Date: 2/18/26 6:55 am From: Constanza Ehrenhaus <cxe1169...> Subject: Re: Avian Lecture Registration and Additional Programs
There is a Zoom option, though. I just shared this on the Facebook page
(thank you Richard for letting me know!)
On Wed, Feb 18, 2026 at 9:27 AM Gyekis, Joseph Peter <jpg186...> wrote:
> Hi Everyone,
> The email below was meant to be just to the avian education committee. The
> public information will be released soon, but sadly there aren't going to
> be enough spaces at the dinner for a big group. Thanks for your
> understanding and apologies for the false start.
> Joe/Rachel
>
> ------------------------------
>
>
>
>
> Dr. Pepper Trail was selected as our 2026 Avian Speaker!
>
> Fighting Crime with Feathers: The Casebook of a Forensic Ornithologist -
> The Arboretum at Penn State
> <https://arboretum.psu.edu/events/fighting-crime-with-feathers-the-casebook-of-a-forensic-ornithologist/> >
> The link above is to register for a seat in the Palmer Event Space on
> March 19th for the lecture. *You must register to have a seat in the
> space*. Registration was new last year, so we want to make sure you are
> all aware that it is required. We also have a Zoom Webinar registration
> link for those who cannot attend.
>
> This is also the second year we have programming related to the lecture.
> Below are the programs:
>
> *March 19th:*
> 8a-9:30am - Bird Walk with Pepper, meeting at Overlook Pavilion
> 4-6pm - Pop-Up Audubon Prints Exhibit in collaboration with the Palmer
> Museum of Art
> 6-7:30pm - Avian Lecture in Palmer Event Space (registration required)
>
> *March 20th:*
> 1:30-2:30pm - *Arboretum Explorers Family Hike: Beginner Birders Edition
> with Jenn Hooven (registration required)
> 4-5pm - Bird Sketching: Eastern Screech Owl with Rebecca Horwitt
> (registration required)
> 5:30-7pm - *What Did That Owl Eat?: Owl Pellet Dissection in collaboration
> with Shaver's Creek (registration required)
>
> *all ages
>
> We will also have our dinner with the committee and Pepper after the
> lecture at 8 pm. Last year, we went to Lionne at the Nittany Lion Inn
> because the speaker had stayed there, and it's a short walk to their room,
> which is what I am planning to do again this year. *Please let me know if
> you plan to attend.*
>
> Thanks so much, and looking forward to seeing you all next month!
>
> *Rachel Duke (she/her)*
> *Public Programs Manager*
> *The Arboretum at Penn State*
> *126 Palmer Museum*
> *University Park, PA 16803*
> *www.arboretum.psu.edu <http://www.arboretum.psu.edu>* >
>
>
> *The Pennsylvania State University campuses are located on the original
> homelands of the Erie, Haudenosaunee (Seneca, Cayuga, Onondaga, Oneida,
> Mohawk, and Tuscarora), Lenape (Delaware Nation, Delaware Tribe,
> Stockbridge-Munsee), Monongahela, Shawnee (Absentee, Eastern, and
> Oklahoma), Susquehannock, and Wahzhazhe (Osage) Nations. As a land grant
> institution, we acknowledge and honor the traditional caretakers of these
> lands and strive to understand and model their responsible stewardship. We
> also acknowledge the longer history of these lands and our place in that
> history.*
>
Date: 2/18/26 6:27 am From: Gyekis, Joseph Peter <jpg186...> Subject: Re: Avian Lecture Registration and Additional Programs
Hi Everyone,
The email below was meant to be just to the avian education committee. The public information will be released soon, but sadly there aren't going to be enough spaces at the dinner for a big group. Thanks for your understanding and apologies for the false start.
Joe/Rachel
________________________________
Dr. Pepper Trail was selected as our 2026 Avian Speaker!
The link above is to register for a seat in the Palmer Event Space on March 19th for the lecture. You must register to have a seat in the space. Registration was new last year, so we want to make sure you are all aware that it is required. We also have a Zoom Webinar registration link for those who cannot attend.
