The Pennsylvania Birding List

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Recent Postings from
The Pennsylvania Birding List

Updated on Wednesday, May 22 at 04:33 AM EST
The most recently received Mail is at the top.

22 May FOY Bay-breasted Warbler [Tom Dougherty ]
21 May Peace Valley Park (IBA)(5/12-5/18) [August Mirabella ]
21 May Erie County, Presque Isle Hawk Watch for May 21, 2013 [Jerry McWilliams ]
21 May Moraine State Park - Butler Co. [Mark Vass ]
21 May Re: Permethrin For Ticks, Deet For Mosquitoss [Herbert Flavell ]
21 May Re: Permethrin For Ticks, Deet For Mosquitoss [Herbert Flavell ]
21 May Re: Permethrin For Ticks, Deet For Mosquitoss [peter keyel ]
21 May Lancaster County, Safe Harbor Park [Meredith_Lombard ]
21 May Re: Lyme - A cautionary tale [Deborah Grove ]
21 May Pocono Birding Weekend ["Wiltraut, Richard E" ]
21 May Red-winged Blackbird harrassing American Robin with beakful of worms [тАвтАвSтАвJтАвStahlтАвтАв ]
21 May Re: Lyme - A cautionary tale [Susan Schmoyer ]
21 May Whips and Blue Grosbeaks, York Co. [Dick Cleary ]
21 May Re: Lyme [Dick Cleary ]
21 May Re: Permethrin For Ticks, Deet For Mosquitoss [gg ]
21 May Re: Ticks [Linda Tucker ]
21 May Re: Lyme - A cautionary tale [Karen DeSantis ]
21 May Re: Permethrin For Ticks, Deet For Mosquitoss [Lee Ann Reiners ]
21 May Re: Fw: [PABIRDS] Lyme - A cautionary tale [Ryan Tomazin ]
21 May Re: Lyme - A cautionary tale [Brent Bacon ]
21 May 2 Mississippi Kites - Report from "The Great Bucktoe Creek Preserve Shorebird, Kite, Nighthawk & Anhinga(?) Watch" -- Day 3 -- Chester County [Larry Lewis ]
21 May Ticks [Moses Martin ]
21 May Permethrin For Ticks, Deet For Mosquitoss [Peter Robinson ]
20 May Re: Lyme - A cautionary tale [shannon thompson ]
20 May Great Horned Owl & Whip-poor-will - Allegheny Co. [Mark Vass ]
20 May Mississippi Kite - Bucktoe Creek Preserve, Kennett Square, PA [Harold Davis ]
20 May Tenn warblers, Pine Siskin and Common Nighthawk (Ind. co) [Marcy Cunkelman ]
20 May Fw: [PABIRDS] Lyme - A cautionary tale [Michele ]
20 May Re: Lyme - A cautionary tale [Deborah Grove ]
20 May Re: Lyme - A cautionary tale--Safe Tick Removal [Lee Ann Reiners ]
20 May Re: Lyme - A cautionary tale (and a ?) [Anne Bekker ]
20 May Re: Wildwood Park, Dauphin Co.-REOPENS [Larry Usselman ]
20 May Re: Identifying SGLs [Gerald Kruth ]
20 May Wildwood Park, Dauphin Co.-REOPENS [lockermanS&G ]
20 May Re: Lyme - A cautionary tale--Safe Tick Removal [Meredith_Lombard ]
20 May Re: Lyme - A cautionary tale [Meredith_Lombard ]
20 May FW: Peregrine Falcon Banding [Ed Norman ]
20 May Beaver Co. Sightings [Mark Vass ]
20 May Re: Identifying SGLs [Adam Smith ]
20 May Re: Lyme - A cautionary tale [Renee Tressler ]
20 May Olive-sided Flycatcher, Monroe County [Adam Smith ]
20 May Erie County, Presque Isle Hawk Watch for May 20, 2013 [Jerry McWilliams ]
20 May Lebanon County, Swatara State Park, Cerulean and Mourning Warbler [Tim Becker ]
20 May Kreiders Pond [Gerry Boltz ]
20 May Lebanon County, Mt Pleasant Rd, Red-necked Phalarope, Ruddy Turnstone, Dunlin, Pintail [Tim Becker ]
20 May Re: Lyme - A cautionary tale [Mike Epler ]
20 May York County - RFI birding near Gifford Pinchot SP [Mike Tanis ]
20 May Help Needed [Ed Barrell ]
20 May Re: Lyme - A cautionary tale [Karen DeSantis ]
20 May Re: Lyme - A cautionary tale [Deborah Grove ]
20 May Re: Lyme - A cautionary tale [Sally Zaino ]
20 May Lyme - A cautionary tale [Barry Horton ]
20 May Upcoming Birdwalks - Schuylkill, Luzerne [Dave Kruel ]
19 May Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, Common Nighthawks, Clearfield Co. [Dan Richards ]
19 May Update Peregrine Falcons on Clarks Ferry Bridge-Dauphin Co [lockermanS&G ]
19 May Clarion County Sparrows, Warblers, etc [Shawn Collins ]
19 May Re: (19) species of Warblers Middle Creek WMA [John Heiselman ]
19 May Erie County birds of note [Jerry McWilliams ]
19 May Breeding Birds ["Brauning, Daniel" ]
19 May Dickcissel, Bobolinks Western Cumberland County [David McNaughton ]
19 May Northeast PA birding (OK, and the auto loop at Stokes) [Evan Mann ]
19 May Erie County, Presque Isle Hawk Watch for May 19, 2013 [Jerry McWilliams ]
19 May Lebanon County, Mt Pleasant Rd, Red-necked Phalarope, Ruddy Turnstone [Tim Becker ]
19 May LEHIGH CO: Indigo Bunting FOY [David Neimeyer ]
19 May Surf Scoter - Crawford Co. [Mark Vass ]
19 May FOY birds yesterday and today, N. Wayne Co. [Trudy Gerlach ]
19 May Cumberland Cnty: Louisianna Waterthrush [Barry Horton ]
19 May Allegheny County--Frick Park [Michael Fialkovich ]
19 May Re: Identifying SGLs [Herbert Flavell ]
19 May Report from The Great Bucktoe Creek Preserve Shorebird, Kite, Nighthawk & Anhinga(?) Watch -- Day 1 -- Chester County [Larry Lewis ]
19 May Re: PABIRDS Digest - 15 May 2013 to 16 May 2013 (#2013-137) [Mike M ]
19 May Re: Identifying SGLs ["Ann C. Pettigrew" ]
19 May (19) species of Warblers Middle Creek WMA [Bruce and Sherri Carl ]
19 May Bird ID discussion, Lancaster County [Meredith_Lombard ]
19 May Re: PEFAs on Clark's Ferry Bridge - Dauphin CO [Robert Protz ]
18 May Warblers and more in yard, Lanc. Co [Loretta Gehman ]
18 May Re: chickadee nesting question [Kathy Clark ]

Subject: FOY Bay-breasted Warbler
From: Tom Dougherty <tomdoc AT HOTMAIL.COM>
Date: Wed, 22 May 2013 05:19:00 -0400

Two singing males in my backyard yesterday in the Hunter's Chase subdivision, off of Sollenberger, headed west, Tom DoughertyFranklin County717-830-3114
Subject: Peace Valley Park (IBA)(5/12-5/18)
From: August Mirabella <augustmirabella AT AOL.COM>
Date: Tue, 21 May 2013 18:28:35 -0400

All, Reports were a little light this week but 106 species were still reported. Some highlights include: 5 Snow Geese continue 1 Mute Swan 5/13 Ruddy Duck continues-high report 5 5/14 Double-crested Cormorant continues-high report 23 5/13 Osprey Bald Eagle Spotted Sandpiper continues Solitary Sandpiper-last report 5/18 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull 5/17 Yellow-billed Cuckoo 5/12 thru 5/17 1 Black-billed Cuckoo- 5/13 1 Alder Flycatcher 5/17 5 swallow species Rudy-crowned Kinglet-last report 5/15 Veery 5/15 & 5/17 Swainson's Thrush-multiple days. Wood Thrush-now regular at multiple sites Ceder Waxwing now being reported somewhat regularly after the long absence. 21 Warbler species including: Nashville Warbler -1st report 5/15 Palm Warbler-last report 5/14 Prothonotary Warbler 1 Lincoln's Sparrow 5/13 White-throated Sparrows continue-late this year 1 White-crowned Sparrow 5/14 1 Blue Grosbeak 5/13 Thanks to all who share their sightings for our weekly list. August Mirabella North Wales, PA
Subject: Erie County, Presque Isle Hawk Watch for May 21, 2013
From: Jerry McWilliams <jerrymcw AT AOL.COM>
Date: Tue, 21 May 2013 15:57:30 -0400

Presque Isle Erie, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: May 21, 2013 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Black Vulture 0 0 1 Turkey Vulture 8 1918 17335 Osprey 0 78 172 Bald Eagle 0 57 152 Northern Harrier 1 31 121 Sharp-shinned Hawk 0 441 1739 Cooper's Hawk 0 15 129 Northern Goshawk 0 0 0 Red-shouldered Hawk 0 0 468 Broad-winged Hawk 9 1243 4494 Red-tailed Hawk 2 101 922 Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 24 Golden Eagle 0 0 1 American Kestrel 0 12 537 Merlin 0 6 22 Peregrine Falcon 0 6 16 Unknown Accipiter 0 2 8 Unknown Buteo 0 7 32 Unknown Falcon 0 2 5 Unknown Eagle 0 0 0 Unknown Raptor 0 0 2 Short-eared Owl 0 0 1 Total: 20 3919 26181 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 10:00:00 Total observation time: 2 hours Official Counter: Jerry McWilliams Observers: Jerry McWilliams, Roger Donn Visitors: Roger Donn assisted with the count. Julie Dell was the only visitor Weather: Hazy sun becoming cloudy with SSW and quite humid with warm temps. Raptor Observations: Despite the favorable winds, not much happening, so we packed it in early when we lost the sun. Non-raptor Observations: Common Nighthawk--1, Blue Jay--30, Cedar Waxwing--45, Red-headed Woodpecker--1, Ruby-throated Hummingbird--2 Predictions: More of the same, but a better chance of thunderstorms with the approaching front. Maybe a sprinkling of birds. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Jerry McWilliams (jerrymcw AT aol.com) information may be found at: http://www.presqueisleaudubon.org Jerry McWilliams Erie, Erie County, Pa. jerrymcw AT aol.com
Subject: Moraine State Park - Butler Co.
From: Mark Vass <mvas1200 AT YAHOO.COM>
Date: Tue, 21 May 2013 11:36:33 -0700

This morning I was at Moraine State Park and checked the lake along the north shore and found the following waterfowl а Bufflehead 2 Red-breasted Merganser 4 Ruddy Duck 1 Common Loon 2 also at Nealy`s Point I had great looks at a male N. Parula that was feeding and singing in a tree at eyelevel right in front of me I also had great looks at a male Chestnut-sided Warbler here there was a Yellow-billed Cuckoo calling here а Mark Vass Beaver Co.
Subject: Re: Permethrin For Ticks, Deet For Mosquitoss
From: Herbert Flavell <herb1013 AT EPIX.NET>
Date: Tue, 21 May 2013 14:00:27 -0400

I forgot this link. http://www.guineafowlinternational.org/links/index.php#general Herb Flavell, Susquehanna County -----Original Message----- From: Herbert Flavell Sent: Tuesday, May 21, 2013 1:56 PM To: PABIRDS AT LIST.AUDUBON.ORG Subject: Re: [PABIRDS] Permethrin For Ticks, Deet For Mosquitoss Not believing in chemicals, I bought 25 Guinea Hens. They love to eat ticks. Most of them went wild because I free ranged them. We still see one or two flying around or eating seed under my feeders. There are still ticks here but our season is not as long here because of height (1,800 ft) and cold. We still have ticks because I took 2 off my Pug-Boxer 2 summers ago. The vet tested her and found nothing. But I no longer walk her by the pond for the tick reason and she hates snakes and attacks them if she gets the chance. To bad the PA Game Commission donтАЩt stock a few hundred thousand on state game lands. They fly like pheasants so would be good hunting after they were established. There's your chemical free tick control and food to. Herb Flavell, Gods Knob, Milk Can Corners, Susquehanna County -----Original Message----- From: peter keyel Sent: Tuesday, May 21, 2013 1:17 PM To: PABIRDS AT LIST.AUDUBON.ORG Subject: Re: [PABIRDS] Permethrin For Ticks, Deet For Mosquitoss With all the talk about using permethrin and DEET, it's important to keep in mind that both of these chemicals carry varying degrees of risk in and of themselves. How to balance the risk is up to each individual, but it's important to be aware of the cons of pesticides/repellants. Permethrin is very toxic in aquatic ecosystems, so please do not dump this stuff down the drain, and don't stick permethrin-laced clothing in the swamps/ponds/lakes you're birding. Permethrin can also be fatal to cats (dogs are more resistant. Permethrin toxicity is one reason to be very cautious in using anti-flea medication for dogs on cats). It's also a suspect carcinogen. DEET is a good plasticizer, meaning it will attack any plastic it, or your hands laced with it, come into contact with (like your steering wheel, phone or plastic watch). It can also act on your nervous system, with one report claiming a correlation between DEET use and mood-related disorders, so it's a lot better not to spray 100% stuff on your skin and to wash your clothes. My understanding is that Canada doesn't permit anything over 30% DEET. Peter Keyel Pittsburgh, PA labtroglodyte AT yahoo.com
Subject: Re: Permethrin For Ticks, Deet For Mosquitoss
From: Herbert Flavell <herb1013 AT EPIX.NET>
Date: Tue, 21 May 2013 13:56:58 -0400

Not believing in chemicals, I bought 25 Guinea Hens. They love to eat ticks. Most of them went wild because I free ranged them. We still see one or two flying around or eating seed under my feeders. There are still ticks here but our season is not as long here because of height (1,800 ft) and cold. We still have ticks because I took 2 off my Pug-Boxer 2 summers ago. The vet tested her and found nothing. But I no longer walk her by the pond for the tick reason and she hates snakes and attacks them if she gets the chance. To bad the PA Game Commission donтАЩt stock a few hundred thousand on state game lands. They fly like pheasants so would be good hunting after they were established. There's your chemical free tick control and food to. Herb Flavell, Gods Knob, Milk Can Corners, Susquehanna County -----Original Message----- From: peter keyel Sent: Tuesday, May 21, 2013 1:17 PM To: PABIRDS AT LIST.AUDUBON.ORG Subject: Re: [PABIRDS] Permethrin For Ticks, Deet For Mosquitoss With all the talk about using permethrin and DEET, it's important to keep in mind that both of these chemicals carry varying degrees of risk in and of themselves. How to balance the risk is up to each individual, but it's important to be aware of the cons of pesticides/repellants. Permethrin is very toxic in aquatic ecosystems, so please do not dump this stuff down the drain, and don't stick permethrin-laced clothing in the swamps/ponds/lakes you're birding. Permethrin can also be fatal to cats (dogs are more resistant. Permethrin toxicity is one reason to be very cautious in using anti-flea medication for dogs on cats). It's also a suspect carcinogen. DEET is a good plasticizer, meaning it will attack any plastic it, or your hands laced with it, come into contact with (like your steering wheel, phone or plastic watch). It can also act on your nervous system, with one report claiming a correlation between DEET use and mood-related disorders, so it's a lot better not to spray 100% stuff on your skin and to wash your clothes. My understanding is that Canada doesn't permit anything over 30% DEET. Peter Keyel Pittsburgh, PA labtroglodyte AT yahoo.com
Subject: Re: Permethrin For Ticks, Deet For Mosquitoss
From: peter keyel <labtroglodyte AT YAHOO.COM>
Date: Tue, 21 May 2013 10:17:59 -0700

With all the talk about using permethrin and DEET, it's important to keep in mind that both of these chemicals carry varying degrees of risk in and of themselves. How to balance the risk is up to each individual, but it's important to be aware of the cons of pesticides/repellants. Permethrin is very toxic in aquatic ecosystems, so please do not dump this stuff down the drain, and don't stick permethrin-laced clothing in the swamps/ponds/lakes you're birding. Permethrin can also be fatal to cats (dogs are more resistant. Permethrin toxicity is one reason to be very cautious in using anti-flea medication for dogs on cats). It's also a suspect carcinogen. DEET is a good plasticizer, meaning it will attack any plastic it, or your hands laced with it, come into contact with (like your steering wheel, phone or plastic watch). It can also act on your nervous system, with one report claiming a correlation between DEET use and mood-related disorders, so it's a lot better not to spray 100% stuff on your skin and to wash your clothes. My understanding is that Canada doesn't permit anything over 30% DEET. Peter Keyel Pittsburgh, PA labtroglodyte AT yahoo.com
Subject: Lancaster County, Safe Harbor Park
From: Meredith_Lombard <ctsnature AT YAHOO.COM>
Date: Tue, 21 May 2013 12:29:14 -0400

Safe Harbor Park ( Powerhouse Dr., Conestoga, PA ) has been very тАЬbirdyтАЭ the past few days, with highlights for me being getting a good look at a Cerulean Warbler (nemesis bird!) and hearing a Barred Owl calling mid-day on Sunday. An Osprey carried a large stick over the dam and up into the eastern hillside, but I could not see where it may be nesting. I also birded Warehouse Road, which parallels the Conestoga River on the north side of the Park. There is a Carolina Wren nesting in the curled end of a guardrail. The species list is below: Canada Goose Mallard Double-crested Cormorant Great Blue Heron Great Egret Osprey Cooper's Hawk Red-tailed Hawk Rock Pigeon Mourning Dove Yellow-billed Cuckoo Barred Owl Common Nighthawk (After 7:00 p.m., it looked like the birds were launching from trees on the south side of the park, as well as from the wooded hillside along Warehouse Road. Some were quite low, others quite high.) Chimney Swift Belted Kingfisher Red-bellied Woodpecker Downy Woodpecker Eastern Wood-Pewee Acadian Flycatcher (calling, good looks at one along Warehouse Road) Great Crested Flycatcher Eastern Kingbird Warbling Vireo Red-eyed Vireo Blue Jay American Crow Fish Crow Northern Rough-winged Swallow Purple Martin Carolina Chickadee White-breasted Nuthatch Carolina Wren Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (found a lichen-encrusted nest with a bird in it, on a branch in the park) Eastern Bluebird Wood Thrush American Robin Gray Catbird European Starling Cedar Waxwing Ovenbird Common Yellowthroat American Redstart Cerulean Warbler Northern Parula Yellow Warbler Blackpoll Warbler Chipping Sparrow Field Sparrow Song Sparrow Northern Cardinal Indigo Bunting Common Grackle Brown-headed Cowbird Baltimore Oriole House Finch American Goldfinch
Subject: Re: Lyme - A cautionary tale
From: Deborah Grove <dsg4 AT PSU.EDU>
Date: Tue, 21 May 2013 12:02:25 -0400

Lewis Grove our son was tested for several after being on the BBA field crew one yr and found he had Ehrlichiosis. It is a wonder he didn't have more than that being on the crew 6 yrs and staying in campgrounds. Of course he was doing point counts at car stops but... Deb ----- Original Message ----- From: "Susan Schmoyer" To: PABIRDS AT LIST.AUDUBON.ORG Sent: Tuesday, May 21, 2013 11:15:06 AM Subject: Re: [PABIRDS] Lyme - A cautionary tale The test is still not very dependable. I contracted Lyme while working on the BBA the summer of the swine flu epidemic. Both the swine and Lyme tests came back negative; the bulls eye rash didn't manifest itself until I had been sick as a dog for over a week. It didn't seem to matter to the doctor that I had been exposed to many ticks because he was too afraid of over-prescribing antibiotics, and didn't write the script until he saw the rash. Needless to say, I now have a new physician. Unfortunately, anyone who has had Lyme now carries the antibodies and will subsequently always test positive. The moral of the story is if you've been around ticks and have symptoms, don't depend on the test. I hate to think of how long I would have gone without meds if the rash had been in a obscure place. Sue Schmoyer Kutztown, Berks Co. On May 21, 2013, at 9:04 AM, Brent Bacon wrote: > A couple of question for everyone: > How accurate or dependable is the Lyme test nowadays? > I had it in the early 90s and it was positive. The Dr said it was less than > 50% chance it was accurate. I figured that meant that there was more of a > chance that I did not have it. > > And, where does one get the 98% Deet? > I spend a lot of time out there besides bird watching. I am usually working > on conservation projects, hunting and fishing. My hiking has taken a hit, > with my foot and knee problems. > Very interesting thread. Thanks for sharing. > > Brent Bacon > Lewisburg, PA > > -----Original Message----- > From: Barry Horton [mailto:fightthefoe AT ATT.NET] > Sent: Monday, May 20, 2013 11:18 AM > Subject: Lyme - A cautionary tale > > I hope this is okay for the list serv. Saturday, Jenni and I took a short > stroll on a wooded trail by Messiah Village. This is the first in a long > time that we have been birding. We sprayed ourselves with insect repellent, > and checked ourselves when done for ticks. Two hours after we were home, I > felt something crawling on my neck- a tick. This was especially distressing > to me, as I have been dealing with chronic Lyme disease for a year now. > > Last June, I had what started as flu-like symptoms for a week. No > antibiotics, or medication would lower my raging fever. After the fever > broke, I was weak and constantly gasping for air. Chronic fatigue set in, > with heart palpitations. After three months of tests, it was determined I > had heart ischemia, and my heart was pumping at only 30% of capacity. > > Since then, fatigue, headache, low grade fevers, air hunger, brain fog and > other symptoms come and go. After many doctors, and lots of tests, it was > determined I had chronic lyme. > > When first detected, Lyme can be easily treated with antibiotics for 10 days > to a month. Unfortuneatly, my lyme was not discovered until it was in a > later stage. I have been unable to work, hike, or even exercise regularly. > The lyme has caused arthritic pain throughout my body, and bursitis in my > right arm to the point where I have physically lost half the motion in my > arm. Fatigue, and pain are my constant companions. I have yet to find a > doctor in this area to treat me effectively, and those in other areas > familiar with the disease do not take insurance. > > I say all this not for sympathy. God has sustained me through everything! > But I say this as a caution to all who come in contact with the woods, and > ticks. My wife and I thought we took every precaution, and still, I got > Lyme. Take care of yourselves, and be careful in your hiking through the > woods. Lyme is no joke. > > Good birding to all, > > Barry Horton -- 409-136-3 Deborah S. Grove, Ph.D. Director of Genetic Analysis Genomics Core Facility Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences Penn State University 408 Chandlee Building University Park PA 16802 ALL MAIL to 407 Chandlee 814 865 3332 http://www.huck.psu.edu/facilities/nucleic-acid-up/
Subject: Pocono Birding Weekend
From: "Wiltraut, Richard E" <rwiltraut AT PA.GOV>
Date: Tue, 21 May 2013 11:35:11 -0400

The birding weekend May 17-19 in the Poconos sponsored by DCNR tallied 134 species including 28 species of warblers. Some of the highlights included a flock of Brant at Lake Wallenpaupack (first heard migrating at night then seen first seen in the morning), Merlin, Ruffed Grouse (several drumming), two Soras (one migrating at night over Lake Wallenpaupack), Virginia Rail, American Woodcock (several, one on ground displaying in front of group), Whip-poor-wills (many, one close in road), Lawrence's Warbler, Golden-winged Warbler (4), Cerulean Warbler (10+), Mourning Warbler, Bobolink (many), 4 Pine Siskins (one eating dandelion seeds), and Lincoln's Sparrow. All birds seen or heard without use of recorded songs/calls. Good birding, Rick Rick Wiltraut PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center 835 Jacobsburg Road Wind Gap, PA 18091 Phone: 610.746.2810 Fax: 610.746.2804 Email: rwiltraut AT pa.gov www.dcnr.state.pa.us
Subject: Red-winged Blackbird harrassing American Robin with beakful of worms
From: тАвтАвSтАвJтАвStahlтАвтАв <jalstahl AT COMCAST.NET>
Date: Tue, 21 May 2013 11:34:25 -0400

Last evening, May 20th, I watched an American Robin with a beakful of worms, being chased time after time, for distances of approximately 10 to 30 feet, in and around a cattail marsh at Wood's Edge Park in Lancaster County. This continued for about a half hour while I watched. I assume the robin was trying to feed its young. I don't know whether she was successful or not. Sincerely, Stan Stahl
Subject: Re: Lyme - A cautionary tale
From: Susan Schmoyer <sdschmoyer AT AOL.COM>
Date: Tue, 21 May 2013 11:15:06 -0400

The test is still not very dependable. I contracted Lyme while working on the BBA the summer of the swine flu epidemic. Both the swine and Lyme tests came back negative; the bulls eye rash didn't manifest itself until I had been sick as a dog for over a week. It didn't seem to matter to the doctor that I had been exposed to many ticks because he was too afraid of over-prescribing antibiotics, and didn't write the script until he saw the rash. Needless to say, I now have a new physician. Unfortunately, anyone who has had Lyme now carries the antibodies and will subsequently always test positive. The moral of the story is if you've been around ticks and have symptoms, don't depend on the test. I hate to think of how long I would have gone without meds if the rash had been in a obscure place. Sue Schmoyer Kutztown, Berks Co. On May 21, 2013, at 9:04 AM, Brent Bacon wrote: > A couple of question for everyone: > How accurate or dependable is the Lyme test nowadays? > I had it in the early 90s and it was positive. The Dr said it was less than > 50% chance it was accurate. I figured that meant that there was more of a > chance that I did not have it. > > And, where does one get the 98% Deet? > I spend a lot of time out there besides bird watching. I am usually working > on conservation projects, hunting and fishing. My hiking has taken a hit, > with my foot and knee problems. > Very interesting thread. Thanks for sharing. > > Brent Bacon > Lewisburg, PA > > -----Original Message----- > From: Barry Horton [mailto:fightthefoe AT ATT.NET] > Sent: Monday, May 20, 2013 11:18 AM > Subject: Lyme - A cautionary tale > > I hope this is okay for the list serv. Saturday, Jenni and I took a short > stroll on a wooded trail by Messiah Village. This is the first in a long > time that we have been birding. We sprayed ourselves with insect repellent, > and checked ourselves when done for ticks. Two hours after we were home, I > felt something crawling on my neck- a tick. This was especially distressing > to me, as I have been dealing with chronic Lyme disease for a year now. > > Last June, I had what started as flu-like symptoms for a week. No > antibiotics, or medication would lower my raging fever. After the fever > broke, I was weak and constantly gasping for air. Chronic fatigue set in, > with heart palpitations. After three months of tests, it was determined I > had heart ischemia, and my heart was pumping at only 30% of capacity. > > Since then, fatigue, headache, low grade fevers, air hunger, brain fog and > other symptoms come and go. After many doctors, and lots of tests, it was > determined I had chronic lyme. > > When first detected, Lyme can be easily treated with antibiotics for 10 days > to a month. Unfortuneatly, my lyme was not discovered until it was in a > later stage. I have been unable to work, hike, or even exercise regularly. > The lyme has caused arthritic pain throughout my body, and bursitis in my > right arm to the point where I have physically lost half the motion in my > arm. Fatigue, and pain are my constant companions. I have yet to find a > doctor in this area to treat me effectively, and those in other areas > familiar with the disease do not take insurance. > > I say all this not for sympathy. God has sustained me through everything! > But I say this as a caution to all who come in contact with the woods, and > ticks. My wife and I thought we took every precaution, and still, I got > Lyme. Take care of yourselves, and be careful in your hiking through the > woods. Lyme is no joke. > > Good birding to all, > > Barry Horton
Subject: Whips and Blue Grosbeaks, York Co.
From: Dick Cleary <rlc74 AT AOL.COM>
Date: Tue, 21 May 2013 11:00:40 -0400

