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9 Feb WRS 2010 Mifflin County, Kishacoquillas (Big) Valley [Bob Fowles ] 9 Feb Blue Marsh Lake, Berks County [Joan Silagy ] 9 Feb 2010 Mifflin County WRS, Ferguson Valley [Bob Fowles ] 8 Feb White-throated sparrows also [Nancy or Albert Bilheimer ] 8 Feb WRS Mercer County ["Stringer, Randy C." ] 8 Feb Northampton WRS [Robin & Dan Zmoda ] 8 Feb Savannah sparrows, Northampton Co. [Betsy Mescavage ] 8 Feb Crawford Co. - Snowy Owl [Thomas Nicolls ] 8 Feb Juncos at feeder [Nancy or Albert Bilheimer ] 8 Feb Warren County WRS ["John, Lisa, Danny and Bailey Fedak" ] 8 Feb WRS - Bucks (southern) [Nancy or Albert Bilheimer ] 8 Feb Lapland Longspurs, Lehigh County [Adam Smith ] 8 Feb GBBC bird walks - Philly area ["SAFFIER, Steven" ] 8 Feb Lancaster Co. Lecture Postponed [Bettina Heffner ] 8 Feb Greater White-fronted Goose - Westtown Lake - Chester County - YES [Douglas Kraemer ] 8 Feb Cancelled: Franklin Co, Conococheague Audubon Meeting 8 February [Valerie Barnes ] 8 Feb Harrier, Creeper - Schuylkill County [Dave Kruel ] 7 Feb Screech owls, Lehigh County [Matt loyko ] 7 Feb Sweet Arrow Lake, Schuylkill Co. [Denise Donmoyer ] 7 Feb Re: Peregrines Tarentum bridge - Allegheny Co. ["Kate St.John" ] 7 Feb Crawford Co. - Snowy Owl [Thomas Nicolls ] 7 Feb Lawrence County WRS Feb 7, 2010 [Suzanne Butcher ] 7 Feb Peregrines Tarentum bridge - Allegheny Co. [Steve Gosser ] 7 Feb Lapland Longspur, Snow Geese - Northampton County [Joe Yuhas ] 7 Feb Golden Eagle, Cherry Valley NWR ["Wiltraut, Richard E" ] 7 Feb 1,705 Horned Larks, 5 Lapland Longspurs - Lancaster Co. - 7 Feb 2010 [Devin Bosler ] 7 Feb Clay-colored Sparrow Cumberland Co. [Vern Gauthier ] 7 Feb Beltzville Lake, Carbon county [Matt loyko ] 7 Feb Pymatuning - Crawford Co. [Mark Vass ] 7 Feb Snow Bunting, Lehigh County ["Robert E. Hoopes" ] 7 Feb Bald Eagles & Cooper's Hawk near Leechburg (Armstrong County) [Marjorie Van Tassel ] 7 Feb Red-tailed Hawk behavior (Ind. co) [Marcy Cunkelman ] 7 Feb Chester Co., Bucktoe Creek Preserve [Joe Sebastiani ] 7 Feb Re: Bird Call ID request, Lehigh County [Andrew Albright ] 7 Feb Peace Valley Park Correction [August Mirabella ] 7 Feb Cold, snowy, quiet in Pittsburgh ["Kate St.John" ] 7 Feb Peace Valley Park IBA-Bucks Co. (1/31-2/6) [August Mirabella ] 7 Feb 80+ Robins Cumberland County [reeser ] 7 Feb Red-bellied Woodpecker - Allegheny County [Heather Jacoby ] 6 Feb BELTZVILLE STATE PARK AND WATERSHED, FRANKLIN TWP, CARBON [David Hawk ] 6 Feb Feeder Birds: Bucks County [Joe Majdan ] 6 Feb Crawford Co. - Snowy Owl [Thomas Nicolls ] 6 Feb Chester Co., Bucktoe Creek Preserve Walks [Joe Sebastiani ] 6 Feb Beaver Co. Birds [Mark Vass ] 6 Feb Savannah Sparrows - Adams County [Phil Keener ] 6 Feb 30+ Red Winged Blackbirds at feeder - Chesco [Joshua Clapper ] 6 Feb Turkey up in tree & GBHeron flying around river and fields (Armstrong Co.) [Marjorie Van Tassel ] 6 Feb hello................ [PABIRDS] Stuck in the Snow Game [Susan Mahan ] 6 Feb Clay-colored Sparrow Cumberland Co. [Vern Gauthier ] 6 Feb Bird Call ID request, Lehigh County [Matt loyko ] 6 Feb Re: White-crowned Sparrows at Thistle Feeders [Ann Bodling ] 6 Feb Photo Study Of Some Birds At Barnegat Jetty, February 4th, 2010 ["Howard B. Eskin" ] 6 Feb Nyjer [herb1013 ] 6 Feb Re: Test Message- Allegheny Co. ["Carmen T. Santasania" ] 6 Feb Re: White-crowned Sparrows at Thistle Feeders [DAVID KOCH ] 6 Feb White-crowned Sparrows at Thistle Feeders [Ann Bodling ] 6 Feb Evening Grosbeaks Lancaster Co. [Randy Miller ] 6 Feb Test Message- Allegheny Co. [Bobby G ] 5 Feb Raptor Day Crawford County [Bobby G ] 5 Feb Crawford Co. _ Snowy Owl [Thomas Nicolls ] 5 Feb Re: Lehigh County-Sharpie takes a bat...add'l thoughts [Harry McGarrity ] 5 Feb Re: Lehigh County-Sharpie takes a bat [Harry McGarrity ] 5 Feb Lehigh County-Sharpie takes a bat [Sinkler's Mail ] 5 Feb George Casselberry- Hawk in Lawrence Co [George Casselberry ] 6 Feb Stuck in the Snow Game [Larry Lewis ] 5 Feb small sparrow: New Castle PA [DAVID STRIZZI ] 5 Feb Prairie Falcon, Cumberland County [Matt Sabatine ] 5 Feb Juniata County - Bald Eagles [Chad Kauffman ] 5 Feb Coopers Hawk vs Rock Pigeon in NW Philly [Cliff Hence ] 5 Feb Merlin- Lancaster County [Pamela Fisher ] 5 Feb Allegheny Co. - Probable Merlin [Ryan Tomazin ] 5 Feb Another Merlin, Berks County [Joan Silagy ] 5 Feb Rusty Blackbird at Westtown Lake - Chester County [Douglas Kraemer ] 5 Feb urban Merlin (Berks Co.) [Katrina Knight ] 5 Feb Greater White-fronted Goose - Chester County [Douglas Kraemer ] 4 Feb Great Horned, Lehigh County [Matt loyko ] 4 Feb Merlin - Mason-Dixon Line [Ann Pettigrew ] Subject: WRS 2010 Mifflin County, Kishacoquillas (Big) Valley From: Bob Fowles <rbf AT PSU.EDU> Date: Tue, 9 Feb 2010 09:08:16 -0500 Winter Raptor Survey Saturday 01/30/2010 Mifflin County, Kishacoquillas (Big) Valley Route: Front Mt Road, Back Mt Road, and connecting roads between Front and Back Mt Roads and Rte 655. All areas are east of the Huntingdon line and west of US 322. Observers: Bob Fowles, Louis Peight, Stephen Swarey Start time: 10:10 Stop time: 16:25 Elapsed Time: 6:15 Miles driven on the route: 61 37 Raptors 0 TVs 0 BVs 0 Harriers (Male/Female/Imm.) 17 Red-tails (13 AD, 0 IMM, 4 ND) 0 Rough-legs (Light/Dark) 12 Kestrels: (7 M, 3 F, 2 ND) 0 Sharp-shins (ND) 0 Cooper's (ND) 1 Accipter (Cooper's or Sharp-shinned) 0 Red-shouldered hawks (AD) 1 Bald Eagles (AD) 3 Unidentified Buteos 3 Unidentified hawks 0 Shrikes or Owls Avg Temperature 17 Avg Sky mostly overcast Avg Wind slight Avg Snow Cover none Comments: Other species included American Raven, Belted Kingfisher, Horned Lark (a few small flocks), and Eastern Bluebird Subject: Blue Marsh Lake, Berks County From: Joan Silagy <jsilagy AT EPIX.NET> Date: Tue, 9 Feb 2010 08:49:33 -0500 I was surprised and delighted to find at least 300 Common Mergansers on the lake this morning. There is only one short area that is open and they were all crowded into it. Many robins in the park, too. Joan Silagy and Sidney Leesport, PA Subject: 2010 Mifflin County WRS, Ferguson Valley From: Bob Fowles <rbf AT PSU.EDU> Date: Tue, 9 Feb 2010 08:21:57 -0500 1/23/2010 Winter Raptor survey, Mifflin County, Ferguson Valley area Route: Ferguson Valley Rd to Burnham, Old Stage Rd to Bannerville, to Lewistown via roads: Decatur, Samuel Church, Whiskey, Dormontown, Snook, Alfarata, Dry Valley, and Goss. From Lewistown via 103 to River Rd along south side of river to Mattawana and 103 south to Ryde. Observer(s): Bob Fowles, Stephen Swarey, Louie Peight Start time: 10:00 End time: 17:00 Elapsed time: 7 hours Miles on Route: 80 48 Raptors 0 TVs 0 BVs 0 Harriers (Male/Female/Imm.) 30 Red-tails (26 Ad, 2 Imm, 2 ND) 0 Rough-legs (Light/Dark) 12 Kestrels: (7M, 1F, 4ND) 1 Sharp-shins (ND) 1 Cooper's (ND) 2 Red-shouldered hawks (AD) 0 Bald Eagles (Ad./Imm.) 0 2 Unidentified Buteos 0 Shrikes or Owls Avg Temperature 38 Avg Sky clear Avg Wind light Avg Snow Cover none Comments: Other species incuded Eastern Phoebe, Ring-necked Pheasant, Northern Mockingbird. Quite unexpectedly we saw the remains of a month old freight train wreck in Ryde with 8 freight cars on their sides near the tracks which had been repaired. Subject: White-throated sparrows also From: Nancy or Albert Bilheimer <nbilheimer AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Mon, 8 Feb 2010 22:30:46 -0800 I posted earlier about the juncos eating from feeders during the snow.  I forgot to mention that the same was true of the WT Sparrows - although we did not see any of them on the suet, and they now are back to only foraging on the ground under the feeders.   Nancy Bilheimer, Levittown, Bucks Co. Subject: WRS Mercer County From: "Stringer, Randy C." <RCStringer AT GCC.EDU> Date: Mon, 8 Feb 2010 22:19:05 -0500 Dear Pa Birders and Greg, I conducted a WRS in eastern Mercer County on Friday, February 5th. Numbers of raptors were much lower than previous years. Red-Tailed Hawk- 3a, 1u Cooper's Hawk- 2a American Kestrel- 1m, 1f Bald Eagle- 1a Other birds of interest: Pileated Woodpecker- 1 Horned Lark- 60 American Tree Sparrow- 38 Mute Swan- 4a Weather: Average Temperature: 31 degrees Wind: E at 5-7 mph Snow Cover- 3 inches maximum Cloud Cover: overcast the entire count Snow flurries to snow: From 2:32 to end of count Total Miles: 53.3 Total Time: 1:26-4:30 PM or 3+ hours Randy C. Stringer, Ph.D. Associate Professor: Grove City College Office Location: HAL 321C Office Phone: 724-458-3390 Home Phone: 724-372-6172 Subject: Northampton WRS From: Robin & Dan Zmoda <foandla AT EPIX.NET> Date: Mon, 8 Feb 2010 21:43:32 -0500 Ran upper northeast area of Northampton on Sunday, year #5 Highest number of BV by 11, TVs were average, first kestrel, and redtails were above average, but way lower than last years 41. Crows everywhere, 2 small groups of Horned Larks and only 1 Bluebird. County-Northampton Northeast (part 2) Date-2-7-10 Observers-Dan Zmoda Doug Burton Time on Route-4 hr Start/End-1015-215 Miles on Route-46 #TVs-34 #BVs-27 #Harriers (Male/Female/Imm.)