This is also the second year we have programming related to the lecture. Below are the programs:
March 19th:
8a-9:30am - Bird Walk with Pepper, meeting at Overlook Pavilion
4-6pm - Pop-Up Audubon Prints Exhibit in collaboration with the Palmer Museum of Art
6-7:30pm - Avian Lecture in Palmer Event Space (registration required)
March 20th:
1:30-2:30pm - *Arboretum Explorers Family Hike: Beginner Birders Edition with Jenn Hooven (registration required)
4-5pm - Bird Sketching: Eastern Screech Owl with Rebecca Horwitt (registration required)
5:30-7pm - *What Did That Owl Eat?: Owl Pellet Dissection in collaboration with Shaver's Creek (registration required)
*all ages
We will also have our dinner with the committee and Pepper after the lecture at 8 pm. Last year, we went to Lionne at the Nittany Lion Inn because the speaker had stayed there, and it's a short walk to their room, which is what I am planning to do again this year. Please let me know if you plan to attend.
Thanks so much, and looking forward to seeing you all next month!
Rachel Duke (she/her)
Public Programs Manager
The Arboretum at Penn State
126 Palmer Museum
University Park, PA 16803
www.arboretum.psu.edu
The Pennsylvania State University campuses are located on the original homelands of the Erie, Haudenosaunee (Seneca, Cayuga, Onondaga, Oneida, Mohawk, and Tuscarora), Lenape (Delaware Nation, Delaware Tribe, Stockbridge-Munsee), Monongahela, Shawnee (Absentee, Eastern, and Oklahoma), Susquehannock, and Wahzhazhe (Osage) Nations. As a land grant institution, we acknowledge and honor the traditional caretakers of these lands and strive to understand and model their responsible stewardship. We also acknowledge the longer history of these lands and our place in that history.
Date: 2/17/26 11:22 am From: <bluebird6771...> <000056793b0161d0-dmarc-request...> Subject: Fw: Avian Lecture Registration and Additional Programs
----- Forwarded Message ----- From: Duke, Rachel <red1042...>To: Avery, Julian D <jda121...>; Sclar, Casey <csclar...>; Muccitelli, Jennifer <jjb28...>; Brittingham, Margaret <mxb21...>; Gyekis, Joseph Peter <jpg186...>; Hooven, Jennifer <jtb149...>; Horwitt, Rebecca Pearlson <ruh212...>; Kauffman, Melissa <mkauffman...>; <bluebird6771...> <bluebird6771...>; <ajp2487...> <ajp2487...>; Thomas, Emily Hope <eht5002...>; Wentzel, Doug <djw105...>; Williams, Patrick J <pjw117...>; Mucciolo, Sophia Marie <sophiamucciolo...>; richard_novak <richard_novak...>; Fields, Jasmine <jfields...>; Thomas, Brady Scott <bst5117...>Sent: Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 11:59:08 AM ESTSubject: Avian Lecture Registration and Additional Programs
Dr. Pepper Trail was selected as our 2026 Avian Speaker!
Fighting Crime with Feathers: The Casebook of a Forensic Ornithologist - The Arboretum at Penn State
The link above is to register for a seat in the Palmer Event Space on March 19th for the lecture.You must register to have a seat in the space. Registration was new last year, so we want to make sure you are all aware that it is required. We also have a Zoom Webinar registration link for those who cannot attend.
This is also the second year we have programming related to the lecture. Below are the programs:
March 19th:8a-9:30am - Bird Walk with Pepper, meeting at Overlook Pavilion4-6pm - Pop-Up Audubon Prints Exhibit in collaboration with the Palmer Museum of Art6-7:30pm - Avian Lecture in Palmer Event Space (registration required)
March 20th:1:30-2:30pm - *Arboretum Explorers Family Hike: Beginner Birders Edition with Jenn Hooven (registration required)4-5pm - Bird Sketching: Eastern Screech Owl with Rebecca Horwitt (registration required)5:30-7pm - *What Did That Owl Eat?: Owl Pellet Dissection in collaboration with Shaver's Creek (registration required)
*all ages
We will also have our dinner with the committee and Pepper after the lecture at 8 pm. Last year, we went to Lionne at the Nittany Lion Inn because the speaker had stayed there, and it's a short walk to their room, which is what I am planning to do again this year. Please let me know if you plan to attend.
Thanks so much, and looking forward to seeing you all next month!
Rachel Duke (she/her)
Public Programs ManagerThe Arboretum at Penn State126 Palmer MuseumUniversity Park, PA 16803www.arboretum.psu.edu
The Pennsylvania State University campuses are located on the original homelands of the Erie, Haudenosaunee (Seneca, Cayuga, Onondaga, Oneida, Mohawk, and Tuscarora), Lenape (Delaware Nation, Delaware Tribe, Stockbridge-Munsee), Monongahela, Shawnee (Absentee, Eastern, and Oklahoma), Susquehannock, and Wahzhazhe (Osage) Nations. As a land grant institution, we acknowledge and honor the traditional caretakers of these lands and strive to understand and model their responsible stewardship. We also acknowledge the longer history of these lands and our place in that history.