There were two or three whip-poor-wills calling at Camp Tuckahoe in York Co. last evening and also two, maybe three, male blue grosbeaks on the southern end of Brunner Island. Dick Cleary
Subject: Re: Lyme
From: Dick Cleary <rlc74 AT AOL.COM>
Date: Tue, 21 May 2013 10:58:04 -0400

Shannon alluded to a lack of awareness about Lyme. Part of the reason for it, in my opinion, is that every evening the media in our area, and presumably elsewhere, gives us an update on the number of cases of West Nile Virus and cautions everyone about getting rid of standing water, etc. Unfortunately, I have never heard a single report on Lyme which is far more prevalent and far more insidious than WNV. I really don't understand the media's obsession with West Nile and their apparently complete lack of interest in Lyme. Dick Cleary
Subject: Re: Permethrin For Ticks, Deet For Mosquitoss
From: gg <lingxing026-pabirds AT YAHOO.COM>
Date: Tue, 21 May 2013 07:43:37 -0700

You can get the spray at REI. аWe have been using it since last year when my son did a Civil War encampment in a field with lots of ticks. аHe emerged tick-free. аI use it in the field all the time now and have not had one tick on me, or my clothes. аIf we forget to treat our clothes, we use a botanical spray which seems to work also, but it's a bit smelly.а Gigi Gerben Washington Countyа ________________________________ From: Lee Ann Reiners To: PABIRDS AT LIST.AUDUBON.ORG Sent: Tuesday, May 21, 2013 9:32 AM Subject: Re: [PABIRDS] Permethrin For Ticks, Deet For Mosquitoss Yes, I think permethrin is good stuff--I've used it on my clothing before our trips to CostaRica and Ecuador last year and had no problems.I ordered mine from an online source, but was unable to find any locally. Where do most folks get yours? I put it on pants and shirts, since I love wildflower photography which puts me flat out on the ground quite often. So I need to good supply! Lee Ann On 5/21/2013 1:35 AM, Peter Robinson wrote: > A few years ago before a birding trip to the Darien in southern Panama I sprayed Permethrin on the Muck boots and the legs (up to the knees) of the pants that I planned to wear. > > Before every outing, the guide and the five other birders tucked pants legs into socks and put tape around the top of their socks.а I think they sprayed with something, but I do not remember for certain. > > After every outing they all spent 15 to 30 minutes picking ticks from their ankles and legs.а I found just one tick on myself during the week of outings. >а ааа ааа ааа а ааа ааа
Subject: Re: Ticks
From: Linda Tucker <arcanehero AT GMAIL.COM>
Date: Tue, 21 May 2013 10:31:56 -0400

I second this idea. I have a few pairs of Insect Blocker pants made by Columbia that work very well. I had a wonderful opportunity to go to Belize last spring as part of a course on hummingbirds at my college (or should I say former college... I just graduated). It was suggested that we wear such pants, but I was the only student that did, and I was the only student that didn't get any ticks, chiggers, or mosquito bites. I've been wearing them on hikes ever since! I believe they also make shirts. but I have had good experience just using insect repellent on my arms and neck. I use Buggspray, which I think is only 25% deet, but I haven't had any problems with ticks or mosquitos. In fact, the only tick I've found attached since I started wearing the insect pants and using Buggspray was in my hair... guess maybe I should start spraying my head? The only "problem" with the insect pants is that they tend to be pricey. I've seen them in the store for $50 - $80. I got mine online from a discount retailer for $22, but they only had a few sizes, and I lucked out. Linda Tucker Lake Ariel, PA On Tue, May 21, 2013 at 7:02 AM, Moses Martin wrote: > > > What I have found to be the best solution is clothing treated with > Permethrin. I buy all of mine from ExOfficio under the brand name of > BugsAway/InsectShield, but other vendors such as LL Bean also carry it. > Despite years of wildlife photography, walking dogs, and working around my > property, I donТt think IТve ever found an attached tick on me while > wearing this clothing. I have found a few climbing my pants legs, but IТm > sure that had I not noticed them, they would have dropped off before > getting to me. The treatment is good for 70 washings and the clothing is > well made. And it works great for deer flies and mosquitoes too. > > > Thanks > Moses Martin > Millville, PA >
Subject: Re: Lyme - A cautionary tale
From: Karen DeSantis <kard99 AT WINDSTREAM.NET>
Date: Tue, 21 May 2013 10:05:16 -0400

The products I use are: Repel 100 DEET pump spray. I think I got it at Walmart, it should be available other places. The label says 98.11% DEET, an online search calls it 100%. Permethrin clothing spray is Sawyer; I ordered that online from Amazon. Karen DeSantis -----Original Message----- From: Brent Bacon Sent: Tuesday, May 21, 2013 9:04 AM To: PABIRDS AT LIST.AUDUBON.ORG Subject: Re: [PABIRDS] Lyme - A cautionary tale A couple of question for everyone: How accurate or dependable is the Lyme test nowadays? I had it in the early 90s and it was positive. The Dr said it was less than 50% chance it was accurate. I figured that meant that there was more of a chance that I did not have it. And, where does one get the 98% Deet? I spend a lot of time out there besides bird watching. I am usually working on conservation projects, hunting and fishing. My hiking has taken a hit, with my foot and knee problems. Very interesting thread. Thanks for sharing. Brent Bacon Lewisburg, PA -----Original Message----- From: Barry Horton [mailto:fightthefoe AT ATT.NET] Sent: Monday, May 20, 2013 11:18 AM Subject: Lyme - A cautionary tale I hope this is okay for the list serv. Saturday, Jenni and I took a short stroll on a wooded trail by Messiah Village. This is the first in a long time that we have been birding. We sprayed ourselves with insect repellent, and checked ourselves when done for ticks. Two hours after we were home, I felt something crawling on my neck- a tick. This was especially distressing to me, as I have been dealing with chronic Lyme disease for a year now. Last June, I had what started as flu-like symptoms for a week. No antibiotics, or medication would lower my raging fever. After the fever broke, I was weak and constantly gasping for air. Chronic fatigue set in, with heart palpitations. After three months of tests, it was determined I had heart ischemia, and my heart was pumping at only 30% of capacity. Since then, fatigue, headache, low grade fevers, air hunger, brain fog and other symptoms come and go. After many doctors, and lots of tests, it was determined I had chronic lyme. When first detected, Lyme can be easily treated with antibiotics for 10 days to a month. Unfortuneatly, my lyme was not discovered until it was in a later stage. I have been unable to work, hike, or even exercise regularly. The lyme has caused arthritic pain throughout my body, and bursitis in my right arm to the point where I have physically lost half the motion in my arm. Fatigue, and pain are my constant companions. I have yet to find a doctor in this area to treat me effectively, and those in other areas familiar with the disease do not take insurance. I say all this not for sympathy. God has sustained me through everything! But I say this as a caution to all who come in contact with the woods, and ticks. My wife and I thought we took every precaution, and still, I got Lyme. Take care of yourselves, and be careful in your hiking through the woods. Lyme is no joke. Good birding to all, Barry Horton
Subject: Re: Permethrin For Ticks, Deet For Mosquitoss
From: Lee Ann Reiners <larch AT ZOOMINTERNET.NET>
Date: Tue, 21 May 2013 09:32:56 -0400

Yes, I think permethrin is good stuff--I've used it on my clothing before our trips to CostaRica and Ecuador last year and had no problems.I ordered mine from an online source, but was unable to find any locally. Where do most folks get yours? I put it on pants and shirts, since I love wildflower photography which puts me flat out on the ground quite often. So I need to good supply! Lee Ann On 5/21/2013 1:35 AM, Peter Robinson wrote: > A few years ago before a birding trip to the Darien in southern Panama I sprayed Permethrin on the Muck boots and the legs (up to the knees) of the pants that I planned to wear. > > Before every outing, the guide and the five other birders tucked pants legs into socks and put tape around the top of their socks. I think they sprayed with something, but I do not remember for certain. > > After every outing they all spent 15 to 30 minutes picking ticks from their ankles and legs. I found just one tick on myself during the week of outings. >
Subject: Re: Fw: [PABIRDS] Lyme - A cautionary tale
From: Ryan Tomazin <wvwarblers AT HOTMAIL.COM>
Date: Tue, 21 May 2013 09:31:48 -0400

Yep, I had a deer tick nip me while I was emailing on my computer in our apartment. I felt it and got it off immediately. I've also found a dog tick crawling on me in the car, and another climbing my apartment wall, days after parking my car with ONE WHEEL in the grass at Bald Knob in Allegheny Co. Ryan Tomazin | Bridgeville, PA > Date: Mon, 20 May 2013 18:16:03 -0400 > From: isomorphun AT ROADRUNNER.COM > Subject: [PABIRDS] Fw: [PABIRDS] Lyme - A cautionary tale > To: PABIRDS AT LIST.AUDUBON.ORG > > Thanks for sharing your story, Barry. Everyone, also please check your car > after you've been out hiking or birding. I've found ticks crawling in my > car several days after I've been on the trails perhaps from my clothing or > something I was carrying. I carry a camera and have found a tick on the > shoulder strap that probably hitched a ride as I brushed by its perch. Just > because they aren't on you today, doesn't mean they won't turn up if they've > been left in the areas you frequent. > > Be careful out there- > Michele Franz > > -----Original Message----- > From: Barry Horton > Sent: Monday, May 20, 2013 11:17 AM > To: PABIRDS AT LIST.AUDUBON.ORG > Subject: [PABIRDS] Lyme - A cautionary tale > > I hope this is okay for the list serv. Saturday, Jenni and I took a short > stroll on a wooded trail by Messiah Village. This is the first in a long > time that we have been birding. We sprayed ourselves with insect repellent, > and checked ourselves when done for ticks. Two hours after we were home, I > felt something crawling on my neck- a tick. This was especially distressing > to me, as I have been dealing with chronic Lyme disease for a year now. > > Last June, I had what started as flu-like symptoms for a week. No > antibiotics, or medication would lower my raging fever. After the fever > broke, I was weak and constantly gasping for air. Chronic fatigue set in, > with heart palpitations. After three months of tests, it was determined I > had heart ischemia, and my heart was pumping at only 30% of capacity. > > Since then, fatigue, headache, low grade fevers, air hunger, brain fog and > other symptoms come and go. After many doctors, and lots of tests, it was > determined I had chronic lyme. > > When first detected, Lyme can be easily treated with antibiotics for 10 days > to a month. Unfortuneatly, my lyme was not discovered until it was in a > later stage. I have been unable to work, hike, or even exercise regularly. > The lyme has caused arthritic pain throughout my body, and bursitis in my > right arm to the point where I have physically lost half the motion in my > arm. Fatigue, and pain are my constant companions. I have yet to find a > doctor in this area to treat me effectively, and those in other areas > familiar with the disease do not take insurance. > > I say all this not for sympathy. God has sustained me through everything! > But I say this as a caution to all who come in contact with the woods, and > ticks. My wife and I thought we took every precaution, and still, I got > Lyme. Take care of yourselves, and be careful in your hiking through the > woods. Lyme is no joke. > > Good birding to all, > > Barry Horton
Subject: Re: Lyme - A cautionary tale
From: Brent Bacon <blbacon AT PTD.NET>
Date: Tue, 21 May 2013 09:04:13 -0400

A couple of question for everyone: How accurate or dependable is the Lyme test nowadays? I had it in the early 90s and it was positive. The Dr said it was less than 50% chance it was accurate. I figured that meant that there was more of a chance that I did not have it. And, where does one get the 98% Deet? I spend a lot of time out there besides bird watching. I am usually working on conservation projects, hunting and fishing. My hiking has taken a hit, with my foot and knee problems. Very interesting thread. Thanks for sharing. Brent Bacon Lewisburg, PA -----Original Message----- From: Barry Horton [mailto:fightthefoe AT ATT.NET] Sent: Monday, May 20, 2013 11:18 AM Subject: Lyme - A cautionary tale I hope this is okay for the list serv. Saturday, Jenni and I took a short stroll on a wooded trail by Messiah Village. This is the first in a long time that we have been birding. We sprayed ourselves with insect repellent, and checked ourselves when done for ticks. Two hours after we were home, I felt something crawling on my neck- a tick. This was especially distressing to me, as I have been dealing with chronic Lyme disease for a year now. а Last June, I had what started as flu-like symptoms for a week. No antibiotics, or medication would lower my raging fever. After the fever broke, I was weak and constantly gasping for air. Chronic fatigue set in, with heart palpitations. After three months of tests, it was determined I had heart ischemia, and my heart was pumping at only 30% of capacity. а Since then, fatigue, headache, low grade fevers, air hunger, brain fog and other symptoms come and go. After many doctors, and lots of tests, it was determined I had chronic lyme. а When first detected, Lyme can be easily treated with antibiotics for 10 days to a month. Unfortuneatly, my lyme was not discovered until it was in a later stage. I have been unable to work, hike, or even exercise regularly. The lyme has caused arthritic painаthroughout my body, аand bursitis in my right arm to the point where I have physically lost half the motion in my arm. Fatigue, and pain are my constant companions. I have yet to find a doctor in this area to treat me effectively, and those in other areas familiar with the disease do not take insurance. а I say all this not for sympathy. God has sustained me through everything! But I say this as a caution to all who come in contact with the woods, and ticks. My wife and I thought we took every precaution, and still, I got Lyme. Take care of yourselves, and be careful in your hiking through the woods. Lyme is no joke. а Good birding to all, а Barry Hortonа
Subject: 2 Mississippi Kites - Report from "The Great Bucktoe Creek Preserve Shorebird, Kite, Nighthawk & Anhinga(?) Watch" -- Day 3 -- Chester County
From: Larry Lewis <EarlyBirdTours AT COMCAST.NET>
Date: Tue, 21 May 2013 11:41:35 +0000

Trip Report :┬а┬а The Great Bucktoe Creek Preserve Shorebird, Kite, Nighthawk and Anhinga(?) Watch - Day 3 Destination :┬а┬а Bucktoe Creek Preserve, Kennett Square, PA Date :┬а┬а Monday, May 20, 2013 Time :┬а┬а 3pm - 8:30pm Weather :┬а┬а Partly Sunny, 70-78F, SSE 5-10 Participants :┬а ┬аLarry Lewis (leader), Kathleer Pileggi (assistant),┬аHank Davis, Kelley Nunn, Meghann Matwichuk, Tim Zador┬а(Total Participants at "The Watch" today - 6) Comments :┬а ┬аIt has begun!┬а Kelley Nunn spotted the first Mississippi Kite at 5 PM.┬а Those are more interesting and graceful than ants, huh Kelley?? (inside joke)┬а The bird, a sub-adult,┬аlingered at considerable height for 15 minutes, before drifting off to the southwest.┬а The second sub-adult┬аMississippi Kite was much more willing to thrill all those at The Watch with a fantastic and close look for 20 minutes as we watched it catch and devour dragonflies (photos posted┬аby Hank Davis).┬а Where were you last evening??┬а Did I not tell you this was going to happen??┬а This is the third year in a row for Mississippi Kites here.┬а "The Watch" will continue daily from 3PM till dark, through June 7th.┬а Come join us as we look for kites, nighthawks,┬аand a variety of unusual (for PA) shorebirds passing by our site. ┬а Thanks to┬аHank Davis┬аfor furnishing rides to and from today's event. ┬а ----------------------------- ┬а Species List : ┬а Mallard - 5 Great Blue Heron - 3 Great Egret - 1 Black Vulture - 22 Turkey Vulture - 35 Osprey - 4 MISSISSIPPI KITE - 2 Northern Harrier - 1 Cooper's Hawk - 3 Red-shouldered Hawk - 3 Red-tailed Hawk - 4 Killdeer - 2 Mourning Dove - 12 COMMON NIGHTHAWK - 7 Chimney Swift - 27 Ruby-throated Hummingbird - 1 Belted Kingfisher - 2 Red-bellied Woodpecker - 5 Downy Woodpecker - 3 Hairy Woodpecker - 1 Northern Flicker - 5 Pileated Woodpecker - 2 Eastern Wood-Pewee - 2 Eastern Phoebe - 1 Eastern Kingbird - 6 Red-eyed Vireo - 2 Blue Jay - 6 American Crow - 10 Fish Crow - 2 Purple Martin - 8 Tree Swallow - 15 Northern Rough-winged Swallow - 1 Barn Swallow - 6 Carolina Chickadee - 4 Tufted Titmouse - 3 White-breasted Nuthatch - 1 Carolina Wren - 3 House Wren - 3 Eastern Bluebird - 4 Wood Thrush - 4 American Robin - 10 Gray Catbird - 6 Northern Mockingbird - 1 Brown Thrasher - 2 European Starling - 12 Cedar Waxwing - 45 Magnolia Warbler - 1 Black-throated Blue Warbler - 1 Black-throated Green Warbler - 2 Blackpoll Warbler - 2 Ovenbird - 3 Common Yellowthroat - 4 Scarlet Tanager - 3 Eastern Towhee - 5 Chipping Sparrow - 5 Field Sparrow - 4 Song Sparrow - 4 Northern Cardinal - 2 Rose-breasted Grosbeak - 1 Indigo Bunting - 4 Common Grackle - 2 Brown-headed Cowbird - 4 Orchard Oriole - 3 Baltimore Oriole - 4 House Finch - 3 American Goldfinch - 12 ┬а Total Species: ┬а66 - Day;┬а - Season at "The Watch" ┬а Thanks to Kathleen Pileggi in advance for entering this report into ebird for us. A copy of this report has also been emailed to all who participated in today's watch, and all interested parties. ┬а General information regarding "The Watch" appears below (copied from previous emails).... ┬а --------------------------------- ┬а The third annual Great Bucktoe Creek Preserve Shorebird, Kite, Nighthawk and Anhinga(?) Watch for 2013 Just a quick word about the upcoming Great Bucktoe Creek Preserve Shorebird, Kite Nighthawk and Anhinga(?) Watch for 2013.... (Okay, I just proof-read this, and it wasn't such a "quick word" after all - it seems, I have trouble being quick when I write! Long winded, but with a keyboard.) Where & When ?: The third annual "Great Bucktoe Creek Preserve Shorebird, Kite, Nighthawk and Anhinga(? ) Watch" is being held this year from Saturday, May 18th thru Friday, June 7, daily from 3PM until 8:30 PM (come and go whenever you want, within these times every day). Come kick this year's event off on a Saturday with some great birds. This year, more than ever, I can use help scanning the skies, as I continue my recovery from the accident. We can always use photographers with long lenses to help document what goes on here for this event. Why ?: A - Because, if you're a state-lister for PA, many of these birds are incredibly difficult to see in PA. And anyone interested in Chester County birds...whewwww! Look at the list of birds (below) we've seen here during the first 2 years of the Watch! B - In the words of nearly every Realtor I've ever met, "It's location, location, location." Why? Because a majority of their magnificent and still mysterious (to us) migration occurs overnight and because this migration tends to begin late in the afternoon (after that last, pre-flight day feeding frenzy to stock up on fat reserves, for the incredible journey that awaits). We here at Bucktoe are strategically(?) located here in southeast PA, just about as close to the fabled staging grounds along the Delaware Bay as you can be and still be in PA. We have a nice overlook facing towards the south, the direction the birds will be approaching us from. The way I figure it is this... the birds feed on their last day to stock up on reserves, take off in the late afternoon and follow the Bay/River for a bit as it heads north, until it begins to swing towards the northeast. The birds then swing more northerly heading towards the Tundra, where many breed, and away from the Bay. That brings many of them over Bucktoe Creek Preserve (which is just miles away from the Delaware River, where it bends to the northeast) and while it is still not too dark to see them or before they gain too much altitude (in some cases). These same flocks likely migrate over many of your homes, but unseen in the middle of the night and too high up for discerning. It's my theory anyway. And you know what they say about theories?? Whether my theory is correct or not, the reality is that we do get birds here, don't we?? C - Groups scanning are more successful and excitement reigns supreme as we wait. D - To wish them well (figuratively), on their incredible journey north for the short breeding season.. E - Because we have fun and share lots of birding stories F - The Patagonia picnic table effect? - The famed locale in Arizona where a rare bird was first noted (I believe it was a Black-capped Gnatcatcher, back in the 70's - did I just show my age?) and because of all the observers (many of them "good") coming to look while also eating lunch, even additional rare birds are seen. Well, we're "good" right? And we have picnic tables, right? In fact, 4 of them! Large ones! And we can eat lunch , even dinner, right?? (Boy, can I eat) Does this mean that we will next see a Swallow-tailed Kite gracing the skies over Bucktoe Creek? I'd like to think so...perhaps something even "better??" Who knows? But be there, or miss the action, or just have to look at our pictures. Speaking of cameras with long lenses... does anyone have an extra/spare of those, they'd like to sell? (Mine, it seems, bought for me by my Mother was stolen in my accident last year. Not everyone there, it seems, was just interested in saving my life.) And trust me, as someone who started this thing, yet still was left to "just look at pictures" last year - that was no fun. No fun at all - Okay, perhaps a bit of vicarious fun, Holly! Thanks, so much, you guys, for pulling it together last year, for me!! And I can't wait to see you all - Holly, Hank, Howard, Kitty, Joe, Ellen, Anita, Tim, Janny, Chuck, Brian (I'll stop there, while I can still leave enough people out!) - everyone! G - The beautiful sunsets???? Okay, perhaps a stretch to say that is why you come here, but they are beautiful, nonetheless. H - HELP!!! Did I mention that I can definitely use all the help scanning the skies that I can get (and especially photogs out there - to help document what we see) this year? I am still a bit rusty and I am still trying to recapture "my A game" after the accident, if you know what I mean. "Rusty" does not even begin to describe me - not even counting the effects of my injuries, I've hardly been out birding in a year (hardly even been out of the hospital). A bit more background, first, please : The Delaware Bay is an incredibly important staging area for migrant shorebirds. Ruddy Turnstones, Dunlin, Red Knots, Sanderlings, Black-bellied Plovers, Semipalmated Plover, Semipalmated Sandpipers, Whimbrels, Willets, and more, all use the tidal flats to feed on Horseshoe Crab eggs, which provide an easy meal for these famished birds. As they arrive from as far away as South America, these birds are in desperate need of sustenance, having lost a large percentage of their body weight during their migration to the Bay. The Delaware Bay is their final stopover and last chance to gain the weight needed to complete their journey to arctic Canada. They need this easy meal! As they (hopefully) gain and reach their required take-off weight, nearly the entire population will depart for the arctic during the last week of May and the first few days of June. We may witness nothing other than a wonderful sunset and have a nice time watching local birds and late migrants, but if we do this event at this season every year, we will likely eventually pick the right day and meet with some luck - potentially adding several species to the Bucktoe Creek Preserve bird list (as flyovers), not to mention your PA state list and Chester County lists. That has certainly happened the first 2 years of "The Watch." It boggles ones mind to know that many of these birds will depart the Delaware Bay and fly non-stop to arctic Canada! Wouldn't it be great to see them pass over as they wing their way north? Of course, as we scan the skies we may have a surprise other than a shorebird flock - this is prime time for southern vagrant Swallow-tailed Kite (next bird to fall at Bucktoe?), Mississippi Kite (seen both years), and Anhinga (seen one year, but in the fall)! From research that I have done, the birds depart the Delaware Bay (most frequently) on a mid- to late-day high tide during late May or the first few days of June, often en mass, but certainly in large flocks, and generally fly north or northwest at some altitude. The migration route for many of these flocks will cross our region - nearly all flocks will go unnoticed. I myself have witnessed this migration, both along the Delaware Bay and over Chester County (before this organized watch was started). This is a truly amazing site to witness these large flocks crossing our region. We have seen large flocks of Black-bellied Plovers flying over southern Chester County and Coatesville, as well as Whimbrel over Lancaster County while we watched for Swallow-tailed Kite and Mississippi Kites (both also seen). You just never know what may fly over, do you?? We will have scopes set up to scan the skies. If you have a scope, bring yours. If you have no scope, binoculars will help scan the skies. The plan is to have a bank of scopes (facing southeast towards the Delaware Bay) for everyone to use should we spot a shorebird flock migrating towards us. More When and What ? Please plan on coming out. Bring a collapsible chair (or sit on one of our picnic tables), bring your scope, camera with long lens, dinner and something to drink (adult beverages, okay within reason) and help scan the skies: The first 2 years of this watch we have had: Whimbrel -- hundreds last year Red Knot -- hundreds both years Sanderling -- hundreds in 2011, at least. Ruddy Turnstone -- hundreds, both years Dunlin -- hundreds, both years Black-bellied Plover -- hundreds both years Semipalmated Plover -- still need this one here. Killdeer -- many, both years Semipalmated Sandpiper -- hundreds, first year, at least (I'm not too up on last year's results, a complete blank - almost like I was in a coma) Greater Yellowlegs -- 1 in 2012 Lesser Yellowlegs -- 1 in 2011 & Mississippi Kites -- a hand-full of times both years (often close), including two in the air at one time last year! Common Nighthawk -- numerous, both years Other stuff... Osprey -- a few both years Bald Eagle -- a few, both years (seen nearly daily) Red-shouldered Hawk -- a few, both years Glossy Ibis -- 1 in 2012 Great Egret -- a few, both years Green Heron -- a few, both years Caspian Tern -- 3 in 2011 Double-crested Cormorant -- 1 in 2012 Blue Grosbeak -- a couple, both years (breeders). Magnolia Warbler -- 1 in 2012 Yellow-breasted Chat -- 1 in 2012 plus various more common migrants and resident birds. Even more When & What ?? If you seek... ┬а┬а┬а┬а Kites --- 3pm - 6pm (who knows, with these guys?) ┬а┬а┬а┬а Nighthawks --- after 5pm (before May 26) ┬а┬а┬а┬а Shorebirds --- 5pm till dark (especially when high tide along the Delaware Bay occurs in the late afternoon to push them off the flats where they are feeding, at the right time to begin their migration??) ┬а┬а┬а┬а┬а┬а┬а Whimbrel --- especially earlier in "The Watch"; mid-late May ┬а┬а┬а┬а┬а┬а┬а Red Knot --- later in "The Watch"; later in May and even June ┬а┬а┬а┬а A good time with lots of laughs --- 3pm till dark, daily! Of course, the departure time and date for these birds is not an exact science, but the more eyes we have scanning the skies over Bucktoe at this likely vantage point, the better our chances of seeing migrant flocks. About the best advise I can give is ....come, when you aren't coming and don't come when you are...or something like that. You just have to put the time in at The Watch to get rewarded. What do I bring ? Bring a lawn chair, sunscreen, hat, something to drink (adult beverages, okay, within reason), a picnic dinner, a date(???), a spotting scope, a camera with long lens, and join the fun watching the skies while having a wonderful evening at Bucktoe Creek Preserve. Everyone is welcome. Okay, still more Where ? Directions to Bucktoe Creek Preserve -- From Kennett Square, PA (in southern Chester County): Take Union Street south out of town. This becomes Kaolin Road. Make a right onto Hillendale Road. Proceed about 1.5 miles to Sharp Road and make a left. At the second hilltop on Sharp Road, the entrance is on the left across from Candlewyck development. (432 Sharp Rd.) Upon entering driveway, make a right on gravel road opposite first driveway you see on left. Follow gravel road and follow the signs to the parking area. You may access Bucktoe Creek Preserve only for these guided walks & special events. Hope to see you at the watch.... How much ? This event is free (sponsored by your friends, at Bucktoe Creek Preserve), but could "cost you, dearly," if you miss out - please come out and help me scan the skies - and have some fun with fellow birders! Who ? Everyone is welcome. Please come out to support this fine event and to welcome me back. I have been dying to get back - the trouble was that last year I was (nearly) dying to get here, too. Questions ? Contact me at info below... Good Birding All & see you at "The Watch," Larry Lewis & Kathleen Pileggi EARLY BIRD NATURE TOURS "Exciting & Fun Adventures in Nature" Coatesville, PA 19320 484-340-SORA (7672) -- Business Cell email: earlybirdtours AT comcast.net
Subject: Ticks
From: Moses Martin <kaboommals AT VERIZON.NET>
Date: Tue, 21 May 2013 07:02:55 -0400

