need to wait another week for a good day. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Andrew Bechdel () Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch information may be found at: tusseymountainspringhawkwatch.org/
He would have probably succumbed anyways if not captured. Had he been,
Vitamin K , I believe, is still one of the preferred treatments. I don't
know the odds of survival with it. Anyone know? Does it depend on the
extent of the damage and time lapsed since first ingestion? Can one tell?
Just curious. Thanks.
Date: 3/28/24 7:27 pm From: Wayne Laubscher <wnlaubscher...> Subject: Pink-footed Goose, Kettle Creek State Park, Clinton County 3/28
This morning a Pink-footed Goose was found by Sara Lindgren at Kettle Creek SP in Clinton County. The general coordinates where it had been seen throughout the day are: 41.37865, -77.92649. This location is north of the boat launch and best viewed northeast of the boat launch parking area at the edge of Kettle Creek. This is likely a first county record.
Wayne Laubscher Lock Haven Clinton Co. <wnlaubscher...> "Owl be back"
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 14:30:00 Total observation time: 5.5 hours
Official Counter: Bob Stewart
Observers:
Visitors: None
Weather: Moderate wind out of the west. Temp +0.9 degrees C to 5.5 degrees C. Cloud cover 25 to 70% varying drastically each hour. Haze, Visibility 27 km.
Raptor Observations: NO MIGRANT RAPTORS OBSERVED. A female kestrel perched on the anemometer for 20 seconds but did not migrate. 6+ non-migrant turkey vultures. 1 non-migrant red-tail.
Non-raptor Observations: juncos, wb nuthatch, bc chicadee, tufted titmouse, n. cardinal.
Predictions: Cloudy early becoming mostly sunny and windy in afternoon. Afternoon wind 20-30 mph out of the WNW. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Robert Stewart (<bob...>)
Observation start time: 08:45:00 Observation end time: 10:45:00 Total observation time: 2 hours
Official Counter: Jerry McWilliams
Observers:
Visitors: none
Weather: Mostly clear with west wind and cold.
Raptor Observations: The lake breeze pushed the few passing vultures about 3/4 inland from the Lake Erie shore with few hawks.
Non-raptor Observations: Rock Pigeon, Mourning Dove, Brown-headed Cowbird, Red-winged Blackbird, Common Grackle, European Starling, Ring-billed and Herring Gull, Northern Flicker 1, American Robin, House Finch, and House Sparrow
Predictions: More of the same tomorrow with more of a northern flow of wind. Not expecting a flight.Jerry McWilliamsErie, Erie County, <Pa.jerrymcw...>
I'm not sure if Purple Martins have been reported in Crawford Co. this year yet or not. This morning at school outside Cambridge Springs, a female or SY male Purple Martin flew over, heading northwest. I told Adam Troyer about it this afternoon and he said that at Andy Troyer's colony they had a male on Monday evening and a female Tuesday. So apparently the martins are just beginning to arrive in Crawford Co.
Date: 3/27/24 5:03 pm From: Ted Nichols II <tanicholsii...> Subject: Save the Date - May 21 in Lancaster - Saving Birds!
A *SAVE THE DATE* notice…
Plan to be in City of Lancaster, PA on May 21, 2024 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. for
a first-of-its kind event.
Franklin & Marshall College & Lancaster County Bird Club will be hosting a
public forum on “Saving Birds: The Science Behind Bird-Glass Collisions and
the Need for Bird-Friendly Buildings.”
The *FREE* two-hour event on the F&M Campus will feature Dr. Daniel Klem
from Muhlenberg College and international experts and industry-leaders on
the issue. It will be open to the public as well as elected officials with
a goal of raising awareness on the issue.
More details soon, but please save the date!
A full set of promo materials will soon be released.
Representatives from Feather Friendly Bird Collision Deterrent Markers and
La Verrerie Walker / Walker Glass will be participating and in attendance.
Other event sponsors are soon to be announced!
Warm regards,
Ted Nichols II
717-856-3851
President - Lancaster County Bird Club
*Dedicated to cultivating an interest in our native birds and bird
conservation since our founding in 1937…*
www.lancasterbirdclub.org
Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch State College, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Mar 26, 2024 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Predictions: Uncertain; Tomorrow could be a wash in the morning but a light SE wind may bring smaller migrants (Kestrels and Sharpies). The remainder of the week is NW wind that could bring a few Golden Eagles. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Andrew Bechdel () Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch information may be found at: tusseymountainspringhawkwatch.org/
Observation start time: 08:45:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 6.25 hours
Official Counter: Jim Rocco
Observers: Bob Stewart, Ed Gowarty,Sr
Visitors: Ed Gowarty, Ray Myers, Bpb Stewart, Linda Wardrop Rest fr0m Texas.
Weather: Strong SE winds with gust up to 28 mph. T3mperatures went from 1.4 to 9 degrees C. 100% cloud cover all day. Visibility was clear up to 40 klm.
Raptor Observations: 7 raptors counted for the day included 2 turkey vultures, 2 Bald eagles, an adult at 12:10 and a 3 year bird at 12:43, and 3 red tail hawks. We had a pair of bald eagles, that went North then south not included in count
Non-raptor Observations: Doves,ravens, juncos, black capped chickadees, crows.
Predictions: Patly cloudy with winds still from the SE ======================================================================== Report submitted by Jim Rocco (<jd.jh.rocco...>)
Date: 3/26/24 10:18 am From: Robin and Daniel Zmoda <robinanddanielz...> Subject: Northampton County Lake Minsi Shovelers and Coots
Many good birds here this morning including the above mentioned. I can't remember the last time I saw Shovelers, but any time I did, they were in New Jersey.
8 Northern Shovelers 5 coot 3 eagles all imm 1 osprey 6 dc cormorants 100+ tree swallows 2 fish crows singles of g b heron, flicker, bluebird
Shovelers and coots were at the north parking area
On the way home I stopped at the Raven nest that was active last year in Pen Artgyland had one fly off the nest
Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 08:00:00 Total observation time: 1 hours
Official Counter: Jerry McWilliams
Observers:
Visitors: none
Weather: Heavy cloud cover with strong SSE wind.
Raptor Observations: Vultures were streaming through at about tree level for about 30 minutes before the flight shut down. I suspect these were birds that roosted overnight just west of the watch.
Non-raptor Observations: Wood Duck 4, Red-winged Blackbird, Common Grackle, Rock Pigeon, Mourning Dove, American Robin, and Canada Goose 3
Predictions: Cloudy and cold with a slight chance of rain, WSW wind. Could be a few birds moving if the winds tip towards a more SW direction.