Hello, Connor checked out the Lower Trail and parking area for Saturday's walk. See his report below. There is some snow in the parking lot and trail, but some maintenance vehicles made it walkable. I drove through some of the snow in the lot to pack it down a bit more. Should be good for any car that can handle a little snow. There’s also a few spots that are snow free. Trail is a bit awkward to walk though as you’re just walking in the narrow paths the tires made.
> Begin forwarded message:
>
> From: "Grove, Deborah Shuey" <dsg4...>
> Subject: Ornithology camp
> Date: February 13, 2026 at 7:37:59 AM EST
> To: <SCBIRDCL...>
> Reply-To: "Grove, Deborah Shuey" <dsg4...>
>
> Teens from ages 13-18 are invited to participate in an ornithology camp. The camp features four days of activities that teach students how ornithological research is conducted through participation in bird banding, nest monitoring, surveying, radio-tracking, and song identification. Join St Vincent's knowledgeable Professor Jim Kellam for this unique camp experience!
>
>

Date: 2/13/26 4:38 am From: Grove, Deborah Shuey <dsg4...> Subject: Ornithology camp
Teens from ages 13-18 are invited to participate in an ornithology camp. The camp features four days of activities that teach students how ornithological research is conducted through participation in bird banding, nest monitoring, surveying, radio-tracking, and song identification. Join St Vincent's knowledgeable Professor Jim Kellam for this unique camp experience!
Date: 2/11/26 7:54 am From: Kathy Bechdel <0000d165c6a818d5-dmarc-request...> Subject: Field trip on Valentine's Day
Saturday, February 14, 2026 10:00am – 12:00pmWinter Bird Walk on Lower Trail (Huntingdon County) Trip Leaders: Connor Schmitt and Amber Wiewel We will meet at the Mount Etna trailhead and walk on the smooth and flat Lower Trail along the Juniata River. For those who attended this same field trip in January, we will be walking in the opposite direction along the trail this time. We will look for eagles, mergansers, and kingfishers along the river and creepers, woodpeckers, kinglets, and other usual forest/shrub birds along the trail.
Date: 2/8/26 4:17 pm From: Robert Snyder <birdphotoginpa...> Subject: Two abundant birds at Bald Eagle SP
Hello All,
When I bird at Bald Eagle SP during this deep freeze, the two birds in abundance are the Dark-eyed Junco and the White-throated Sparrow. Here are two photos captured at the park yesterday: 1/7/26.
Bob Snyder
Dark-eyed Junco catching some sun and relief from the -15 degree wind chill. [image: DEJU sunning II copy.jpg]
A White-throated Sparrow holding a tree fruit by its stalk (peduncle). [image: WTSP with berry P2070145 copy.jpg]
And one more: a female Northern Cardinal with a berry: [image: NOCA female I P2070081 copy.jpg]
-- Do the best you can, where you are, with what you have. Theodore Roosevelt
---- Forwarded Message ----- From: <bluebird6771...> <bluebird6771...>Cc: NICK KERLIN <bluebird6771...>Sent: Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 08:47:47 AM ESTSubject: Birds Canada
For those unaware of bird conservation to our north, here is a link to the latest Birds Canada Science in Action Report:Nick Kerlin
Birds Canada Science in Action Report - Page 1
Date: 2/5/26 9:22 am From: Nick Bolgiano <nickbolgiano...> Subject: Golden Eagle presentation Wed, Feb 11
Sponsored by Hawk Migration Association.
*What We Are Learning About Golden Eagles in North America's Eastern Flyway*
*Wednesday, February 11, 2026 – 12pm eastern*
For most raptor species that migrate through Pennsylvania, the highest
concentrations of migrants are seen in the southeast, especially along the
Kittatinny Ridge, where the Hawk Mountain and Waggoner’s Gap hawk watches
are located. An important exception to this rule is the Golden Eagle, for
which the western corridor fall migration corridor through Pennsylvania
hosts the highest volume of migrants. As much as 2-3 times as many Golden
Eagles use this route compared to the eastern fall corridor through
Pennsylvania, which includes the Kittatinny Ridge.