I believe I must live in one of the tick hotspots of PA. Last November during deer season I removed 27 ticks from my clothing and body in one day with out ever leaving our 17 acres. In November! IтАЩve gotten several ticks on me just from stepping 10 feet off the deck to fill the feeders. And Lyme is definitely here too, 7 out of the last 8 dogs IтАЩve had have been treated for Lyme. What I have found to be the best solution is clothing treated with Permethrin. I buy all of mine from ExOfficio under the brand name of BugsAway/InsectShield, but other vendors such as LL Bean also carry it. Despite years of wildlife photography, walking dogs, and working around my property, I donтАЩt think IтАЩve ever found an attached tick on me while wearing this clothing. I have found a few climbing my pants legs, but IтАЩm sure that had I not noticed them, they would have dropped off before getting to me. The treatment is good for 70 washings and the clothing is well made. And it works great for deer flies and mosquitoes too. Somehow despite having well over a dozen ticks attached to me over the years (I really should always wear BugsAway), I seem to have dodged Lyme so far, but I appreciate the experiences shared on this list and will now be much less nonchalant about my tick problem. Thanks Moses Martin Millville, PA
Subject: Permethrin For Ticks, Deet For Mosquitoss
From: Peter Robinson <pabirder AT HOTMAIL.COM>
Date: Tue, 21 May 2013 05:35:08 +0000

A few years ago before a birding trip to the Darien in southern Panama I sprayed Permethrin on the Muck boots and the legs (up to the knees) of the pants that I planned to wear. Before every outing, the guide and the five other birders tucked pants legs into socks and put tape around the top of their socks. I think they sprayed with something, but I do not remember for certain. After every outing they all spent 15 to 30 minutes picking ticks from their ankles and legs. I found just one tick on myself during the week of outings.
Subject: Re: Lyme - A cautionary tale
From: shannon thompson <ofdewdrops AT YAHOO.COM>
Date: Mon, 20 May 2013 20:56:06 -0700

This has not been my experience at all. You are fortunate to have such a good doctor. Years ago, I foolishly dismissed a large rash on my shin as chigger bites because it did not have a bullseye ring. It had a dark center and itched like mad for 2 weeks. I did not have healthcare insurance at the time and did not want to spend the $50 to show my doctor a bug bite. Years later, my doctor denied my request for a Lyme test after a year or so of bloodwork and basic tests for everything but Lyme. I thought it would have been reasonable since I spent most of my free time outside and in the woods and had a variety of weird symptoms that included joint pains and fatigue. I was then 4 years into the infection and heading into some of the worst symptoms of this disease as it went more neurological. Following a negative brain MRI for leg numbness, I had a neurologist threaten to call my doctor and health insurance to block any further seeking of treatment, and that all he would order me was a good SSRI (anti-depressant) for what I was suffering. It took me an additional 3 1/2 years muddling through expensive and unnecessary testing through a wide range of top specialists before I was serendipitously lead to a Lyme specialist who was able to diagnose and begin treating what was now a 7 1/2 year old - late stage Lyme Disease. That was July of 2011. Not much progress has been made. My medications cost well over $1000/month and I am very fortunate to have access to insurance and a good doctor. Many others are not so fortunate. My story is really not so uncommon and the medical ignorance surrounding this disease is astounding and perhaps borders on criminal. Ticks carry more than just Lyme and precaution is the best medicine. Swift diagnosis and treatment are it's companion. I was infected twice and both times involved bare skin exposures. I always wear pants and tuck them into socks. Be aware and be careful. Thanks to Barry Horton for sharing his story and starting this subject so very relative to any outdoorsman, especially birders. Birding is a beautiful distraction from the misery of Lyme. Shannon Thompson Allegheny Co. ________________________________ From: Deborah Grove To: PABIRDS AT LIST.AUDUBON.ORG Sent: Monday, May 20, 2013 6:05 PM Subject: Re: [PABIRDS] Lyme - A cautionary tale I have never had any trouble convincing the Dr to give me antibiotics when I have had a tick attached. Or even suspected. The Dr has only ordered immunoblot test done once. That was when I had a variety of symptoms and they wanted to rule it out. Deb ----- Original Message ----- From: "Meredith_Lombard" To: PABIRDS AT LIST.AUDUBON.ORG Sent: Monday, May 20, 2013 3:37:54 PM Subject: Re: [PABIRDS] Lyme - A cautionary tale Err on the side of caution: the prophylaxis treatment suggested by the New England Journal of Medicine may fool you into thinking you won't get/don't have Lyme disease.а Read the full discussion in the NEJM link Mike posted.а If you experience any of the symptoms of Lyme disease (listed below), see a doctor for more than just a single dose of antibiotics.а Insist on a full course to prevent the growth of the Lyme bacteria in your body.а This symptom list was compiled by Mitchell L. Hoggard and L. James Johnson: "Symptoms Early signs of Lyme disease include flu-like symptoms (headache, fever, muscle aches, joint pain and fatigue) and a Lyme rash. Most symptoms show up days or weeks and occasionally months following infection. The Lyme rash (erythema migrans)а ... may not show up at all, or it may appear too light in color to be noticed. The rash can be shaped like a bulls-eye, it can be smooth or bumpy, it may or may not feel warm, and there can be multiple rashes that can appear at the site of the tick bite or elsewhere on the body. Once the infection becomes established, symptoms of Lyme disease vary but may include pain in muscles and joints, fatigue, swollen glands, fever, upset stomach, headache, forgetfulness, sleep disorders, depression, and sensitivity to light and sound, to name a few. When Lyme disease goes undetected, undiagnosed and untreated for months or years following infection, the bacteria can spread to the nervous system, the heart and other organs, tendons and joints. This late-stage infection can result in a wide variety of physical, emotional, and mental or cognitive symptoms. The late-stage list of symptoms is long and can include arthritis, heart abnormalities, Bell's palsy (paralysis of one or both sides of the face) and severe cognitive or mental dysfunction including memory loss, confusion, psychiatric problems, etc. Lyme disease is often referred to as the Great Pretender because the symptoms of Lyme disease can so closely mimic the symptoms of other diseases. Although no official numbers exist on this subject, Lyme patients have been misdiagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, menopause, depression, Alzheimer's disease, and Lou Gehrig's disease. Other patients have failed to receive any kind of definitive diagnosis long after the presentation of symptoms. " Early blood tests may not show Lyme disease.а Clinical manifestation (i.e. symptoms) are just as important when diagnosing the illness.а Hope this helps -Meredith Lombard On Mon, 20 May 2013 13:11:10 -0400, Mike Epler wrote: >If you find an attached deer tick, do not wait for symptoms to develop before seeking treatment, see your doctor immediately. > >From the New England Journal of Medicine, "A single 200-mg dose of doxycycline given within 72 hours after an I. scapularis tick bite can prevent the development of Lyme disease". > >Full article here: >http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJM200107123450201 > >Mike Epler > >> Date: Mon, 20 May 2013 12:21:17 -0400 >> From: kard99 AT WINDSTREAM.NET >> Subject: Re: [PABIRDS] Lyme - A cautionary tale >> To: PABIRDS AT LIST.AUDUBON.ORG >> >> I can attest to the fact that deer ticks are terrible this year. My friend & >> I go morel mushroom hunting every April. The past few years, I have started >> using repellant with 98% DEET, though I hate to put that smelly, oily, toxic >> stuff on myself. But I figured it's better than Lyme. I apply it to my >> ankles, lower legs, arms, neck, & up behind ears into my hair. In addition >> to that, we both started treating our clothes with Sawyer permethrin >> clothing spray. You spray all your clothes beforehand & let dry; it >> supposedly lasts through several washings and/or several weeks. Anyway, I >> spray that on my hiking boots, hat, socks, pants, shirts, and backpack. >> This has worked very well. However, this year, nearly everywhere we went, we >> kept finding deer ticks crawling up our pant legs - 6 or more at a time! It >> was awful. We were constantly stopping and twisting around looking at our >> pants & checking each others backs & shoulders. As long as we stuck to >> hiking trails or open woods, all was well, but the moment we started >> bushwhacking through any undergrowth, the ticks were on us. >> When back home, an immediate shower with full body tick check completed our >> regimen. (The shower also gets the DEET off as soon as possible.) >> I never did get any ticks on me, other than the ones I kept picking & >> flinging off of my pants. But my friend - whose repellant was 40% DEET, did >> find a lightly attached tick on her shoulder. So, I don't know if it was >> just luck for me or the 98% DEET. And I don't know if the ticks would have >> eventually fallen off of our treated pant legs, since we weren't about to >> wait & see! But it certainly was dismaying. >> If this keeps up, I might not go off-trail any more, anywhere, ever again! >> >> Karen DeSantis >> Bell Twp. Westmoreland Co. >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: Deborah Grove >> Sent: Monday, May 20, 2013 11:30 AM >> To: PABIRDS AT LIST.AUDUBON.ORG >> Subject: Re: [PABIRDS] Lyme - A cautionary tale >> >> I almost think birders and hikers should get checked every year. >> >> Deb >> >> ----- Original Message ----- >> From: "Sally Zaino" >> To: PABIRDS AT LIST.AUDUBON.ORG >> Sent: Monday, May 20, 2013 11:24:48 AM >> Subject: Re: [PABIRDS] Lyme - A cautionary tale >> >> I'll second that, and I think it is appropriate to mention this risk on this >> list.а I've had Lyme twice, and I can attest that you don't always get that >> halo around the tick bite (although my first tick this year created a lovely >> one--immediately started the antibiotics). It is the birding trips that >> really put us at risk, since that's when we are traipsing through the tall >> grass and un-trailed woods. I don't think it is something we can ignore any >> more. I used to think ticks were no big deal, but I've changed my mind. >> >> Best wishes, Barry. >> >> Sally Zaino >> Hummelstown PA >> >> >> On May 20, 2013, at 11:17 AM, Barry Horton wrote: >> >> > I hope this is okay for the list serv. Saturday, Jenni and I took a short >> > stroll on a wooded trail by Messiah Village. This is the first in a long >> > time that we have been birding. We sprayed ourselves with insect >> > repellent, and checked ourselves when done for ticks. Two hours after we >> > were home, I felt something crawling on my neck- a tick. This was >> > especially distressing to me, as I have been dealing with chronic Lyme >> > disease for a year now. >> > >> > Last June, I had what started as flu-like symptoms for a week. No >> > antibiotics, or medication would lower my raging fever. After the fever >> > broke, I was weak and constantly gasping for air. Chronic fatigue set in, >> > with heart palpitations. After three months of tests, it was determined I >> > had heart ischemia, and my heart was pumping at only 30% of capacity. >> > >> > Since then, fatigue, headache, low grade fevers, air hunger, brain fog and >> > other symptoms come and go. After many doctors, and lots of tests, it was >> > determined I had chronic lyme. >> > >> > When first detected, Lyme can be easily treated with antibiotics for 10 >> > days to a month. Unfortuneatly, my lyme was not discovered until it was in >> > a later stage. I have been unable to work, hike, or even exercise >> > regularly. The lyme has caused arthritic pain throughout my body,а and >> > bursitis in my right arm to the point where I have physically lost half >> > the motion in my arm. Fatigue, and pain are my constant companions. I have >> > yet to find a doctor in this area to treat me effectively, and those in >> > other areas familiar with the disease do not take insurance. >> > >> > I say all this not for sympathy. God has sustained me through everything! >> > But I say this as a caution to all who come in contact with the woods, and >> > ticks. My wife and I thought we took every precaution, and still, I got >> > Lyme. Take care of yourselves, and be careful in your hiking through the >> > woods. Lyme is no joke. >> > >> > Good birding to all, >> > >> > Barry Horton >> >> -- >> 409-136-3 >> Deborah S. Grove, Ph.D. >> Director of Genetic Analysis >> Genomics Core Facility >> Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences >> Penn State University >> 408 Chandlee Building >> University Park PA 16802 >> >> ALL MAIL to 407 Chandlee >> >> 814 865 3332 >> >> http://www.huck.psu.edu/facilities/nucleic-acid-up/ > ааа ааа ааа а ааа ааа -- 409-136-3 Deborah S. Grove, Ph.D. Director of Genetic Analysis Genomics Core Facility Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences Penn State University 408 Chandlee Building University Park PA 16802 ALL MAIL to 407 Chandlee 814 865 3332 http://www.huck.psu.edu/facilities/nucleic-acid-up/
Subject: Great Horned Owl & Whip-poor-will - Allegheny Co.
From: Mark Vass <mvas1200 AT YAHOO.COM>
Date: Mon, 20 May 2013 19:35:07 -0700

This evening I went to SGL 203 in Marshall Twp. а I was standing in the shooting range parking lot when a GREAT HORNED OWL flew into a tree about 20 yds. from me shortly after 9:00 it flew to the other side of the parking lot and vocalised several times which was cool to hear а I heard a WHIP-POOR-WILL while I was there and a bat was flying around а also on my way there I heard a LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH singing from Big Sewickley Creek in Bell Acres а а Mark Vass Beaver Co.
Subject: Mississippi Kite - Bucktoe Creek Preserve, Kennett Square, PA
From: Harold Davis <gblkrum AT VERIZON.NET>
Date: Mon, 20 May 2013 22:27:36 -0400

Tonight I visited the Shorebird/Kite watch at Bucktoe Creek Preserve in Kennett Square, PA. I was not disappointed. There were two Mississippi Kite's spotted tonight. The first bird was around 5:00 from a pretty good distance. Just what I was looking for. Waiting for shorebirds to come next, we had another Mississippi Kite at around 7:00. It gave the group a great look for about 20 minutes. It was feeding on dragonflies while flying in circles. It gave me enough time to get the photos at the link below. Come on out for the watch as it will last till June 7th. Every day from 3:00pm till 8:30pm. Hank Davis, Chadds Ford, PA http://www.flickr.com/photos/gblkrum1/8760175649/in/photostream/
Subject: Tenn warblers, Pine Siskin and Common Nighthawk (Ind. co)
From: Marcy Cunkelman <plant4nature AT DISH.NET>
Date: Mon, 20 May 2013 20:00:51 -0400

Hi All, On Saturday, 5/18, it seems like the Tenn. Warblers showed up in full song...very loud in the yard....yesterday 5/19, I had a single PIne Siskin eating at the feeders. (I also had at least 8 to a dozen on 5/10 and Steve Gosser and I had at least a Dozen on the PAMC at Conemaugh Dam) and tonight about 6:50pm, I opened the window to help Dan put in the air conditioner and heard a FOY Common Nighthawk peenting overhead....another one of those right time, right place opportunities... We lost our Bluebird nestbox to the bear this past Tuesday, 5/14, when it ripped off the top of the box..it was about 200 pound female...first female we have seen since we moved here...it has been back several times, crawling on the deck for the 3rd time (4/26 was the first time, 5/15)) from below and did the same last night about 2:00am...it jumped off the deck and I don't know where it went...bird feeders are all in and there isn't anything for her to eat...hopefully she won't find the robin and cardinal nest near the house...Not sure if this is the same bear that was here 4/22 and 4/23...I wasn't home and Dan seems to think it was bigger than this one... Dan fixed the nest box lid and also added the correct 1.5 inch hole for the bluebirds with an extra piece of board....there is a pair of tree swallows at one box, and 2 pairs of bluebirds at the other boxes....the hairy and downy wp were roosting in these this winter and made the holes too big and starling were getting in...Need to check the former nestbox, since I don't think he cleaned it out...if there are eggs, I will leave them in, otherwise I will let them start over since the first nest got destroyed with the babies removed... Baltimore Orioles and Robins are using the milkweed stem fibers for their nests...they peel it off and fly to their nest... Lots to see from the house and yard...Also have a weird sounding Blue-winged Warbler...looks like a full BWWarbler, but sings a different song...it's been in the yard all spring, esp at the alder tree where there are dogwoods shrubs, willow trees and buttonbushes....a very shrubby area now that is the swell for the water coming down off the hill when it's wet... Marcy Cunkelman Conemaugh Twp. Clarksburg, PA Indiana Co. plant4nature AT dish.net The whole world is made of miracles, it's just weтАЫre so used to seeing them we call them ordinary things. ~Hans Christian Andersen
Subject: Fw: [PABIRDS] Lyme - A cautionary tale
From: Michele <isomorphun AT ROADRUNNER.COM>
Date: Mon, 20 May 2013 18:16:03 -0400

Thanks for sharing your story, Barry. Everyone, also please check your car after you've been out hiking or birding. I've found ticks crawling in my car several days after I've been on the trails perhaps from my clothing or something I was carrying. I carry a camera and have found a tick on the shoulder strap that probably hitched a ride as I brushed by its perch. Just because they aren't on you today, doesn't mean they won't turn up if they've been left in the areas you frequent. Be careful out there- Michele Franz -----Original Message----- From: Barry Horton Sent: Monday, May 20, 2013 11:17 AM To: PABIRDS AT LIST.AUDUBON.ORG Subject: [PABIRDS] Lyme - A cautionary tale I hope this is okay for the list serv. Saturday, Jenni and I took a short stroll on a wooded trail by Messiah Village. This is the first in a long time that we have been birding. We sprayed ourselves with insect repellent, and checked ourselves when done for ticks. Two hours after we were home, I felt something crawling on my neck- a tick. This was especially distressing to me, as I have been dealing with chronic Lyme disease for a year now. Last June, I had what started as flu-like symptoms for a week. No antibiotics, or medication would lower my raging fever. After the fever broke, I was weak and constantly gasping for air. Chronic fatigue set in, with heart palpitations. After three months of tests, it was determined I had heart ischemia, and my heart was pumping at only 30% of capacity. Since then, fatigue, headache, low grade fevers, air hunger, brain fog and other symptoms come and go. After many doctors, and lots of tests, it was determined I had chronic lyme. When first detected, Lyme can be easily treated with antibiotics for 10 days to a month. Unfortuneatly, my lyme was not discovered until it was in a later stage. I have been unable to work, hike, or even exercise regularly. The lyme has caused arthritic pain throughout my body, and bursitis in my right arm to the point where I have physically lost half the motion in my arm. Fatigue, and pain are my constant companions. I have yet to find a doctor in this area to treat me effectively, and those in other areas familiar with the disease do not take insurance. I say all this not for sympathy. God has sustained me through everything! But I say this as a caution to all who come in contact with the woods, and ticks. My wife and I thought we took every precaution, and still, I got Lyme. Take care of yourselves, and be careful in your hiking through the woods. Lyme is no joke. Good birding to all, Barry Horton
Subject: Re: Lyme - A cautionary tale
From: Deborah Grove <dsg4 AT PSU.EDU>
Date: Mon, 20 May 2013 18:05:16 -0400

I have never had any trouble convincing the Dr to give me antibiotics when I have had a tick attached. Or even suspected. The Dr has only ordered immunoblot test done once. That was when I had a variety of symptoms and they wanted to rule it out. Deb ----- Original Message ----- From: "Meredith_Lombard" To: PABIRDS AT LIST.AUDUBON.ORG Sent: Monday, May 20, 2013 3:37:54 PM Subject: Re: [PABIRDS] Lyme - A cautionary tale Err on the side of caution: the prophylaxis treatment suggested by the New England Journal of Medicine may fool you into thinking you won't get/don't have Lyme disease. Read the full discussion in the NEJM link Mike posted. If you experience any of the symptoms of Lyme disease (listed below), see a doctor for more than just a single dose of antibiotics. Insist on a full course to prevent the growth of the Lyme bacteria in your body. This symptom list was compiled by Mitchell L. Hoggard and L. James Johnson: "Symptoms Early signs of Lyme disease include flu-like symptoms (headache, fever, muscle aches, joint pain and fatigue) and a Lyme rash. Most symptoms show up days or weeks and occasionally months following infection. The Lyme rash (erythema migrans) ... may not show up at all, or it may appear too light in color to be noticed. The rash can be shaped like a bulls-eye, it can be smooth or bumpy, it may or may not feel warm, and there can be multiple rashes that can appear at the site of the tick bite or elsewhere on the body. Once the infection becomes established, symptoms of Lyme disease vary but may include pain in muscles and joints, fatigue, swollen glands, fever, upset stomach, headache, forgetfulness, sleep disorders, depression, and sensitivity to light and sound, to name a few. When Lyme disease goes undetected, undiagnosed and untreated for months or years following infection, the bacteria can spread to the nervous system, the heart and other organs, tendons and joints. This late-stage infection can result in a wide variety of physical, emotional, and mental or cognitive symptoms. The late-stage list of symptoms is long and can include arthritis, heart abnormalities, Bell's palsy (paralysis of one or both sides of the face) and severe cognitive or mental dysfunction including memory loss, confusion, psychiatric problems, etc. Lyme disease is often referred to as the Great Pretender because the symptoms of Lyme disease can so closely mimic the symptoms of other diseases. Although no official numbers exist on this subject, Lyme patients have been misdiagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, menopause, depression, Alzheimer's disease, and Lou Gehrig's disease. Other patients have failed to receive any kind of definitive diagnosis long after the presentation of symptoms. " Early blood tests may not show Lyme disease. Clinical manifestation (i.e. symptoms) are just as important when diagnosing the illness. Hope this helps -Meredith Lombard On Mon, 20 May 2013 13:11:10 -0400, Mike Epler wrote: >If you find an attached deer tick, do not wait for symptoms to develop before seeking treatment, see your doctor immediately. > >From the New England Journal of Medicine, "A single 200-mg dose of doxycycline given within 72 hours after an I. scapularis tick bite can prevent the development of Lyme disease". > >Full article here: >http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJM200107123450201 > >Mike Epler > >> Date: Mon, 20 May 2013 12:21:17 -0400 >> From: kard99 AT WINDSTREAM.NET >> Subject: Re: [PABIRDS] Lyme - A cautionary tale >> To: PABIRDS AT LIST.AUDUBON.ORG >> >> I can attest to the fact that deer ticks are terrible this year. My friend & >> I go morel mushroom hunting every April. The past few years, I have started >> using repellant with 98% DEET, though I hate to put that smelly, oily, toxic >> stuff on myself. But I figured it's better than Lyme. I apply it to my >> ankles, lower legs, arms, neck, & up behind ears into my hair. In addition >> to that, we both started treating our clothes with Sawyer permethrin >> clothing spray. You spray all your clothes beforehand & let dry; it >> supposedly lasts through several washings and/or several weeks. Anyway, I >> spray that on my hiking boots, hat, socks, pants, shirts, and backpack. >> This has worked very well. However, this year, nearly everywhere we went, we >> kept finding deer ticks crawling up our pant legs - 6 or more at a time! It >> was awful. We were constantly stopping and twisting around looking at our >> pants & checking each others backs & shoulders. As long as we stuck to >> hiking trails or open woods, all was well, but the moment we started >> bushwhacking through any undergrowth, the ticks were on us. >> When back home, an immediate shower with full body tick check completed our >> regimen. (The shower also gets the DEET off as soon as possible.) >> I never did get any ticks on me, other than the ones I kept picking & >> flinging off of my pants. But my friend - whose repellant was 40% DEET, did >> find a lightly attached tick on her shoulder. So, I don't know if it was >> just luck for me or the 98% DEET. And I don't know if the ticks would have >> eventually fallen off of our treated pant legs, since we weren't about to >> wait & see! But it certainly was dismaying. >> If this keeps up, I might not go off-trail any more, anywhere, ever again! >> >> Karen DeSantis >> Bell Twp. Westmoreland Co. >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: Deborah Grove >> Sent: Monday, May 20, 2013 11:30 AM >> To: PABIRDS AT LIST.AUDUBON.ORG >> Subject: Re: [PABIRDS] Lyme - A cautionary tale >> >> I almost think birders and hikers should get checked every year. >> >> Deb >> >> ----- Original Message ----- >> From: "Sally Zaino" >> To: PABIRDS AT LIST.AUDUBON.ORG >> Sent: Monday, May 20, 2013 11:24:48 AM >> Subject: Re: [PABIRDS] Lyme - A cautionary tale >> >> I'll second that, and I think it is appropriate to mention this risk on this >> list. I've had Lyme twice, and I can attest that you don't always get that >> halo around the tick bite (although my first tick this year created a lovely >> one--immediately started the antibiotics). It is the birding trips that >> really put us at risk, since that's when we are traipsing through the tall >> grass and un-trailed woods. I don't think it is something we can ignore any >> more. I used to think ticks were no big deal, but I've changed my mind. >> >> Best wishes, Barry. >> >> Sally Zaino >> Hummelstown PA >> >> >> On May 20, 2013, at 11:17 AM, Barry Horton wrote: >> >> > I hope this is okay for the list serv. Saturday, Jenni and I took a short >> > stroll on a wooded trail by Messiah Village. This is the first in a long >> > time that we have been birding. We sprayed ourselves with insect >> > repellent, and checked ourselves when done for ticks. Two hours after we >> > were home, I felt something crawling on my neck- a tick. This was >> > especially distressing to me, as I have been dealing with chronic Lyme >> > disease for a year now. >> > >> > Last June, I had what started as flu-like symptoms for a week. No >> > antibiotics, or medication would lower my raging fever. After the fever >> > broke, I was weak and constantly gasping for air. Chronic fatigue set in, >> > with heart palpitations. After three months of tests, it was determined I >> > had heart ischemia, and my heart was pumping at only 30% of capacity. >> > >> > Since then, fatigue, headache, low grade fevers, air hunger, brain fog and >> > other symptoms come and go. After many doctors, and lots of tests, it was >> > determined I had chronic lyme. >> > >> > When first detected, Lyme can be easily treated with antibiotics for 10 >> > days to a month. Unfortuneatly, my lyme was not discovered until it was in >> > a later stage. I have been unable to work, hike, or even exercise >> > regularly. The lyme has caused arthritic pain throughout my body, and >> > bursitis in my right arm to the point where I have physically lost half >> > the motion in my arm. Fatigue, and pain are my constant companions. I have >> > yet to find a doctor in this area to treat me effectively, and those in >> > other areas familiar with the disease do not take insurance. >> > >> > I say all this not for sympathy. God has sustained me through everything! >> > But I say this as a caution to all who come in contact with the woods, and >> > ticks. My wife and I thought we took every precaution, and still, I got >> > Lyme. Take care of yourselves, and be careful in your hiking through the >> > woods. Lyme is no joke. >> > >> > Good birding to all, >> > >> > Barry Horton >> >> -- >> 409-136-3 >> Deborah S. Grove, Ph.D. >> Director of Genetic Analysis >> Genomics Core Facility >> Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences >> Penn State University >> 408 Chandlee Building >> University Park PA 16802 >> >> ALL MAIL to 407 Chandlee >> >> 814 865 3332 >> >> http://www.huck.psu.edu/facilities/nucleic-acid-up/ > -- 409-136-3 Deborah S. Grove, Ph.D. Director of Genetic Analysis Genomics Core Facility Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences Penn State University 408 Chandlee Building University Park PA 16802 ALL MAIL to 407 Chandlee 814 865 3332 http://www.huck.psu.edu/facilities/nucleic-acid-up/
Subject: Re: Lyme - A cautionary tale--Safe Tick Removal
From: Lee Ann Reiners <larch AT ZOOMINTERNET.NET>
Date: Mon, 20 May 2013 17:23:22 -0400