Date: 3/26/24 6:45 am From: Hawkcount.Org Reports <reports...> Subject: Chester County Hawk Watch & Migration Count at Chambers Lake (25 Mar 2024) 37 Raptors
Chester County Hawk Watch & Migration Count at Chambers Lake Wagontown, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Mar 25, 2024 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Larry Lewis (Early Bird Nature Tours)
Observers:
Visitors: CHESTER COUNTY HAWK WATCH & MIGRATION COUNT AT CHAMBERS LAKE <BR><BR> Visitors (3): <BR><BR> Thanks everyone, for coming to beautiful Chambers Lake! <BR><BR>
Raptor Observations: ----“Raptors” seen, but deemed not to be migrating: 2-Red-shouldered Hawk, 3-Red-tailed Hawk, and numerous Black (15) and Turkey Vultures (52).
Non-raptor Observations: TODAY’S Bird Blog: [PLEASE NOTE: I send out a large weekly “blog/newsletter” detailing much more than these small daily recaps. This newsletter from EBNT, has our upcoming schedule and the County year bird list, etc. If you aren’t receiving it and would like to, kindly email me <earlybirdtours...> to be added. <BR><BR> Once at Chambers Lake, a splendid male Purple Martin [my FOY] was seen - my first of the year, as it coursed the air over the lake. There were 4 Pied-billed Grebes, nicely paired off and engaging with each other. Is “love“ afoot? It certainly is with all the Bufflehead. A neighbor of Rick’s has a helicopter he occasionally lands at his house by Chambers. He did today. I wonder the legality of that. [Additional highlights listed below] <BR><BR> ---- Thanks to Frank Haas and his gracious generosity and support over the years, in his name and in the memory of his wife, Barbara. <BR><BR> ----ADDITIONAL BIRD HIGHLIGHTS: <BR><BR> Bufflehead, Wood Ducks, Ring-necked Ducks, Common Mergansers, Pied-billed Grebes, Great Blue Herons, Phoebe, Towhee, Yellow-rumped Warbler, and Purple Martin <BR><BR> ----OTHER WILDLIFE NOTED: Butterflies (0). Dragonflies (0). Reptiles & Amphibians (0). Mammals (1): 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): Steps – 1,728, Miles – 0.74, Floors – 4 <BR><BR> ----“SEASON’S BIRD SPECIES LIST” – we are not just a Hawk Watch but conduct a migration tally from the site. The complete species list will be in our weekly email blog sent to those requesting it. 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 at <earlybirdtours...> <BR><BR> TOTAL SPECIES – Identified from watch site: today: 45; this season: 76 <BR><BR> NEW SPECIES ADDED TODAY TO THIS YEAR’S “WATCH SPECIES LIST (2):” Purple Martin and Yellow-rumped Warbler. <BR><BR> Contact: Larry Lewis ------- Early Bird Nature Tours(EBNT)---"Exciting & Fun Adventures in Nature"---63 S. Park Ave., Coatesville, PA 19320---484-340-SORA (7672)--Business Cell---email: <earlybirdtours...> "Group Birding - The Economical, Fun and Environmentally Friendly Way to Bird!"
Predictions: Tomorrow’s flight looks like beginning to cloud up prior to another rain event <BR><BR> . The Chester County Hawk Watch and Migration Count is sponsored, in large part, by Frank Haas and in the memory of Barbara Haas. Membership in EBNT is requested. Please contact us at <earlybirdtours...> with questions or comments.
======================================================================== Report submitted by Larry Lewis (<earlybirdtours...>)
Site Description: The platform just left of the only boat ramp for Chambers Lake in the main parking lot, overlooking the lake to the north.
Directions to site: We set up in the main parking lot for the lake, on the platform just left of the only boat ramp. The Hawk Watch at Chambers Lake (as part of the Chester County Hawk Watch) operates daily, March 1 thru April 30 from 9am - 3 pm (unless counter is away leading a tour elsewhere). In fall the season is Sept. 1 thru Nov. 30,each day 9am-3pm. Please contact Larry at 484-340-7672 to confirm counter is present. This count welcomes all visitors to this fine habitat. When there are no hawks present, many birds still are. The lake holds numerous waterfowl species and the variable shoreline can produce incredible shorebirds.
Directions to hawk watch: From the Rt. 30 By-pass take the Rt. 82 exit north. Turn left at the first light(Rt. 340) and go 1.3 miles to Wagontown Rd. Turn Rt. on Wagontown Rd. and continue on this winding road for 1.8 miles (you will pass the Hibernia Park entrance on your right, the Chambers Lake parking lot, and Chambers Lake on your right). Pull off the road to the left and park safely at the end of the lake to visit the hawk watch. You will see us sitting on the dike near the road at the end of the lake.
Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch State College, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Mar 25, 2024 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 08:30:00 Observation end time: 17:30:00 Total observation time: 9 hours
Official Counter: Andrew Bechdel
Observers: Judy Sinn, Nick Bolgiano, Sean McLaughlin
Visitors: Sean McLaughlin, Liz from Long Island, Andy Langan Judy Sinn, Stacey Bird, Jim Ruth
Weather: A continuation of the clear blue skies all day. The SE wind was robust with gusts up to 18mph. A burn in Stone Valley created some smokey/hazy conditions for a couple hours around 1200-1400. Wind Speed: 8-18mph. Temperature: 1-12 Celsius.
Predictions: Uncertain; With more SE wind forecast, tomorrow could yield more Golden Eagles (about 5) and more Kestrels, Sharpies, and Osprey. However, the heavy cloud cover might temper the intensity of the flight. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Andrew Bechdel () Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch information may be found at: tusseymountainspringhawkwatch.org/
Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 9 hours
Official Counter: Jerry McWilliams
Observers: Julie Leonard, Katie Andersen, Russ States
Visitors: Russ States, Katie Andersen, and Julie Leonard assisted with the count much of the time. Visitors included Brian Pardini, a boat captain, and my wife Linda.
Weather: Mostly clear, Mild and with SSE wind.
Raptor Observations: It was a vulture day with birds moving all day in groups numbering up to 80 individuals at times. Vultures were still pouring through at the end of the 1600 EST hr., but we called it a day for eye fatigue. Hawk numbers were relatively low and were often high and beyond ID range. Highlight was a high-flying Black Vulture passing overhead shortly after the 1300 hr. EST. One possible immature American Goshawk gave us the slip flying past the TREC tower at high speed.
