Date: 4/23/24 4:44 pm From: Andrew Bechdel <andrewbechdel...> Subject: Tussey Mountain Hawkwatch - April 23rd, 2024
Good Evening Birders,
Today, we enjoyed warm weather, good company, and some late afternoon raptors. Another 5 Bald Eagles soared sky high and migrated straight N, adding some numbers to what has been a below average count this season. Although the Broad-winged Hawk flight never took off (pun intended), Nick spotted our *164th Golden Eagle of the season gliding high over Stone Valley*. This was our 3rd straight day with a GE and we hope to finish off the season strong and keep the streak going until the end!
In other bird news, we had 7 Common Loons and our FOY (and possible first for Tussey Hawkwatch) Wood Duck. The Wood Duck flew low over the ridge late this afternoon and seemed destined for the ever attractive Fairbrook Wetland.
Thanks to our Penn State SEED semester students who joined us during the morning to learn about hawkwatching and raptor migration. Doug Wentzel and Laurie McLaughlin were wonderful to have at the sight as always. And... Doug has, after 23 long awaited years, earned observer status in the hawkcount database. Congratulate him if you see him!
Tomorrow and Thursday do not look auspicious for Broad-wingeds or other raptors. However, Friday could be a great final day for Broad-winged Hawks. I will give a better forecast in the next couple days.
Date: 4/23/24 11:49 am From: Wentzel, Doug <djw105...> Subject: Fwd: Important Club Meeting Wednesday, this morning walk and PSO news...Birding Festival, Blitz, Art Auction, Birding Tours
Hi All,
Looking forward to Zooming with you all on Wednesday and hearing from Jon Kauffman on "Life in a Nest Box of American Kestrels and Barn Owls." This program will provide an in depth look of the breeding behavior of American Kestrels and Barn Owls through live nestcam footage.
Let me know if you have New Business items for the club in advance so we can make sure we have time, and of course April means board elections and I know our nominating committee has been working on a slate of candidates.
Nice walk at Spring Creek this morning with 21 of us and 30 species. Highlights were chimney swifts, blue-headed vireo and happy bird watchers.
https://ebird.org/atlaspa/checklist/S169930882οΏΌ
Pennsylvania Bird Atlas Checklist - 23 Apr 2024 - Spring Creek Park - 30 species (+1 other taxa)
ebird.org
Finally, news from our friends at PA Society for Ornithology (PSO).
Date: 4/23/24 10:47 am From: Mark Nale <00008ff0c316580d-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: FOY Whippoorwill
We also heard a whippoorwill calling at 6:00 a.m. on Sunday - Along the road to Scotia Range (between 10-Acre Pond & the range)
On Monday, April 22, 2024 at 10:16:17 PM EDT, Anderson, Jennifer Lynn <jab56...> wrote:
Also at Shaverβs Creek about 9:55 PM!From: State College (PA) Bird Club <SCBIRDCL...> on behalf of Mark Ott <000027d7a2c8cc0b-dmarc-request...>
Sent: Monday, April 22, 2024 9:23:45 PM
To: <SCBIRDCL...> <SCBIRDCL...>
Subject: FOY WhippoorwillΒ 9:00pm western suburbs of Howard. Two whippoorwills calling from two sides of the hollow.
Also at Shavers Creek about 9:55 PM!
________________________________
From: State College (PA) Bird Club <SCBIRDCL...> on behalf of Mark Ott <000027d7a2c8cc0b-dmarc-request...>
Sent: Monday, April 22, 2024 9:23:45 PM
To: <SCBIRDCL...> <SCBIRDCL...>
Subject: FOY Whippoorwill
9:00pm western suburbs of Howard. Two whippoorwills calling from two sides of the hollow.
Date: 4/22/24 5:27 pm From: Andrew Bechdel <andrewbechdel...> Subject: Tussey Mountain Hawkwatch - April 22nd, 2024
Good Evening Birder's,
Is it still worth going to the watch when you see almost nothing other than a single Golden Eagle? I think so! At 10:42, an *immature (juvenile or subadult) Golden Eagle flew very high overhead and marked our 163rd GE of the season. *Otherwise, the flight was dead save 6 Broad-winged Hawks. However, the local Cooper's Hawk entertained with flight displays and a couple Bald Eagle chased each other around Nittany Valley.
In other bird news, we had another 3 Common Loons, a few more Barn and Tree Swallows entering Centre county, and a Chimney Swift. I can hear some Chimney Swifts here in Bellefonte and am excited to see them roost again! I hope y'all get to enjoy the roost in Pine Grove or State College.
Thanks to my parents and Ken Bowman for continuing to support the watch effort and hope they keep coming back next year!
Tomorrow has a forecasted SSW wind. It could be a great day or just be mediocre. We will just have to go scan and find out. Friday will be the next good day as we plan on extending the watch to count more BWs and Ospreys.
> Wednesday, May 15, 2024 (7:30am - 9:30am) > Search for Cerulean Warblers on the Lower Trail, Blair County > > Please join Nick Bolgiano for a leisurely walk along a stretch of the > Lower Trail in Blair County. The goal of this trip is to find Cerulean > Warblers, in the core of their Lower Trail habitat. See > keystonefund.org/success-story/a-perfect-habitat/ for more information on > Nick Bolgiano's search for Cerulean Warblers. This stretch of the Lower > Trail is also great for Acadian Flycatcher, Yellow-throated Vireo, Warbling > Vireo, Wood Thrush, Louisiana Waterthrush, Yellow-throated Warbler, > Rose-breasted Grosbeak, and Baltimore Oriole. > > Please meet at the Mt. Etna trailhead parking lot at 7:30am ( > https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rttcpa.org%2Findex.shtml&data=05%7C02%<7CSCBIRDCL...>%7C817c1b5834c543658fc808dc63172541%7C7cf48d453ddb4389a9c1c115526eb52e%7C0%7C0%7C638494198255255132%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=sLHG27f4QnJVW%2FqqQhyyeJUJzGyVzhOsxtBnVjnR04A%3D&reserved=0). Travel West on Route 22 from the > intersection of Route 453 at Water Street. Turn Left on Fox Run Rd at 3.3 > mi (just after the westbound turns to 2 lanes, making this easier if > traffic) or Left on Etna Furnace Rd at 4.6 mile. Continue Right near the > river to reach the Mt. Etna trailhead parking lot. There is a modern > outhouse available. > > From the Mt. Etna trailhead parking lot, the group will walk South along > the Lower Trail for 1-2 miles out and back. >
Date: 4/22/24 6:30 am From: Julia Plummer <julia...> Subject: Re: 5 star Sandhill Crane audio recording!!
Thanks, Jen! And thanks to Lindera and Mark Nale for finding it the day
before.
The bird was asleep when I arrived. It made those calls very soon after it
woke up and started looking around. I was lucky to already have my
parabola pointed in its direction and recording when it started calling.
The echo effect of that location does add something interesting to the
recording.
Julia
On Sun, Apr 21, 2024 at 7:16β―PM Lee, Jen <jal21...> wrote:
Date: 4/22/24 4:43 am From: Peggy Wagoner Saporito <raven966...> Subject: SCBC 2024 Grant Application Reminder
Happy Monday,
The April 30 deadline to submit an application for our State College Bird Club grant is next Tuesday. We encourage everyone to apply who has a project or research or educational activity related to avian conservation.
SCBC has $1331.00 available for distribution from the SCBC Endowment managed by Centre Foundation. These funds will be distributed either as several small grants or one large grant. Activities that could be funded include (but are not limited to): Projects: - setting up or maintaining bird boxes at a public park or installing bird safe window treatments in a public building. Research : - helping with costs of materials, equipment, transportation or professional conference fees related to conducting avian research. Education: - helping with costs of materials, equipment, transportation or professional conference or workshop fees related to avian educational activities.
We look forward to your ideas. Please pass this notification onto students or others who are doing any activities related to bird conservation who may be interested in applying.
Anyone interested in applying for the funding should complete the attached grant application submitted as a PDF attachment by April 30, 2024 to Susan Braun (<braun3112...>). Applications will be reviewed in May by the SCBC selection committee (Susan Braun, Deb Escalet, Roana Fuller and Peggy Wagoner). Applicants will be notified about funding decisions by June 1, 2024. Any questions regarding the funding or application can be directed to selection committee members: Susan (<braun3112...>), Deb ( <d5me16...>) or Peggy (<raven966...>).
Date: 4/21/24 4:15 pm From: Lee, Jen <jal21...> Subject: 5 star Sandhill Crane audio recording!!
Congrats Julia !!
I just listened to her awesome early morning Sandhill Crane recording. Such an accommodating bird! Love the echo effect of Black Mo and all the other birds you can hear!!
One highlight was the 94 Common Loons, including 15 which flew in circles for about 4 revolutions before continuing NW. This is the 2nd highest loon total for the season. A second highlight was the season's 162nd Golden Eagle, a subadult, which flew overhead. It had been one week since we last recorded one.
This starts the last week for this season's watch, which we usually plan to end Apr 25. If favorable S wind forecasts hold for Fri-Sat, I may extend the season to include those days. S winds are sometimes are very favorable for our site.
Nick Bolgiano
Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch State College, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Apr 21, 2024 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 08:15:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 7.75 hours
Official Counter: Nick Bolgiano
Observers: Debra Rittlemann
Weather: Wind initially SSW 3-5 mph, eventually swinging around to W 8-12 mph in the afternoon, sky mostly overcast with a few peeks of sun, temp 36-46F
Raptor Observations: GE: 1222 Sub
Non-raptor Observations: Gr. Blue Heron-2, Barred Owl-1, C. Loon-94
Predictions: Monday: wind NW 8-10 mph and sunny, could get good thermals Tuesday: wind SSW 10-12 mph and cloudy, depends on cloudy thickness Wednesday: WNW/NW 12-15 mph and cloudy - least promising
This is the last week for the 2024 watch, which usually ends Apr 25. I will be looking at the Fri-Sat forecasts, currently predicting favorable S winds, for possibly extending the season.
With the first year of the 3rd PA Bird Atlas underway, I would appreciate any reports on color banded Purple Martins (PUMA) that birders might observe. I am particularly interested in any sightings in Blair, Centre, Juniata and Mifflin counties. Observations from other nearby counties would also be of interest. Please include date, location, band color and which leg is banded. This is theΒ final year of my three year study on natal dispersal.
As a side note I have been able to locate 81 locations offering 165+ housing units (multiple cavity boxes or gourd racks) in the central PA four county area..
Nick Kerlin
Date: 4/18/24 5:52 pm From: Mark Nale <00008ff0c316580d-dmarc-request...> Subject: Found Lens Cap
Hello Everyone -- Mark Holt found a Canon lens cap along the trail at the Dreibelbis Birding Area.Β If it is yours, I put it above the right (as you walk in) window in the viewing blind closest to Miles Hollow Road.Β I you are short, you can stand on the bench.Β :Β )
Mark Nale
Date: 4/18/24 5:18 pm From: Andrew Bechdel <andrewbechdel...> Subject: Tussey Mountain Hawkwatch - April 18th, 2024
Good Evening Birders,
*Today was our 4th highest Broad-winged Hawk daily total - 576 BWs!* The flight was concentrated in the AM, indicating today's birds were likely the vestiges of yesterday's big surge. During the *11-noon hour*, we recorded a staggering *326* BWs! During this power hour, the kettles were tightly packed, containing an average of 30-50 birds. While counting was challenging, spotting was not. *Most BWs were low and close to the ridgetop and were visible and countable with the naked eye. *The most challenging part of counting the BWs was combing the kettles for the Sharp-shinned Hawks that were mixed in. This yielded a total of 18 Sharpies, 5 Osprey, and a couple Northern Harriers. We aren't Veracruz or Derby Hill, but we are still proud of our numbers!
In other bird news, our FOY Black-and-white Warbler arrived in the forest and sang its squeaky wagon wheel song. The Brown Thrasher (or perhaps another Brown Thrasher) returned to the powercut and the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (again, perhaps another Sapsucker) also visited and gave us a *Qwah *to let us know. To top things off, the Serviceberry has begun to bloom and its white flowers stand out against the still grey forest interior.
A special thanks to my parents and Ken Bowman for helping count the hoards of BWs. It is always nice to have help when Nick is off.
Tomorrow has forecasted SE/SSE wind and could be great if the rain holds off. However, it could likely be a wash. As for Saturday and Sunday, I don't know what will happen. We will have to wait and see.
Date: 4/18/24 8:02 am From: Jas Fields <jfields0167...> Subject: State College Earth Day Celebration & Bird Walk
Hello everyone!
My name is Jasmine Fields (Jas). I am a new bird club member and division lead for Sustainable State College, the sustainability division at the Borough of State College. We will be hosting our first ever Earth Day Celebration this Saturday from 12pm - 4pm at the State College Municipal Building and Sidney Friedman Parklet. We will have a table for the bird club. Also, Joey Gyekis will be leading a bird walk downtown from 2pm - 3pm after he gets done with the Chicory Lane field trip. I was waking to work this morning, and loving the songs of the white throated sparrow on my way, and getting excited about the bird walk!
We will have a good mix of activities for all ages and abilities. There will also be live music, local food vendors, and food trucks.
Date: 4/18/24 5:08 am From: Andrew Bechdel <andrewbechdel...> Subject: Tussey Mountain Hawkwatch - April 18th, 2024
Good Morning Bird Club,
Initially, I called off the watch yesterday due to the forecasted rain, but I ended up going anyway after conditions improved. I wasn't disappointed! Around 3pm, the cloud cover cleared and allowed for some sun. This sparked *a surge of 200 Broad-winged Hawks in 2 hours*. There were multiple flight paths with some birds staying close to and low over the ridge and others kettling far out to the S. Fortunately, my parents came up to help spot and keep track of the many migrants. As other eastern HW sites reported, *many kettles had Sharp-shinned Hawks* mixed in. My only regret is that I couldn't stay later as I think the 6pm hour probably brought another 100 BWs. Regardless, Friday's flight will likely eclipse yesterday's
See you at the Watch!
-Andrew
*Tussey Mountain Hawk WatchState College, Pennsylvania, USADaily Raptor Counts: Apr 17, 2024SpeciesDay's CountMonth TotalSeason TotalBlack Vulture000Turkey Vulture0119190Osprey23239Bald Eagle22155Northern Harrier11415Sharp-shinned Hawk17123173Cooper's Hawk21127American Goshawk000Red-shouldered Hawk0535Broad-winged Hawk223683683Red-tailed Hawk283197Rough-legged Hawk000Golden Eagle012161American Kestrel12136Merlin134Peregrine Falcon003Unknown Accipiter015Unknown Buteo002Unknown Falcon012Unknown Eagle001Unknown Raptor025Total:25111311633Observation start time:12:00:00Observation end time:16:30:00Total observation time:4.5 hoursOfficial CounterAndrew BechdelObservers:Dave Bechdel, Kathy BechdelVisitors:Kathy and Dave BechdelWeather:Overcast upon arrival then clearing a bit around 1400 with light SE wind. Wind speed: 1-5mph. Temperature: about 15 Celsius.Raptor Observations:No Golden Eagles. Initially, I called the day due to forecasted rain, but I decided to conduct the count after conditions cleared and wind shifted to the SE. Around 1400, cloud cover cleared a bit and spurred a large flight of BWs. Unfortunately, I had to leave at 16:30. I think I could've seen another 100 BWs if I had stayed. Non-migratory raptors: 1 Black Vulture, 15 Turkey Vulture, 2 Broad-winged Hawk, 1 Bald Eagle, 1 Red-tailed HawkNon-raptor Observations:N/APredictions:Friday could be an excellent day with moderate SSE/S wind.*
Date: 4/17/24 1:30 pm From: Bryant, Don <dab14...> Subject: Raptors: A Fistful of Daggers: Extreme Lives
Quick reminder for those interested in raptors (or birds in generalβ¦): Part two of the Nature series on raptors will air tonight at 8:00 PM on WPSU/PBS.
don
Donald A. Bryant, Ph. D.
Academy Professor,
Ernest C. Pollard Professor Emeritus of Biotechnology ,
and Professor Emeritus of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
The Pennsylvania State University
University Park, PA 16802
Date: 4/17/24 7:06 am From: KATHLEEN BECHDEL <kmbechdel...> Subject: Bird Club Field Trip Coordinator Position
Dear fellow bird club members,
The nominating committee has been tasked with preparing a slate of candidates for open positions in the bird club. There is one position where we have not identified a nominee - VP field trip coordinator.