I picked up a deer tick this weekend, probably on Saturday, and discovered it while showering this morning. Coincidentally,I had my annual doctor's appointment today. So he pulled the tick outand is sending it to a lab for evaluation. He gave me a scrip for doxycillin as a precaution, since it was engorged and likely ready to drop off--probably spit up into me already. I'm going back to DEET. Herbal repellant didn't seem to help with ticks orskeeters on Saturday! It probably found me while I was looking up at a Hooded Warbler (to keep this bird-related) at Moraine SP in Butler Co. Lee Ann Reiners On 5/20/2013 3:53 PM, Meredith_Lombard wrote: > If you find a tick attached to yourself, whether or not it is a deer tick, certain precautions should be taken when removing the tick to help prevent the transmission of not only Lyme disease but other potentially debilitating infections, such as Babesia and Ehrlichiosis. > > The bacterium causing Lyme disease is typically spread from the tick to the host after a period of attachment during which the tick is feeding. After the tick has been attached for 24 to 48 hours, it regurgitates, sending the Lyme bacterium from its gut into your bloodstream. Therefore, it is VITALLY important that when you remove an attached tick, DO NOT grab it by the body and squish it when pulling it out---this forces the tick's gut to regurgitate back into the blood stream, and potentially infecting you with the very spirochete (bacterium) you are trying to avoid! Use a tick remover/puller (Google/Bing) or pair of tweezers to grasp the head of the tick and gently pull it off, thus avoiding the body of the tick and forcing it to regurgitate. > > Also, do not cover the tick with petroleum jelly (etc.) in an attempt to smother it. This has been shown to force the tick to regurgitate as it attempts to survive. > > May you all have safe birding... > > Meredith Lombard >
Subject: Re: Lyme - A cautionary tale (and a ?)
From: Anne Bekker <anne_bekker AT YAHOO.COM>
Date: Mon, 20 May 2013 14:19:26 -0700

My husband and I have had the same kind of experience (oh and hello, fellow mushroom hunter!) for years and have concluded that DEET doesn't really work on ticks.а We use it anyway and bring duct tape and for their removal (and hopefully their demise), a change of socks/pants/shoes in car, etc. but no more bushwacking for us (and fewer morels).а We've also thrown away some socks. --- Is there now a test for Lyme that's actually reliable? --- They've come up with Frontline for dogs, which appeared to be effective on ours.а It's a shame that there doesn't seem to be an equivalent for humans. Anne Bekker Philadelphia, PA ________________________________ From: Karen DeSantis To: PABIRDS AT LIST.AUDUBON.ORG Sent: Monday, May 20, 2013 12:21 PM Subject: Re: [PABIRDS] Lyme - A cautionary tale I can attest to the fact that deer ticks are terrible this year. My friend & I go morel mushroom hunting every April. The past few years, I have started using repellant with 98% DEET, though I hate to put that smelly, oily, toxic stuff on myself. But I figured it's better than Lyme. I apply it to my ankles, lower legs, arms, neck, & up behind ears into my hair. In addition to that, we both started treating our clothes with Sawyer permethrin clothing spray. You spray all your clothes beforehand & let dry; it supposedly lasts through several washings and/or several weeks. Anyway, I spray that on my hiking boots, hat, socks, pants, shirts, and backpack. This has worked very well. However, this year, nearly everywhere we went, we kept finding deer ticks crawling up our pant legs - 6 or more at a time! It was awful. We were constantly stopping and twisting around looking at our pants & checking each others backs & shoulders. As long as we stuck to hiking trails or open woods, all was well, but the moment we started bushwhacking through any undergrowth, the ticks were on us. When back home, an immediate shower with full body tick check completed our regimen. (The shower also gets the DEET off as soon as possible.) I never did get any ticks on me, other than the ones I kept picking & flinging off of my pants. But my friend - whose repellant was 40% DEET, did find a lightly attached tick on her shoulder. So, I don't know if it was just luck for me or the 98% DEET. And I don't know if the ticks would have eventually fallen off of our treated pant legs, since we weren't about to wait & see! But it certainly was dismaying. If this keeps up, I might not go off-trail any more, anywhere, ever again! Karen DeSantis Bell Twp. Westmoreland Co. -----Original Message----- From: Deborah Grove Sent: Monday, May 20, 2013 11:30 AM To: PABIRDS AT LIST.AUDUBON.ORG Subject: Re: [PABIRDS] Lyme - A cautionary tale I almost think birders and hikers should get checked every year. Deb ----- Original Message ----- From: "Sally Zaino" To: PABIRDS AT LIST.AUDUBON.ORG Sent: Monday, May 20, 2013 11:24:48 AM Subject: Re: [PABIRDS] Lyme - A cautionary tale I'll second that, and I think it is appropriate to mention this risk on this list.а I've had Lyme twice, and I can attest that you don't always get that halo around the tick bite (although my first tick this year created a lovely one--immediately started the antibiotics). It is the birding trips that really put us at risk, since that's when we are traipsing through the tall grass and un-trailed woods. I don't think it is something we can ignore any more. I used to think ticks were no big deal, but I've changed my mind. Best wishes, Barry. Sally Zaino Hummelstown PA On May 20, 2013, at 11:17 AM, Barry Horton wrote: > I hope this is okay for the list serv. Saturday, Jenni and I took a short > stroll on a wooded trail by Messiah Village. This is the first in a long > time that we have been birding. We sprayed ourselves with insect > repellent, and checked ourselves when done for ticks. Two hours after we > were home, I felt something crawling on my neck- a tick. This was > especially distressing to me, as I have been dealing with chronic Lyme > disease for a year now. > > Last June, I had what started as flu-like symptoms for a week. No > antibiotics, or medication would lower my raging fever. After the fever > broke, I was weak and constantly gasping for air. Chronic fatigue set in, > with heart palpitations. After three months of tests, it was determined I > had heart ischemia, and my heart was pumping at only 30% of capacity. > > Since then, fatigue, headache, low grade fevers, air hunger, brain fog and > other symptoms come and go. After many doctors, and lots of tests, it was > determined I had chronic lyme. > > When first detected, Lyme can be easily treated with antibiotics for 10 > days to a month. Unfortuneatly, my lyme was not discovered until it was in > a later stage. I have been unable to work, hike, or even exercise > regularly. The lyme has caused arthritic pain throughout my body,а and > bursitis in my right arm to the point where I have physically lost half > the motion in my arm. Fatigue, and pain are my constant companions. I have > yet to find a doctor in this area to treat me effectively, and those in > other areas familiar with the disease do not take insurance. > > I say all this not for sympathy. God has sustained me through everything! > But I say this as a caution to all who come in contact with the woods, and > ticks. My wife and I thought we took every precaution, and still, I got > Lyme. Take care of yourselves, and be careful in your hiking through the > woods. Lyme is no joke. > > Good birding to all, > > Barry Horton -- 409-136-3 Deborah S. Grove, Ph.D. Director of Genetic Analysis Genomics Core Facility Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences Penn State University 408 Chandlee Building University Park PA 16802 ALL MAIL to 407 Chandlee 814 865 3332 http://www.huck.psu.edu/facilities/nucleic-acid-up/
Subject: Re: Wildwood Park, Dauphin Co.-REOPENS
From: Larry Usselman <elgrans AT GMAIL.COM>
Date: Mon, 20 May 2013 17:11:45 -0400

Great news...thanks for the update, Sandy. Does it look like there will be any significant long-term effects on the lake or wildlife? On Mon, May 20, 2013 at 4:32 PM, lockermanS&G wrote: > Wildwood Park will reopen to the public tomorrow, Tuesday, May 21st. The > cleanup crews did an amazing job of cleaning up the fuel spill. > > > > > > Sandy Lockerman > > Environmental Educator > > Wildwood Park > > Harrisburg, Dauphin Co. > -- Larry Usselman Harrisburg, Dauphin Co., Pennsylvania My Photos: http://snargle.zenfolio.com/
Subject: Re: Identifying SGLs
From: Gerald Kruth <GKruth AT AOL.COM>
Date: Mon, 20 May 2013 16:59:37 -0400

Adam, Thanks. This website is well-know. As I was the original poster, I would remark, it is much easier if the poster will just give a few words of SGL identification and LOCATION, without requiring the reader to look it up. Lord knows we are looking up enough things these days. thanks again and,best wishes, Jerry Kruth Pittsburgh In a message dated 5/20/2013 3:12:11 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, adamsmithud AT YAHOO.COM writes: There was a request to the list for additional info about the locations of State Game Lands. I thought it would be helpful if everyone knew that SGL maps are available on the PA Game Commission Website: http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/state_game_lands/11363 Also, if you type in the name of the SGL into Googlemaps, such as "State Game Lands 129", it will show up. I haven't tried this for every SGL in the state, but it's always worked for the ones I have tried. Adam Smith Bethlehem Township Northampton County --- On Sun, 5/19/13, Ann C. Pettigrew wrote: From: Ann C. Pettigrew Subject: Re: [PABIRDS] Identifying SGLs To: PABIRDS AT LIST.AUDUBON.ORG Date: Sunday, May 19, 2013, 11:32 AM Me three! Ann C. Pettigrew, V.M.D. York, PA rook185 AT comcast.net www.pbase.com/rook185 Sent from my iPad On May 15, 2013, at 11:00 PM, Cris Hamilton wrote: > I second that! > > Cris > Houston, PA > > > > On May 15, 2013, at 9:47 PM, Gerald Kruth wrote: > >> There have been some nice posts by folks relating to sightings at State >> Game Lands. >> >> It might be helpful to the general readership if the author would identify >> the place by name, or general area if possible (county is sometimes >> included and that helps). It might let the reader decide if the place was close >> enough, if we also wished to enjoy the place. >> >> Thank you, >> >> Jerry Kruth >> Pittsburgh
Subject: Wildwood Park, Dauphin Co.-REOPENS
From: lockermanS&G <lockerman AT PAONLINE.COM>
Date: Mon, 20 May 2013 16:32:30 -0400

Wildwood Park will reopen to the public tomorrow, Tuesday, May 21st. The cleanup crews did an amazing job of cleaning up the fuel spill. Sandy Lockerman Environmental Educator Wildwood Park Harrisburg, Dauphin Co.
Subject: Re: Lyme - A cautionary tale--Safe Tick Removal
From: Meredith_Lombard <ctsnature AT YAHOO.COM>
Date: Mon, 20 May 2013 15:53:07 -0400

If you find a tick attached to yourself, whether or not it is a deer tick, certain precautions should be taken when removing the tick to help prevent the transmission of not only Lyme disease but other potentially debilitating infections, such as Babesia and Ehrlichiosis. The bacterium causing Lyme disease is typically spread from the tick to the host after a period of attachment during which the tick is feeding. After the tick has been attached for 24 to 48 hours, it regurgitates, sending the Lyme bacterium from its gut into your bloodstream. Therefore, it is VITALLY important that when you remove an attached tick, DO NOT grab it by the body and squish it when pulling it outтАФthis forces the tickтАЩs gut to regurgitate back into the blood stream, and potentially infecting you with the very spirochete (bacterium) you are trying to avoid! Use a tick remover/puller (Google/Bing) or pair of tweezers to grasp the head of the tick and gently pull it off, thus avoiding the body of the tick and forcing it to regurgitate. Also, do not cover the tick with petroleum jelly (etc.) in an attempt to smother it. This has been shown to force the tick to regurgitate as it attempts to survive. May you all have safe birdingтАж Meredith Lombard On Mon, 20 May 2013 08:17:47 -0700, Barry Horton wrote: >I hope this is okay for the list serv. Saturday, Jenni and I took a short stroll on a wooded trail by Messiah Village. This is the first in a long time that we have been birding. We sprayed ourselves with insect repellent, and checked ourselves when done for ticks. Two hours after we were home, I felt something crawling on my neck- a tick. This was especially distressing to me, as I have been dealing with chronic Lyme disease for a year now. >я┐╜ >Last June, I had what started as flu-like symptoms for a week. No antibiotics, or medication would lower my raging fever. After the fever broke, I was weak and constantly gasping for air. Chronic fatigue set in, with heart palpitations. After three months of tests, it was determined I had heart ischemia, and my heart was pumping at only 30% of capacity. >я┐╜ >Since then, fatigue, headache, low grade fevers, air hunger, brain fog and other symptoms come and go. After many doctors, and lots of tests, it was determined I had chronic lyme. >я┐╜ >When first detected, Lyme can be easily treated with antibiotics for 10 days to a month. Unfortuneatly, my lyme was not discovered until it was in a later stage. I have been unable to work, hike, or even exercise regularly. The lyme has caused arthritic painя┐╜throughout my body, я┐╜and bursitis in my right arm to the point where I have physically lost half the motion in my arm. Fatigue, and pain are my constant companions. I have yet to find a doctor in this area to treat me effectively, and those in other areas familiar with the disease do not take insurance. >я┐╜ >I say all this not for sympathy. God has sustained me through everything! But I say this as a caution to all who come in contact with the woods, and ticks. My wife and I thought we took every precaution, and still, I got Lyme. Take care of yourselves, and be careful in your hiking through the woods. Lyme is no joke. >я┐╜ >Good birding to all, >я┐╜ >Barry Hortonя┐╜
Subject: Re: Lyme - A cautionary tale
From: Meredith_Lombard <ctsnature AT YAHOO.COM>
Date: Mon, 20 May 2013 15:37:54 -0400

Err on the side of caution: the prophylaxis treatment suggested by the New England Journal of Medicine may fool you into thinking you won't get/don't have Lyme disease. Read the full discussion in the NEJM link Mike posted. If you experience any of the symptoms of Lyme disease (listed below), see a doctor for more than just a single dose of antibiotics. Insist on a full course to prevent the growth of the Lyme bacteria in your body. This symptom list was compiled by Mitchell L. Hoggard and L. James Johnson: "Symptoms Early signs of Lyme disease include flu-like symptoms (headache, fever, muscle aches, joint pain and fatigue) and a Lyme rash. Most symptoms show up days or weeks and occasionally months following infection. The Lyme rash (erythema migrans) ... may not show up at all, or it may appear too light in color to be noticed. The rash can be shaped like a bulls-eye, it can be smooth or bumpy, it may or may not feel warm, and there can be multiple rashes that can appear at the site of the tick bite or elsewhere on the body. Once the infection becomes established, symptoms of Lyme disease vary but may include pain in muscles and joints, fatigue, swollen glands, fever, upset stomach, headache, forgetfulness, sleep disorders, depression, and sensitivity to light and sound, to name a few. When Lyme disease goes undetected, undiagnosed and untreated for months or years following infection, the bacteria can spread to the nervous system, the heart and other organs, tendons and joints. This late-stage infection can result in a wide variety of physical, emotional, and mental or cognitive symptoms. The late-stage list of symptoms is long and can include arthritis, heart abnormalities, Bell's palsy (paralysis of one or both sides of the face) and severe cognitive or mental dysfunction including memory loss, confusion, psychiatric problems, etc. Lyme disease is often referred to as the Great Pretender because the symptoms of Lyme disease can so closely mimic the symptoms of other diseases. Although no official numbers exist on this subject, Lyme patients have been misdiagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, menopause, depression, Alzheimer's disease, and Lou Gehrig's disease. Other patients have failed to receive any kind of definitive diagnosis long after the presentation of symptoms. " Early blood tests may not show Lyme disease. Clinical manifestation (i.e. symptoms) are just as important when diagnosing the illness. Hope this helps -Meredith Lombard On Mon, 20 May 2013 13:11:10 -0400, Mike Epler wrote: >If you find an attached deer tick, do not wait for symptoms to develop before seeking treatment, see your doctor immediately. > >From the New England Journal of Medicine, "A single 200-mg dose of doxycycline given within 72 hours after an I. scapularis tick bite can prevent the development of Lyme disease". > >Full article here: >http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJM200107123450201 > >Mike Epler > >> Date: Mon, 20 May 2013 12:21:17 -0400 >> From: kard99 AT WINDSTREAM.NET >> Subject: Re: [PABIRDS] Lyme - A cautionary tale >> To: PABIRDS AT LIST.AUDUBON.ORG >> >> I can attest to the fact that deer ticks are terrible this year. My friend & >> I go morel mushroom hunting every April. The past few years, I have started >> using repellant with 98% DEET, though I hate to put that smelly, oily, toxic >> stuff on myself. But I figured it's better than Lyme. I apply it to my >> ankles, lower legs, arms, neck, & up behind ears into my hair. In addition >> to that, we both started treating our clothes with Sawyer permethrin >> clothing spray. You spray all your clothes beforehand & let dry; it >> supposedly lasts through several washings and/or several weeks. Anyway, I >> spray that on my hiking boots, hat, socks, pants, shirts, and backpack. >> This has worked very well. However, this year, nearly everywhere we went, we >> kept finding deer ticks crawling up our pant legs - 6 or more at a time! It >> was awful. We were constantly stopping and twisting around looking at our >> pants & checking each others backs & shoulders. As long as we stuck to >> hiking trails or open woods, all was well, but the moment we started >> bushwhacking through any undergrowth, the ticks were on us. >> When back home, an immediate shower with full body tick check completed our >> regimen. (The shower also gets the DEET off as soon as possible.) >> I never did get any ticks on me, other than the ones I kept picking & >> flinging off of my pants. But my friend - whose repellant was 40% DEET, did >> find a lightly attached tick on her shoulder. So, I don't know if it was >> just luck for me or the 98% DEET. And I don't know if the ticks would have >> eventually fallen off of our treated pant legs, since we weren't about to >> wait & see! But it certainly was dismaying. >> If this keeps up, I might not go off-trail any more, anywhere, ever again! >> >> Karen DeSantis >> Bell Twp. Westmoreland Co. >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: Deborah Grove >> Sent: Monday, May 20, 2013 11:30 AM >> To: PABIRDS AT LIST.AUDUBON.ORG >> Subject: Re: [PABIRDS] Lyme - A cautionary tale >> >> I almost think birders and hikers should get checked every year. >> >> Deb >> >> ----- Original Message ----- >> From: "Sally Zaino" >> To: PABIRDS AT LIST.AUDUBON.ORG >> Sent: Monday, May 20, 2013 11:24:48 AM >> Subject: Re: [PABIRDS] Lyme - A cautionary tale >> >> I'll second that, and I think it is appropriate to mention this risk on this >> list. I've had Lyme twice, and I can attest that you don't always get that >> halo around the tick bite (although my first tick this year created a lovely >> one--immediately started the antibiotics). It is the birding trips that >> really put us at risk, since that's when we are traipsing through the tall >> grass and un-trailed woods. I don't think it is something we can ignore any >> more. I used to think ticks were no big deal, but I've changed my mind. >> >> Best wishes, Barry. >> >> Sally Zaino >> Hummelstown PA >> >> >> On May 20, 2013, at 11:17 AM, Barry Horton wrote: >> >> > I hope this is okay for the list serv. Saturday, Jenni and I took a short >> > stroll on a wooded trail by Messiah Village. This is the first in a long >> > time that we have been birding. We sprayed ourselves with insect >> > repellent, and checked ourselves when done for ticks. Two hours after we >> > were home, I felt something crawling on my neck- a tick. This was >> > especially distressing to me, as I have been dealing with chronic Lyme >> > disease for a year now. >> > >> > Last June, I had what started as flu-like symptoms for a week. No >> > antibiotics, or medication would lower my raging fever. After the fever >> > broke, I was weak and constantly gasping for air. Chronic fatigue set in, >> > with heart palpitations. After three months of tests, it was determined I >> > had heart ischemia, and my heart was pumping at only 30% of capacity. >> > >> > Since then, fatigue, headache, low grade fevers, air hunger, brain fog and >> > other symptoms come and go. After many doctors, and lots of tests, it was >> > determined I had chronic lyme. >> > >> > When first detected, Lyme can be easily treated with antibiotics for 10 >> > days to a month. Unfortuneatly, my lyme was not discovered until it was in >> > a later stage. I have been unable to work, hike, or even exercise >> > regularly. The lyme has caused arthritic pain throughout my body, and >> > bursitis in my right arm to the point where I have physically lost half >> > the motion in my arm. Fatigue, and pain are my constant companions. I have >> > yet to find a doctor in this area to treat me effectively, and those in >> > other areas familiar with the disease do not take insurance. >> > >> > I say all this not for sympathy. God has sustained me through everything! >> > But I say this as a caution to all who come in contact with the woods, and >> > ticks. My wife and I thought we took every precaution, and still, I got >> > Lyme. Take care of yourselves, and be careful in your hiking through the >> > woods. Lyme is no joke. >> > >> > Good birding to all, >> > >> > Barry Horton >> >> -- >> 409-136-3 >> Deborah S. Grove, Ph.D. >> Director of Genetic Analysis >> Genomics Core Facility >> Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences >> Penn State University >> 408 Chandlee Building >> University Park PA 16802 >> >> ALL MAIL to 407 Chandlee >> >> 814 865 3332 >> >> http://www.huck.psu.edu/facilities/nucleic-acid-up/ >
Subject: FW: Peregrine Falcon Banding
From: Ed Norman <ejnorman AT VERIZON.NET>
Date: Mon, 20 May 2013 15:30:00 -0400

From: Ed Norman [mailto:ejnorman AT verizon.net] Sent: Monday, May 20, 2013 3:28 PM To: mike.schoolik AT verizon.net Subject: FW: Peregrine Falcon Banding From: Ed Norman [mailto:ejnorman AT verizon.net] Sent: Monday, May 20, 2013 3:27 PM To: Nonie Subject: FW: Peregrine Falcon Banding From: Ed Norman [mailto:ejnorman AT verizon.net] Sent: Monday, May 20, 2013 3:27 PM To: Norman, David (dnorman67 AT verizon.net); Paul-Emile Gorre (paul.emile.gorre AT free.fr); Sharon & Rick Murphy (smurphy AT alleghenysurety.com); Stephanie Frederick (srfnyc AT aol.com); Tim Burris (timburris AT natlands.org); Tina Weber (jwebtweb AT gmail.com); tysonmae AT comcast.net; Ulrich Boenzli (uboenzli AT datazug.ch); 'kenthompson AT danscamera.com' Subject: Peregrine Falcon Banding Folks: I had the opportunity last Tuesday to photograph the banding of three Peregrine Falcon chicks from the nest on the PA Turnpike Connector Bridge over the Delaware River. It was quite an experience and I want to thank Dr. Art McMorris of the Pennsylvania Game Commission for inviting me along. If you want to see the results just click on the link below: http://edsbirds.smugmug.com/Nature/Peregrine-Falcon-Banding-II/29441057_fmJW Q9 Ed Norman Riegelsville, PA
Subject: Beaver Co. Sightings
From: Mark Vass <mvas1200 AT YAHOO.COM>
Date: Mon, 20 May 2013 12:27:13 -0700

I went to the Beaver River earlier today to check out the dam in Beaver Falls а the river below the dam has lots of exposed rocks and a island and I had some good birds here а American Black Duck 1 Hooded Merganser 2 (pair) Common Merganser 2 (pair) Double-crested Cormorant 1 Osprey 2 (nesting on top of electric tower...first year nest) Spotted Sandpiper 3 Semipalmated Sandpiper 1 Ring-billed Gull 1 Herring Gull 5 а а Mark Vass Beaver Co.
Subject: Re: Identifying SGLs
From: Adam Smith <adamsmithud AT YAHOO.COM>
Date: Mon, 20 May 2013 12:11:49 -0700

There was a request to the listаfor additional info about the locations of State Game Lands.аI thought it would be helpful if everyone knew thatаSGL maps are available on the PA Game Commission Website: http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/state_game_lands/11363 а Also, if you type in the name of the SGL into Googlemaps, such as "State Game Lands 129", it will show up. I haven't tried this for every SGL in the state, but it's always worked for the ones I have tried. а Adam Smith Bethlehem Township Northampton County а --- On Sun, 5/19/13, Ann C. Pettigrew wrote: From: Ann C. Pettigrew Subject: Re: [PABIRDS] Identifying SGLs To: PABIRDS AT LIST.AUDUBON.ORG Date: Sunday, May 19, 2013, 11:32 AM Me three! Ann C. Pettigrew, V.M.D. York, PA rook185 AT comcast.net www.pbase.com/rook185 Sent from my iPad On May 15, 2013, at 11:00 PM, Cris Hamilton wrote: > I second that! > > Cris > Houston, PA > > > > On May 15, 2013, at 9:47 PM, Gerald Kruth wrote: > >> There have been some nice posts by folks relating to sightings at Stateа >> Game Lands.а >> >> It might be helpful to the general readership if the author would identifyа >> the place by name, or general area if possible (county is sometimes >> included andа that helps).а It might let the reader decide if the place was close >> enough,а if we also wished to enjoy the place. >> >> Thank you, >> >> Jerry Kruth >> Pittsburgh
Subject: Re: Lyme - A cautionary tale
From: Renee Tressler <thatsanoddduck AT GMAIL.COM>
Date: Mon, 20 May 2013 19:01:13 +0000