Six seasons of data from the Bald Eagle Mountain-Eagle Field hawk watch
provide a missing piece in describing the Golden Eagle’s western fall
corridor through Pennsylvania, as well as through Pennsylvania as a whole.
Route data from telemetered eagles and hawk watch data on numbers, ages,
and timing of flights from select watch sites give an overall coherence to
the Golden Eagle’s fall migration through the state.
Nick Bolgiano is a life-long birder from State College, Pennsylvania. He
worked for 23 years at Minitab Statistical Software, first as a software
tester and then as designer of graphics. He has been a hawk watcher for the
last 31 years at Stone Mt and Tussey Mt in central Pennsylvania. He came to
believe that the fall Golden Eagle migration along Bald Eagle Mt north of
State College was one the biggest missing pieces in our understanding of
the Golden Eagle’s Eastern Flyway dynamics. In 2019, he teamed with Jon
Kauffman of Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center to conduct a one-season
hawk watch on Bald Eagle Mt. In 2025, the sixth season fall watch season
happened there and now we have that missing piece.
This program is free and open to all but registration is required.
Date: 2/5/26 5:52 am From: Lee, Jen <jal21...> Subject: UPDATE Trumpeter Swans at Axeman Rd pond
The game commission called me a few minutes ago to let me know they checked out the swans. The one that died apparently flew into a power line and died from electrocution. They think the other one that is on the pond looks healthy and looks okay and they don't think any sort of rescue should happen at this point.
~ Jen
________________________________
From: Constanza Ehrenhaus <cxe1169...>
Sent: Wednesday, February 4, 2026 7:27:05 PM
To: Lee, Jen <jal21...>
Cc: <SCBIRDCL...> <SCBIRDCL...>
Subject: Re: There have been 2 Trumpeter Swans at Axeman Rd pond for several days. Reportedly, One has died. I'm thinking this may be due to lack of appropriate food there and it's doesn't seem like a large enough space for them to be able to take off.
I called the game commission and gave them the address. I mentioned Avian Flu as a possibility, and they said they would send the warden.
On Wed, Feb 4, 2026 at 6:53 PM Lee, Jen <jal21...><mailto:<jal21...>> wrote:
I just called and described the situation to a dispatcher. They took the message and will relay it to others. Not sure what they will do.
~ Jen
________________________________
From: State College (PA) Bird Club <SCBIRDCL...><mailto:<SCBIRDCL...>> on behalf of Robyn Graboski <centrewildlifecare...><mailto:<centrewildlifecare...>> Sent: Wednesday, February 4, 2026 5:40:42 PM
To: <SCBIRDCL...><mailto:<SCBIRDCL...> <SCBIRDCL...><mailto:<SCBIRDCL...>> Subject: Re: There have been 2 Trumpeter Swans at Axeman Rd pond for several days. Reportedly, One has died. I'm thinking this may be due to lack of appropriate food there and it's doesn't seem like a large enough space for them to be able to take off.
Greetings all,
It is possible that they are starving. We are getting wild animals that are having difficulty right now.
If the bird is still there, I would suggest calling the PA Game Commission. If they are not interested in the dead bird, let me know. I'll check with sources on my end to see if anyone wants it tested for Avian Flu.
But also High path avian flu is all over PA right now. So I would stay away from that area as a precaution. One can carry the virus on their shoes and car.
Robyn
Robyn Graboski
Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator
Centre Wildlife Care
On Wed, Feb 4, 2026 at 4:41 PM Gary Metzger <glmetzger55...><mailto:<glmetzger55...>> wrote:
Robin—Any thoughts about this situation?
Gary
Sent from my iPhone
Gary
Begin forwarded message:
From: "Lee, Jen" <jal21...><mailto:<jal21...>> Date: February 4, 2026 at 4:35:46 PM EST
To: <scbirdcl...><mailto:<scbirdcl...> Subject: There have been 2 Trumpeter Swans at Axeman Rd pond for several days. Reportedly, One has died. I'm thinking this may be due to lack of appropriate food there and it's doesn't seem like a large enough space for them to be able to take off.
Reply-To: "Lee, Jen" <jal21...><mailto:<jal21...>>
Any thoughts?? Should the other swan be rescued perhaps?
