Date: 3/4/21 10:42 am From: reeser <reeser...> Subject: Re: Common Redpoll - Miller’s Gap, Cumberland/Perry Co.
Thanks so much for posting this about the redpoll and the ruffed grouse. As a kid back in the 60's/70's, we used to hear ruffed grouse drumming in the woods not far from Three Square Hollow in Cumberland County, PA each year and see them occasionally. Haven't heard or seen one in decades. Wonderful to find out that there is at least one along, more or less, the same ridge but farther east and actually closer to my current location.
Thanks again and for the great descriptions!
Ellen <reeser...> Cumberland County, PA
On 03/03/2021 9:43 AM, Ian Gardner wrote: > Yesterday, I went for a short midday hike at Miller’s Gap, which is a small > dip in the southern-most ridge in the Kittatinny Mtns. There’s still plenty > of snow up there, particularly on the north side of the ridge, which made > hiking quietly an issue. Right when I got out of my car I could hear a > finch calling as it flew over my head. By the raspy, yet musical quality > (and by checking by playback on my phone immediately after) I could tell it > was a Common Redpoll, which are moving around the area right now, > particularly in NW PA. It flew along the ridge to the west so I proceeded > that direction to try to get a look at it if it landed. The Black Birches > along the ridges have been full of ripe cones, which is their preferred > food source, since last fall. > > About 100 yards down the trail/road I flushed a Ruffed Grouse from the > forest edge. It's been so long since I've seen or heard a Ruffed Grouse > (3.5 years to be exact) that I didn't recognize it was a grouse at first. > My first reaction was, "Woah, that was a big dove!" Obviously this bird was > much larger and made more noise without the musical "wing twitter" that > doves make during liftoff. To confirm the sighting I went over to where it > flew from and saw the diagnostic close-set, single file tracks they make > when walking along the forest floor. Ruffed Grouse have been declining > throughout Pennsylvania since 2000 due largely to West Nile Virus, but the > decline has been particularly sharp everywhere but Northwestern PA. I > remember flushing family groups of up to a dozen grouse while doing field > work in Allegheny National Forest in early summer 2013. > > I continued down the road and cut over to the Darlington Trail, in Perry > County. The mature birches were full of cones and catkins, swaying in the > wind. Despite my feet crunching through the brittle snow I could hear > another single redpoll calling, single notes and slurred nasal calls, above > me. Again, I never saw it. And besides a few Dark-eyed Juncos, and distant > Blue Jay and White-breasted Nuthatch, I didn't see or hear any other birds. > > -Ian Gardner > Harrisburg, PA
Date: 3/4/21 9:32 am From: Dave DeReamus <becard...> Subject: Re: Pink-footed Goose???
The last sighting of the Northampton County Pink-footed was on January 30th. Then the early February snowstorm hit and most of the Snows, and probably the Pink-footed and Greater White-fronted bailed out and headed south.
Good birding,
Dave DeReamus
Palmer Township, Northampton County, PA
becard -at- rcn.com
Blog: http://becard.blogspot.com
-----Original Message-----
From: Bird discussion list for Pennsylvania <PABIRDS...> On Behalf Of jerry Kruth
Sent: Thursday, March 04, 2021 9:59 AM
To: <PABIRDS...>
Subject: Pink-footed Goose???
Does anyone have any update on the Pink-footed Goose that was seen earlier in Eastern PA?
Thanks,
Jerry Kruth
Predictions: cloudy to patly cloudy with moderate to strong NW winds;high around 30F ======================================================================== Report submitted by Rosemary McGlynn (<denali...>)
Date: 3/3/21 3:34 pm From: Amy Taracido <amytaracido...> Subject: RBA western Pennsylvania, 1 March 2021
***I usually send this directly from the PABIRDS Archives page, but the site is not loading so I have to send this via Outlook. Please excuse any odd formatting that may arise.
RBA
*Pennsylvania
*Pittsburgh and western Pennsylvania
*PAWE03.01.21
Contributors: Alan Buriak, Margaret Higbee, Flo McGuire, Jerry McWilliams, Tom & Nancy Moeller, Clare Nicolls, Dan Richards, Kim Springer, Jerry Stanley, Kendall Zook.
Compiler: Amy Taracido
Monday, 22 February 2021 through Monday, 1 March 2021
**This report is distributed by e-mail only. Compiler is not responsible for errors on websites who reproduce/reprint these reports. If you would like to receive western PA RBAs, contact AMYTARACIDO@ YAHOO.COM
Transcript-
ALLEGHENY COUNTY:
At Duck Hollow on 2/25, 11 REDHEADS and others (TM).
ARMSTRONG COUNTY:
In Manorville on 2/26, 2 TRUMPETER SWANS (AB).
On 2/28 at Keystone Reservoir, 1 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE (MH).
CLARION COUNTY:
Near Rimersburg on 2/27, 1 NORTHERN HARRIER (DR).
On 2/28 near Sligo, 1 NORTHERN HARRIER (DR).
CRAWFORD COUNTY:
Near Cambridge Springs on 2/23, 1 ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK (KZ).
On 2/23 at Conneaut Lake, sightings included REDHEADS, CANVASBACKS (CN).
In an unspecified rural/private location on 2/24, 1 SHORT-EARED OWL (CN).
ERIE COUNTY:
On 2/24 at Presque Isle, 1 MERLIN, 26 HORNED LARKS; on 2/26, 1 MERLIN (JM).
FOREST COUNTY:
On 2/24 in Tionesta, 1 RUSTY BLACKBIRD (FM).
MERCER COUNTY:
On 2/22 in Transfer, RED-HEADED WOODPECKER; on 2/23, 1 COMMON REDPOLL, 2 RED-HEADED WOODPECKERS; through 3/1, 1 COMMON REDPOLL continues (KS).
In an unspecified location on 2/26, 1 SHORT-EARED OWL (KS).
VENANGO COUNTY:
In Oil City on 2/24, 80 REDHEADS (JS).
On 2/26 in an unspecified private location, 3 SANDHILL CRANES, 7 NORTHERN PINTAILS (JS).
Observation start time: 09:45:00 Observation end time: 12:00:00 Total observation time: 2.25 hours
Official Counter: Jerry McWilliams
Observers:
Visitors: none
Weather: Clear most of the time, with WSW wind early then becoming WNW later. Quite windy with temps. reaching the low 40s F
Raptor Observations: One local Cooper's Hawk. Just a trickle of vultures and red-tails all flying low before the wind shift shutting the lake flight off.
Non-raptor Observations: American Crow 80, Red-winged Blackbird 50, House Sparrow 8, European Starling 75, Ring-billed Gull 12, Killdeer 1, Horned Lark 4, Canada Goose 70, Rock Pigeon 8
Predictions: colder with NW wind and a chance of snow. No flight likely.
Jerry McWilliamsErie, Erie County, <Pa.jerrymcw...>
Date: 3/3/21 10:07 am From: Margaret <bcoriole...> Subject: Greater White-fronted Goose still present in Armstrong Co.
The Greater White-fronted Goose is still present at Keystone Reservoir
in Armstrong Co. It is best seen from the shallow end of the lake.
From Indiana, take US 422 toward Elderton. Turn right on Rt 210.
Drive toward Bailey Road. directly across from Bailey is a dirt road.
Proceed down that road carefully; it is muddy. Park and look to your
left. It was among the geese on the left.
Date: 3/3/21 6:43 am From: Ian Gardner <gardnie07...> Subject: Common Redpoll - Miller’s Gap, Cumberland/Perry Co.
Yesterday, I went for a short midday hike at Miller’s Gap, which is a small
dip in the southern-most ridge in the Kittatinny Mtns. There’s still plenty
of snow up there, particularly on the north side of the ridge, which made
hiking quietly an issue. Right when I got out of my car I could hear a
finch calling as it flew over my head. By the raspy, yet musical quality
(and by checking by playback on my phone immediately after) I could tell it
was a Common Redpoll, which are moving around the area right now,
particularly in NW PA. It flew along the ridge to the west so I proceeded
that direction to try to get a look at it if it landed. The Black Birches
along the ridges have been full of ripe cones, which is their preferred
food source, since last fall.
About 100 yards down the trail/road I flushed a Ruffed Grouse from the
forest edge. It's been so long since I've seen or heard a Ruffed Grouse
(3.5 years to be exact) that I didn't recognize it was a grouse at first.
My first reaction was, "Woah, that was a big dove!" Obviously this bird was
much larger and made more noise without the musical "wing twitter" that
doves make during liftoff. To confirm the sighting I went over to where it
flew from and saw the diagnostic close-set, single file tracks they make
when walking along the forest floor. Ruffed Grouse have been declining
throughout Pennsylvania since 2000 due largely to West Nile Virus, but the
decline has been particularly sharp everywhere but Northwestern PA. I
remember flushing family groups of up to a dozen grouse while doing field
work in Allegheny National Forest in early summer 2013.
I continued down the road and cut over to the Darlington Trail, in Perry
County. The mature birches were full of cones and catkins, swaying in the
wind. Despite my feet crunching through the brittle snow I could hear
another single redpoll calling, single notes and slurred nasal calls, above
me. Again, I never saw it. And besides a few Dark-eyed Juncos, and distant
Blue Jay and White-breasted Nuthatch, I didn't see or hear any other birds.
Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch State College, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Mar 02, 2021 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Non-raptor Observations: C Grackle-7, RW Blackbird-2, BE-1 Local, Raven-2
Predictions: Sun, high of 50, W wind ======================================================================== Report submitted by Sean McLaughlin (<celticsean21...>) Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch information may be found at: tusseymountainspringhawkwatch.org/
Predictions: Clear with NW winds ======================================================================== Report submitted by Jim Rocco (<jd.jh.rocco...>)
Date: 3/2/21 2:27 pm From: K Springer <springer0707...> Subject: Rusty Blackbird & Common Redpoll - MERCER COUNTY
I was watching a group of several hundred blackbirds (cowbirds, grackles, starlings, red-winged blackbirds) and found a lone, male Rusty Blackbird. Something scared them all away, but it fortunately stayed and stood on a corn stalk stubble for quite a while. Very unreal that it stayed all alone. I was able to get a few pics for eBird, but the sun was glaring. Although 1 picture was okay, you can still see some of the rusty coloration on it's back. This was located on Cannery Road - New Wilmington area.
My yardbird is still present in Transfer, PA - Common Redpoll.
Date: 3/2/21 8:36 am From: Stanley C Stahl <000000ccb896003a-dmarc-request...> Subject: Greater White-fronted Goose, Lancaster County
This morning, at Woods Edge Park, along S. Centerville Rd., there was one Greater White-fronted Goose among 2-3 hundred Snow Geese and A few Canada Geese, and a few ducks.Stanley Stahl
Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch State College, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Mar 01, 2021 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Non-raptor Observations: RW Blackbird-2, C Grackle-1, D Woodpecker-1
Predictions: Sunny, high 37, winds continue from WNW ======================================================================== Report submitted by Sean McLaughlin (<celticsean21...>) Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch information may be found at: tusseymountainspringhawkwatch.org/
Date: 3/1/21 2:55 pm From: Susan Braun <braun3112...> Subject: Hoary Redpoll continues in Centre Co.
A Hoary Redpoll continues to be seen as of today in Park Forest Village in State College, PA. It has been seen daily since Dec 29. At first, it was only feeding on chipped sunflower seeds I scattered on the porch floor. For the last month, it has been using the porch feeders. This has made the bird a lot easier to see from the public sidewalk and street.
I usually see the HORE before I go to work and if I'm home, I'll see it a couple times a day. It doesn't seem to be bothered by me (or my dog) going in and out the front door. A couple times, it showed up right after I filled the feeders or when I pulled the car in the driveway and walked in the house. It continues to be a pleasure to host this bird and I've enjoyed meeting many of the birders who came to see it.
I've also really enjoyed doing some birding outreach. Many neighbors, dog walkers, delivery drivers, mail people, the folks who pick up my garbage and recycling, shovel my snow and plow the road have inquired about what is going on when they see people with binoculars, cameras and scopes lining the sidewalk (I did notify township police and the neighborhood using a social app). I tell them what birders are looking for and explain why it is so unusual to see it here in central PA (thank you to all the visiting birders who talked to my neighbors when they inquired). Most don't get to see it but some stop back and say "I googled the bird, that is so cool." If they see me walking my dog, they'll ask if the rare bird is still here. I've had so much gratification sharing this experience. My only regret is I didn't put out a book for people to sign.
Observation start time: 10:00:00 Observation end time: 14:30:00 Total observation time: 4.5 hours
Official Counter: Deb Bodenschatz
Observers:
Visitors: Closed to visitors for now
Weather: Temps hung around freezing all day with 15-25 mph NW/WNW wind in the morning. Winds increased after 1:30 to 25-35 mph. Heavy cloud until about 1:30 with heavy fog and haze in the valley until then.
Raptor Observations: The only raptors observed were all going South. They were 2 Red-tailed Hawks, 1 adult Bald Eagle which appeared to be heading to Shawnee (1:34) and 3 Turkey Vultures
Non-raptor Observations: 1 Pileated Woodpecker and 6 crows
Predictions: Mostly sunny with W wind at 12-20 mph. A high temperature of 2 C expected ======================================================================== Report submitted by Deb Bodenschatz (<debbiebodenschatz...>)
Observation start time: 12:00:00 Observation end time: 12:30:00 Total observation time: 0.5 hours
Official Counter: Jerry McWilliams
Observers:
Visitors: none
Weather: Cloudy and cold with a strong WNW wind
Raptor Observations: one local and only one migrant Red-tailed Hawk
Non-raptor Observations: Blue Jay 1. American Crow 7, Rock Pigeon 21, Mourning Dove 1, European Starling 5, Ring-billed Gull 2, Mallard 2
Predictions: More sun, but still cold, maybe a SW wind which might move a bird or two. Just let everyone know, I have moved the primary hawk watch site from the parking lot up to the old bait shop, which now belongs to DCNR. This move is only about 150 yards or so to the south, which gives us more sky and elevation.
Jerry McWilliamsErie, Erie County, <a.jerrymcw...>
Date: 3/1/21 8:59 am From: Rick Robinson <0000016d4ce2428a-dmarc-request...> Subject: Tundra Swans, Chambers Lake, Chester County
Since Feb 25, there have been between (4) and (16) tundra swan using the ice and small open area of the lake. At 11:43am, today, (16) swan lifted off heading south initially. The group made two full, small circles, apparently to get their bearings ?, then straightened out and flew NNW. As viewed from my "home office", the event was majestic: a beautiful sight to see, and migration there to witness. Rick RobinsonChester County
Date: 3/1/21 5:01 am From: Linda Widdop <linda...> Subject: Re: Yellow Bellied Sapsucker Levittown Bucks County
Ironically, I too had the first Sapsucker of the year in my yard in Abington, Montco on Sunday. We also still have 2 Pine Siskins that occasionally show up at the feeder, 2 American Tree Sparrows and 1 Hermit Thrush along with the usual suspects.
-----Original Message-----
From: Bird discussion list for Pennsylvania <PABIRDS...> On Behalf Of Linda Rowan
Sent: Sunday, February 28, 2021 10:10 PM
To: <PABIRDS...>
Subject: [PABIRDS] Yellow Bellied Sapsucker Levittown Bucks County
EXTERNAL SENDER - Examine links closely before clicking on them and do not open unexpected attachments
On Sun. Feb. 21 we had our first Yellow Bellied Sapsucker of the season.
The last three days we have seen this male Sapsucker feeding on our Maple Trees.
It is amazing how long the bird can hang onto the tree sipping sap.
Date: 2/28/21 6:52 pm From: Margaret <bcoriole...> Subject: Greater White-fronted Goose in Armstrong Co.
Late this afternoon Roger and I found a Greater White-fronted Goose at
Keystone Reservoir along Rt. 210 in Armstrong Co. We spotted it from
the Amish boat launch at the shallow end of the lake. It was still
there at dusk.
Birding has to be the only hobby that involves visiting landfills. In
Pennsylvania, us birders typically do so to see rare gulls. In this case I
found out about an Iceland Gull that was seen a few weeks ago at the
Cumberland County Landfill. So my friend, Tony, and I decided to chase it
and make a double date out of it (a la Ken Kaufman) by inviting our
significant others along. To be fair, the focus of the evening was on
displaying woodcocks in a nearby marsh afterward (and thankfully we were
successful in that attempt).
We pulled up to the landfill on Booz Rd, which not surprisingly was
littered with empty cans.
Before we even stopped, my girlfriend, Jes, immediately pointed out a flock
of over a hundred Tundra Swans migrating north under the bright cloud
mosaic. We could hear their jumbled bugle calls once we stepped out of the
car. Red-winged Blackbirds, Northern Cardinals, and Mourning Doves were
singing too. A small flock of White-crowned Sparrows was foraging behind
the landfill fence. And ... no gulls whatsoever. We just had a few 50+
degree days and the snow is mostly melted so I’m sure the gulls have moved
on from here. But we managed to get a consolation prize for our efforts
because a flock of 48 Snow Buntings started swirling around the top of the
landfill “mountain”! At first they just looked like a loose flock of
finches, then we could see the large white wing patches. I snapped a few
photos for documentation. That’s absolutely the largest flock I’ve ever
seen in Pennsylvania. The Snow Bunting flock at the landfill flew around a
dozen large circles and eventually landed on the top of the “mountain” and
out of sight. A few more Tundra Swans were heard, then seen, and we drove
on to our main show for the night: Timberdoodle Dancing. 3 obliged us by
peenting, then spiraling up, twittering as they went, into the fading sky.
Date: 2/27/21 5:56 pm From: Dave Leibert <xdave...> Subject: Peregrine. Bethlehem, PA Northampton county
Howdy All,
Since its getting towards March I figured I would go over to Bethlehem and look for the resident peregrines. From the vantage point of the "park" (Ninski cemetery), I saw a male peregrine sitting on one of the blast furnaces. This bird flew up from a low position and landed on the railing near the top of #1.
I couldn't tell if this was Pale male, who was present last season . That individual had a light colored back that looked unusual in the late afternoon light. With this guy its back looked pretty dark around 1pm or so. I will return again soon to see if the female has showed up. Last tears resident female seemed to have a darker chest than what is normal for adults.
Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch State College, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Feb 27, 2021 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 14:45:00 Observation end time: 17:00:00 Total observation time: 2.25 hours
Official Counter: Nick Bolgiano
Observers: Bill Chambers
Weather: Overnight snow and rain began clearing mid-day, but clouds didn't lift on the ridge until 2:45. Wind W 8-12 mph, sky mostly overcast, temp 5-6C
Raptor Observations: RL: a light type
Non-raptor Observations: Eur. Starling-2, C. Redpoll-11, Red-winged Blackbird-8, C. Grackle-2
Predictions: rain most of the day, count unlikely ======================================================================== Report submitted by Nick Bolgiano (<nickbolgiano...>) Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch information may be found at: tusseymountainspringhawkwatch.org/
Date: 2/27/21 10:12 am From: Rich Rehrig <000000fa147293ff-dmarc-request...> Subject: Sandhill Crane - Beltzville State Park -Carbon County
Arrived early at BSP to find a Sandhill Crane on the ice at BSP. It was observed by 3 other birders to my knowledge, for about 45 minutes, until it flew east around 8:15am.
eBird checklist with photos can be viewed at the link below.
Date: 2/27/21 8:34 am From: Scott Godshall <godshallcs...> Subject: Western tanager visitation, Montgomery County
There is a Western tanager currently visiting a private feeder in Montgomery county. The homeowner wishes to limit the number of visitors at one time. Please email me at <godshallcs...> to arrange a visit. While the location was made known on several platforms, please DO NOT show up unannounced.
Date: 2/26/21 11:31 pm From: Cornelius Atwood <00000180414c0bee-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: The ethics of chasing rare birds
The first patient I ever observed with clubfoot (which was initially mistaken for a torn achilles tendon) also, incidentally, happened to be suffering from a severe case of Lupus. This was in 1984 and during my first year as an attending physician.This was also during the infant stages of our EMS system as we know it today, following a surge of interest and employment after the show "Emergency!" ran its course (is anyone else old enough to remember this show?), and many inspired people became EMT's and Paramedics soon thereafter. So I learned from one of the brand new, hapless-looking EMT's that the child was also living in squalor, which he relayed to me in the hall of the emergency department just as a nude man, in desperate need of evening out with a hefty dose of psychotropics and physical restraint, yelled from the neighboring hospital room about some incomprehensible nonsense relating to the government being the true conspirators behind the death of John Lennon. The man, still nude, then began fortifying his hospital room against the army of Sith insurgents coming to get him, commanded by "General George Lucas", as he put it. Amid the chaos, his scrotum became ensnared on a piece of metal on the corner of his hospital bed, which brought forth an entirely different set of problems to deal with. The EMT, still nervously babbling on with his report and transfer of care for the clubfooted child, looked at me with horror and suddenly became speechless--no words were to be found amid the sequence of events as they unfolded. I wondered what would become of this traumatized young man and his career in emergency medicine, and questioned whether this particular day would be his last. I never saw him again after that.
This spate of misfortune was reminiscent of the "double dip" of 1985, when my close friend and fellow bird enthusiast Dr. Robert A. Lichstein, MD, PhD paid for a private tour on Attu Island during the end of May following the explosive discovery of several mouth-watering Asian vagrants the preceding week, including both Mugimaki and Asian Brown Flycatchers. He missed every conceivable rarity, spent a boatload of cash and nearly died in the process when his float plane, piloted by some unlicensed jokester, flipped over and wrecked out. Undeterred, Dr. Lichstein proceeded to fly back east via Monterey, CA to try and twitch a Swallow-tailed Gull, which he also subsequently missed. I find just as much humor in it now as I did back then, some 35 years later.
Lupus is no laughing matter. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus is typically a chronic issue but can present acutely in a serious way, and sometimes mimics symptoms of very serious medical conditions, such as a myocardial infarction (from sharp chest pain or shortness of breath). It is also an autoimmune disease, and can be especially dangerous in the times of Covid-19, making mildly symptomatic disease severe, and a severely symptomatic disease potentially fatal. Be careful out there folks, especially when yinz are chasing after all these rare birds!
Dr. Cornelius Atwood, MD, FACEP (ret.)
Bobtown, PA
-----Original Message-----
From: Scott Godshall <godshallcs...>
To: <PABIRDS...>
Sent: Fri, Feb 26, 2021 6:40 pm
Subject: The ethics of chasing rare birds
Hello all,
Recently a rare bird was reported coming to someone's feeders. The sighting was put on eBird, including some pictures verifying the identity of the bird. The observer was new to eBird and did not realize the rarity of the sighting. For those of us that subscribe to the hourly Needs/Rare birds alerts we looked at our phones or computers - the location indicated that this bird was in someone's yard. Most of us filed this away, hoping that more details might come to light and maybe we'll have a chance to chase this bird. But for a select few birders, this alert was enough for them to rush to a quiet residential street and proceed to invade the homeowner's privacy.
Not only that, but it was broadcast on multiple social media outlets without any thought as to accessibility. Maybe some would argue that the homeowner shouldn't have put it on eBird if they didn't want it to be known. But this argument ignores the fact that the observer is very new to eBird and didn't appreciate the rarity of the sighting. So what a great introduction to the birding world! - you submit a sighting and less than two hours later you have people walking around your street, looking in your backyard with binoculars. I'd be surprised if this observer ever submits another eBird checklist.
As an eBird reviewer I contacted the observer to discuss accessibility. They had relatives in town and said that they were already uneasy with the attention this garnered. Despite this, they still may consider visitors at a future time. They're a lot more charitable about this than I would be. And by the way, the bird only appeared once and was not seen again.
This happens frequently of course. It actually happened fairly recently. Several observers were birding a residential street and "found" a bird that a homeowner had been trying to keep quiet. The list indicated that they were further down the street (or maybe on the next street over) from where the bird was actually occurring. They waited to submit their eBird checklists, but maybe by error or maybe intentionally they only waited six days to submit the list. You need to wait seven days to keep the list off of eBird alerts, which they likely knew.
If any of the birders that went looking for this bird today are on this list - shame on you. Just because a street is public doesn't mean that what you did is ethical or in the best interests of promoting birding and accessibility. It behooves all of us to behave responsibly as we all want access to rare birds. Maybe in the future some discretion should take priority over ticking a species off your state/county/year list.