-0 #Red-tails (Ad./Imm./ND)-20/1/8 #Rough-legs (Light/Dark)-0 #Kestrels (M/F/ND)-1/0/0 Sharp-shins(Ad/Imm)-0 Cooper's (Ad/Imm.)-0 Red-shouldered hawks (Ad/Imm.)-0 Bald Eagles (Ad./Imm.)-0 other raptors-0 Shrikes or Owls-0 Avg Temperature-27 Sky(Clear/ Pt cloudy/ Cloudy)-clear Wind (light/medium/strong)-medium Avg Snow Cover-3 Subject: Savannah sparrows, Northampton Co. From: Betsy Mescavage <amkestrel AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Mon, 8 Feb 2010 21:23:10 -0500 Yesterday on my walk along Hillside Rd. I found 4 Savannah sparrows along the edge of the road by the open field. On the walk this morning I found them again, basically the same area. Betsy Mescavage E.Allen Twp. Seemsville Northampton Co. Subject: Crawford Co. - Snowy Owl From: Thomas Nicolls <tcnicolls AT WINDSTREAM.NET> Date: Mon, 8 Feb 2010 21:04:11 -0500 2/8/2010 Today the owl was observed between 8:30 AM and noon. It was then observed from 1:30 - 5:30 PM at the Miller farm at 10734 Shadeland Road, Springboro, PA 16435 Clare Nicolls tcnicolls AT windstream.net 814-587-6395 Subject: Juncos at feeder From: Nancy or Albert Bilheimer <nbilheimer AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Mon, 8 Feb 2010 17:31:42 -0800 On Saturday and Sunday when it was snowing was the first time we've EVER had juncos actually ON the feeders.  They usually just feed on the ground.  They were on the sunflower seed, wildbird seed, and even on the suet!  Now that they've learned that, a few are continuing the practice, but most are still on the ground.  Waiting to see what they do during our next blizzard Wednesday.   Nancy Bilheimer, Levittown, Bucks Co. Subject: Warren County WRS From: "John, Lisa, Danny and Bailey Fedak" <jlfedak AT ATLANTICBB.NET> Date: Mon, 8 Feb 2010 20:28:03 -0500 Northern Warren County east of Sugar Grove and west of Scandia. 2-8-10 Warren County Observer: John Fedak Start time:15:50 End time: 17:18 (not ideal time again this year, but with the new storm approaching I figured it was now or never!) Miles driven: 24.9 Red-tailed Hawk 14 Adult 13 Immature 1 Undetermined 0 Other raptors: Rough-legged Hawk 1 Light phase unknown age 1 Dark phase unknown age 0 male American Kestrel 1 Average conditions Avg. Temp. 16 to 15 degrees F Mostly Sunny (about 80% clear) No Wind Snow Cover 2 to 3 in. John Fedak Bradford Subject: WRS - Bucks (southern) From: Nancy or Albert Bilheimer <nbilheimer AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Mon, 8 Feb 2010 17:23:12 -0800 County- Bucks  (southern portion) Date-     2/8/2010 Observers-  Albert & Nancy Bilheimer Time on Route-  4 hours Start/End-         12:45 pm to 5:00 pm Miles on Route-  76 #TVs-  20 #BVs-   0 #Harriers (Male/Female/Imm.)- 0 #Red-tails (Ad./Imm./ND)-  8  (4 adult, 1 imm, 3 ND) #Rough-legs (Light/Dark)-   0 #Kestrels (M/F/ND)-  0 Sharp-shins(Ad/Imm)-  1 imm Cooper's (Ad/Imm.)-     0 Red-shouldered hawks (Ad/Imm.)-  0 Bald Eagles (Ad./Imm.)-  0 other raptors-  1 UA  (unidentified accipiter) Shrikes or Owls-  0 Avg Temperature-  32 Sky(Clear/ Pt cloudy/ Cloudy)-  clear Wind (light/medium/strong)-  light Avg Snow Cover-  100%   Not a good day for raptors - or any other birds! - but the last chance we'll have to get out     Subject: Lapland Longspurs, Lehigh County From: Adam Smith <adamsmithud AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Mon, 8 Feb 2010 14:44:36 -0800 Today there were at least two Lapland Longspurs along Smith Lane near Alburtis. The Lapland Longspurs were mixed in with a couple hundred Horned Larks that were gathering along the road.   Adam Smith Bethlehem Township Northampton County Subject: GBBC bird walks - Philly area From: "SAFFIER, Steven" <ssaffier AT AUDUBON.ORG> Date: Mon, 8 Feb 2010 17:20:44 -0500 Audubon Pennsylvania is again partnering with the Philadelphia Zoo and the Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association to promote GBBC bird walks and populate the GBBC database. The walks, which take place on Feb. 13th, have been posted at http://pa.audubon.org Here is an additional walk in the SE region: Friday, February 12, 2010 9:00am - 11:00 am Pennypack Ecological Restoration Trust 2955 Edge Hill Rd Huntingdon Valley, PA Contact: Cindy Ahern 215-840-4010 Let's defend our title as #1 State for number of checklists submitted!!! Steven Saffier Audubon At Home Coordinator Audubon Pennsylvania Got Habitat? Register at http://pa.audubon.org/habitat Subject: Lancaster Co. Lecture Postponed From: Bettina Heffner <bettinahef AT MSN.COM> Date: Mon, 8 Feb 2010 17:04:07 -0500 Due to impending additional snow, the Bill Thompson III lecture scheduled for this Wednesday has been postponed until Wednesday, March 31, 2010, at 7:00 p.m. Think spring! Subject: Greater White-fronted Goose - Westtown Lake - Chester County - YES From: Douglas Kraemer <douglas.kraemer AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Mon, 8 Feb 2010 12:07:06 -0500 The Greater White-fronted Goose remains at Westtown Lake in West Chester, PA as of 11:30 AM today. I didn't know if all of the snow would affect his stay, so I thought I'd take a look. To my surprise, the geese (about 100 Canadas) were still there and sure enough that little guy was right there with them. Standing on the ice at the edge of the remaining open water near the lakehouse. Douglas Kraemer Phoenixville, PA Chester County Subject: Cancelled: Franklin Co, Conococheague Audubon Meeting 8 February From: Valerie Barnes <vbarhen AT PA.NET> Date: Mon, 8 Feb 2010 10:34:47 -0500 Conococheague Audubon's meeting scheduled for Monday, 8 February is cancelled. Valerie Barnes Subject: Harrier, Creeper - Schuylkill County From: Dave Kruel <accip AT INFIONLINE.NET> Date: Mon, 8 Feb 2010 08:56:33 -0500 Hi All, Yesterday, Nancy & I decided to walk at Locust Lake SP. Very beautiful and peaceful to walk in the snow cover. We didnt have many birds...a couple chickadees and golden-crowned kinglets, and a brown creeper 'creeping' along the trees (always a treat). A bit east of South Tamaqua, there was a male harrier hunting in a CREP field. Nice day to be out in the air. Dave Kruel Pottsville Subject: Screech owls, Lehigh County From: Matt loyko <phillies0810 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Sun, 7 Feb 2010 22:25:14 -0800 Good morning. Just got back from owling with a few buddies of mine.  We stopped at the Trexler game preserve and also 1 spot in the game lands near Trexler game preserve and at Leaser Lake.  Only the spot at the game preserve produced any screech owls with three interacting with me. (I stopped calling as soon as they began as to not harrass them) Adventure of the night....realizing my phone fell out of the car somewhere along the way and only finding it all the way back at our starting point only inches from the front tire of the car, boy did I luck out! Good birding, Matt Loyko Lehigh County Subject: Sweet Arrow Lake, Schuylkill Co. From: Denise Donmoyer <nightowl57 AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Sun, 7 Feb 2010 23:35:12 -0500 Sweet Arrow Lake 2/7/10 Great Horned Owl Screech Owl Red-breasted Nuthatch Golden-crowned Kinglet Pileated Woodpecker Denise Donmoyer Sweet Arrow Lake Pine Grove, Schuylkill Co. nightowl57 AT verizon.net Subject: Re: Peregrines Tarentum bridge - Allegheny Co. From: "Kate St.John" <kstjohn001 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Sun, 7 Feb 2010 18:31:20 -0800 Good pictures, Steve Gosser! That's the same peregrine pair Dan Yagusic reported in late December. The male hatched at Univ of Pittsburgh in 2008 ("son" of Dorothy and E2). The female hatched at the Benjamin Harrison Bridge near Hopewell VA in 2008 and was hacked in the Shenandoahs (because the wind at that bridge is so strong the young die often while learning