Date: 2/4/26 4:27 pm From: Constanza Ehrenhaus <cxe1169...> Subject: Re: There have been 2 Trumpeter Swans at Axeman Rd pond for several days. Reportedly, One has died. I'm thinking this may be due to lack of appropriate food there and it's doesn't seem like a large enough space for them to be able to take off.
I called the game commission and gave them the address. I mentioned Avian
Flu as a possibility, and they said they would send the warden.
On Wed, Feb 4, 2026 at 6:53 PM Lee, Jen <jal21...> wrote:
Date: 2/4/26 3:53 pm From: Lee, Jen <jal21...> Subject: Re: There have been 2 Trumpeter Swans at Axeman Rd pond for several days. Reportedly, One has died. I'm thinking this may be due to lack of appropriate food there and it's doesn't seem like a large enough space for them to be able to take off.
I just called and described the situation to a dispatcher. They took the message and will relay it to others. Not sure what they will do.
~ Jen
________________________________
From: State College (PA) Bird Club <SCBIRDCL...> on behalf of Robyn Graboski <centrewildlifecare...>
Sent: Wednesday, February 4, 2026 5:40:42 PM
To: <SCBIRDCL...> <SCBIRDCL...>
Subject: Re: There have been 2 Trumpeter Swans at Axeman Rd pond for several days. Reportedly, One has died. I'm thinking this may be due to lack of appropriate food there and it's doesn't seem like a large enough space for them to be able to take off.
Greetings all,
It is possible that they are starving. We are getting wild animals that are having difficulty right now.
If the bird is still there, I would suggest calling the PA Game Commission. If they are not interested in the dead bird, let me know. I'll check with sources on my end to see if anyone wants it tested for Avian Flu.
But also High path avian flu is all over PA right now. So I would stay away from that area as a precaution. One can carry the virus on their shoes and car.
Robyn
Robyn Graboski
Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator
Centre Wildlife Care
On Wed, Feb 4, 2026 at 4:41 PM Gary Metzger <glmetzger55...><mailto:<glmetzger55...>> wrote:
Robin—Any thoughts about this situation?
Gary
Sent from my iPhone
Gary
Begin forwarded message:
From: "Lee, Jen" <jal21...><mailto:<jal21...>> Date: February 4, 2026 at 4:35:46 PM EST
To: <scbirdcl...><mailto:<scbirdcl...> Subject: There have been 2 Trumpeter Swans at Axeman Rd pond for several days. Reportedly, One has died. I'm thinking this may be due to lack of appropriate food there and it's doesn't seem like a large enough space for them to be able to take off.
Reply-To: "Lee, Jen" <jal21...><mailto:<jal21...>>
Any thoughts?? Should the other swan be rescued perhaps?
Date: 2/4/26 3:12 pm From: Constanza Ehrenhaus <cxe1169...> Subject: Re: There have been 2 Trumpeter Swans at Axeman Rd pond for several days. Reportedly, One has died. I'm thinking this may be due to lack of appropriate food there and it's doesn't seem like a large enough space for them to be able to take off.
One has died, I found it this morning on the side of Krout ln.
[image: DSC_0206.JPG]
On Wed, Feb 4, 2026 at 4:36 PM Lee, Jen <jal21...> wrote:
> Any thoughts?? Should the other swan be rescued perhaps?
>
> ~ Jen
>
Date: 2/4/26 2:41 pm From: Robyn Graboski <centrewildlifecare...> Subject: Re: There have been 2 Trumpeter Swans at Axeman Rd pond for several days. Reportedly, One has died. I'm thinking this may be due to lack of appropriate food there and it's doesn't seem like a large enough space for them to be able to take off.
Greetings all,
It is possible that they are starving. We are getting wild animals that
are having difficulty right now.
If the bird is still there, I would suggest calling the PA Game
Commission. If they are not interested in the dead bird, let me know.
I'll check with sources on my end to see if anyone wants it tested for
Avian Flu.
But also High path avian flu is all over PA right now. So I would stay
away from that area as a precaution. One can carry the virus on their
shoes and car.
Robyn
Robyn Graboski
Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator
Centre Wildlife Care
On Wed, Feb 4, 2026 at 4:41 PM Gary Metzger <glmetzger55...> wrote:
> Robin—Any thoughts about this situation?