Non-raptor Observations: Tree Swallow 4, Great Blue Heron 4, Northern Flicker 3, Red-bellied Woodpecker 1, Canada Goose, Ring-billed and Herring Gull, Rock Pigeon, Mourning Dove, European Starling, Red-winged Blackbird, Common Grackle, American Robin, Eastern Bluebird 8, Killdeer 4, Double-crested Cormorant 9, House Finch, House Sparrow
Predictions: Perhaps a spill over from today, at least until the rain begins. Winds will be strong, but still out of the SSE.Jerry McWilliamsErie, Erie County, <Pa.jerrymcw...>
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Nancy Ott
Observers: Adam Katrancha, Che Mincone, Greg Gdula, Marian Mincone
Visitors: Marian and Che Mincone, Greg Gdula, Heather Kaufman, Jim Rocco, Ed Gowarty Sr, Joe and Barb Carrier, Kevin Zinda, Adam Katrancha, Bob Stewart, Joe Sabo
Weather: Sunny, winds ES/ESE with high teens to 27 mph. Temp up to 40's in afternoon.
Raptor Observations: 4 BE all adults-10:22, X2 10:23, 2:37. 3 GE-10:31 nice look at a juv, adults 1:46,2:13.
Non-raptor Observations: chickadees, mourning doves, blue birds, ravens, crows, and tree swallows.
Predictions: Easterly winds, cloudy, 50 percent chance rain afternoon. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Nancy Ott (<ednancy.ott...>)
Date: 3/25/24 2:05 pm From: Grove, Deborah Shuey <dsg4...> Subject: Re: Juanita and Snyder County birding
Ugh!!!
After all of the mispronunciations I hear and I do this!!!
Cant take it back.
Deb
Deborah S. Grove
________________________________
From: Franklin Haas <fhaasbirds...>
Sent: Monday, March 25, 2024 5:02:31 PM
To: Grove, Deborah Shuey <dsg4...>
Cc: pabirds <PABIRDS...>
Subject: Re: [PABIRDS] Juanita and Snyder County birding
Is that county south of the border?
Frank
On Mon, Mar 25, 2024, 4:41 PM Grove, Deborah Shuey <dsg4...><mailto:<dsg4...>> wrote:
I spent the day Birding with friends Roana Fuller<https://www.facebook.com/roana.fuller?__cft__%5b0%5d=AZXmoQalYV9smD2RDEt8SxJtbgvEeUZUtpqV33AGX0nzN-D8BGXtVOPUU9VcPDehCoG6Yd3mjVDiasQ3tZfy0o--A_bp9kV1TO0xqX_GBgXtBg&__tn__=-%5dK-R>, Debra Grim<https://www.facebook.com/debra.grim1?__cft__%5b0%5d=AZXmoQalYV9smD2RDEt8SxJtbgvEeUZUtpqV33AGX0nzN-D8BGXtVOPUU9VcPDehCoG6Yd3mjVDiasQ3tZfy0o--A_bp9kV1TO0xqX_GBgXtBg&__tn__=-%5dK-R> (visiting from Arkansas) and Jen Lee. First we went to the Lost Creek Shoe Shop so that Debra could buy a new pair of Swarovskis! Then went to Faylor Lake in Snyder county and met Birder Extraordinaire Jessie Sauder<https://www.facebook.com/jessie.sauder?__cft__%5b0%5d=AZXmoQalYV9smD2RDEt8SxJtbgvEeUZUtpqV33AGX0nzN-D8BGXtVOPUU9VcPDehCoG6Yd3mjVDiasQ3tZfy0o--A_bp9kV1TO0xqX_GBgXtBg&__tn__=-%5dK-R>! We had a fun time finding waterfowl there. We also had two Red-headed Woodpeckers for the day, one in Juniata County and one in Snyder. Lunch at Middleburg's Bridgeside Cafe and after the RHWO, the obligate Ice cream stop! I MEANT to take selfie of the 4 of us in the car but forgot!
53 species for the day and list is below with non-bird photos!
6 Checklists
53 Species observed Juniata and Snyder counties
Native or Naturalized
35
Canada Goose
2
Wood Duck
2
Gadwall
1
American Wigeon
1
Mallard
1
Lesser Scaup
2
Bufflehead
5
Hooded Merganser
4
Common Merganser
2
Ruddy Duck
1
Horned Grebe
4
Mourning Dove
6
American Coot
2
Killdeer
10
Double-crested Cormorant
1
Great Blue Heron
1
Turkey Vulture
1
Osprey
1
Cooper's Hawk
1
Bald Eagle
4
Red-tailed Hawk
3
Red-headed Woodpecker
7
Red-bellied Woodpecker
4
Downy Woodpecker
2
Pileated Woodpecker
4
Northern Flicker
1
American Kestrel
3
Eastern Phoebe
10
Blue Jay
4
American Crow
2
Fish Crow
2
Common Raven
3
Tufted Titmouse
1
Tree Swallow
2
Golden-crowned Kinglet
1
White-breasted Nuthatch
1
Brown Creeper
3
Carolina Wren
6
European Starling
2
Northern Mockingbird
10
Eastern Bluebird
6
American Robin
2
House Sparrow
20
American Pipit
4
House Finch
3
White-crowned Sparrow
1
White-throated Sparrow
16
Song Sparrow
1
Swamp Sparrow
7
Red-winged Blackbird
1
Brown-headed Cowbird
13
Common Grackle
6
Northern Cardinal
Date: 3/25/24 1:41 pm From: Grove, Deborah Shuey <dsg4...> Subject: Juanita and Snyder County birding
I spent the day Birding with friends Roana Fuller<https://www.facebook.com/roana.fuller?__cft__%5b0%5d=AZXmoQalYV9smD2RDEt8SxJtbgvEeUZUtpqV33AGX0nzN-D8BGXtVOPUU9VcPDehCoG6Yd3mjVDiasQ3tZfy0o--A_bp9kV1TO0xqX_GBgXtBg&__tn__=-%5dK-R>, Debra Grim<https://www.facebook.com/debra.grim1?__cft__%5b0%5d=AZXmoQalYV9smD2RDEt8SxJtbgvEeUZUtpqV33AGX0nzN-D8BGXtVOPUU9VcPDehCoG6Yd3mjVDiasQ3tZfy0o--A_bp9kV1TO0xqX_GBgXtBg&__tn__=-%5dK-R> (visiting from Arkansas) and Jen Lee. First we went to the Lost Creek Shoe Shop so that Debra could buy a new pair of Swarovskis! Then went to Faylor Lake in Snyder county and met Birder Extraordinaire Jessie Sauder<https://www.facebook.com/jessie.sauder?__cft__%5b0%5d=AZXmoQalYV9smD2RDEt8SxJtbgvEeUZUtpqV33AGX0nzN-D8BGXtVOPUU9VcPDehCoG6Yd3mjVDiasQ3tZfy0o--A_bp9kV1TO0xqX_GBgXtBg&__tn__=-%5dK-R>! We had a fun time finding waterfowl there. We also had two Red-headed Woodpeckers for the day, one in Juniata County and one in Snyder. Lunch at Middleburg's Bridgeside Cafe and after the RHWO, the obligate Ice cream stop! I MEANT to take selfie of the 4 of us in the car but forgot!