to fly - blown into the river or onto the roadbed). For those of you near Tarentum, keep a look out for them. Right now is the best time for peregrine watching. They'll be most noticeable this month and through March before she nests. Until the clutch is complete there will be a lot of courtship display & mating. Very obvious activity and fun for peregrine watchers. If the bridge is a really good territory they might have to fight for it - I hope not! When they nest they will seem disappear (probably late March or early April) but one of the pair will be watching nearby to relieve the other at the nest. At that point look for a lone peregrine, probably perched within sight of the nest, surveying for danger & food. The lone peregrine will come and go and perch quietly and you might miss seeing it. As my friend Karen says, they're very sneaky when they're nesting. Kate St. John, Pittsburgh Visit my bird & nature blog at www.wqed.org/birdblog Subject: Crawford Co. - Snowy Owl From: Thomas Nicolls <tcnicolls AT WINDSTREAM.NET> Date: Sun, 7 Feb 2010 20:55:42 -0500 2/7/2010 The Snowy Owl at the Miller Farm at 10734 Shadeland Road, Springboro, PA was observed today from 8 - 11:30 AM. It was then observed from 2 - 4:30 PM Clare Nicolls tcnicolls AT windstream.net 814-587-6395 Subject: Lawrence County WRS Feb 7, 2010 From: Suzanne Butcher <sarbird AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Sun, 7 Feb 2010 20:43:11 -0500 The roads were fairly clear and the sunshine and lack of wind made this an enjoyable day to do a WRS. However, we missed Carol Guba and Margaret Higbee who usually accompany us on our (Linda's) route. Lawrence County WRS - February 7, 2010 County – Lawrence Observer(s) - Suzanne Butcher, Linda Wagner Start time – 10:00am End time - 5:00pm (includes a 30 minute lunch break) Miles driven on the route- 90miles #TVs: 0 #BVs: 0 #Harriers: 0 #Sharp-shins: 0 #Coopers: Adult – 2 #Red-shoulders: Adult - 1 #Red-tails: Adult – 40 #Rough-legs: Light – 1 #Kestrels : Females - 1, ND – 2 # Bald Eagles: Adult-1 #Shrikes, owls : 0 Avg Temp: Start 8â�°F, Finish 25â�°F clear/partly cloudy/cloudy: cloudy- am, clear-sunny-pm light/moderate/strong wind: light -am, light-pm Avg inches snow cover- 12-15" ("ND" = not determined) Other Species: 26 Mallards-5 Ring-necked Pheasant-1 Wild Turkeys-12 Sandhill Cranes-39 (watched them fly out of the swamp on Golf Course Rd and land in a nearby field of corn stubble, about 4pm.) Killdeer-2 Rock Pigeons-58 Mourning Doves-34 Red-headed Woodpecker-1 Red-bellied Woodpeckers-4 N. Flicker-1 Blue Jay-11 American Crow- 750+ Horned Lark-226 Black-capped Chickadee- 3 Tufted Titmouse-1 White Breasted Nuthatch-1 E. Bluebird-1 Am Robin-8 N. Mockingbird-2 Eur. Starlings-86 Am Tree Sparrows-4 Song Sparrows-4 White Crowned Sparrow-1 Dark-eyed Juncos-10 N. Cardinals-16 House Sparrows-65 Hotmail: Powerful Free email with security by Microsoft. Get it now. _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail: Powerful Free email with security by Microsoft. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/201469230/direct/01/ Subject: Peregrines Tarentum bridge - Allegheny Co. From: Steve Gosser <smgosser AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Sun, 7 Feb 2010 20:51:41 -0500 Last winter I discovered a pair of Peregrine Falcons that had been hanging out around the Tarentum bridge, however by March they seemed to have vanished. I think early this winter back in December Kate St. John got a report from Dan Yagusic, saying he discovered they were back. Today I went over to the bridge and the pair was there and they both came perching on a beam practically right above were I was standing. I got to see both birds leg bands. One had a green band on the left leg which had Z69 and a yellow band on the right leg. The other bird just had one green band on the left leg which had X35. Here's some of my pics: 1 - http://home.comcast.net/~sgosser/0059.jpg 2 - http://home.comcast.net/~sgosser/0080.jpg 3 - http://home.comcast.net/~sgosser/0140.jpg 4 - http://home.comcast.net/~sgosser/0156.jpg 5 - http://home.comcast.net/~sgosser/0186.jpg I'm really keeping my fingers crossed they decide to stay and nest here this year! Steve Gosser New Kensington, PA smgosser AT verizon.net ------------------ Birding Photo Page - http://home.comcast.net/~sgosser Subject: Lapland Longspur, Snow Geese - Northampton County From: Joe Yuhas <joseph.yuhas AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sun, 7 Feb 2010 20:08:37 -0500 Hey PA Birders, Made a quick stop today on Arrowhead Rd. in E. Allen Township to check for larks, buntings, longspurs, etc. Got lucky! Found one Lapland Longspur in with about 70 or so Horned Larks. I regretted not having much time to thoroughly scan through all of the larks, so there could have been more. Also while scanning, a flock of a thousand or so Snow Geese flew over. After that, I was heading up Rt 512 and noticed more Snow Geese as I was driving. They were in the field west of 512 and south of Silvercrest Rd (just south of Bath). Just from the few glances I got, there appeared to be several thousand. Some may have been the same that flew over Arrowhead Rd. earlier. Last Sunday (1/21) I was in the same area but on Airport Rd and noticed a huge line of Snow Geese flying in to the fields on Locust and Dogwood Rds. I am really bad at estimating numbers, especially when the numbers are as high as they were, but there seemed to be tens of thousands. My best guess would be between 20,000 and 50,000 birds. Unbelievable!!! I did notice another birder on Dogwood Rd but didn't get a chance to ask him his estimate. Take it easy, Joe Yuhas Bethlehem, Northampton County Subject: Golden Eagle, Cherry Valley NWR From: "Wiltraut, Richard E" <rwiltraut AT STATE.PA.US> Date: Sun, 7 Feb 2010 18:18:43 -0500 Yesterday morning Dan Altif and I had a Golden Eagle being harassed by a Red-tailed Hawk in the Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge in Monroe County. Nice surprise on a cold morning. Rick Rick Wiltraut Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center 835 Jacobsburg Road Wind Gap, PA 18091 rwiltraut AT state.pa.us (610) 746-2810 Fax: (610) 746-2804 Subject: 1,705 Horned Larks, 5 Lapland Longspurs - Lancaster Co. - 7 Feb 2010 From: Devin Bosler <devinbosler AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sun, 7 Feb 2010 18:11:30 -0500 PABIRDS, A fresh, deep coating of snow prompted a 15-mile drive through Mill Creek watershed of the Amish farmlands in e. Lancaster Co. Justin Bosler and I limited ourselves to the open, rolling ag. fields south of PA-23 between Leola and New Holland. Our primary objectives being raptors and terrestrial landbirds, i.e. Horned Larks, longspurs, etc. We were fairly successful on both accounts, especially the latter. Horned Larks were flocking to strips and patches of semi-bare ground amid the vast sea of white. Nearly a thousand larks in a few large flocks along S. Groffdale Rd. alone. These larger flocks of larks held four (of 5 total) LAPLAND LONGSPURS, including one nice adult male. Our raptor highlight was a robust female MERLIN feasting on a Horned Lark (go figure) atop a utility pole on Nolt Rd. just south of New Holland. Other notables included 8 Wilson's Snipe hunkered along the snow-free edges of a small tributary of Mill Creek and 5 Savannah Sparrows. For those interested in our Rock Pigeon and starling counts (most ubiquitous birds in the area) see complete list below: Good (snow)birding, Devin Location: Amish farmlands, Leola-New Holland Observation date: 2/7/10 Notes: A 2.25-hr (1215-230PM) traveling count at Amish farmlands, S of PA-23, S of Leola and New Holland (Lancaster Co.). Traveled ca. 15 mi. by auto. Covered W. Eby, Monterey, Stumptown, E. Eby, S. Groffdale, Musser School, Zeltenreich, Shirk, Nolt, Peters, Centerville, Scenic, and Hess Rds. Fresh snow cover (fell on 5-6 Feb) variable in depth due to drifting and blowing. Impressive gathering of waterfowl on ice-free Mill Creek off Hess Rd. MERL w/ fresh kill highlight among raptors. WISN favoring open edges of feeder creek. HOLA and LALO concentrated on wind-blown bare patches of corn stubble ag. fields nr. roadsides. Fair, 24-28 F, and winds NW at 10-15 mph. Number of species: 32 Canada Goose 3 (Mill Creek, Hess Rd.) American Black Duck 50 (Mill Creek, Hess Rd.) Mallard 62 (Mill Creek, Hess Rd.) Common Merganser 13 (3 ad. m, Mill Creek, Hess Rd.) Turkey Vulture 34 Bald Eagle 1 ad. (at nest along Mill Creek, Peters Rd.) Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 imm. f Cooper's Hawk 1 ad. Red-tailed Hawk 6 American Kestrel 5 (1 ad. m, 4 f) Merlin 1 f (Nolt x Hollander Rd., plucking HOLA on utility pole) Wilson's Snipe 8 (Mill Creek trib., Hess Rd.) Ring-billed Gull 40 (flyovers) Rock Pigeon 415 Mourning Dove 55 Belted Kingfisher 2 (Mill Creek) Blue Jay 2 American Crow 15 Fish Crow 1 Horned Lark 1705 (careful count, flocks of 10-500, megaflocks off S. Groffdale, Zeltenreich, Scenic Rds.) Carolina Chickadee 2 Northern Mockingbird 1 European Starling 2750 Savannah Sparrow 5 (2 off S. Shirk Rd., 3 at feeders off W. Eby Rd.) Song Sparrow 6 White-throated Sparrow 1 Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) 6 Lapland Longspur 5 (1 ad. m, 4 w/ HOLA megaflocks off S. Groffdale Rd., 1 off Zeltenreich Rd.) Northern Cardinal 6 House Finch 10 American Goldfinch 3 House Sparrow 225 This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org) -- Devin Bosler Lancaster, PA Subject: Clay-colored Sparrow Cumberland Co. From: Vern Gauthier <pabirder AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sun, 7 Feb 2010 17:53:33 -0500 The CLAY-COLORED SPARROW continues at the home of Linda and Bill Franz. After seeing the bird today Bill Olyer and I went out to the Mudlevel Road area to look for field birds. We easily saw 500 - 600 HORNED LARKS in the area and one LAPLAND LONGSPUR up close. Other birds of interest in the area were two SAVANAH SPARROWS, two NORTHERN HARRIERS (1M, 1F) and two COMMON RAVENS feeding on the ground. We then headed toward the Big Spring via Oakville Road where we found a huge flock of at least 700 Horned Larks on a fresh manure srpead. There were no other species mixed in with them. We then drove up the Big Spring where we found a FOX SPARROW and two RED- SHOULDERED HAWKS. Vern Gauthier Newville Subject: Beltzville Lake, Carbon county From: Matt loyko <phillies0810 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Sun, 7 Feb 2010 14:46:55 -0800 Hello, Today I decided to go for a ride up to Beltzville to see what I could find (was hoping for Goldeneye).   Here's what I got: 1 imm Bald Eagle 1 Ad Male Harrier 1 juv Red-tailed Hawk 25 American Tree Sparrow 2 Ring-billed Gull 1 Herring Gull 8 Common Mergansers 50 (roughly) Canada Geese and the normal mix of song/white-throated/Cardinals Take Care, Matt Loyko Lehigh County Subject: Pymatuning - Crawford Co. From: Mark Vass <mvas1200 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Sun, 7 Feb 2010 14:38:16 -0800 I wanted to get away from all the snow so I headed north today to Pymatuning There is only a couple of inches on the ground there   at the hatchery the Least Sandpiper continues but was not where it has been but moved to an impoundment next to where it was there are several small impoundments here that has running water going through them   also there is a pond here with open water here there was a Pied-billed Grebe(present since Dec.),an A. Coot and a drake Black Duck x Mallard hybrid   at the causeway there is an open patch of water and here there was a female Red-breasted Merganser and a Bufflehead on the Ohio side of the causeway there were Canvasbacks,Redheads and Goldeneyes   the following raptors were seen in the fields around Miller`s Ponds   3 Bald Eagle(two adults and a immature) 1 Rough-legged Hawk(light morph) 1 Red-tailed Hawk 1 A. Kestral   I looked at over 1,000 + Canada Geese while I was birding the area that included three Canada x ? hybrids and a goose that was at Miller`s Ponds that I have no idea what it was     Mark Vass Beaver Co.  Subject: Snow Bunting, Lehigh County From: "Robert E. Hoopes" <hoopes AT PTD.NET> Date: Sun, 7 Feb 2010 17:19:48 -0500 Found one adult Snow Bunting in a flock of about 75 Horned Larks near the intersection of Bullhead and Sawmill Roads in Heidelberg Township, Lehigh County. This is the same location that Jeff Hopkins reported a lone Snow Bunting with HLs several weeks ago. Perhaps the same bird? There were also several additional larger flocks of Horned Larks a little further to the west. One flock along Hawk View Road contained more than 200 HLs. The snow in the farm fields pushed the larks to the roadsides where there was some exposed ground from the snow plows. The snow in the fields also provided great looks at soaring Redtails...with the sun bouncing off the snow and lighting up the RTs from beneath. Bob Hoopes Schnecksville, Lehigh County Subject: Bald Eagles & Cooper's Hawk near Leechburg (Armstrong County) From: Marjorie Van Tassel <marvant AT WINDSTREAM.NET> Date: Sun, 7 Feb 2010 16:07:21 -0500 1 Cooper's Hawk just perched in tree in my yard, dropped a little, then flew over to the river. 2 Bald Eagle adults flying over the woods then across the river beside Leechburg towards West Leechburg. Marge Van Tassel Armstrong County Subject: Red-tailed Hawk behavior (Ind. co) From: Marcy Cunkelman <plant4nature AT DISHMAIL.NET> Date: Sun, 7 Feb 2010 15:03:42 -0500 Hi All, This is the first for me....a Red-tailed Hawk trying to get birds at the feeders....I thought the female Cooper's looked big...the RTHawk was Huge....it didn't get anything, but sat in the tree for a while...soon after a second one came flying over and they took off to the East over the woods....I figure it was after the Starlings and hungry with all the snow...don't know if it landed in the snow, happened so fast.... We got 24 inches of snow and not all is cleared, but most of the driveway is done, at least the part that is cement...it makes a great ground feeding place for the birds and even the 3 crows were eating there today...nothing new has been at the feeders but the numbers of Tree, White-throated sparrows are at least 25-30.... AT our old place years back, I remember a young Red-tailed Hawk chasing a rabbit thru the yard and almost hit the ramp after the rabbit went under it...if they are hungry I guess they will go after anything....have seen them on roadkill earlier this winter... Stay warm and safe in the snow... Marcy Cunkelman Conemaugh Twp. Clarksburg, PA Indiana Co. plant4nature AT dishmail.net Subject: Chester Co., Bucktoe Creek Preserve From: Joe Sebastiani <bunker17 AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Sun, 7 Feb 2010 14:22:35 -0500 The bird walk will take place tomorrow at the Bucktoe Creek Preserve near Kennett Square, PA. Larry Lewis will be leading and the walk will begin at 8am. Be prepared for deep snow. Directions can be found at http://www.delawarenaturesociety.org/dns_sites.html. Birds seen there this weekend include adult Red-shouldered Hawk, Fox Sparrow, Eastern Towhee, Pileated Woodpecker, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, and Great Horned Owl. Joe Sebastiani Subject: Re: Bird Call ID request, Lehigh County From: Andrew Albright <albrigh_1999 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Sun, 7 Feb 2010 10:24:19 -0800 Matt, In the last couple of weeks, I've heard some species of birds (Red-bellied Woodpecker, Carolina Chickadees and Tufted Titmouse) starting with different vocalizations that they haven't used all winter. Have you not hear this call all winter? Any whistled song/call that I can't place, a good guess is Tufted Titmouse and then I would try Chickadee (do you have Carolina or Black-Capped?). The quality of your whistle doesn't really sound like Eastern Bluebird to me and they do have the "wee-duh" flight call that is different from their song---but that is two notes. House Finch is also a possibility that is more than 3 notes. If you don't have any of the bird song CD's, the next place I would try is then I would try here: http://macaulaylibrary.org/index.do. And I would focus on Jan-March recordings of each species you check. From your whistle, I would prioritze: Tufted Titmouse Chickadee Then look at a bird list and literally go through each species that you would expect to be at your location. And even if you can't find your specific bird call, you'll learn and reinforce a lot of calls. Andrew Albright Lafayette Hill, PA albrigh_1999 AT yahoo.com ************************ Subject: Bird Call ID request, Lehigh County From: Matt loyko Date: Sat, 6 Feb 2010 10:17:22 -0800 Hi Guys, First off sorry if this is a little off topic.