Subject: Beaver County, eBird Report - Economy Borough, Feb 26, 2021
Two FOY Grackles stopped at the feeders for a few minutes this morning.
Karyn Delaney
Economy Borough Yard Birds, Beaver, Pennsylvania, US Feb 26, 2021 9:45 AM - 9:50 AM Protocol: Stationary 10 species
Wild Turkey 22 16 female in 1 flock; 6 male in another. Mourning Dove 3 Blue Jay 3 American Crow 1 Tufted Titmouse 1 Carolina Wren 1 House Sparrow 2 American Goldfinch 6 Common Grackle 2 FOY Northern Cardinal 6
Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch State College, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Feb 26, 2021 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Predictions: Rain, clearing by afternoon ======================================================================== Report submitted by Sean McLaughlin (<celticsean21...>) Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch information may be found at: tusseymountainspringhawkwatch.org/
Predictions: Morning showers ending after 12 noon. High of 47 degrees. AM wind out of the SE becoming WSW then W in afternoon. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Robert Stewart (<bob...>)
Date: 2/26/21 3:51 pm From: Scott Godshall <godshallcs...> Subject: The ethics of chasing rare birds
Hello all,
Recently a rare bird was reported coming to someone's feeders. The sighting was put on eBird, including some pictures verifying the identity of the bird. The observer was new to eBird and did not realize the rarity of the sighting. For those of us that subscribe to the hourly Needs/Rare birds alerts we looked at our phones or computers - the location indicated that this bird was in someone's yard. Most of us filed this away, hoping that more details might come to light and maybe we'll have a chance to chase this bird. But for a select few birders, this alert was enough for them to rush to a quiet residential street and proceed to invade the homeowner's privacy.
Not only that, but it was broadcast on multiple social media outlets without any thought as to accessibility. Maybe some would argue that the homeowner shouldn't have put it on eBird if they didn't want it to be known. But this argument ignores the fact that the observer is very new to eBird and didn't appreciate the rarity of the sighting. So what a great introduction to the birding world! - you submit a sighting and less than two hours later you have people walking around your street, looking in your backyard with binoculars. I'd be surprised if this observer ever submits another eBird checklist.
As an eBird reviewer I contacted the observer to discuss accessibility. They had relatives in town and said that they were already uneasy with the attention this garnered. Despite this, they still may consider visitors at a future time. They're a lot more charitable about this than I would be. And by the way, the bird only appeared once and was not seen again.
This happens frequently of course. It actually happened fairly recently. Several observers were birding a residential street and "found" a bird that a homeowner had been trying to keep quiet. The list indicated that they were further down the street (or maybe on the next street over) from where the bird was actually occurring. They waited to submit their eBird checklists, but maybe by error or maybe intentionally they only waited six days to submit the list. You need to wait seven days to keep the list off of eBird alerts, which they likely knew.
If any of the birders that went looking for this bird today are on this list - shame on you. Just because a street is public doesn't mean that what you did is ethical or in the best interests of promoting birding and accessibility. It behooves all of us to behave responsibly as we all want access to rare birds. Maybe in the future some discretion should take priority over ticking a species off your state/county/year list.
Date: 2/26/21 10:54 am From: Amy Taracido <amytaracido...> Subject: RBA western Pennsylvania, 22 February 2021
RBA
*Pennsylvania
*Pittsburgh and western Pennsylvania
*PAWE02.22.21
Highlights:
COMMON REDPOLL (Mercer County)
Contributors: Tom & Nancy Moeller, Kim Springer, Jerry Stanley.
Compiler: Amy Taracido
Monday, 15 February 2021 through Monday, 22 February 2021
**This report is distributed by e-mail only. Compiler is not responsible for errors on websites who reproduce/reprint these reports. If you would like to receive western PA RBAs, contact AMYTARACIDO@ YAHOO.COM
Transcript-
NOTES: TUNDRA SWAN, SCAUP SP. continue to be reported.
ALLEGHENY COUNTY:
On 2/19 at Duck Hollow, sightings included 2 CANVASBACKS, 11 REDHEADS (TM).
MERCER COUNTY:
On 2/17, 2/20, and 2/22 in Transfer, 1 COMMON REDPOLL (KS).
VENANGO COUNTY:
On 2/19 in Oil City, 28 REDHEADS, 5 CANVASBACKS, and others (JS).
In Franklin on 2/19, sightings included 50 COMMON GOLDENEYE (JS).
Date: 2/26/21 5:55 am From: Alan Buriak <a_buriak...> Subject: Trumpeter Swans - Armstrong County
Hello all,
The continuing young Trumpeter Swan pair continues on the Allegheny River today at Manorville, Armstrong County. These two birds have been present now for at least 3 weeks and are most often found either at Rosston, along Ross Ave, or at Manorville.
Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch State College, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Feb 25, 2021 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 17:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Sean McLaughlin
Observers: Joe Gyekis, Laurie McLaughlin, Nick Bolgiano
Visitors: Laurie McLaughlin, 1 hiker
Weather: Sun, winds from WNW.
Raptor Observations: GE Ad(1155), Unk(1506)
Non-raptor Observations: C. Redpoll-10, C. Raven-6, Can. Goose-2
Predictions: Sun, winds S/SE ======================================================================== Report submitted by Sean McLaughlin (<celticsean21...>) Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch information may be found at: tusseymountainspringhawkwatch.org/
Lambert MT road is very icy as you start up the grade, and the ice where you turn to the gate is very thick.
Predictions: Mostly sunny, SE winds with moderate gusts in afternoon, high near 2 C. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Dave Poder (<avions...>)
Date: 2/25/21 12:16 pm From: Barry E. Blust <barryblust...> Subject: Rusty Blackbirds and Increasing Waterfowl Numbers - Chester County
Yesterday I birded a few spots including Kimberton Ponds. I went there for Rusty Blackbird and wasn't disappointed. I had 18 of them. Photos can be seen in this ebird list: https://ebird.org/pa/checklist/S82278122
I was at Marsh Creek Lake yesterday and again today. There was a noticeable increase in numbers of waterfowl in the interim. And today there were three Bald Eagles on the ice. I've never seen that many on the lake before. Here's a partial list of what was seen. For a full list and a few eagle photos see the ebird list here: https://ebird.org/pa/checklist/email?subID=S82321468
Canada Goose 49 Wood Duck 13 American Wigeon 62 Mallard 23 American Black Duck 10 Northern Pintail 142 Redhead 16 Ring-necked Duck 200 Bufflehead 7 Hooded Merganser 16 Common Merganser 272 Ruddy Duck 25
Barry E. Blust 21 Rabbit Run Lane Glenmoore, PA Upper Uwchlan Township, Chester County <BarryBlust...> <mailto:<BarryBlust...>
"When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the Universe." -- John Muir
Date: 2/25/21 11:26 am From: Flo McGuire <0000012aa4a9581f-dmarc-request...> Subject: Rusty Blackbird, Forest County
A Rusty Blackbird was foraging under our hemlock tree yesterday. One had been seen from Jan. 25 thru Feb. 7, but not noticed again until yesterday, Feb. 24. Our property is about three acres of lawn, gardens, shrubbery and trees (including a lot of native plants) and we are near the Allegheny National Forest, at about 1600' elevation. Not Rusty Blackbird habitat, but it is a joy to see this unusual species here.
Our Evening Grosbeaks have been sporadic - we last saw seven on Feb. 21.
Pine Siskins do not show up on the RBA for Forest County, but they were regular here from the end of November thru Feb. 7. We haven't noticed one since then.
Date: 2/25/21 9:41 am From: Rich Rehrig <000000fa147293ff-dmarc-request...> Subject: Mini-fallout of Ducks (10 species) - Beltzville State Park - Carbon County
Arrived early at BSP to find a nice mixed group of ducks near the shoreline at the swimming beach. Nothing rare, but the largest numbers seen here thus far for 2021. eBird checklist can be viewed at the link below.
eBird Checklist - 25 Feb 2021 - Beltzville SP - 27 species
Date: 2/24/21 4:42 pm From: Paul Heveran <birdmeister.paul...> Subject: Rumblings of spring, plus a 2 eagle yard showing! - Montgomery & Lehigh Cos.
Hello PA Birders,
In a predictable but enjoyable way, today's warmth and sunshine brought a change in the air as far as avian life.
DeSales University's retention areas held a scouting Red-winged Blackbird this morning, and local birdsong was all over the place.
I stopped at Green Lane Reservoir at lunch and had a surprising 44 species. New ones included Wood Duck and Killdeer, and birdsong was again in full force here. https://ebird.org/checklist/S82268430
The weather was simply too nice to stay inside at home, so I stepped out to sit for an hour and watch the sky. Not 3 minutes in, the local mockingbird looked straight up to reveal a sky-high Bald Eagle migrating on the southwest winds. A few gulls followed, but the real excitement came when an adult GOLDEN EAGLE passed over the yard with a migrant Red-shouldered Hawk! Now is when Goldens begin their migration, but I was still thrilled to have an adult off-ridge. I managed to get an identifiable photo of this rarity before it was gone. https://ebird.org/checklist/S82279588
Almost all of Green Lane Reservoir remains frozen, but the forecast mild temperatures should chip away at that.
Hope many of you folks can get out for a bit to enjoy the fresh air, even if it's just your yard.
Observation start time: 13:00:00 Observation end time: 14:30:00 Total observation time: 1.5 hours
Official Counter: Bob Stewart
Observers: Jim Rocco
Visitors: None. Observor: Jim Rocco The hawk watch is accessible by vehicle. Both Lambert Mtn Road and the hawk watch lane are now plowed. Lambert Mtn Road has a base layer of soft slushy snow that could make driving very icy when night time temps plunge.
The watch will remain closed to visitors for the spring count until further notice. Covid precautions are to be followed. The gate will remain closed.
Weather: Sunny. Warm 50 degrees F. Wind 5-10 mph out of the SE. Visibility 42 km.
Raptor Observations: 2 BE adults: 1:05 PM; 1:13 PM. 1 GE Adult flying south (not counted). 1 RT flying south not counted.
Non-raptor Observations: raven
Predictions: Colder with AM clouds and sunshine in the afternoon. High temp oif 35 degrees F. Wind from the WNW at 10-20 mph. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Robert Stewart (<bob...>)
Ann C. Pettigrew, V.M.D.
York, PA
<rook185...>
www.pbase.com/rook185
“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.”
― Mahatma Gandhi
> On Feb 23, 2021, at 11:49 AM, Main <kaufmanlisa18...> wrote:
>
> So every time I opened the app starting yesterday, it booted me. I had tried deleting, reinstalling, rebooting etc etc to no avail BUT was able to fix the problem this morning with a friend’s suggestion. I deleted the app, went to the App Store and opened the description, then scrolled down to app support, opened that and went to eBird troubleshooting, and opened eBird mobile troubleshooting. Then I went to 1. Update the app and clicked the link for my device. That worked! Even though mine had been set to update automatically and said it was up to date, this fixed the problem!
> Good luck and bird on!
> Lisa
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
>> On Feb 23, 2021, at 11:25 AM, Ann Pettigrew <rook185...> wrote:
>>
>> I was able to add several lists last night with no problem. Have you tried contacting Cornell?
>>
>> Ann C. Pettigrew, V.M.D.
>> York, PA
>> <rook185...>
>> www.pbase.com/rook185
>>
>> “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.”
>> ― Mahatma Gandhi
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>>> On Feb 23, 2021, at 10:03 AM, K Springer <springer0707...> wrote:
>>>
>>> Hi. Same here. I cannot get the app to work. I cannot get locations to load
>>> even though I have my location turned on... I have deleted and reinstalled
>>> the app at least four times. I sent eBird an email, received a reply, tried
>>> to do exactly what they specified, but still it will not work.
>>> Unfortunately, I have deleted it and am not using it!
>>>
>>> Happy birding,
>>> Kim Springer
>>>
>>>> On Mon, Feb 22, 2021, 8:25 PM Marcy Cunkelman <plant4nature...>
>>>> wrote:
>>>>
>>>> Hi all,
>>>> Wondering if anyone else can’t get the eBird up to put in Data. Tried
>>>> loading but kicked off. Thanks,
>>>> Marcy Cunkelman, ind co.
>>>>
>>>> Sent from my iPhone
A light-morph Rough-legged Hawk has been hanging around the intersection of Greytown Hills Rd. and Hwy. 408 just east of Cambridge Springs. It's been there for several days now.
Date: 2/23/21 4:07 pm From: Yahoo Mail <000000b169997ab9-dmarc-request...> Subject: Pair of Bald Eagles along Juniata River
Observed a pair of bald eagles at a nest site along the Juniata River today. One was sitting low in the nest, the other was sitting on a nearby tree limb. The nest can be seen from Rt 22-322 westbound at the "1/2 mile to Midway" highway sign.Sandy LockermanHarrisburg, Dauphin Co.
Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch State College, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Feb 23, 2021 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Predictions: Warmer and sunny, winds from S/SSW ======================================================================== Report submitted by Sean McLaughlin (<celticsean21...>) Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch information may be found at: tusseymountainspringhawkwatch.org/
Hi all,
I was able to put yesterday’s data in today. No problem today. Was frustrating, since it’s a daily routine.
Thanks,
Marcy
Sent from my iPhone
> On Feb 23, 2021, at 11:49 AM, Main <kaufmanlisa18...> wrote:
>
> So every time I opened the app starting yesterday, it booted me. I had tried deleting, reinstalling, rebooting etc etc to no avail BUT was able to fix the problem this morning with a friend’s suggestion. I deleted the app, went to the App Store and opened the description, then scrolled down to app support, opened that and went to eBird troubleshooting, and opened eBird mobile troubleshooting. Then I went to 1. Update the app and clicked the link for my device. That worked! Even though mine had been set to update automatically and said it was up to date, this fixed the problem!
> Good luck and bird on!
> Lisa
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
>> On Feb 23, 2021, at 11:25 AM, Ann Pettigrew <rook185...> wrote:
>>
>> I was able to add several lists last night with no problem. Have you tried contacting Cornell?
>>
>> Ann C. Pettigrew, V.M.D.
>> York, PA
>> <rook185...>
>> www.pbase.com/rook185
>>
>> “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.”
>> ― Mahatma Gandhi
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>>> On Feb 23, 2021, at 10:03 AM, K Springer <springer0707...> wrote:
>>>
>>> Hi. Same here. I cannot get the app to work. I cannot get locations to load
>>> even though I have my location turned on... I have deleted and reinstalled
>>> the app at least four times. I sent eBird an email, received a reply, tried
>>> to do exactly what they specified, but still it will not work.
>>> Unfortunately, I have deleted it and am not using it!
>>>
>>> Happy birding,
>>> Kim Springer
>>>
>>>> On Mon, Feb 22, 2021, 8:25 PM Marcy Cunkelman <plant4nature...>
>>>> wrote:
>>>>
>>>> Hi all,
>>>> Wondering if anyone else can’t get the eBird up to put in Data. Tried
>>>> loading but kicked off. Thanks,
>>>> Marcy Cunkelman, ind co.
>>>>
>>>> Sent from my iPhone
Date: 2/23/21 8:49 am From: Main <kaufmanlisa18...> Subject: FIXED!! Re: [PABIRDS] EBird app problem!
So every time I opened the app starting yesterday, it booted me. I had tried deleting, reinstalling, rebooting etc etc to no avail BUT was able to fix the problem this morning with a friend’s suggestion. I deleted the app, went to the App Store and opened the description, then scrolled down to app support, opened that and went to eBird troubleshooting, and opened eBird mobile troubleshooting. Then I went to 1. Update the app and clicked the link for my device. That worked! Even though mine had been set to update automatically and said it was up to date, this fixed the problem!
Good luck and bird on!
Lisa
Sent from my iPhone
> On Feb 23, 2021, at 11:25 AM, Ann Pettigrew <rook185...> wrote:
>
> I was able to add several lists last night with no problem. Have you tried contacting Cornell?
>
> Ann C. Pettigrew, V.M.D.
> York, PA
> <rook185...>
> www.pbase.com/rook185
>
> “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.”
> ― Mahatma Gandhi
>
>
>
>
>> On Feb 23, 2021, at 10:03 AM, K Springer <springer0707...> wrote:
>>
>> Hi. Same here. I cannot get the app to work. I cannot get locations to load
>> even though I have my location turned on... I have deleted and reinstalled
>> the app at least four times. I sent eBird an email, received a reply, tried
>> to do exactly what they specified, but still it will not work.
>> Unfortunately, I have deleted it and am not using it!
>>
>> Happy birding,
>> Kim Springer
>>
>>> On Mon, Feb 22, 2021, 8:25 PM Marcy Cunkelman <plant4nature...>
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>> Hi all,
>>> Wondering if anyone else can’t get the eBird up to put in Data. Tried
>>> loading but kicked off. Thanks,
>>> Marcy Cunkelman, ind co.
>>>
>>> Sent from my iPhone
Date: 2/23/21 8:42 am From: K Springer <springer0707...> Subject: Common Redpoll, Red-headed Woodpeckers... - MERCER COUNTY
Transfer, PA:
I had a Common Redpoll yesterday and today at one of my feeders.
I have 2 Red-headed Woodpeckers that are chasing each other from my feeder. Yesterday and today, an immature first winter Red-headed Woodpecker has been visiting my feeder frequently! This may not be rare, but in Mercer County it seems as though we only have about a dozen sites where these Woodpeckers can be found.
A male and female Eastern Bluebird are checking out my nest boxes.
I can see a lot of waterfowl flying off of and landing down on to the Shenango Reservoir which my house overlooks - also an adult Bald Eagle was flying above...
Date: 2/23/21 8:25 am From: Ann Pettigrew <rook185...> Subject: Re: EBird app problem!
I was able to add several lists last night with no problem. Have you tried contacting Cornell?
Ann C. Pettigrew, V.M.D.
York, PA
<rook185...>
www.pbase.com/rook185
“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.”
― Mahatma Gandhi
> On Feb 23, 2021, at 10:03 AM, K Springer <springer0707...> wrote:
>
> Hi. Same here. I cannot get the app to work. I cannot get locations to load
> even though I have my location turned on... I have deleted and reinstalled
> the app at least four times. I sent eBird an email, received a reply, tried
> to do exactly what they specified, but still it will not work.
> Unfortunately, I have deleted it and am not using it!
>
> Happy birding,
> Kim Springer
>
>> On Mon, Feb 22, 2021, 8:25 PM Marcy Cunkelman <plant4nature...>
>> wrote:
>>
>> Hi all,
>> Wondering if anyone else can’t get the eBird up to put in Data. Tried
>> loading but kicked off. Thanks,
>> Marcy Cunkelman, ind co.
>>
>> Sent from my iPhone
Date: 2/23/21 7:02 am From: K Springer <springer0707...> Subject: Re: EBird app problem!
Hi. Same here. I cannot get the app to work. I cannot get locations to load
even though I have my location turned on... I have deleted and reinstalled
the app at least four times. I sent eBird an email, received a reply, tried
to do exactly what they specified, but still it will not work.
Unfortunately, I have deleted it and am not using it!
Happy birding,
Kim Springer
On Mon, Feb 22, 2021, 8:25 PM Marcy Cunkelman <plant4nature...>
wrote:
> Hi all,
> Wondering if anyone else can’t get the eBird up to put in Data. Tried
> loading but kicked off. Thanks,
> Marcy Cunkelman, ind co.
>
> Sent from my iPhone
Date: 2/22/21 7:05 pm From: Robin and Daniel Zmoda <robinanddanielz...> Subject: Corvid conquest, Northamton County
I little late, but Sunday I had a four corvid day at home. Blue Jays were at the feeder, crows were mobbing something out of sight and I had first of year Raven and Fish Crow.
AM Crows and Jays are obviously common here, but Ravens have been seen regularly since the early 00's. Fish Crows have made appearances on and off for the last five years. I've had them all as yard birds for the year, but never on a single day. Sometimes the local landfill works some magic. Also had three Tree Sparrows in the yard as well as a Sapsucker in the neighbor's tree.
Date: 2/22/21 6:21 pm From: Main <kaufmanlisa18...> Subject: Re: EBird
Same. It’s the app that won’t work. I can still report on my phone if I load the website on my browser. I’ve tried multiple times deleting and reinstalling the app, and turning phone off and restarting. Oh well!
Sent from my iPhone
> On Feb 22, 2021, at 8:25 PM, Marcy Cunkelman <plant4nature...> wrote:
>
> Hi all,
> Wondering if anyone else can’t get the eBird up to put in Data. Tried loading but kicked off. Thanks,
> Marcy Cunkelman, ind co.
>
> Sent from my iPhone
Date: 2/21/21 4:49 pm From: Chris Blazo <000000a22b6b5249-dmarc-request...> Subject: Franklin County Winter
Hello all. I have had some amazing key species this winter. What an interesting start and I’m eager to see how far it goes. Along with the usual species I’ve had:
I actually saw the parula during a snow storm on January 31st. Those are two things I never thought I’d ever see together. What a wonderful start to hopefully a wonderful year. With so many great anomalies I felt l had to share.
Date: 2/20/21 8:53 am From: linda & bill franz <00000021c311e447-dmarc-request...> Subject: Hermit Thrush - Cumberland County
I was surprised to see a Hermit Thrush in a line of cedartrees in the backyard of our suburban home. The bird actually jumped out from the middle of the tree to get closer atme. I had an unobstructed view as it staredat me and fluttered its wings and lowered and raised its tail. I was further surprised when it flew hoveringat the end of the cedar branches gleaning food just like a kinglet woulddo. I smiled to watch thissoftball-sized bird gracefully flycatching. Later in the day I was rewarded with a second look. This time it scampered on the ground doing thetypical thrush behavior of hopping, looking, and hopping againBill Franz / Newville
Date: 2/20/21 6:33 am From: Rob Blye <rwblye...> Subject: SKY DANCE
I lifted most of this passage from Tom Lake, Consulting Naturalist for the
NY DEC. It is the best description of eagle *sky dance* behavior I have
ever read. Carol and I witnessed this spectacle several times over our
little farm on the mighty Schuylkill River in northern Chester County,
Pennsylvania. I rewrote Tom's account from the Hudson River to reflect our
experiences on the Schuylkill. We have seen similar behavior by the eagle
pair on Herring Creek in Sussex County, Delaware.
"Two adult bald eagles were pirouetting a couple hundred feet over the
Schuylkill River above Hidden River Farm. They made fast passes by each
other, near misses by a feather’s width. Then, there were the usual wing
touches before talon grabbing and dropping into what looked like a death
spiral heading toward a river floor of shallow water and exposed rock.
It was eagle courtship. (This may have been the mated pair from nearby
eagle nests recently reported in Phoenixville.) This aerial performance of
grace, daring, and symmetry is usually performed by breeding pairs in the
days and weeks before the late-winter nesting season. We have
euphemistically called this “sky dancing.”
On an early spring dawn several years ago, we watched a pair of eagles
shadow each other over the icy water with loop-de-loops and wing-touches.
At the apex of a long arc in the sky, they locked talons–one turned on its
back in the air, the other mirrored it from above–and they went into a
free-fall for more than a hundred feet before releasing and flaring out
over the ice. A ritual of trust.
At the climax of each acrobatic move, they fell away in synchronized
flight—flap-flap-glide—both wheeling and banking away in perfect form. It
was like an exquisite ballet performance. At times they flew so close to
each other that they cast only one shadow, drifting across the landscape.
Their effortless yet powerful wing beats moved them through the air as a
single bird, communicating more through instinct than any utterance."
*wear a mask, wash your hands, keep your distance*
*Rob*
Robert W. Blye
34603 Doe Run
Lewes DE 19958-3332
302 945-8618
610 213-2413 mobile
Date: 2/19/21 11:43 am From: Regina Brubaker <reginabrubaker1996...> Subject: Snow Buntings, Dauphin Co.
Our farm has been blessed with Horned Larks these snowy days. And today we were privileged to find a few Snow Buntings mixed with the crowd of larks. Happy birding!