Dog ticks carry much worse diseases than deer ticks, which is not to minimilize anything. Just saying. -----Original Message----- From: Mike Epler Sender: Bird discussion list for Pennsylvania Date: Mon, 20 May 2013 13:11:10 To: Reply-To: Mike Epler Subject: Re: [PABIRDS] Lyme - A cautionary tale If you find an attached deer tick, do not wait for symptoms to develop before seeking treatment, see your doctor immediately. From the New England Journal of Medicine, "A single 200-mg dose of doxycycline given within 72 hours after an I. scapularis tick bite can prevent the development of Lyme disease". Full article here: http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJM200107123450201 Mike Epler > Date: Mon, 20 May 2013 12:21:17 -0400 > From: kard99 AT WINDSTREAM.NET > Subject: Re: [PABIRDS] Lyme - A cautionary tale > To: PABIRDS AT LIST.AUDUBON.ORG > > I can attest to the fact that deer ticks are terrible this year. My friend & > I go morel mushroom hunting every April. The past few years, I have started > using repellant with 98% DEET, though I hate to put that smelly, oily, toxic > stuff on myself. But I figured it's better than Lyme. I apply it to my > ankles, lower legs, arms, neck, & up behind ears into my hair. In addition > to that, we both started treating our clothes with Sawyer permethrin > clothing spray. You spray all your clothes beforehand & let dry; it > supposedly lasts through several washings and/or several weeks. Anyway, I > spray that on my hiking boots, hat, socks, pants, shirts, and backpack. > This has worked very well. However, this year, nearly everywhere we went, we > kept finding deer ticks crawling up our pant legs - 6 or more at a time! It > was awful. We were constantly stopping and twisting around looking at our > pants & checking each others backs & shoulders. As long as we stuck to > hiking trails or open woods, all was well, but the moment we started > bushwhacking through any undergrowth, the ticks were on us. > When back home, an immediate shower with full body tick check completed our > regimen. (The shower also gets the DEET off as soon as possible.) > I never did get any ticks on me, other than the ones I kept picking & > flinging off of my pants. But my friend - whose repellant was 40% DEET, did > find a lightly attached tick on her shoulder. So, I don't know if it was > just luck for me or the 98% DEET. And I don't know if the ticks would have > eventually fallen off of our treated pant legs, since we weren't about to > wait & see! But it certainly was dismaying. > If this keeps up, I might not go off-trail any more, anywhere, ever again! > > Karen DeSantis > Bell Twp. Westmoreland Co. > > -----Original Message----- > From: Deborah Grove > Sent: Monday, May 20, 2013 11:30 AM > To: PABIRDS AT LIST.AUDUBON.ORG > Subject: Re: [PABIRDS] Lyme - A cautionary tale > > I almost think birders and hikers should get checked every year. > > Deb > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Sally Zaino" > To: PABIRDS AT LIST.AUDUBON.ORG > Sent: Monday, May 20, 2013 11:24:48 AM > Subject: Re: [PABIRDS] Lyme - A cautionary tale > > I'll second that, and I think it is appropriate to mention this risk on this > list. I've had Lyme twice, and I can attest that you don't always get that > halo around the tick bite (although my first tick this year created a lovely > one--immediately started the antibiotics). It is the birding trips that > really put us at risk, since that's when we are traipsing through the tall > grass and un-trailed woods. I don't think it is something we can ignore any > more. I used to think ticks were no big deal, but I've changed my mind. > > Best wishes, Barry. > > Sally Zaino > Hummelstown PA > > > On May 20, 2013, at 11:17 AM, Barry Horton wrote: > > > I hope this is okay for the list serv. Saturday, Jenni and I took a short > > stroll on a wooded trail by Messiah Village. This is the first in a long > > time that we have been birding. We sprayed ourselves with insect > > repellent, and checked ourselves when done for ticks. Two hours after we > > were home, I felt something crawling on my neck- a tick. This was > > especially distressing to me, as I have been dealing with chronic Lyme > > disease for a year now. > > > > Last June, I had what started as flu-like symptoms for a week. No > > antibiotics, or medication would lower my raging fever. After the fever > > broke, I was weak and constantly gasping for air. Chronic fatigue set in, > > with heart palpitations. After three months of tests, it was determined I > > had heart ischemia, and my heart was pumping at only 30% of capacity. > > > > Since then, fatigue, headache, low grade fevers, air hunger, brain fog and > > other symptoms come and go. After many doctors, and lots of tests, it was > > determined I had chronic lyme. > > > > When first detected, Lyme can be easily treated with antibiotics for 10 > > days to a month. Unfortuneatly, my lyme was not discovered until it was in > > a later stage. I have been unable to work, hike, or even exercise > > regularly. The lyme has caused arthritic pain throughout my body, and > > bursitis in my right arm to the point where I have physically lost half > > the motion in my arm. Fatigue, and pain are my constant companions. I have > > yet to find a doctor in this area to treat me effectively, and those in > > other areas familiar with the disease do not take insurance. > > > > I say all this not for sympathy. God has sustained me through everything! > > But I say this as a caution to all who come in contact with the woods, and > > ticks. My wife and I thought we took every precaution, and still, I got > > Lyme. Take care of yourselves, and be careful in your hiking through the > > woods. Lyme is no joke. > > > > Good birding to all, > > > > Barry Horton > > -- > 409-136-3 > Deborah S. Grove, Ph.D. > Director of Genetic Analysis > Genomics Core Facility > Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences > Penn State University > 408 Chandlee Building > University Park PA 16802 > > ALL MAIL to 407 Chandlee > > 814 865 3332 > > http://www.huck.psu.edu/facilities/nucleic-acid-up/
Subject: Olive-sided Flycatcher, Monroe County
From: Adam Smith <adamsmithud AT YAHOO.COM>
Date: Mon, 20 May 2013 12:01:55 -0700

This morning I birded SGL 127 around Brady's Lake for the first time. Great habitat w/ great birds. Highlights included a singing аOlive-sided Flycatcher, a late Ruby-crowned Kinglet, lots of Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, breeding White-throated Sparrows, and 14 warbler species including Wilsons, Nashville, and Northern Waterthrush. а ebird list: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S14185287 а Adam Smith Bethlehem Township Northampton County
Subject: Erie County, Presque Isle Hawk Watch for May 20, 2013
From: Jerry McWilliams <jerrymcw AT AOL.COM>
Date: Mon, 20 May 2013 14:44:22 -0400

Presque Isle Erie, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: May 20, 2013 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Black Vulture 0 0 1 Turkey Vulture 162 1910 17327 Osprey 4 78 172 Bald Eagle 3 57 152 Northern Harrier 2 30 120 Sharp-shinned Hawk 0 441 1739 Cooper's Hawk 2 15 129 Northern Goshawk 0 0 0 Red-shouldered Hawk 0 0 468 Broad-winged Hawk 164 1234 4485 Red-tailed Hawk 2 99 920 Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 24 Golden Eagle 0 0 1 American Kestrel 0 12 537 Merlin 0 6 22 Peregrine Falcon 0 6 16 Unknown Accipiter 0 2 8 Unknown Buteo 0 7 32 Unknown Falcon 0 2 5 Unknown Eagle 0 0 0 Unknown Raptor 0 0 2 Short-eared Owl 0 0 1 Total: 339 3899 26161 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 08:30:00 Observation end time: 12:30:00 Total observation time: 4 hours Official Counter: Jerry McWilliams Observers: Jerry McWilliams, Roger Donn Visitors: Roger Donn assisted with the count. Short visits by Sam Stull, Mark Lethaby, Bob Harris, Ed Masteller, and Don Snyder. Weather: Mostly clear becoming partly cloudy with south winds switching over to NE wind by 1030 EST. Humid with temps. reaching a high of 27C falling to 25C with the wind change. Raptor Observations: An early start to the flight, but the potential for another day like yesterday fell short when the NE wind kicked in earlier than expected, which shifted the flight inland. Then it quickly ended. Three Bald eagles included one imm. at 1131 and two imm. at 1208. Non-raptor Observations: Eastern Kingbird--2, Blue Jay--91, Ruby-throated Hummingbird--1, Cedar Waxwing--47, Scarlet Tanager--2, American Goldfinch--6, Pine Siskin--25. Predictions: The potential for thunderstorms with continued warm temps. Hard to predict what will happen. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Jerry McWilliams (jerrymcw AT aol.com) information may be found at: http://www.presqueisleaudubon.org Jerry McWilliams Erie, Erie County, Pa. jerrymcw AT aol.com
Subject: Lebanon County, Swatara State Park, Cerulean and Mourning Warbler
From: Tim Becker <tjbecker81 AT AOL.COM>
Date: Mon, 20 May 2013 14:01:23 -0400

At the lower end of Swatara State Park this morning I was pleased to find several new year birds. Along with a Yellow-billed Cuckoo, a Cerulean Warbler passed through singing in the tree tops. In some Red Dogwood shrubs near the mouth of Trout Run a female Mourning Warbler briefly showed herself in response to some pishing. I was specifically trying for a Mourning Warbler there, but completely shocked when one actually appeared. About the best view I've had of one. Tim Becker Grantville Lebanon County
Subject: Kreiders Pond
From: Gerry Boltz <gmb310 AT COMCAST.NET>
Date: Mon, 20 May 2013 17:58:06 +0000

Kreiders Pond on Mt Pleasant Road just off 322 in Lebanon County had 8 species of shorebirds that I was able to ID (Killdeer,Ruddy Turnstone, Semi-palmated Plover, Least, Semipalmated, Spotted and Solitary Sandpipers, Lesser YL and possibly others) along with the Red-necked Phalarope. Many birds were at the far end of the pond and difficult to scope. Thanks to the gentlemen who let me scan with his scope. ┬а Gerry Boltz Cornwall, PA
Subject: Lebanon County, Mt Pleasant Rd, Red-necked Phalarope, Ruddy Turnstone, Dunlin, Pintail
From: Tim Becker <tjbecker81 AT AOL.COM>
Date: Mon, 20 May 2013 13:54:51 -0400

Continuing this morning at Kreiders retention pond along Mt Pleasant Rd were the female Red-necked Phalarope, Ruddy Turnstone, and male Pintail. Also there were three Dunlin. Tim Becker Grantville Lebanon County
Subject: Re: Lyme - A cautionary tale
From: Mike Epler <jmepler AT HOTMAIL.COM>
Date: Mon, 20 May 2013 13:11:10 -0400

If you find an attached deer tick, do not wait for symptoms to develop before seeking treatment, see your doctor immediately. From the New England Journal of Medicine, "A single 200-mg dose of doxycycline given within 72 hours after an I. scapularis tick bite can prevent the development of Lyme disease". Full article here: http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJM200107123450201 Mike Epler > Date: Mon, 20 May 2013 12:21:17 -0400 > From: kard99 AT WINDSTREAM.NET > Subject: Re: [PABIRDS] Lyme - A cautionary tale > To: PABIRDS AT LIST.AUDUBON.ORG > > I can attest to the fact that deer ticks are terrible this year. My friend & > I go morel mushroom hunting every April. The past few years, I have started > using repellant with 98% DEET, though I hate to put that smelly, oily, toxic > stuff on myself. But I figured it's better than Lyme. I apply it to my > ankles, lower legs, arms, neck, & up behind ears into my hair. In addition > to that, we both started treating our clothes with Sawyer permethrin > clothing spray. You spray all your clothes beforehand & let dry; it > supposedly lasts through several washings and/or several weeks. Anyway, I > spray that on my hiking boots, hat, socks, pants, shirts, and backpack. > This has worked very well. However, this year, nearly everywhere we went, we > kept finding deer ticks crawling up our pant legs - 6 or more at a time! It > was awful. We were constantly stopping and twisting around looking at our > pants & checking each others backs & shoulders. As long as we stuck to > hiking trails or open woods, all was well, but the moment we started > bushwhacking through any undergrowth, the ticks were on us. > When back home, an immediate shower with full body tick check completed our > regimen. (The shower also gets the DEET off as soon as possible.) > I never did get any ticks on me, other than the ones I kept picking & > flinging off of my pants. But my friend - whose repellant was 40% DEET, did > find a lightly attached tick on her shoulder. So, I don't know if it was > just luck for me or the 98% DEET. And I don't know if the ticks would have > eventually fallen off of our treated pant legs, since we weren't about to > wait & see! But it certainly was dismaying. > If this keeps up, I might not go off-trail any more, anywhere, ever again! > > Karen DeSantis > Bell Twp. Westmoreland Co. > > -----Original Message----- > From: Deborah Grove > Sent: Monday, May 20, 2013 11:30 AM > To: PABIRDS AT LIST.AUDUBON.ORG > Subject: Re: [PABIRDS] Lyme - A cautionary tale > > I almost think birders and hikers should get checked every year. > > Deb > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Sally Zaino" > To: PABIRDS AT LIST.AUDUBON.ORG > Sent: Monday, May 20, 2013 11:24:48 AM > Subject: Re: [PABIRDS] Lyme - A cautionary tale > > I'll second that, and I think it is appropriate to mention this risk on this > list. I've had Lyme twice, and I can attest that you don't always get that > halo around the tick bite (although my first tick this year created a lovely > one--immediately started the antibiotics). It is the birding trips that > really put us at risk, since that's when we are traipsing through the tall > grass and un-trailed woods. I don't think it is something we can ignore any > more. I used to think ticks were no big deal, but I've changed my mind. > > Best wishes, Barry. > > Sally Zaino > Hummelstown PA > > > On May 20, 2013, at 11:17 AM, Barry Horton wrote: > > > I hope this is okay for the list serv. Saturday, Jenni and I took a short > > stroll on a wooded trail by Messiah Village. This is the first in a long > > time that we have been birding. We sprayed ourselves with insect > > repellent, and checked ourselves when done for ticks. Two hours after we > > were home, I felt something crawling on my neck- a tick. This was > > especially distressing to me, as I have been dealing with chronic Lyme > > disease for a year now. > > > > Last June, I had what started as flu-like symptoms for a week. No > > antibiotics, or medication would lower my raging fever. After the fever > > broke, I was weak and constantly gasping for air. Chronic fatigue set in, > > with heart palpitations. After three months of tests, it was determined I > > had heart ischemia, and my heart was pumping at only 30% of capacity. > > > > Since then, fatigue, headache, low grade fevers, air hunger, brain fog and > > other symptoms come and go. After many doctors, and lots of tests, it was > > determined I had chronic lyme. > > > > When first detected, Lyme can be easily treated with antibiotics for 10 > > days to a month. Unfortuneatly, my lyme was not discovered until it was in > > a later stage. I have been unable to work, hike, or even exercise > > regularly. The lyme has caused arthritic pain throughout my body, and > > bursitis in my right arm to the point where I have physically lost half > > the motion in my arm. Fatigue, and pain are my constant companions. I have > > yet to find a doctor in this area to treat me effectively, and those in > > other areas familiar with the disease do not take insurance. > > > > I say all this not for sympathy. God has sustained me through everything! > > But I say this as a caution to all who come in contact with the woods, and > > ticks. My wife and I thought we took every precaution, and still, I got > > Lyme. Take care of yourselves, and be careful in your hiking through the > > woods. Lyme is no joke. > > > > Good birding to all, > > > > Barry Horton > > -- > 409-136-3 > Deborah S. Grove, Ph.D. > Director of Genetic Analysis > Genomics Core Facility > Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences > Penn State University > 408 Chandlee Building > University Park PA 16802 > > ALL MAIL to 407 Chandlee > > 814 865 3332 > > http://www.huck.psu.edu/facilities/nucleic-acid-up/
Subject: York County - RFI birding near Gifford Pinchot SP
From: Mike Tanis <mtanis AT PORTICOSYS.COM>
Date: Mon, 20 May 2013 13:08:16 -0400

Hi all, IтАЩll be camping at Gifford Pinchot State Park in York County this weekend. If anyone could recommend some favorite birding spots within the park or nearby (up to 45 minutes drive), I would love to have some birding destinations for the early morning. IтАЩd be particularly interested in sites for warblers and grassland species. Is the Conoy Canal Trail worthwhile? ItтАЩs about 45 minutes away. Where to park/access for best birding? Thank you in advance! You may respond off list if you wish. Mike Tanis Audubon, PA mtanis AT porticosys DOT com
Subject: Help Needed
From: Ed Barrell <ebarrell AT EPIX.NET>
Date: Mon, 20 May 2013 09:48:27 -0700

LIGONIER -- Pennsylvania Game Commission Southwest Region Director Pat Anderson today announced the agency is seeking information on the illegal shooting of a mature Bald Eagle in Allegheny Township, Cambria County. The eagle was found injured by a concerned citizen on May 10 in the vicinity of Lincoln and Sharpe roads in Allegheny Township and reported to the commission. Wildlife conservation Officer Shawn Harshaw responded and was led to the injured bird by the caller. The injured eagle was captured and taken to the state vet laboratory in State College where the bird later died of its wounds. A necropsy of the bird indicated that it had suffered at least one gunshot wound.
Subject: Re: Lyme - A cautionary tale
From: Karen DeSantis <kard99 AT WINDSTREAM.NET>
Date: Mon, 20 May 2013 12:21:17 -0400

I can attest to the fact that deer ticks are terrible this year. My friend & I go morel mushroom hunting every April. The past few years, I have started using repellant with 98% DEET, though I hate to put that smelly, oily, toxic stuff on myself. But I figured it's better than Lyme. I apply it to my ankles, lower legs, arms, neck, & up behind ears into my hair. In addition to that, we both started treating our clothes with Sawyer permethrin clothing spray. You spray all your clothes beforehand & let dry; it supposedly lasts through several washings and/or several weeks. Anyway, I spray that on my hiking boots, hat, socks, pants, shirts, and backpack. This has worked very well. However, this year, nearly everywhere we went, we kept finding deer ticks crawling up our pant legs - 6 or more at a time! It was awful. We were constantly stopping and twisting around looking at our pants & checking each others backs & shoulders. As long as we stuck to hiking trails or open woods, all was well, but the moment we started bushwhacking through any undergrowth, the ticks were on us. When back home, an immediate shower with full body tick check completed our regimen. (The shower also gets the DEET off as soon as possible.) I never did get any ticks on me, other than the ones I kept picking & flinging off of my pants. But my friend - whose repellant was 40% DEET, did find a lightly attached tick on her shoulder. So, I don't know if it was just luck for me or the 98% DEET. And I don't know if the ticks would have eventually fallen off of our treated pant legs, since we weren't about to wait & see! But it certainly was dismaying. If this keeps up, I might not go off-trail any more, anywhere, ever again! Karen DeSantis Bell Twp. Westmoreland Co. -----Original Message----- From: Deborah Grove Sent: Monday, May 20, 2013 11:30 AM To: PABIRDS AT LIST.AUDUBON.ORG Subject: Re: [PABIRDS] Lyme - A cautionary tale I almost think birders and hikers should get checked every year. Deb ----- Original Message ----- From: "Sally Zaino" To: PABIRDS AT LIST.AUDUBON.ORG Sent: Monday, May 20, 2013 11:24:48 AM Subject: Re: [PABIRDS] Lyme - A cautionary tale I'll second that, and I think it is appropriate to mention this risk on this list. I've had Lyme twice, and I can attest that you don't always get that halo around the tick bite (although my first tick this year created a lovely one--immediately started the antibiotics). It is the birding trips that really put us at risk, since that's when we are traipsing through the tall grass and un-trailed woods. I don't think it is something we can ignore any more. I used to think ticks were no big deal, but I've changed my mind. Best wishes, Barry. Sally Zaino Hummelstown PA On May 20, 2013, at 11:17 AM, Barry Horton wrote: > I hope this is okay for the list serv. Saturday, Jenni and I took a short > stroll on a wooded trail by Messiah Village. This is the first in a long > time that we have been birding. We sprayed ourselves with insect > repellent, and checked ourselves when done for ticks. Two hours after we > were home, I felt something crawling on my neck- a tick. This was > especially distressing to me, as I have been dealing with chronic Lyme > disease for a year now. > > Last June, I had what started as flu-like symptoms for a week. No > antibiotics, or medication would lower my raging fever. After the fever > broke, I was weak and constantly gasping for air. Chronic fatigue set in, > with heart palpitations. After three months of tests, it was determined I > had heart ischemia, and my heart was pumping at only 30% of capacity. > > Since then, fatigue, headache, low grade fevers, air hunger, brain fog and > other symptoms come and go. After many doctors, and lots of tests, it was > determined I had chronic lyme. > > When first detected, Lyme can be easily treated with antibiotics for 10 > days to a month. Unfortuneatly, my lyme was not discovered until it was in > a later stage. I have been unable to work, hike, or even exercise > regularly. The lyme has caused arthritic pain throughout my body, and > bursitis in my right arm to the point where I have physically lost half > the motion in my arm. Fatigue, and pain are my constant companions. I have > yet to find a doctor in this area to treat me effectively, and those in > other areas familiar with the disease do not take insurance. > > I say all this not for sympathy. God has sustained me through everything! > But I say this as a caution to all who come in contact with the woods, and > ticks. My wife and I thought we took every precaution, and still, I got > Lyme. Take care of yourselves, and be careful in your hiking through the > woods. Lyme is no joke. > > Good birding to all, > > Barry Horton -- 409-136-3 Deborah S. Grove, Ph.D. Director of Genetic Analysis Genomics Core Facility Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences Penn State University 408 Chandlee Building University Park PA 16802 ALL MAIL to 407 Chandlee 814 865 3332 http://www.huck.psu.edu/facilities/nucleic-acid-up/
Subject: Re: Lyme - A cautionary tale
From: Deborah Grove <dsg4 AT PSU.EDU>
Date: Mon, 20 May 2013 11:30:20 -0400

I almost think birders and hikers should get checked every year. Deb ----- Original Message ----- From: "Sally Zaino" To: PABIRDS AT LIST.AUDUBON.ORG Sent: Monday, May 20, 2013 11:24:48 AM Subject: Re: [PABIRDS] Lyme - A cautionary tale I'll second that, and I think it is appropriate to mention this risk on this list. I've had Lyme twice, and I can attest that you don't always get that halo around the tick bite (although my first tick this year created a lovely one--immediately started the antibiotics). It is the birding trips that really put us at risk, since that's when we are traipsing through the tall grass and un-trailed woods. I don't think it is something we can ignore any more. I used to think ticks were no big deal, but I've changed my mind. Best wishes, Barry. Sally Zaino Hummelstown PA On May 20, 2013, at 11:17 AM, Barry Horton wrote: > I hope this is okay for the list serv. Saturday, Jenni and I took a short stroll on a wooded trail by Messiah Village. This is the first in a long time that we have been birding. We sprayed ourselves with insect repellent, and checked ourselves when done for ticks. Two hours after we were home, I felt something crawling on my neck- a tick. This was especially distressing to me, as I have been dealing with chronic Lyme disease for a year now. > > Last June, I had what started as flu-like symptoms for a week. No antibiotics, or medication would lower my raging fever. After the fever broke, I was weak and constantly gasping for air. Chronic fatigue set in, with heart palpitations. After three months of tests, it was determined I had heart ischemia, and my heart was pumping at only 30% of capacity. > > Since then, fatigue, headache, low grade fevers, air hunger, brain fog and other symptoms come and go. After many doctors, and lots of tests, it was determined I had chronic lyme. > > When first detected, Lyme can be easily treated with antibiotics for 10 days to a month. Unfortuneatly, my lyme was not discovered until it was in a later stage. I have been unable to work, hike, or even exercise regularly. The lyme has caused arthritic pain throughout my body, and bursitis in my right arm to the point where I have physically lost half the motion in my arm. Fatigue, and pain are my constant companions. I have yet to find a doctor in this area to treat me effectively, and those in other areas familiar with the disease do not take insurance. > > I say all this not for sympathy. God has sustained me through everything! But I say this as a caution to all who come in contact with the woods, and ticks. My wife and I thought we took every precaution, and still, I got Lyme. Take care of yourselves, and be careful in your hiking through the woods. Lyme is no joke. > > Good birding to all, > > Barry Horton -- 409-136-3 Deborah S. Grove, Ph.D. Director of Genetic Analysis Genomics Core Facility Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences Penn State University 408 Chandlee Building University Park PA 16802 ALL MAIL to 407 Chandlee 814 865 3332 http://www.huck.psu.edu/facilities/nucleic-acid-up/
Subject: Re: Lyme - A cautionary tale
From: Sally Zaino <szaino AT RUMINATIONS.US>
Date: Mon, 20 May 2013 11:24:48 -0400

I'll second that, and I think it is appropriate to mention this risk on this list. I've had Lyme twice, and I can attest that you don't always get that halo around the tick bite (although my first tick this year created a lovely one--immediately started the antibiotics). It is the birding trips that really put us at risk, since that's when we are traipsing through the tall grass and un-trailed woods. I don't think it is something we can ignore any more. I used to think ticks were no big deal, but I've changed my mind. Best wishes, Barry. Sally Zaino Hummelstown PA On May 20, 2013, at 11:17 AM, Barry Horton wrote: > I hope this is okay for the list serv. Saturday, Jenni and I took a short stroll on a wooded trail by Messiah Village. This is the first in a long time that we have been birding. We sprayed ourselves with insect repellent, and checked ourselves when done for ticks. Two hours after we were home, I felt something crawling on my neck- a tick. This was especially distressing to me, as I have been dealing with chronic Lyme disease for a year now. > > Last June, I had what started as flu-like symptoms for a week. No antibiotics, or medication would lower my raging fever. After the fever broke, I was weak and constantly gasping for air. Chronic fatigue set in, with heart palpitations. After three months of tests, it was determined I had heart ischemia, and my heart was pumping at only 30% of capacity. > > Since then, fatigue, headache, low grade fevers, air hunger, brain fog and other symptoms come and go. After many doctors, and lots of tests, it was determined I had chronic lyme. > > When first detected, Lyme can be easily treated with antibiotics for 10 days to a month. Unfortuneatly, my lyme was not discovered until it was in a later stage. I have been unable to work, hike, or even exercise regularly. The lyme has caused arthritic pain throughout my body, and bursitis in my right arm to the point where I have physically lost half the motion in my arm. Fatigue, and pain are my constant companions. I have yet to find a doctor in this area to treat me effectively, and those in other areas familiar with the disease do not take insurance. > > I say all this not for sympathy. God has sustained me through everything! But I say this as a caution to all who come in contact with the woods, and ticks. My wife and I thought we took every precaution, and still, I got Lyme. Take care of yourselves, and be careful in your hiking through the woods. Lyme is no joke. > > Good birding to all, > > Barry Horton
Subject: Lyme - A cautionary tale
From: Barry Horton <fightthefoe AT ATT.NET>
Date: Mon, 20 May 2013 08:17:47 -0700