� I've been hearing this call in my yard lately and I know it's familiar as I've heard it many times in the past but for some odd reason a name is eluding me.� I can't seem to locate the little bugger either.� I know it's something I should know but I just can't seem to find it.� I was thinking either titmouse or wren. I can't attach the sound file here to I'll give you a link to my post on birdforum.net because I asked the folks there for help too.�� The recording is of me whistling as an imitation.� As you hear it is how the bird was doing it. http://birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=162487 Thanks in advance for your help, Matt Loyko Lehigh County Subject: Peace Valley Park Correction From: August Mirabella <augustmirabella AT AOL.COM> Date: Sun, 7 Feb 2010 13:09:38 -0500 The 2nd Red-breasted Merganser listed as 1/31 should have been Red-breasted Nuthatch. August Mirabella North Wales Subject: Cold, snowy, quiet in Pittsburgh From: "Kate St.John" <kstjohn001 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Sun, 7 Feb 2010 08:02:09 -0800 The snow has stopped. Now it's COLD. Right now it's 11 degrees and foggy/overcast -- up from a low of 5 degrees. After the snow stopped yesterday the sun came out & there was a lot of bird activity at my feeders. Mostly Starlings (boo). Best birds were two beautiful male Cardinals, a Carolina Wren and several Dark-eyed Juncoes. I took a walk and at Flagstaff Hill I looked for the peregrines. Found one perched on the Cathedral of Learning. Saw three red-tailed hawks along the way. At 4:30pm hundreds of crows congregated in the trees near the Schenley golf course. Today's Best Bird was a Coopers Hawk at dawn who hassled the pigeons. Other than that, it's VERY quiet here now. If you're interested, I blogged about the snow & have a slideshow there at http://www.wqed.org/birdblog Kate St. John, Pittsburgh Subject: Peace Valley Park IBA-Bucks Co. (1/31-2/6) From: August Mirabella <augustmirabella AT AOL.COM> Date: Sun, 7 Feb 2010 09:25:12 -0500 The lake became ice covered again this week, with some open holes. Reports included: Snow Goose-high report 1 "white" and 1 "blue" 2/4 1 male Hooded Merganser all week Common Merganser - high report 450 1/31 1 Red-breasted Merganser 2/3 1 Sharp-shinned Hawk sits on one of the feeders regularly Cooper's Hawk 1/31-seems uncommon here this winter 34 Lesser Black-backed Gulls 2/4 1 Red-breasted Merganser 1/31 1 Brown Creeper 1/31 3 Golden-crowned Kinglet 2/4 near the NW end of the dam E. Bluebird-high report 12 2/3 Amer. Robin-high report 171 2/3 Cedar Waxwing-high report 15 2/3 Yellow-rumped Warbler-high report 20+ 2/4 near NW end of dam 1 Fox Sparrow 2/4- near NW end of dam Also, Great Blue Heron, Black Duck, Black Vulture, Great Black-backed Gull, Amer. Goldfinch As usual, this report is a compilation from visiting birders. The Sat. Morning Bird Walk is held every week at 8-10 PM meeting at the nature center parking lot. All are welcome. There is no fee. August Mirabella North Wales, PA Subject: 80+ Robins Cumberland County From: reeser <reeser AT MINDSPRING.COM> Date: Sun, 7 Feb 2010 05:42:13 -0500 The robins returned again yesterday, most likely due to the snow. 80+ covered the holly trees. We had at least 20 inches of snow cover. Ellen Reeser Lemoyne, PA Cumberland County Subject: Red-bellied Woodpecker - Allegheny County From: Heather Jacoby <greybeh AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sun, 7 Feb 2010 00:21:45 -0500 The snow seemed to bring a lot more birds out, looking for food I suppose. I saw a male red-bellied woodpecker. I was thrilled because I'd only ever seen a female and it's been some time since then. She used to come to my feeder when I had one in the window. This was special for me because I was stuck inside and feeling quite glum. I had no heat or electricity from 1am through 9pm today. I was watching a plow that was stuck and I was treated to some birding from my back window. I saw a crow come around and normally they don't visit the tree line here. Lots of blue jays and some cardinals. Granted, the woodpecker was the highlight but what a relief to be able to pass time. I was bundled up and sitting near the pre-heating oven for some heat. I am thankful for the small joys today, and all of those still without power are in my thoughts and prayers. It was a very difficult and frightening experience. -- Heather Jacoby Pittsburgh, PA Allegheny County Subject: BELTZVILLE STATE PARK AND WATERSHED, FRANKLIN TWP, CARBON From: David Hawk <finch AT PTD.NET> Date: Sat, 6 Feb 2010 07:44:52 -0500 INTERESTING BIRDS THIS PAST WEEK 1/31 -2/6: BLACK VULTURES -(2) 2/1 ADULT BALD EAGLE - 2/3 IMM. BALD EAGLE - 2/4 BARRED OWLS (4) - 2/4 SAW-WHET OWLS (3) - 2/4 one flew close enough to feel a rush of air GR. HR. OWL ON THE LAKE : GOLDENEYES (25) RING-NECKED CM. MERGS HOODED MERGS WOOD DUCKS (3) - 2/5 DAVID HAWK finch AT ptd.net Subject: Feeder Birds: Bucks County From: Joe Majdan <jfm821 AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Sat, 6 Feb 2010 23:37:48 +0000 Birds seen at our feeder Saturday (measured snow:8"): Red-breasted nuthatch White-breasted nuthatch Savannah sparrow White-throated sparrows (5) Red-bellied woodpeckers (3) Downy woodpeckers (2) Dark-eyed juncos (47) Blue Jays (13) Grackles (2) House sparrows (17) Cardinals (5) Tufted titmice (11) Joe Majdan New Hope, Bucks County Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T Subject: Crawford Co. - Snowy Owl From: Thomas Nicolls <tcnicolls AT WINDSTREAM.NET> Date: Sat, 6 Feb 2010 18:32:05 -0500 2/6/2010 Today the owl was seen between 8 and 10 AM. Then it was seen again from 2 - 5:30 PM during the afternoon. Clare Nicolls tcnicolls AT windstream.net 814-587-6395 Subject: Chester Co., Bucktoe Creek Preserve Walks From: Joe Sebastiani <bunker17 AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Sat, 6 Feb 2010 17:36:25 -0500 The bird walk at Bucktoe Creek Preserve is cancelled for tomorrow. Got about 20" of snow here today. We will let you know about Monday. Joe Sebastiani Subject: Beaver Co. Birds From: Mark Vass <mvas1200 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Sat, 6 Feb 2010 14:26:53 -0800 This afternoon I stopped at Rochester`s Riverfront Park   The following were seen here on the Ohio R./mouth of Beaver R.     1 A. Pipit 1 Peregrine Falcon 6 Herring Gull 187 Ring-billed Gull 6 A. Black Duck 52 Mallard 313 Canada Goose   I am without television,the cable is laying on top of the snow but thankfully I do have electric and phone         Mark Vass Beaver Co. Subject: Savannah Sparrows - Adams County From: Phil Keener <pittche74 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Sat, 6 Feb 2010 13:47:35 -0800 More surprising than the 16-18" of snow were two Savannah Sparrows feeding on millet on one of our window ledges. With snow still falling this am, I spread various seed on protected brick window ledges and this pair joined juncos, cardinals, and song sparrows. Their appearance was a first for this backyard and was additionally rewarding as a result of the opportunity for close study( ~ 2 feet). The plumage and coloration fell in the "reddish adult" description that Sibley depicts. The close looks gave me a much better appreciation for the bold patterning and beauty of this species.  Regards,    Phil Keener    East Berlin    Adams County Subject: 30+ Red Winged Blackbirds at feeder - Chesco From: Joshua Clapper <joshua_clapper AT EXCITE.COM> Date: Sat, 6 Feb 2010 15:38:32 -0500 A large flock of red winged blackbirds showed up today at my feeders. First time I've seen them since October. They were quite happy that I shovelled out the feeder tree and packed down an area for ground seed. Lots of other normal feeder birds today braving the 26+ inches of snow piled up around our place. Good Birding, Josh Clapper Downingtown, Chester County, PA ------------------------------------------------------------ Wanna lose weight? Weight Loss Programs that work. Click here. Diet Help http://tagline.excite.com/c?cp=qqizKflLmMgMOhuvWCEEcgAAKZSiSvxOSKEYFtA9wJD2GWNZAAYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAADNAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYQAAAAAA= Subject: Turkey up in tree & GBHeron flying around river and fields (Armstrong Co.) From: Marjorie Van Tassel <marvant AT WINDSTREAM.NET> Date: Sat, 6 Feb 2010 14:24:12 -0500 Well, I'm sure there are some who got lots more than we did, oldest son is stuck with no power since last night at 10 in White Oak, PA, but we have about 2-3 feet here around Leechburg (have photos of snow up to our knees, etc. but funny sights have been showing up as others have reported. We watched a Great Blue Heron fly up and down the Kiski River and then out to field in back then up to the woods and now there is at least 1 Wild Turkey up in middle of tree in woods on hill by Leechburg. Dark-eyed Juncos, No. Cardinals, Song Sparrow, House Sparrows of course as well as quite a few European Starlings and the Goldfinches have found the feeders I shoveled out to and we watched a little Carolina Wren walking up and down wood slats on shed then in and out of its little window... Marge Van Tassel Armstrong County Subject: hello................ [PABIRDS] Stuck in the Snow Game From: Susan Mahan <Susan0710 AT AOL.COM> Date: Sat, 6 Feb 2010 13:57:10 EST Pat, this might be interesting for you as your walk up your road. I emailed requesting the game, it has not been received yet. We have about 8 inches, Steve drove here and sholved - yea!! Am in for the day. Sue In a message dated 2/5/2010 7:04:45 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, EarlyBirdTours AT COMCAST.NET writes: Hi Everyone, If you missed this game last time we played in December, nature is providing you another chance tomorrow.... It's the "Stuck at Home, Nothing to Do, Can't Drive in it, Go For a Winter Walk, Bird Nerd Game!" Feeling a little down? The weather cramping your style? Stuck at home to be safe while it snows? Well I've got the cure! The "Bird Nerd Game!" It's a little game I developed do give those days when you feel stranded and must (or should) bird from home on foot - a little pizzazz! If you want to play, email me directly and I will send the file to you as an attachment. Then download the attachment and play along. If you have questions, just call or email - I'll help you out. All you really have to do is keep track of everything you see, the miles you walk and the time you spend OUTSIDE walking around. Try to find as many species (even at your feeders), especially the rarer species (they are worth more points). Also try for the most diversity...the most orders, families, etc. Variety pays off with extra points, as does effort (miles, time afield)...even mammals count! The walk can be of any duration you choose and for as long as you wish (even all day), but it MUST originate and end at your home! The last time we played we walked 8 miles and birded 7 hours in the December blizzard....great memories! I will be out playing while it snows Saturday. Join the fun, plan your course, don your snowshoes or skis, put on your pedometers, and lets see who wins...and what rare discoveries we all might find! It's lots of fun, we'll enjoy the snow, see some great birds, and get a little exercise! We have a wintering Brown Thrasher near our home... we'll be looking for him tomorrow in the snow while we play our Bird Nerd Game- he's worth some valuable points! You'd be surprized at how many birds (even some very unusual species) can be found within walking distance of home - anyone's home! You just have to look! So, grab a friend and take a walk and let's see what we find...of course, if you happen to live within walking distance of a fantastic birding area, you wikll have a distinct advantage. However, with effort and a little luck we can all have some friendly competition - and in the meantime, certainly see more than if we sat at home! Hope you'll play along. If you do, have fun and call or email us with your results tomorrow! I'm certain there will be some interesting finds. Remember, email me directly tonight for the game and I will send it along. Good Birding and if you play, let me know how you did, Larry Lewis EARLY BIRD NATURE TOURS "Exciting & Fun Adventures in Nature" Coatesville, PA 19320 484-340-SORA (7672) -- cell & business email: earlybirdtours AT comcast.net Subject: Clay-colored Sparrow Cumberland Co. From: Vern Gauthier <pabirder AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sat, 6 Feb 2010 13:41:36 -0500 Bill Franz called me about and hour ago to let me know a CLAY-COLORED SPARROW was at the feeding station in his Newville yard. Just a few minutes before I had a new yard bird, HORNED LARK, but I guess his beats mine! Vern Gauthier Newville Subject: Bird Call ID request, Lehigh County From: Matt loyko <phillies0810 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Sat, 6 Feb 2010 10:17:22 -0800 Hi Guys, First off sorry if this is a little off topic.  I've been hearing this call in my yard lately and I know it's familiar as I've heard it many times in the past but for some odd reason a name is eluding me.  I can't seem to locate the little bugger either.  I know it's something I should know but I just can't seem to find it.  I was thinking either titmouse or wren. I can't attach the sound file here to I'll give you a link to my post on birdforum.net because I asked the folks there for help too.   The recording is of me whistling as an imitation.  As you hear it is how the bird was doing it. http://birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=162487 Thanks in advance for your help, Matt Loyko Lehigh County Subject: Re: White-crowned Sparrows at Thistle Feeders From: Ann Bodling <thistlebrook AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sat, 6 Feb 2010 12:22:05 -0500 Yes, here the white-crowneds go for the millet and sunflower seeds too but if there is a nyger feeder hanging nearby they'll spend a lot of time on the ground feeding from what has dropped there. At the moment, the snow has stopped, the winds here are fairly calm and the white-crowneds have started singing again! Amazing. A peaceful day to all. Ann Bodling Elizabethtown, Lancaster Co. Thistlebrook AT gmail.com On Sat, Feb 6, 2010 at 11:29 AM, DAVID KOCH wrote: > Interesting how different things are at different feeding stations. I don't > recall ever seeing white-crowned's here favor thistle or ever even go to the > thistle feeders but that may be because the three thistle feeders I have out > are hangers. In the winter, except for the thistle and suet, I feed white > millet and black oil sunflower exclusively, and white-crowned's here are > almost always at the millet or at the pieces of sunflower dropped by > chickadees, titmice, etc. > > > > Arlene Koch > Easton, PA > Northampton County > davilene AT verizon.net > > > ------------------------------ > *From:* Ann Bodling > > *To:* PABIRDS AT LIST.AUDUBON.ORG > *Sent:* Sat, February 6, 2010 10:45:16 AM > *Subject:* [PABIRDS] White-crowned Sparrows at Thistle Feeders > > Hi All, > The white-crowned sparrows, who seem to prefer niger seed to all other, > when they can get it, have figured out how to feed directly from the > feeders > rather than scavenging on the ground. > > Take care,everyone. > > Ann Bodling > Thistlebrook AT gmail.com > Elizabethtown, Lancaster Co > Subject: Photo Study Of Some Birds At Barnegat Jetty, February 4th, 2010 From: "Howard B. Eskin" <hbeskin AT VOICENET.COM> Date: Sat, 6 Feb 2010 12:02:08 -0500 The prospect of being "snow-bound" for a few days with my wife, daughter and a two year old grandson, was ample reason to get me to drive to Barnegat Light State Park on Thursday. The Scoters, Red-breasted Mergansers, Harlequins, Long-tailed Ducks and some others were all there in the sunshine. Well, it's now Saturday and we have about fourteen inches of snow here in eastern Pennsylvania so I thought I would share some of the Barnegat photos with those of you who are also trapped inside. Please go to the following link: http://www.howardsview.com/BarnegatFeb4th_10/BarnegatFeb4_10.html Howard B. Eskin Harleysville, PA Subject: Nyjer From: herb1013 <herb1013 AT EPIX.NET> Date: Sat, 6 Feb 2010 11:47:47 -0500 I have 2 nyjer feeders up and 4 mixed seed feeders up. The BCChickadees, DEJunko's all go for the nyjer feeders. Even mr and Mrs Nutty Cardinal like nyjer. The only ones never on the nyjer feeders are our dozen or so red and grey squirrels. Herb Flavell, Gods Knob, Milk Can Corners, Susquehanna County Subject: Re: Test Message- Allegheny Co. From: "Carmen T. Santasania" <ctsantasania AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Sat, 6 Feb 2010 16:40:37 +0000 Bobby, PLEASE DO NOT DO THIS. If you are having a problem with the list, send me an email. Thanks, Carmen T. Santasania listowner ----- Original Message ----- From: "Bobby G" To: PABIRDS AT LIST.AUDUBON.ORG Sent: Saturday, February 6, 2010 9:47:25 AM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: [PABIRDS] Test Message- Allegheny Co. Tried to post a message and failed. This is only a test Bobby Greene bobbygleo AT gmail.com www.bobbygreene.com Subject: Re: White-crowned Sparrows at Thistle Feeders From: DAVID KOCH <davilene AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Sat, 6 Feb 2010 08:29:12 -0800 Interesting how different things are at different feeding stations. I don't recall ever seeing white-crowned's here favor thistle or ever even go to the thistle feeders but that may be because the three thistle feeders I have out are hangers. In the winter, except for the thistle and suet, I feed white millet and black oil sunflower exclusively, and white-crowned's here are almost always at the millet or at the pieces of sunflower dropped by chickadees, titmice, etc.      