53 species for the day and list is below with non-bird photos!
6 Checklists
53 Species observed Juniata and Snyder counties
Native or Naturalized
35
Canada Goose
2
Wood Duck
2
Gadwall
1
American Wigeon
1
Mallard
1
Lesser Scaup
2
Bufflehead
5
Hooded Merganser
4
Common Merganser
2
Ruddy Duck
1
Horned Grebe
4
Mourning Dove
6
American Coot
2
Killdeer
10
Double-crested Cormorant
1
Great Blue Heron
1
Turkey Vulture
1
Osprey
1
Cooper's Hawk
1
Bald Eagle
4
Red-tailed Hawk
3
Red-headed Woodpecker
7
Red-bellied Woodpecker
4
Downy Woodpecker
2
Pileated Woodpecker
4
Northern Flicker
1
American Kestrel
3
Eastern Phoebe
10
Blue Jay
4
American Crow
2
Fish Crow
2
Common Raven
3
Tufted Titmouse
1
Tree Swallow
2
Golden-crowned Kinglet
1
White-breasted Nuthatch
1
Brown Creeper
3
Carolina Wren
6
European Starling
2
Northern Mockingbird
10
Eastern Bluebird
6
American Robin
2
House Sparrow
20
American Pipit
4
House Finch
3
White-crowned Sparrow
1
White-throated Sparrow
16
Song Sparrow
1
Swamp Sparrow
7
Red-winged Blackbird
1
Brown-headed Cowbird
13
Common Grackle
6
Northern Cardinal
Date: 3/24/24 7:14 pm From: Hawkcount.Org Reports <reports...> Subject: Chester County Hawk Watch & Migration Count at Chambers Lake (24 Mar 2024) 24 Raptors
Chester County Hawk Watch & Migration Count at Chambers Lake Wagontown, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Mar 24, 2024 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 9 hours
Official Counter: Larry Lewis (Early Bird Nature Tours)
Observers:
Visitors: CHESTER COUNTY HAWK WATCH & MIGRATION COUNT AT CHAMBERS LAKE <BR><BR> Visitors (2): <BR><BR> Thanks everyone, for coming to beautiful Chambers Lake! <BR><BR>
Raptor Observations: ----“Raptors” seen, but deemed not to be migrating: 2-Red-shouldered Hawk, 2-Red-tailed Hawk, and numerous Black (10) and Turkey Vultures (58).
Non-raptor Observations: TODAY’S Bird Blog: [PLEASE NOTE: I send out a large weekly “blog/newsletter” detailing much more than these small daily recaps. This newsletter from EBNT, has our upcoming schedule and the County year bird list, etc. If you aren’t receiving it and would like to, kindly email me <earlybirdtours...> to be added. <BR><BR> 28 degrees as I loaded up with field brew. Where is spring? Yesterday’s heavy rain had frozen my doors on my van overnight. Arriving at Chambers Lake, the field brew worked its magic. Two Ravens came by, soaring and swooping as they do. Ring-billed Gulls flew over, not stopping at the lake. Bufflehead courtship displays were plentiful and the incessant calls “Peter…peter…peter” of Titmice echoed across the lake in all directions. Birds were feeling spring even as I wasn’t. I watched the sky and the lake while listening to the penultimate Phillies pre-season game. Their season begins in earnest on Thursday. Life was good… [Additional highlights listed below] <BR><BR> ---- Thanks to Frank Haas and his gracious generosity and support over the years, in his name and in the memory of his wife, Barbara. <BR><BR> ----ADDITIONAL BIRD HIGHLIGHTS: <BR><BR> Ring-necked Ducks, Bufflehead, Wood Ducks, Common Mergansers, Pied-billed Grebes, Ravens, Ring-billed Gulls, and Great Blue Herons <BR><BR> ----OTHER WILDLIFE NOTED: Butterflies (0). Dragonflies (0). Reptiles & Amphibians (0). Mammals (1): 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): Steps – 7,801, Miles – 3.32, Floors – 16 <BR><BR> ----“SEASON’S BIRD SPECIES LIST” – we are not just a Hawk Watch but conduct a migration tally from the site. The complete species list will be in our weekly email blog sent to those requesting it. 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 at <earlybirdtours...> <BR><BR> TOTAL SPECIES – Identified from watch site: today: 38; this season: 74 <BR><BR> NEW SPECIES ADDED TODAY TO THIS YEAR’S “WATCH SPECIES LIST (0):” nothing. <BR><BR> Contact: Larry Lewis ------- Early Bird Nature Tours(EBNT)---"Exciting & Fun Adventures in Nature"---63 S. Park Ave., Coatesville, PA 19320---484-340-SORA (7672)--Business Cell---email: <earlybirdtours...> "Group Birding - The Economical, Fun and Environmentally Friendly Way to Bird!"
Predictions: Tomorrow’s flight looks sunny with moderate east winds <BR><BR> . The Chester County Hawk Watch and Migration Count is sponsored, in large part, by Frank Haas and in the memory of Barbara Haas. Membership in EBNT is requested. Please contact us at <earlybirdtours...> with questions or comments.
======================================================================== Report submitted by Larry Lewis (<earlybirdtours...>)
Site Description: The platform just left of the only boat ramp for Chambers Lake in the main parking lot, overlooking the lake to the north.
Directions to site: We set up in the main parking lot for the lake, on the platform just left of the only boat ramp. The Hawk Watch at Chambers Lake (as part of the Chester County Hawk Watch) operates daily, March 1 thru April 30 from 9am - 3 pm (unless counter is away leading a tour elsewhere). In fall the season is Sept. 1 thru Nov. 30,each day 9am-3pm. Please contact Larry at 484-340-7672 to confirm counter is present. This count welcomes all visitors to this fine habitat. When there are no hawks present, many birds still are. The lake holds numerous waterfowl species and the variable shoreline can produce incredible shorebirds.