Date: 2/18/21 3:56 pm From: DAVID KOCH <0000012d74227426-dmarc-request...> Subject: Owl/Red-shouldered hawk comments, Koch property, Northampton County
At 6 pm tonight as it was quickly darkening outside and sleet was still falling a short-eared owl flew across the edge of the back yard. it's been years since I've seen one here, although about 20 years ago one flew in and roosted in the front yard for the day. I remember waking up my husband David, who was working nights at the time, to show him and he opened his eyes, walked to the window, said, "that's nice," and went right back to bed. A juvenile red-shouldered hawk has been around for several weeks and often comes into the yard. But while it strafes the sparrows feeding on the ground when it comes in and they all immediately fly away, they don't go far or disappear like they do when accipiters or falcons arrive. And they start feeding again almost immediately even if the shoulder is sitting right above them in a tree or atop a snag or the telephone pole in the driveway. Then eventually it just leaves. Sparrow numbers are still high - ten species in all including 75+ juncos continue daily. For some reason a swamp and a chipping sparrow like to feed right outside the deck door instead of a little further away on the deck snowpile like many of the others do. And today one of the fox sparrows was in a planter's box on the windowsill outside the bathroom window. I continue to look for a "really rare" one but that probably won't happen, which is fine. Good birding to all.
Arlene Koch Easton, PA Northampton County <davilene...>
Date: 2/17/21 11:40 am From: JFoulke <000000e096e748ef-dmarc-request...> Subject: Bucks County Birders Feb 23 Mtg: Deer Impact in Bird Habitats
When walking through parks and forested areas In southeastern PA and New Jersey, we sometimes wonder if we are birding or "deering." Many prime birding habitats look quite different than they did 20 or more years ago. As suburbia sprawls, deer are adapting to this man-made landscape, not always with beneficial results. Please join Bucks County Birders, co-sponsored with Bucks County Audubon, on February 23 at 7pm for a Zoom presentation by Dr. Jay F. Kelly who will present his findings on the impact of deer and invasive species on forest under-stories.
Since 2014, Dr. Kelly and his students studied more than 250 forests in northern NJ, documenting how forest under-stories have changed since the mid-20th century when deer and invasive plant populations were much lower. They also studied the effectiveness of different strategies for forest restoration and improving forest conditions over time, including deer exclosures, hunting programs, prescribed burning, and native plantings. This research equips local communities with information needed to understand these important issues and what can be done to address them.
Jay F. Kelly, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor of Biology and Environmental Science at Raritan Valley Community College, where he teaches ecology, botany, zoology and environmental science. He holds a BA in Biology and a PhD in Ecology & Evolution from Rutgers University. His research interests are the biology and conservation of rare plant and animal species, coastal and forest ecology, plastic marine debris and designing and implementing land management practices that balance the needs of humans with other species in the landscape. Dr. Kelly develops community-based research projects and partnerships that benefit both his students and the communities they serve. He received a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition for his research and service in 2010.
For a Zoom link, please email <bucksbirders...> Hope you'll be joining us.
Date: 2/17/21 8:24 am From: Amy Taracido <amytaracido...> Subject: RBA western Pennsylvania, 15 February 2021
RBA
*Pennsylvania
*Pittsburgh and western Pennsylvania
*PAWE02.15.21
Highlights:
CLAY-COLORED SPARROW (Indiana County)
Contributors: John Flannigan, Margaret Higbee, Jerry Stanley.
Compiler: Amy Taracido
Monday, 8 February 2021 through Monday, 15 February 2021
**This report is distributed by e-mail only. Compiler is not responsible for errors on websites who reproduce/reprint these reports. If you would like to receive western PA RBAs, contact AMYTARACIDO@ YAHOO.COM
Transcript-
NOTES: TUNDRA SWAN continues to be reported.
INDIANA COUNTY:
Near Shelocta on 2/12, CLAY-COLORED SPARROW, FOX SPARROW (MH).
VENANGO COUNTY:
On 2/14 in Oil City, 33 REDHEADS, 2 CANVASBACKS, 13 COMMON GOLDENEYE, and others (JS).
In Franklin on 2/14, 12 COMMON GOLDENEYE (JS).
WASHINGTON COUNTY:
On 2/10 on the Monongahela river in the Fredericktown/Millsboro area, 11 waterfowl species including REDHEADS (JF).
This afternoon during an intense snow squall, an unusually large flock of 200-225 American Crows flew westbound over my parent's house in Clear Run. Dan Richards Treasure Lake
Date: 2/13/21 7:27 am From: Tom and Nancy Moeller <thosjmoel...> Subject: Waterfowl - Duck Hollow, Allegheny County
Nancy Moeller and I stopped at Duck Hollow about 5:20pm on February 12, 2021. Cold, overcast with slight drizzle as darkness came in. During a 40-minute stay we observed the following birds:
6 Canada Geese
20+ Mallard
1 Ring-necked Duck (drake)
8 Scaup sp. (4 drakes, 4 hens) [too far upriver for positive ID]
4 Common Merganser (3 drakes, 1 hen)
9 Ruddy Duck
1,000+ Ring-billed Gull (scans and photos of gulls only revealed Ring-bills)
Date: 2/12/21 4:56 pm From: Paul Heveran <birdmeister.paul...> Subject: Late report: Eurasian Wigeon briefly at Green Lane Reservoir 2/5, Montgomery Co.
Hello PA Birders,
Among a group of wigeons at Green Lane Reservoir back on 2/5, one bird sported a rich cinnamon head and less contrast than the nearby female Americans. All the birds had disappeared in about 20 minutes and weren't seen again. I never got to see them in flight. Based on some reading and comments from a few very knowledgeable birders, I'm pretty confident this bird was a female or immature male Eurasian Wigeon.
Date: 2/12/21 11:29 am From: Feldstein, Steven B <sbf1...> Subject: Red Fox Sparrow/Slate-colored Fox Sparrow intergrade in State College
Hi Everyone,
There's been an interesting Fox Sparrow in mine and my neighbor's backyard here in State College for the past couple of days. This morning I had the opportunity to get very good looks at it through my binoculars and scope. To me, it looks like an intergrade between a Red Fox Sparrow and Slate-colored Fox Sparrow. (I have seen many individuals of both subspecies groups, but I have never seen an intergrade.) This confusing taxon, which is often referred to as altivagans, is often placed in the Slate-colored Fox Sparrow subspecies group, and it nests in the Canadian Rockies. Interestingly, I didn't see any eastern US records of Slate-colored Fox Sparrow in eBird.
I hope to get a photograph sometime today.
If anyone is interested, these are my detailed notes.
Red Fox SparrowXSlate-colored Fox Sparrow Intergrade
Size:
-markedly larger than the White-crowned Sparrow that was next to it, and obviously smaller than the adjacent Northern Cardinal
Behavior:
-feeding on ground below feeder
Head:
-background color of face is medium gray
-bill conical (both upper and lower mandible bright yellow, center of upper mandible gray)
-iris dark
-nape medium gray
-faint eye ring
-crown uniformly reddish brown, with a narrow gray median crown stripe
-narrow dark reddish line extending back from eye, a second region of dark reddish below the ear coverts, black lores
Upperparts:
-wings uniformly dark reddish, except for two faint wingbars
-back dark reddish and grayish streaking
-rump uniformly brownish red
Underparts:
-background color of underparts white
-streaking on underparts extensive and thick, very dark red, almost black, covering the entire breast and flanks
-streaking on underparts coalescing into large central spot
-undertail coverts white (as the underpart background color) with small black spots
-very broad, very dark red, malar stripe
Tail:
-tail uniformly rusty red, same color as wings
Date: 2/12/21 11:26 am From: Paul Heveran <birdmeister.paul...> Subject: Re: Musings: Coops and silos...
Frank and PA Birders,
I was told by the folks at Hawk Mountain that they witnessed a Cooper's clean an entire silo of pigeons over the course of a winter. Ready-made food with plenty of ambush opportunities, I guess!
Sincerely, Paul Heveran
On Fri, Feb 12, 2021 at 2:11 PM Franklin Haas <fhaasbirds...> wrote:
> No, not chicken coops -- chicken hawks! Ie. Cooper's Hawks. > > Over the years I have noticed an affinity of Cooper's Hawks for silos as > perching (hunting) locations. > > They like to sit on the top of the ladder. > > I assume it is because of all of the pigeons, starlings and house sparrows > that congregate around barns and silos. > > Has anyone else noticed this? > > Frank > > > > -- > Frank Haas > > Wisdom begins with putting the right name to a thing. >
Date: 2/12/21 11:24 am From: Bruce Carl <hrdabrd...> Subject: Re: Musings: Coops and silos...
Frank and All,
I have also witnessed this on many occasions!
Bruce A Carl Akron / Lanc. Co.
On Fri, Feb 12, 2021, 2:11 PM Franklin Haas <fhaasbirds...> wrote:
> No, not chicken coops -- chicken hawks! Ie. Cooper's Hawks. > > Over the years I have noticed an affinity of Cooper's Hawks for silos as > perching (hunting) locations. > > They like to sit on the top of the ladder. > > I assume it is because of all of the pigeons, starlings and house sparrows > that congregate around barns and silos. > > Has anyone else noticed this? > > Frank > > > > -- > Frank Haas > > Wisdom begins with putting the right name to a thing. >
Date: 2/12/21 9:30 am From: Margaret <bcoriole...> Subject: Clay-colored & other sparrows in Indiana Co.
The Clay-colored, Field, Chipping (5!), and Fox Sparrows plus all the
usual are still coming to our feeders in Indiana Co. Birders are
welcome. Email me if you need directions. All but the Fox were seen
this a.m.
Date: 2/12/21 7:19 am From: Dean Newhouse <dean.newhouse...> Subject: Re: Red-tailed Hawk Catching Dove - York County
I was especially impressed at how well the hawk navigated through the trees, like a cruise missile, without hitting any of the many small tree branches that must have been obstructing a clear pathway! And after the final crash and impact in the brush, it flew away with its catch and without any apparent harm to itself. I would have thought there might be some broken bones, or at least broken wing feathers.
Dean Newhouse
York County
-----Original Message-----
From: Bird discussion list for Pennsylvania <PABIRDS...> On Behalf Of <hmcgarri...>
Sent: Friday, February 12, 2021 10:06 AM
To: <PABIRDS...>
Subject: Re: [PABIRDS] Red-tailed Hawk Catching Dove - York County
This thread reminds me of the time I thought I myself was a Red Tailed Hawk's prey. I was strolling in my woods one day and glanced to my left only to see one bearing down on me at high speed just 20 feet away with talons outstretched. It peeled away to the left at the last moment barely 10 feet from me just as the squirrel it was really after came frantically scrambling around the hickory tree I was standing next to. The squirrel was obviously more alert than me that time. Was glad that day I'm not a squirrel or bunny rabbit!
Harry McGarrityBucks County
Sent from my Verizon LG Smartphone
------ Original message------From: Ann PettigrewDate: Thu, Feb 11, 2021 9:26 PMTo: <PABIRDS...>;Cc: Subject:Re: [PABIRDS] Red-tailed Hawk Catching Dove - York County Amazing to see red-tails giving chase. I watched two red-tails chase a squirrel round and round a large oak tree trunk. The squirrel managed to stay out of reach!
Ann C. Pettigrew, V.M.D.
York, PA
<rook185...>
www.pbase.com/rook185
“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.”
― Mahatma Gandhi
> On Feb 11, 2021, at 8:17 PM, Dean Newhouse wrote:
>
> Drama at the feeders. This afternoon, we had a Red-tailed Hawk dive
> on the birds at and around our feeders. It flew by and then into the
> woods a distance of about 100 feet to our right, then looped around
> and came back, all the while navigating through the trees. As it
> passed by again, we could see it was chasing a Dove, which flew low
> into some shrubs. The hawk crashed in after the Dove and pounced!
> After sitting on it's catch a couple minutes, it flew off deeper into
> the woods. And then another Red-tail gave it chase. All the other
> birds returned to the feeders moments later. All this viewable from our dining room windows.
>
> This is the first time that I've seen a Red-tail chase a bird,
> although I've read that some Red-tails do chase birds like pigeons.
> At the feeders here, it's usually Cooper's Hawks and Sharpies that
> scatter the birds. The Red-tailed Hawks are always around, and this
> past summer one crashed in on a chipmunk under the feeders. Perhaps
> the extended snow cover is making it harder for them to find the rodents that I expect them to prefer.
Date: 2/12/21 7:05 am From: <hmcgarri...> <0000017d93c8add1-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Red-tailed Hawk Catching Dove - York County
This thread reminds me of the time I thought I myself was a Red Tailed Hawk's prey. I was strolling in my woods one day and glanced to my left only to see one bearing down on me at high speed just 20 feet away with talons outstretched. It peeled away to the left at the last moment barely 10 feet from me just as the squirrel it was really after came frantically scrambling around the hickory tree I was standing next to. The squirrel was obviously more alert than me that time. Was glad that day I'm not a squirrel or bunny rabbit! Harry McGarrityBucks County Sent from my Verizon LG Smartphone ------ Original message------From: Ann PettigrewDate: Thu, Feb 11, 2021 9:26 PMTo: <PABIRDS...>;Cc: Subject:Re: [PABIRDS] Red-tailed Hawk Catching Dove - York County Amazing to see red-tails giving chase. I watched two red-tails chase a squirrel round and round a large oak tree trunk. The squirrel managed to stay out of reach!
Ann C. Pettigrew, V.M.D. York, PA <rook185...> www.pbase.com/rook185
“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” ― Mahatma Gandhi
> On Feb 11, 2021, at 8:17 PM, Dean Newhouse wrote: > > Drama at the feeders. This afternoon, we had a Red-tailed Hawk dive on the > birds at and around our feeders. It flew by and then into the woods a > distance of about 100 feet to our right, then looped around and came back, > all the while navigating through the trees. As it passed by again, we > could see it was chasing a Dove, which flew low into some shrubs. The hawk > crashed in after the Dove and pounced! After sitting on it's catch a > couple minutes, it flew off deeper into the woods. And then another > Red-tail gave it chase. All the other birds returned to the feeders > moments later. All this viewable from our dining room windows. > > This is the first time that I've seen a Red-tail chase a bird, although > I've read that some Red-tails do chase birds like pigeons. At the feeders > here, it's usually Cooper's Hawks and Sharpies that scatter the birds. The > Red-tailed Hawks are always around, and this past summer one crashed in on > a chipmunk under the feeders. Perhaps the extended snow cover is making it > harder for them to find the rodents that I expect them to prefer.
Date: 2/11/21 6:26 pm From: Ann Pettigrew <rook185...> Subject: Re: Red-tailed Hawk Catching Dove - York County
Amazing to see red-tails giving chase. I watched two red-tails chase a squirrel round and round a large oak tree trunk. The squirrel managed to stay out of reach!
Ann C. Pettigrew, V.M.D.
York, PA
<rook185...>
www.pbase.com/rook185
“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.”
― Mahatma Gandhi
> On Feb 11, 2021, at 8:17 PM, Dean Newhouse <dean.newhouse...> wrote:
>
> Drama at the feeders. This afternoon, we had a Red-tailed Hawk dive on the
> birds at and around our feeders. It flew by and then into the woods a
> distance of about 100 feet to our right, then looped around and came back,
> all the while navigating through the trees. As it passed by again, we
> could see it was chasing a Dove, which flew low into some shrubs. The hawk
> crashed in after the Dove and pounced! After sitting on it's catch a
> couple minutes, it flew off deeper into the woods. And then another
> Red-tail gave it chase. All the other birds returned to the feeders
> moments later. All this viewable from our dining room windows.
>
> This is the first time that I've seen a Red-tail chase a bird, although
> I've read that some Red-tails do chase birds like pigeons. At the feeders
> here, it's usually Cooper's Hawks and Sharpies that scatter the birds. The
> Red-tailed Hawks are always around, and this past summer one crashed in on
> a chipmunk under the feeders. Perhaps the extended snow cover is making it
> harder for them to find the rodents that I expect them to prefer.
Date: 2/11/21 5:51 pm From: Michael Fialkovich <0000012b4af48ab0-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Red-tailed Hawk Catching Dove - York County
Exciting predator/prey interaction! These are the kind of things that are great to read on the listserv.
I once saw a Red-tailed Hawk perched on a Wendy's restaurant, plucking a Rock Pigeon. Feathers were drifting down along the windows of the building and people were sitting inside, right under the hawk. At the time I remember wondering if they noticed and thought about the source of the feathers floating down outside the window.
Mike Fialkovich
Pittsburgh Area
Allegheny County
-----Original Message-----
From: Dean Newhouse <dean.newhouse...>
To: <PABIRDS...>
Sent: Thu, Feb 11, 2021 8:17 pm
Subject: [PABIRDS] Red-tailed Hawk Catching Dove - York County
Drama at the feeders. This afternoon, we had a Red-tailed Hawk dive on the
birds at and around our feeders. It flew by and then into the woods a
distance of about 100 feet to our right, then looped around and came back,
all the while navigating through the trees. As it passed by again, we
could see it was chasing a Dove, which flew low into some shrubs. The hawk
crashed in after the Dove and pounced! After sitting on it's catch a
couple minutes, it flew off deeper into the woods. And then another
Red-tail gave it chase. All the other birds returned to the feeders
moments later. All this viewable from our dining room windows.
This is the first time that I've seen a Red-tail chase a bird, although
I've read that some Red-tails do chase birds like pigeons. At the feeders
here, it's usually Cooper's Hawks and Sharpies that scatter the birds. The
Red-tailed Hawks are always around, and this past summer one crashed in on
a chipmunk under the feeders. Perhaps the extended snow cover is making it
harder for them to find the rodents that I expect them to prefer.
Date: 2/11/21 5:17 pm From: Dean Newhouse <dean.newhouse...> Subject: Red-tailed Hawk Catching Dove - York County
Drama at the feeders. This afternoon, we had a Red-tailed Hawk dive on the birds at and around our feeders. It flew by and then into the woods a distance of about 100 feet to our right, then looped around and came back, all the while navigating through the trees. As it passed by again, we could see it was chasing a Dove, which flew low into some shrubs. The hawk crashed in after the Dove and pounced! After sitting on it's catch a couple minutes, it flew off deeper into the woods. And then another Red-tail gave it chase. All the other birds returned to the feeders moments later. All this viewable from our dining room windows.
This is the first time that I've seen a Red-tail chase a bird, although I've read that some Red-tails do chase birds like pigeons. At the feeders here, it's usually Cooper's Hawks and Sharpies that scatter the birds. The Red-tailed Hawks are always around, and this past summer one crashed in on a chipmunk under the feeders. Perhaps the extended snow cover is making it harder for them to find the rodents that I expect them to prefer.
There are more than 100 juncos currently feeding in the snow covered yard, including the Oregon that’s obvious when seen but hard to find. Sparrow species now numbers 9: white-throated, song, white-crowned, tree, fox (2), field (3), savannah, chipping, and swamp.
Date: 2/10/21 3:18 pm From: Barry E. Blust <barryblust...> Subject: Chester County-Lesser Black-backed Gulls at Marsh Creek SP
There have been reports in recent days of Lesser Black-backed Gulls (LBBG) at the park. A large number of gulls gather late each day as they return from feeding/foraging throughout the day, many of them doing so at LanChester Landfill. Just after 4:30 this afternoon I arrived at the park on the west side to find much of the lake was now iced over and there were many Ring-billed Gulls spread across the ice far from shore. I scanned through them with my scope and found at least five LBBGs, all adult or near adult so their very dark wings and mantle stood out from the RBGUs as did their slightly larger size.
Date: 2/10/21 2:34 pm From: John Flannigan <rublzrme...> Subject: Waterfowl-Washington County
Today there was a decent assortment and quantity of waterfowl on the Monogahela river in the Fredericktown/Millsboro section of Washington County. The current low temperatures have caused local ponds and lakes to freeze over forcing waterfowl onto the rivers. Hopefully, variety and quantity of waterfowl will further improve as the temps further drop.
Seen today:
Canada Geese
Mallards
American Black Ducks
American Wigeon
Gadwall
Greater Scaup
Ruddy Duck
Hooded Merganser
Common Merganser
Redheads
Horned Grebe
Enjoy your birding,
John Flannigan
Allegheny County
Date: 2/10/21 11:12 am From: Amy Taracido <amytaracido...> Subject: RBA western Pennsylvania, 8 February 2021
RBA
*Pennsylvania
*Pittsburgh and western Pennsylvania
*PAWE02.08.21
Highlights:
NORTHERN HARRIER
RED-HEADED WOODPECKER
AMERICAN PIPIT
LAPLAND LONGSPUR (Fayette and Washington Counties)
COMMON REDPOLL (Crawford County)
EVENING GROSBEAK (Forest County)
Contributors: Gigi Gerben, Margaret Higbee, Matt Juskowich, Tom Kuehl, Kim Springer, Jerry Stanley, Mark Vass, Linda Wagner, Mike Weible.
Compiler: Amy Taracido
Monday, 1 February 2021 through Monday, 8 February 2021
**This report is distributed by e-mail only. Compiler is not responsible for errors on websites who reproduce/reprint these reports. If you would like to receive western PA RBAs, contact AMYTARACIDO@ YAHOO.COM
Transcript-
NOTES: BUFFLEHEADS continue to be reported.
ARMSTRONG COUNTY:
On 2/4 during a Winter Raptor Survey, sightings included 1 NORTHERN HARRIER (MH et. al.).
BEAVER COUNTY:
Along Bocktown-Cork Road in Independence Township on 2/5, 1 AMERICAN PIPIT (MV).
On 2/5 at the mouth of the Beaver River, 4 REDHEADS and others (MV).
CRAWFORD COUNTY:
Near Meadville on 2/7, 150+ COMMON REDPOLLS (JS).
FAYETTE COUNTY:
On 2/7 in Brier Hill, 2 LAPLAND LONGSPURS, HORNED LARKS (MJ).
FOREST COUNTY:
On 2/6 during a Winter Raptor Survey in Pleasantville, 24 EVENING GROSBEAKS, 4 COMMON RAVENS (KS).
LAWRENCE COUNTY:
On 2/7 during a Winter Raptor Survey, 1 RED-HEADED WOODPECKER, 14 HORNED LARKS; on 2/8, 1 NORTHERN HARRIER, 17 SANDHILL CRANES (LW et. al.).
SOMERSET COUNTY:
On 2/6 in the areas of Reels Corners, Indian Lake, Berlin, and Shanksville during a Winter Raptor Survey, sightings included 1 ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK, COMMON RAVENS, HORNED LARKS (TK).
VENANGO COUNTY:
At the Polk Wetlands on 2/3, 1 ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK (MW).
WASHINGTON COUNTY:
During a Winter Raptor Survey on 2/3, sightings included 1 NORTHERN HARRIER (GG).
Date: 2/10/21 6:03 am From: Barry E. Blust <barryblust...> Subject: Linnaean Society of NY-Recorded Program about James Bond
Last night the Linnaean Society of NY had an excellent program about the real James Bond, the ornithologist who authored A Field Guide to Birds of the West Indies and whose name was stolen by Ian Fleming for his 007 books.
Date: 2/9/21 9:47 am From: Linda Wagner <LWagner342...> Subject: Lawrence County WRS 273 (modified)
Lawrence County WRS 273 (modified)
February 8, 2021
Observers: Linda Wagner, Gloria Lamer, Roger & Margaret Higbee
Survey Time: 3 hr., 52 min.
Start/End Times: 9:03 a.m./12:55 p.m.
Miles on Route: 38.5 miles
Avg. Temp.: 19 F
Cloudy
Wind: Calm
Snow Cover: 1" (0 to 2")
Harrier - 1 immature
Red-tails - 29
Kestrels- 1 male
Red-shoulders - 3 adults
Bald Eagle - 2 adults
Coopers Hawks - 2 adults
Other Birds of Note:
17 Sandhill Cranes
36 Red-winged Blackbirds (total at three locations)
Date: 2/9/21 6:08 am From: Chad Kauffman <chadkauffman...> Subject: Fwd: Shine up those binoculars for the Great Backyard Bird Count!
Hello gang, I know many on here know about this and there is a good bit of Pa birders who already do this
but just a reminder for everyone, it goes from this friday to monday, it is free and fun
if you do ebird, your numbers already go into the pool
if you don't ebird, you can go to their site or become an ebird user
-------- Forwarded Message -------- Subject: Shine up those binoculars for the Great Backyard Bird Count! Date: Tue, 9 Feb 2021 09:05:48 -0500 From: Cornell Lab of Ornithology <cornellbirds...> Reply-To: <academy-noreply...> To: <chadkauffman...>
Shine up those binoculars for the Great Backyard Bird Count! The Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Date: 2/8/21 6:36 pm From: Wayne Laubscher <wnlaubscher...> Subject: Redpolls and other field birds, South Avis, Clinton Co.