Arlene Koch Easton, PA Northampton County davilene AT verizon.net ________________________________ From: Ann Bodling To: PABIRDS AT LIST.AUDUBON.ORG Sent: Sat, February 6, 2010 10:45:16 AM Subject: [PABIRDS] White-crowned Sparrows at Thistle Feeders Hi All,   The white-crowned sparrows, who seem to prefer niger seed to all other, when they can get it, have figured out how to feed directly from the feeders rather than scavenging on the ground. Take care,everyone. Ann Bodling Thistlebrook AT gmail.com Elizabethtown, Lancaster Co Subject: White-crowned Sparrows at Thistle Feeders From: Ann Bodling <thistlebrook AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sat, 6 Feb 2010 10:45:16 -0500 Hi All, The white-crowned sparrows, who seem to prefer niger seed to all other, when they can get it, have figured out how to feed directly from the feeders rather than scavenging on the ground. Take care,everyone. Ann Bodling Thistlebrook AT gmail.com Elizabethtown, Lancaster Co Subject: Evening Grosbeaks Lancaster Co. From: Randy Miller <birder AT DEJAZZD.COM> Date: Sat, 6 Feb 2010 10:29:37 -0500 At 9:15 am Kate Miller and I had a small noisy flock calling overhead while we were shoveling the driveway .There were maybe 2 or 3 calling and flying Northwest toward Mt. Gretna - SGL 145. I live .7 tenths of a mile from the Lancaster and Lebanon Co. border just south of the turnpike, off of Pinch Road. We could not see the flock because it was snowing to heavy. Randy C. Miller Manheim Lancaster Co. Subject: Test Message- Allegheny Co. From: Bobby G <bobbygleo AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sat, 6 Feb 2010 09:47:25 -0500 Tried to post a message and failed. This is only a test Bobby Greene bobbygleo AT gmail.com www.bobbygreene.com Subject: Raptor Day Crawford County From: Bobby G <bobbygleo AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 5 Feb 2010 23:46:38 -0500 So for the late post, but I finally got my photos and video up on my web site. Last Sunday the 3rd, my friend Cris and I got some pretty decent shots of the Snowy Owl, a Red-shouldered Hawk, and a Bald Eagle. These photos can be viewed here: http://www.bobbygreene.com/bgphotos/Birds/Pages/Recent_Photos.html#grid The video of the Red-shouldered Hawk can be viewed here: http://www.bobbygreene.com/bgphotos/Movie.html 1st Post Bobby Greene www.bobbygreene.com Subject: Crawford Co. _ Snowy Owl From: Thomas Nicolls <tcnicolls AT WINDSTREAM.NET> Date: Fri, 5 Feb 2010 21:51:28 -0500 2/5/2010 The owl was seen today from 8 AM until about noon today. Then it was found and observed again about 2:30 PM and was still present at 5:30 PM. One of the Amish schools took all of their students to see the owl during the morning. Clare Nicolls tcnicolls AT windstream.net 814-587-6395 Subject: Re: Lehigh County-Sharpie takes a bat...add'l thoughts From: Harry McGarrity <HMCGARRI AT AOL.COM> Date: Fri, 5 Feb 2010 21:32:09 EST I did a little more digging on this to refresh my memory. There is a "Report a Sick Bat" link on the right hand side of the PA Game Commission homepage. Apparently the occasional "sick or disoriented" bat in winter does occur but they are especially interested in any reports of multiple sick or dying bats in order to try to track the spread of the White-Nose Fungus disease. A bat flying around on a cold winter day is definitely a sign of distress. Researchers are predicting the disastrous ongoing decline in bat populations could result in a boom in many night flying insect populations such as mosquitos and moths given that during the summertime the average bat eats about 2,000 mosquito sized insects every day. It's interesting to ponder what effect this might have over time on bird populations. Could we see an even worse West Nile Virus problem? Could some night flying insect feeders such as Nighthawks actually benefit? Anybody have any thoughts? Harry McGarrity Nockamixon Twp, Bucks Cty Subject: Re: Lehigh County-Sharpie takes a bat From: Harry McGarrity <HMCGARRI AT AOL.COM> Date: Fri, 5 Feb 2010 21:06:39 EST Ed, I recall recently reading something about the Game Commission asking for reports of any unusually early bat sightings. Apparently early emergence from hibernation can be a symptom of the White Nosed Fungus disease that has been decimating bat populations in much of the Northeast. Just last week there was a very sad announcement from the PGC that the disease had been confirmed in the Durham Mine in Bucks County which is the second largest bat hibernaculum in the Commonwealth. Game commission biologists are predicting that as much as 90% of the 8-10,000 estimated bats roosting there might be dead by April. Harry McGarrity Nockamixon Twp, Bucks County Subject: Lehigh County-Sharpie takes a bat From: Sinkler's Mail <esas518 AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Fri, 5 Feb 2010 20:47:56 -0500 PA Birders, I was heading out to fill the bird feeders at 3:30 and noticed a bat flying over the neighbor's yard and thought to myself that it was strange to see a bat at this time of year. At that exact moment, a Sharp-shinned Hawk flew in and took the bat. Ed Sinkler Fountain Hill Lehigh County Subject: George Casselberry- Hawk in Lawrence Co From: George Casselberry <gcasselberry5334 AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Fri, 5 Feb 2010 17:18:42 -0800 Today at 10:37AM near the Greer House Assisted Living facility on Clen Moore Blvd in New Castle - I heard the calls of a Red-shouldered hawk, most likely a male, as I was going into the building to do a harmonica concert. ( I am 100% positive,)  George Subject: Stuck in the Snow Game From: Larry Lewis <EarlyBirdTours AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Sat, 6 Feb 2010 00:04:37 +0000 Hi Everyone, If you missed this game last time we played in December, nature is providing you another chance tomorrow....  It's the "Stuck at Home, Nothing to Do, Can't Drive in it, Go For a Winter Walk, Bird Nerd Game!" Feeling a little down? The weather cramping your style? Stuck at home to be safe while it snows?  Well I've got the cure! The "Bird Nerd Game!" It's a little game I developed do give those days when you feel stranded and must (or should) bird from home on foot - a little pizzazz! If you want to play, email me directly and I will send the file to you as an attachment.  Then download the attachment and play along. If you have questions, just call or email - I'll help you out. All you really have to do is keep track of everything you see, the miles you walk and the time you spend OUTSIDE walking around. Try to find as many species (even at your feeders), especially the rarer species (they are worth more points). Also try for the most diversity...the most orders, families, etc. Variety pays off with extra points, as does effort (miles, time afield)...even mammals count! The walk can be of any duration you choose and for as long as you wish (even all day), but it MUST originate and end at your home!   The last time we played we walked 8 miles and birded 7 hours in the December blizzard....great memories! I will be out playing while it snows Saturday. Join the fun, plan your course, don your snowshoes or skis, put on your pedometers, and lets see who wins...and what rare discoveries we all might find!  