The responsibilities of this position are scheduling spring and fall field trips, identifying locations and trip leaders, and communicating the information to the members. The coordinator does not have to lead the field trips; we have many individuals who generously volunteer their time to do this. If you are interested or would like more information, please contact a member of the nominating committee.
Date: 4/16/24 6:58 pm From: Andrew Bechdel <andrewbechdel...> Subject: Tussey Mountain Hawkwatch - April 16th, 2024
Hey y'all,
Today's watch involved some serious neck craning as *180 Broad-winged Hawks rode thermals on the S side of the ridge into the stratosphere*. Normally, some stronger wind would help break up the thermals, but today's WSW wind was too light. Nonetheless, we honed in on the flight path and began picking out the high specky birds. As the sun shifted to the W, the birds switched sides and began flying on the right side of the ridge later in the day. At this point, many birds began to come down, and we counted 64 in the final 30 minutes (1/3rd of our daily total).
In other bird news, we heard the *Qwah *of a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, 5 Purple Finches moved along, emitting more staccato flight calls, a Brown Creeper sang its sweet jingle, and 7 Common Loons acted a bit loony. Black-throated Green Warblers continue to sing and chip and are increasing in numbers.
A very special thanks to Kyle Smith, who observed his first Broad-winged Hawk, and Judy Sinn, whose impeccable scanning and spotting skills helped us capture the most sky high BWs. Judy has a wonderful habitat of visiting the watch on full sun, low wind days and is particularly adept at spotting raptors nobody else can see.
Tomorrow will be a wash and possibly Thursday too. Friday could be a great day if the rain holds off. I will let y'all know Thursday if the forecast looks favorable.
See you at the Watch!
-Andrew
*Tussey Mountain Hawk WatchState College, Pennsylvania, USADaily Raptor Counts: Apr 16, 2024SpeciesDay's CountMonth TotalSeason TotalBlack Vulture000Turkey Vulture4119190Osprey03037Bald Eagle31953Northern Harrier01314Sharp-shinned Hawk1106156Cooper's Hawk0925American Goshawk000Red-shouldered Hawk0535Broad-winged Hawk180460460Red-tailed Hawk881195Rough-legged Hawk000Golden Eagle012161American Kestrel02035Merlin023Peregrine Falcon003Unknown Accipiter015Unknown Buteo002Unknown Falcon012Unknown Eagle001Unknown Raptor025Total:1968801382Observation start time:08:30:00Observation end time:16:30:00Total observation time:8 hoursOfficial CounterAndrew BechdelObservers:Judy Sinn, Kyle Smith, Nick BolgianoVisitors:Judy Sinn, Kyle SmithWeather:Nearly full sun with a few clouds and very warm all day. Wind started light ESE then quickly switched to light SW then WSW and was calm at times. Wind Speed: calm-3mph. Temperature: 13-26 Celsius.Raptor Observations:No Golden Eagles. Broad-winged flight almost entirely on the S side of the ridge and over the ridge and very high. In many cases, birds were difficult to spot and probably beyond the limit of detection. Non-migratory Raptors: 1 Black Vulture, 6 Turkey Vulture, 2 Red-tailed Hawk, 1 Cooper's Hawk, 1 Sharp-shinned Hawk, 2 Broad-winged HawkNon-raptor Observations:Notable Birds: 5 Purple Finch, 3 Chimney Swift, 1 Fish Crow, 7 Common Loon, 1 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker eBird Checklist: ebird.org/atlaspa/checklist/S168977156 <https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Febird.org%2Fatlaspa%2Fchecklist%2FS168977156&data=05%7C02%<7Cscbirdcl...>%7C96b83d81b790410abb3e08dc5e81c8e5%7C7cf48d453ddb4389a9c1c115526eb52e%7C0%7C0%7C638489158715348162%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=MjLZxulJYLF32u51Wuog3AW%2BgMjrlHCMqicdmA%2F3LPI%3D&reserved=0>Predictions:Uncertain; Tomorrow and Thursday will bring rain and likely be a wash. Friday could be a good day if rain holds off.*
Date: 4/16/24 4:46 pm From: Gyekis, Joseph Peter <jpg186...> Subject: Re: Arboretum Bird Safe Glass Demo Thurs 4/18
That should say Thursday this week: 2 days from now
________________________________
From: State College (PA) Bird Club <SCBIRDCL...> on behalf of Gyekis, Joseph Peter <jpg186...>
Sent: Tuesday, April 16, 2024 6:55:15 PM
To: <SCBIRDCL...> <SCBIRDCL...>
Subject: Arboretum Bird Safe Glass Demo Thurs 4/18
Hello all,
We'd like to invite you to join us for a bird safe glass demonstration event in the Arboretum's Children's Garden on Thursday THIS week (April 18th from 12:45-3:00, calendar link at the event page below).
The main event won't be that long, but the beginning will include a short talk by some of us including Richard Novak from the USFWS, me, and a student and then diving into a hands-on demo of how to place Feather Friendly dots on part of the glass house in the Children's Garden.
If you're available to attend that would be awesome!
Date: 4/16/24 3:54 pm From: Gyekis, Joseph Peter <jpg186...> Subject: Arboretum Bird Safe Glass Demo Thurs 4/18
Hello all,
We'd like to invite you to join us for a bird safe glass demonstration event in the Arboretum's Children's Garden on Thursday next week (April 18th from 12:45-3:00, calendar link at the event page below).
The main event won't be that long, but the beginning will include a short talk by some of us including Richard Novak from the USFWS, me, and a student and then diving into a hands-on demo of how to place Feather Friendly dots on part of the glass house in the Children's Garden.
If you're available to attend that would be awesome!
> Wednesday, May 15, 2024 (7:30am - 9:30am) > Search for Cerulean Warblers on the Lower Trail, Blair County > > Please join Nick Bolgiano for a leisurely walk along a stretch of the > Lower Trail in Blair County. The goal of this trip is to find Cerulean > Warblers, in the core of their Lower Trail habitat. See > keystonefund.org/success-story/a-perfect-habitat/ for more information on > Nick Bolgiano's search for Cerulean Warblers. This stretch of the Lower > Trail is also great for Acadian Flycatcher, Yellow-throated Vireo, Warbling > Vireo, Wood Thrush, Louisiana Waterthrush, Yellow-throated Warbler, > Rose-breasted Grosbeak, and Baltimore Oriole. > > Please meet at the Mt. Etna trailhead parking lot at 7:30am ( > https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rttcpa.org%2Findex.shtml&data=05%7C02%<7CSCBIRDCL...>%7C3050e35eb1804c64c38508dc5e0cd699%7C7cf48d453ddb4389a9c1c115526eb52e%7C0%7C0%7C638488657348303921%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C80000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=pT%2BhuFXQjuaborK92%2FT7u8Q763Sk1RwYdhE8IAf3VeE%3D&reserved=0). Travel West on Route 22 from the > intersection of Route 453 at Water Street. Turn Left on Fox Run Rd at 3.3 > mi (just after the westbound turns to 2 lanes, making this easier if > traffic) or Left on Etna Furnace Rd at 4.6 mile. Continue Right near the > river to reach the Mt. Etna trailhead parking lot. There is a modern > outhouse available. > > From the Mt. Etna trailhead parking lot, the group will walk South along > the Lower Trail for 1-2 miles out and back. >
Date: 4/15/24 5:13 pm From: Andrew Bechdel <andrewbechdel...> Subject: Tussey Mountain Hawkwatch = April 14-15th, 2024
Good Evening Birders,
Yesterday kicked off our first big Broad-winged Hawk day and was followed by an *even bigger day today with 168! *Many of today's birds were extremely high and distant, requiring the utmost diligence and sharp eyesight. We undoubtedly missed some birds, but this is inevitable. As our raptor season comes to a culmination, we now have all of the local raptors (Red-tailed Hawk, Cooper's Hawk, Sharp-shinned Hawk, and Broad-winged Hawk) back in town and proclaiming and defending their territory around Tussey Mountain. *A large female Merlin streamed by close on the N side of the ridge*, our 3rd of the season. We, along with many hawkwatches and individual birders, only see Merlin a few times a year. It's alway a special moment when you realize the very fast fast isn't a Kestrel.
In other bird news, we had our first warblers (Pine and Black-throated Green) singing away in the woods. It won't be long before Black-and-white warblers are back again too! A Purple Finch was heard emitting its staccato flight calls for several minutes, starting in the powercut and moving into the forest briefly before heading N. While we often get flybys, I haven't seen this behavior yet at the watch.
A big shout out to yesterday's visitor's Coty Ehrenhaus and her 2 sons Ignacio and Santiago. Ignacio was extremely helpful with the data gathering and is primed to be the hawkwatcher for Tussey in 10 years!
Tomorrow is uncertain with Westerly winds. Wednesday and Thursday could be great days if the rain holds off. Only time and scanning will tell.
Date: 4/15/24 10:58 am From: Wentzel, Doug <djw105...> Subject: Re: And one more birding event ... this Friday at Stone Valley's Lake Perez!
Hi All,
"Birding by Boatβ is a collaborative program between Stone Valley and Shaverβs Creekβ¦ Iβve always wanted to lead a birding paddle and Iβll get my wish on Friday April 19th 10:30 to noon.
Pre-registration (10 boats max) and a fee is required; hope to see a few of you!
> On Apr 13, 2024, at 8:05 PM, Grove, Deborah Shuey <dsg4...> wrote:
>
> I meant to say April 18 and 25!
> Thanks Karen!
>
> Deb
>
> Deborah S. Grove
>
> From: Karen Kottlowski <kkottlowski...>
> Sent: Saturday, April 13, 2024 7:40 PM
> To: Grove, Deborah Shuey <dsg4...>
> Subject: Re: Penn State Arboretum Bird Walks
>
> You don't often get email from <kkottlowski...> Learn why this is important <https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification> > Hi Deb,
> You said the next 2 Thursdays. So, Iβm assuming you meant to say April, right? I hope to join you on those walks.
>
> Karen
> Sent from my iPhone
>
>> On Apr 13, 2024, at 6:01β―PM, Grove, Deborah Shuey <dsg4...> wrote:
>>
>> ο»Ώ
>> Margaret Brittingham and I will be leading 2 migration walks again at the Arboretum the next two Thursdays at 8 am, May 18 and 25.
>> If you haven't been there for a while, the new Palmer Art Museum is now where the parking lot was. You will park just beyond the law school building and there is a pay site that only takes a credit card or you can use an app.
>> Joe Gyekis is the leader on May 2.
>>
>> Deb
>>
>> Deborah S. Grove
>>
I work in the Business Building and see these hawks almost every day. I
think they roosted on the top of Forest Resources last year. I'm keeping an
eye out for them to see if they are there again this year!
Autumn Hanley
---------------
Administrative Support Coordinator for the Department of Supply Chain &
Information Systems at Penn State University Park
Howard Borough Councillor, 2024-2026
On Mon, Apr 15, 2024 at 10:09β―AM Haynes, Steven R. <srh10...> wrote:
>
>
> My daughter took these yesterday at the Arboretum with her iPhone.
>
> Todayβs smartphone cameras are so good, and she knows how to use them.
>
>
>
> Steve
>
>
>
> ____________________________________________________________________
>
> Steven R. Haynes, PhD | Teaching Professor | College of Information
> Sciences and Technology | The Pennsylvania State University | E358 Westgate
> Building | University Park, PA 16802 | Email: <shaynes...>
>
>
>
>
>
Date: 4/15/24 7:09 am From: Haynes, Steven R. <srh10...> Subject: Arboretum
My daughter took these yesterday at the Arboretum with her iPhone.
Todayβs smartphone cameras are so good, and she knows how to use them.
Steve
____________________________________________________________________
Steven R. Haynes, PhD | Teaching Professor | College of Information Sciences and Technology | The Pennsylvania State University | E358 Westgate Building | University Park, PA 16802 | Email: <shaynes...><mailto:<shaynes...>
Date: 4/14/24 4:47 pm From: Nick Bolgiano <nickbolgiano...> Subject: a few pictures from Tussey Mt HW
A Broad-winged Hawk set up territory near the watch site today, as one has around this day on each year since 2019. Two pictures of that bird zooming past us on a strong SSW wind.
SSW wind prevailed for the first 4 hours, which is when nearly all of today's migrants were counted. Afterward, the wind was SW and WSW and not productive. We ended up with roughly 50 birds on the day. The hawk watch report will be late today.
We did see 3 Golden Eagles, for a season total of 161. We could get close to the 10-year average of 169 by the time the season ends on April 25, in 11 more days. An updated GE cumulative chart is attached.
Date: 4/14/24 8:55 am From: Judy Sinn <junebugg1910...> Subject: Sora at Dreibilbis wetlands
Hi, At about 11am today there was a Sora foraging in the marshy vegetation right next to the inlet pipe near the road's edge on the eastern pond, across from the shelter. First-time sighting for me :) Judy Sinn
Date: 4/13/24 5:09 pm From: Constanza Ehrenhaus <cxe1169...> Subject: The bird club is awesome, keep it up.
A mom who had come to my fall children's bird walk asked me if we could do that for her child's preschool, so today I led the walk for 20 children and their parents. While we were waiting for everybody to show up, I mentioned I was with the bird club and I was doing a spring children's walk in two weekends. One of the parents said "Oh, there was a bird walk in the Arboretum, is that the bird club also?", and another parent "What about the Spring Creek Park walks?" Yes, that is all the bird club. I took the opportunity at the end of the walk to share with the parents that we not only do walks open to the public, but also support the Hawkwatch among other research and conservation efforts. They seemed very interested in it all.
For whoever needs to hear this today, the efforts you make are noticed. Our community notices and values them.
Date: 4/13/24 5:06 pm From: Grove, Deborah Shuey <dsg4...> Subject: Re: Penn State Arboretum Bird Walks
I meant to say April 18 and 25!
Thanks Karen!
Deb
Deborah S. Grove
________________________________
From: Karen Kottlowski <kkottlowski...>
Sent: Saturday, April 13, 2024 7:40 PM
To: Grove, Deborah Shuey <dsg4...>
Subject: Re: Penn State Arboretum Bird Walks
You don't often get email from <kkottlowski...> Learn why this is important<https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification> Hi Deb,
You said the next 2 Thursdays. So, Iβm assuming you meant to say April, right? I hope to join you on those walks.
Karen
Sent from my iPhone
On Apr 13, 2024, at 6:01β―PM, Grove, Deborah Shuey <dsg4...> wrote:
ο»Ώ
Margaret Brittingham and I will be leading 2 migration walks again at the Arboretum the next two Thursdays at 8 am, May 18 and 25.
If you haven't been there for a while, the new Palmer Art Museum is now where the parking lot was. You will park just beyond the law school building and there is a pay site that only takes a credit card or you can use an app.
Joe Gyekis is the leader on May 2.
Date: 4/13/24 4:15 pm From: Andrew Bechdel <andrewbechdel...> Subject: Tussey Mountain Hawkwatch - April 13th, 2024
Good Evening Birders,
As expected, today's wind was strong enough to deter most raptors (and people) from venturing too far. There were only a brave few that took to the skies including 9 Broad-winged Hawks, 2 Red-tails, 2 Kestrels, and an unknown accipiter. Almost all of our Broad-wings were seen gliding fast far N of the ridge and high, making spotting difficult and the looks brief. Even on slow days, we are as diligent as possible.
In other bird news, a single intrepid Loon flew N despite the harsh, windy conditions. I didn't see many songbirds and I couldn't hear calls and songs over the constant blowing of wind.
Tomorrow could be promising as Broad-wings and other raptors have likely been bottled up for the last few days. That said, I don't know what's going to happen in the next few days. There are SW winds in the forecast and that will undoubtedly bring raptors.
Date: 4/13/24 11:44 am From: Julia Plummer <julia...> Subject: Colyer Lake Walk
Hello all,
We had a nice walk at Colyer Lake this morning, with 13 attendees. We started with scanning the lake for ducks and swallows. We spotted a Common Loon, Blue-winged Teal, Green-winged Teal, Ruddy Ducks, Red-breasted Mergansers, and Wood Ducks. The swallows included Tree, Rough-winged, and Barn. Next, we walked along Lake Road. Highlights along the road included a very large flock of foraging kingets (both Golden-crowned and Ruby) traveling with a pair of Brown Creepers. We had a Blue-headed Vireo perched singing at the top of a tree, as well as a singing Brown Thrasher.
Date: 4/13/24 11:11 am From: Grove, Gregory William <gwg2...> Subject: Re: OCC preschool bird walk- Apr 13th
Re bird walks for kids - and letting go of expectations - a few years ago Deb and I led an after school "bird" walk of first/second graders at a local school. There were binocs for most to use (by no means top-of-the-line!).