I hope this is okay for the list serv. Saturday, Jenni and I took a short stroll on a wooded trail by Messiah Village. This is the first in a long time that we have been birding. We sprayed ourselves with insect repellent, and checked ourselves when done for ticks. Two hours after we were home, I felt something crawling on my neck- a tick. This was especially distressing to me, as I have been dealing with chronic Lyme disease for a year now. а Last June, I had what started as flu-like symptoms for a week. No antibiotics, or medication would lower my raging fever. After the fever broke, I was weak and constantly gasping for air. Chronic fatigue set in, with heart palpitations. After three months of tests, it was determined I had heart ischemia, and my heart was pumping at only 30% of capacity. а Since then, fatigue, headache, low grade fevers, air hunger, brain fog and other symptoms come and go. After many doctors, and lots of tests, it was determined I had chronic lyme. а When first detected, Lyme can be easily treated with antibiotics for 10 days to a month. Unfortuneatly, my lyme was not discovered until it was in a later stage. I have been unable to work, hike, or even exercise regularly. The lyme has caused arthritic painаthroughout my body, аand bursitis in my right arm to the point where I have physically lost half the motion in my arm. Fatigue, and pain are my constant companions. I have yet to find a doctor in this area to treat me effectively, and those in other areas familiar with the disease do not take insurance. а I say all this not for sympathy. God has sustained me through everything! But I say this as a caution to all who come in contact with the woods, and ticks. My wife and I thought we took every precaution, and still, I got Lyme. Take care of yourselves, and be careful in your hiking through the woods. Lyme is no joke. а Good birding to all, а Barry Hortonа
Subject: Upcoming Birdwalks - Schuylkill, Luzerne
From: Dave Kruel <dkruel300 AT COMCAST.NET>
Date: Mon, 20 May 2013 03:18:59 +0000

Hi All, Upcoming Birdwalks LUZERNE Nescopeck State Park - Sat, May 25 Meet at Visitor Center parking for 8:00am SCHUYLKILL Locust Lake State Park - Sun, May 26 Meet at main parking lot for 7:30am Dave Kruel Pottsville Schuylkill Co.
Subject: Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, Common Nighthawks, Clearfield Co.
From: Dan Richards <drichards7 AT VERIZON.NET>
Date: Sun, 19 May 2013 22:18:41 -0400

This morning there was a Yellow-bellied Flycatcher and a Wilson's Warbler along the Beaver Meadow Walkway in DuBois. This evening I saw several Common Nighthawks flying around near Bimini Lake. Dan Richards Treasure Lake
Subject: Update Peregrine Falcons on Clarks Ferry Bridge-Dauphin Co
From: lockermanS&G <lockerman AT PAONLINE.COM>
Date: Sun, 19 May 2013 19:46:45 -0400

PABirders, The 3 young nestling peregrine falcons are on the 8th pier from the west side of the Susquehanna River. There is 1 male and 2 females and they were banded on May 13th. They have red, white and blue tape on the aluminum band on the right leg. If you wish to view them, park in the Park and Ride lot on the east shore and walk up the walkway on the exit ramp that the AT hikers use to cross the river. As the ramp bends to the right, you will see the 8th pier from the west side on the downriver side of the bridge. It is where the concrete meets the steel. I would strongly advise not to go too far up the ramp. We stopped at the light pole that the Game Commission has a sign on telling the AT hikers about the birds. The female came toward us when we began to walk past that pole. It is excellent viewing from that spot and it isn't necessary to go any further. The nest is under the bridge but the young were on the outside ledge of Pier 8. Expected date of fledging is between May 23rd and May 28th. Sandy Lockerman Harrisburg, Dauphin Co. lockerman AT paonline.com
Subject: Clarion County Sparrows, Warblers, etc
From: Shawn Collins <pabirder1974 AT GMAIL.COM>
Date: Sun, 19 May 2013 19:38:51 -0400

I birded Clarion County this AM many FOY's and had great birds Highlights were Currlsville Strip area 4 Clay Colored Sparrows 10 plus Henslow's Sparrows ( these guys were singing everywhere) 10 plus Grasshopper Sparrows (singing everywhere) 25 plus Bobolinks 5 Prairie Warblers ( I'm sure there were many more) 1 Willow Flycatcher 3 Savannah Sparrows 1 Vesper Sparrow 2 Field Sparrows 1 Brown Thrasher 5 plus Common Yellowthroat 2 Chestnut Sided Warblers ( Tree area on Yates Road) 1 Ovenbird ( Yates) 3 Indigo Buntings ( yates) 2 Tennessee Warblers ( Yates) Also on Yates Road, well the road that takes you to Yates, there was a scrub overgrown farm 1 Golden Wing Warbler *singing and psshed him out* Sarah Furnace Area 2 Worm Eating Warblers 1 Cerulean Warbler 3 Ovenbirds 2 Black and White Warblers 5 Black Throated Green Warblers 3 Indigo Buntings 1 Blue Headed Vireo 2 Red Eyed Vireo 5 plus Tennessee Warblers ( singing everywhere) 2 Blackpoll Warblers 1 Black Throated Blue Warbler 1 Yellow Breasted Chat ( On Rider Road) 4 Chestnut Sided Warblers 1 Magnolia Warbler Along the Allegheny River I had 4 Common Mergansers Some Photos http://www.flickr.com/photos/pghdjshawn/ -- Shawn Collins Crawford County My Photography Page http://www.flickr.com/photos/pghdjshawn/ My Bird Blog http://givingyouthebird.blogspot.com/
Subject: Re: (19) species of Warblers Middle Creek WMA
From: John Heiselman <jheiselman AT ME.COM>
Date: Sun, 19 May 2013 18:49:58 -0400

On May 19, 2013, at 11:29 AM, Bruce and Sherri Carl wrote: > PA BIRDERS, > > I spent a few hours birding the Middle Creek WMA identifying (89) > species of which (19) species were warblers. > > List of warblers identified: Blue-winged, Nashville, Parula, Yellow, > Magnolia, Black-throated Blue, Black-throated Green, Blackburnian, > Bay-breasted, Blackpoll, Black & White, Redstart, Worm-eating, Ovenbird, > Northern Waterthrush, Louisiana Waterthrush, Common Yellowthroat, Hooded & > Canada. > > Other birds of note this morning included Osprey, Horned Lark, > Blue-headed Vireo and White-crowned Sparrow. > > Bruce A Carl > Akron, PA > Lancaster County
Subject: Erie County birds of note
From: Jerry McWilliams <jerrymcw AT AOL.COM>
Date: Sun, 19 May 2013 18:52:35 -0400

The following birds of note were recorded this week from Presque Isle S.P. unless noted otherwise. Brant--50; May 19; Presque Isle Hawk Watch at West 12th & Peninsual Drive Snowy Egret--1; May 15; Thompson Bay American Bittern--1; May 15; Gull Point Trail Black Vulture--2; May 15; Siegel Marsh Sandhill Crane--1; May 15; over Erie 3; May 16; over Pine Tree Trail 1; May 19; Presque Isle Hawk Watch at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center Piping Plover--1; May 14 & 15; Gull Point White-rumped Sandpiper--4; May 18; Gull Point Barn Owl--1; May 12; east of B-trail "Brewster's" Warbler--1; May 12; Sidewalk Trail Yellow-throated Warbler--1; May 18; Fry's landing Worm-eating Warbler--1; May 19; Fry's landing Red Crossbill--1; May 15 to 17; Erie Jerry McWilliams Erie, Erie County, Pa. jerrymcw AT aol.com
Subject: Breeding Birds
From: "Brauning, Daniel" <dbrauning AT PA.GOV>
Date: Sun, 19 May 2013 18:03:12 -0400

Several posts over the past few weeks have gotten me curious: What changes have already happened to bird distributions since the Second Atlas fieldwork was completed in 2009? There were food-begging calls by Common Ravens in a quarry in Delaware County! Hooded Merganser young in Lebanon County! There must be others. Maybe some observations that weren't in the Second Atlas were oversights, but that's of interest too. So, I propose a challenge: Find nesting birds in blocks that were not in the Second Atlas, and post them here, but better yet, put them into eBird and I'll summarize the results and include highlights in Pennsylvania Birds' "Summary of the Summer Season" this fall. Start the eBird Comments area with "Atlas Update:" so I can more easily find these eBird posts. This might enliven the otherwise slower summer bird reporting season (did I say that?) and give us a sense of what has happened since the first decade of the 21st Century. The most interesting observations will be those that fill larger gaps (absent from a cluster of blocks), but any expanded range or the re-confirmation of a rare species would be of value, being careful not to disturb nests. Second Atlas results are still available on-line at http://bird.atlasing.org/Atlas/PA/, but of course, even better, get the book from Penn State University Press, Amazon, or wherever to have the full resources of the published Second Atlas at your fingertips. Bird distributions are constantly changing, and your observations improve our knowledge! So, chase those breeding birds over the next few months! Daniel Brauning Pennsylvania Game Commission Williamsport, Lycoming County
Subject: Dickcissel, Bobolinks Western Cumberland County
From: David McNaughton <dkmcnaughton AT GMAIL.COM>
Date: Sun, 19 May 2013 18:01:55 -0400

Today I was out chasing some Cumberland County birds reported here on the listserv and on eBird. I dipped on all of them, so they're not worth mentioning. While in the vicinity, I have been meaning to check the status of the hayfield that produced Henslow's Sparrows last year at the intersections of Hunter's Road and Chestnut Road near Green Springs and Newville. I didn't find any Henslow's yet, whether due to the grass height or not waiting long enough for the unsuccessful males to our west start to venture out for new spots or any other myriad of possibilities. I did hear one Dickcissel singing from the center of the field, in the same general location as the Henslow's last year (a t or y-shaped swale). High numbers of Bobolinks, Grasshopper Sparrows, and Barn Swallows were apparent and everywhere. Additionally one Blackpoll Warbler could be heard across the street in a small treeline and a pair of American Kestrels were sitting on the same pole at the intersection. Dave McNaughton, Newville Area, Cumberland County
Subject: Northeast PA birding (OK, and the auto loop at Stokes)
From: Evan Mann <evanm AT FRONTIER.COM>
Date: Sun, 19 May 2013 17:24:52 -0400

I had the thrill of spending the weekend birding with my son. We birded Delaware Water Gap NRA--Freeman Tract Rd.; Florence Shelley Preserve; PA-Sq-Stack Road; Shohola WMA (IBA); Stokes State Forest. Our species count was 85 with 24 of those warblers. eBird says our individuals counted totaled 513. We hit double digits on red-eyed vireo, wood thrush, veery, ovenbird, hooded warbler, American redstart, cerulean warbler, and scarlet tanager. Great looks at many birds. Happy, exhausted,...HEY! Is that another tick!? Evan Mann "Somewhere, always, the sun is rising, and somewhere, always, the birds are singing." - Donald Kroodsma
Subject: Erie County, Presque Isle Hawk Watch for May 19, 2013
From: Jerry McWilliams <jerrymcw AT AOL.COM>
Date: Sun, 19 May 2013 17:10:04 -0400

Presque Isle Erie, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: May 19, 2013 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Black Vulture 0 0 1 Turkey Vulture 685 1748 17165 Osprey 10 74 168 Bald Eagle 19 54 149 Northern Harrier 1 28 118 Sharp-shinned Hawk 0 441 1739 Cooper's Hawk 3 13 127 Northern Goshawk 0 0 0 Red-shouldered Hawk 0 0 468 Broad-winged Hawk 479 1070 4321 Red-tailed Hawk 14 97 918 Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 24 Golden Eagle 0 0 1 American Kestrel 0 12 537 Merlin 0 6 22 Peregrine Falcon 0 6 16 Unknown Accipiter 0 2 8 Unknown Buteo 1 7 32 Unknown Falcon 1 2 5 Unknown Eagle 0 0 0 Unknown Raptor 0 0 2 Short-eared Owl 0 0 1 Total: 1213 3560 25822 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 08:30:00 Observation end time: 14:30:00 Total observation time: 6 hours Official Counter: Jerry McWilliams Observers: Jerry McWilliams, Roger Donn, Russ States Visitors: Roger Donn and Russ States assisted with the count and Joao Taveres stopped by to help spot the high flyers. A warm welcome to two Princeton, New Jersey birders, Arlene and Sandra, who had heard of our hawk watch and stopped by to have a look following a three day birding stint at Presque Isle S.P. Weather: Partly cloudy most of the day with light south winds giving over to light northeast winds by 1230 EST. A steamy day with temps. reaching 27C, but the cool breeze off the lake was refreshing. Raptor Observations: A heavy late season movement of birds today following several days of very little activity. A surprising number of Turkey Vultures still on the move as well as a steady flight of Broad-winged Hawks, which were about 90% immatures. Not much raptor diversity though and zero Sharpies. Our best day of Bald Eagles this season included: one first year at 1000 one adult at 1003 one adult at 1036 two first year and one adult at 1053 one first year at 1056 one imm. at 1120 one first year at 1130 one first year at 1133 one first year at 1147 one first year at 1157 one imm. at 1227 one second year at 1250 one imm. at 1258 two imm. at 1304 one imm. at 1309 one imm. at 1357 Non-raptor Observations: Most unexpected was a flock of about 50 Brant flying north over the watch at 1250. Pine Siskin continue to pass through in good numbers. A lone Sandhill Crane flew southwest along the lake. Other migrants noted include: Double-crested Cormrant--17, Eastern Kingbird--4, Cedar Waxwing--5, Ruby-throated Hummingbird--7, Blue Jay--70, Indigo Bunting--1, American Goldfinch--12, Pine Siskin--32. Predictions: Still warmer with a chance of storms. Conditions should be right for another flight if any birds are still to the south of us. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Jerry McWilliams (jerrymcw AT aol.com) information may be found at: http://www.presqueisleaudubon.org Jerry McWilliams Erie, Erie County, Pa. jerrymcw AT aol.com.
Subject: Lebanon County, Mt Pleasant Rd, Red-necked Phalarope, Ruddy Turnstone
From: Tim Becker <tjbecker81 AT AOL.COM>
Date: Sun, 19 May 2013 16:55:09 -0400

Dave McNaughton has a female Red-necked Phalorope, along with the continuing Ruddy Turnstone, at Kreider's Retention Pond. Tim Becker Lebanon County Sent from my iPhone
Subject: LEHIGH CO: Indigo Bunting FOY
From: David Neimeyer <neimeyer AT US.NET>
Date: Sun, 19 May 2013 16:09:20 -0400

About 1 PM today I saw my first Indigo Bunting of the year, in Haafsville, Lehigh Co. I also watched a female Baltimore Oriole pulling strings from the string around my garden. She's been doing this for a few days now, so I cut up some burlap and some string, and set that out for her. That's easier on both of us than having to remark all my rows of vegetables. Sincerely Dave Neimeyer
Subject: Surf Scoter - Crawford Co.
From: Mark Vass <mvas1200 AT YAHOO.COM>
Date: Sun, 19 May 2013 12:46:44 -0700

This morning I was at Pymatuning I stopped at the following locations and had these sightings а Fish Hatchery а 1 SURF SCOTER(drake...present at the large pond on the right when you enter....first reported by Steve Sanford on 5-13) 1 Horned Grebe(same pond as the scoter) 1 Graylag Goose x Canada Goose hybrid а Spillway а 9 Ruddy Duck 5 D.c. Cormorant 58 Ring-billed Gull а Causeway(Pa. side) а 1 Horned Grebe 1 Common Loon 1 Bonaparte`s Gull 17 Ring-billed Gull а Miller`s Ponds а 10 Hooded Merganser(hen and nine little ducklings) 1 Lesser Yellowlegs 1 Least Sandpiper а а Mark Vass Beaver Co. а
Subject: FOY birds yesterday and today, N. Wayne Co.
From: Trudy Gerlach <tgswoods AT EPIX.NET>
Date: Sun, 19 May 2013 15:00:17 -0400

Yesterday I had the first of the year Willow Flycatcher , singing, near Lakewood, and Canada Warbler (intersection S. Preston & Underwood Rd near Lakewood (a new location for Canada Warbler, appropriate habitat); today the foy Alder Flycatcher and Black & White Warbler near intersection S. Preston and Poyntelle Rds. c. 3 mi s. Lakewood, all N. Wayne Co. Trudy Gerlach Wyalusing, Brad. Co tgswoods AT epix.net
Subject: Cumberland Cnty: Louisianna Waterthrush
From: Barry Horton <fightthefoe AT ATT.NET>
Date: Sun, 19 May 2013 11:13:32 -0700

Sat. 5/018/2013 Messiah Village Cumberland County AT 9:00am а Louisianna Waterthrush-1 а Barry & Jennifer Horton fightthefoe AT att.net а а а а
Subject: Allegheny County--Frick Park
From: Michael Fialkovich <mpfial AT VERIZON.NET>
Date: Sun, 19 May 2013 13:11:39 -0400

I had about two hours this morning so I did a quick walk through Frick Park in Pittsburgh. Migrants were few but I did manage to find some. Tennessee Warbler - 4 (this was Tennessee Warbler week; I had them at several locations all week including my yard) Chestnut-sided Warbler - 1 Magnolia Warbler - 1 Black-throated Green Warbler - 1 Black-throated Blue Warbler - 1 Blackpoll Warbler - 2 A Black-billed Cuckoo was calling in Falls Ravine, the first I've had in the park for years. I also had a rather late White-throated Sparrow. On Friday evening a calling Common Nighthawk flew over my yard. I don't live in Nighthawk habitat but I do get them occasionally during migration, usually in the fall. Mike Fialkovich Pittsburgh Area, Allegheny County
Subject: Re: Identifying SGLs
From: Herbert Flavell <herb1013 AT EPIX.NET>
Date: Sun, 19 May 2013 12:40:36 -0400

You can find all of the state game lands by downloading a free copy of Google Earth. Enter Pa game lands #35 or another number in the search box. It will not only show 35 but most all game lands in PA. Use the magnify bar on the right and zoom in to all the game land holds. It will show roads in and out. I use it often to check out the gas wells near my home. The pictures are so new that my new blue roof is pictured. Herb Flavell, Gods Knob,Milk Can Corners, Susquehanna County -----Original Message----- From: Ann C. Pettigrew Sent: Sunday, May 19, 2013 11:32 AM To: PABIRDS AT LIST.AUDUBON.ORG Subject: Re: [PABIRDS] Identifying SGLs Me three! Ann C. Pettigrew, V.M.D. York, PA rook185 AT comcast.net www.pbase.com/rook185 Sent from my iPad On May 15, 2013, at 11:00 PM, Cris Hamilton wrote: > I second that! > > Cris > Houston, PA > > > > On May 15, 2013, at 9:47 PM, Gerald Kruth wrote: > >> There have been some nice posts by folks relating to sightings at State >> Game Lands. >> >> It might be helpful to the general readership if the author would >> identify >> the place by name, or general area if possible (county is sometimes >> included and that helps). It might let the reader decide if the place >> was close >> enough, if we also wished to enjoy the place. >> >> Thank you, >> >> Jerry Kruth >> Pittsburgh
Subject: Report from The Great Bucktoe Creek Preserve Shorebird, Kite, Nighthawk & Anhinga(?) Watch -- Day 1 -- Chester County
From: Larry Lewis <EarlyBirdTours AT COMCAST.NET>
Date: Sun, 19 May 2013 16:36:12 +0000

Trip Report : The Great Bucktoe Creek Preserve Shorebird, Kite, Nighthawk and Anhinga(?) Watch - Day 1 Destination : Bucktoe Creek Preserve, Kennett Square, PA Date : Saturday, May 18, 2013 Time : 3pm - 8:30pm Weather : Mostly Cloudy, 65-70F, SSE 5-10 Participants : Larry Lewis (leader), Kathleer Pileggi (assistant), Jim Geiger, Sue Geiger, David McNaughton , Rand McIlvaine, Marian Quinn (Total Participants at "The Watch" today - 7) Comments : Today marked the beginning the third annual Great Bucktoe Creek Preserve Shorebird, Kite, Nighthawk & Anhinga(?) Watch. The first day has been uneventful before, except the first year - when Mississippi Kite was just about our first bird seen.┬а Still, today we added 9 Nighthawks, 3 Osprey, 2 Great Egrets, Blue Grosbeak, and a Barred Owl.┬а Don't be lulled in to a state of complacency, the birds will be here - but when??┬а "The Watch" will continue daily from 3PM till dark, through June 7th. Thanks to Kathleen Pileggi and Jim Geiger for furnishing me rides to and from today's event. ----------------------------- Species List : ┬а Canada Goose - 5 Mallard - 3 Great Blue Heron - 1 Great Egret - 2 Black Vulture - 15 Turkey Vulture - 25 Osprey - 3 Red-tailed Hawk - 3 Killdeer - 2 Mourning Dove - 12 Barred Owl - 1 COMMON NIGHTHAWK - 9 Chimney Swift - 25 Belted Kingfisher - 2 Red-bellied Woodpecker - 5 Downy Woodpecker - 3 Hairy Woodpecker - 1 Northern Flicker - 3 Pileated Woodpecker - 2 Eastern Wood-Pewee - 1 Willow Flycatcher - 1 Eastern Phoebe - 2 Eastern Kingbird - 6 Warbling Vireo - 1 Red-eyed Vireo - 1 Blue Jay - 5 American Crow - 5 Fish Crow - 2 Purple Martin - 8 Tree Swallow - 15 Northern Rough-winged Swallow - 2 Barn Swallow - 8 Carolina Chickadee - 4 Tufted Titmouse - 4 White-breasted Nuthatch - 1 Carolina Wren - 2 House Wren - 3 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher - 1 Eastern Bluebird - 6 Wood Thrush - 3 American Robin - 21 Gray Catbird - 4 Northern Mockingbird - 1 Brown Thrasher - 2 European Starling - 12 Cedar Waxwing - 22 Yellow Warbler - 2 Ovenbird - 3 Common Yellowthroat - 2 Scarlet Tanager - 2 Eastern Towhee - 5 Chipping Sparrow - 3 Field Sparrow - 3 Song Sparrow - 6 Northern Cardinal - 2 Blue Grosbeak - 1 Indigo Bunting - 3 Red-winged Blackbird - 15 Common Grackle - 10 Brown-headed Cowbird - 6 Orchard Oriole - 2 Baltimore Oriole - 4 House Finch - 8 American Goldfinch - 4 ┬а Total Species :┬а┬а┬а64 - Day ┬а┬а┬а┬а┬а 64┬а- Season ┬а Thanks to Kathleen Pileggi in advance for entering this report into ebird for us. A copy of this report has also been emailed to all who participated in today's watch, and all interested parties. ┬а General information regarding "The Watch" appears below (copied from previous emails).... ┬а --------------------------------- ┬а The third annual Great Bucktoe Creek Preserve Shorebird, Kite, Nighthawk and Anhinga(?) Watch for 2013 Just a quick word about the upcoming Great Bucktoe Creek Preserve Shorebird, Kite Nighthawk and Anhinga(?) Watch for 2013.... (Okay, I just proof-read this, and it wasn't such a "quick word" after all - it seems, I have trouble being quick when I write! Long winded, but with a keyboard.) Where & When ?: The third annual "Great Bucktoe Creek Preserve Shorebird, Kite, Nighthawk and Anhinga(? ) Watch" is being held this year from Saturday, May 18th thru Friday, June 7, daily from 3PM until 8:30 PM (come and go whenever you want, within these times every day). Come kick this year's event off on a Saturday with some great birds. This year, more than ever, I can use help scanning the skies, as I continue my recovery from the accident. We can always use photographers with long lenses to help document what goes on here for this event. Why ?: A - Because, if you're a state-lister for PA, many of these birds are incredibly difficult to see in PA. And anyone interested in Chester County birds...whewwww! Look at the list of birds (below) we've seen here during the first 2 years of the Watch! B - In the words of nearly every Realtor I've ever met, "It's location, location, location." Why? Because a majority of their magnificent and still mysterious (to us) migration occurs overnight and because this migration tends to begin late in the afternoon (after that last, pre-flight day feeding frenzy to stock up on fat reserves, for the incredible journey that awaits). We here at Bucktoe are strategically(?) located here in southeast PA, just about as close to the fabled staging grounds along the Delaware Bay as you can be and still be in PA. We have a nice overlook facing towards the south, the direction the birds will be approaching us from. The way I figure it is this... the birds feed on their last day to stock up on reserves, take off in the late afternoon and follow the Bay/River for a bit as it heads north, until it begins to swing towards the northeast. The birds then swing more northerly heading towards the Tundra, where many breed, and away from the Bay. That brings many of them over Bucktoe Creek Preserve (which is just miles away from the Delaware River, where it bends to the northeast) and while it is still not too dark to see them or before they gain too much altitude (in some cases). These same flocks likely migrate over many of your homes, but unseen in the middle of the night and too high up for discerning. It's my theory anyway. And you know what they say about theories?? Whether my theory is correct or not, the reality is that we do get birds here, don't we?? C - Groups scanning are more successful and excitement reigns supreme as we wait. D - To wish them well (figuratively), on their incredible journey north for the short breeding season.. E - Because we have fun and share lots of birding stories F - The Patagonia picnic table effect? - The famed locale in Arizona where a rare bird was first noted (I believe it was a Black-capped Gnatcatcher, back in the 70's - did I just show my age?) and because of all the observers (many of them "good") coming to look while also eating lunch, even additional rare birds are seen. Well, we're "good" right? And we have picnic tables, right? In fact, 4 of them! Large ones! And we can eat lunch , even dinner, right?? (Boy, can I eat) Does this mean that we will next see a Swallow-tailed Kite gracing the skies over Bucktoe Creek? I'd like to think so...perhaps something even "better??" Who knows? But be there, or miss the action, or just have to look at our pictures. Speaking of cameras with long lenses... does anyone have an extra/spare of those, they'd like to sell? (Mine, it seems, bought for me by my Mother was stolen in my accident last year. Not everyone there, it seems, was just interested in saving my life.) And trust me, as someone who started this thing, yet still was left to "just look at pictures" last year - that was no fun. No fun at all - Okay, perhaps a bit of vicarious fun, Holly! Thanks, so much, you guys, for pulling it together last year, for me!! And I can't wait to see you all - Holly, Hank, Howard, Kitty, Joe, Ellen, Anita, Tim, Janny, Chuck, Brian (I'll stop there, while I can still leave enough people out!) - everyone! G - The beautiful sunsets???? Okay, perhaps a stretch to say that is why you come here, but they are beautiful, nonetheless. H - HELP!!! Did I mention that I can definitely use all the help scanning the skies that I can get (and especially photogs out there - to help document what we see) this year? I am still a bit rusty and I am still trying to recapture "my A game" after the accident, if you know what I mean. "Rusty" does not even begin to describe me - not even counting the effects of my injuries, I've hardly been out birding in a year (hardly even been out of the hospital). A bit more background, first, please : The Delaware Bay is an incredibly important staging area for migrant shorebirds. Ruddy Turnstones, Dunlin, Red Knots, Sanderlings, Black-bellied Plovers, Semipalmated Plover, Semipalmated Sandpipers, Whimbrels, Willets, and more, all use the tidal flats to feed on Horseshoe Crab eggs, which provide an easy meal for these famished birds. As they arrive from as far away as South America, these birds are in desperate need of sustenance, having lost a large percentage of their body weight during their migration to the Bay. The Delaware Bay is their final stopover and last chance to gain the weight needed to complete their journey to arctic Canada. They need this easy meal! As they (hopefully) gain and reach their required take-off weight, nearly the entire population will depart for the arctic during the last week of May and the first few days of June. We may witness nothing other than a wonderful sunset and have a nice time watching local birds and late migrants, but if we do this event at this season every year, we will likely eventually pick the right day and meet with some luck - potentially adding several species to the Bucktoe Creek Preserve bird list (as flyovers), not to mention your PA state list and Chester County lists. That has certainly happened the first 2 years of "The Watch." It boggles ones mind to know that many of these birds will depart the Delaware Bay and fly non-stop to arctic Canada! Wouldn't it be great to see them pass over as they wing their way north? Of course, as we scan the skies we may have a surprise other than a shorebird flock - this is prime time for southern vagrant Swallow-tailed Kite (next bird to fall at Bucktoe?), Mississippi Kite (seen both years), and Anhinga (seen one year, but in the fall)! From research that I have done, the birds depart the Delaware Bay (most frequently) on a mid- to late-day high tide during late May or the first few days of June, often en mass, but certainly in large flocks, and generally fly north or northwest at some altitude. The migration route for many of these flocks will cross our region - nearly all flocks will go unnoticed. I myself have witnessed this migration, both along the Delaware Bay and over Chester County (before this organized watch was started). This is a truly amazing site to witness these large flocks crossing our region. We have seen large flocks of Black-bellied Plovers flying over southern Chester County and Coatesville, as well as Whimbrel over Lancaster County while we watched for Swallow-tailed Kite and Mississippi Kites (both also seen). You just never know what may fly over, do you?? We will have scopes set up to scan the skies. If you have a scope, bring yours. If you have no scope, binoculars will help scan the skies. The plan is to have a bank of scopes (facing southeast towards the Delaware Bay) for everyone to use should we spot a shorebird flock migrating towards us. More When and What ? Please plan on coming out. Bring a collapsible chair (or sit on one of our picnic tables), bring your scope, camera with long lens, dinner and something to drink (adult beverages, okay within reason) and help scan the skies: The first 2 years of this watch we have had: Whimbrel -- hundreds last year Red Knot -- hundreds both years Sanderling -- hundreds in 2011, at least. Ruddy Turnstone -- hundreds, both years Dunlin -- hundreds, both years Black-bellied Plover -- hundreds both years Semipalmated Plover -- still need this one here. Killdeer -- many, both years Semipalmated Sandpiper -- hundreds, first year, at least (I'm not too up on last year's results, a complete blank - almost like I was in a coma) Greater Yellowlegs -- 1 in 2012 Lesser Yellowlegs -- 1 in 2011 & Mississippi Kites -- a hand-full of times both years (often close), including two in the air at one time last year! Common Nighthawk -- numerous, both years Other stuff... Osprey -- a few both years Bald Eagle -- a few, both years (seen nearly daily) Red-shouldered Hawk -- a few, both years Glossy Ibis -- 1 in 2012 Great Egret -- a few, both years Green Heron -- a few, both years Caspian Tern -- 3 in 2011 Double-crested Cormorant -- 1 in 2012 Blue Grosbeak -- a couple, both years (breeders). Magnolia Warbler -- 1 in 2012 Yellow-breasted Chat -- 1 in 2012 plus various more common migrants and resident birds. Even more When & What ?? If you seek... Kites --- 3pm - 6pm (who knows, with these guys?) Nighthawks --- after 5pm (before May 26) Shorebirds --- 5pm till dark (especially when high tide along the Delaware Bay occurs in the late afternoon to push them off the flats where they are feeding, at the right time to begin their migration??) Whimbrel --- especially earlier in "The Watch"; mid-late May Red Knot --- later in "The Watch"; later in May and even June A good time with lots of laughs --- 3pm till dark, daily! Of course, the departure time and date for these birds is not an exact science, but the more eyes we have scanning the skies over Bucktoe at this likely vantage point, the better our chances of seeing migrant flocks. About the best advise I can give is ....come, when you aren't coming and don't come when you are...or something like that. You just have to put the time in at The Watch to get rewarded. What do I bring ? Bring a lawn chair, sunscreen, hat, something to drink (adult beverages, okay, within reason), a picnic dinner, a date(???), a spotting scope, a camera with long lens, and join the fun watching the skies while having a wonderful evening at Bucktoe Creek Preserve. Everyone is welcome. Okay, still more Where ? Directions to Bucktoe Creek Preserve -- From Kennett Square, PA (in southern Chester County): Take Union Street south out of town. This becomes Kaolin Road. Make a right onto Hillendale Road. Proceed about 1.5 miles to Sharp Road and make a left. At the second hilltop on Sharp Road, the entrance is on the left across from Candlewyck development. (432 Sharp Rd.) Upon entering driveway, make a right on gravel road opposite first driveway you see on left. Follow gravel road and follow the signs to the parking area. You may access Bucktoe Creek Preserve only for these guided walks & special events. Hope to see you at the watch.... How much ? This event is free (sponsored by your friends, at Bucktoe Creek Preserve), but could "cost you, dearly," if you miss out - please come out and help me scan the skies - and have some fun with fellow birders! Who ? Everyone is welcome. Please come out to support this fine event and to welcome me back. I have been dying to get back - the trouble was that last year I was (nearly) dying to get here, too. Questions ? Contact me at info below... Good Birding All & see you at "The Watch," Larry Lewis & Kathleen Pileggi EARLY BIRD NATURE TOURS "Exciting & Fun Adventures in Nature" Coatesville, PA 19320 484-340-SORA (7672) -- Business Cell email: earlybirdtours AT comcast.net
Subject: Re: PABIRDS Digest - 15 May 2013 to 16 May 2013 (#2013-137)
From: Mike M <mike_more2010 AT YAHOO.COM>
Date: Sun, 19 May 2013 09:10:18 -0700