For the past several days, the fields at South Avis, albeit sporadically, have been host to some great winter field birds. Various observers have recently reported Horned Larks, Snow Buntings, and at least one Lapland Longspur at varying times. The standout primarily has been a flock of 50- 75 Common Redpolls foraging on weedy patches and treetops at the south end of Maryland Ave. at the intersection with Old River Road.
The birds would briefly feed in the weed patch then frequently fly up, circle around, and land again in the patch. Sometimes the flock has been seen at the farm several hundred yards west of the intersection. None of the birds suggested a Hoary Redpoll, though.
The larks, buntings, and longspur have been seen in the fields east of the intersection.
Date: 2/8/21 3:56 pm From: Rob Fergus <birdchaser...> Subject: BCDC Zoom Meeting Wed (Feb 10) with Nathan Pieplow
The Birding Club of Delaware County invites all to attend our virtual presentation with Nathan Pieplow this Wednesday evening Feb.10th at 7:30 pm. For Zoom login info, please message me directly.
Program description. 'The Language of Birds' by Nathan Pieplow
All around us, the birds are constantly telling us who they are and what they are doing. In this presentation, Nathan Pieplow unlocks the secrets of their language. You’ll listen in on the pillow talk of a pair of Red-winged Blackbirds, and learn the secret signals that Cliff Swallows use when they have found food. You’ll learn how one bird sound can have many meanings, and how one meaning can have many sounds—and how, sometimes, the meaning isn’t in the sounds at all. This talk from the author of the Peterson Field Guide to Bird Sounds is an accessible, entertaining introduction to a fascinating topic.
Nathan Pieplow is the author of the Peterson Field Guide to Bird Sounds, published in two volumes, Eastern (2017) and Western (2019). An avid bird sound recordist and videographer, he is the author of the bird sound blog Earbirding.com <http://earbirding.com/>, a board member of the Bird Conservancy of the Rockies, an author of the Colorado Birding Trail, and former editor of the journal Colorado Birds. He teaches writing and rhetoric at the University of Colorado in Boulder.
Rob Fergus
Wallingford, PA
<birdchaser...>
UrbanBirdscapes.com
Date: 2/7/21 12:14 pm From: Matthew Juskowich <0000000ca4f4ccd1-dmarc-request...> Subject: Lapland Longspurs Fayette County
2 Lapland Longspurs mixed in with a flock of Horned Larks at Jackson Farm Dairy off Stone Church Rd Brier Hill,Pa Fayette County. Ask Permission and purchase a item for access into their fields. Matthew JuskowichAllegheny County
Date: 2/7/21 11:41 am From: Dan Richards <00000132f63ed96f-dmarc-request...> Subject: Evening Grosbeak, Rough-legged Hawks, Clearfield Co,
This morning I saw a female Evening Grosbeak at a feeder along Sher de Lin Road near Sabula. This afternoon, a pair of light morph Rough-legged Hawks were hunting over the fields of the Deemer Tract along McGees Mills Road in Bell Township.
Dan Richards
Treasure Lake
Date: 2/7/21 9:00 am From: August Mirabella <am4birds1...> Subject: Peace Valley Park (IBA) - Bucks Co. (1/31 - 2/6)
All, The weather likely impacted the species total of only 54 this week. Snow Goose - high reports: 236 2/5 photo, ~200 2/6 Cackling Goose - high report 2 2/4 Bufflehead - high report 4 2/5 photo Common Goldeneye - high report 4 2/5 1 Hooded Merganser - 2/4 photo Common Merganser - high report 187 2/5 4 gull species: Lesser Black-backed Gull - high report 4 2/5-2/6 Bald Eagle- high report 3 2/2 Red-shouldered Hawk - high report 2 2/5 photo 1 American Kestrel continues - photo 1 Merlin - 2/4 photo 1 Common Raven - 2/4 7 sparrow species: 2 American Tree Sparrows 2/6 1 E. Towhee 2/4
Thanks to those who submitted reports in a timely way.
Date: 2/7/21 8:47 am From: Matthew Juskowich <0000000ca4f4ccd1-dmarc-request...> Subject: Lapland Longspur Washington County
There is a nice flock of Lapland Longpsurs off Parkview Rd at Hamiltion Bros. Dairy Farm near Avella,PA. Hard to get exact count cause birds keep flying around. Get out and check your local farm areas! Good Year for Longspurs! Good Luck and Keep Birding On!Matthew JuskowichAllegheny County
Date: 2/7/21 8:19 am From: Arlene Koch <0000012d74227426-dmarc-request...> Subject: Harrier, Koch property, Northampton County
It’s snowing here again and with 27 inches already on the ground I’ve been putting white millet on the snowpile on the deck. A few minutes ago they all exploded like they do if an accipiter appears but the raptor was an adult male northern harrier whose right wing strafed the deck door. I often see harriers in the field but never on the deck. It was not successful, sat atop a yard snag, and then went where it belonged into the fields.
Sent from my iPhone
Date: 2/6/21 9:37 pm From: Linda Wagner <LWagner342...> Subject: Lawrence County WRS 372
Lawrence WRS 372
February 6, 2021
Observers: Linda Wagner, Gloria Lamer, Roger & Margaret Higbee
Survey Time: 3 hr., 8 min.
Start/End Times: 8:56 a.m./12:04 p.m.
Miles on Route: 27.8 miles
Avg. Temp.: 22 F
Sky: Sunny
Wind: Medium
Snow Cover: 1" (0 to 2")
Date: 2/6/21 3:30 pm From: Tom Kuehl <tjk.kuehl...> Subject: New Somerset County WRS Route
Greg and All,
This is a new route covering a large area of primarily farm habitat at high elevations (for PA) just west of the Allegheny Front. The route starts at the Bedford County line on Rt. 30 and ends in Buckstown, which is very close to the Flight 93 National Memorial. The route is all south of Rt. 30, and the area includes Reels Corners, Indian Lake, Berlin and Shanksville.
County - Somerset County - East-Central WRS Route
Date - February 6, 2021
Obs.- Tom and Janet Kuehl
Survey time (subtract breaks) : Hours: 4 Minutes- 20
Start/End time: 9:55am / 4:01pm
Miles on route: 87.5
Avg Temp.- 28F
Clear/Pt cloudy/Cloudy- Partly Cloudy to Mostly Sunny
Wind - Calm/Light/medium- Medium
Inches Snow cover- 6"
Red-tails- 26
Rough-legs- 1 Light
Kestrels- ND - 1
Red-shoulders - 2 adults
Cooper's 1 Juvenile
Comments - There were several Common Ravens and very many Crows. Quite a few farms with spread manure, so Horned Larks seen in several locations. One Pileated Woodpecker and two groups of Wild Turkey (roughly 5 and 15).
Happy to get so many Red-tailed Hawks as we get low counts on our Northeast Somerset Route. We had 2 Northern Harriers on a scouting run of the route earlier this week, however dipped on them today. Also had 2 Rough-legs, so thinking some very good potential for this route with lots of open and edge habitat.
Date: 2/6/21 3:26 pm From: Phil Keener <000000761ae5c4e1-dmarc-request...> Subject: WRS Results - NE Adams - Rte# 011
County - Adams
Date - 2/6/21
Obs.- Randy Phillips, Phil Keener Survey time (subtract breaks) : Hours:Minutes- 3 hrs 46 mins
Start/End time: 10:08/1:54
Miles on route: 57.5
Date: 2/6/21 2:47 pm From: Robin and Daniel Zmoda <robinanddanielz...> Subject: Northampton County WRS #482
County - Northampton
Date - 2-6-21
Observers- Dan Zmoda Robin Zmoda
Total time *actually surveying *(i.e. subtract lunch breaks)
Hours:Minutes- 3:00
Start time/End time 0900/1200
Miles on route 42.5
Harriers 0
Red-tails (age optional) 11Ad
Rough-legs- Light/Dark 0
Kestrels- M/F/ND- 0
TVs 20
BVs- 22
Red-shoulders – age if possible 0
Bald Eagles- Ad/Imm. 4/1
Sharp-shins, Cooper’s, Merlin, Peregrine
Other? (Gold. Eagle, If *Goshawk*, be prepared to back up ID with details)
Avg Temp.- 30-39 avg 34.5
Clear/Pt cloudy/Cloudy- clear st pt cloudy end
Wind - Light/medium/strong- light st med end
Avg Snow cover depth - 16 inches
other birds of note
1 unid small raptor
1 Snow Bunting
about 6 each Horned Lark, Bluebird and Cedar Waxwings
Many Lesser Black-backed Gulls at GCS landfill
Lowest count on redtails since this route started in 2006 when I had my
daughter as a driver on her learner's permit. We have had as many as 46.
Eagle count beat our high by two. Three of them were at the landfill.
They have become more common in the last ten years with multiples in the
last 5.
Vultures are up and down on this route, this year about in the middle.
It is possible the numbers are down just because we did not have all our
normal pull offs due to the plowed snow along the roads. Also our time was
30-45 minutes less than normal because of the lack of scanning time. This
was also one of our rare times we stayed at 4 species. We usually have at
least 5.
Now we have to wait a whole year to do it again. Good thing GBBC is next
weekend.
Date: 2/6/21 2:31 pm From: Ann Pettigrew <rook185...> Subject: American Robins - York County
I had a flock of at least 100 robins fly in from the South this afternoon. Assuming a flock this large are migrants this is about three weeks earlier than when I first see them here. I have a flock of a dozen who periodically show up all winter. Climate change???
Have a good weekend, Everyone!
Ann C. Pettigrew, V.M.D.
York, PA
<rook185...>
www.pbase.com/rook185
“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.”
― Mahatma Gandhi
Date: 2/6/21 9:50 am From: Michael Fialkovich <0000012b4af48ab0-dmarc-request...> Subject: WRS--Allegheny
County - AlleghenyDate - 2/6/2021Obs.- Mike FialkovichSurvey time (subtract breaks) : Hours: 2 Minutes- 18Start/End time: 8:50am / 11:08amMiles on route: 56 Avg Temp.- 27Clear/Pt cloudy/Cloudy- ClearWind – Calm/Light/medium- LightInches Snow cover- 1 Harriers (age/sex if poss.)- 0 Red-tails- 5 (4 adults, 1 imm.) Rough-legs- Light/Dark- 0 Kestrels- TOTAL (M/F/ND)- 0 TVs- 0BVs- 0 Red-shoulders – age if possible 0Bald Eagles- Ad/Imm. 0 Sharp-shins, Cooper’s, Merlin, Peregrine, 0 Gold. Eagle, Goshawk (documentation required!) 0 N. Shrike? 0
Comments - Been running this route since 2001. For nearly the first half of the route I didn't have any raptors. Struck out on Bald Eagle at the usual spot. Once I got to the open country near the Greater Pittsburgh International Airport and Imperial I started to find red-tails. After last year's great Red-shouldered count, I found none this year. Sunshine during the entire route but cold with a steady temperature of 27 degrees.
Date: 2/6/21 6:00 am From: Rob Blye <rwblye...> Subject: Re: Eastern PA Birdline: 2/5/2021
Dave, Thanks for the 30 yr effort. *wear a mask, wash your hands, keep your distance* *Rob* Robert W. Blye 34603 Doe Run Lewes DE 19958-3332 302 945-8618 610 213-2413 mobile
On Fri, Feb 5, 2021 at 9:42 PM Dave DeReamus <becard...> wrote:
> - RBA > * Pennsylvania > * Lehigh / Northampton Counties and Vicinity > * February 5, 2021 > * PAEA2102.05 > > > > - Birds mentioned > > > > GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE > > COMMON REDPOLL > > ICELAND GULL > > PINK-FOOTED GOOSE > > ROSS'S GOOSE > > REDHEAD > > > > - Transcript > > > > Hotline: Eastern PA Birdline > Date: February 5th at 9:00 PM > To Report by E-Mail: Send to <mailto:<becard...> <becard...> with > "Birdline" in subject heading. > Compiler: Dave DeReamus > > My reporting area includes all of Lehigh and Northampton Counties with the > northern edge of the area reaching Beltzville State Park and the southern > edge reaching Peace Valley Park in Bucks County. Updates are typically > done > every Friday, more often when necessary. > > > > You can visit the Lehigh Valley Audubon Society Website at > <http://www.lvaudubon.org/>http://www.lvaudubon.org/ . > > > > You can visit my 'Eastern PA Birding' Website for photos and information at > <http://users.rcn.com/becard/home.html> > http://users.rcn.com/becard/home.html . > > > > Directions to many of the sites in this report can be found in the area's > birding guidebook, "Birds of the Lehigh Valley and Vicinity". A completely > revised, 2nd edition of the book can be ordered at: > <http://www.lvaudubon.org/shop/>http://www.lvaudubon.org/shop/ . > > --------------------------------------------------- > > > > VERY IMPORTANT NOTE: THIS IS THE LAST "Birdline" REPORT! > > The time has finally come to put an end to the "Eastern PA Birdline." > Actually, that time has probably come and gone long ago. The emergence of > eBird and multiple Facebook pages has basically made the Birdline's weekly > update outdated and irrelevant. > > My first edition of the Birdline was done way back in February of 1991. > Back then, thanks to the financial support of the Lehigh Valley Audubon > Society, I was able to set up a local phone number and purchase a recording > machine for it. Birders would call the local phone number and listen to my > taped recording of the past week's sightings. The reason I started it was > to replace an old "phone chain" system that would hopefully pass on > sightings from one birder to another. Unfortunately, its weakness was when > there was a broken link in the chain. > > In 1999, the Birdline debuted on the Internet through the PABIRDS and > BIRDEAST listservs. After the final digital recording machine finally > died, > the "phone line" version was shut down. > > So, this report completes my 30th year. Thanks goes to the Lehigh Valley > Audubon Society for its long-standing support and to all the contributors > of > sightings during these past 30 years. > > --------------------------------------------------- > > > > NOW FOR THE BIRDS! > > > > Sightings from the MARTINS CREEK PPL POWER PLANT area, Northampton County: > > GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE - 1 on 1/30 > > Red-breasted Merganser - 1 on 1/30 > > Bald Eagles - 2 on 1/30 > > Northern Harrier - 1 on 1/30. > > > > Sightings from BUSHKILL TOWNSHIP, Northampton County: > > Rusty Blackbird - 1 on 2/2 (at a private feeder). > > > > Sightings from the NAZARETH area, Northampton County: > > COMMON REDPOLL - 1 on 2/1 (at a private feeder). > > > > Sightings from the EASTON area, Northampton County: > > At the 'Forks of the Delaware': > > ICELAND GULL - 1 on 2/4 (adult) > > Great Black-backed Gull - 1 on 2/5. > > > > Sightings from the BETHLEHEM BOAT CLUB area, Northampton County: > > Eastern Phoebe - 1 on 1/30. > > > > Sightings from BETHLEHEM TOWNSHIP, Northampton County: > > At the St. Luke's Anderson Campus fields: > > COMMON REDPOLL - 1 on 1/30. > > > > Sightings from WILLIAMS TOWNSHIP, Northampton County: > > Dark-eyed "Oregon" Junco - 1 on 2/3 > > Common Grackles - 7 on 2/1. > > > > Sightings from EAST ALLEN TOWNSHIP, Northampton County: > > At Seiple's Pond: > > PINK-FOOTED GOOSE - 1 on 1/30. > > > > Sightings from BELTZVILLE STATE PARK, Carbon County: > > COMMON REDPOLL - 1 on 1/31 (at a private feeder). > > > > Sightings from the NEFFS area, Lehigh County: > > COMMON REDPOLLS - 4 on 2/3. > > > > Sightings from the ALBURTIS area, Lehigh County: > > ROSS'S GOOSE - 1 on 2/2 (fly-by). > > > > Sightings from PEACE VALLEY PARK, Bucks County: > > Cackling Geese - 2 on 2/4; 1 on 2/5 > > REDHEAD - 1 on 2/4 and 2/5. > > > > - End transcript >
Date: 2/5/21 6:42 pm From: Dave DeReamus <becard...> Subject: Eastern PA Birdline: 2/5/2021
- RBA * Pennsylvania * Lehigh / Northampton Counties and Vicinity * February 5, 2021 * PAEA2102.05
- Birds mentioned
GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE
COMMON REDPOLL
ICELAND GULL
PINK-FOOTED GOOSE
ROSS'S GOOSE
REDHEAD
- Transcript
Hotline: Eastern PA Birdline Date: February 5th at 9:00 PM To Report by E-Mail: Send to <mailto:<becard...> <becard...> with "Birdline" in subject heading. Compiler: Dave DeReamus
My reporting area includes all of Lehigh and Northampton Counties with the northern edge of the area reaching Beltzville State Park and the southern edge reaching Peace Valley Park in Bucks County. Updates are typically done every Friday, more often when necessary.
Directions to many of the sites in this report can be found in the area's birding guidebook, "Birds of the Lehigh Valley and Vicinity". A completely revised, 2nd edition of the book can be ordered at: <http://www.lvaudubon.org/shop/>http://www.lvaudubon.org/shop/ .
VERY IMPORTANT NOTE: THIS IS THE LAST "Birdline" REPORT!
The time has finally come to put an end to the "Eastern PA Birdline." Actually, that time has probably come and gone long ago. The emergence of eBird and multiple Facebook pages has basically made the Birdline's weekly update outdated and irrelevant.
My first edition of the Birdline was done way back in February of 1991. Back then, thanks to the financial support of the Lehigh Valley Audubon Society, I was able to set up a local phone number and purchase a recording machine for it. Birders would call the local phone number and listen to my taped recording of the past week's sightings. The reason I started it was to replace an old "phone chain" system that would hopefully pass on sightings from one birder to another. Unfortunately, its weakness was when there was a broken link in the chain.
In 1999, the Birdline debuted on the Internet through the PABIRDS and BIRDEAST listservs. After the final digital recording machine finally died, the "phone line" version was shut down.
So, this report completes my 30th year. Thanks goes to the Lehigh Valley Audubon Society for its long-standing support and to all the contributors of sightings during these past 30 years.
February 4, 2021
Observers: Roger Higbee, Margaret Higbee, Gloria Lamer, Linda Wagner
Survey Time: 6 hr., 26 min. (breaks subtracted)
Start & End Times: 9:01 a.m.; 4:40 p.m.
Miles on Route: 69.2 miles (retrace subtracted)
Average Temp. = 33 F
Sunny
Light Wind
Snow Cover = 4"
Date: 2/5/21 11:42 am From: Amy Taracido <amytaracido...> Subject: RBA western Pennsylvania, 1 February 2021
RBA
*Pennsylvania
*Pittsburgh and western Pennsylvania
*PAWE02.01.21
Highlights:
BLACK VULTURE (Allegheny County)
NORTHERN HARRIER
COMMON REDPOLL (Forest, Indiana, and Venango Counties)
Contributors: Marcy Cunkelman, Michael David, Meg Kolodick, Tom Kuehl, Flo McGuire, Linda Wagner.
Compiler: Amy Taracido
Monday, 25 January 2021 through Monday, 1 February 2021
**This report is distributed by e-mail only. Compiler is not responsible for errors on websites who reproduce/reprint these reports. If you would like to receive western PA RBAs, contact AMYTARACIDO@ YAHOO.COM
Transcript-
NOTES: TUNDRA SWANS continue to be reported.
ALLEGHENY COUNTY:
In Fox Chapel on 1/30, 3 BLACK VULTURES (MD).
FOREST COUNTY:
In Tionesta on 1/29, 1 COMMON REDPOLL (FM).
INDIANA COUNTY:
On 1/27 in Clarksburg, 1 COMMON REDPOLL, PURPLE FINCHES (MC).
MERCER COUNTY:
On 1/29 during a Winter Raptor Survey, 2 NORTHERN HARRIERS, 3 ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS (LW et. al.).
VENANGO COUNTY:
In Seneca on 1/27, 2 COMMON REDPOLLS (MK).
WESTMORELAND COUNTY:
In west-central Westmoreland on 1/30, sightings included COMMON RAVEN (TK).
Date: 2/5/21 8:42 am From: Chad Kauffman <chadkauffman...> Subject: Fwd: Tussey Mt hawk watch's 21st season starts this month
for those of you who get the hawkwatch itch even in the spring.
-------- Forwarded Message -------- Subject: Tussey Mt hawk watch's 21st season starts this month Date: Fri, 5 Feb 2021 11:34:28 -0500 From: Nick Bolgiano <nickbolgiano...> Reply-To: Nick Bolgiano <nickbolgiano...> To: <SCBIRDCL...>
The Tussey Mt hawk watch officially starts on Feb 25 and runs to Apr 25. If there are favorable conditions (S or SE winds) before Feb 25, it could start early.
Sean McLaughlin will be the official counter. Sean is an avid birder, as shown by recording Huntingdon Co's most bird species last year. Doug Wentzel's sons, Dylan and Duncan, say that Sean is Doug's real son, because Sean is more enthusiastic about birding than they are. You may know Sean's parents, Shaver's Creek staff members Mark and Laurie McLaughlin. Our first home-grown official counter!
The main reason for the hawk watch is to monitor the golden eagle flight. Our watch records the most golden eagles in the spring of any watch site east of Michigan. The peak period for golden eagles is the first three weeks of Mar. The best conditions are when the wind is out of the S or SE, particularly if there has been a period of W and NW winds. We still see golden eagles during the peak period if the wind is from the W or NW, though usually not as many.
The hawk watch is located on a powerline cut on Tussey Mt, 2/3 mi SW of the Jo Hays overlook on route 26. Walk the Mid State Trail to get there. We welcome socially-distanced visitors.
Jon Kauffman and I are the watch organizers. Shaver's Creek Environmental Center and the State College Bird club financially support the watch, as has been the case each year.
Date: 2/5/21 4:29 am From: Laurie Goodrich <Goodrich...> Subject: Re: Northampton County raptors
Thank you!
-----Original Message-----
From: Bird discussion list for Pennsylvania <PABIRDS...> On Behalf Of Robin and Daniel Zmoda
Sent: Thursday, February 4, 2021 9:40 PM
To: <PABIRDS...>
Subject: [PABIRDS] Northampton County raptors
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
Saw a Kestrel on the way in to work today in Forks Township. Once or twice a week I try to check a few areas going to and from work to decompress and add to the Farmland Raptor Project database. Today on the way home I had a falcon on Hower rd in a spot good for Kestrels but when I put the bins on it, it was a female Merlin noshing on a songbird. A few miles later I had a Harrier working a greasy area at Mill and Delabole roads.
They better hang around for my last WRS.
Dan Zmoda
Pen Argyl
Kevin Loughlin, owner of Wildside Nature Tours, has led 39 tours to the Galapagos Islands as of 2019. This destination is one of his favorite places in the world and going back only reinforces that love and desire to return. As Kevin shares some of his images made during his trips to the Galapagos, he will discuss the many aspects of Galapagos history, geology and the amazing wildlife to be seen and enjoyed.
Kevin was raised to appreciate nature while exploring the woodlands of Pennsylvania as a child. At age six, during a family trip through the American West, he became fascinated with photography as well as seeing the new and different birds throughout North America. Instilled with a love for travel and seeking new, exciting destinations, he felt a desire to share his experiences with others and in 1993 he created Wildside.
Kevins photographs and articles have appeared in publications such as Audubon, Nature Photographer, WildBird, Birding and Philadelphia Magazine, as well as the many natural history books, most recently Petersons Reference Guide to Owls of North American and the Caribbean by Scott Weidensaul. His current projects include co-authoring a complete revision of John Kricher's popular book Galapagos: A Natural History.
Date: 2/4/21 6:39 pm From: Robin and Daniel Zmoda <robinanddanielz...> Subject: Northampton County raptors
Saw a Kestrel on the way in to work today in Forks Township. Once or twice a week I try to check a few areas going to and from work to decompress and add to the Farmland Raptor Project database. Today on the way home I had a falcon on Hower rd in a spot good for Kestrels but when I put the bins on it, it was a female Merlin noshing on a songbird. A few miles later I had a Harrier working a greasy area at Mill and Delabole roads. They better hang around for my last WRS. Dan Zmoda Pen Argyl
Date: 2/4/21 4:35 pm From: Lisa Dziuban <dziubanlisa...> Subject: Baltimore Oriole - Plumstead Twp., Bucks county
Just an update on the male Baltimore Oriole I had in my yard for two weeks in December. On December 17, 26 degrees, I saw it for the last time huddled in a hydrangea shrub near my feeders. I believe we had a snow storm the following day. Have not seen it since.