The big hit of the afternoon was when one kid discovered how cool it was to look through the wrong end of the bins. Before long, everyone was. It was hilarious.
As I recall there was one girl who was interested in seeing birds, and knew some names (of birds).
________________________________
From: State College (PA) Bird Club <SCBIRDCL...> on behalf of Constanza Ehrenhaus <cxe1169...>
Sent: Saturday, April 13, 2024 1:50 PM
To: <SCBIRDCL...> <SCBIRDCL...>
Subject: OCC preschool bird walk- Apr 13th
Good afternoon Bird Club,
Braving the wind and chill, we had 20 preschoolers and their parents join the OCC bird walk this morning, at Tudek Park.
At the very beginning of the walk, we witnessed a RTHA being mobbed by two American Crows, chasing it away from the tree line. We saw a Red-bellied Woodpecker and a Downy Woodpeckers, and lots of American Robin. Because the wind was so strong at times, we had little chance to see many birds, but we did get to hear several. Some favourites of the children were the Carolina Wren ("They say tea-kettle!"), and the "Cheeseburger bird". The children were delighted to see a groundhog hole.
Catering to children means letting go of expectations of silence and perfection. Sometimes the children will just run around, pick sticks, and kick leaves. The most important thing that can happen is that these 3-5 y.o. remember this experience fondly so they have a positive association with birds and being outside with their parents and friends, and when they are adults they advocate for birds.
I will lead a child-oriented walk, open to the public, Sat 27th at Tudek Park. If there is a child in your life who would like to join, please let them know!
Braving the wind and chill, we had 20 preschoolers and their parents join the OCC bird walk this morning, at Tudek Park.
At the very beginning of the walk, we witnessed a RTHA being mobbed by two American Crows, chasing it away from the tree line. We saw a Red-bellied Woodpecker and a Downy Woodpeckers, and lots of American Robin. Because the wind was so strong at times, we had little chance to see many birds, but we did get to hear several. Some favourites of the children were the Carolina Wren ("They say tea-kettle!"), and the "Cheeseburger bird". The children were delighted to see a groundhog hole.
Catering to children means letting go of expectations of silence and perfection. Sometimes the children will just run around, pick sticks, and kick leaves. The most important thing that can happen is that these 3-5 y.o. remember this experience fondly so they have a positive association with birds and being outside with their parents and friends, and when they are adults they advocate for birds.
I will lead a child-oriented walk, open to the public, Sat 27th at Tudek Park. If there is a child in your life who would like to join, please let them know!
Date: 4/12/24 1:27 pm From: Andrew Bechdel <andrewbechdel...> Subject: Tussey Mountain Hawkwatch - April 12th, 2024
Good Afternoon Birders,
After a few hours of off and on drizzle, I decided to call the day early before the impending rain showers. Before I packed it in, I was fortunate to see another* subadult Golden Eagle, our 158th GE of the year!* With today's strong winds, the GE flew more like a Turkey Vulture, tilting side to side and swaying instead of taking a more steady and linear flight path typical of most Golden Eagles. Additionally, we heard our *first Brown Thrasher of the year!* I heard it singing its song on the S side of the mountain in the powercut, a song Thoreau described as "Plant a seed, plant a seed, bury it, bury it, cover it up, cover it up, let it grow, let it grow, pull it up, pull it up, eat it, eat it". It's always fun to hear, especially on a slow day.
Tomorrow's very strong W wind will likely deter most raptors, but we will count on nonetheless. The next good day appears to be Tuesday or Wednesday next week.
An excellent loon flight today, with 170 birds, taking advantage of a SSE tailwind. Eight groups with 10-30 per group. The loon flight was about 60-90 minutes earlier in the day than we usually see, I think primarily because of the tailwind.
One Golden Eagle today, see attached picture.
Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch State College, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Apr 11, 2024 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Non-raptor Observations: C. Loon-170, a good loon flight, with a favorable tailwind
Predictions: rain predicted for Friday, uncertain ======================================================================== Report submitted by Nick Bolgiano (<nickbolgiano...>)
Date: 4/11/24 9:13 am From: Thomas, Brady Scott <bst5117...> Subject: April 24th 7pm: Jon Kauffman presents, "Life in a Nest Box of American Kestrels and Barn Owls."
Happy Thursday, Bird Club!
This month, we will meet on April 24th at 7 p.m. on zoom with a program from Jon Kauffman titled Life in a Nest Box of American Kestrels and Barn Owls.
This program will provide an in depth look at the breeding behavior of American Kestrels and Barn Owls through live nest cam footage.
Date: 4/11/24 7:49 am From: Wentzel, Doug <djw105...> Subject: Migration Morning Walk, April 10 and Birding Cup news
Greetings all,
An overcast morning but the rain held off and 23 of us walked the Twin Bridges loop trail. Our group enjoyed a nice assortment of birds including Pine Siskins, Horned Grebes, Ruby-crowned Kinglet and Louisiana Waterthrush; our three checklists are below.
Birding Cup is open for teams or individuals to register. Since the beginning in 1990 as βPledge a Birdβ, our bird club has played a key role in the success and growth of what has become the βBirding Cup." Both in terms of birders in the field and in birders willing to donate to the various projects that the funds support. From helping to grow the Aviary to our front yard demonstration pond, to bird glass installation to supporting the Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch, Birding Cup has made a difference. This year we are establishing a fund to remove barriers of cost and access to our classes and programs. Learn more by visiting the team page <https://give.communityfunded.com/o/annual-giving/i/the-birding-cup> and enjoy the creative names, look for your fellow bird club members and consider joining the event or making a donation. And yes, you can find my smiling face under βBad Opticsβ.
Migration Morning continues for the next four Wednesdays, from 7:00 to 8:30 am at the center, and check out The Bird Club <https://www.scbirdcl.org/schedule.current.html> website for a list of all upcoming walks this spring.
Best wishes,
Doug
Thanks to Wiscoy for Animals <https://wiscoyforanimals.com/> for their support of our morning walks at Shaverβs Creek and our feeding station. Purple finches have finally found the sunflower seed!
Shaver's Creek Env. Center, Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, US
Apr 10, 2024 7:06 AM - 7:23 AM
Protocol: Traveling
0.07 mile(s)
20 species
Mourning Dove 2
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Pileated Woodpecker 1
Eastern Phoebe 1
Blue Jay 1
American Crow 2
Black-capped Chickadee 2
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
Carolina Wren 1
American Goldfinch 1
Chipping Sparrow 3
Dark-eyed Junco 2
White-throated Sparrow 1
Song Sparrow 1
Eastern Towhee 1
Red-winged Blackbird 1
Brown-headed Cowbird 5
Common Grackle 3
Pine Warbler 1
Northern Cardinal 1
Shaverβs CreekβTwin BridgesβPine Grove Mills CE PBA Block, Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, US
Apr 10, 2024 7:25 AM - 8:01 AM
Protocol: Traveling
0.311 mile(s)
22 species (+1 other taxa)
duck sp. 3
Mourning Dove 2
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Downy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker 1
Eastern Phoebe 2
Black-capped Chickadee 3
Tufted Titmouse 1
Golden-crowned Kinglet 3
Carolina Wren 2
American Robin 3
Pine Siskin 10
American Goldfinch 1
Chipping Sparrow 1
Dark-eyed Junco 1
White-throated Sparrow 3
Song Sparrow 1
Red-winged Blackbird 1
Common Grackle 3
Louisiana Waterthrush 1
Pine Warbler 1
Northern Cardinal 1
Shaver's Creek Env. Center--Boardwalk, Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, US
Apr 10, 2024 8:03 AM - 8:20 AM
Protocol: Traveling
0.05 mile(s)
27 species
Wood Duck 2
Mallard 3
Pied-billed Grebe 1
Horned Grebe 2
Mourning Dove 1
Common Loon 2
Double-crested Cormorant 1
Great Blue Heron 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Downy Woodpecker 1
Pileated Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker 1
Eastern Phoebe 2
Blue Jay 5
Black-capped Chickadee 1
Tree Swallow 25
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1
Pine Siskin 1
White-throated Sparrow 3
Song Sparrow 2
Swamp Sparrow 1
Eastern Towhee 1
Red-winged Blackbird 2
Brown-headed Cowbird 1
Louisiana Waterthrush 1
Pine Warbler 1
Northern Cardinal 1
Date: 4/10/24 6:09 pm From: Lisa Dziuban <dziubanlisa...> Subject: Raptor series on PBS
Many thanks to Don Bryant for posting about this Nature series. I just watched it and enjoyed it very much. I was clapping as each rodent was consumed. A Barn Owl family will consume 7,000 rodents in a year! The thwacking of the snakes was interesting. And to say nothing of the commitment and dedication of the cinematographers! Well done.
Lisa Dziuban βFor nature, who abhors mannerism, has set her heart on breaking up all styles and tricks.β Ralph Waldo Emerson
Date: 4/10/24 5:26 pm From: Andrew Bechdel <andrewbechdel...> Subject: Tussey Mountain Hawkwatch - April 10th, 2024
Hey Bird Nerds,
There isn't much raptor news to report on today. It was pretty much a dead flight. So, I thought I'd recap yesterday as I was unable to submit a report. Tuesday's flight was heavily concentrated in the morning in what seemed to be a continuation of Monday's good flight. 20 of our 30 Sharpies arrived in the first 2 hours. Our first "kettle" of 3 Broad-wingeds was spotted high above the S side of the ridge (At Tussey, I believe this qualifies as a kettle. However, counters at Veracruz might disagree as they see 1000s in just a few hours). As the morning progressed, the raptors kept soaring higher and higher, almost beyond detection. With full sun conditions, Broad-winged Hawks are adept at getting impossibly high in the sky, making life difficult for the diminutive human hawkwatchers atop the ridges. After I left at 1pm, Nick and Deb continued counting. It seemed to slowly tapered off after this point. Hopefully we can enjoy another good flight like Monday and Tuesday before the end of the season.
In other bird news, Common Loons continue to make their routine late morning flight N. Some of these loons were seen acting "loony", diverting from their linear path and circling over the powerline. Additionally, we had some FOY birds including the loud, ground scratching Eastern Towhee, the diminutive Ruby-crowned Kinglet, and the sweet singing Blue-headed Vireo.
Thanks to Deb Rittlemann and my parents for showing up and supporting the watch. Debs photography skills have helped us id birds in the past and her spotting skills are always welcome at the watch.
The next 2 days will likely be a wash and Saturday will be bringing winds too strong for raptors. The next possible good watch day is Tuesday. I'll let y'all know if anything changes in the forecast.
See you at the Watch!
-Andrew
*Tussey Mountain Hawk WatchState College, Pennsylvania, USADaily Raptor Counts: Apr 10, 2024SpeciesDay's CountMonth TotalSeason TotalBlack Vulture000Turkey Vulture8108179Osprey02431Bald Eagle0943Northern Harrier11011Sharp-shinned Hawk084134Cooper's Hawk1925American Goshawk000Red-shouldered Hawk0535Broad-winged Hawk03535Red-tailed Hawk153167Rough-legged Hawk000Golden Eagle07156American Kestrel01429Merlin012Peregrine Falcon003Unknown Accipiter004Unknown Buteo002Unknown Falcon012Unknown Eagle001Unknown Raptor014Total:11361863Observation start time:08:30:00Observation end time:16:30:00Total observation time:8 hoursOfficial CounterAndrew BechdelObservers:Visitors:Kathy and Dave BechdelWeather:Overcast with very light SW/WSW wind for a majority of the day. Cloud cover dissipated some around 1500. Wind speed: calm-4mph. Temperature: 15-20 Celsius.Raptor Observations:No Golden Eagles Flight was dead for majority of the day. A few raptors began to move once the clouds parted late in the day.Non-raptor Observations:Notable Birds: Great Blue Heron, FOY Blue-headed Vireo, FOY Ruby-crowned Kinglet, N. Rough-winged Swallow, 15 Brown-headed Cowbird, 15 Common Loon: (4)9:42,(8)9:46,(2)9:51,10:37Predictions:Uncertain; tomorrow might be a wash along with Friday. Next possible good day will be Tuesday.*
While the shape seems buteo, so lightly colored red-tail, it could also just be a really lousy photo of an osprey. That would fit with the really white belly, etc. and the head isnβt clear enough to see any markings there. Was there any water nearby, although that might not matter so much in migration period.
don
Donald A. Bryant, Ph. D.
Academy Professor,
Ernest C. Pollard Professor Emeritus of Biotechnology ,
and Professor Emeritus of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
The Pennsylvania State University
University Park, PA 16802
"Look deep into nature and you will
understand everything better.β
Albert Einstein
> On Apr 10, 2024, at 4:16β―PM, Steph S <stephszarmach...> wrote:
>
> Could it be a very light or partially leucistic Red-tailed Hawk? It seems like the right shape and wing color, but has no belly band and such a light head!
>
> ~Steph
>
> From: State College (PA) Bird Club <SCBIRDCL...> <mailto:<SCBIRDCL...>> on behalf of Mark Ott <000027d7a2c8cc0b-dmarc-request...> <mailto:<000027d7a2c8cc0b-dmarc-request...>> > Date: Wednesday, April 10, 2024 at 4:10β―PM
> To: <SCBIRDCL...> <mailto:<SCBIRDCL...> <SCBIRDCL...> <mailto:<SCBIRDCL...>> > Subject: ID?
>
> Sister in law in Chester County sent this. Not the clearest pics, as usual. We are having no luck in ID. An Owl? Hawk? Any educated guesses?
>
Could it be a very light or partially leucistic Red-tailed Hawk? It seems like the right shape and wing color, but has no belly band and such a light head!
~Steph
From: State College (PA) Bird Club <SCBIRDCL...> on behalf of Mark Ott <000027d7a2c8cc0b-dmarc-request...>
Date: Wednesday, April 10, 2024 at 4:10β―PM
To: <SCBIRDCL...> <SCBIRDCL...>
Subject: ID?
Sister in law in Chester County sent this. Not the clearest pics, as usual. We are having no luck in ID. An Owl? Hawk? Any educated guesses?
Observation start time: 08:30:00
Observation end time: 16:30:00
Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter Andrew Bechdel, Nick Bolgiano
Observers: Debra Rittlemann, Nick Bolgiano
*Raptor Observations:*
Morning flight seemed like a continuation of Monday's flight. After 1300,
there were fewer birds and most of those were very high. GE (Sub): 10:36
*Non-raptor Observations:*
Notable Birds: Chimney Swift, Herring Gull, Double-crested Cormorant, N.
Rough-winged Swallow, Barn Swallow
*Predictions:*
Rain is forecast over the next 3 days, with Thursday predicted to have the
most rain. Uncertainty about Wednesday and Friday.
Join us to explore the birds of Colyer Lake. After meeting in the parking lot on Lake Road, we will scan the lake for waterfowl and early swallows. From there, we will take a leisurely walk down the road to the end of the lake to look for resident and migrant birds. There is also a trail around the lake and those who are interested can continue along the trail for a longer hike, while the rest of the group continues back to our cars. Meet us at the parking lot on Lake Road (GPS 40.772478, -77.680872).