It's lots of fun, we'll enjoy the snow, see some great birds, and get a little exercise! We have a wintering Brown Thrasher near our home... we'll be looking for him tomorrow in the snow while we play our Bird Nerd Game- he's worth some valuable points! You'd be surprized at how many birds (even some very unusual species) can be found within walking distance of home - anyone's home! You just have to look! So, grab a friend and take a walk and let's see what we find...of course, if you happen to live within walking distance of a fantastic birding area, you wikll have a distinct advantage.  However, with effort and a little luck we can all have some friendly competition - and in the meantime, certainly see more than if we sat at home! Hope you'll play along. If you do, have fun and call or email us with your results tomorrow! I'm certain there will be some interesting finds. Remember, email me directly tonight for the game and I will send it along. Good Birding and if you play, let me know how you did, Larry Lewis   EARLY BIRD NATURE TOURS "Exciting & Fun Adventures in Nature"      Coatesville, PA 19320      484-340-SORA (7672) --  cell & business        email: earlybirdtours AT comcast.net   Subject: small sparrow: New Castle PA From: DAVID STRIZZI <dstrizzi AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Fri, 5 Feb 2010 15:16:27 -0800 Looked out at my feeder late this snowy afternoon, and I saw a bunch of little birds sort of frantically eating, as if they were starved. One looked like a chipping sparrow -- but I knew it's way too early for that cute little summer bird. Consulted my bird book -- seems there's a "Winter Chipping Sparrow" -- an American Tree Sparrow. I never knew that. Of course, I quickly went out & refilled my feeders. I'll have to check tomorrow to see if that bird is still here. Libby Strizzi Lawrence Co. New Castle PA Subject: Prairie Falcon, Cumberland County From: Matt Sabatine <Mattsab12 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Fri, 5 Feb 2010 16:29:02 -0500 The falcon was at its usual spot this afternoon along Mud Level. My first time seeing it since returning to school from winter break after missing it twice. MS Subject: Juniata County - Bald Eagles From: Chad Kauffman <chadkauffman AT EARTHLINK.NET> Date: Fri, 5 Feb 2010 13:16:11 -0500 hello all we have again confirmed 3 active/promising Bald Eagle nests in the county again. All of them have had adults on or near the nest. I have also seen a juvie perched near the one nest in Mifflintown with its wings outstretched in the rain looking like a cormorant or a vulture warming up its wings. The Redheaded Woodpeckers are still being consistent in Oakland Mills. I am hoping to have coveys of Longspurs and Buntings this weekend after the big snow and hope to see them flying away from Snowy Owls and Gyrfalcons. I will be sure to give directions when that happens. :) Chad Kauffman Mifflintown, PA ############################ ### www.juniatacounty.com ###### #####Get a free quote now###### ############################ Subject: Coopers Hawk vs Rock Pigeon in NW Philly From: Cliff Hence <cwhenceiii AT AOL.COM> Date: Fri, 5 Feb 2010 14:28:59 -0500 This morning, I filled our bird feeders in the East Mt Airy section of Philadelphia so the birds would have something to eat during the upcoming Snow Storm. But as I always say 'Feeders are Feeders". A short while later, I looked out the window to see an adult Cooper's Hawk chowing down on something. When I got a closer look, I saw that it was a Pigeon. I tried to get some pics of the action but unfortunately the angle and shooting through the windows wasn't working very well. After several minutes, our cat. came to the window to take a look and that was enough for the hawk. It flew away with the pigeon in tow. Obviously didn't want to share. Cliff Hence Phila. Subject: Merlin- Lancaster County From: Pamela Fisher <goldeagle_60 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Fri, 5 Feb 2010 10:11:04 -0800 Howdy! I too have had a Merlin in my community recently. He is a gorgeous adult male, and I have seen him twice, in the trailer park where I live. The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world, In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun, Psalms 19:1-4 Pamela Fisher goldeagle_60 AT yahoo.com Gap, Lancaster County, PA http://www.flickr.com/photos/pfisher/ Subject: Allegheny Co. - Probable Merlin From: Ryan Tomazin <wvwarblers AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 5 Feb 2010 13:08:45 -0500 Hello All, Just south of the Bridgeville Exit on I-79, I had a probable (90% almost definite) Merlin perched in a tree by the highway, around 10:30 am. Ryan Tomazin | Bridgeville, PA _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail: Free, trusted and rich email service. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/201469228/direct/01/ Subject: Another Merlin, Berks County From: Joan Silagy <jsilagy AT EPIX.NET> Date: Fri, 5 Feb 2010 13:00:02 -0500 On my trip into Wyomissing, PA this morning I was shocked to find a female Merlin perched on top a light pole. Perhaps it was the one that had been at Blue Marsh because I haven't seen her for about a week and at least two weeks for no sighting of the male. It was a raptorial morning as on the way home I had a Sharp-shinned hawk perched on a wire, then a Red-tail on top of a light fixture along route 222 north and on route 183, 4 perched Black Vultures, a few in the air and a couple of Turkey Vultures. Joan Silagy Leesport, PA Subject: Rusty Blackbird at Westtown Lake - Chester County From: Douglas Kraemer <douglas.kraemer AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Fri, 5 Feb 2010 12:33:11 -0500 Went back to Westtown Lake in West Chester at lunchtime. All of the geese had gone, but there were 11 Hooded Mergansers, 8 Bufflehead, 8 Ring-necked Ducks swimming and diving (I really love it when you're looking at calm waters and then their heads just pop up from a dive.) But the best surprise was a single Rusty Blackbird standing in the shallow water at the very edge of the lake picking through the wet leaves. Douglas Kraemer Phoenixville, PA Chester County Subject: urban Merlin (Berks Co.) From: Katrina Knight <kknight AT FASTMAIL.FM> Date: Fri, 5 Feb 2010 09:23:22 -0500 Since a couple others have commented this week on seeing Merlins, I'll add my own sightings. I've been seeing a Merlin perched on a utility pole in the alley behind my house in Reading for a bit over a week. I've seen Merlins from my yard a few times before, but the others have been flyovers. This one's been hanging around. I was able to take some nice pictures, one of which can be seen here: . -- Katrina Knight kknight AT fastmail.fm Reading, PA, USA Subject: Greater White-fronted Goose - Chester County From: Douglas Kraemer <douglas.kraemer AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Fri, 5 Feb 2010 07:53:46 -0500 The lone Greater White-fronted Goose remains at Westtown Lake (on Westtown Rd. in Chester County). It was there this morning at 7:30 AM among about 300 or so Canada Geese and a few Bufflehead. Today it was on the side by the boat house, standing on the ice at the edge of the open water. I first saw the goose on 1/20/2010. It was also seen by Tim Sterrett and his wife on 1/30/2010. Tim told me that the geese usually congregate on the lake in the morning, so that is probably the best time to see the GWFG. Taking his advice, I saw it again on 2/2/2010 at about 8:45 AM and then again this morning 2/5/2010 at 7:30 AM. Douglas Kraemer Phoenixville, PA Chester County Subject: Great Horned, Lehigh County From: Matt loyko <phillies0810 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Thu, 4 Feb 2010 21:16:28 -0800 Good early early morning, Sitting here at my home in Whitehall, Lehigh county I heard a Great Horned Owl calling in my neighbors yard.  I ran over and opened my window to listen and heard a second one just across the street from each other communicating together..... what a sound to go to sleep too.  (It's also nice to hear them from your bed without trekking out into cold woods =p ) Take care everyone, Matt Loyko Lehigh County. Subject: Merlin - Mason-Dixon Line From: Ann Pettigrew <rook185 AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Thu, 4 Feb 2010 23:18:43 -0500 I, too, saw a Merlin today just south of the PA line perched in a tree along I-83. I think it's the first Merlin I have ever seen in this area. Ann Ann C. Pettigrew, V.M.D. rook185 AT comcast.net www.pbase.com/rook185 717-880-8715 Sent from iPhone