Last week my neighbor emailed me photos of a “gorgeous Baltimore Oriole” feeding at one of her feeders (grape jelly). It sure looked like the same bird. I contacted her today to see if she had seen the bird since this week’s snowstorm. Yes! Still at the feeder. I have good photos if anyone is interested.
Nice to hear the song of the Song Sparrows today.
Date: 2/4/21 11:48 am From: Ann Pettigrew <rook185...> Subject: Re: Sick Pine Siskins
Sorry to hear about your sick Siskins, Barb. I took a goldfinch to West Shore Wildlife Center this morning. It has conjunctivitis and allowed me to easily pick it up. So glad there is someone close that will take songbirds in.
Ann C. Pettigrew, V.M.D.
York, PA
<rook185...>
www.pbase.com/rook185
“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.”
― Mahatma Gandhi
> On Feb 3, 2021, at 3:18 PM, Barbara Ritzheimer <barbritz...> wrote:
>
> I know there is a salmonella outbreak among Pine Siskins out west. Is it
> also happening here in the east? I have had at least one sick siskin at my
> feeders. Although I try to keep my feeders as clean as possible, I have
> taken down the feeders and will keep them down for a couple of weeks. I am
> also going to do a very thorough cleaning before I put them up again. None
> of the other bird species are showing any signs of illness. I have had
> siskins at my feeders since October but did not notice any problems until
> last week.
>
> Barb Ritzheimer
> Schuylkill County
>
> But man is a part of nature, and his war against nature is inevitably a war
> against himself. Rachel Carson
Date: 2/4/21 6:25 am From: marianne5 <marianne5...> Subject: Re: paragraphs?
On a side note, when I would post to this a few years ago, a copy of my email would arrive in my inbox. That does not happen anymore. Therefore I am never sure that my email gets posted to the list. I have contacted Windstream about this and they do not have an answer.Arlene's original email came to me in one giant paragraph. I have had the formatting changed when sending emails to myself between my Gmail and Windstream office outlook Email accounts. Apparently there is nothing I can do to control those changes. I wish I could, but since I cannot, it is just frustrating.I have composed this email in 4 paragraphs, with two of the paragraphs consisting of one sentence each.Marianne AtkinsonClearfield County Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S10, an AT&T 5G Evolution capable smartphone -------- Original message --------From: Linda Widdop <linda...> Date: 2/4/21 8:19 AM (GMT-05:00) To: <PABIRDS...> Subject: Re: [PABIRDS] paragraphs? Interesting. Arlene - your original post came through just fine for me. All paragraphs. Maybe it is the way your email is set up to read the posts from the listserve? Thanks,LindaSchedule a call with me here: https://outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/<LindaWiddop...>/bookings/ Great resources can be found at:http://techimpact.org/our-resources/-----Original Message-----From: Bird discussion list for Pennsylvania <PABIRDS...> On Behalf Of jerry KruthSent: Wednesday, February 3, 2021 7:53 PMTo: <PABIRDS...>: Re: [PABIRDS] paragraphs?EXTERNAL SENDER - Examine links closely before clicking on them and do not open unexpected attachments I will commiserate Arlene. In my text, I usually put SEVERAL graph breaks after each, yet my note usually looks like it just came out of a sardine can.My (smarter than I) wife has suggested it's because I usually compose on WORD, just for ease, and when it translates over into the email mode it loses some commands.Maybe?I'm typing this directly on the email page. Let's see if any graph breaks show up?Jerry KruthPgh-----Original Message-----From: Arlene Koch <0000012d74227426-dmarc-request...>To: <PABIRDS...>: Wed, Feb 3, 2021 5:57 pmSubject: Re: [PABIRDS] Short Listserv comments, "Snow" sparrows, Koch property, Northampton CountyJust to explain — when my posts leave my computer they have paragraphs etc. in them.Sent from my iPhone> On Feb 3, 2021, at 5:08 PM, DAVID KOCH <0000012d74227426-dmarc-request...> wrote:>> Like others have said, I'm grateful to everyone who continues to post their sightings on this list. PA's a big state, varying geographically and also in weather conditions. Here where I live halfway up the eastern end of the state near the Delaware River I'm always glad we don't get snow like they do in the Erie/Northwestern counties. But this time we got hammered. There's between 27 and 28 inches outside and, considering the weather that's coming, it will be a long time before bare ground once again appears. Concerning ebird, which I joined at its inception but to which I seldom post, for me its biggest plus are the daily state rare bird reports. Without them I wouldn't know how many Baltimore orioles are in southern parts of the state right now, where most evening grosbeaks and redpolls are showing up, or that's there a painted bunting at a private residence in Lancaster. As for the sparrows, well, today there are 8 different species here among too many juncos to count, one of which is an Oregon junco. Sparrows in order of abundance are white-throated, song, white-crowned, tree, fox, field, chipping, and Savannah. The most unusual species to show up in the middle of a 50-hr snow storm was a flock of 7 common grackles, one of which constantly fed hanging from a suet cage. Chickadee, titmice, white-breasted nuthatch, and goldfinch numbers are healthy. Downy, hairy, and red-bellied woodpecker activity is high. And raptorwise today a Cooper's, sharp-shinned, juvenile red-shouldered, and adult redtail hawk all appeared in the yard at times. Good birding to all.> Arlene Koch Easton, PA Northampton County <davilene...>
Date: 2/4/21 5:19 am From: Linda Widdop <linda...> Subject: Re: paragraphs?
Interesting. Arlene - your original post came through just fine for me. All paragraphs. Maybe it is the way your email is set up to read the posts from the listserve?
-----Original Message-----
From: Bird discussion list for Pennsylvania <PABIRDS...> On Behalf Of jerry Kruth
Sent: Wednesday, February 3, 2021 7:53 PM
To: <PABIRDS...>
Subject: Re: [PABIRDS] paragraphs?
EXTERNAL SENDER - Examine links closely before clicking on them and do not open unexpected attachments
I will commiserate Arlene. In my text, I usually put SEVERAL graph breaks after each, yet my note usually looks like it just came out of a sardine can.
My (smarter than I) wife has suggested it's because I usually compose on WORD, just for ease, and when it translates over into the email mode it loses some commands.
Maybe?
I'm typing this directly on the email page. Let's see if any graph breaks show up?
Jerry KruthPgh
-----Original Message-----
From: Arlene Koch <0000012d74227426-dmarc-request...>
To: <PABIRDS...>
Sent: Wed, Feb 3, 2021 5:57 pm
Subject: Re: [PABIRDS] Short Listserv comments, "Snow" sparrows, Koch property, Northampton County
Just to explain — when my posts leave my computer they have paragraphs etc. in them.
Sent from my iPhone
> On Feb 3, 2021, at 5:08 PM, DAVID KOCH <0000012d74227426-dmarc-request...> wrote:
>
> Like others have said, I'm grateful to everyone who continues to post their sightings on this list. PA's a big state, varying geographically and also in weather conditions. Here where I live halfway up the eastern end of the state near the Delaware River I'm always glad we don't get snow like they do in the Erie/Northwestern counties. But this time we got hammered. There's between 27 and 28 inches outside and, considering the weather that's coming, it will be a long time before bare ground once again appears. Concerning ebird, which I joined at its inception but to which I seldom post, for me its biggest plus are the daily state rare bird reports. Without them I wouldn't know how many Baltimore orioles are in southern parts of the state right now, where most evening grosbeaks and redpolls are showing up, or that's there a painted bunting at a private residence in Lancaster. As for the sparrows, well, today there are 8 different species here among too many juncos to count, one of which is an Oregon junco. Sparrows in order of abundance are white-throated, song, white-crowned, tree, fox, field, chipping, and Savannah. The most unusual species to show up in the middle of a 50-hr snow storm was a flock of 7 common grackles, one of which constantly fed hanging from a suet cage. Chickadee, titmice, white-breasted nuthatch, and goldfinch numbers are healthy. Downy, hairy, and red-bellied woodpecker activity is high. And raptorwise today a Cooper's, sharp-shinned, juvenile red-shouldered, and adult redtail hawk all appeared in the yard at times. Good birding to all.
> Arlene Koch Easton, PA Northampton County <davilene...>
Date: 2/4/21 3:10 am From: Ann Bodling <thistlebrook...> Subject: Sick Pine Siskins
Barbara I am also seeing at least two ill pine siskins in the last week, whereas all have appeared normal up until now. I'm also wondering about whether conjunctivitis affects siskins but have seen no evidence of eye symptoms. Thanks, Ann Bodling York County
On Thu, Feb 4, 2021 at 12:00 AM PABIRDS automatic digest system < <LISTSERV...> wrote:
> Date: Thu, 4 Feb 2021 00:00:12 -0500 > Reply-To: Bird discussion list for Pennsylvania <PABIRDS...> > Sender: Bird discussion list for Pennsylvania <PABIRDS...> > From: PABIRDS automatic digest system <LISTSERV...> > Subject: PABIRDS Digest - 2 Feb 2021 to 3 Feb 2021 (#2021-35) > To: <PABIRDS...> > Message-ID: <PABIRDS%<202102040000127070.02EE...> > Precedence: list > List-Help: <http://list.audubon.org/scripts/wa-AUDUBON.exe?LIST=PABIRDS>, > <mailto:<LISTSERV...>?body=INFO%20PABIRDS> > List-Unsubscribe: <mailto:<PABIRDS-unsubscribe-request...> > List-Subscribe: <mailto:<PABIRDS-subscribe-request...> > List-Owner: <mailto:<PABIRDS-request...> > List-Archive: <http://list.audubon.org/scripts/wa-AUDUBON.exe?LIST=PABIRDS > > > MIME-Version: 1.0 > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8 > Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable > > There are 14 messages totaling 747 lines in this issue. > > Topics of the day: > > 1. Where are Bird Sightings published these days? > 2. Rough-legged Hawk, Venango cty. > 3. The Pennsylvania Society of Ornithology Student Research Grant > 4. Sick Pine Siskins > 5. Short Listserv comments, "Snow" sparrows, Koch property, Northampton > County (6) > 6. WRS - Schuylkill - Schuylkill Haven > 7. WRS Schuylkill - Pitman > 8. paragraphs? (2) > Date: Wed, 3 Feb 2021 16:03:49 +0000 > From: jerry Kruth <gkruth...> > Subject: Re: Where are Bird Sightings published these days? > MIME-Version: 1.0 > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8 > Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable > > I'll add my 2c, that this list is a wonderful resource for sightings and > o= > ther information about birds and birding in the Keystone State. > Thanks to all of you who post.=C2=A0 An email is a simple and > comprehensive= > look at what others are experiencing.=C2=A0 I enjoy them and look forward > = > to them.=C2=A0 If you don't like the topic or are bored, there's always > "de= > lete." > > We'll miss your posts, Dave DeReamus.=C2=A0 Thanks for your time and > effort= > , and to all the other good folks about who monitor and create those posts. > Jerry > =20 > =20 > -----Original Message----- > From: Dave DeReamus <becard...> > To: <PABIRDS...> > Sent: Tue, Feb 2, 2021 9:26 am > Subject: Re: [PABIRDS] Where are Bird Sightings published these days? > > Thanks, Deb, for this information.=C2=A0 PABIRDS >USED< to be the central > l= > ocation for bird reports in PA, but then the multiple numbers of Facebook > p= > ages and GroupMe groups started popping up all over on social media, which > = > DE-centralized the information and defeated one of its main > purposes.=C2=A0= > I am not at all against these pages and groups, but I think it has caused > = > a problem on WHERE to find pertinent information in ONE GENERAL > spot.=C2=A0= > And you can imagine how difficult it was getting trying to compile the > RBA= > , which is just one of the many reasons that this week's update will be my > = > last.=C2=A0 Off to shovel. > > Thanks again and Good birding, > Dave DeReamus > Palmer Township, Northampton County, PA > becard -at- rcn.com > Blog: http://becard.blogspot.com > > > > > > -----Original Message----- > From: Bird discussion list for Pennsylvania <PABIRDS...> On > B= > ehalf Of Grove, Deborah Shuey > Sent: Tuesday, February 02, 2021 7:18 AM > To: <PABIRDS...> > Subject: Where are Bird Sightings published these days? > > As an Admin for FB bird groups, we have almost 9000 subscribers on PA > Birde= > rs alone.=C2=A0 This is not a site where you will get the same information > = > as on PA Birds Listserve. > > There is also PA Birds Photography and Art, an ID group and a Notable > Sight= > ings group. > The Notable Sightings group with almost 1000 members has this description: > > "This group is a place to post information related to sightings of > rare/unu= > sual birds in Pennsylvania, and for discussions relating to notable bird > si= > ghtings. It is NOT a place to share sightings or photographs of commonly > oc= > curring species, or a place to seek basic ID help. Please consider other > gr= > oups for those purposes such as : > PA Birders > PA Birders - Photography > ID that PA Bird > Less experienced birders are welcome to join and learn, but please refrain > = > from posting content not consistent with the guidelines. > Appropriate posts for this group include: > =E2=80=A2 Reports of notable (statewide or regionally) bird sightings or > un= > seasonable species occurrences =E2=80=A2 Discussion of unusual records =E2= > =80=A2 Advanced ID questions, such as gulls, empids, etc., particularly > for= > individuals that may be a rare species =E2=80=A2 Discussion of > large-scale= > bird movements or weather events that may affect PA =E2=80=A2 Requests > for= > info related to specific rarities, access instructions in > restricted/priva= > te areas, and updates on a continuing rarity (keeping info for a specific > b= > ird in a single thread is preferred) =E2=80=A2 Priority conservation > concer= > n species in PA =E2=80=A2 Use best judgment for other topics that would be > = > of interest to serious birders in the state Examples of INAPPROPRIATE > Posts= > : > =E2=80=A2 Normal arrival of spring migrants at feeders, such as > Ruby-throat= > ed Hummingbirds and Rose-breasted Grosbeaks =E2=80=A2 Sharing photos of > com= > mon species =E2=80=A2 ID questions, except advanced discussions, as > outline= > d above =E2=80=A2 Birds outside of PA (with the potential exception of > some= > thing extremely rare in locations close to PA or an irruption that could > le= > ad to PA records) Please make sure all posts adhere to these guidelines. > Po= > sts that do not meet the above criteria will be deleted, and members who > re= > peatedly disregard these criteria will be warned or removed from the > group.= > Don't take it personally; we want this group to serve the needs of > serious= > birders in Pennsylvania, and there are plenty of other groups to share > pho= > tos. > All posts should include date and location, including county. If the > specif= > ic location of a bird cannot be shared (e.g. private property where > permiss= > ion cannot be obtained), it is still acceptable to post about the > sighting,= > but should include a note explaining why no location was given. > Photographs should always include text providing context about the > sighting= > . Even for continuing rarities, date and location must be provided with > pos= > ts or photographs, and consider keeping information for a specific bird on > = > a single thread so that information is consolidated. > It is assumed that members of this group have advanced knowledge of birds, > = > so ornithological terminology and banding codes are acceptable. > Generally, be nice. Be grateful to those who share information about > sighti= > ngs, and do not have unrealistic assumptions about property access or > timel= > iness of posting. Accusatory or otherwise derogatory comments directed at > g= > roup members will not be tolerated." > > Whether you are a Facebook user=C2=A0 or not, this is where people are. > > Deb > > Deborah S. Grove > > =E2=80=9CNever be bored, and you will never be boring.=E2=80=9D=E2=80=95 > El= > eanor Roosevelt, > > Ecclesiates 5:18 This is what I have observed to be good: that it is > approp= > riate for a person to eat, to drink and to find satisfaction in their > toils= > ome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given them. > > > ________________________________ > From: Bird discussion list for Pennsylvania <PABIRDS...> on > b= > ehalf of Ann Pettigrew <rook185...> > Sent: Monday, February 1, 2021 7:01 PM > To: <PABIRDS...> <PABIRDS...> > Subject: Re: [PABIRDS] House Finches > > A lot of folks post on eBird these days.=C2=A0 Are you familiar with that, > = > Scott? Mi am assuming that might be happening. > > Ann C. Pettigrew, V.M.D. > York, PA > <rook185...> > > https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=3Dhttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.pbas= > > e.com%2Frook185&data=3D04%7C01%<7Cdsg4...>%7C3b4ebb4704e64386a32008d8c= > <https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=3Dhttp%3A%2F%<2Fwww.pbas...>%2Frook185&data=3D04%7C01%<7Cdsg4...>%7C3b4ebb4704e64386a32008d8c=> > > 70db1b7%7C7cf48d453ddb4389a9c1c115526eb52e%7C0%7C0%7C637478208919799707%7CU= > > nknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLC= > > JXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=3DIzUlsNgmOKNKVb029iwKqvakdi9dIBLBqjy3pi0vI2k%3D&= > reserved=3D0 > > =E2=80=9CThe greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by > = > the way its animals are treated.=E2=80=9D > =E2=80=95 Mahatma Gandhi > > > > > > On Feb 1, 2021, at 6:40 PM, Scott Kinzey <0000007977429723-dmarc-request@ > = > list.audubon.org> wrote: > > > > =EF=BB=BF=C2=A0 =C2=A0 In Verona, Allegheny County I had ten House > Finche= > s on January 29.=C2=A0 Five males and five females.=C2=A0 This was a > recent= > high count for my yard.=C2=A0 Usually I see two to four at a time.=C2=A0 > T= > hey have been in the neighborhood for many years and you'd think by now > the= > re would be more.=C2=A0 The eye disease and other factors must keep their > n= > umbers down significantly compared to House Sparrows.=C2=A0 Or maybe they > a= > re more scattered also.=C2=A0 =C2=A0 Is this list almost obselete?=C2=A0 > Wh= > ere is everyone posting their Pennsylvania Birds notes these days?=C2=A0 > It= > is hard to keep up with all of the alternatives. > > Scott KinzeyAllegheny County > Date: Wed, 3 Feb 2021 18:00:24 +0000 > From: mike weible <feather_ridge...> > Subject: Rough-legged Hawk, Venango cty. > MIME-Version: 1.0 > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8 > Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit > > Today, 2/3/21, I had a dark phase Rough-legged Hawk at the Polk wetlands, > game land 39, Venango county.Mike WeibleFranklin, Pa. > > Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android > Date: Wed, 3 Feb 2021 18:02:15 +0000 > From: "Grove, Deborah Shuey" <dsg4...> > Subject: The Pennsylvania Society of Ornithology Student Research Grant > MIME-Version: 1.0 > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="Windows-1252" > Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable > > To all > This is to announce that the Pennsylvania Society of Ornithology is > accepti= > ng applications for a student research award. It is designed to provide > sup= > port to either graduate or undergraduate students in pursuit of a bachelor= > =92s degree, master=92s degree, or doctorate. > Proposals will be judged for their scientific merit and the likelihood > that= > the work will make a meaningful contribution to our understanding of > Penns= > ylvania avifauna although applications from other states may be considered. > > You can view the pdf with the information at > https://pabirds.org/index.php/= > awards/student-research-grant > <https://pabirds.org/index.php/=awards/student-research-grant> > > You may also email me directly with questions. > > Deborah S. Grove > Date: Wed, 3 Feb 2021 15:18:00 -0500 > From: Barbara Ritzheimer <barbritz...> > Subject: Sick Pine Siskins > MIME-Version: 1.0 > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8" > > I know there is a salmonella outbreak among Pine Siskins out west. Is it > also happening here in the east? I have had at least one sick siskin at my > feeders. Although I try to keep my feeders as clean as possible, I have > taken down the feeders and will keep them down for a couple of weeks. I am > also going to do a very thorough cleaning before I put them up again. None > of the other bird species are showing any signs of illness. I have had > siskins at my feeders since October but did not notice any problems until > last week. > > Barb Ritzheimer > Schuylkill County > > But man is a part of nature, and his war against nature is inevitably a war > against himself. Rachel Carson > Date: Wed, 3 Feb 2021 22:08:44 +0000 > From: DAVID KOCH <davilene...> > Subject: Short Listserv comments, "Snow" sparrows, Koch property, > Northampton County > MIME-Version: 1.0 > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8 > Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable > > Like others have said, I'm grateful to everyone who continues to post > their= > sightings on this list.=C2=A0 PA's a big state, varying geographically > and= > also in weather conditions. Here where I live halfway up=C2=A0 the > eastern= > end of the state near the Delaware River I'm always glad=C2=A0 we don't > ge= > t snow like they do in the Erie/Northwestern counties. But this time we > got= > hammered. There's between 27 and 28 inches outside and, considering the > we= > ather that's coming, it will be a long time before bare ground once again > a= > ppears. Concerning ebird, which I joined at its inception but to which I > se= > ldom post, for me its biggest plus are the daily state rare bird reports. > W= > ithout them I wouldn't know how many Baltimore orioles are in southern > part= > s of the state right now, where most evening grosbeaks and redpolls are > sho= > wing up, or that's there a painted bunting at a private residence in > Lancas= > ter.=C2=A0As for the sparrows, well, today there are 8 different species > he= > re among too many juncos to count, one of which is an Oregon junco. > Sparrow= > s in order of abundance are white-throated, song, white-crowned, tree, > fox,= > field, chipping, and Savannah. The most unusual species to show up in the > = > middle of a 50-hr snow storm was a flock of 7 common grackles, one of > which= > constantly fed hanging from a suet cage.=C2=A0Chickadee, titmice, > white-br= > easted nuthatch, and goldfinch numbers are healthy. Downy, hairy, and > red-b= > ellied woodpecker activity is high. And raptorwise today a Cooper's, > sharp-= > shinned, juvenile red-shouldered, and adult redtail hawk all appeared in > th= > e yard at times.=C2=A0Good birding to all.=C2=A0 > Arlene Koch Easton, PA Northampton County <davilene...> > Date: Wed, 3 Feb 2021 22:22:15 +0000 > From: Linda Widdop <linda...