*Saturday, April 20, 2024 (8:00am-10:00am)* > *Chicory Lane Farm, Spring Mills, Pa* > > Trip Leader: Joe Gyekis > > ChicoryLane Farm <https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.chicorylane.com%2F&data=05%7C02%<7CSCBIRDCL...>%7Cd4327613e28e41e9908a08dc59027504%7C7cf48d453ddb4389a9c1c115526eb52e%7C0%7C0%7C638483114284247578%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=hzz58t46yuOO%2Bo%2FlLh3nUQEC2fxyJWK5qrIrY5vqD%2BM%3D&reserved=0> is now managed for > wildlife habitat, including old fields, young forest, and wetland. A > network of many trails loop around the property. Be prepared for some mud > and wet grass. We will look for a mix of resident and spring migrant birds. > If rain is heavy, we will cancel, but we will continue as scheduled with > light rain. Drive 20 miles east on Route 45 from Boalsburg then turn left > onto Brush Mountain Road. Continue about 0.7 mile until you see a straight > gravel driveway heading back to the right, at blue & white sign #246, into > old field habitat. You can navigate in your GPS to 40.875564, -77.549939. > > chicorylane.com > > *Saturday, April 27, 2024 (9:00am-10:00am)* > *Tudek Park* > > Trip Leader: Constanza Ehrenhaus > > This walk will be designed for beginner birders, especially families with > children. Of course, all are welcome. The area is stroller friendly and > the walk will be kept to one hour to fit younger learners' attention > spans. We will meet near the restrooms at the upper parking lot. >
> Wednesday, May 15, 2024 (7:30am - 9:30am) > Search for Cerulean Warblers on the Lower Trail, Blair County > > Please join Nick Bolgiano for a leisurely walk along a stretch of the > Lower Trail in Blair County. The goal of this trip is to find Cerulean > Warblers, in the core of their Lower Trail habitat. See > keystonefund.org/success-story/a-perfect-habitat/ for more information on > Nick Bolgiano's search for Cerulean Warblers. This stretch of the Lower > Trail is also great for Acadian Flycatcher, Yellow-throated Vireo, Warbling > Vireo, Wood Thrush, Louisiana Waterthrush, Yellow-throated Warbler, > Rose-breasted Grosbeak, and Baltimore Oriole. > > Please meet at the Mt. Etna trailhead parking lot at 7:30am ( > https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rttcpa.org%2Findex.shtml&data=05%7C02%<7CSCBIRDCL...>%7Cd4327613e28e41e9908a08dc59027504%7C7cf48d453ddb4389a9c1c115526eb52e%7C0%7C0%7C638483114284247578%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=VM0svppoIf8uOWLQ%2B2LMGylNDaemJYtddmOblxayJcg%3D&reserved=0). Travel West on Route 22 from the > intersection of Route 453 at Water Street. Turn Left on Fox Run Rd at 3.3 > mi (just after the westbound turns to 2 lanes, making this easier if > traffic) or Left on Etna Furnace Rd at 4.6 mile. Continue Right near the > river to reach the Mt. Etna trailhead parking lot. There is a modern > outhouse available. > > From the Mt. Etna trailhead parking lot, the group will walk South along > the Lower Trail for 1-2 miles out and back. >
Date: 4/9/24 2:35 pm From: Gyekis, Joseph Peter <jpg186...> Subject: Re: Tussey Mountain Hawkwatch & Eclipse Watch - April 8th, 2024
What a great report!
It was similarly fun and migrant rich during the eclipse viewing in the valley. Right after class at 2:15 I met up with my family at the arboretum and we tried to watch for glimpses through the clouds of the partially eclipsing sun and got a few looks (it was cool how the whole crowd of people broke out into cheers every time there was a glimpse). The whole time we had some good action in the sky of birds migrating by, including an osprey (plus two more while walking home), one harrier, one probably migrating red tail, two small groups of cormorants, two herring gulls, and a high small falcon (probably a kestrel).
As the sky got dark, the robin songs kicked into gear, and it only amplified when it started brightening back up. It did seem like some starlings and grackles were making roost-like moves when the light dimmed.
________________________________
From: State College (PA) Bird Club <SCBIRDCL...> on behalf of Andrew Bechdel <andrewbechdel...>
Sent: Monday, April 8, 2024 9:17:30 PM
To: <SCBIRDCL...> <SCBIRDCL...>
Subject: Tussey Mountain Hawkwatch & Eclipse Watch - April 8th, 2024
Good Evening Birders,
Today was one of my favorite counting days ever. A good flight of migratory raptors with a solar eclipse. It doesn't get much better than that. After a slow start today, the Sharpie flight picked up considerably, tallying 25 on the day. Additionally, we had 5 Northern Harriers, 7 Kestrels, 11 Red-tails in the hour before the eclipse, and 7 Ospreys. 5 of the 7 Ospreys were seen moving low over the ridge during and after the peak of the eclipse. Our star of the show (aside from the literal one in the sky), a subadult Golden Eagle made its daily appearance and marks our 155th GE of the season. The flight seemed to be concentrated early before the eclipse and late in the day following the eclipse. As the sky dimmed around 3pm, it was interesting to see and hear the songbirds and raptors responding to the dimming and flocking to roost sites. Anyone else witness this phenomenon?
In other bird news, we had 9 migratory Northern Flickers, 27 Common Loons, and 5 Herring Gulls. During the eclipse, the Black-capped Chickadees called to each other, as if roosting. Afterwards when the sunlight rebounded, they began singing as if it were morning. It was a truly unique and wonderful experience!
Our photos show a few raptors and myself watching the eclipse. All are great study material and great eye candy. Notice the adult Broad-winged Hawk's 4 primary feathers pointing outward. This gives it its characteristic pointed wing shape in flight. The Sharpie featured is a juvenile. It can be easily separated from a Coop by its denser barring on the chest. The Cormorants shown are just a few of our 25 on the day. As usual, a Red-tailed Hawk showed some variation. Some RTs have almost all white underneath while others (like this RT) have an extensive dark belly.
We saw the sun crescent 3 separate times when some clouds briefly parted. It was one of those moments that makes you feel appreciative to be alive.
Tomorrow is a toss up. A light S wind could be a continuation of today's flight or it could be mediocre. We will just have to see.
Date: 4/9/24 4:25 am From: Rob Dickerson <radickerson...> Subject: Call for Photos
Do you have some great photos of any birds taken in Pennsylvania from December 1, 2023 - February 29, 2024? Or a picture of a notable/significant sighting from that period?
I am currently accepting photo submissions through end of day April 20 to be considered for publication as space permits in the Pennsylvania Society for Ornithology (PSO) Winter 2024 issue of Pennsylvania Birds.
**Important Note** Images submitted must be high-res and are preferred to be horizontal shots. Submitted images must be able to be cropped to 1050px x 700px with a resolution of 300 px/in for horizontal images. If space allows high-quality vertical portrait shots may be used, but they take up the space of 2 photos in the layout used by the journal. Vertical photos submitted must be able to be cropped to 1050px x 1313px at 300 px/in.
Some further instructions... If your submission does not follow the instructions below or contain the info requested below, it will not be processed!
- Submissions for consideration **must** be taken during the above date range and emailed to <radickerson...>, please make mention of the word WINTER in the subject line to simplify processing.
- Please do not submit me dozens of images for consideration, please do some initial limiting/judging of selections on your end that reflect the best of your work. However, if you have 15 different images of truly notable sightings in the state from this period, I'll gladly accept them for consideration!
- VERY important! For each image attached to the e-mail, you must include a description in the body of the e-mail for that image. Best format to follow: Species Name - Location, County, DD Month. Sentence about significance if known/applicable. (Photographer Name) Example: Antillean Nighthawk - Presque Isle SP, Erie, 12 June. This bird represented a first state record and was observed through 1 July. (John Doe)
- Please also submit your photos for consideration in full resolution or as close to full resolution as possible as these will be printed. Your photo also may be considered for a cover shot and a 250KB image just won't work for that! I need to be able to crop your photo to fit the space as it permits in the journal and a precropped / low-resolution image is problematic for that. It's safe to say that if you're sending me an image under a megabyte in size, it isn't going to be the resolution I need to work with. I also need room to crop the image to the specs used for the newsletter (exact specs posted above) and an extremely tight crop may not allow me to do that.
- Photos selected for printing in the issue will be credited to the photographer, please DO NOT submit watermarked/signatured images or they will not be considered. The image should be clean of any add-ons.
Thanks for considering submitting your photos for consideration for our statewide ornithology journal!
Date: 4/8/24 6:18 pm From: Andrew Bechdel <andrewbechdel...> Subject: Tussey Mountain Hawkwatch & Eclipse Watch - April 8th, 2024
Good Evening Birders,
Today was one of my favorite counting days ever. A good flight of migratory raptors with a solar eclipse. It doesn't get much better than that. After a slow start today, the Sharpie flight picked up considerably, tallying 25 on the day. Additionally, we had 5 Northern Harriers, 7 Kestrels, 11 Red-tails in the hour before the eclipse, and 7 Ospreys. 5 of the 7 Ospreys were seen moving low over the ridge during and after the peak of the eclipse. Our star of the show (aside from the literal one in the sky), a subadult Golden Eagle made its daily appearance and marks our 155th GE of the season. The flight seemed to be concentrated early before the eclipse and late in the day following the eclipse. As the sky dimmed around 3pm, it was interesting to see and hear the songbirds and raptors responding to the dimming and flocking to roost sites. Anyone else witness this phenomenon?
In other bird news, we had 9 migratory Northern Flickers, 27 Common Loons, and 5 Herring Gulls. During the eclipse, the Black-capped Chickadees called to each other, as if roosting. Afterwards when the sunlight rebounded, they began singing as if it were morning. It was a truly unique and wonderful experience!
Our photos show a few raptors and myself watching the eclipse. All are great study material and great eye candy. Notice the adult Broad-winged Hawk's 4 primary feathers pointing outward. This gives it its characteristic pointed wing shape in flight. The Sharpie featured is a juvenile. It can be easily separated from a Coop by its denser barring on the chest. The Cormorants shown are just a few of our 25 on the day. As usual, a Red-tailed Hawk showed some variation. Some RTs have almost all white underneath while others (like this RT) have an extensive dark belly.
We saw the sun crescent 3 separate times when some clouds briefly parted. It was one of those moments that makes you feel appreciative to be alive.
Tomorrow is a toss up. A light S wind could be a continuation of today's flight or it could be mediocre. We will just have to see.
Date: 4/8/24 4:06 pm From: Bryant, Don <dab14...> Subject: Raptor episodes on PBS
HI all,
For all the raptophile types, if you havenβt seen: the next two epidodes of Nature on PBS will concern raptors. There are trailers and shorts for Season 42, episodes 13 and 14 on-line already. I really enjoyed watching the one on a red-legged seriema hunting snakesβsaw those in Argentina (they only became raptors very recently when their genomes were sequenced (2 species. red and black-legged)). Season 14 has a 3-min clip on striated caracaras, one of only a couple of raptors I havenβt seen in South Ameria. They are out on islands like the Falklands/Maldives, so very hard to get to without a dedicated (i.e., very expensive) trip. The communal nature of their behavior was cool to seeβ¦
Anyway, it looks like βFistfull of daggersβ will be a great two part series.
don
Donald A. Bryant, Ph. D.
Academy Professor,
Ernest C. Pollard Professor Emeritus of Biotechnology ,
and Professor Emeritus of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
The Pennsylvania State University
University Park, PA 16802
Date: 4/8/24 7:47 am From: Blizard, David A <dab22...> Subject: Re: Tussey Mountain Hawkwatch - April 7th, 2024
Changing gears: Fβbk site Birds of Prey has a multi pic episode of a great blue heron trying to steal a fish from an osprey..guess who won? Worth exploring.
Sent from my iPad
On Apr 7, 2024, at 9:08β―PM, Andrew Bechdel <andrewbechdel...> wrote:
ο»Ώ
Good Evening Bird Club,
Today was a beach day, and I spent most of it counting and relaxing on my rock throne. We had another steady flight with 10 Sharpies, 4 Osprey, 2 Kestrels, and 2 Harriers (both were beautiful 'Gray Ghosts'). Our local Cooper's Hawks were especially active, performing flight displays off and on for a couple of hours. The Cooper's flight display is very reminiscent of the slow, deep, moth-like wing beats exhibited by Short-eared Owls. It was great to get a prolonged look at a bird most of us, except Deb Rittelmann, see only briefly in flight.
A special thanks to PA Breeding Bird Atlas Coordinator Amber Wiewel and her family for visiting the watch.
Tomorrow could be a good flight if the S wind strengthens. The rest of the upcoming week also looks promising for Broad-winged flights. I'm not sure how the eclipse will affect the flight, but I will most definitely be watching the birds while everyone else is watching the sun.
See you at the Watch!
-Andrew
Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch
State College, Pennsylvania, USA
Observation start time: 08:30:00
Observation end time: 16:30:00
Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter Andrew Bechdel
Observers:
Visitors:
Amber Wiewel and her family
Weather:
Full sun with light-moderate N wind all day. Wind speeds peaked around noon and tapered toward the end of the day. Wind Speed: 4-14mph. Temperature: 5-15 Celsius
Raptor Observations:
No Golden Eagles Non-migratory Raptors: 6 Turkey Vulture, 2 Cooper's Hawks, 2 Bald Eagle, 2 Red-tailed Hawk
Date: 4/7/24 6:07 pm From: Andrew Bechdel <andrewbechdel...> Subject: Tussey Mountain Hawkwatch - April 7th, 2024
Good Evening Bird Club,
Today was a beach day, and I spent most of it counting and relaxing on my rock throne. We had another steady flight with 10 Sharpies, 4 Osprey, 2 Kestrels, and 2 Harriers (both were beautiful 'Gray Ghosts'). Our local Cooper's Hawks were especially active, performing flight displays off and on for a couple of hours. The Cooper's flight display is very reminiscent of the slow, deep, moth-like wing beats exhibited by Short-eared Owls. It was great to get a prolonged look at a bird most of us, except Deb Rittelmann, see only briefly in flight.
A special thanks to PA Breeding Bird Atlas Coordinator Amber Wiewel and her family for visiting the watch.
Tomorrow could be a good flight if the S wind strengthens. The rest of the upcoming week also looks promising for Broad-winged flights. I'm not sure how the eclipse will affect the flight, but I will most definitely be watching the birds while everyone else is watching the sun.
I have had the same experience at my feeders (southwest of Port Matilda..Β I have only a few goldfinches most of the winter, but recently the numbers really picked up -- 40 to over 100 at once. Rarely, their has been one siskin mixed in.Β A 40-lb bag of sunflower seed doesn't last long.Β
On Saturday, April 6, 2024 at 09:36:16 AM EDT, Peggy Wagoner Saporito <raven966...> wrote:
I also have been seeing large numbers of goldfinches during the past 3weeks. Difficult to count, but a minimum of 30 in our 1 acres wooded wetland. When I take my walk around noon in our wooded wetland (near Stormstown), there has been a cacophony of chartering goldfinches from the trees and shrubs.. as if they are all discussing with each other, the events of their day. They are feeding on the buds and catkins of various trees..quaking aspen, elm, willow, maples.Peggy
On Sat, Apr 6, 2024 at 9:24β―AM Grove, Deborah Shuey <dsg4...> wrote:
We live in Huntingdon county on Stone Creek Ridge and didnβt have more than a couple of American Goldfinch this winter.Β I suspect that is due to plenty of natural food because the CBC count was 331 and record is 379 with an average over the last ten years of 208. However, since about the second week of March we have had 120-150 of them.
Single Pine Siskins would show up occasionally during that period. Now we have 10 to 20 or more. And you can hear their zreeeeet Β sound when you step outside.
We have had up to 40 Purple Finch since December with the average between 15-20. Only an occasional House Finch, maybe from the farm in the hollow below.
We have seed on the deck and one feeder out there and the cats enjoy watching them walking around enjoying the steady supply of seed. Also, there are 4 feeders in the front yard.
Β
Needless to say, we have been buying lots of 40 pound bags of sunflower seed to keep feeders full!
Β
Deb
Β
From:State College (PA) Bird Club <SCBIRDCL...> on behalf of Paul Brigman <paulbrigman...>
Date: Saturday, April 6, 2024 at 9:01 AM
To: <SCBIRDCL...> <SCBIRDCL...>
Subject: Siskins
I havenβt seen Pine Siskins at my feeder all winter, but they have been showing up in fairly high numbers over the last week. Seems like a surprisingly late, but very welcome, arrival here!
Date: 4/6/24 4:50 pm From: Andrew Bechdel <andrewbechdel...> Subject: Tussey Mountain Hawkwatch - April 6th, 2024
Good Evening Bird Nerds,
Another beautiful day atop the ridge! Our GE grand total keeps inching towards the 10-year average as *Golden Eagle #154 was spotted gliding far out over Nittany Valley*. However, the big story of the day was our *FOY Broad-winged Hawk*. Also a distant bird, it was seen inconspicuously gliding on drooped wings. I'm assuming these birds recognize Nick from Columbia. Additionally, a *Merlin flying head-on into the N wind* was a nice treat and our 2nd of the season. The flight of Sharpies, Kestrels, and Osprey continues to be slow but steady. It should pick up considerably Monday along with the Broad-wings. Again, if you're looking for a spot to view the solar eclipse, we have an excellent spot to see it on Tussey. Plus, you have the luxury of hawkwatching simultaneously.
*OfficialCounter* Andrew Bechdel, Nick Bolgiano *Observers* Nick Bolgiano *Weather* Overcast and mild with moderate to strong NW/NNW wind all day. Wind 7-18mph. Temperature: 3-7 Celsius. *Observation Notes* Golden Eagles: 1 Unk-12:48
Non-migratory raptors: 2 Black Vulture, 7 Turkey Vulture, 1 Sharp-shinned Hawk, 1 Cooper's Hawk, 3 Bald Eagle *Non-Raptor Notes* Notable Birds-7 Common Loons-(5)11:09,11:24,11:31
Date: 4/6/24 9:02 am From: Bryant, Don <dab14...> Subject: Re: Teams needed for Earth Week Birding Classic
Not exactly the same, but I have a photos of a juvenile northern goshawk hopping around on the ground on snow looking for voles under the snow. Snow was about six inches deep. It walked and hopped for more than 30 minutes this way.
don
Donald A. Bryant, Ph. D.