> Gary
>
> Sent from my iPhone
> Gary
>
> Begin forwarded message:
>
> *From:* "Lee, Jen" <jal21...>
> *Date:* February 4, 2026 at 4:35:46 PM EST
> *To:* <scbirdcl...>
> *Subject:* *There have been 2 Trumpeter Swans at Axeman Rd pond for
> several days. Reportedly, One has died. I'm thinking this may be due to
> lack of appropriate food there and it's doesn't seem like a large enough
> space for them to be able to take off.*
> *Reply-To:* "Lee, Jen" <jal21...>
>
>
> Any thoughts?? Should the other swan be rescued perhaps?
>
> ~ Jen
>
>
Date: 2/4/26 1:35 pm From: Lee, Jen <jal21...> Subject: There have been 2 Trumpeter Swans at Axeman Rd pond for several days. Reportedly, One has died. I'm thinking this may be due to lack of appropriate food there and it's doesn't seem like a large enough space for them to be able to take off.
Any thoughts?? Should the other swan be rescued perhaps?
Date: 2/3/26 11:20 am From: Grove, Deborah Shuey <dsg4...> Subject: Student Research Grant
The Pennsylvania Society for Ornithology is sponsoring Student Research Grants again this year. Please forward to any students who may be interested in applying. Applications are due by March 10th with decisions by March 31st. Thank you for your help spreading the word!
Date: 1/29/26 9:03 am From: Gyekis, Joseph Peter <jpg186...> Subject: Fw: Bird Design Discussion Group for Jabebo Studio
I think this is what that zoom link was about:
________________________________
From: State College (PA) Bird Club <SCBIRDCL...> on behalf of Kevin Abbott <0000ef19f7c2a9e3-dmarc-request...>
Sent: Tuesday, December 23, 2025 10:19:11 AM
To: <SCBIRDCL...> <SCBIRDCL...>
Subject: Bird Design Discussion Group for Jabebo Studio
Greetings and Happy Holidays!
With thanks to the State College Bird Club community, we were granted an opportunity to invite interested people into a discussion group that would meet periodically to discuss ideas for new earring designs. Our business, Jabebo Studio, designs and produces earrings that promote nature themes through detailed images and interpretive packaging. I posted the same info I presented at the December 17 meeting at the bottom here. If you have questions please let me know.
Our best design ideas come from actual experiences in nature either my own or through other individuals. Therefore, I am really excited to see what content we might turn up by networking through a discussion group.
I would like to try and set up a kick off meeting around the end of January. The location will probably be in Bellefonte. Please send me an RSVP, and I will try to set a best date and time to accommodate the people planning to attend. Probably we will have a zoom link or some way to attend remotely.
I have a list of three bird species I would like to discuss at the meeting. I plan to start with an overview of the design objectives and challenges we face in molding these designs. And then we will spend time on each topic. Feel free to do some research on your own prior, but you are also welcome to come as you are knowledge wise. When it comes to creativity there are benefits to both approaches.
The three bird topics for the first meeting are:
Long-billed Curlew
Dark-eyed Junko
Common Night Hawk
Even if you do not have time to get involved in a new project but have a story or an interesting antidote about any of these creatures then please do share with us and we will include it in our discussion.
Thank you to the Bird Club community for giving us space here! Im sure this will be fun!
Kevin Abbott
Jabebo Studio
<Kevingabbott...>
Jabebo Nature Discussion Group
This experimental group plans to meet two or more times a year to explore topics related to planning new earring designs. Our objective is to uncover interesting insights about nature, leading to new design concepts. We would like to invite people who obsessively spend time learning about and observing nature relationships and who would enjoy a deeper discussion of the topics.
Why?
Jabebo Studio is dedicated to promoting biodiversity and education through its designs. One way to enhance the general perception of biodiversity is to cover as many species as possible and to curate the designs responsibly.
Discussion meetings would look like the following:
Prior to meetings, we will confirm two (or three) topics of discussion with as much notice as possible. This would give participants a chance to incubate their background knowledge and or do some research, if they are inclined.
Meeting part 1: Book club/focus group style discussion of introduced topics lead by Kevin Abbott, lead curator of Jabebo designs.
Part 2: Review previous topics and present results of how we proceeded to develop them into designs.
Part 3: Introduce new design topics and invite suggestions for future topics.
What can you bring to discussions?
* Bring your nature knowledge from personal anecdotes and experiences, as well as your accumulated expertise.
* An interest in art and design is appreciated, however discussions will be focused on underlying concepts.
* Enthusiasm and joy in sharing experiences and knowledge about nature.