> > Subject: Re: Short Listserv comments, "Snow" sparrows, Koch property, > Northampton County > MIME-Version: 1.0 > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8" > Content-Transfer-Encoding: base64 > > > Q2hpbWluZyBpbiBvbiB0aGUgc25vdyBhbmQgc3BhcnJvd3MgaGVyZS4gV2UgaGFkIGFib3V0IDgi > > IG9mIHNub3cgaW4gQWJpbmd0b24sIE1vbnRnb21lcnkgQ291bnR5IG92ZXIgdGhlIHBhc3QgZmV3 > > IGRheXMuIFRvZGF5LCBJIHdhcyB0cmVhdGVkIHRvIDIgQW1lcmljYW4gVHJlZSBTcGFycm93cyB1 > > bmRlciB0aGUgZmVlZGVycyB3aGljaCBpcyBvbmx5IHRoZSBzZWNvbmQgdGltZSBmb3IgdGhhdCBz > > cGVjaWVzIGluIG15IHlhcmQgb3ZlciB0aGUgcGFzdCAyMCB5ZWFycy4gVGhlIGZpcnN0IHRpbWUg > > d2FzIGFsc28gYWZ0ZXIgZGVlcCBzbm93ZmFsbC4gTG92ZSB0aG9zZSBsaXR0bGUgYnVnZ2VycyEg > > DQoNClRoYW5rcywNCkxpbmRhIFdpZGRvcA0KTW9udGdvbWVyeSBDb3VudHkgUEEvVmlsbGFzIE5K > > DQpGbGlja3IgUGhvdG9zdHJlYW06wqDCoGh0dHA6Ly93d3cuZmxpY2tyLmNvbS9waG90b3MvNTg3 > > MTk3MjVATjA0Lw0KaU5hdHVyYWxpc3Q6IGh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmluYXR1cmFsaXN0Lm9yZy9wZW9w > > bGUvbGluZGF3aWRkb3ANCkkgb2NjYXNzaW9uYWxseSBibG9nIGF0OsKgwqB3d3cucGhpbGx5Ymly > > ZG5lcmQubmV0DQoNCi0tLS0tT3JpZ2luYWwgTWVzc2FnZS0tLS0tDQpGcm9tOiBCaXJkIGRpc2N1 > > c3Npb24gbGlzdCBmb3IgUGVubnN5bHZhbmlhIDxQQUJJUkRTQExJU1QuQVVEVUJPTi5PUkc+IE9u > > IEJlaGFsZiBPZiBEQVZJRCBLT0NIDQpTZW50OiBXZWRuZXNkYXksIEZlYnJ1YXJ5IDMsIDIwMjEg > > NTowOSBQTQ0KVG86IFBBQklSRFNATElTVC5BVURVQk9OLk9SRw0KU3ViamVjdDogW1BBQklSRFNd > > IFNob3J0IExpc3RzZXJ2IGNvbW1lbnRzLCAiU25vdyIgc3BhcnJvd3MsIEtvY2ggcHJvcGVydHks > > IE5vcnRoYW1wdG9uIENvdW50eQ0KDQpFWFRFUk5BTCBTRU5ERVIgLSBFeGFtaW5lIGxpbmtzIGNs > > b3NlbHkgYmVmb3JlIGNsaWNraW5nIG9uIHRoZW0gYW5kIGRvIG5vdCBvcGVuIHVuZXhwZWN0ZWQg > > YXR0YWNobWVudHMNCg0KTGlrZSBvdGhlcnMgaGF2ZSBzYWlkLCBJJ20gZ3JhdGVmdWwgdG8gZXZl > > cnlvbmUgd2hvIGNvbnRpbnVlcyB0byBwb3N0IHRoZWlyIHNpZ2h0aW5ncyBvbiB0aGlzIGxpc3Qu > > ICBQQSdzIGEgYmlnIHN0YXRlLCB2YXJ5aW5nIGdlb2dyYXBoaWNhbGx5IGFuZCBhbHNvIGluIHdl > > YXRoZXIgY29uZGl0aW9ucy4gSGVyZSB3aGVyZSBJIGxpdmUgaGFsZndheSB1cCAgdGhlIGVhc3Rl > > cm4gZW5kIG9mIHRoZSBzdGF0ZSBuZWFyIHRoZSBEZWxhd2FyZSBSaXZlciBJJ20gYWx3YXlzIGds > > YWQgIHdlIGRvbid0IGdldCBzbm93IGxpa2UgdGhleSBkbyBpbiB0aGUgRXJpZS9Ob3J0aHdlc3Rl > > cm4gY291bnRpZXMuIEJ1dCB0aGlzIHRpbWUgd2UgZ290IGhhbW1lcmVkLiBUaGVyZSdzIGJldHdl > > ZW4gMjcgYW5kIDI4IGluY2hlcyBvdXRzaWRlIGFuZCwgY29uc2lkZXJpbmcgdGhlIHdlYXRoZXIg > > dGhhdCdzIGNvbWluZywgaXQgd2lsbCBiZSBhIGxvbmcgdGltZSBiZWZvcmUgYmFyZSBncm91bmQg > > b25jZSBhZ2FpbiBhcHBlYXJzLiBDb25jZXJuaW5nIGViaXJkLCB3aGljaCBJIGpvaW5lZCBhdCBp > > dHMgaW5jZXB0aW9uIGJ1dCB0byB3aGljaCBJIHNlbGRvbSBwb3N0LCBmb3IgbWUgaXRzIGJpZ2dl > > c3QgcGx1cyBhcmUgdGhlIGRhaWx5IHN0YXRlIHJhcmUgYmlyZCByZXBvcnRzLiBXaXRob3V0IHRo > > ZW0gSSB3b3VsZG4ndCBrbm93IGhvdyBtYW55IEJhbHRpbW9yZSBvcmlvbGVzIGFyZSBpbiBzb3V0 > > aGVybiBwYXJ0cyBvZiB0aGUgc3RhdGUgcmlnaHQgbm93LCB3aGVyZSBtb3N0IGV2ZW5pbmcgZ3Jv > > c2JlYWtzIGFuZCByZWRwb2xscyBhcmUgc2hvd2luZyB1cCwgb3IgdGhhdCdzIHRoZXJlIGEgcGFp > > bnRlZCBidW50aW5nIGF0IGEgcHJpdmF0ZSByZXNpZGVuY2UgaW4gTGFuY2FzdGVyLiBBcyBmb3Ig > > dGhlIHNwYXJyb3dzLCB3ZWxsLCB0b2RheSB0aGVyZSBhcmUgOCBkaWZmZXJlbnQgc3BlY2llcyBo > > ZXJlIGFtb25nIHRvbyBtYW55IGp1bmNvcyB0byBjb3VudCwgb25lIG9mIHdoaWNoIGlzIGFuIE9y > > ZWdvbiBqdW5jby4gU3BhcnJvd3MgaW4gb3JkZXIgb2YgYWJ1bmRhbmNlIGFyZSB3aGl0ZS10aHJv > > YXRlZCwgc29uZywgd2hpdGUtY3Jvd25lZCwgdHJlZSwgZm94LCBmaWVsZCwgY2hpcHBpbmcsIGFu > > ZCBTYXZhbm5haC4gVGhlIG1vc3QgdW51c3VhbCBzcGVjaWVzIHRvIHNob3cgdXAgaW4gdGhlIG1p > > ZGRsZSBvZiBhIDUwLWhyIHNub3cgc3Rvcm0gd2FzIGEgZmxvY2sgb2YgNyBjb21tb24gZ3JhY2ts > > ZXMsIG9uZSBvZiB3aGljaCBjb25zdGFudGx5IGZlZCBoYW5naW5nIGZyb20gYSBzdWV0IGNhZ2Uu > > IENoaWNrYWRlZSwgdGl0bWljZSwgd2hpdGUtYnJlYXN0ZWQgbnV0aGF0Y2gsIGFuZCBnb2xkZmlu > > Y2ggbnVtYmVycyBhcmUgaGVhbHRoeS4gRG93bnksIGhhaXJ5LCBhbmQgcmVkLWJlbGxpZWQgd29v > > ZHBlY2tlciBhY3Rpdml0eSBpcyBoaWdoLiBBbmQgcmFwdG9yd2lzZSB0b2RheSBhIENvb3Blcidz > > LCBzaGFycC1zaGlubmVkLCBqdXZlbmlsZSByZWQtc2hvdWxkZXJlZCwgYW5kIGFkdWx0IHJlZHRh > > aWwgaGF3ayBhbGwgYXBwZWFyZWQgaW4gdGhlIHlhcmQgYXQgdGltZXMuIEdvb2QgYmlyZGluZyB0 > > byBhbGwuDQpBcmxlbmUgS29jaCBFYXN0b24sIFBBIE5vcnRoYW1wdG9uIENvdW50eSBkYXZpbGVu > ZUB2ZXJpem9uLm5ldA0K > Date: Wed, 3 Feb 2021 17:44:23 -0500 > From: Paul Heveran <birdmeister.paul...> > Subject: Re: Short Listserv comments, "Snow" sparrows, Koch property, > Northampton County > MIME-Version: 1.0 > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8" > > Hello PA Birders, > > Adding to Arlene and Linda's posts, the snow has shaken things up a bit in > Montgomery County, too. Flocks of Snow Geese have been flying south since > yesterday, over 1,000 total in multiple flocks. I drove the farm country of > Palm today at the northern end of the county looking for field birds in the > grassy road margins. Not a single lark was seen, let alone something rarer. > However, 5 Savannah and 2 White-crowned Sparrows were good, as well as > easily over 80 Song Sparrows! > > Back at home, the mockingbird is heavily restricting traffic at the suet > feeder, even trying to rein in the Red-bellied Woodpecker. The brightly > colored Oregon x Pink-sided Junco continues, but visits are often very > short before it dives back in the spruces. > > I'll try to make it a point to post here more often, given all the messages > people have given in support of the listserv. I really enjoy it, especially > because I don't subscribe to eBird alerts and am not on Facebook. It seems > like much of the posts come from Harrisburg and west, but I like that too. > > > Good birding, > Paul Heveran > > On Wed, Feb 3, 2021 at 5:08 PM DAVID KOCH < > <0000012d74227426-dmarc-request...> wrote: > > > Like others have said, I'm grateful to everyone who continues to post > > their sightings on this list. PA's a big state, varying geographically > and > > also in weather conditions. Here where I live halfway up the eastern end > > of the state near the Delaware River I'm always glad we don't get snow > > like they do in the Erie/Northwestern counties. But this time we got > > hammered. There's between 27 and 28 inches outside and, considering the > > weather that's coming, it will be a long time before bare ground once > again > > appears. Concerning ebird, which I joined at its inception but to which I > > seldom post, for me its biggest plus are the daily state rare bird > reports. > > Without them I wouldn't know how many Baltimore orioles are in southern > > parts of the state right now, where most evening grosbeaks and redpolls > are > > showing up, or that's there a painted bunting at a private residence in > > Lancaster. As for the sparrows, well, today there are 8 different species > > here among too many juncos to count, one of which is an Oregon junco. > > Sparrows in order of abundance are white-throated, song, white-crowned, > > tree, fox, field, chipping, and Savannah. The most unusual species to > show > > up in the middle of a 50-hr snow storm was a flock of 7 common grackles, > > one of which constantly fed hanging from a suet cage. Chickadee, titmice, > > white-breasted nuthatch, and goldfinch numbers are healthy. Downy, hairy, > > and red-bellied woodpecker activity is high. And raptorwise today a > > Cooper's, sharp-shinned, juvenile red-shouldered, and adult redtail hawk > > all appeared in the yard at times. Good birding to all. > > Arlene Koch Easton, PA Northampton County <davilene...> > > > Date: Wed, 3 Feb 2021 18:57:10 -0500 > From: Arlene Koch <davilene...> > Subject: Re: Short Listserv comments, "Snow" sparrows, Koch property, > Northampton County > MIME-Version: 1.0 > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8 > Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable > > Just to explain =E2=80=94 when my posts leave my computer they have > paragrap= > hs etc. in them.=20 > > Sent from my iPhone > > > On Feb 3, 2021, at 5:08 PM, DAVID KOCH > <0000012d74227426-dmarc-request@lis= > t.audubon.org> wrote: > >=20 > > =EF=BB=BFLike others have said, I'm grateful to everyone who continues > to p= > ost their sightings on this list. PA's a big state, varying > geographically a= > nd also in weather conditions. Here where I live halfway up the eastern > end= > of the state near the Delaware River I'm always glad we don't get snow > lik= > e they do in the Erie/Northwestern counties. But this time we got > hammered. T= > here's between 27 and 28 inches outside and, considering the weather > that's c= > oming, it will be a long time before bare ground once again appears. > Concern= > ing ebird, which I joined at its inception but to which I seldom post, for > m= > e its biggest plus are the daily state rare bird reports. Without them I > wou= > ldn't know how many Baltimore orioles are in southern parts of the state > rig= > ht now, where most evening grosbeaks and redpolls are showing up, or > that's t= > here a painted bunting at a private residence in Lancaster. As for the > sparr= > ows, well, today there are 8 different species here among too many juncos > to= > count, one of which is an Oregon junco. Sparrows in order of abundance > are w= > hite-throated, song, white-crowned, tree, fox, field, chipping, and > Savannah= > . The most unusual species to show up in the middle of a 50-hr snow storm > wa= > s a flock of 7 common grackles, one of which constantly fed hanging from a > s= > uet cage. Chickadee, titmice, white-breasted nuthatch, and goldfinch > numbers= > are healthy. Downy, hairy, and red-bellied woodpecker activity is high. > And= > raptorwise today a Cooper's, sharp-shinned, juvenile red-shouldered, and > ad= > ult redtail hawk all appeared in the yard at times. Good birding to all.=20 > > Arlene Koch Easton, PA Northampton County <davilene...> > Date: Wed, 3 Feb 2021 19:25:27 -0500 > From: Ian Gardner <gardnie07...> > Subject: WRS - Schuylkill - Schuylkill Haven > MIME-Version: 1.0 > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8" > > County - Schuylkill - Schuylkill Haven > Date - 1/24/2021 > Observers - Tony Arnold, Ian Gardner > Survey Time (subtract breaks) - 3hrs 14mins > Start/End Times - 9:15am/1:04pm > Miles on Route - 72 > > Average Temperature - 27.5F > Sky - Pt Cloudy > Wind - Light > Inches Snow Cover - 0 > > Red-tails - 30 > Kestrels - 6 (4M/1F/1ND) > TVs - 34 > BVs - 41 > Bald Eagles - 1 Imm > Cooper's - 1 Imm > > Other - 2 Common Ravens > > Comments - This was my 5th year doing this route. First time with no snow > cover at all. The only high count I recorded was Black Vulture (41). > Average was 5, previous high count was 10. Red-tailed Hawks were exactly at > the average (30). My high count was 55 last year. American Kestrels were at > their median (6). One year with 0 and very cold temperatures is currently > skewing the average. Very enjoyable drive with a few good looks at Horned > Larks. Chicken farms were not as productive as the previous year. Very > little open water this year. > > Ian Gardner, > Harrisburg, PA > Date: Wed, 3 Feb 2021 19:36:01 -0500 > From: Ian Gardner <gardnie07...> > Subject: WRS Schuylkill - Pitman > MIME-Version: 1.0 > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8" > > County - Schuylkill - Pitman > Date - January 30, 2021 > Observers - Jessica Secrest, Ian Gardner > Survey Time (subtract breaks) - 3hrs 35mins > Start/End Times - 12:30pm/5:05pm > Miles on Route - 64.5 > > Average Temperature - 30 > Sky - Clear > Wind - Light > Inches Snow Cover - 0 > > Harriers - 1 Female > Red-tails - 23 > Kestrels - 5 (3M/2F/0ND) > Cooper's - 3 (1 Adults/ 2 Imm.) > Bald Eagles - 4 (2 Adults/ 2 Imm.) > TVs - 0 > BVs - 5 > > Other - 2 Common Ravens > > Comments - Another beautiful day on this route. The rolling hills and > farmlands of Schuylkill County are stunning on a sunny winter day. This is > my 5th year running this route. Northern Harrier was a new raptor species. > Jes spotted the female harrier soaring over a switchgrass field. New high > count for Cooper's Hawk (3), one higher than the previous high. Everything > else was just about at average. New high count for Black Vulture (5), > previous was 4. > > Ian Gardner, > Harrisburg, PA > Date: Wed, 3 Feb 2021 19:43:35 -0500 > From: Ann Pettigrew <rook185...> > Subject: Re: Short Listserv comments, "Snow" sparrows, Koch property, > Northampton County > MIME-Version: 1.0 > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8 > Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable > > Wow! What an amazing group of sparrows! Very impressive! Does your > proper= > ty actually abut the Delaware? > > Have a good evening, Arlene? > > Ann C. Pettigrew, V.M.D. > York, PA > <rook185...> > www.pbase.com/rook185 > > =E2=80=9CThe greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by > t= > he way its animals are treated.=E2=80=9D > =E2=80=95 Mahatma Gandhi > > > > > > On Feb 3, 2021, at 5:09 PM, DAVID KOCH > <0000012d74227426-dmarc-request@lis= > t.audubon.org> wrote: > >=20 > > =EF=BB=BFLike others have said, I'm grateful to everyone who continues > to p= > ost their sightings on this list. PA's a big state, varying > geographically a= > nd also in weather conditions. Here where I live halfway up the eastern > end= > of the state near the Delaware River I'm always glad we don't get snow > lik= > e they do in the Erie/Northwestern counties. But this time we got > hammered. T= > here's between 27 and 28 inches outside and, considering the weather > that's c= > oming, it will be a long time before bare ground once again appears. > Concern= > ing ebird, which I joined at its inception but to which I seldom post, for > m= > e its biggest plus are the daily state rare bird reports. Without them I > wou= > ldn't know how many Baltimore orioles are in southern parts of the state > rig= > ht now, where most evening grosbeaks and redpolls are showing up, or > that's t= > here a painted bunting at a private residence in Lancaster. As for the > sparr= > ows, well, today there are 8 different species here among too many juncos > to= > count, one of which is an Oregon junco. Sparrows in order of abundance > are w= > hite-throated, song, white-crowned, tree, fox, field, chipping, and > Savannah= > . The most unusual species to show up in the middle of a 50-hr snow storm > wa= > s a flock of 7 common grackles, one of which constantly fed hanging from a > s= > uet cage. Chickadee, titmice, white-breasted nuthatch, and goldfinch > numbers= > are healthy. Downy, hairy, and red-bellied woodpecker activity is high. > And= > raptorwise today a Cooper's, sharp-shinned, juvenile red-shouldered, and > ad= > ult redtail hawk all appeared in the yard at times. Good birding to all.=20 > > Arlene Koch Easton, PA Northampton County <davilene...> > Date: Thu, 4 Feb 2021 00:52:52 +0000 > From: jerry Kruth <gkruth...> > Subject: Re: paragraphs? > MIME-Version: 1.0 > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8 > Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable > > I will commiserate Arlene.=C2=A0 In my text, I usually put SEVERAL graph > b= > reaks=C2=A0 after each, yet my note usually looks like it just came out of > = > a sardine can.=C2=A0=20 > > My (smarter than I) wife has suggested it's because I usually compose on > WO= > RD, just for ease, and when it translates over into the email mode it > loses= > some commands. > Maybe? > I'm typing this directly on the email page.=C2=A0 Let's see if any graph > br= > eaks show up? > Jerry KruthPgh > =20 > =20 > -----Original Message----- > From: Arlene Koch <0000012d74227426-dmarc-request...> > To: <PABIRDS...> > Sent: Wed, Feb 3, 2021 5:57 pm > Subject: Re: [PABIRDS] Short Listserv comments, "Snow" sparrows, Koch > prope= > rty, Northampton County > > Just to explain =E2=80=94 when my posts leave my computer they have > paragra= > phs etc. in them.=20 > > Sent from my iPhone > > > On Feb 3, 2021, at 5:08 PM, DAVID KOCH <0000012d74227426-dmarc-request@li > = > st.audubon.org> wrote: > >=20 > > =EF=BB=BFLike others have said, I'm grateful to everyone who continues > to= > post their sightings on this list.=C2=A0 PA's a big state, varying > geograp= > hically and also in weather conditions. Here where I live halfway up=C2=A0 > = > the eastern end of the state near the Delaware River I'm always glad=C2=A0 > = > we don't get snow like they do in the Erie/Northwestern counties. But this > = > time we got hammered. There's between 27 and 28 inches outside and, > conside= > ring the weather that's coming, it will be a long time before bare ground > o= > nce again appears. Concerning ebird, which I joined at its inception but > to= > which I seldom post, for me its biggest plus are the daily state rare > bird= > reports. Without them I wouldn't know how many Baltimore orioles are in > so= > uthern parts of the state right now, where most evening grosbeaks and > redpo= > lls are showing up, or that's there a painted bunting at a private > residenc= > e in Lancaster. As for the sparrows, well, today there are 8 different > spec= > ies here among too many juncos to count, one of which is an Oregon junco. > S= > parrows in order of abundance are white-throated, song, white-crowned, > tree= > , fox, field, chipping, and Savannah. The most unusual species to show up > i= > n the middle of a 50-hr snow storm was a flock of 7 common grackles, one > of= > which constantly fed hanging from a suet cage. Chickadee, titmice, > white-b= > reasted nuthatch, and goldfinch numbers are healthy. Downy, hairy, and > red-= > bellied woodpecker activity is high. And raptorwise today a Cooper's, > sharp= > -shinned, juvenile red-shouldered, and adult redtail hawk all appeared in > t= > he yard at times. Good birding to all.=20 > > Arlene Koch Easton, PA Northampton County <davilene...> > Date: Wed, 3 Feb 2021 20:01:38 -0500 > From: Arlene Koch <davilene...> > Subject: Re: paragraphs? > MIME-Version: 1.0 > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8 > Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable > > Thanks. Yours came through fine. Perhaps it=E2=80=99s yahoo, but I just > don=E2= > =80=99t know. I could use my iPhone but I hate typing on it. But thanks > agai= > n.=20 > > Sent from my iPhone > > > On Feb 3, 2021, at 7:53 PM, jerry Kruth <gkruth...> wrote: > >=20 > > =EF=BB=BF > > I will commiserate Arlene. In my text, I usually put SEVERAL graph > breaks= > after each, yet my note usually looks like it just came out of a sardine > c= > an. =20 > >=20 > > My (smarter than I) wife has suggested it's because I usually compose on > W= > ORD, just for ease, and when it translates over into the email mode it > loses= > some commands. > >=20 > > Maybe? > >=20 > > I'm typing this directly on the email page. Let's see if any graph > breaks= > show up? > >=20 > > Jerry Kruth > > Pgh > >=20 > >=20 > > -----Original Message----- > > From: Arlene Koch <0000012d74227426-dmarc-request...> > > To: <PABIRDS...> > > Sent: Wed, Feb 3, 2021 5:57 pm > > Subject: Re: [PABIRDS] Short Listserv comments, "Snow" sparrows, Koch > prop= > erty, Northampton County > >=20 > > Just to explain =E2=80=94 when my posts leave my computer they have > paragr= > aphs etc. in them.=20 > >=20 > > Sent from my iPhone > >=20 > > > On Feb 3, 2021, at 5:08 PM, DAVID KOCH > <0000012d74227426-dmarc-request@l= > ist.audubon.org> wrote: > > >=20 > > > =EF=BB=BFLike others have said, I'm grateful to everyone who continues > t= > o post their sightings on this list. PA's a big state, varying > geographical= > ly and also in weather conditions. Here where I live halfway up the > eastern= > end of the state near the Delaware River I'm always glad we don't get > snow= > like they do in the Erie/Northwestern counties. But this time we got > hammer= > ed. There's between 27 and 28 inches outside and, considering the weather > th= > at's coming, it will be a long time before bare ground once again appears. > C= > oncerning ebird, which I joined at its inception but to which I seldom > post,= > for me its biggest plus are the daily state rare bird reports. Without > them= > I wouldn't know how many Baltimore orioles are in southern parts of the > sta= > te right now, where most evening grosbeaks and redpolls are showing up, or > t= > hat's there a painted bunting at a private residence in Lancaster. As for > th= > e sparrows, well, today there are 8 different species here among too many > ju= > ncos to count, one of which is an Oregon junco. Sparrows in order of > abundan= > ce are white-throated, song, white-crowned, tree, fox, field, chipping, > and S= > avannah. The most unusual species to show up in the middle of a 50-hr snow > s= > torm was a flock of 7 common grackles, one of which constantly fed hanging > f= > rom a suet cage. Chickadee, titmice, white-breasted nuthatch, and > goldfinch n= > umbers are healthy. Downy, hairy, and red-bellied woodpecker activity is > hig= > h. And raptorwise today a Cooper's, sharp-shinned, juvenile > red-shouldered, a= > nd adult redtail hawk all appeared in the yard at times. Good birding to > all= > .=20 > > > Arlene Koch Easton, PA Northampton County <davilene...> > Date: Wed, 3 Feb 2021 20:08:15 -0500 > From: Dave DeReamus <becard...> > Subject: Re: Short Listserv comments, "Snow" sparrows, Koch property, > Northampton County > MIME-Version: 1.0 > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8" > Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable > > I'm by no means a computer expert, but I'm guessing this is caused when = > the formatting (line breaks, etc.) in certain Email programs are misread = > by the PABIRDS servers. It is what it is. At least the text isn't be = > changed. > > Good birding, > Dave DeReamus > Palmer Township, Northampton County, PA > becard -at- rcn.com > Blog: http://becard.blogspot.com > > > -----Original Message----- > From: Bird discussion list for Pennsylvania <PABIRDS...> = > On Behalf Of Arlene Koch > Sent: Wednesday, February 03, 2021 6:57 PM > To: <PABIRDS...> > Subject: Re: Short Listserv comments, "Snow" sparrows, Koch property, = > Northampton County > > Just to explain =E2=80=94 when my posts leave my computer they have = > paragraphs etc. in them.=20 > > Sent from my iPhone > > > On Feb 3, 2021, at 5:08 PM, DAVID KOCH = > <0000012d74227426-dmarc-request...> wrote: > >=20 > > =EF=BB=BFLike others have said, I'm grateful to everyone who continues = > to post their sightings on this list. PA's a big state, varying = > geographically and also in weather conditions. Here where I live halfway = > up the eastern end of the state near the Delaware River I'm always glad = > we don't get snow like they do in the Erie/Northwestern counties. But = > this time we got hammered. There's between 27 and 28 inches outside and, = > considering the weather that's coming, it will be a long time before = > bare ground once again appears. Concerning ebird, which I joined at its = > inception but to which I seldom post, for me its biggest plus are the = > daily state rare bird reports. Without them I wouldn't know how many = > Baltimore orioles are in southern parts of the state right now, where = > most evening grosbeaks and redpolls are showing up, or that's there a = > painted bunting at a private residence in Lancaster. As for the = > sparrows, well, today there are 8 different species here among too many = > juncos to count, one of which is an Oregon junco. Sparrows in order of = > abundance are white-throated, song, white-crowned, tree, fox, field, = > chipping, and Savannah. The most unusual species to show up in the = > middle of a 50-hr snow storm was a flock of 7 common grackles, one of = > which constantly fed hanging from a suet cage. Chickadee, titmice, = > white-breasted nuthatch, and goldfinch numbers are healthy. Downy, = > hairy, and red-bellied woodpecker activity is high. And raptorwise today = > a Cooper's, sharp-shinned, juvenile red-shouldered, and adult redtail = > hawk all appeared in the yard at times. Good birding to all.=20 > > Arlene Koch Easton, PA Northampton County <davilene...> >
Date: 2/3/21 5:08 pm From: Dave DeReamus <becard...> Subject: Re: Short Listserv comments, "Snow" sparrows, Koch property, Northampton County
I'm by no means a computer expert, but I'm guessing this is caused when the formatting (line breaks, etc.) in certain Email programs are misread by the PABIRDS servers. It is what it is. At least the text isn't be changed.