Academy Professor,
Ernest C. Pollard Professor Emeritus of Biotechnology ,
and Professor Emeritus of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
The Pennsylvania State University
University Park, PA 16802
"Look deep into nature and you will
understand everything better.β
Albert Einstein
> On Apr 6, 2024, at 11:19β―AM, Mark Nale <00008ff0c316580d-dmarc-request...> wrote:
>
> I know that some of you on this list serve have participated in this "contest" before. This is just to make others aware:
>
> A local event that captures the spirit of spring bird movement is the Earth Week Birding Classic β organized by the Juniata Valley Audubon Society and the Environmental Studies program at Penn State Altoona.
>
> Coming up is a chance to participate in a survey of birds in Blair and/or any counties touching Blair County (Centre, Huntingdon, Bedford, Clearfield and Cambria). The goal is for teams in seven different categories to count as many bird species as possible over a continuous 24-hour period of your choosing between April 12 and noon April 21.
>
> There is no entry fee, but participants are encouraged to garner pledges from supporters or make a contribution. Proceeds benefit bird conservation in Blair and surrounding counties. Teams of three or more (two or more for senior citizens) are welcome to sign up. Trophies will be awarded at a closing ceremony on April 21.
>
> The Classic is a low-pressure, fun event that I have participated in during the past six years. You can be βin it to win itβ or just to have fun. They would love to have more teams enter. Registration deadline is Sunday, April 7. (I'm sure that this can be fudged a couple days for entering new teams) Visit the Juniata Valley Audubon website http://www.jvas.orgΒ <http://www.jvas.org%20for%20more%20information%20or%20contactCatherine%20Farr%20at%<20catiegk5059...>/> > for more information or contact Catherine Farr at <catiegk5059...>
>
> Consider joining in the fun.
>
On Sat, Apr 6, 2024 at 11:51β―AM Dan Ombalski <ombalski...> wrote:
> You description is basically how a coopers got one of our chickens from
> within a thick and overgrown forsythia.
>
> I only discovered this by belly crawling a bit under the bush and coming
> face-to-face with a coop protecting its kill from me⦠the invader.
>
> That Coop stayed with its kill until after dark. It eventually left in the
> dark, flying awkwardly and first crashing into a spruce and then a hemlock
> before lucking onto a viable perch. It was back at first light looking to
> see if its kill was still under the forsythia.
>
> Finally, I recall the AC Bent βLife Histories of Birds of Preyβ books have
> a number of funny anecdotes of accipiters chasing prey somewhat similarly.
> One had something to do with a goshawk chasing a chicken through someoneβs
> kitchen, on foot, with the homeowner right behind, swinging at it with a
> broom.
>
> -Dan
>
>
>
>
>
> On Apr 6, 2024, at 11:08 AM, Mark Nale <
> <00008ff0c316580d-dmarc-request...> wrote:
>
> ο»Ώ
> I found this to be very unusual, but maybe others have witnessed the same
> thing.
>
> A couple days ago, was was looking out the window of my house (near Port
> Matilda) when a Cooper's Hawk flew past my feeders and landed in a tree.
> Birds scattered! A few seconds later, the hawk dropped down into my lawn
> and after about 30 seconds it went under a group of overgrown birdsnest
> spruces that I have planted on a bank. There is very little clearance
> under these shrubs -- birds can't crawl, but if it had been a cat, would
> have said that it crawled under the bushes.
>
> A few juncos flew out of the shrubs, then a white-throated sparrow. About
> a minute later the hawk hopped out and flew away with no prey. I have
> observed this behavior twice before. I just wonder if this hunting strategy
> could actually work for a hawk?
>
> Has anyone else observed something like this?
>
> Mark
>
>
Date: 4/6/24 8:51 am From: Dan Ombalski <ombalski...> Subject: Re: Interesting Raptor Observation
You description is basically how a coopers got one of our chickens from within a thick and overgrown forsythia.
I only discovered this by belly crawling a bit under the bush and coming face-to-face with a coop protecting its kill from me⦠the invader.
That Coop stayed with its kill until after dark. It eventually left in the dark, flying awkwardly and first crashing into a spruce and then a hemlock before lucking onto a viable perch. It was back at first light looking to see if its kill was still under the forsythia.
Finally, I recall the AC Bent βLife Histories of Birds of Preyβ books have a number of funny anecdotes of accipiters chasing prey somewhat similarly. One had something to do with a goshawk chasing a chicken through someoneβs kitchen, on foot, with the homeowner right behind, swinging at it with a broom.
-Dan
> On Apr 6, 2024, at 11:08 AM, Mark Nale <00008ff0c316580d-dmarc-request...> wrote:
>
> ο»Ώ
> I found this to be very unusual, but maybe others have witnessed the same thing.
>
> A couple days ago, was was looking out the window of my house (near Port Matilda) when a Cooper's Hawk flew past my feeders and landed in a tree. Birds scattered! A few seconds later, the hawk dropped down into my lawn and after about 30 seconds it went under a group of overgrown birdsnest spruces that I have planted on a bank. There is very little clearance under these shrubs -- birds can't crawl, but if it had been a cat, would have said that it crawled under the bushes.
>
> A few juncos flew out of the shrubs, then a white-throated sparrow. About a minute later the hawk hopped out and flew away with no prey. I have observed this behavior twice before. I just wonder if this hunting strategy could actually work for a hawk?
>
> Has anyone else observed something like this?
>
> Mark
Date: 4/6/24 8:19 am From: Mark Nale <00008ff0c316580d-dmarc-request...> Subject: Teams needed for Earth Week Birding Classic
I know that some of you on this list serve have participated in this "contest" before.Β This is just to make others aware:
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β A local event that captures the spiritof spring bird movement is the Earth Week Birding Classic β organized by theJuniata Valley Audubon Society and the EnvironmentalStudies program at Penn State Altoona.
Coming up is a chance to participate in a survey ofbirds in Blair and/or any counties touching Blair County (Centre, Huntingdon, Bedford, Clearfield and Cambria). The goal is for teamsin seven different categories to count as many bird species as possible over acontinuous 24-hour period of your choosing between April 12 and noon April 21.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Thereis no entry fee, but participants are encouraged to garner pledges fromsupporters or make a contribution. Proceeds benefit bird conservation in Blairand surrounding counties. Teams of three or more (two or more for seniorcitizens) are welcome to sign up. Trophies will be awarded at a closingceremony on April 21.
Date: 4/6/24 8:07 am From: Mark Nale <00008ff0c316580d-dmarc-request...> Subject: Interesting Raptor Observation
I found this to be very unusual, but maybe others have witnessed the same thing.Β
A couple days ago, was was looking out the window of my house (near Port Matilda) when a Cooper's Hawk flew past my feeders and landed in a tree.Β Birds scattered!Β A few seconds later, the hawk dropped down into my lawn and after about 30 seconds it went under a group of overgrown birdsnest spruces that I have planted on a bank.Β There is very little clearance under these shrubs -- birds can't crawl, but if it had been a cat, would have said that it crawled under the bushes.Β
A few juncos flew out of the shrubs, then a white-throated sparrow. About a minute later the hawk hopped out and flew away with no prey. I have observed this behavior twice before. I just wonder if this hunting strategy could actually work for a hawk?
Has anyone else observed something like this?
Mark
I also have been seeing large numbers of goldfinches during the past
3weeks. Difficult to count, but a minimum of 30 in our 1 acres wooded
wetland. When I take my walk around noon in our wooded wetland (near
Stormstown), there has been a cacophony of chartering goldfinches from the
trees and shrubs.. as if they are all discussing with each other, the
events of their day. They are feeding on the buds and catkins of various
trees..quaking aspen, elm, willow, maples.
Peggy
On Sat, Apr 6, 2024 at 9:24β―AM Grove, Deborah Shuey <dsg4...> wrote:
> We live in Huntingdon county on Stone Creek Ridge and didnβt have more
> than a couple of American Goldfinch this winter. I suspect that is due to
> plenty of natural food because the CBC count was 331 and record is 379 with
> an average over the last ten years of 208. However, since about the second
> week of March we have had 120-150 of them.
>
> Single Pine Siskins would show up occasionally during that period. Now we
> have 10 to 20 or more. And you can hear their zreeeeet sound when you step
> outside.
>
> We have had up to 40 Purple Finch since December with the average between
> 15-20. Only an occasional House Finch, maybe from the farm in the hollow
> below.
>
> We have seed on the deck and one feeder out there and the cats enjoy
> watching them walking around enjoying the steady supply of seed. Also,
> there are 4 feeders in the front yard.
>
>
>
> Needless to say, we have been buying lots of 40 pound bags of sunflower
> seed to keep feeders full!
>
>
>
> Deb
>
>
>
> *From: *State College (PA) Bird Club <SCBIRDCL...> on behalf
> of Paul Brigman <paulbrigman...>
> *Date: *Saturday, April 6, 2024 at 9:01 AM
> *To: *<SCBIRDCL...> <SCBIRDCL...>
> *Subject: *Siskins
>
> I havenβt seen Pine Siskins at my feeder all winter, but they have been
> showing up in fairly high numbers over the last week. Seems like a
> surprisingly late, but very welcome, arrival here!
>
I live in Boalsburg and it is the first year since I moved here (8 yr ago)
that I've had siskins in my yard. They arrived about two or three weeks ago
and come almost daily. We've had an abundance of finches and sparrows this
winter, more than last, but I have not seen CooperΒ΄s hawks, unlike previous
winters, I've also had less diversity of woodpeckers.
On Sat, Apr 6, 2024 at 9:25β―AM Grove, Deborah Shuey <dsg4...> wrote:
> We live in Huntingdon county on Stone Creek Ridge and didnβt have more
> than a couple of American Goldfinch this winter. I suspect that is due to
> plenty of natural food because the CBC count was 331 and record is 379 with
> an average over the last ten years of 208. However, since about the second
> week of March we have had 120-150 of them.
>
> Single Pine Siskins would show up occasionally during that period. Now we
> have 10 to 20 or more. And you can hear their zreeeeet sound when you step
> outside.
>
> We have had up to 40 Purple Finch since December with the average between
> 15-20. Only an occasional House Finch, maybe from the farm in the hollow
> below.
>
> We have seed on the deck and one feeder out there and the cats enjoy
> watching them walking around enjoying the steady supply of seed. Also,
> there are 4 feeders in the front yard.
>
>
>
> Needless to say, we have been buying lots of 40 pound bags of sunflower
> seed to keep feeders full!
>
>
>
> Deb
>
>
>
> *From: *State College (PA) Bird Club <SCBIRDCL...> on behalf
> of Paul Brigman <paulbrigman...>
> *Date: *Saturday, April 6, 2024 at 9:01 AM
> *To: *<SCBIRDCL...> <SCBIRDCL...>
> *Subject: *Siskins
>
> I havenβt seen Pine Siskins at my feeder all winter, but they have been
> showing up in fairly high numbers over the last week. Seems like a
> surprisingly late, but very welcome, arrival here!
>
Date: 4/6/24 6:24 am From: Grove, Deborah Shuey <dsg4...> Subject: Re: Siskins
We live in Huntingdon county on Stone Creek Ridge and didnt have more than a couple of American Goldfinch this winter. I suspect that is due to plenty of natural food because the CBC count was 331 and record is 379 with an average over the last ten years of 208. However, since about the second week of March we have had 120-150 of them.
Single Pine Siskins would show up occasionally during that period. Now we have 10 to 20 or more. And you can hear their zreeeeet sound when you step outside.
We have had up to 40 Purple Finch since December with the average between 15-20. Only an occasional House Finch, maybe from the farm in the hollow below.
We have seed on the deck and one feeder out there and the cats enjoy watching them walking around enjoying the steady supply of seed. Also, there are 4 feeders in the front yard.
Needless to say, we have been buying lots of 40 pound bags of sunflower seed to keep feeders full!
Deb
From: State College (PA) Bird Club <SCBIRDCL...> on behalf of Paul Brigman <paulbrigman...>
Date: Saturday, April 6, 2024 at 9:01 AM
To: <SCBIRDCL...> <SCBIRDCL...>
Subject: Siskins
I havent seen Pine Siskins at my feeder all winter, but they have been showing up in fairly high numbers over the last week. Seems like a surprisingly late, but very welcome, arrival here!
Date: 4/6/24 6:01 am From: Paul Brigman <paulbrigman...> Subject: Siskins
I havenβt seen Pine Siskins at my feeder all winter, but they have been showing up in fairly high numbers over the last week. Seems like a surprisingly late, but very welcome, arrival here!
Date: 4/5/24 4:35 pm From: Andrew Bechdel <andrewbechdel...> Subject: Tussey Mountain Hawkwatch - April 4th, 2024
Good Evening Birders,
It was another classic cold and snow filled day atop the mountain. According to former Tussey counter and current Minnesota counter Sean McLaughlin, Tussey is the coldest place he's ever counted. Standing in the cold, as always, was worth the *3 Golden Eagles, bringing our season total to 153*. Again, 2 of 3 were young birds(1 immature and 1 sub adult). While the flight was slow in other respects, we enjoyed a couple local Ospreys that headed toward Lake Perez, a couple Sharpies, and a Kestrel. *The bird of the day was a Sandhill Crane that crossed the ridge and headed N*. The Crane crossed paths with a juvenile Red-tailed Hawk with a very thick belly band. See the attached photos for both birds. Juvenile Red-tailed Hawks have the translucent wing patches you see in the photo.
Tomorrow will be similar to today and seasonally cold. We are looking toward Monday as a possible day for our first Broad-winged Hawks. Additionally, the partial solar eclipse will be happening at 2-4:30pm with the peak at 3:20pm. If you're interested in visiting, we will have a great look at the sun at that time. Nick and I will be looking at birds.
Date: 4/4/24 4:47 pm From: Andrew Bechdel <andrewbechdel...> Subject: Tussey Mountain Hawkwatch - April 4th, 2024
Good Evening Birders,
After a nearly weeklong weather break, it would seem some of our migrants have been bottled up. Indeed, we saw 2 big pulses today that brought our *150th GE of the season*, 8 Sharpies, and *78 Turkey Vultures*! *74 of the 78 TVs were spotted within a few minutes*, moving ahead of the snow squall at 2:30. This created for an exciting minute of watching in which the birds were coming almost as fast as we could count them.
In other bird news, 8 Common Loons made the commute to Lake Erie, a local sharpie perched in the trees atop the ridge for several minutes, and a single male Common Merganser tried to sneak behind me while crossing the ridge.
The next few days could bring more Osprey, Sharpies, and Kestrels as they've been bottled up this week and will have a decent day to fly tomorrow and Saturday. Our first Broad-winged Hawks could arrive in a couple days.
See you at the Watch!
-Andrew
*Tussey Mountain Hawk WatchState College, Pennsylvania, USADaily Raptor Counts: Apr 04, 2024SpeciesDay's CountMonth TotalSeason TotalBlack Vulture000Turkey Vulture7878149Osprey3310Bald Eagle1135Northern Harrier001Sharp-shinned Hawk8858Cooper's Hawk0016American Goshawk000Red-shouldered Hawk1131Broad-winged Hawk000Red-tailed Hawk11115Rough-legged Hawk000Golden Eagle11150American Kestrel1116Merlin001Peregrine Falcon003Unknown Accipiter004Unknown Buteo002Unknown Falcon001Unknown Eagle001Unknown Raptor114Total:9595597Observation start time:10:45:00Observation end time:16:30:00Total observation time:5.75 hoursOfficial CounterAndrew BechdelObservers:Visitors:N/AWeather:An odd weather day. Watch started late due to light rain and fog. Upon arrival, skies were overcast with limited visibility. After an hour a snow squall temporarily halted watch effort. Following the snow squall overcast conditions continued and another prolonged snow squall hit around 1345. Most of the flight was concentrated, especially TVs, before the 2nd snow squall.Raptor Observations:Golden Eagles: 1 Sub-11:30 Non-migratory raptors: 7 Turkey Vulture, 2 Red-tailed, 1 Cooper's Hawk, 1 Sharp-shinned Hawk, 3 Bald EagleNon-raptor Observations:Notable Birds: 1 Common Merganser, 4 Pine Siskin, a possible Barn Swallow, 8 Common Loon-(2)11:06,(2)11:09,11:48,(3)13:33Predictions:Uncertain; A moderate NW wind could bring more migrants that have been bottled up in the last few days. First Broad-wings could arrive this weekend.*
A wet start to our weekly bird walk series! Nine of us enjoyed the birds on the front lawn at Shaverβs Creek and at the edge of Lake Perez β and yes, we used the covered spaces to keep our optics and ourselves as dry as possible. Highlights included Ospreys, Loons, Ruddy Ducks, Pine Warbler, Sapsucker, Pine Siskins, a foraging flock of Tree Swallows (seemed to concentrate their feeding over small parts of the lake), and a single barn swallow among others. Our two checklists are below.