* Its fine if you have no specific information to provide about discussion topics. We dont expect questions to be answered. Discussions can provide direction and places to vet information.
What do you get out of it?
* Satisfaction supporting our small business and our niche market of nature museum and visitor center gift shops.
* Pleasure of listening and sharing your input in a book-group-style discussion.
* Jabebo fans will enjoy participating and seeing our design process in action.
Date: 1/29/26 7:48 am From: Merrill David <mer22david...> Subject: Re: Bird design discussion tomorrow
Ditto Jen's question. We must have missed another email explaining what
this is about?
*Thanks!*
-Merrill
On Wed, Jan 28, 2026 at 8:58 PM Kevin Abbott <
<0000ef19f7c2a9e3-dmarc-request...> wrote:
> Here is a zoom link to our discussion group for anyone who wants to attend
> remotely. We start at 7.
>
>
> On 01/28/2026 12:57 PM EST <kevingabbott...> wrote:
>
>
> Kevin Abbott is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
> Topic: Kevin Abbott's Zoom Meeting
> Time: Jan 29, 2026 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
> Join Zoom Meeting
>
> https://us05web.zoom.us/j/84196675132?<pwd...> > Meeting ID: 841 9667 5132 <96675132>
> Passcode: E5BGL2
>
>
> On 01/28/2026 12:52 PM EST <kevingabbott...> wrote:
>
>
> Hi,
> Did anyone get an invite for zoom for our meeting or any other updates?
> For some it may not have so I will try to send direct in an email. Please
> use that as an option given all the snow and Ice. Never the less I will be
> at the studio a little before 7 and hopefully on zoom. Look for an email
> from me with that link shortly.
>
> Kevin
>
>
~ Jen
________________________________
From: State College (PA) Bird Club <SCBIRDCL...> on behalf of Kevin Abbott <0000ef19f7c2a9e3-dmarc-request...>
Sent: Wednesday, January 28, 2026 8:57:59 PM
To: <SCBIRDCL...> <SCBIRDCL...>
Subject: Re: Bird design discussion tomorrow
Here is a zoom link to our discussion group for anyone who wants to attend remotely. We start at 7.
On 01/28/2026 12:57 PM EST <kevingabbott...> wrote:
Kevin Abbott is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Kevin Abbott's Zoom Meeting
Time: Jan 29, 2026 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
On 01/28/2026 12:52 PM EST <kevingabbott...> wrote:
Hi,
Did anyone get an invite for zoom for our meeting or any other updates? For some it may not have so I will try to send direct in an email. Please use that as an option given all the snow and Ice. Never the less I will be at the studio a little before 7 and hopefully on zoom. Look for an email from me with that link shortly.
Here is a zoom link to our discussion group for anyone who wants to attend remotely. We start at 7.
> On 01/28/2026 12:57 PM EST <kevingabbott...> wrote: > > > Kevin Abbott is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. > Topic: Kevin Abbott's Zoom Meeting > Time: Jan 29, 2026 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) > Join Zoom Meeting > > https://us05web.zoom.us/j/84196675132?<pwd...> > Meeting ID: 841 9667 5132 tel:96675132 > Passcode: E5BGL2 > > > > On 01/28/2026 12:52 PM EST <kevingabbott...> wrote: > > > > > > Hi, > > Did anyone get an invite for zoom for our meeting or any other updates? For some it may not have so I will try to send direct in an email. Please use that as an option given all the snow and Ice. Never the less I will be at the studio a little before 7 and hopefully on zoom. Look for an email from me with that link shortly. > > > > Kevin > > >
Date: 1/27/26 10:44 am From: Robert Snyder <birdphotoginpa...> Subject: Christmas Bird Count for the Bald Eagle SP Circle
Hello All,
Here is my report from the Bald Eagle SP CBC that was held on Sunday Dec.,
28, 2025.
The Bald Eagle SP Christmas Bird Count (Audubon Count #126) for 2025-26
Results
The Bald Eagle SP Count was held on Sunday, December 28, 2025. There were
10 parties consisting of 14 participants in the field from 7:00 am to
3:07pm. The weather was fair for late December and most roads were
passable, except for some in high elevation areas. Temperatures ranged from
18 degrees in the morning to 30 degrees by 1 pm with about 0.5” to 1” of
snow/sleet on the ground and some ice under the snow that made walking a
little dicey. The sky was overcast and the rain held off until 1 pm
(thankfully). The lake was approximately 75% iced-in, and Bald Eagle Creek
was ice-free.