Directions to hawk watch: From the Rt. 30 By-pass take the Rt. 82 exit north. Turn left at the first light(Rt. 340) and go 1.3 miles to Wagontown Rd. Turn Rt. on Wagontown Rd. and continue on this winding road for 1.8 miles (you will pass the Hibernia Park entrance on your right, the Chambers Lake parking lot, and Chambers Lake on your right). Pull off the road to the left and park safely at the end of the lake to visit the hawk watch. You will see us sitting on the dike near the road at the end of the lake.
We chased the Eurasian Wigeon reported at SGL 218 this afternoon. We had a bit of a time finding it. We scoped for an hour behind the dealership along Rt. 8 as suggested by others who had found it, but we had no luck because of the distance and the angle of the sun. Finally we gave up and left. On the way out, we turned down Barton Rd. and found a dam at the head of the wetlands where the sun shone beautifully behind our backs and we were much closer. We found it quickly from that spot. If you go in the afternoon or evening, I'd recommend scoping from the dam along Barton Rd. The other neat and crazy bird of the day was a Short-eared Owl. At one stop where I was beating around the edge of the water looking for the wigeon, and suddenly a brown bird with long wings flew out of the brush straight away from me. My instantaneous thought was, "Green Heron! This is early." But then it turned, and I saw it was an owl. By the strongly patterned face, I recognized it as a Short-eared Owl, and the stiff buoyant wing beats versus the fast flapping of other owls upheld that. I only saw it for a few seconds, but I'm confident that is what it was. I suppose the owl was migrating and had been roosting for the day. It was certainly not a place I would have ever expected to see a Short-eared Owl.
Observation start time: 08:15:00 Observation end time: 18:00:00 Total observation time: 8.75 hours
Official Counter: Erika Bowman
Observers: Bob Stewart, Ed Gowarty,Sr, Jim Rocco, Sandy Cline
Visitors: Will Krohn, Ray Fetsko
Weather: Sunny, started as NW winds but ended as E winds @ 5-10 mph.
Raptor Observations: Golden Eagles Adult 2:08 Sub 1:44 Bald Eagles Adult 1:40, 4:49
At least 1 local Red-tailed Hawk and 6 Turkey Vultures
Non-raptor Observations: E Bluebirds (nest building!), Red-bellied WP, WB Nuthatch, M Dove, BC Chickadee, T Titmouse, N Cardinal, Blue Jay, A Crow, C Raven
Predictions: Sounds like a great day for the watch! Partly cloudy skies. High around 50F. Winds SE at 10 to 20 mph. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Erika Bowman (<dizzechick...>)
Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch State College, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Mar 24, 2024 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 08:30:00 Observation end time: 16:30:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Andrew Bechdel
Observers:
Visitors: Dan Williams, Branda Shaffer, Kyle Smith
Weather: Clear blue skies all day. The day began with a light N wind that gradually shifted to a lighter NE wind over the day. Wind Speed 4-7mph. Temperature: -4-6 Celsius.
Raptor Observations: No Golden Eagles
Non-migratory raptors: 2 Black Vulture, 5 Turkey Vulture, 2 Bald Eagle, 2 Red-tailed Hawk
Non-raptor Observations: Notable Birds: 2 Brown-headed Cowbird, 14 American Goldfinch, 1 Pine Siskin
Predictions: Uncertain; S winds are forecasted for the next 3 days and should be productive. I expect Golden Eagles, but no big day as it is too late in the season. However, this week could bring more American Kestrels, Sharpies, and Osprey. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Andrew Bechdel () Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch information may be found at: tusseymountainspringhawkwatch.org/
Observation start time: 09:30:00 Observation end time: 11:30:00 Total observation time: 2 hours
Official Counter: Jerry McWilliams
Observers: Randy Donn, Roger Donn
Visitors: Roger and Randy Donn assisted with the count for the first 30 minutes or so.
Weather: Mostly clear to clear and cold with ENE wind.
Raptor Observations: I did not expect a vulture movement close to the lake with this wind direction, but they moved through in force for the at least one hour. I got to the watch a bit late, so I probably missed a few birds and with afternoon commitments I had to leave earlier than I would have liked, but still got a decent total of TVs, though not a single migrant hawk. Two local Red-tails and a Bald Eagle.
Non-raptor Observations:
Predictions: Tomorrow is shaping up to be a good one with a good SSE wind and much warmer temps. I suspect with today's movement of TVs the TV flight might be a tad on the light side. I guess we'll see soon enough. Jerry McWilliamsErie, Erie County, <Pa.jerrymcw...>
Date: 3/24/24 1:20 pm From: Ted Nichols II <tanicholsii...> Subject: Petition to Update PGC’s Name
PABIRDS Friends,
I’d like to give you first shot at signing a petition I’ve started to
encourage state lawmakers to act to bring the Pennsylvania Game
Commission’s name into the 21st Century.
Most state wildlife agencies were established in the late 1800s or early
1900s and originally had the word “game” in their names. Over time, most of
them replaced “game” with “wildlife” to reflect a broader mission that
included species that are not hunted. Pennsylvania is one of *only* 11
state wildlife agencies that still use “game” in their names.
Let’s get the conversation going in the public arena, thank you for your
support!
Date: 3/23/24 9:03 am From: A. Liebner <000000d98121eaef-dmarc-request...> Subject: Wayne Twp. Schuylkill Co. Pine Siskin, Northern Flicker
Hello all,
I had knee surgery on February 6th- didn't get to post but I did get to do some birding from the windows.February 7-10, huge flocks of blackbirds returned to the area - Grackles, Red-winged BB, Brown-headed Cowbirds, and European Starlings.
On Thursday, 3/21/24, I thought American Goldfinches returned after a short absence when I happened to notice a flash of yellow at one of the feeders. Wow, was I surprised to see a single Pine Siskin. Ironically, a short time later, it was joined by a single American Goldfinch in winter plumage, the first since February. The Siskin moved on but the Goldfinch is still here.The first of season, Northern Flicker appeared Friday, March 22.