Migration Morning continues for the next five Wednesdays, from 7:00 to 8:30 am at the center, and check out The Bird Club <https://www.scbirdcl.org/schedule.current.html> website for a list of all upcoming walks this spring.
Best wishes,
Doug
Subject: eBird Report - Shaver's Creek Env. Center, Apr 3, 2024
Date: April 3, 2024 at 4:11:32 PM EDT
To: <djw105...>
Shaver's Creek Env. Center, Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, US
Apr 3, 2024 7:12 AM - 7:49 AM
Protocol: Traveling
0.1 mile(s)
17 species
Osprey 1
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1
Downy Woodpecker 1
Eastern Phoebe 1
Common Raven 1
Black-capped Chickadee 2
Tufted Titmouse 1
Carolina Wren 1
American Robin 2
Pine Siskin 8
American Goldfinch 8
Chipping Sparrow 1
Dark-eyed Junco 6
White-throated Sparrow 6
Song Sparrow 1
Pine Warbler 1
Northern Cardinal 1
Lake Perez, Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, US
Apr 3, 2024 7:54 AM - 8:28 AM
Protocol: Traveling
0.186 mile(s)
20 species (+1 other taxa)
Canada Goose 2
Wood Duck 2
Mallard 4
Ruddy Duck 3
duck sp. 17 Flyover. Likely scaup or RNDU
Pied-billed Grebe 3
Mourning Dove 3
Bonaparte's Gull 1
Common Loon 2
Great Blue Heron 1
Osprey 5
Bald Eagle 1 Juvenile
Eastern Phoebe 1
Blue Jay 3
American Crow 2
Tree Swallow 100
Barn Swallow 1
American Robin 1
American Goldfinch 1
Song Sparrow 2
Red-winged Blackbird 3
Date: 4/3/24 1:46 pm From: Ron Rovansek <rrovansek...> Subject: Re: some interesting bird distributions in the recent Christmas Bird Count
My personal observation is that dead ash trees donβt seem particularly attractive to woodpeckers; I donβt see any unusual numbers of woodpeckers in dead ash trees. Keep in mind that Emerald Ash Borers are found only in live Ash trees, so maybe that is where youβd see more than the normal number of woodpeckers. I havenβt had the opportunity to spend much time around live but infested Ash, so I canβt offer any observations.
Ron Rovansek
Stormstown
From: State College (PA) Bird Club <SCBIRDCL...> On Behalf Of Peggy Wagoner Saporito
Sent: Wednesday, April 3, 2024 11:33 AM
To: <SCBIRDCL...>
Subject: Re: some interesting bird distributions in the recent Christmas Bird Count
Thanks Nick!
Interesting to see that many woodpecker species have higher numbers than in the past. Are the many dead ash trees helping woodpecker populations?
Peggy
On Wed, Apr 3, 2024 at 10:09β―AM Nick Bolgiano <nickbolgiano...><mailto:<nickbolgiano...>> wrote:
I write the Christmas Bird Count summary for Pennsylvania Birds and you may find something of interest here.
Nineteen species set new statewide high tallies for the Pennsylvania CBC: Ring-necked Duck, Surf Scoter, White-winged Scoter, Bufflehead, Eurasian Collared-Dove, Northern Saw-whet Owl, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Red-headed Woodpecker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Merlin, Common Raven, Winter Wren, Carolina Wren, Hermit Thrush, Clay-colored Sparrow, and Swamp Sparrow.
As part of my report I choose 8 species to plot their densities on top of a PA map. For this CBC, I chose 8 of the above species shown in the attached graph.
Why I sent this to this listserve and wish to emphasize is that high counts of the 6 non-duck species (Red-headed Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Winter and Carolina Wrens, Hermit Thrush, and Swamp Sparrow) extend into the western part of the Ridge & Valley province, especially in the Juniata Valley, which includes the Culp, Huntingdon, Lake Raystown, Belleville, Juniata Valley-Lewistown, and New Bloomfield (Perry Co) CBC sites. That hasn't happened before when winters were cold.
Date: 4/3/24 12:24 pm From: Nick Bolgiano <nickbolgiano...> Subject: Re: some interesting bird distributions in the recent Christmas Bird Count
Hi Peggy,
The large amount of dead ash trees must help woodpeckers to some extent,
but I suspect other factors were important for this past fall-winter
period. For Red-bellied and Pileated, this count was merely the most recent
year's tally in long increasing trends for both. Similarly, the Hairy
Woodpecker has been gradually increasing for about 2 decades. For
Red-headed, Flicker, and Sapsucker, I suspect the warm fall and winter had
a large role, although Sapsuckers too have been increasing during recent PA
winters, I think because winters have been warmer.
About half of the dead ash trees are on the ground and the rest should
follow within a few years. In forests with lots of ash trees, I often saw
Sapsuckers in them. We will see what happens.
Downy Woodpecker's CBC trend has been remarkably flat for about 80 years
On Wed, Apr 3, 2024 at 2:33β―PM Peggy Wagoner Saporito <raven966...>
wrote:
> Thanks Nick!
>
> Interesting to see that many woodpecker species have higher numbers than
> in the past. Are the many dead ash trees helping woodpecker populations?
>
> Peggy
>
> On Wed, Apr 3, 2024 at 10:09β―AM Nick Bolgiano <nickbolgiano...>
> wrote:
>
>> I write the Christmas Bird Count summary for Pennsylvania Birds and you
>> may find something of interest here.
>>
>> Nineteen species set new statewide high tallies for the Pennsylvania CBC: *Ring-necked
>> Duck*, *Surf Scoter*, *White-winged Scoter*, *Bufflehead*, *Eurasian
>> Collared-Dove*, *Northern Saw-whet Owl*, *Yellow-bellied Sapsucker*, *Red-headed
>> Woodpecker*, *Red-bellied Woodpecker*, *Hairy Woodpecker*, *Pileated
>> Woodpecker*, *Northern Flicker*, *Merlin*, *Common Raven*, *Winter Wren*,
>> *Carolina Wren*, *Hermit Thrush*, *Clay-colored Sparrow*, and *Swamp
>> Sparrow*.
>>
>> As part of my report I choose 8 species to plot their densities on top of
>> a PA map. For this CBC, I chose 8 of the above species shown in the
>> attached graph.
>>
>> Why I sent this to this listserve and wish to emphasize is that high
>> counts of the 6 non-duck species (Red-headed Woodpecker, Northern Flicker,
>> Winter and Carolina Wrens, Hermit Thrush, and Swamp Sparrow) extend into
>> the western part of the Ridge & Valley province, especially in the Juniata
>> Valley, which includes the Culp, Huntingdon, Lake Raystown, Belleville,
>> Juniata Valley-Lewistown, and New Bloomfield (Perry Co) CBC sites. That
>> hasn't happened before when winters were cold.
>>
>> Nick Bolgiano
>>
>>
>>
Date: 4/3/24 11:33 am From: Peggy Wagoner Saporito <raven966...> Subject: Re: some interesting bird distributions in the recent Christmas Bird Count
Thanks Nick!
Interesting to see that many woodpecker species have higher numbers than in
the past. Are the many dead ash trees helping woodpecker populations?
Peggy
On Wed, Apr 3, 2024 at 10:09β―AM Nick Bolgiano <nickbolgiano...>
wrote:
> I write the Christmas Bird Count summary for Pennsylvania Birds and you
> may find something of interest here.
>
> Nineteen species set new statewide high tallies for the Pennsylvania CBC: *Ring-necked
> Duck*, *Surf Scoter*, *White-winged Scoter*, *Bufflehead*, *Eurasian
> Collared-Dove*, *Northern Saw-whet Owl*, *Yellow-bellied Sapsucker*, *Red-headed
> Woodpecker*, *Red-bellied Woodpecker*, *Hairy Woodpecker*, *Pileated
> Woodpecker*, *Northern Flicker*, *Merlin*, *Common Raven*, *Winter Wren*, *Carolina
> Wren*, *Hermit Thrush*, *Clay-colored Sparrow*, and *Swamp Sparrow*.
>
> As part of my report I choose 8 species to plot their densities on top of
> a PA map. For this CBC, I chose 8 of the above species shown in the
> attached graph.
>
> Why I sent this to this listserve and wish to emphasize is that high
> counts of the 6 non-duck species (Red-headed Woodpecker, Northern Flicker,
> Winter and Carolina Wrens, Hermit Thrush, and Swamp Sparrow) extend into
> the western part of the Ridge & Valley province, especially in the Juniata
> Valley, which includes the Culp, Huntingdon, Lake Raystown, Belleville,
> Juniata Valley-Lewistown, and New Bloomfield (Perry Co) CBC sites. That
> hasn't happened before when winters were cold.
>
> Nick Bolgiano
>
>
>
Date: 4/3/24 10:36 am From: Peggy Wagoner Saporito <raven966...> Subject: Reminder of SCBC Grant Application
Greetings Everyone,
This is a friendly reminder that the April 30 deadline to apply for our State College Bird Club grant is approaching. We encourage everyone to apply who has a project or research or educational activity related to avian conservation.
SCBC has $1331.00 available for distribution from the SCBC Endowment managed by Centre Foundation. These funds will be distributed either as several small grants or one large grant. Activities that could be funded include (but are not limited to): Projects: - setting up or maintaining bird boxes at a public park or installing bird safe window treatments in a public building. Research : - helping with costs of materials, equipment, transportation or professional conference fees related to conducting avian research. Education: - helping with costs of materials, equipment, transportation or professional conference or workshop fees related to avian educational activities.
We look forward to your ideas. Please pass this notification onto students or others who are doing any activities related to bird conservation who may be interested in applying.
Everyone interested in applying for the funding should complete the attached grant application submitted as a PDF attachment by April 30, 2024 to Susan Braun (<braun3112...>). Applications will be reviewed in May by the SCBC selection committee (Susan Braun, Deb Escalet, Roana Fuller and Peggy Wagoner). Applicants will be notified about funding decisions by June 1, 2024. Any questions regarding the funding or application can be directed to selection committee members: Susan (<braun3112...>), Deb ( <d5me16...>) or Peggy (<raven966...>).
Date: 4/3/24 7:09 am From: Nick Bolgiano <nickbolgiano...> Subject: some interesting bird distributions in the recent Christmas Bird Count
I write the Christmas Bird Count summary for Pennsylvania Birds and you may find something of interest here.
Nineteen species set new statewide high tallies for the Pennsylvania CBC: *Ring-necked Duck*, *Surf Scoter*, *White-winged Scoter*, *Bufflehead*, *Eurasian Collared-Dove*, *Northern Saw-whet Owl*, *Yellow-bellied Sapsucker*, *Red-headed Woodpecker*, *Red-bellied Woodpecker*, *Hairy Woodpecker*, *Pileated Woodpecker*, *Northern Flicker*, *Merlin*, *Common Raven*, *Winter Wren*, *Carolina Wren*, *Hermit Thrush*, *Clay-colored Sparrow*, and *Swamp Sparrow*.
As part of my report I choose 8 species to plot their densities on top of a PA map. For this CBC, I chose 8 of the above species shown in the attached graph.
Why I sent this to this listserve and wish to emphasize is that high counts of the 6 non-duck species (Red-headed Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Winter and Carolina Wrens, Hermit Thrush, and Swamp Sparrow) extend into the western part of the Ridge & Valley province, especially in the Juniata Valley, which includes the Culp, Huntingdon, Lake Raystown, Belleville, Juniata Valley-Lewistown, and New Bloomfield (Perry Co) CBC sites. That hasn't happened before when winters were cold.
Date: 4/2/24 3:58 pm From: Bryant, Don <dab14...> Subject: Re: Short overview of avian genomes
Big Filesβ¦ Hopefully Mail Drop will work for youβ¦
don
Donald A. Bryant, Ph. D.
Academy Professor,
Ernest C. Pollard Professor Emeritus of Biotechnology ,
and Professor Emeritus of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
The Pennsylvania State University
University Park, PA 16802
"Look deep into nature and you will
understand everything better.β
Albert Einstein
οΏΌ
> On Apr 2, 2024, at 6:23β―PM, Blizard, David A <dab22...> wrote:
>
> https://www.sci.news/biology/bird-family-tree-12811.html > Sent from my iPad
>
>> On Apr 2, 2024, at 4:34β―PM, Joseph Verica <joeverica...> wrote:
>>
>> ο»Ώ
>> Nice find! I had a Horned Grebe in the same location about 10 yrs ago.
>>
>> Joe Verica
>>
>> ++++++++++++++++
>>
>> "If you listen to the thrush and hear a thrush, you've not really heard the thrush. But if you listen to a thrush and hear a miracle, then you've heard the thrush." - Zen Parable
>>
>>
>> On Tue, Apr 2, 2024 at 4:10β―PM Jeff Katen <jeffkaten...> <mailto:<jeffkaten...>> wrote:
>>> Hey everybody,
>>>
>>> My name's Jeff -- I'm a grad student at PSU and a relatively new birder, and brand new to this email list! Glad to be here!
>>>
>>> If anyone's interested, there was a female bufflehead at the flooded baseball field at Orchard Park as of about 20 minutes ago. Not sure exactly how noteworthy this will be to the more seasoned birders out there, but I found it exciting to see one of the cutest ducks in an unexpected location so close to my house (about a block away!)
>>>
>>> I'm sure I'll see plenty of you around birding at the familiar hotspots this spring!
>>>
>>> https://maps.app.goo.gl/bQjXaqfXhrfe9KH99 >>>
>>> Best wishes,
>>> Jeff
>>>
Date: 4/2/24 3:55 pm From: Bryant, Don <dab14...> Subject: Re: Short overview of avian genomes
Big Filesβ¦ Hopefully Mail Drop will work for youβ¦
don
Donald A. Bryant, Ph. D.
Academy Professor,
Ernest C. Pollard Professor Emeritus of Biotechnology ,
and Professor Emeritus of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
The Pennsylvania State University
University Park, PA 16802
"Look deep into nature and you will
understand everything better.β
Albert Einstein
οΏΌ
> On Apr 2, 2024, at 6:23β―PM, Blizard, David A <dab22...> wrote:
>
> https://www.sci.news/biology/bird-family-tree-12811.html > Sent from my iPad
>
>> On Apr 2, 2024, at 4:34β―PM, Joseph Verica <joeverica...> wrote:
>>
>> ο»Ώ
>> Nice find! I had a Horned Grebe in the same location about 10 yrs ago.
>>
>> Joe Verica
>>
>> ++++++++++++++++
>>
>> "If you listen to the thrush and hear a thrush, you've not really heard the thrush. But if you listen to a thrush and hear a miracle, then you've heard the thrush." - Zen Parable
>>
>>
>> On Tue, Apr 2, 2024 at 4:10β―PM Jeff Katen <jeffkaten...> <mailto:<jeffkaten...>> wrote:
>>> Hey everybody,
>>>
>>> My name's Jeff -- I'm a grad student at PSU and a relatively new birder, and brand new to this email list! Glad to be here!
>>>
>>> If anyone's interested, there was a female bufflehead at the flooded baseball field at Orchard Park as of about 20 minutes ago. Not sure exactly how noteworthy this will be to the more seasoned birders out there, but I found it exciting to see one of the cutest ducks in an unexpected location so close to my house (about a block away!)
>>>
>>> I'm sure I'll see plenty of you around birding at the familiar hotspots this spring!
>>>
>>> https://maps.app.goo.gl/bQjXaqfXhrfe9KH99 >>>
>>> Best wishes,
>>> Jeff
>>>
Date: 4/2/24 3:53 pm From: Bryant, Don <dab14...> Subject: Re: Short overview of avian genomes
Attachment available until May 2, 2024
For those who are gluttons for punishment, here are the two articles mentioned in the Sci News article. Letβs hope these arenβt some April Foolβs prank on birdersβ¦
Donald A. Bryant, Ph. D.