The number of species for the Count was 59, just a little below the
expected average of 62: ranging from 51 to 71 over the 45 years of the Bald
Eagle SP count. The number of individuals observed was 3,998 which was a
little on the low side. I’ve been compiling the Count since 2004 and the
total number of individuals seen per count year, has ranged from a very low
2,239 on 12/30/2018 to a high of 7,053 on 12/31/2006.
Diane Bierly was owling for 1.63 hours and covered 12 miles in Marsh Creek
valley. Three species of Owls were reported; *Eastern Screech Owl* (4
Bierly, 1 Mark Nale). In addition, 2 *Great Horned Owls* and 1 *Northern
Saw-whet Owl* were reported by Diane, who also observed a perched *Golden
Eagle* along her route through the Marsh Creek valley; only the third
report of a migrating Golden Eagle over all 45 count years.
Five American *Black Ducks* and a *Merlin* were found by Nick Bolgiano at
the canoe put-in on Bald Eagle Creek just off the west end of Dowdy’s Hole
Rd. Three *Lesser Scaup* and one *Bufflehead* were seen at the Marina docks
in the main part of Bald Eagle SP (Ro Fuller, Susan Braun, Jenn Lee). Two
raptors were seen at Letterman Campground; 1 *Northern Harrier* (Fuller)
and 1 *Red-shouldered Hawk* (Ro Fuller) and another *Red-shouldered Hawk* was
observed at Summit Hill Rd. (Mark Nale).
A total of 58 *Wild Turkeys* were reported from opposite ends of the
circle; 2 by Mark Nale from Laurel Run Road at the NW end and 56 by Kurt
Engstrom from the SE end, in the Lamar area: 49 in the fields along Hoy Rd.
and 7 from fields along Rodgers Rd.
I’ve attached the report for Bald Eagle SP Circle (PABE) below as a pdf
file.
Bob Snyder
Compiler Circle PABE
Bald Eagle State Park (centered from the traffic light in Howard).
--
Do the best you can, where you are, with what you have.
Theodore Roosevelt
Date: 1/24/26 9:10 am From: Robert Snyder <birdphotoginpa...> Subject: Merlin in Howard this morning.
A bitter 8-degrees this morning, but the Merlin that was perched in the pine at the Howard Boro maintenance shed didn't seem bothered by the cold, or my presence.
Bob Snyder
-- Do the best you can, where you are, with what you have. Theodore Roosevelt [image: MERL Howard II P1240074 copy.jpg]
Date: 1/21/26 5:08 pm From: Thomas, Brady Scott <bst5117...> Subject: January 28th, 7pm: Heidi Shiver presents "Bird Town Pennsylvania: Creating Healthier Communities through the Lives of Birds”
Happy Wednesday, Bird Club!
Next Wednesday, on January 28th at 7:00 p.m., Heidi Shiver will be presenting on Bird Town Pennsylvania.
We will be meeting at Millbrook Marsh in the Spring Creek Education Building, where Heidi will be joining us virtually over zoom. We have our zoom option as well for those that cannot make it in person. The zoom link to register and attend is https://psu.zoom.us/meeting/register/r9MuwE0dQ9CYUxTICLuA4w
Since 2021, Heidi began working to strengthen the Bird Town PA program and serving as the President of Bird Town Pennsylvania and working with the Board to support the current programs to continue to grow the program and promote community-based conservation actions to create a healthier and sustainable environment for birds, wildlife and people. She also serves on the Executive Committee of the Pennsylvania Audubon Council, a Bucks County Penn State Master Gardener (for over 18 years), and on the Doylestown Townships Environmental Advisory Council as an associate. She wrote and edited the 2nd edition of Birds of Bucks County (2024), and enjoys birding, gardening, walking, her dog, traveling, reading, and spending time with her family, two children, and three grandchildren.
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I look forward to seeing you there!
Brady Thomas
(he/him)
Education Program Coordinator
School Programs and Summer Camp
Shaver's Creek Environmental Center
3400 Discovery Road
Petersburg, PA, 16669
Date: 1/21/26 8:01 am From: Suresh, Malavi <pks5748...> Subject: Closing Soon! — Call for Entries: Palmer Museum of Art 250th Invitational
Dear Penn State Commonwealth,
A reminder that the deadline for the Palmer Museum of Art's 250th invitational is approaching rapidly! Please submit before February 15th to be considered.
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