We have the usual daily yardbirds: House Finch, Song Sparrow, White-throated Sp., DE Junco, Tufted Titmouse, Blue Jay, N. Cardinal, Downy, Hairy, and Red-bellied Woodpeckers, White-breasted Nuthatch, Carolina Wren, Mourning Dove, House Sparrows, several Eastern Bluebirds & one Northern Mockingbird wintered here. A second Mockingbird arrived on 3/07 and they've been together ever since. An American Robin first showed up on March 5th. There were no others and it soon visited the window feeder. That behavior leads me to think it's one that discovered the mealworms in the window feeder a few years ago when it was feeding young. There is only one that comes to the window. Since then, more and more robins have appeared to forage in the yard.
Red-tailed Hawks, Northern Harriers, Ravens, & Bald Eagles often visit the fields of the chicken farm nearby to feed on the carcasses of chickens that are thrown along the buildings. On March 10th, we watched a probable 4th year Bald Eagle land on the ground and slowly hop towards a white "lump" on the ground. When it picked up the "lump" and flew over the field it was obviously a chicken carcass. It sat in the open field and enjoyed a meal.
There is a Cooper's Hawk that sweeps the feeders occasionally. I didn't log the date but recently, one soared around the corner of the house to pick off a Blue Jay in the Dogwood tree. It all happened so fast. There was a flash of wings and poof, both disappeared out of the tree and off into the yard.
We often see three pair of Kestrels in our area - one pair is along the Sweet Arrow Lake Rd. east of the intersection of Front St. Another pair hunts the fields along Panther Valley Rd., between Ketner's Lane and the power line. The third pair we see on the wires along Panther Valley Rd. & Hidden Valley Rd. , east of Hidden Valley Golf Course.
Good Birding,
Ann M Liebner
Wayne Twp, Schuylkill County
Date: 3/23/24 8:44 am From: Hawkcount.Org Reports <reports...> Subject: Chester County Hawk Watch & Migration Count at Chambers Lake (22 Mar 2024) 29 Raptors
Chester County Hawk Watch & Migration Count at Chambers Lake Wagontown, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Mar 22, 2024 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 14:30:00 Total observation time: 6.5 hours
Official Counter: Larry Lewis (Early Bird Nature Tours)
Observers:
Visitors: CHESTER COUNTY HAWK WATCH & MIGRATION COUNT AT CHAMBERS LAKE <BR><BR> Visitors (3): Bill Buckert & AnnE <BR><BR> Thanks everyone, for coming to beautiful Chambers Lake! <BR><BR>
Raptor Observations: ----“Raptors” seen but deemed not to be migrating: 2-Red-shouldered Hawk, 3-Red-tailed Hawk, and numerous Black (6) and Turkey Vultures (44).
Non-raptor Observations: TODAY’S Bird Blog: [PLEASE NOTE: I send out a large weekly “blog/newsletter” detailing much more than these small daily recaps. This newsletter from EBNT, has our upcoming schedule and the County year bird list, etc. If you aren’t receiving it and would like to, kindly email me <earlybirdtours...> to be added. <BR><BR> The fact that I decided I was gonna sit out in this weather today, called for 2 full mugs of field brew. You agree, right? Once at Chambers Lake, I set up my field office with the nearly constant chatter of an unseen Red Squirrel as my ambient background. It got much cloudier than predicted thru the day, robbing what warmth we were getting from the sun. I got some warmth from the pellet heater my friend, Jerry gave me. [Additional highlights listed below] <BR><BR> ---- Thanks to Frank Haas and his gracious generosity and support over the years, in his name and in the memory of his wife, Barbara. <BR><BR> ----ADDITIONAL BIRD HIGHLIGHTS: <BR><BR> Common Mergansers, Wood Ducks, Ring-necked Ducks, Bufflehead, Pied-billed Grebes, Great Blue Herons, Kingfisher, Raven, and Fox Sparrow <BR><BR> ----OTHER WILDLIFE NOTED: Butterflies (0). Dragonflies (0). Reptiles & Amphibians (0). Mammals (3): Eastern Gray Squirrel, Eastern Chipmunk, Red 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): Steps – 4,840, Miles – 2.06, Floors – 1 <BR><BR> ----“SEASON’S BIRD SPECIES LIST” – we are not just a Hawk Watch but conduct a migration tally from the site. The complete species list will be in our weekly email blog sent to those requesting it. 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 at <earlybirdtours...> <BR><BR> TOTAL SPECIES – Identified from watch site: today: 42; this season: 74 <BR><BR> NEW SPECIES ADDED TODAY TO THIS YEAR’S “WATCH SPECIES LIST (0):” nothing. <BR><BR> Contact: Larry Lewis ------- Early Bird Nature Tours(EBNT)---"Exciting & Fun Adventures in Nature"---63 S. Park Ave., Coatesville, PA 19320---484-340-SORA (7672)--Business Cell---email: <earlybirdtours...> "Group Birding - The Economical, Fun and Environmentally Friendly Way to Bird!"
Predictions: Tomorrow’s flight looks to be a total washout with heavy rain all day. <BR><BR> . The Chester County Hawk Watch and Migration Count is sponsored, in large part, by Frank Haas and in the memory of Barbara Haas. Membership in EBNT is requested. Please contact us at <earlybirdtours...> with questions or comments.
======================================================================== Report submitted by Larry Lewis (<earlybirdtours...>)
Site Description: The platform just left of the only boat ramp for Chambers Lake in the main parking lot, overlooking the lake to the north.
Directions to site: We set up in the main parking lot for the lake, on the platform just left of the only boat ramp. The Hawk Watch at Chambers Lake (as part of the Chester County Hawk Watch) operates daily, March 1 thru April 30 from 9am - 3 pm (unless counter is away leading a tour elsewhere). In fall the season is Sept. 1 thru Nov. 30,each day 9am-3pm. Please contact Larry at 484-340-7672 to confirm counter is present. This count welcomes all visitors to this fine habitat. When there are no hawks present, many birds still are. The lake holds numerous waterfowl species and the variable shoreline can produce incredible shorebirds.
Directions to hawk watch: From the Rt. 30 By-pass take the Rt. 82 exit north. Turn left at the first light(Rt. 340) and go 1.3 miles to Wagontown Rd. Turn Rt. on Wagontown Rd. and continue on this winding road for 1.8 miles (you will pass the Hibernia Park entrance on your right, the Chambers Lake parking lot, and Chambers Lake on your right). Pull off the road to the left and park safely at the end of the lake to visit the hawk watch. You will see us sitting on the dike near the road at the end of the lake.
Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch State College, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Mar 22, 2024 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 08:30:00 Observation end time: 16:30:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Andrew Bechdel
Observers: Debra Rittlemann, Kathy Bechdel, Ken Bowman, Peggy Wagoner, Robert McLaughlin
Visitors: Bob McLaughlin, Deb Rittleman, Kathy & Dave Bechdel, Peggy Wagoner, Jane & Marta Miller, Ken Bowman
Weather: Upon arrival, light ESE wind quickly changing to a more robust SE Wind with gusts up to 23mph. Variable cloud cover throughout the day with full sun early then partly cloudy to overcast with cloud waves in the afternoon. Wind Speed: 4-23mph. Temperature: -3-6 Celsius.
Predictions: Tomorrow might be a wash until noon. If rain continues or the ridge is socked in, we will call it entirely. Monday is the next good day with SE wind. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Andrew Bechdel () Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch information may be found at: tusseymountainspringhawkwatch.org/
Observation start time: 08:30:00 Observation end time: 16:30:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Ed Gowarty,Sr
Observers: Bob Stewart, Dave Poder, Greg Gdula, Jim Rocco, Joe Sabo, Kevin Georg, Nancy Ott, Sandy Cline, Tom & Janet Kuehl
Visitors: 1. Doug Graham
Weather: Moderate winds out of the SE. Gusts to 29 mph. Temperature -4 degrees C to +7.4 degrees C. Visibility 40 km. Decreasing each hour to 10 km at 4 PM EST.
Raptor Observations: 28 migrating raptors. 9 Golden Eagles: 11:40 unk age; 12:25 Ad; 1:14 juv; 2:13 Ad; 2:59 AD; 2:59 juv; 3@3:30 all adults. 2 Bald Eagles both adults at 10:03. All times are EST. Other highlights: 4 red-shouldered hawks, 3 AM. kestrel, 3 cooper's hawks. Several nonmigrating turkey vultures.
Non-raptor Observations: 2 great blue herons mourning doves, crows, robins, red-bellied woodpecker, bc chicadee, juncos, white-breasted nuthatch, blue birds, blue jay.
Predictions: Rain until noon time. High of 42 degrees F. Wind out of the NW at 15-25 mph. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Robert Stewart (<bob...>)
Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch State College, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Mar 21, 2024 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 08:30:00 Observation end time: 16:30:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Andrew Bechdel
Observers:
Visitors: N/A
Weather: In the morning, cold and partly cloudy with moderate NW wind. In the afternoon, warmer with clouds dissipating to allow for full sun. NW wind shifted to WNW in the afternoon. Wind Speed: 6-13mph. Temperature: -5-2 Celsius.
Predictions: Uncertain; Tomorrow's SE wind could jumpstart a good flight. However, we are past the peak of GE season, and I think a big day (10+) is unlikely.
======================================================================== Report submitted by Andrew Bechdel () Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch information may be found at: tusseymountainspringhawkwatch.org/
Date: 3/22/24 7:51 am From: Denise Donmoyer <nightowl57...> Subject: Sweet Arrow Lake, Schuylkill co
Sweet arrow Lake 3 /22/24
There is a Black Swan at the east end of the lake near the wetlands. I know this thing is probably escaped from some farm where they keep exotics but it's still pretty cool looking.
Date: 3/22/24 5:28 am From: Hawkcount.Org Reports <reports...> Subject: Chester County Hawk Watch & Migration Count at Chambers Lake (21 Mar 2024) 11 Raptors
Chester County Hawk Watch & Migration Count at Chambers Lake Wagontown, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Mar 21, 2024 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Larry Lewis (Early Bird Nature Tours)
Observers:
Visitors: CHESTER COUNTY HAWK WATCH & MIGRATION COUNT AT CHAMBERS LAKE <BR><BR> Visitors (2): <BR><BR> Thanks everyone, for coming to beautiful Chambers Lake! <BR><BR>
Raptor Observations: ----“Raptors” seen, but deemed not to be migrating: 1-Bald Eagle, 2-Red-shouldered Hawk, 4-Red-tailed Hawk, and numerous Black (8) and Turkey Vultures (46). <BR><BR> ----Bald Eagle ages: 1 yr.-2; 2 yr.-_; 3 yr.-_; 4 yr.-_; adult-1 <BR><BR>
Non-raptor Observations: TODAY’S Bird Blog: [PLEASE NOTE: I send out a large weekly “blog/newsletter” detailing much more than these small daily recaps. This newsletter from EBNT, has our upcoming schedule and the County year bird list, etc. If you aren’t receiving it and would like to, kindly email me <earlybirdtours...> to be added. <BR><BR> Well before dawn, I hit up the local Wawa in Douglassville for field brew needed on the ride to Chambers Lake. I swung by Struble Lake as I passed nearby. Struble held, among others, Ring-necked Ducks, Common Mergansers, Great Blue Heron, Ring-billed Gulls, and still a substantial flock of Ruddy Ducks. Once at Chambers Lake, it was apparent that the waterfowl flock continues to diminish. It was a very cold day, once again. I find March to be the most brutal of months for weather. [Additional highlights listed below] <BR><BR> ---- Thanks to Frank Haas and his gracious generosity and support over the years, in his name and in the memory of his wife, Barbara. <BR><BR> ----ADDITIONAL BIRD HIGHLIGHTS: <BR><BR> Wood Duck, Black Ducks, Ring-necked Ducks, Bufflehead, Common Mergansers, Pied-billed Grebe, Great Blue Herons, and Cedar Waxwing <BR><BR> ----OTHER WILDLIFE NOTED: Butterflies (0). Dragonflies (0). Reptiles & Amphibians (0). Mammals (2): Eastern Gray Squirrel, Eastern Chipmunk. <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): Steps – 1,717, Miles – 0.73, Floors – 2 <BR><BR> ----“SEASON’S BIRD SPECIES LIST” – we are not just a Hawk Watch but conduct a migration tally from the site. The complete species list will be in our weekly email blog sent to those requesting it. 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 at <earlybirdtours...> <BR><BR> TOTAL SPECIES – Identified from watch site: today: 39; this season: 74 <BR><BR> NEW SPECIES ADDED TODAY TO THIS YEAR’S “WATCH SPECIES LIST (1):” Cedar Waxwing. <BR><BR> Contact: Larry Lewis ------- Early Bird Nature Tours(EBNT)---"Exciting & Fun Adventures in Nature"---63 S. Park Ave., Coatesville, PA 19320---484-340-SORA (7672)--Business Cell---email: <earlybirdtours...> "Group Birding - The Economical, Fun and Environmentally Friendly Way to Bird!"