Academy Professor,
Ernest C. Pollard Professor Emeritus of Biotechnology ,
and Professor Emeritus of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
The Pennsylvania State University
University Park, PA 16802
> On Apr 2, 2024, at 6:23β―PM, Blizard, David A <dab22...> wrote:
>
> https://www.sci.news/biology/bird-family-tree-12811.html > Sent from my iPad
>
>> On Apr 2, 2024, at 4:34β―PM, Joseph Verica <joeverica...> wrote:
>>
>> ο»Ώ
>> Nice find! I had a Horned Grebe in the same location about 10 yrs ago.
>>
>> Joe Verica
>>
>> ++++++++++++++++
>>
>> "If you listen to the thrush and hear a thrush, you've not really heard the thrush. But if you listen to a thrush and hear a miracle, then you've heard the thrush." - Zen Parable
>>
>>
>> On Tue, Apr 2, 2024 at 4:10β―PM Jeff Katen <jeffkaten...> <mailto:<jeffkaten...>> wrote:
>>> Hey everybody,
>>>
>>> My name's Jeff -- I'm a grad student at PSU and a relatively new birder, and brand new to this email list! Glad to be here!
>>>
>>> If anyone's interested, there was a female bufflehead at the flooded baseball field at Orchard Park as of about 20 minutes ago. Not sure exactly how noteworthy this will be to the more seasoned birders out there, but I found it exciting to see one of the cutest ducks in an unexpected location so close to my house (about a block away!)
>>>
>>> I'm sure I'll see plenty of you around birding at the familiar hotspots this spring!
>>>
>>> https://maps.app.goo.gl/bQjXaqfXhrfe9KH99 >>>
>>> Best wishes,
>>> Jeff
>>>
On Apr 2, 2024, at 4:34β―PM, Joseph Verica <joeverica...> wrote:
ο»Ώ
Nice find! I had a Horned Grebe in the same location about 10 yrs ago.
Joe Verica
++++++++++++++++
"If you listen to the thrush and hear a thrush, you've not really heard the thrush. But if you listen to a thrush and hear a miracle, then you've heard the thrush." - Zen Parable
On Tue, Apr 2, 2024 at 4:10β―PM Jeff Katen <jeffkaten...><mailto:<jeffkaten...>> wrote:
Hey everybody,
My name's Jeff -- I'm a grad student at PSU and a relatively new birder, and brand new to this email list! Glad to be here!
If anyone's interested, there was a female bufflehead at the flooded baseball field at Orchard Park as of about 20 minutes ago. Not sure exactly how noteworthy this will be to the more seasoned birders out there, but I found it exciting to see one of the cutest ducks in an unexpected location so close to my house (about a block away!)
I'm sure I'll see plenty of you around birding at the familiar hotspots this spring!
Date: 4/2/24 1:33 pm From: Joseph Verica <joeverica...> Subject: Re: Bufflehead at Orchard park
Nice find! I had a Horned Grebe in the same location about 10 yrs ago.
Joe Verica
++++++++++++++++
"If you listen to the thrush and hear a thrush, you've not really heard the
thrush. But if you listen to a thrush and hear a miracle, *then* you've
heard the thrush." - Zen Parable
On Tue, Apr 2, 2024 at 4:10β―PM Jeff Katen <jeffkaten...> wrote:
Date: 4/2/24 1:10 pm From: Jeff Katen <jeffkaten...> Subject: Bufflehead at Orchard park
Hey everybody,
My name's Jeff -- I'm a grad student at PSU and a relatively new birder, and brand new to this email list! Glad to be here!
If anyone's interested, there was a female bufflehead at the flooded baseball field at Orchard Park as of about 20 minutes ago. Not sure exactly how noteworthy this will be to the more seasoned birders out there, but I found it exciting to see one of the cutest ducks in an unexpected location so close to my house (about a block away!)
I'm sure I'll see plenty of you around birding at the familiar hotspots this spring!
Date: 3/31/24 5:25 pm From: Nick Bolgiano <nickbolgiano...> Subject: Re: Tussey Mountain Hawkwatch - March 31st, 2024
Attached is the end of March Golden Eagle cumulative chart. The 10-year
average for April GEs is 15. Together, this suggests that we will end up
somewhere in the 160s.
169 is the 10-year average for the season GE total.
On Sun, Mar 31, 2024 at 8:00β―PM Andrew Bechdel <andrewbechdel...>
wrote:
> *Golden Eagles Today: 1*
> *Golden Eagles YTD: 149*
>
> Happy Easter Bird Club,
>
> Given the Easter Holiday, Nick covered the morning and I covered the
> afternoon. After Nick's departure, we observed another *subadult GE
> laboriously flapping* and gliding NE on a less than ideal WNW wind. This
> GE seemed to be a harbinger of raptors as the flight began to pick up steam
> later in the day. Our local Cooper's Hawks performed their daily flight
> display with dives, a Sharpie and a Coop moved along, 8 Red-tails moved N,
> and a couple of small specky Red-shouldered Hawks were spotted over Nittany
> Valley also heading N. We had our *first of year Northern Harrier, a male*
> whose plumage has earned it the nickname "Gray Ghost". Harriers are also
> known in the hawkwatching arena as "The Fooler" due to their tendency to
> look like falcons and accipiters. I like to think it arrived a day early
> to prank us.
>
> In other bird news, we had a season high 10 Tree Swallows, a couple
> Herring Gulls, and 1 Common Loon. A flock of 11 Dbl Breasted Cormorants
> circled for several minutes over Stone Valley before finally moving along.
>
> Thanks to my Mom and Dad for supporting me once again. My mom was
> excellent at spotting buteos and pointing out the Cormorants.
>
> I don't have much of a flight forecast. The next week looks like a wash.
> We will look towards Friday as the next possible counting day.
>
> See you at the Watch!
>
> -Andrew
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> *Tussey Mountain Hawk WatchState College, Pennsylvania, USADaily Raptor
> Counts: Mar 31, 2024SpeciesDay's CountMonth TotalSeason TotalBlack
> Vulture000Turkey Vulture66471Osprey277Bald Eagle12734Northern
> Harrier111Sharp-shinned Hawk15050Cooper's Hawk11616American
> Goshawk000Red-shouldered Hawk22630Broad-winged Hawk000Red-tailed
> Hawk9104114Rough-legged Hawk000Golden Eagle1125149American
> Kestrel01515Merlin011Peregrine Falcon023Unknown Accipiter034Unknown
> Buteo022Unknown Falcon011Unknown Eagle011Unknown
> Raptor033Total:24448502Observation start time:08:30:00Observation end
> time:16:30:00Total observation time:8 hoursOfficial CounterAndrew Bechdel,
> Nick BolgianoObservers:Andrew Bechdel, Kathy BechdelVisitors:Kathy & Dave
> BechdelWeather:Wind NW, initially 8-9 mph, decreasing to 4-7 mph, sky
> overcast, temp 41-45FRaptor Observations:Golden Eagles: 1 Sub-12:56
> Non-migratory Raptors: 6 Turkey Vulture, 2 Red-tailed HawkNon-raptor
> Observations:Notable Birds: 3 Pine Siskin, 10 Tree Swallow, 2 Herring
> Gulls, 1 Common Loon-14:38Predictions:4 days of rain in the forecast and
> then a period of W/NW winds, we will likely need a change in the weather
> for future good flights*
>
Date: 3/31/24 4:59 pm From: Andrew Bechdel <andrewbechdel...> Subject: Tussey Mountain Hawkwatch - March 31st, 2024
*Golden Eagles Today: 1* *Golden Eagles YTD: 149*
Happy Easter Bird Club,
Given the Easter Holiday, Nick covered the morning and I covered the afternoon. After Nick's departure, we observed another *subadult GE laboriously flapping* and gliding NE on a less than ideal WNW wind. This GE seemed to be a harbinger of raptors as the flight began to pick up steam later in the day. Our local Cooper's Hawks performed their daily flight display with dives, a Sharpie and a Coop moved along, 8 Red-tails moved N, and a couple of small specky Red-shouldered Hawks were spotted over Nittany Valley also heading N. We had our *first of year Northern Harrier, a male* whose plumage has earned it the nickname "Gray Ghost". Harriers are also known in the hawkwatching arena as "The Fooler" due to their tendency to look like falcons and accipiters. I like to think it arrived a day early to prank us.
In other bird news, we had a season high 10 Tree Swallows, a couple Herring Gulls, and 1 Common Loon. A flock of 11 Dbl Breasted Cormorants circled for several minutes over Stone Valley before finally moving along.
Thanks to my Mom and Dad for supporting me once again. My mom was excellent at spotting buteos and pointing out the Cormorants.
I don't have much of a flight forecast. The next week looks like a wash. We will look towards Friday as the next possible counting day.
See you at the Watch!
-Andrew
*Tussey Mountain Hawk WatchState College, Pennsylvania, USADaily Raptor Counts: Mar 31, 2024SpeciesDay's CountMonth TotalSeason TotalBlack Vulture000Turkey Vulture66471Osprey277Bald Eagle12734Northern Harrier111Sharp-shinned Hawk15050Cooper's Hawk11616American Goshawk000Red-shouldered Hawk22630Broad-winged Hawk000Red-tailed Hawk9104114Rough-legged Hawk000Golden Eagle1125149American Kestrel01515Merlin011Peregrine Falcon023Unknown Accipiter034Unknown Buteo022Unknown Falcon011Unknown Eagle011Unknown Raptor033Total:24448502Observation start time:08:30:00Observation end time:16:30:00Total observation time:8 hoursOfficial CounterAndrew Bechdel, Nick BolgianoObservers:Andrew Bechdel, Kathy BechdelVisitors:Kathy & Dave BechdelWeather:Wind NW, initially 8-9 mph, decreasing to 4-7 mph, sky overcast, temp 41-45FRaptor Observations:Golden Eagles: 1 Sub-12:56 Non-migratory Raptors: 6 Turkey Vulture, 2 Red-tailed HawkNon-raptor Observations:Notable Birds: 3 Pine Siskin, 10 Tree Swallow, 2 Herring Gulls, 1 Common Loon-14:38Predictions:4 days of rain in the forecast and then a period of W/NW winds, we will likely need a change in the weather for future good flights*
On Sun, Mar 31, 2024, 5:49 PM Bryant, Don <dab14...> wrote:
> Juvenile RWBL's have a bit of barring. Could be transition plumage from
> juvenileβ¦
>
> d.
>
> Donald A. Bryant, Ph. D.
> Academy Professor,
> Ernest C. Pollard Professor Emeritus of Biotechnology ,
> and Professor Emeritus of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
> Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
> The Pennsylvania State University
> University Park, PA 16802
>
> https://science.psu.edu/bmb/people/dab14 >
> 104 Neaβ Yuβ Ka Street
> Port Matilda, PA 16870
>
> Phone: 814-777-9699
> Fax: 814-863-7024
> e-mail: <dab14...>
>
> "Look deep into nature and you will
> understand everything better.β
>
> Albert Einstein
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> On Mar 31, 2024, at 4:58β―PM, Kathy Bechdel <kmbechdel...> wrote:
>
> Attached is a photo of bird found at dreibiblis wetland this morning.
> Considering Nelson's sparrow but realize that would be rare. The white
> stripes are confounding us.
>
> Thanks,
> Kathy Bechdel
> <20240331074226_IMG_5604 (1).JPG>
>
>
>
Date: 3/31/24 2:50 pm From: Bryant, Don <dab14...> Subject: Re: Bird id
Juvenile RWBL's have a bit of barring. Could be transition plumage from juvenileβ¦
d.
Donald A. Bryant, Ph. D.
Academy Professor,
Ernest C. Pollard Professor Emeritus of Biotechnology ,
and Professor Emeritus of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
The Pennsylvania State University
University Park, PA 16802
"Look deep into nature and you will
understand everything better.β
Albert Einstein
> On Mar 31, 2024, at 4:58β―PM, Kathy Bechdel <kmbechdel...> wrote:
>
> Attached is a photo of bird found at dreibiblis wetland this morning. Considering Nelson's sparrow but realize that would be rare. The white stripes are confounding us.
>
> Thanks,
> Kathy Bechdel
> <20240331074226_IMG_5604 (1).JPG>
Date: 3/31/24 2:31 pm From: Nick Bolgiano <nickbolgiano...> Subject: Re: Bird id
If it didn't have the two white stripes, it would look just like most
female RWBLs. I think that those stripes appear unusually prominent.
Life without variation would be boring.
Nick Bolgiano
On Sun, Mar 31, 2024 at 5:04β―PM Nash Turley <nashuagoats...> wrote:
> I'd vote for female red-winged blackbird
>
> On Sun, Mar 31, 2024, 17:00 Kathy Bechdel <kmbechdel...> wrote:
>
>> Attached is a photo of bird found at dreibiblis wetland this morning.
>> Considering Nelson's sparrow but realize that would be rare. The white
>> stripes are confounding us.
>>
>> Thanks,
>> Kathy Bechdel
>>
>
On Sun, Mar 31, 2024, 17:00 Kathy Bechdel <kmbechdel...> wrote:
> Attached is a photo of bird found at dreibiblis wetland this morning. > Considering Nelson's sparrow but realize that would be rare. The white > stripes are confounding us. > > Thanks, > Kathy Bechdel >
Date: 3/30/24 2:37 pm From: Andrew Bechdel <andrewbechdel...> Subject: Tussey Mountain Hawkwatch - March 30th, 2024
Happy Easter Y'all,
I ended the watch early today due to the impending afternoon rain. Fortunately, I was able to spot 8 Common Loons crossing the ridge before packing up for the day. Sometimes the Loons act "loony", flying around in all different directions as if someone or something is messing with their magnetic compass, but all of today's Loons went straight N without any hiccups. There will be more to come.
Enjoy Easter Sunday with your families!
-Andrew
*Tussey Mountain Hawk WatchState College, Pennsylvania, USADaily Raptor Counts: Mar 30, 2024SpeciesDay's CountMonth TotalSeason TotalBlack Vulture000Turkey Vulture15865Osprey055Bald Eagle02633Northern Harrier000Sharp-shinned Hawk04949Cooper's Hawk01515American Goshawk000Red-shouldered Hawk02428Broad-winged Hawk000Red-tailed Hawk295105Rough-legged Hawk000Golden Eagle0124148American Kestrel01515Merlin011Peregrine Falcon023Unknown Accipiter034Unknown Buteo022Unknown Falcon011Unknown Eagle011Unknown Raptor033Total:3424478Observation start time:08:30:00Observation end time:12:00:00Total observation time:3.5 hoursOfficial CounterAndrew BechdelObservers:Visitors:N/AWeather:Overcast and light W wind for the entire day. The watch ended with the impending rain around 1200. Wind Speed: 4-7mph. Temperature: 4-9 Celsius.Raptor Observations:No Golden Eagles Non-migratory Raptors: 2 Black Vulture, 5 Turkey Vulture, 2 Red-tailed HawkNon-raptor Observations:Notable Birds: 3 Golden-crowned Kinglet, 18 Brown-headed Cowbird, 8 Common Loon-10:18,(2)10:26,10:30,(2)10:32,(2)11:12Predictions:Uncertain; There is a lot of rain in the forecast. We will likely need to wait until next week for conditions to improve.*
Date: 3/29/24 4:05 pm From: Andrew Bechdel <andrewbechdel...> Subject: Tussey Mountain Hawkwatch - March 29th, 2024
*Golden Eagles Today: 1* *Golden Eagles YTD: 148*
Good Evening Bird Nerds,
Shortly after arriving this morning, I noticed a flock of TVs moving oddly in the wind, making a lot of quick frantic movements. I looked to the SW to see a Golden Eagle wobbling side to side as if mimicking the TVs it was flushing. As the wind speed strengthened around mid-morning, the flight died out. At our site, Golden Eagles thrive in a 10-15mph NW wind. Our pint-sized raptors, such as Kestrels and Sharpies, not so much.
In other bird news,1 Common Loon attempted to battle its way through a NW wind and cross the ridge before resigning itself to flying NE along it. Our local Cooper's and Red-tailed Hawks continue to perform their flight displays. Like the raptors, most songbirds settled down after mid-morning.
Tomorrow and the week ahead doesn't look particularly promising. I will let you know if the forecast or migration flight improves. Fortunately, Broad-wingeds are still on their way!
See you at the Watch!