Good birding,
Dave DeReamus
Palmer Township, Northampton County, PA
becard -at- rcn.com
Blog: http://becard.blogspot.com
-----Original Message-----
From: Bird discussion list for Pennsylvania <PABIRDS...> On Behalf Of Arlene Koch
Sent: Wednesday, February 03, 2021 6:57 PM
To: <PABIRDS...>
Subject: Re: Short Listserv comments, "Snow" sparrows, Koch property, Northampton County
Just to explain — when my posts leave my computer they have paragraphs etc. in them.
Sent from my iPhone
> On Feb 3, 2021, at 5:08 PM, DAVID KOCH <0000012d74227426-dmarc-request...> wrote:
>
> Like others have said, I'm grateful to everyone who continues to post their sightings on this list. PA's a big state, varying geographically and also in weather conditions. Here where I live halfway up the eastern end of the state near the Delaware River I'm always glad we don't get snow like they do in the Erie/Northwestern counties. But this time we got hammered. There's between 27 and 28 inches outside and, considering the weather that's coming, it will be a long time before bare ground once again appears. Concerning ebird, which I joined at its inception but to which I seldom post, for me its biggest plus are the daily state rare bird reports. Without them I wouldn't know how many Baltimore orioles are in southern parts of the state right now, where most evening grosbeaks and redpolls are showing up, or that's there a painted bunting at a private residence in Lancaster. As for the sparrows, well, today there are 8 different species here among too many juncos to count, one of which is an Oregon junco. Sparrows in order of abundance are white-throated, song, white-crowned, tree, fox, field, chipping, and Savannah. The most unusual species to show up in the middle of a 50-hr snow storm was a flock of 7 common grackles, one of which constantly fed hanging from a suet cage. Chickadee, titmice, white-breasted nuthatch, and goldfinch numbers are healthy. Downy, hairy, and red-bellied woodpecker activity is high. And raptorwise today a Cooper's, sharp-shinned, juvenile red-shouldered, and adult redtail hawk all appeared in the yard at times. Good birding to all.
> Arlene Koch Easton, PA Northampton County <davilene...>
Thanks. Yours came through fine. Perhaps it’s yahoo, but I just don’t know. I could use my iPhone but I hate typing on it. But thanks again.
Sent from my iPhone
> On Feb 3, 2021, at 7:53 PM, jerry Kruth <gkruth...> wrote:
>
>
> I will commiserate Arlene. In my text, I usually put SEVERAL graph breaks after each, yet my note usually looks like it just came out of a sardine can.
>
> My (smarter than I) wife has suggested it's because I usually compose on WORD, just for ease, and when it translates over into the email mode it loses some commands.
>
> Maybe?
>
> I'm typing this directly on the email page. Let's see if any graph breaks show up?
>
> Jerry Kruth
> Pgh
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Arlene Koch <0000012d74227426-dmarc-request...>
> To: <PABIRDS...>
> Sent: Wed, Feb 3, 2021 5:57 pm
> Subject: Re: [PABIRDS] Short Listserv comments, "Snow" sparrows, Koch property, Northampton County
>
> Just to explain — when my posts leave my computer they have paragraphs etc. in them.
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> > On Feb 3, 2021, at 5:08 PM, DAVID KOCH <0000012d74227426-dmarc-request...> wrote:
> >
> > Like others have said, I'm grateful to everyone who continues to post their sightings on this list. PA's a big state, varying geographically and also in weather conditions. Here where I live halfway up the eastern end of the state near the Delaware River I'm always glad we don't get snow like they do in the Erie/Northwestern counties. But this time we got hammered. There's between 27 and 28 inches outside and, considering the weather that's coming, it will be a long time before bare ground once again appears. Concerning ebird, which I joined at its inception but to which I seldom post, for me its biggest plus are the daily state rare bird reports. Without them I wouldn't know how many Baltimore orioles are in southern parts of the state right now, where most evening grosbeaks and redpolls are showing up, or that's there a painted bunting at a private residence in Lancaster. As for the sparrows, well, today there are 8 different species here among too many juncos to count, one of which is an Oregon junco. Sparrows in order of abundance are white-throated, song, white-crowned, tree, fox, field, chipping, and Savannah. The most unusual species to show up in the middle of a 50-hr snow storm was a flock of 7 common grackles, one of which constantly fed hanging from a suet cage. Chickadee, titmice, white-breasted nuthatch, and goldfinch numbers are healthy. Downy, hairy, and red-bellied woodpecker activity is high. And raptorwise today a Cooper's, sharp-shinned, juvenile red-shouldered, and adult redtail hawk all appeared in the yard at times. Good birding to all.
> > Arlene Koch Easton, PA Northampton County <davilene...>
I will commiserate Arlene. In my text, I usually put SEVERAL graph breaks after each, yet my note usually looks like it just came out of a sardine can.
My (smarter than I) wife has suggested it's because I usually compose on WORD, just for ease, and when it translates over into the email mode it loses some commands.
Maybe?
I'm typing this directly on the email page. Let's see if any graph breaks show up?
Jerry KruthPgh
-----Original Message-----
From: Arlene Koch <0000012d74227426-dmarc-request...>
To: <PABIRDS...>
Sent: Wed, Feb 3, 2021 5:57 pm
Subject: Re: [PABIRDS] Short Listserv comments, "Snow" sparrows, Koch property, Northampton County
Just to explain — when my posts leave my computer they have paragraphs etc. in them.
Sent from my iPhone
> On Feb 3, 2021, at 5:08 PM, DAVID KOCH <0000012d74227426-dmarc-request...> wrote:
>
> Like others have said, I'm grateful to everyone who continues to post their sightings on this list. PA's a big state, varying geographically and also in weather conditions. Here where I live halfway up the eastern end of the state near the Delaware River I'm always glad we don't get snow like they do in the Erie/Northwestern counties. But this time we got hammered. There's between 27 and 28 inches outside and, considering the weather that's coming, it will be a long time before bare ground once again appears. Concerning ebird, which I joined at its inception but to which I seldom post, for me its biggest plus are the daily state rare bird reports. Without them I wouldn't know how many Baltimore orioles are in southern parts of the state right now, where most evening grosbeaks and redpolls are showing up, or that's there a painted bunting at a private residence in Lancaster. As for the sparrows, well, today there are 8 different species here among too many juncos to count, one of which is an Oregon junco. Sparrows in order of abundance are white-throated, song, white-crowned, tree, fox, field, chipping, and Savannah. The most unusual species to show up in the middle of a 50-hr snow storm was a flock of 7 common grackles, one of which constantly fed hanging from a suet cage. Chickadee, titmice, white-breasted nuthatch, and goldfinch numbers are healthy. Downy, hairy, and red-bellied woodpecker activity is high. And raptorwise today a Cooper's, sharp-shinned, juvenile red-shouldered, and adult redtail hawk all appeared in the yard at times. Good birding to all.
> Arlene Koch Easton, PA Northampton County <davilene...>
Date: 2/3/21 4:43 pm From: Ann Pettigrew <rook185...> Subject: Re: Short Listserv comments, "Snow" sparrows, Koch property, Northampton County
Wow! What an amazing group of sparrows! Very impressive! Does your property actually abut the Delaware?
Have a good evening, Arlene?
Ann C. Pettigrew, V.M.D.
York, PA
<rook185...>
www.pbase.com/rook185
“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.”
― Mahatma Gandhi
> On Feb 3, 2021, at 5:09 PM, DAVID KOCH <0000012d74227426-dmarc-request...> wrote:
>
> Like others have said, I'm grateful to everyone who continues to post their sightings on this list. PA's a big state, varying geographically and also in weather conditions. Here where I live halfway up the eastern end of the state near the Delaware River I'm always glad we don't get snow like they do in the Erie/Northwestern counties. But this time we got hammered. There's between 27 and 28 inches outside and, considering the weather that's coming, it will be a long time before bare ground once again appears. Concerning ebird, which I joined at its inception but to which I seldom post, for me its biggest plus are the daily state rare bird reports. Without them I wouldn't know how many Baltimore orioles are in southern parts of the state right now, where most evening grosbeaks and redpolls are showing up, or that's there a painted bunting at a private residence in Lancaster. As for the sparrows, well, today there are 8 different species here among too many juncos to count, one of which is an Oregon junco. Sparrows in order of abundance are white-throated, song, white-crowned, tree, fox, field, chipping, and Savannah. The most unusual species to show up in the middle of a 50-hr snow storm was a flock of 7 common grackles, one of which constantly fed hanging from a suet cage. Chickadee, titmice, white-breasted nuthatch, and goldfinch numbers are healthy. Downy, hairy, and red-bellied woodpecker activity is high. And raptorwise today a Cooper's, sharp-shinned, juvenile red-shouldered, and adult redtail hawk all appeared in the yard at times. Good birding to all.
> Arlene Koch Easton, PA Northampton County <davilene...>
County - Schuylkill - Pitman Date - January 30, 2021 Observers - Jessica Secrest, Ian Gardner Survey Time (subtract breaks) - 3hrs 35mins Start/End Times - 12:30pm/5:05pm Miles on Route - 64.5
Average Temperature - 30 Sky - Clear Wind - Light Inches Snow Cover - 0
Comments - Another beautiful day on this route. The rolling hills and farmlands of Schuylkill County are stunning on a sunny winter day. This is my 5th year running this route. Northern Harrier was a new raptor species. Jes spotted the female harrier soaring over a switchgrass field. New high count for Cooper's Hawk (3), one higher than the previous high. Everything else was just about at average. New high count for Black Vulture (5), previous was 4.
County - Schuylkill - Schuylkill Haven Date - 1/24/2021 Observers - Tony Arnold, Ian Gardner Survey Time (subtract breaks) - 3hrs 14mins Start/End Times - 9:15am/1:04pm Miles on Route - 72
Average Temperature - 27.5F Sky - Pt Cloudy Wind - Light Inches Snow Cover - 0
Comments - This was my 5th year doing this route. First time with no snow cover at all. The only high count I recorded was Black Vulture (41). Average was 5, previous high count was 10. Red-tailed Hawks were exactly at the average (30). My high count was 55 last year. American Kestrels were at their median (6). One year with 0 and very cold temperatures is currently skewing the average. Very enjoyable drive with a few good looks at Horned Larks. Chicken farms were not as productive as the previous year. Very little open water this year.
Date: 2/3/21 3:57 pm From: Arlene Koch <0000012d74227426-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Short Listserv comments, "Snow" sparrows, Koch property, Northampton County
Just to explain — when my posts leave my computer they have paragraphs etc. in them.
Sent from my iPhone
> On Feb 3, 2021, at 5:08 PM, DAVID KOCH <0000012d74227426-dmarc-request...> wrote:
>
> Like others have said, I'm grateful to everyone who continues to post their sightings on this list. PA's a big state, varying geographically and also in weather conditions. Here where I live halfway up the eastern end of the state near the Delaware River I'm always glad we don't get snow like they do in the Erie/Northwestern counties. But this time we got hammered. There's between 27 and 28 inches outside and, considering the weather that's coming, it will be a long time before bare ground once again appears. Concerning ebird, which I joined at its inception but to which I seldom post, for me its biggest plus are the daily state rare bird reports. Without them I wouldn't know how many Baltimore orioles are in southern parts of the state right now, where most evening grosbeaks and redpolls are showing up, or that's there a painted bunting at a private residence in Lancaster. As for the sparrows, well, today there are 8 different species here among too many juncos to count, one of which is an Oregon junco. Sparrows in order of abundance are white-throated, song, white-crowned, tree, fox, field, chipping, and Savannah. The most unusual species to show up in the middle of a 50-hr snow storm was a flock of 7 common grackles, one of which constantly fed hanging from a suet cage. Chickadee, titmice, white-breasted nuthatch, and goldfinch numbers are healthy. Downy, hairy, and red-bellied woodpecker activity is high. And raptorwise today a Cooper's, sharp-shinned, juvenile red-shouldered, and adult redtail hawk all appeared in the yard at times. Good birding to all.
> Arlene Koch Easton, PA Northampton County <davilene...>
Date: 2/3/21 2:44 pm From: Paul Heveran <birdmeister.paul...> Subject: Re: Short Listserv comments, "Snow" sparrows, Koch property, Northampton County
Hello PA Birders,
Adding to Arlene and Linda's posts, the snow has shaken things up a bit in Montgomery County, too. Flocks of Snow Geese have been flying south since yesterday, over 1,000 total in multiple flocks. I drove the farm country of Palm today at the northern end of the county looking for field birds in the grassy road margins. Not a single lark was seen, let alone something rarer. However, 5 Savannah and 2 White-crowned Sparrows were good, as well as easily over 80 Song Sparrows!
Back at home, the mockingbird is heavily restricting traffic at the suet feeder, even trying to rein in the Red-bellied Woodpecker. The brightly colored Oregon x Pink-sided Junco continues, but visits are often very short before it dives back in the spruces.
I'll try to make it a point to post here more often, given all the messages people have given in support of the listserv. I really enjoy it, especially because I don't subscribe to eBird alerts and am not on Facebook. It seems like much of the posts come from Harrisburg and west, but I like that too.
Good birding, Paul Heveran
On Wed, Feb 3, 2021 at 5:08 PM DAVID KOCH < <0000012d74227426-dmarc-request...> wrote:
> Like others have said, I'm grateful to everyone who continues to post > their sightings on this list. PA's a big state, varying geographically and > also in weather conditions. Here where I live halfway up the eastern end > of the state near the Delaware River I'm always glad we don't get snow > like they do in the Erie/Northwestern counties. But this time we got > hammered. There's between 27 and 28 inches outside and, considering the > weather that's coming, it will be a long time before bare ground once again > appears. Concerning ebird, which I joined at its inception but to which I > seldom post, for me its biggest plus are the daily state rare bird reports. > Without them I wouldn't know how many Baltimore orioles are in southern > parts of the state right now, where most evening grosbeaks and redpolls are > showing up, or that's there a painted bunting at a private residence in > Lancaster. As for the sparrows, well, today there are 8 different species > here among too many juncos to count, one of which is an Oregon junco. > Sparrows in order of abundance are white-throated, song, white-crowned, > tree, fox, field, chipping, and Savannah. The most unusual species to show > up in the middle of a 50-hr snow storm was a flock of 7 common grackles, > one of which constantly fed hanging from a suet cage. Chickadee, titmice, > white-breasted nuthatch, and goldfinch numbers are healthy. Downy, hairy, > and red-bellied woodpecker activity is high. And raptorwise today a > Cooper's, sharp-shinned, juvenile red-shouldered, and adult redtail hawk > all appeared in the yard at times. Good birding to all. > Arlene Koch Easton, PA Northampton County <davilene...> >
Date: 2/3/21 2:22 pm From: Linda Widdop <linda...> Subject: Re: Short Listserv comments, "Snow" sparrows, Koch property, Northampton County
Chiming in on the snow and sparrows here. We had about 8" of snow in Abington, Montgomery County over the past few days. Today, I was treated to 2 American Tree Sparrows under the feeders which is only the second time for that species in my yard over the past 20 years. The first time was also after deep snowfall. Love those little buggers!
-----Original Message-----
From: Bird discussion list for Pennsylvania <PABIRDS...> On Behalf Of DAVID KOCH
Sent: Wednesday, February 3, 2021 5:09 PM
To: <PABIRDS...>
Subject: [PABIRDS] Short Listserv comments, "Snow" sparrows, Koch property, Northampton County
EXTERNAL SENDER - Examine links closely before clicking on them and do not open unexpected attachments
Like others have said, I'm grateful to everyone who continues to post their sightings on this list. PA's a big state, varying geographically and also in weather conditions. Here where I live halfway up the eastern end of the state near the Delaware River I'm always glad we don't get snow like they do in the Erie/Northwestern counties. But this time we got hammered. There's between 27 and 28 inches outside and, considering the weather that's coming, it will be a long time before bare ground once again appears. Concerning ebird, which I joined at its inception but to which I seldom post, for me its biggest plus are the daily state rare bird reports. Without them I wouldn't know how many Baltimore orioles are in southern parts of the state right now, where most evening grosbeaks and redpolls are showing up, or that's there a painted bunting at a private residence in Lancaster. As for the sparrows, well, today there are 8 different species here among too many juncos to count, one of which is an Oregon junco. Sparrows in order of abundance are white-throated, song, white-crowned, tree, fox, field, chipping, and Savannah. The most unusual species to show up in the middle of a 50-hr snow storm was a flock of 7 common grackles, one of which constantly fed hanging from a suet cage. Chickadee, titmice, white-breasted nuthatch, and goldfinch numbers are healthy. Downy, hairy, and red-bellied woodpecker activity is high. And raptorwise today a Cooper's, sharp-shinned, juvenile red-shouldered, and adult redtail hawk all appeared in the yard at times. Good birding to all.
Arlene Koch Easton, PA Northampton County <davilene...>
Date: 2/3/21 2:08 pm From: DAVID KOCH <0000012d74227426-dmarc-request...> Subject: Short Listserv comments, "Snow" sparrows, Koch property, Northampton County
Like others have said, I'm grateful to everyone who continues to post their sightings on this list. PA's a big state, varying geographically and also in weather conditions. Here where I live halfway up the eastern end of the state near the Delaware River I'm always glad we don't get snow like they do in the Erie/Northwestern counties. But this time we got hammered. There's between 27 and 28 inches outside and, considering the weather that's coming, it will be a long time before bare ground once again appears. Concerning ebird, which I joined at its inception but to which I seldom post, for me its biggest plus are the daily state rare bird reports. Without them I wouldn't know how many Baltimore orioles are in southern parts of the state right now, where most evening grosbeaks and redpolls are showing up, or that's there a painted bunting at a private residence in Lancaster. As for the sparrows, well, today there are 8 different species here among too many juncos to count, one of which is an Oregon junco. Sparrows in order of abundance are white-throated, song, white-crowned, tree, fox, field, chipping, and Savannah. The most unusual species to show up in the middle of a 50-hr snow storm was a flock of 7 common grackles, one of which constantly fed hanging from a suet cage. Chickadee, titmice, white-breasted nuthatch, and goldfinch numbers are healthy. Downy, hairy, and red-bellied woodpecker activity is high. And raptorwise today a Cooper's, sharp-shinned, juvenile red-shouldered, and adult redtail hawk all appeared in the yard at times. Good birding to all.
Arlene Koch Easton, PA Northampton County <davilene...>
Date: 2/3/21 12:18 pm From: Barbara Ritzheimer <barbritz...> Subject: Sick Pine Siskins
I know there is a salmonella outbreak among Pine Siskins out west. Is it also happening here in the east? I have had at least one sick siskin at my feeders. Although I try to keep my feeders as clean as possible, I have taken down the feeders and will keep them down for a couple of weeks. I am also going to do a very thorough cleaning before I put them up again. None of the other bird species are showing any signs of illness. I have had siskins at my feeders since October but did not notice any problems until last week.
Barb Ritzheimer Schuylkill County
But man is a part of nature, and his war against nature is inevitably a war against himself. Rachel Carson
Date: 2/3/21 10:02 am From: Grove, Deborah Shuey <dsg4...> Subject: The Pennsylvania Society of Ornithology Student Research Grant
To all
This is to announce that the Pennsylvania Society of Ornithology is accepting applications for a student research award. It is designed to provide support to either graduate or undergraduate students in pursuit of a bachelors degree, masters degree, or doctorate.
Proposals will be judged for their scientific merit and the likelihood that the work will make a meaningful contribution to our understanding of Pennsylvania avifauna although applications from other states may be considered.
Date: 2/3/21 8:03 am From: jerry Kruth <00000005ead0dac6-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Where are Bird Sightings published these days?
I'll add my 2c, that this list is a wonderful resource for sightings and other information about birds and birding in the Keystone State.
Thanks to all of you who post. An email is a simple and comprehensive look at what others are experiencing. I enjoy them and look forward to them. If you don't like the topic or are bored, there's always "delete."
We'll miss your posts, Dave DeReamus. Thanks for your time and effort, and to all the other good folks about who monitor and create those posts.
Jerry
-----Original Message-----
From: Dave DeReamus <becard...>
To: <PABIRDS...>
Sent: Tue, Feb 2, 2021 9:26 am
Subject: Re: [PABIRDS] Where are Bird Sightings published these days?
Thanks, Deb, for this information. PABIRDS >USED< to be the central location for bird reports in PA, but then the multiple numbers of Facebook pages and GroupMe groups started popping up all over on social media, which DE-centralized the information and defeated one of its main purposes. I am not at all against these pages and groups, but I think it has caused a problem on WHERE to find pertinent information in ONE GENERAL spot. And you can imagine how difficult it was getting trying to compile the RBA, which is just one of the many reasons that this week's update will be my last. Off to shovel.
Thanks again and Good birding,
Dave DeReamus
Palmer Township, Northampton County, PA
becard -at- rcn.com
Blog: http://becard.blogspot.com
-----Original Message-----
From: Bird discussion list for Pennsylvania <PABIRDS...> On Behalf Of Grove, Deborah Shuey
Sent: Tuesday, February 02, 2021 7:18 AM
To: <PABIRDS...>
Subject: Where are Bird Sightings published these days?
As an Admin for FB bird groups, we have almost 9000 subscribers on PA Birders alone. This is not a site where you will get the same information as on PA Birds Listserve.
There is also PA Birds Photography and Art, an ID group and a Notable Sightings group.
The Notable Sightings group with almost 1000 members has this description:
"This group is a place to post information related to sightings of rare/unusual birds in Pennsylvania, and for discussions relating to notable bird sightings. It is NOT a place to share sightings or photographs of commonly occurring species, or a place to seek basic ID help. Please consider other groups for those purposes such as :
PA Birders
PA Birders - Photography
ID that PA Bird
Less experienced birders are welcome to join and learn, but please refrain from posting content not consistent with the guidelines.
Appropriate posts for this group include:
• Reports of notable (statewide or regionally) bird sightings or unseasonable species occurrences • Discussion of unusual records • Advanced ID questions, such as gulls, empids, etc., particularly for individuals that may be a rare species • Discussion of large-scale bird movements or weather events that may affect PA • Requests for info related to specific rarities, access instructions in restricted/private areas, and updates on a continuing rarity (keeping info for a specific bird in a single thread is preferred) • Priority conservation concern species in PA • Use best judgment for other topics that would be of interest to serious birders in the state Examples of INAPPROPRIATE Posts:
• Normal arrival of spring migrants at feeders, such as Ruby-throated Hummingbirds and Rose-breasted Grosbeaks • Sharing photos of common species • ID questions, except advanced discussions, as outlined above • Birds outside of PA (with the potential exception of something extremely rare in locations close to PA or an irruption that could lead to PA records) Please make sure all posts adhere to these guidelines. Posts that do not meet the above criteria will be deleted, and members who repeatedly disregard these criteria will be warned or removed from the group. Don't take it personally; we want this group to serve the needs of serious birders in Pennsylvania, and there are plenty of other groups to share photos.