Can I be removed from the list? Thank you. From: PABIRDS automatic digest system >To: PABIRDS AT LIST.AUDUBON.ORG >Sent: Friday, May 17, 2013 12:00 AM >Subject: PABIRDS Digest - 15 May 2013 to 16 May 2013 (#2013-137) > > >There are 26 messages totaling 1350 lines in this issue. > >Topics of the day: > >а 1. Just 2 Days remain until the beginning of The Great Bucktoe Creek Preserve >а а Shorebird & Kite Watch for 2013а -а Chester County >а 2. Lebanon County, Mt Pleasant Rd, Ruddy Turnstone , Short-billed Dowitcher, >а а Dunlin >а 3. PAMC >а 4. Nice bird walk along Monocacy Creek in Bethlehem >а 5. W-C Sparrow, etc. Wayne CO >а 6. Cedar Waxwings >а 7. American Bittern - Allegheny County, Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve >а 8. John Heinz Philly - rocking this morning >а 9. Birdsong Apps ?, Kittatinny Bird HIkes, eBird (3) >10. Contact info request >11. Dickcissel, Mt. Pleasant Road, Annville, Lebanon County >12. Philadelphia >13. Great Egret-Washington County >14. Erie County, Presque Isle Hawk Watch for May 16, 2013 >15. Allegheny County - eBird Report - Knob Hill Park, May 16, 2013 >16. Westtown School Campus, Chester County >17. Nighthawks, Squirrel Hill, Pittsburgh, Allegheny County (2) >18. Com. Loon & L. Scaup - Allegheny Co. >19. Warblers, Migrants, and Breeders Crawford County >20. New arrivals, Wilsons Warbler, Schenley, Pittsburgh >21. Crawford County -- Prothonotary Warbler (odd nest site), Common Loon >22. Crawford County -- Prothonotary Warbler (odd nest site), Common... >23. Mourning Warbler and Lincon's Sparrow, SGL 110, Berks County > >---------------------------------------------------------------------- > >Date:а а Thu, 16 May 2013 05:20:46 +0000 >From:а а Larry Lewis >Subject: Just 2 Days remain until the beginning of The Great Bucktoe Creek Preserve Shorebird & Kite Watch for 2013а -а Chester County > >Hi Everyone,а > >There are justа2 days till the start of the third annual Great Bucktoe Creek Preserve Shorebird, Kite, Nighthawk and Anhinga(?) Watch - 2013 edition.ааWho else isаexcited?а This year's watch will be run daily from May 18 thru June 7th from 3PM till 8:30PM each day.а > >The first day for the Watch, May 18th, isаthis Saturday, so everyone come out and help usаwatch the skies.ааWe especially can use all you photographers with long lensesаout there too - to help document all this.а Will we seeаMississippi Kites for the third year in a row?а As always, I can use all the help I can get scanning the skies, but that has never been truer than this year, as I continue my recovery.а Come join us and get a sense of the excitement - as we wait for those special moments, when something we thought weаmight never see in Pennsylvania, especially in Chester County, wings its way overhead.а Perhaps, hundreds of Whimbrel, Red Knots, Black-bellied Plover, Sanderlings, Ruddy Turnstones, Dunlin and more, accented by Mississippi Kites (this has all happened before - during each of the first 2 years of our watch).а What will be next to grace our skies??а > >General info - copied from a previous email follows....а >а >----- Original Message ----- > >аа >ааа The third annual Great Bucktoe Creek Preserve Shorebird, Kite, Nighthawk and Anhinga(?) Watch for 2013а >а >Just a quick word about the upcoming Great Bucktoe Creek Preserve Shorebird, Kite Nighthawk and Anhinga( ?) Watch for 2013.... (Okay, I just proof-read this, and it wasn't such a "quick word" after all - it seems, I have trouble being quick when I write! Long winded, but with a keyboard.)а > >Where & When ?:а > >The third annual "Great Bucktoe Creek Preserve Shorebird, Kite, Nighthawk and Anhinga(? ) Watch" is being held this year from Saturday, May 18th thru Friday, June 7, daily from 3PM until 8:30 PM (come and go whenever you want, within these times every day). Come kick this year's event off on a Saturday with some great birds. This year, more than ever, I can use help scanning the skies, as I continue my recovery from the accident. We can always use photographers with long lenses to help document what goes on here for this event.а > >Why ?:а > >A - Because, if you're a state-lister for PA, many of these birds are incredibly difficult to see in PA. And anyone interested in Chester County birds...whewwww! Look at the list of birds (below) we've seen hereаduring the first 2 years of the Watch! >B - In the words of nearly every Realtor I've ever met, "It's location, location, location." Why? Because a majority of their magnificent and still mysterious (to us) migration occurs overnight and because this migration tends to begin late in the afternoon (after that last, pre-flight day feeding frenzy to stock up on fat reserves, for the incredible journey that awaits). We here at Bucktoe are strategically(?) located here in southeast PA, just about as close to the fabled staging grounds along the Delaware Bay as you can be and still be in PA. We have a nice overlook facing towards the south, the direction the birds will be approaching us from. The way I figure it is this... the birds feed on their last day to stock up on reserves, take off in the late afternoon and follow the Bay/River for a bit as it heads north, until it begins to swing towards the northeast. The birds then swing more northerly heading towards the Tundra, where many breed, and away from the Bay. That brings many of them over Bucktoe Creek Preserve (which is just miles away from the Delaware River, where it bends to the northeast) and while it is still not too dark to see them or before they gain too much altitude (in some cases). These same flocks likely migrate over many of your homes, but unseen in the middle of the night and too high up for discerning. >It's my theory anyway. And you know what they say about theories?? Whether my theory is correct or not, the reality is that we do get birds here, don't we?? >C - Groups scanning are more successful and excitement reigns supreme as we wait. >D - To wish them well (figuratively), on their incredible journey north for the short breeding season.. >E - Because we have fun and share lots of birding stories >F - The Patagonia picnic table effect? а- The famed locale in Arizona where a rare bird was first noted (I believe it was a Black-capped Gnatcatcher, back in the 70's - did I just show my age?) and because of all the observers (many of them "good") coming to look while also eating lunch, even additional rare birds are seen. Well, we're "good" right? And we have picnic tables, right? In fact, 4 of them! Large ones! And we can eat lunch , even dinner, right?? (Boy, can I eat) Does this mean that we will next see a Swallow-tailed Kite gracing the skies over Bucktoe Creek? I'd like to think so...perhaps something even "better??" Who knows? But be there, or miss the action, or just have to look at our pictures. Speaking of cameras with long lenses... does anyone have an extra/spare of those, they'd like to sell? (Mine, it seems, bought for me by my Mother was stolen in my accident last year. Not everyone there, it seems, was just interested in saving my life.) And trust me, as someone who started this thing, yet still was left to "just look at pictures" last year - that was no fun. No fun at all - Okay, perhaps a bit of vicarious fun, Holly! Thanks, so much, you guys, for pulling it together last year, for me!! And I can't wait to see you all - Holly, Hank, Howard, Kitty, Joe, Ellen, Anita, Tim, Janny, Chuck, Brian (I'll stop there, while I can still leave enough people out!) - everyone! >G - The beautiful sunsets???? Okay, perhaps a stretch to say that is why you come here, but they are beautiful, nonetheless. >H - Did I mention that I can definitely use all the help scanning the skies that I can get (and especially photogs out there - to help document what we see) this year?а I am still a bitаrusty and I am still trying to recapture "my A game" after the accident, if you know what I mean.а >а >A bit more background, first, please :а > >The Delaware Bay is an incredibly important staging area for migrant shorebirds. Ruddy Turnstones, Dunlin, Red Knots, Sanderlings, Black-bellied Plovers, Semipalmated Plover, Semipalmated Sandpipers, Whimbrels, Willets, and more, all use the tidal flats to feed on Horseshoe Crab eggs, which provide an easy meal for these famished birds. As they arrive from as far away as South America, these birds are in desperate need of sustenance, having lost a large percentage of their body weight during their migration to the Bay. The Delaware Bay is their final stopover and last chance to gain the weight needed to complete their journey to arctic Canada. They need this easy meal!а As they (hopefully) gain and reach their required take-off weight, nearly the entire population will depart for the arctic during the last week of May and the first few days of June. > >We may witness nothing other than a wonderful sunset and have a nice time watching local birds and late migrants, but if we do this event at this season every year, we will likely eventually pick the right day and meet with some luck - potentially adding several species to the Bucktoe Creek Preserve bird list (as flyovers), not to mention your PA state list and Chester County lists. That has certainly happened the first 2 years of "The Watch." It boggles ones mind to know that many of these birds will depart the Delaware Bay and fly non-stop to >arctic Canada! Wouldn't it be great to see them pass over as they wing their way north? Of course, as we scan the skies we may have a surprise other than a shorebird flock - this is prime time for southern vagrant Swallow-tailed Kite (next bird to fall at Bucktoe?), Mississippi Kite (seen both years), and Anhinga (seen one year, but in the fall)! > >From research that I have done, the birds depart the Delaware Bay (most frequently) on a mid- to late-day high tide during late May or the first few days of June, often en mass, but certainly in large flocks, and generally fly north or northwest at some altitude. The migration route for many of these flocks will cross our region - nearly all flocks will go unnoticed. I myself have witnessed this migration, both along the Delaware Bay and over Chester County (before this organized watch was started). This is a truly amazing site to witness these large flocks crossing our region.а We have seen large flocks of Black-bellied Plovers flying over southern Chester County and Coatesville, as well as Whimbrel over Lancaster County while we watched for Swallow-tailed Kite and Mississippi Kites (both also seen). You just never know what may fly over, do you?? > >We will have scopes set up to scan the skies. If you have a scope, bring yours. If you have no scope, binoculars will help scan the skies. The plan is to have a bank of scopes (facing southeast towards the Delaware Bay) for everyone to use should we spot a shorebird flock migrating towards us.а > >More When and What ?а > >Please plan on coming out. Bring a collapsible chair (or sit on one of our picnic tables), bring your scope, camera with long lens, dinner and something to drink (adult beverages, okay within reason) and help scan the skies: The first 2 years of this watch we have had:а >аааа Whimbrel -- hundreds last yearа >аааа Red Knot -- hundreds both yearsа >аааа Sanderling -- hundreds in 2011, at least.а >аааа Ruddy Turnstone -- hundreds, both yearsа >аааа Dunlin -- hundreds, at least, first yearа >аааа Black-bellied Plover -- hundreds both yearsа >аааа Semipalmated Plover -- still need this one here.а >аааа Killdeer -- many, both yearsа >аааа Semipalmated Sandpiper -- hundreds, first year, at least (I'm not too up on last year's results, as I was in a coma)а >аааа Greater Yellowlegs -- 1 in 2012а >аааа Lesser Yellowlegs -- 1 in 2011а >аааааааа &а >аааа Mississippi Kites -- a hand-full of times both years (often close), including two in the air at one time last year!а >аааа Common Nighthawk -- numerous, both yearsа >аааааааа Other stuff...а >аааа Osprey -- a few both yearsа >аааа Bald Eagle -- a few, both years (seen nearly daily)а >аааа Red-shouldered Hawk -- a few, both yearsа >аааа Glossy Ibis -- 1 in 2012а >аааа Great Egret -- a few, both yearsа >аааааGreen Heron -- a few, both yearsа >аааа Caspian Tern -- 3 inа2011 >аааа Double-crested Cormorant -- 1 in 2012а >аааа Blue Grosbeak -- a couple, both years (breeders).а >аааа Magnolia Warbler -- 1 in 2012а >аааааааааааааа plus various more common migrants and resident birds.а > >Even more When & What ??а > >If you seek...а >ааааа Kites --- 3pm - 6pm (who knows, with these guys?)а >ааааа Nighthawks --- after 5pm (before May 26)а >ааааа Shorebirds --- 5pm till dark (especially when high tide along the Delaware Bay occurs in the late afternoon to push them off the flats where they are feeding, at the right time to begin their migration??)а >аааааааа Whimbrel --- especially earlier in "The Watch"; mid-late Mayа >аааааааа Red Knot --- later in "The Watch"; later in May and even Juneа >ааааа A good time with lots of laughs --- 3pm till dark, daily!а > >Of course, the departure time and date for these birds is not an exact science, but the more eyes we have scanning the skies over Bucktoe at this likely vantage point, the better our chances of seeing migrant flocks. > >About the best advise I can give is ....come, when you aren't coming and don't come when you are...or something like that. You just have to put the time in at the Watch to get rewarded.а > >What do I bring ?а > >Bring a lawn chair, sunscreen, hat, something to drink (adult beverages, okay, within reason), a picnic dinner, a date(???), a spotting scope, a camera with long lens, and join the fun watching the skies while having a wonderful evening at Bucktoe Creek Preserve. Everyone is welcome.а > >Okay, still more Where ?а > >Directions to Bucktoe Creek Preserve -- From Kennett Square, PA (in southern Chester County): Take Union Street south out of town. This becomes Kaolin Road. Make a right onto Hillendale Road. Proceed about 1.5 miles to Sharp Road and make a left. At the second hilltop on Sharp Road, the entrance is on the left across from Candlewyck development. (432 Sharp Rd.) Upon entering driveway, make a right on gravel road opposite first driveway you see on left. Follow gravel road and follow the signs to the parking area. You may access Bucktoe Creek Preserve only for these guided walks & special events.а > >Hope to see you at the watch....а > >How much ?а > >This event is free (sponsored by your friends, at Bucktoe Creek Preserve), but could "cost you, dearly," if you miss out - please come out and help me to scan the skies - and have some fun with fellow birders!а > >Who ?а > >Everyone is welcome. Please come out to support this fine event and to welcome me back. I have been dying to get back - the trouble was that last year I was (nearly) dying to get here, too. > >Questions ? Contact me at info below... > >Good Birding All & see you at "The Watch," > > >Larry Lewis & Kathleen Pileggi > >EARLY BIRD NATURE TOURS >"Exciting & Fun Adventures in Nature" >Coatesville, PA 19320 >484-340-SORA (7672) -- Business Cell > >email: earlybirdtours AT comcast.net > >------------------------------ > >Date:а а Thu, 16 May 2013 07:28:53 -0400 >From:а а David McNaughton >Subject: Re: Lebanon County, Mt Pleasant Rd, Ruddy Turnstone , Short-billed Dowitcher, Dunlin > >I viewed the Ruddy Turnstone along the back of Kreider's Pond on Mount >Pleasant Road (Annville) at 6 this morning. The lone remaining Dunlin was >also still there. No sign of the Dowitcher or any interesting Plovers, but >it was early. > >Dave McNaughton, >Annville, >Lebanon County > >On Wed, May 15, 2013 at 12:18 PM, Tim Becker wrote: > >> Currently at Kreider's Pond along Mt Pleasant Rd are a Ruddy Turnstone, >> Short-billed Dowitcher, and Dunlin. All are in great breeding plumage. >> >> Tim Becker >> Grantville >> Lebanon County >> >> Sent from my iPhone > >------------------------------ > >Date:а а Thu, 16 May 2013 07:55:40 -0400 >From:а а Maureen Hobma >Subject: PAMC > >If anyone birded in Allegheny County on migration count day May 11th, please >send me your list. Thanks > > > >Maureen Hobma > >Penn Hills > >Allegheny County > >Maureen.hobma AT comcast.net > > > >------------------------------ > >Date:а а Thu, 16 May 2013 08:04:51 -0400 >From:а а Heveran >Subject: Nice bird walk along Monocacy Creek in Bethlehem > >Hello, > >I took a nice walk along the Monocacy creek in Bethlehem on Monday and found a nice variety of birds.а I especially liked the Warbling Vireos and Wood Thrush (both first of life). > >Good birding! > >Paul H. > >***************************************************************************** >Monocacy Way, Bethlehem, PA, Northampton, US-PA >May 14, 2013 10:52 AM - 12:22 PM >Protocol: Traveling >0.5 mile(s) >Comments:а а Submitted fromа BirdLog NA for Android v1.7 >33 species > >American Black Duckа 1 >Mallardа 6 >Turkey Vultureа 3 >Red-tailed Hawkа 1 >Solitary Sandpiperа 2 >Mourning Doveа 1 >Chimney Swiftа 10 >Belted Kingfisherа 1 >Red-bellied Woodpeckerа 4 >Downy Woodpeckerа 1 >Eastern Phoebeа 1 >Eastern Kingbirdа 1 >Warbling Vireoа 5 >Red-eyed Vireoа 2 >American Crowа 1 >Fish Crowа 1 >White-breasted Nuthatchа 2 >House Wrenа 2 >Carolina Wrenа 2 >Blue-gray Gnatcatcherа 3 >Wood Thrushа 1 >American Robinа 12 >Gray Catbirdа 6 >Common Yellowthroatа 2 >Northern Parulaа 1 >Yellow Warblerа 1 >Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)а 2 >Swamp Sparrowа 1 >Northern Cardinalа 4 >Common Grackleа 7 >Brown-headed Cowbirdа 2 >Baltimore Orioleа 3 >House Finchа 2 > >View this checklist online at http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S14115425 > >This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org/) > >------------------------------ > >Date:а а Thu, 16 May 2013 10:05:54 -0400 >From:а а Sandra Ward Povse >Subject: W-C Sparrow, etc. Wayne CO > >At my home south of Honesdale, PA: Last evening treated to FOY for me >White-crowned Sparrow (male), his crown resplendent. Also treated to a male >Rose-breasted Grosbeak's overture to female: female at feeder, but very >intent on something and not eating; then I heard some bursting song and saw >the male RB Grosbeak hovering and fluttering in the air displaying his >striking black and white plumage -- the female very interested. > >Hummingbird activity is also ramping up between males. > >-- >Sandra Ward Povse | Honesdale, PA > >------------------------------ > >Date:а а Thu, 16 May 2013 10:39:28 -0400 >From:а а Nick Guirate >Subject: Cedar Waxwings > >Just had 6 cedar waxwings perched up along Lemon Hill in Philly. I've been coming here all week and this is the first I'm seeing them. > >Nick Guirate > >Sent by carrier pigeon >Please Check out My Photos >http://www.flickr.com/photos/the_paramaniac/ > >------------------------------ > >Date:а а Thu, 16 May 2013 16:05:05 +0000 >From:а а Jim Valimont >Subject: American Bittern - Allegheny County, Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve > >Spotted by Brian Shema this morning. Currently in a sassafras tree above Goldenrod Trail, despite lots of school groups down by the pond. > >Also heard a Yellow-billed Cuckoo near the platform overlook. > >Jim Valimont >Three Rivers Birding Club > >------------------------------ > >Date:а а Thu, 16 May 2013 16:56:54 +0000 >From:а а Linda Widdop >Subject: John Heinz Philly - rocking this morning > >PA Birders - John Heinz refuge (Tinicum) was rocking with warblers this morning.а Seemingly flocks of Magnolia warblers, 2 Canada warblers chasing each other around the trees, a Blackburnian, many female Yellow warblers gathering nesting material, 3 Ovenbirds skulking around, Redstarts and Parulas seemingly in every tree, 8 Blackpoll warblers "tinking", 2 Chestnut-sided warblers, Black-throated blue, Nashville, Common Yellowthroats and other migrants.а Good grief! > >Thanks, >Linda Widdop >Montgomery County PA >I blog at www.phillybirdnerd.net > >------------------------------ > >Date:а а Thu, 16 May 2013 17:04:26 +0000 >From:а а Dave Kruel >Subject: Birdsong Apps ?, Kittatinny Bird HIkes, eBird > >Hi All, >If your not already aware (sorry if this was posted already, but I'm not certain), there will be a number of organized hikes this summer along the Appalachian Trail/Kittatinny Ridge.а Audubon, hiking clubs, and birders will join forces to expand our data collection of birds that make use of the ridge........and also hopefully, bring more folks into the wonderful world of birding (and conservation). > >With this purpose in mind, I was wondering if folks might be able to suggest some birdsong apps (esp free ones, if available)....maybe especially designed for newer birders.а I am behind the times some, and dont use ipods nor iphones, etc. > >Another focus of the hikes will be on the use of eBird as a means of getting bird records into a database that can be used for science, conservation, etc. The Kittatinny Coalition has issued an "eBird challenge" to greatly increase the number of eBird submissions from the ridge for the months of June & July. > >Here are a couple links to Kittatinny Ridge informationа http://web4.audubon.org/states/pa/pa/kittatinny/what_you_can_do.htmlа http://www.kittatinnyridge.org/ > >If you're able to this summber, bird the ridge ! > >Dave Kruel >Pottsville >Schuylkill County > >------------------------------ > >Date:а а Thu, 16 May 2013 15:04:40 -0400 >From:а а Dick >Subject: Contact info request > >Hi, >а а I have lost contact information on one of my PAMC birders and haven't heard from him yet.а Does anybody have an email/snailmail address or phone # for Duncan Hyslop?а I think he may have mailed his Westmoreland County report to Frank Haas since those were the directions at the bottom of the form. >Dick Byers >Compiler, Westmoreland County > >------------------------------ > >Date:а а Thu, 16 May 2013 15:10:33 -0400 >From:а а David McNaughton >Subject: Dickcissel, Mt. Pleasant Road, Annville, Lebanon County > >I failed to mention in this morning's post that I heard a Dickcissel >singing clearly from the grass crop in the field directly across from the >ponds (west side of Mt. Pleasant Road). I heard one here last year. It's >rare that the wind and traffic are still enough there to pick up the tiny >songs, especially in the presence of many Horned Larks and American Pipits. >This is at least the second consecutive year they've been singing from the >location and several other records exist in the area up to a few years >prior. There are no good close structures to lure the bird out of the grass >for a perch and visual, unfortunately. > >Chuck Berthoud told me that the Ruddy Turnstone may have departed this >morning before 11 a.m. The area was hazy and multiple species have >disappeared and reappeared over the past few weeks, so there's still a >chance it will turn up again. Just a reminder, viewing there is from the >road only. Don't get tempted to stray into anyone's fields and ruin things >for the birding community. I haven't seen or heard anyone misbehaving this >year, but as we run into some of the more rare spring migrants, it's always >good to put the word out again. > >Dave McNaughton, >Kreider Pond and Mount Pleasant Road, >Lebanon County > >------------------------------ > >Date:а а Thu, 16 May 2013 15:53:16 -0400 >From:а а Michael Drake >Subject: Philadelphia > >Carpenter's Woods in NW Philadelphia provide a nice Thrush workshop this am. >There were many Swainson's Thrushes, several each of Wood Thrush and >Veeree, and at least one Gray-cheeked Thrush.а In addition to excellent >views, all four species treated me to their exquisite songs. > >Thrushes aside, there were not many other birds.а B Oriole, Black-throated >Green and several Yellow-rumps. > >I have the sense that there are a lot of birds still to come.а A trip out >of town yesterday (to Maryland) produced many adult male Myrtles and 2 >Blue-headed Vireos.