-Andrew
*Tussey Mountain Hawk WatchState College, Pennsylvania, USADaily Raptor Counts: Mar 29, 2024SpeciesDay's CountMonth TotalSeason TotalBlack Vulture000Turkey Vulture15764Osprey055Bald Eagle02633Northern Harrier000Sharp-shinned Hawk04949Cooper's Hawk01515American Goshawk000Red-shouldered Hawk02428Broad-winged Hawk000Red-tailed Hawk193103Rough-legged Hawk000Golden Eagle1124148American Kestrel01515Merlin011Peregrine Falcon023Unknown Accipiter034Unknown Buteo022Unknown Falcon011Unknown Eagle011Unknown Raptor033Total:3421475Observation start time:08:30:00Observation end time:16:30:00Total observation time:8 hoursOfficial CounterAndrew BechdelObservers:Visitors:Kathy and Dave BechdelWeather:Full sun and strong NW wind all day. NW wind increased in intensity around 10am and was sustained for the remainder of the day. Wind speed: 9-25mph. Temperature: 2-7 Celsius.Raptor Observations:Golden Eagles: 1 Sub-8:46 Non-migratory raptors: 1 Black Vulture, 4 Turkey Vulture, 2 Cooper's Hawk, 2 Red-tailed HawkNon-raptor Observations:Notable Birds: 1 Common Loon-11:54Predictions:* *Uncertain; While the wind speeds will decrease tomorrow, the SW wind direction isn't favorable. We will likely need to wait another week for a good day.*
Date: 3/28/24 7:28 pm From: Wayne Laubscher <wnlaubscher...> Subject: Pink-footed Goose, Kettle Creek State Park, Clinton County 3/28
This morning a Pink-footed Goose was found by Sara Lindgren at Kettle Creek SP in Clinton County. The general coordinates where it had been seen throughout the day are: 41.37865, -77.92649. This location is north of the boat launch and best viewed northeast of the boat launch parking area at the edge of Kettle Creek. This is likely a first county record.
Wayne Laubscher Lock Haven <wnlaubscher...> "Owl be back"
Date: 3/28/24 6:11 pm From: Young, George Spencer <g3y...> Subject: Tadpole road wetland active again
Sue and I checked out the Tadpole road corn stubble wetland this evening and found it to be quite active again. There were at least a dozen shorebirds (snipe and killdeer for sure) and four species of waterfowl along with ~130 robins.
Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch State College, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Mar 28, 2024 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 3/28/24 2:57 pm From: Julia Plummer <julia...> Subject: Re: Support for PSO Pileated Newsletter
Hi everyone,
I am so impressed with the number of people who have reached out to help
with this effort. What a great community! I think that Kaitlyn probably
has enough volunteers now. It is good to know we have people willing to
help when we have a project like this.
Julia
On Wed, Mar 27, 2024 at 7:21β―PM Julia Plummer <julia...>
wrote:
Date: 3/28/24 5:08 am From: Grove, Deborah Shuey <dsg4...> Subject: March 27 Huntingdon/Mifflin counties Big Valley
Greg and I were out and about yesterday as usual looking for birds and were in Huntingdon and Mifflin counties. We first visited the Heronry that Greg checks and sends data to the PGC. He found 16 at the "Heronry established at this site for about ten years. Approx. 8-10 nests notes, some under construction as it appears some nests may have been lost since last year." Perhaps some of our wind storms this past winter blew some off. We heard several Eastern Meadowlarks and saw one. Also saw Horned Larks which are usually around through the winter. And we saw two Purple Martins flying near a farm. Other farms that have houses did not have their houses raised. One field had 12 American Pipits. We also found Kestrels and Killdeer. One big miss again this year were Wilson's Snipe at a sight we usually found them but haven't been there for three years. Looked for a Red-headed Woodpecker at a grove of trees where we have found one before but only heard a distant woodpecker that may have been one or a Red-bellied. We were able to assign Probably codes to several species. 30 species in all
Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch State College, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Mar 27, 2024 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 16:30:00 Total observation time: 7.5 hours
Official Counter: Andrew Bechdel, Nick Bolgiano
Observers: Nick Bolgiano
Weather: Wind S 12-20 mph, sky overcast early with limited visibility, eventually becoming partly cloudy, temp 43-56F
Raptor Observations: Despite it being the third consecutive day of excellent wind for our site, no Golden Eagles today and somewhat limited raptor numbers overall.
Date: 3/27/24 4:21 pm From: Julia Plummer <julia...> Subject: Support for PSO Pileated Newsletter
Hello,
We are looking for bird club members to help with getting the quarterly newsletter of the Pennsylvania Society for Ornithology (The Pileated) mailed out. Do you have a couple hours to put in to help? Let me or Kaitlyn know.
Kaitlyn Stouch is stepping in as the new PSO newsletter editor, starting with the June issue. She is a State College resident, and will be needing some assistance in compiling PSO's newsletter, The Pileated, for physical mailing.
We are looking for help in folding and preparing the copies mailed to PSO members. It's about 250 copies (more or less) and the process takes a couple hours for 2-3 people. We're hoping to get 2-3 people to help with this project.
*Saturday, April 13, 2024 (8:00 am-10:00am)* *Colyer Lake*
Trip Leader: Julia Plummer
Join us to explore the birds of Colyer Lake. After meeting in the parking lot on Lake Road, we will scan the lake for waterfowl and early swallows. From there, we will take a leisurely walk down the road to the end of the lake to look for resident and migrant birds. There is also a trail around the lake and those who are interested can continue along the trail for a longer hike, while the rest of the group continues back to our cars. Meet us at the parking lot on Lake Road (GPS 40.772478, -77.680872).
*Saturday, April 20, 2024 (8:00am-10:00am)* > *Chicory Lane Farm, Spring Mills, Pa* > > Trip Leader: Joe Gyekis > > ChicoryLane Farm <https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.chicorylane.com%2F&data=05%7C02%<7CSCBIRDCL...>%7Cade197b20c5d450a7ec708dc4eada0be%7C7cf48d453ddb4389a9c1c115526eb52e%7C0%7C0%7C638471754827169227%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=KwAvmyMyg4BTdIfdX7hr5JuynDmuZMIYZK7Jqg1yB4U%3D&reserved=0> is now managed for > wildlife habitat, including old fields, young forest, and wetland. A > network of many trails loop around the property. Be prepared for some mud > and wet grass. We will look for a mix of resident and spring migrant birds. > If rain is heavy, we will cancel, but we will continue as scheduled with > light rain. Drive 20 miles east on Route 45 from Boalsburg then turn left > onto Brush Mountain Road. Continue about 0.7 mile until you see a straight > gravel driveway heading back to the right, at blue & white sign #246, into > old field habitat. You can navigate in your GPS to 40.875564, -77.549939. > > chicorylane.com > > *Saturday, April 27, 2024 (9:00am-10:00am)* > *Tudek Park* > > Trip Leader: Constanza Ehrenhaus > > This walk will be designed for beginner birders, especially families with > children. Of course, all are welcome. The area is stroller friendly and > the walk will be kept to one hour to fit younger learners' attention > spans. We will meet near the restrooms at the upper parking lot. >
> Wednesday, May 15, 2024 (7:30am - 9:30am) > Search for Cerulean Warblers on the Lower Trail, Blair County > > Please join Nick Bolgiano for a leisurely walk along a stretch of the > Lower Trail in Blair County. The goal of this trip is to find Cerulean > Warblers, in the core of their Lower Trail habitat. See > keystonefund.org/success-story/a-perfect-habitat/ for more information on > Nick Bolgiano's search for Cerulean Warblers. This stretch of the Lower > Trail is also great for Acadian Flycatcher, Yellow-throated Vireo, Warbling > Vireo, Wood Thrush, Louisiana Waterthrush, Yellow-throated Warbler, > Rose-breasted Grosbeak, and Baltimore Oriole. > > Please meet at the Mt. Etna trailhead parking lot at 7:30am ( > https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rttcpa.org%2Findex.shtml&data=05%7C02%<7CSCBIRDCL...>%7Cade197b20c5d450a7ec708dc4eada0be%7C7cf48d453ddb4389a9c1c115526eb52e%7C0%7C0%7C638471754827169227%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=91BrIzcQ7246Ha8aroDe%2BvxB3jJkx%2B1RYSd6FEmDDd0%3D&reserved=0). Travel West on Route 22 from the > intersection of Route 453 at Water Street. Turn Left on Fox Run Rd at 3.3 > mi (just after the westbound turns to 2 lanes, making this easier if > traffic) or Left on Etna Furnace Rd at 4.6 mile. Continue Right near the > river to reach the Mt. Etna trailhead parking lot. There is a modern > outhouse available. > > From the Mt. Etna trailhead parking lot, the group will walk South along > the Lower Trail for 1-2 miles out and back. >
> On Mar 26, 2024, at 8:24 PM, Nick Bolgiano <nickbolgiano...> wrote:
>
> We have a full show of great pictures for the Wednesday bird club meeting. The order of photo presenters is below. If you are a presenter and you cannot attend, please let me know.
>
> 1. Constanza Ehrenhaus
> 2. Chad Kauffman
> 3. Larry Ramsey
> 4. Bill Rafton
> 5. Lou Saporito
> 6. Deb Rittelmann
> 7. Ken Tucker
> 8. Nick Bolgiano
> 9. Joe Gyekis
> 10. Alan MacEachren
> 11. Don Bryant
> 12. Graham Gorgos
> 13. Kyle Smith
Date: 3/26/24 5:25 pm From: Nick Bolgiano <nickbolgiano...> Subject: bird club photo show, presenter order
We have a full show of great pictures for the Wednesday bird club meeting. The order of photo presenters is below. If you are a presenter and you cannot attend, please let me know.
1. Constanza Ehrenhaus 2. Chad Kauffman 3. Larry Ramsey 4. Bill Rafton 5. Lou Saporito 6. Deb Rittelmann 7. Ken Tucker 8. Nick Bolgiano 9. Joe Gyekis 10. Alan MacEachren 11. Don Bryant 12. Graham Gorgos 13. Kyle Smith
Date: 3/26/24 4:23 pm From: Andrew Bechdel <andrewbechdel...> Subject: Tussey Mountain Hawkwatch - March 26th, 2024
*Golden Eagles Today: 4* *Golden Eagles YTD: 147*
Good Evening Bird Folks,
Another good late March flight with 4 GEs and all the small specky birds we could ask for. Our 10:23 GE was a beautiful juvenile with a brilliant white tail and wing patches. If you've noticed, most of our young GEs migrate later than the adults. This is because the young birds, like many of us in our teens and early 20s, live in the moment without a care in the world or a plan for how to handle impending problems. Naive to the virtues of ridge migration, they tend to wait later in the season for more sun and stronger thermals, tending to take a more northerly route to Canada and ignore the ridges entirely. And like many of us, they eventually learn to navigate the world.
In other bird news, our Field Sparrow is singing and enjoying life in our power cut. Also, our first Common Loons of the season were spotted this morning, their long feet trailing their tube shaped bodies. Along with Golden Eagles, this is another bird species we record in a separate data sheet.
A special thanks to our visitors George Young, Karen and Dan Kottlowski, Eagle Eye Deb Rittlemann, Kathy and Dave Bechdel, and future naturalists Westin and Willow Walters. Deb is the MVP for today as she assisted in spotting the small specky birds!
Tomorrow will be a wash in the morning, but could yield some smaller raptors in the afternoon. The rest of the week has forecasted NW winds. We could see some, but not a plethora.
Date: 3/26/24 1:58 pm From: Thomas, Brady Scott <bst5117...> Subject: Re: March 27th 7 pm: Annual Photo and Sound Sharing
Hi Bird Club,
Don't forget about our March meeting tomorrow (March 27th) at 7 p.m. on zoom! We will be viewing bird photos and listening to bird audio from the past year submitted from the community.
Hope to see you all there!
Brady Thomas
(he/him)
Education Program Coordinator
School Programs and Summer Camp
Shaver's Creek Environmental Center
3400 Discovery Road
Petersburg, PA, 16669
________________________________
From: Thomas, Brady Scott <bst5117...>
Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 12:44 PM
To: Bird Club <scbirdcl...>
Subject: March 27th 7 pm: Annual Photo and Sound Sharing
Good morning Bird Club,
Our March Bird Club meeting will be held next Wednesday, March 27th at 7 p.m. on zoom. Nick Bolgiano and Betsy Manlove will be hosting our Annual Photo and Audio Showthank you both for organizing!
A reminder of Nick's email:
"For the March 27 on-line bird photo show, please send up to 5 pictures to me by at least several days before that meeting. I will prepare a PowerPoint and randomize the order of presenters. Let me know where and when the photos were taken.
While most photos will probably be within the last year, I'm not strict about where and when. It is more important to have participants."
Nick's email is <nickbolgiano...> if you have any photos or audio you would like to share.
Date: 3/25/24 7:10 pm From: Andrew Bechdel <andrewbechdel...> Subject: Tussey Mountain Hawkwatch - March 25th, 2024
Golden Eagles Today: 6 Golden Eagles YTD: 143
Good Morning Birders,
The Golden Eagle flight was revitalized with *6 GEs moving almost entirely in the latter half of the day*. In the morning, I arrived to hear former Tussey counter Sean McLaughin exclaiming "Golden Eagle!" as a subadult glided effortlessly along the ridge. It was great to have Sean count a couple more Sharpies before departing for Minnesota and West Skyline Hawkwatch. The flight of *Kestrels (5) and Sharpies (8) continues to pick up steam* with our SE winds. These birds are notoriously sneaky and require diligent eyes and the use of scopes when possible. Fortunately, we specialize in small, specky birds. Our late-day Golden Eagles were wonderfully close, popping up low along the treeline, and *a couple juvenile GEs* sported their bright white wing patches and tails. More GEs and dark specky birds to come!
In other bird news, our FOY Field Sparrow has arrived at the powercut. I initially detected it by its "seep" with a downward inflection, a call that Joe Gyekis taught me a couple weeks ago.
A special thanks to Sean McLaughin and Liz from Minnesota, Andy Langan, Stacey Bird, Jim Ruth, and returner from '23 Judy Sinn. Once again, we are extremely appreciative of everyone who visits and scans with us.
As SE winds continue, tomorrow and Wednesday could yield similar numbers of migrants but may be tempered by the heavy cloud cover. We will just have to scan and see.
Observation start time: 08:30:00 Observation end time: 15:45:00 Total observation time: 7.25 hours
Official Counter: Craig Kochel
Observers: Darrell Smith
Visitors: Three hang gliders in the afternoon.
Weather: Cool with moderate southerly winds, Strong in first hour from ESE, lesser but moderate from SE and ESE the rest of the day. Clear blue.
Raptor Observations: Several local Red-tails and Bald Eagles not counted. A beautiful juvenile Golden Eagle flew up to the lookout from the south around 10:45, circled low twice and then flew back south in a bee-line along the ridge -- not counted, not to be seen again. Nice close look at an Osprey.
Date: 3/24/24 9:40 pm From: Lee, Jen <jal21...> Subject: On Facebook Nikon 10x42 bins for sale
Just an FYI: Not sure if you can see the listing but it's a nice pair of bins for newbies or a spare set to have (assuming the condition is good).
It's not me and I don't know the seller. In Phillipsburg.
Date: 3/24/24 4:22 pm From: Andrew Bechdel <andrewbechdel...> Subject: Tussey Mountain Hawkwatch - March 24th, 2024
No Golden Eagles Today Golden Eagles YTD: 137
Good Evening Birders,
It was, for the most part, a lazy Sunday for the birds. The skies were as blue as could be save a contrail or two. Fortunately, there was *a Sharp-shinned Hawk and an Osprey early. *After a lull, *a female American Kestrel* flew its non-linear, funky flight path along the N side of the ridge. Our local Red-tailed Hawk continues its flight displays of Nittany Valley, a real treat on slower days. Otherwise, I enjoyed educating hikers about the watch and informing them that "yes, we do have Golden Eagles here!"
A special thanks to our curious visitors Dan Williams, Brenda Shaffer, Kyle Smith, and all the local hikers that took the time to appreciate our watch site along their strole on Tussey.
Tomorrow will kick off a series of good SE/S wind days. I expect this to kickstart the flight again and bring in a few Golden Eagles. It's too late for a big day, but not too late to reliably see GEs. Additionally, we can expect more Ospreys, Sharpies, and Kestrels as we head towards April. You know where the backdoor in your office is...
Date: 3/24/24 4:04 pm From: Debra Rittelmann <dlrittelmann...> Subject: Lost Hand Warmer
Hello, all,
Sorry to bother you with this, but I think I lost a rechargeable hand
warmer on Friday when I went to Tadpole Road and Fairbrook Wetlands. I
parked in the little lot near Fairbrook across from the church. It may have
fallen out of my car.
![https://arboretum.psu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/1st-Spring-2018-6-2018-05-08_Anita_Graham.jpg]<https://arboretum.psu.edu/events/bird-safe-glass-demo/>](https://arboretum.psu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/1st-Spring-2018-6-2018-05-08_Anita_Graham.jpg]<https://arboretum.psu.edu/events/bird-safe-glass-demo/>){kind=link}