All posts should include date and location, including county. If the specific location of a bird cannot be shared (e.g. private property where permission cannot be obtained), it is still acceptable to post about the sighting, but should include a note explaining why no location was given.
Photographs should always include text providing context about the sighting. Even for continuing rarities, date and location must be provided with posts or photographs, and consider keeping information for a specific bird on a single thread so that information is consolidated.
It is assumed that members of this group have advanced knowledge of birds, so ornithological terminology and banding codes are acceptable.
Generally, be nice. Be grateful to those who share information about sightings, and do not have unrealistic assumptions about property access or timeliness of posting. Accusatory or otherwise derogatory comments directed at group members will not be tolerated."
Whether you are a Facebook user or not, this is where people are.
Deb
Deborah S. Grove
“Never be bored, and you will never be boring.”― Eleanor Roosevelt,
Ecclesiates 5:18 This is what I have observed to be good: that it is appropriate for a person to eat, to drink and to find satisfaction in their toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given them.
________________________________
From: Bird discussion list for Pennsylvania <PABIRDS...> on behalf of Ann Pettigrew <rook185...>
Sent: Monday, February 1, 2021 7:01 PM
To: <PABIRDS...> <PABIRDS...>
Subject: Re: [PABIRDS] House Finches
A lot of folks post on eBird these days. Are you familiar with that, Scott? Mi am assuming that might be happening.
“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.”
― Mahatma Gandhi
> On Feb 1, 2021, at 6:40 PM, Scott Kinzey <0000007977429723-dmarc-request...> wrote:
>
> In Verona, Allegheny County I had ten House Finches on January 29. Five males and five females. This was a recent high count for my yard. Usually I see two to four at a time. They have been in the neighborhood for many years and you'd think by now there would be more. The eye disease and other factors must keep their numbers down significantly compared to House Sparrows. Or maybe they are more scattered also. Is this list almost obselete? Where is everyone posting their Pennsylvania Birds notes these days? It is hard to keep up with all of the alternatives.
> Scott KinzeyAllegheny County
Date: 2/2/21 7:08 pm From: reeser <reeser...> Subject: Re: Where are Bird Sightings published these days?
I prefer the PABIRDS list to facebook and ebird. I don't have time to check them all. PABIRDS posts show up every day. The posts list the County where the birds were sighted in the subject. Posts often include descriptions of habitat and bird behavior and links to photos as well as sightings. I find it much more informative than just looking at a map where a bird was found.
So, I hope everyone will still post their observations to PABIRDS even if they post elsewhere and even if it is just a reference to additional information elsewhere. It's interesting finding out what birds are in the area, even when no exact location can be provided. And list members are very helpful when one has a question. I also appreciate the postings such as Waggoner's Gap Hawk Watch, including the non-raptor observations such as monarchs, hummingbirds, warblers and even the snakes!
Thanks to all who post here.
Ellen <reeser...> Cumberland County, PA
On 02/02/2021 10:09 AM, Sally Zaino wrote: > I do follow the FB groups and enjoy the photos and posts, but they are more informal IMO. I still rely on the listserv for the consistent and more “official” info because it is more serious and includes everyone, even those who eschew social media. I believe there are a number of those folks. I’m fine with both! > Sally >
Date: 2/2/21 7:09 am From: Sally Zaino <szaino...> Subject: Re: Where are Bird Sightings published these days?
I do follow the FB groups and enjoy the photos and posts, but they are more informal IMO. I still rely on the listserv for the consistent and more “official” info because it is more serious and includes everyone, even those who eschew social media. I believe there are a number of those folks. I’m fine with both!
Sally
> On Feb 2, 2021, at 9:39 AM, Grove, Deborah Shuey <dsg4...> wrote:
>
> Yes everything evolves.
> I still have memories of when we lived in Cheltenham in the early 80s calling the number to get Armas Hill's recording on where the birds were.
>
> And later when we moved to central PA being part of the telephone list that passed along sightings from one person to the next. I am thinking Peter Robinson was the one on the list after us that we called.
>
> Just added you to the FB group.
>
> Deb
>
> Deborah S. Grove
> ________________________________
> From: Bird discussion list for Pennsylvania <PABIRDS...> on behalf of Dave DeReamus <becard...>
> Sent: Tuesday, February 2, 2021 9:26 AM
> To: <PABIRDS...> <PABIRDS...>
> Subject: Re: [PABIRDS] Where are Bird Sightings published these days?
>
> Thanks, Deb, for this information. PABIRDS >USED< to be the central location for bird reports in PA, but then the multiple numbers of Facebook pages and GroupMe groups started popping up all over on social media, which DE-centralized the information and defeated one of its main purposes. I am not at all against these pages and groups, but I think it has caused a problem on WHERE to find pertinent information in ONE GENERAL spot. And you can imagine how difficult it was getting trying to compile the RBA, which is just one of the many reasons that this week's update will be my last. Off to shovel.
>
> Thanks again and Good birding,
> Dave DeReamus
> Palmer Township, Northampton County, PA
> becard -at- rcn.com
> Blog: https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fbecard.blogspot.com%2F&data=04%7C01%<7Cdsg4...>%7C06e6598df8ce4e76a1f308d8c78696c3%7C7cf48d453ddb4389a9c1c115526eb52e%7C0%7C0%7C637478728153286185%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=cAERIXNNDnBtU3MsIvxFeKRXc1EaD2L9Lmilkyo21FA%3D&reserved=0 >
>
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Bird discussion list for Pennsylvania <PABIRDS...> On Behalf Of Grove, Deborah Shuey
> Sent: Tuesday, February 02, 2021 7:18 AM
> To: <PABIRDS...>
> Subject: Where are Bird Sightings published these days?
>
> As an Admin for FB bird groups, we have almost 9000 subscribers on PA Birders alone. This is not a site where you will get the same information as on PA Birds Listserve.
>
> There is also PA Birds Photography and Art, an ID group and a Notable Sightings group.
> The Notable Sightings group with almost 1000 members has this description:
>
> "This group is a place to post information related to sightings of rare/unusual birds in Pennsylvania, and for discussions relating to notable bird sightings. It is NOT a place to share sightings or photographs of commonly occurring species, or a place to seek basic ID help. Please consider other groups for those purposes such as :
> PA Birders
> PA Birders - Photography
> ID that PA Bird
> Less experienced birders are welcome to join and learn, but please refrain from posting content not consistent with the guidelines.
> Appropriate posts for this group include:
> • Reports of notable (statewide or regionally) bird sightings or unseasonable species occurrences • Discussion of unusual records • Advanced ID questions, such as gulls, empids, etc., particularly for individuals that may be a rare species • Discussion of large-scale bird movements or weather events that may affect PA • Requests for info related to specific rarities, access instructions in restricted/private areas, and updates on a continuing rarity (keeping info for a specific bird in a single thread is preferred) • Priority conservation concern species in PA • Use best judgment for other topics that would be of interest to serious birders in the state Examples of INAPPROPRIATE Posts:
> • Normal arrival of spring migrants at feeders, such as Ruby-throated Hummingbirds and Rose-breasted Grosbeaks • Sharing photos of common species • ID questions, except advanced discussions, as outlined above • Birds outside of PA (with the potential exception of something extremely rare in locations close to PA or an irruption that could lead to PA records) Please make sure all posts adhere to these guidelines. Posts that do not meet the above criteria will be deleted, and members who repeatedly disregard these criteria will be warned or removed from the group. Don't take it personally; we want this group to serve the needs of serious birders in Pennsylvania, and there are plenty of other groups to share photos.
> All posts should include date and location, including county. If the specific location of a bird cannot be shared (e.g. private property where permission cannot be obtained), it is still acceptable to post about the sighting, but should include a note explaining why no location was given.
> Photographs should always include text providing context about the sighting. Even for continuing rarities, date and location must be provided with posts or photographs, and consider keeping information for a specific bird on a single thread so that information is consolidated.
> It is assumed that members of this group have advanced knowledge of birds, so ornithological terminology and banding codes are acceptable.
> Generally, be nice. Be grateful to those who share information about sightings, and do not have unrealistic assumptions about property access or timeliness of posting. Accusatory or otherwise derogatory comments directed at group members will not be tolerated."
>
> Whether you are a Facebook user or not, this is where people are.
>
> Deb
>
> Deborah S. Grove
>
> “Never be bored, and you will never be boring.”― Eleanor Roosevelt,
>
> Ecclesiates 5:18 This is what I have observed to be good: that it is appropriate for a person to eat, to drink and to find satisfaction in their toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given them.
>
>
> ________________________________
> From: Bird discussion list for Pennsylvania <PABIRDS...> on behalf of Ann Pettigrew <rook185...>
> Sent: Monday, February 1, 2021 7:01 PM
> To: <PABIRDS...> <PABIRDS...>
> Subject: Re: [PABIRDS] House Finches
>
> A lot of folks post on eBird these days. Are you familiar with that, Scott? Mi am assuming that might be happening.
>
> Ann C. Pettigrew, V.M.D.
> York, PA
> <rook185...>
> https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pbase.com%2Frook185&data=04%7C01%<7Cdsg4...>%7C06e6598df8ce4e76a1f308d8c78696c3%7C7cf48d453ddb4389a9c1c115526eb52e%7C0%7C0%7C637478728153296179%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=%2FZ2NY5y%2F6uJ1yCqBNLnBtFFvM3za1uvG%2FtkVJzT1MJ8%3D&reserved=0 >
> “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.”
> ― Mahatma Gandhi
>
>
>
>
>> On Feb 1, 2021, at 6:40 PM, Scott Kinzey <0000007977429723-dmarc-request...> wrote:
>>
>> In Verona, Allegheny County I had ten House Finches on January 29. Five males and five females. This was a recent high count for my yard. Usually I see two to four at a time. They have been in the neighborhood for many years and you'd think by now there would be more. The eye disease and other factors must keep their numbers down significantly compared to House Sparrows. Or maybe they are more scattered also. Is this list almost obselete? Where is everyone posting their Pennsylvania Birds notes these days? It is hard to keep up with all of the alternatives.
>> Scott KinzeyAllegheny County
Date: 2/2/21 6:39 am From: Grove, Deborah Shuey <dsg4...> Subject: Re: Where are Bird Sightings published these days?
Yes everything evolves.
I still have memories of when we lived in Cheltenham in the early 80s calling the number to get Armas Hill's recording on where the birds were.
And later when we moved to central PA being part of the telephone list that passed along sightings from one person to the next. I am thinking Peter Robinson was the one on the list after us that we called.
Just added you to the FB group.
Deb
Deborah S. Grove
________________________________
From: Bird discussion list for Pennsylvania <PABIRDS...> on behalf of Dave DeReamus <becard...>
Sent: Tuesday, February 2, 2021 9:26 AM
To: <PABIRDS...> <PABIRDS...>
Subject: Re: [PABIRDS] Where are Bird Sightings published these days?
Thanks, Deb, for this information. PABIRDS >USED< to be the central location for bird reports in PA, but then the multiple numbers of Facebook pages and GroupMe groups started popping up all over on social media, which DE-centralized the information and defeated one of its main purposes. I am not at all against these pages and groups, but I think it has caused a problem on WHERE to find pertinent information in ONE GENERAL spot. And you can imagine how difficult it was getting trying to compile the RBA, which is just one of the many reasons that this week's update will be my last. Off to shovel.
-----Original Message-----
From: Bird discussion list for Pennsylvania <PABIRDS...> On Behalf Of Grove, Deborah Shuey
Sent: Tuesday, February 02, 2021 7:18 AM
To: <PABIRDS...>
Subject: Where are Bird Sightings published these days?
As an Admin for FB bird groups, we have almost 9000 subscribers on PA Birders alone. This is not a site where you will get the same information as on PA Birds Listserve.
There is also PA Birds Photography and Art, an ID group and a Notable Sightings group.
The Notable Sightings group with almost 1000 members has this description:
"This group is a place to post information related to sightings of rare/unusual birds in Pennsylvania, and for discussions relating to notable bird sightings. It is NOT a place to share sightings or photographs of commonly occurring species, or a place to seek basic ID help. Please consider other groups for those purposes such as :
PA Birders
PA Birders - Photography
ID that PA Bird
Less experienced birders are welcome to join and learn, but please refrain from posting content not consistent with the guidelines.
Appropriate posts for this group include:
• Reports of notable (statewide or regionally) bird sightings or unseasonable species occurrences • Discussion of unusual records • Advanced ID questions, such as gulls, empids, etc., particularly for individuals that may be a rare species • Discussion of large-scale bird movements or weather events that may affect PA • Requests for info related to specific rarities, access instructions in restricted/private areas, and updates on a continuing rarity (keeping info for a specific bird in a single thread is preferred) • Priority conservation concern species in PA • Use best judgment for other topics that would be of interest to serious birders in the state Examples of INAPPROPRIATE Posts:
• Normal arrival of spring migrants at feeders, such as Ruby-throated Hummingbirds and Rose-breasted Grosbeaks • Sharing photos of common species • ID questions, except advanced discussions, as outlined above • Birds outside of PA (with the potential exception of something extremely rare in locations close to PA or an irruption that could lead to PA records) Please make sure all posts adhere to these guidelines. Posts that do not meet the above criteria will be deleted, and members who repeatedly disregard these criteria will be warned or removed from the group. Don't take it personally; we want this group to serve the needs of serious birders in Pennsylvania, and there are plenty of other groups to share photos.
All posts should include date and location, including county. If the specific location of a bird cannot be shared (e.g. private property where permission cannot be obtained), it is still acceptable to post about the sighting, but should include a note explaining why no location was given.
Photographs should always include text providing context about the sighting. Even for continuing rarities, date and location must be provided with posts or photographs, and consider keeping information for a specific bird on a single thread so that information is consolidated.
It is assumed that members of this group have advanced knowledge of birds, so ornithological terminology and banding codes are acceptable.
Generally, be nice. Be grateful to those who share information about sightings, and do not have unrealistic assumptions about property access or timeliness of posting. Accusatory or otherwise derogatory comments directed at group members will not be tolerated."
Whether you are a Facebook user or not, this is where people are.
Deb
Deborah S. Grove
“Never be bored, and you will never be boring.”― Eleanor Roosevelt,
Ecclesiates 5:18 This is what I have observed to be good: that it is appropriate for a person to eat, to drink and to find satisfaction in their toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given them.
________________________________
From: Bird discussion list for Pennsylvania <PABIRDS...> on behalf of Ann Pettigrew <rook185...>
Sent: Monday, February 1, 2021 7:01 PM
To: <PABIRDS...> <PABIRDS...>
Subject: Re: [PABIRDS] House Finches
A lot of folks post on eBird these days. Are you familiar with that, Scott? Mi am assuming that might be happening.
“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.”
― Mahatma Gandhi
> On Feb 1, 2021, at 6:40 PM, Scott Kinzey <0000007977429723-dmarc-request...> wrote:
>
> In Verona, Allegheny County I had ten House Finches on January 29. Five males and five females. This was a recent high count for my yard. Usually I see two to four at a time. They have been in the neighborhood for many years and you'd think by now there would be more. The eye disease and other factors must keep their numbers down significantly compared to House Sparrows. Or maybe they are more scattered also. Is this list almost obselete? Where is everyone posting their Pennsylvania Birds notes these days? It is hard to keep up with all of the alternatives.
> Scott KinzeyAllegheny County
Date: 2/2/21 6:26 am From: Dave DeReamus <becard...> Subject: Re: Where are Bird Sightings published these days?
Thanks, Deb, for this information. PABIRDS >USED< to be the central location for bird reports in PA, but then the multiple numbers of Facebook pages and GroupMe groups started popping up all over on social media, which DE-centralized the information and defeated one of its main purposes. I am not at all against these pages and groups, but I think it has caused a problem on WHERE to find pertinent information in ONE GENERAL spot. And you can imagine how difficult it was getting trying to compile the RBA, which is just one of the many reasons that this week's update will be my last. Off to shovel.
Thanks again and Good birding,
Dave DeReamus
Palmer Township, Northampton County, PA
becard -at- rcn.com
Blog: http://becard.blogspot.com
-----Original Message-----
From: Bird discussion list for Pennsylvania <PABIRDS...> On Behalf Of Grove, Deborah Shuey
Sent: Tuesday, February 02, 2021 7:18 AM
To: <PABIRDS...>
Subject: Where are Bird Sightings published these days?
As an Admin for FB bird groups, we have almost 9000 subscribers on PA Birders alone. This is not a site where you will get the same information as on PA Birds Listserve.
There is also PA Birds Photography and Art, an ID group and a Notable Sightings group.
The Notable Sightings group with almost 1000 members has this description:
"This group is a place to post information related to sightings of rare/unusual birds in Pennsylvania, and for discussions relating to notable bird sightings. It is NOT a place to share sightings or photographs of commonly occurring species, or a place to seek basic ID help. Please consider other groups for those purposes such as :
PA Birders
PA Birders - Photography
ID that PA Bird
Less experienced birders are welcome to join and learn, but please refrain from posting content not consistent with the guidelines.
Appropriate posts for this group include:
• Reports of notable (statewide or regionally) bird sightings or unseasonable species occurrences • Discussion of unusual records • Advanced ID questions, such as gulls, empids, etc., particularly for individuals that may be a rare species • Discussion of large-scale bird movements or weather events that may affect PA • Requests for info related to specific rarities, access instructions in restricted/private areas, and updates on a continuing rarity (keeping info for a specific bird in a single thread is preferred) • Priority conservation concern species in PA • Use best judgment for other topics that would be of interest to serious birders in the state Examples of INAPPROPRIATE Posts:
• Normal arrival of spring migrants at feeders, such as Ruby-throated Hummingbirds and Rose-breasted Grosbeaks • Sharing photos of common species • ID questions, except advanced discussions, as outlined above • Birds outside of PA (with the potential exception of something extremely rare in locations close to PA or an irruption that could lead to PA records) Please make sure all posts adhere to these guidelines. Posts that do not meet the above criteria will be deleted, and members who repeatedly disregard these criteria will be warned or removed from the group. Don't take it personally; we want this group to serve the needs of serious birders in Pennsylvania, and there are plenty of other groups to share photos.
All posts should include date and location, including county. If the specific location of a bird cannot be shared (e.g. private property where permission cannot be obtained), it is still acceptable to post about the sighting, but should include a note explaining why no location was given.
Photographs should always include text providing context about the sighting. Even for continuing rarities, date and location must be provided with posts or photographs, and consider keeping information for a specific bird on a single thread so that information is consolidated.
It is assumed that members of this group have advanced knowledge of birds, so ornithological terminology and banding codes are acceptable.
Generally, be nice. Be grateful to those who share information about sightings, and do not have unrealistic assumptions about property access or timeliness of posting. Accusatory or otherwise derogatory comments directed at group members will not be tolerated."
Whether you are a Facebook user or not, this is where people are.
Deb
Deborah S. Grove
“Never be bored, and you will never be boring.”― Eleanor Roosevelt,
Ecclesiates 5:18 This is what I have observed to be good: that it is appropriate for a person to eat, to drink and to find satisfaction in their toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given them.
________________________________
From: Bird discussion list for Pennsylvania <PABIRDS...> on behalf of Ann Pettigrew <rook185...>
Sent: Monday, February 1, 2021 7:01 PM
To: <PABIRDS...> <PABIRDS...>
Subject: Re: [PABIRDS] House Finches
A lot of folks post on eBird these days. Are you familiar with that, Scott? Mi am assuming that might be happening.
“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.”
― Mahatma Gandhi
> On Feb 1, 2021, at 6:40 PM, Scott Kinzey <0000007977429723-dmarc-request...> wrote:
>
> In Verona, Allegheny County I had ten House Finches on January 29. Five males and five females. This was a recent high count for my yard. Usually I see two to four at a time. They have been in the neighborhood for many years and you'd think by now there would be more. The eye disease and other factors must keep their numbers down significantly compared to House Sparrows. Or maybe they are more scattered also. Is this list almost obselete? Where is everyone posting their Pennsylvania Birds notes these days? It is hard to keep up with all of the alternatives.
> Scott KinzeyAllegheny County
Date: 2/2/21 4:18 am From: Grove, Deborah Shuey <dsg4...> Subject: Where are Bird Sightings published these days?
As an Admin for FB bird groups, we have almost 9000 subscribers on PA Birders alone. This is not a site where you will get the same information as on PA Birds Listserve.
There is also PA Birds Photography and Art, an ID group and a Notable Sightings group.
The Notable Sightings group with almost 1000 members has this description:
"This group is a place to post information related to sightings of rare/unusual birds in Pennsylvania, and for discussions relating to notable bird sightings. It is NOT a place to share sightings or photographs of commonly occurring species, or a place to seek basic ID help. Please consider other groups for those purposes such as :
PA Birders
PA Birders - Photography
ID that PA Bird
Less experienced birders are welcome to join and learn, but please refrain from posting content not consistent with the guidelines.
Appropriate posts for this group include:
• Reports of notable (statewide or regionally) bird sightings or unseasonable species occurrences
• Discussion of unusual records
• Advanced ID questions, such as gulls, empids, etc., particularly for individuals that may be a rare species
• Discussion of large-scale bird movements or weather events that may affect PA
• Requests for info related to specific rarities, access instructions in restricted/private areas, and updates on a continuing rarity (keeping info for a specific bird in a single thread is preferred)
• Priority conservation concern species in PA
• Use best judgment for other topics that would be of interest to serious birders in the state
Examples of INAPPROPRIATE Posts:
• Normal arrival of spring migrants at feeders, such as Ruby-throated Hummingbirds and Rose-breasted Grosbeaks
• Sharing photos of common species
• ID questions, except advanced discussions, as outlined above
• Birds outside of PA (with the potential exception of something extremely rare in locations close to PA or an irruption that could lead to PA records)
Please make sure all posts adhere to these guidelines. Posts that do not meet the above criteria will be deleted, and members who repeatedly disregard these criteria will be warned or removed from the group. Don't take it personally; we want this group to serve the needs of serious birders in Pennsylvania, and there are plenty of other groups to share photos.
All posts should include date and location, including county. If the specific location of a bird cannot be shared (e.g. private property where permission cannot be obtained), it is still acceptable to post about the sighting, but should include a note explaining why no location was given.
Photographs should always include text providing context about the sighting. Even for continuing rarities, date and location must be provided with posts or photographs, and consider keeping information for a specific bird on a single thread so that information is consolidated.
It is assumed that members of this group have advanced knowledge of birds, so ornithological terminology and banding codes are acceptable.
Generally, be nice. Be grateful to those who share information about sightings, and do not have unrealistic assumptions about property access or timeliness of posting. Accusatory or otherwise derogatory comments directed at group members will not be tolerated."
Whether you are a Facebook user or not, this is where people are.
Deb
Deborah S. Grove
“Never be bored, and you will never be boring.”― Eleanor Roosevelt,
Ecclesiates 5:18 This is what I have observed to be good: that it is appropriate for a person to eat, to drink and to find satisfaction in their toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given them.
________________________________
From: Bird discussion list for Pennsylvania <PABIRDS...> on behalf of Ann Pettigrew <rook185...>
Sent: Monday, February 1, 2021 7:01 PM
To: <PABIRDS...> <PABIRDS...>
Subject: Re: [PABIRDS] House Finches
A lot of folks post on eBird these days. Are you familiar with that, Scott? Mi am assuming that might be happening.
“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.”
― Mahatma Gandhi
> On Feb 1, 2021, at 6:40 PM, Scott Kinzey <0000007977429723-dmarc-request...> wrote:
>
> In Verona, Allegheny County I had ten House Finches on January 29. Five males and five females. This was a recent high count for my yard. Usually I see two to four at a time. They have been in the neighborhood for many years and you'd think by now there would be more. The eye disease and other factors must keep their numbers down significantly compared to House Sparrows. Or maybe they are more scattered also. Is this list almost obselete? Where is everyone posting their Pennsylvania Birds notes these days? It is hard to keep up with all of the alternatives.
> Scott KinzeyAllegheny County