Predictions: Tomorrow’s flight looks mostly sunny with an easterly component to the wind. <BR><BR> . The Chester County Hawk Watch and Migration Count is sponsored, in large part, by Frank Haas and in the memory of Barbara Haas. Membership in EBNT is requested. Please contact us at <earlybirdtours...> with questions or comments.
======================================================================== Report submitted by Larry Lewis (<earlybirdtours...>)
Site Description: The platform just left of the only boat ramp for Chambers Lake in the main parking lot, overlooking the lake to the north.
Directions to site: We set up in the main parking lot for the lake, on the platform just left of the only boat ramp. The Hawk Watch at Chambers Lake (as part of the Chester County Hawk Watch) operates daily, March 1 thru April 30 from 9am - 3 pm (unless counter is away leading a tour elsewhere). In fall the season is Sept. 1 thru Nov. 30,each day 9am-3pm. Please contact Larry at 484-340-7672 to confirm counter is present. This count welcomes all visitors to this fine habitat. When there are no hawks present, many birds still are. The lake holds numerous waterfowl species and the variable shoreline can produce incredible shorebirds.
Directions to hawk watch: From the Rt. 30 By-pass take the Rt. 82 exit north. Turn left at the first light(Rt. 340) and go 1.3 miles to Wagontown Rd. Turn Rt. on Wagontown Rd. and continue on this winding road for 1.8 miles (you will pass the Hibernia Park entrance on your right, the Chambers Lake parking lot, and Chambers Lake on your right). Pull off the road to the left and park safely at the end of the lake to visit the hawk watch. You will see us sitting on the dike near the road at the end of the lake.
Observation start time: 08:30:00 Observation end time: 13:00:00 Total observation time: 4.5 hours
Official Counter: Jim Rocco
Observers:
Visitors: no visitors
Weather: NW winds gusting up to 25 mph. Temperature went from -7.2 to-3.7. cloud cover 10% down to 0%.visibility clear up to 40km.
Raptor Observations: 0 raptors observed not even a local turkey vulture.
Non-raptor Observations: Crows, red bellied woodpecker, tufted titmouse, juncos black capped chickadees, white breasted nuthatches
Predictions: cold with possible se winds ======================================================================== Report submitted by Jim Rocco (<jd.jh.rocco...>)
======================================================================== Report submitted by Laurie Goodrich (<goodrich...>) Hawk Mountain Sanctuary information may be found at: http://www.hawkmountain.org/
Date: 3/20/24 10:49 am From: Hawkcount.Org Reports <reports...> Subject: Chester County Hawk Watch & Migration Count at Chambers Lake (19 Mar 2024) 12 Raptors
Chester County Hawk Watch & Migration Count at Chambers Lake Wagontown, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Mar 19, 2024 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 6 hours
Official Counter: Larry Lewis (Early Bird Nature Tours)
Observers:
Visitors: CHESTER COUNTY HAWK WATCH & MIGRATION COUNT AT CHAMBERS LAKE <BR><BR> Visitors (1): <BR><BR> Thanks everyone, for coming to beautiful Chambers Lake! <BR><BR>
Raptor Observations: ----“Raptors” seen but deemed not to be migrating: 1-Red-shouldered Hawk, 3-Red-tailed Hawk, and numerous Black (9) and Turkey Vultures (40).
Non-raptor Observations: TODAY’S Bird Blog: [PLEASE NOTE: I send out a large weekly “blog/newsletter” detailing much more than these small daily recaps. This newsletter from EBNT, has our upcoming schedule and the County year bird list, etc. If you aren’t receiving it and would like to, kindly email me <earlybirdtours...> to be added. <BR><BR> ---- Thanks to Frank Haas and his gracious generosity and support over the years, in his name and n the memory of his wife, Barbara. <BR><BR> ----ADDITIONAL BIRD HIGHLIGHTS: <BR><BR> Bufflehead, Ring-necked Ducks, Common Mergansers, Great Blue Herons, and Kingfisher. <BR><BR> ----OTHER WILDLIFE NOTED: Butterflies (0). Dragonflies (0). Reptiles & Amphibians (1): Spring Peeper. Mammals (2): Eastern Gray Squirrel, Eastern Chipmunk. <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): Steps – 6,027, Miles – 2.55, Floors – 3 <BR><BR> ----“SEASON’S BIRD SPECIES LIST” – we are not just a Hawk Watch but conduct a migration tally from the site. The complete species list will be in our weekly email blog sent to those requesting it. 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 at <earlybirdtours...> <BR><BR> TOTAL SPECIES – Identified from watch site: today: 36; this season: 73 <BR><BR> NEW SPECIES ADDED TODAY TO THIS YEAR’S “WATCH SPECIES LIST (0):” NOTHING. <BR><BR> Contact: Larry Lewis ------- Early Bird Nature Tours(EBNT)---"Exciting & Fun Adventures in Nature"---63 S. Park Ave., Coatesville, PA 19320---484-340-SORA (7672)--Business Cell---email: <earlybirdtours...> "Group Birding - The Economical, Fun and Environmentally Friendly Way to Bird!" ======================================================================== Report submitted by Larry Lewis (<earlybirdtours...>)
Site Description: The platform just left of the only boat ramp for Chambers Lake in the main parking lot, overlooking the lake to the north.
Directions to site: We set up in the main parking lot for the lake, on the platform just left of the only boat ramp. The Hawk Watch at Chambers Lake (as part of the Chester County Hawk Watch) operates daily, March 1 thru April 30 from 9am - 3 pm (unless counter is away leading a tour elsewhere). In fall the season is Sept. 1 thru Nov. 30,each day 9am-3pm. Please contact Larry at 484-340-7672 to confirm counter is present. This count welcomes all visitors to this fine habitat. When there are no hawks present, many birds still are. The lake holds numerous waterfowl species and the variable shoreline can produce incredible shorebirds.
Directions to hawk watch: From the Rt. 30 By-pass take the Rt. 82 exit north. Turn left at the first light(Rt. 340) and go 1.3 miles to Wagontown Rd. Turn Rt. on Wagontown Rd. and continue on this winding road for 1.8 miles (you will pass the Hibernia Park entrance on your right, the Chambers Lake parking lot, and Chambers Lake on your right). Pull off the road to the left and park safely at the end of the lake to visit the hawk watch. You will see us sitting on the dike near the road at the end of the lake.