а These would both be typically long gone. > >I hope I'm right!! > >Michael Drake > >------------------------------ > >Date:а а Thu, 16 May 2013 16:14:13 -0400 >From:а а "g. g" >Subject: Great Egret-Washington County > >Along with the usual Tree Swallows and Canada Geese (with goslings), there >was a Great Egret at Lake JoAnn this afternoon around 3. > >Gigi Gerben >Washington County > >------------------------------ > >Date:а а Thu, 16 May 2013 16:17:14 -0400 >From:а а Jerry McWilliams >Subject: Erie County, Presque Isle Hawk Watch for May 16, 2013 > >Presque Isle >Erie, Pennsylvania, USA >Daily Raptor Counts: May 16, 2013 >------------------------------------------------------------------- > >Speciesа а а а а а Day's Countа а Month Totalа Season Total >------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- >Black Vultureа а а а а а а а 0а а а а а а а 0а а а а а а а 1 >Turkey Vultureа а а а а а а 3а а а а а 1060а а а а а 16477 >Ospreyа а а а а а а а а а а 1а а а а а а 64а а а а а а 158 >Bald Eagleа а а а а а а а а 0а а а а а а 35а а а а а а 130 >Northern Harrierа а а а а а 0а а а а а а 27а а а а а а 117 >Sharp-shinned Hawkа а а а а 1а а а а а а 440а а а а а 1738 >Cooper's Hawkа а а а а а а а 0а а а а а а 10а а а а а а 124 >Northern Goshawkа а а а а а 0а а а а а а а 0а а а а а а а 0 >Red-shouldered Hawkа а а а а 0а а а а а а а 0а а а а а а 468 >Broad-winged Hawkа а а а а а 0а а а а а а 591а а а а а 3842 >Red-tailed Hawkа а а а а а а 0а а а а а а 83а а а а а а 904 >Rough-legged Hawkа а а а а а 0а а а а а а а 0а а а а а а 24 >Golden Eagleа а а а а а а а 0а а а а а а а 0а а а а а а а 1 >American Kestrelа а а а а а 0а а а а а а 12а а а а а а 537 >Merlinа а а а а а а а а а а 0а а а а а а а 6а а а а а а 22 >Peregrine Falconа а а а а а 0а а а а а а а 6а а а а а а 16 >Unknown Accipiterа а а а а а 0а а а а а а а 2а а а а а а а 8 >Unknown Buteoа а а а а а а а 0а а а а а а а 6а а а а а а 31 >Unknown Falconа а а а а а а 0а а а а а а а 1а а а а а а а 4 >Unknown Eagleа а а а а а а а 0а а а а а а а 0а а а а а а а 0 >Unknown Raptorа а а а а а а 0а а а а а а а 0а а а а а а а 2 >Short-eared Owlа а а а а а а 0а а а а а а а 0а а а а а а а 1 > >Total:а а а а а а а а а а а 5а а а а а 2343а а а а а 24605 >---------------------------------------------------------------------- > >Observation start time: 08:30:00 >Observation endа time: 10:00:00 >Total observation time: 1.5 hours > >Official Counter:а а а а Jerry McWilliams > >Observers:а а а а Jerry McWilliams, Roger Donn, Sam Stull > >Visitors: >Sam Stull and Roger Donn assisted with the count.а Ann DeSarro, Presque >Isle S.P. Environmental Educator. > > >Weather: >A blank blue sky with light variable winds becoming NW to 15 mph.а > >Raptor Observations: >A picture perfect day for outdoor activities, but not so good for the >hawkwatchers.а Almost nothing moving, even the Passerines were sitting it >out today. > >Non-raptor Observations: >Double-crested Cormorant--7, Blue Jay--73, Ruby-throated Hummingbird--1, >Eastern Bluebird--1, Cedar Waxwing--3, Field Sparrow--1, Baltimore >Oriole--9 > >Predictions: >Clear again, but cooler, which probably means more north wind.а Nothing >likely to be moving. >======================================================================== >Report submitted by Jerry McWilliams (jerrymcw AT aol.com) >information may be found at: >http://www.presqueisleaudubon.org/ > >Jerry McWilliams >Erie, Erie County, Pa. >jerrymcw AT aol.com > >------------------------------ > >Date:а а Thu, 16 May 2013 16:39:03 -0400 >From:а а Karyn Delaney >Subject: Allegheny County - eBird Report - Knob Hill Park, May 16, 2013 > >Beautiful morning to be outside.а Highlights were Northern Rough-winged >Swallows and Yellow-breasted Chat, both "firsts" in the park.а > >Karyn Delaney > > >Knob Hill Park, Allegheny, US-PA >May 16, 2013 8:50 AM - 1:10 PM >Protocol: Traveling >3.0 mile(s) >49 species (+1 other taxa) > >Wild Turkeyа 1а а heard >Great Blue Heronа 1 >Turkey Vultureа 3 >Cooper's Hawkа 1 >Red-tailed Hawkа 1 >Mourning Doveа 2 >Yellow-billed Cuckooа 1 >Chimney Swiftа 1 >Red-bellied Woodpeckerа 3 >Downy Woodpeckerа 3 >Hairy Woodpeckerа 1 >Northern Flickerа 5 >Pileated Woodpeckerа 1 >Eastern Phoebeа 2 >Eastern Kingbirdа 1 >flycatcher sp.а 1 >Red-eyed Vireoа 12а а probably more >Blue Jayа 4 >American Crowа 2 >Northern Rough-winged Swallowа 2а а First at this location >Black-capped Chickadeeа 5 >Tufted Titmouseа 5 >White-breasted Nuthatchа 1 >Eastern Bluebirdа 2 >Wood Thrushа 5 >American Robinа 12а а including 1 fledgling >Gray Catbirdа 14 >Northern Mockingbirdа 2 >European Starlingа 12 >Ovenbirdа 3 >Common Yellowthroatа 2 >Hooded Warblerа 1 >American Redstartа 1 >Magnolia Warblerа 3 >Bay-breasted Warblerа 1а а First-year female >Yellow Warblerа 5 >Chestnut-sided Warblerа 1 >Yellow-rumped Warblerа 3 >Yellow-breasted Chatа 1а а First at this location >Eastern Towheeа 6 >Chipping Sparrowа 1 >Field Sparrowа 2 >Song Sparrowа 6 >Scarlet Tanagerа 5 >Northern Cardinalа 7 >Rose-breasted Grosbeakа 7а а 4 male, 3 female >Red-winged Blackbirdа 4 >Common Grackleа 2 >Baltimore Orioleа 8 >American Goldfinchа 4 > >View this checklist online at >http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S14135165 > >This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org/) > >------------------------------ > >Date:а а Thu, 16 May 2013 21:53:13 +0000 >From:а а Dave Kruel >Subject: Re: Birdsong Apps ?, Kittatinny Bird HIkes, eBird > >Gigi & All, > >Thanks very much for the info regarding birding apps.а I havent been able to see the lists of birds that are included with the different appа packages, should that be easy to find on the websites that sell the apps ? > >Also, I think it would be helpful to post any responses to the PABIRDS list, and not just me......if you would be OK with that. > >I can appreciate the usefulness of having an app along to check on a song, or to play for newer birders.а I know there may be varying opinions, my two cents would be for not playing apps to get a bird to come in for a look.а Probably not too bad for a migrating Wilson's Warbler, etc...but trying to avoid for nesters.а And esp for birds not doing well that might expend lots of energy at a playback ...."good" birds, that get hit with alot of birder traffic.а I recall hearing of a local black rail years ago getting trounced with playback & infringement. > >I love the romance of having to get out & off the nice trail, and swetty and muddy andа ticked up and aching to do some good birding.а If Connecticut Warbs came to the yard daily, it wouldnt be so exciting to find one (which I still have not with that species). > >Dave Kruel >Pottsville >Schuylkill County > > > > >From: "gg" >To: dkruel300 AT COMCAST.NET >Sent: Thursday, May 16, 2013 3:57:22 PM >Subject: Re: [PABIRDS] Birdsong Apps ?, Kittatinny Bird HIkes, eBird > > >BirdTunes is an excellent bird song app with over 2000 songs for over 650 species in North America. That costs $9.99. There is a light version which is free, and a basic version for $1.99.а It is solely for birdsongs, though, no visual id reference. Here is a link to their site: >http://www.birdtunesapp.com/ > >iBird Pro is also a nice app, with tons of info. It is geared to visual ID.а The bird songs are good, but not as varied as with BirdTunes. I am also including the link for it: >http://ibird.com/а >As a cautionary note, I was never able to get the Android version to work, but the iPhone app works without problems.а > >Hope this helps! > >Gigi Gerben >Washington County > > > > > > >From: Dave Kruel >To: PABIRDS AT LIST.AUDUBON.ORG >Sent: Thursday, May 16, 2013 1:04 PM >Subject: [PABIRDS] Birdsong Apps ?, Kittatinny Bird HIkes, eBird > > >Hi All, >If your not already aware (sorry if this was posted already, but I'm not certain), there will be a number of organized hikes this summer along the Appalachian Trail/Kittatinny Ridge.а Audubon, hiking clubs, and birders will join forces to expand our data collection of birds that make use of the ridge........and also hopefully, bring more folks into the wonderful world of birding (and conservation). > >With this purpose in mind, I was wondering if folks might be able to suggest some birdsong apps (esp free ones, if available)....maybe especially designed for newer birders.а I am behind the times some, and dont use ipods nor iphones, etc. > >Another focus of the hikes will be on the use of eBird as a means of getting bird records into a database that can be used for science, conservation, etc. The Kittatinny Coalition has issued an "eBird challenge" to greatly increase the number of eBird submissions from the ridge for the months of June & July. > >Here are a couple links to Kittatinny Ridge informationа http://web4.audubon.org/states/pa/pa/kittatinny/what_you_can_do.htmlа http://www.kittatinnyridge.org/ > >If you're able to this summber, bird the ridge ! > >Dave Kruel >Pottsville >Schuylkill County > >------------------------------ > >Date:а а Thu, 16 May 2013 18:34:47 -0400 >From:а а "Dish.net" >Subject: Re: Birdsong Apps ?, Kittatinny Bird HIkes, eBird > >1. Birdtunes >2. Audubon (fewer variations than Birdtunes, but same library) >3. IBirdPro > >I got these very inexpensively when specials were available. >They have any species you might find in Pa except extralimitals. >The Lite versions might be free, but have very limited libraries. They give you an idea of ease of use and capabilities. > >Sent from Dan Cunkelman's iPhone > >On May 16, 2013, at 5:53 PM, Dave Kruel wrote: > >> Gigi & All, >> >> Thanks very much for the info regarding birding apps.а I havent been able to see the lists of birds that are included with the different appа packages, should that be easy to find on the websites that sell the apps ? >> >> Also, I think it would be helpful to post any responses to the PABIRDS list, and not just me......if you would be OK with that. >> >> I can appreciate the usefulness of having an app along to check on a song, or to play for newer birders.а I know there may be varying opinions, my two cents would be for not playing apps to get a bird to come in for a look.а Probably not too bad for a migrating Wilson's Warbler, etc...but trying to avoid for nesters.а And esp for birds not doing well that might expend lots of energy at a playback ...."good" birds, that get hit with alot of birder traffic.а I recall hearing of a local black rail years ago getting trounced with playback & infringement. >> >> I love the romance of having to get out & off the nice trail, and swetty and muddy andа ticked up and aching to do some good birding.а If Connecticut Warbs came to the yard daily, it wouldnt be so exciting to find one (which I still have not with that species). >> >> Dave Kruel >> Pottsville >> Schuylkill County >> >> >> >> >> From: "gg" >> To: dkruel300 AT COMCAST.NET >> Sent: Thursday, May 16, 2013 3:57:22 PM >> Subject: Re: [PABIRDS] Birdsong Apps ?, Kittatinny Bird HIkes, eBird >> >> >> BirdTunes is an excellent bird song app with over 2000 songs for over 650 species in North America. That costs $9.99. There is a light version which is free, and a basic version for $1.99.а It is solely for birdsongs, though, no visual id reference. Here is a link to their site: >> http://www.birdtunesapp.com/ >> >> iBird Pro is also a nice app, with tons of info. It is geared to visual ID.а The bird songs are good, but not as varied as with BirdTunes. I am also including the link for it: >> http://ibird.com/ >> As a cautionary note, I was never able to get the Android version to work, but the iPhone app works without problems.а >> >> Hope this helps! >> >> Gigi Gerben >> Washington County >> >> >> >> >> >> >> From: Dave Kruel >> To: PABIRDS AT LIST.AUDUBON.ORG >> Sent: Thursday, May 16, 2013 1:04 PM >> Subject: [PABIRDS] Birdsong Apps ?, Kittatinny Bird HIkes, eBird >> >> >> Hi All, >> If your not already aware (sorry if this was posted already, but I'm not certain), there will be a number of organized hikes this summer along the Appalachian Trail/Kittatinny Ridge.а Audubon, hiking clubs, and birders will join forces to expand our data collection of birds that make use of the ridge........and also hopefully, bring more folks into the wonderful world of birding (and conservation). >> >> With this purpose in mind, I was wondering if folks might be able to suggest some birdsong apps (esp free ones, if available)....maybe especially designed for newer birders.а I am behind the times some, and dont use ipods nor iphones, etc. >> >> Another focus of the hikes will be on the use of eBird as a means of getting bird records into a database that can be used for science, conservation, etc. The Kittatinny Coalition has issued an "eBird challenge" to greatly increase the number of eBird submissions from the ridge for the months of June & July. >> >> Here are a couple links to Kittatinny Ridge informationа http://web4.audubon.org/states/pa/pa/kittatinny/what_you_can_do.htmlа http://www.kittatinnyridge.org/ >> >> If you're able to this summber, bird the ridge ! >> >> Dave Kruel >> Pottsville >> Schuylkill County > >------------------------------ > >Date:а а Thu, 16 May 2013 19:56:36 -0400 >From:а а Brian Raicich >Subject: Westtown School Campus, Chester County > >Westtown School has restricted public access to its campus, including the lake and all trails. The lake parking area is to be closed. > > >They will permit birders to continue to visit but restrictions and specific procedures must be followed. > > >Please email me directly for more information. > > >Thanks, >Brian Raicich > > > > > > > > >------------------------------ > >Date:а а Thu, 16 May 2013 20:57:33 -0400 >From:а а "Daniel E. Weeks" >Subject: Nighthawks, Squirrel Hill, Pittsburgh, Allegheny County > >Tonight about 8:30 PM, along Beechwood Ave near Douglas in Squirrel Hill, I saw one Common Nighthawk (FOY) and heard another one.а They are back! > >Good birding, >Dan Weeks >Pittsburgh, Allegheny County > >------------------------------ > >Date:а а Thu, 16 May 2013 20:50:47 -0400 >From:а а Birder Dan >Subject: Nighthawks, Squirrel Hill, Pittsburgh, Allegheny County > >Tonight about 8:30 PM, along Beechwood Ave near Douglas in Squirrel Hill, I saw one Common Nighthawk (FOY) and heard another one.а They are back! > >Good birding, >Dan Weeks >Pittsburgh, Allegheny County > >------------------------------ > >Date:а а Thu, 16 May 2013 18:39:40 -0700 >From:а а Mark Vass >Subject: Com. Loon & L. Scaup - Allegheny Co. > >This evening I went toаthe Dashields Dam on the Ohio River >а >FYI >access to the dam is by foot only while the access road is under construction >а >Here are some of the sightings that I had >а >Wood Duck 3 >Lesser Scaup 1 (drake) >Common Loon 1 >Bald Eagle 1 (adult) >Spotted Sandpiper 6 >Herring Gull (American) 3 (one bird continues on a nest) >Cedar Waxwing 17 (flock) >а >а >Mark Vass >Beaver Co. > >------------------------------ > >Date:а а Thu, 16 May 2013 21:45:28 -0400 >From:а а Shawn Collins >Subject: Warblers, Migrants, and Breeders Crawford County > >After work I birded Custards Marsh area in Crawford County and the adjacent >roads around Custards > >Highlights > >4 Yellow Billed Cuckoos ( 2 pairs ) >2 Indigo Buntings >1 Hooded Warbler >2 Blue Wing Warblers >3 Rose Breasted Grosbeaks >1 Tennessee Warbler >2 Blackpoll Warblers ( singing) >1 Norther Waterthrush ( singing) >10-15 Wood Thrushes >5 plus Common Yellowthroats >1 American Redstart > >I added some photos of the Cuckoo's on my Flickr page below. > > >Shawn Collins >Crawford County > >My Photography Page >http://www.flickr.com/photos/pghdjshawn/ > >My Bird Blog >http://givingyouthebird.blogspot.com/ > >------------------------------ > >Date:а а Thu, 16 May 2013 18:51:13 -0700 >From:а а "Kate St.John" >Subject: New arrivals, Wilsons Warbler, Schenley, Pittsburgh > >The past 10 days have been great at Schenley Park, especially this morning (5/16):а Wilson's Warbler! > > >First-of-Year birds in the park have arrived as follows: > >April 23 through May 1: Wood thrush, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Chimney Swifts, Gray Catbird, Black-throated Green Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Ovenbird > >ааааааааа I was away at Magee Marsh for 5 days May 2-6 when I returned... >May 7:а Baltimore Oriole, Scarlet Tanager, Red-eyed Vireo, American Redstart, Palm Warbler, Nashville Warbler, Nashville Warbler, Black-and-white warbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler, White-crowned sparrow > >May 8:а Tennessee Warbler, Field Sparrow >May 9:а Orchard Oriole >May 11:а first time I ever saw a Common Loon fly over Schenley >May 13:а Swainson's Thrush, Great crested Flycatcher, Northern Parula, Blackpoll Warbler > >May 14:а A big flock of Cedar Waxwings and a Common Yellowthroat >May 15:а Eastern Wood-Pewee, Magnolia Warbler, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Hooded Warbler, Fish Crow flyover, and ONE Common Nighthawk >May 16:а Veery and a Wilson's Warbler > >Lots of singing Tennessee Warblers, singing Swainson's Thrushes and a Veery (both sing swirly songs; one goes up, the other goes down) >Best Bird: Wilson's Warbler > > >I'm sorry to see/hear only one Nighthawk so far.а Wish there were more > >а >Kate St. John, Pittsburghа > >Visit my bird and nature blog at www.wqed.org/birdblog/ > >------------------------------ > >Date:а а Thu, 16 May 2013 22:19:50 -0400 >From:а а Anthony Bledsoe >Subject: Crawford County -- Prothonotary Warbler (odd nest site), Common Loon > >On Monday, May 13th, 2013, I had a singing Prothonotary Warbler at the >Housing Site of Pymatuning Laboratory of Ecology, on Pymatuning >Reservoir in western Crawford County, PA.а The odd part was that, across >the next several days, I observed it singing from various perches on our >field station's pontoon boat!а а Yesterday, I observed the male exit a >"hole" consisting of the opening of the rolled-up side tarps on the roof >side of the boat.а Looking in, I saw a small amount of nesting >material!а The opening was dark and did resemble a "hole". > >As of this afternoon, I believe the male has abandoned this site. No >signs of singing since 8 am today, despite the fact that everytime since >Monday I've been to that part of our site, I've had him singing.а >Certainly for the best, because the field station will use the boat for >educational purposes, starting tomorrow.а What an odd place to try to >set up a nest.а On a completely serious note, it may indicate that >suitable nesting cavities for this species are in very limited supply in >the Pymatuning area.а Or perhaps the male is an inexperienced, >first-time breeder.а Or perhaps both. > >On a separate note, today (May 16, 2013), our field station director, >Dr. Rick Relyea, observed a breeding plumage Common Loon along the >causeway where PA state route 285 crosses Pymatuning Reservoir into >Ohio.а The bird was apparently very close to the causeway -- within 20 >yards.а Kate St. John had a flyover Common Loon in Pittsburgh on May 11, >and Mark Vass had one today on the Ohio River near Pittsburgh.а So >Common Loons are now (and still) migrating across the Commonwealth. > >Tony Bledsoe >Pymatuning Laboratory of Ecology (until late June) >Department of Biological Sciences >University of Pittsburgh > >------------------------------ > >Date:а а Thu, 16 May 2013 22:30:43 -0400 >From:а а Gerald Kruth >Subject: Re: Crawford County -- Prothonotary Warbler (odd nest site), Common... > >Tony, > >A logical extension to this story is to install some bluebird-sizeа >nestboxes w a 1 9/16" opening in various places around where this littleа guy was >trying to make a nice place to nest! > >Prothonotary Warblers are known to take to nestboxes.а If you canа build a >few that would be great.а Otherwise, I have some, andа if I had the time, >I'd bring you some up; I make dozens every year, butа right now I'mа involved >in some very busy work for the next couple ofа days.а > >If you have someone who could run them up to you, I'll set out a couple onа >my porch they can pick up. > >best regards, > >Jerry Kruth >Pittsburgh > > > > > >In a message dated 5/16/2013 10:20:33 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,а >bledsoe AT PITT.EDU writes: > >Onа Monday, May 13th, 2013, I had a singing Prothonotary Warbler at theа >Housing Site of Pymatuning Laboratory of Ecology, on Pymatuningа >Reservoir in western Crawford County, PA.а The odd part was that,а across >the next several days, I observed it singing from various perchesа on our >field station's pontoon boat!а а Yesterday, I observedа the male exit a >"hole" consisting of the opening of the rolled-up sideа tarps on the roof >side of the boat.а Looking in, I saw a small amountа of nesting >material!а The opening was dark and did resemble aа "hole". > >As of this afternoon, I believe the male has abandoned thisа site. No >signs of singing since 8 am today, despite the fact thatа everytime since >Monday I've been to that part of our site, I've had himа singing.а >Certainly for the best, because the field station will useа the boat for >educational purposes, starting tomorrow.а What an oddа place to try to >set up a nest.а On a completely serious note, it mayа indicate that >suitable nesting cavities for this species are in veryа limited supply in >the Pymatuning area.а Or perhaps the male is anа inexperienced, >first-time breeder.а Or perhaps both. > >On aа separate note, today (May 16, 2013), our field station director, >Dr. Rickа Relyea, observed a breeding plumage Common Loon along the >causeway whereа PA state route 285 crosses Pymatuning Reservoir into >Ohio.а The birdа was apparently very close to the causeway -- within 20 >yards.а Kateа St. John had a flyover Common Loon in Pittsburgh on May 11, >and Mark Vassа had one today on the Ohio River near Pittsburgh.а So >Common Loons areа now (and still) migrating across the Commonwealth. > >Tonyа Bledsoe >Pymatuning Laboratory of Ecology (until late June) >Department ofа Biological Sciences >University ofа Pittsburgh > >------------------------------ > >Date:а а Thu, 16 May 2013 23:17:46 -0400 >From:а а Ken Lebo >Subject: Mourning Warbler and Lincon's Sparrow, SGL 110, Berks County > >I had a few migrants this morning. > > > >State Game Lands 110--Northkill Gap Area, Berks, US-PA May 16, 2013 8:15 AM >- 10:00 AM > >Protocol: Traveling > >0.25 mile(s) > >Comments:а а parking lot area > >38 species > > > >Ospreyа 1 > >Mourning Doveа 2 > >Ruby-throated Hummingbirdа 1 > >Red-bellied Woodpeckerа 1 > >Eastern Wood-Peweeа 1 > >Eastern Phoebeа 1 > >Great Crested Flycatcherа 1 > >Red-eyed Vireoа 4 > >Blue Jayа 2 > >Black-capped Chickadeeа 1 > >Tufted Titmouseа 1 > >White-breasted Nuthatchа 1 > >Carolina Wrenа 1 > >Blue-gray Gnatcatcherа 2 > >Veeryа 1 > >Wood Thrushа 2 > >American Robinа 2 > >Gray Catbirdа 6 > >Ovenbirdа 2 > >Northern Waterthrushа 1 > >Black-and-white Warblerа 1 > >Mourning Warblerа 1а а singing > >Common Yellowthroatа 4 > >Hooded Warblerа 2 > >American Redstartа 6 > >Northern Parulaа 1 > >Magnolia Warblerа 2 > >Black-throated Blue Warblerа 1 > >Black-throated Green Warblerа 2 > >Canada Warblerа 1а а singing > >Lincoln's Sparrowа > >White-throated Sparrowа 4 > >White-crowned Sparrowа 1 > >Scarlet Tanagerа 2 > >Northern Cardinalа 2 > >Indigo Buntingа 1 > >Baltimore Orioleа 2 > >American Goldfinchа 2 > > > >View this checklist online at >http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S14140689 > > > >This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org/pa) > > > > > >Ken Lebo > >klebo AT dejazzd.com > >www.pbase.com/kenlebo > >Berks County > > > >------------------------------ > >End of PABIRDS Digest - 15 May 2013 to 16 May 2013 (#2013-137) >************************************************************** > >
Subject: Re: Identifying SGLs
From: "Ann C. Pettigrew" <rook185 AT COMCAST.NET>
Date: Sun, 19 May 2013 11:32:58 -0400

Me three! Ann C. Pettigrew, V.M.D. York, PA rook185 AT comcast.net www.pbase.com/rook185 Sent from my iPad On May 15, 2013, at 11:00 PM, Cris Hamilton wrote: > I second that! > > Cris > Houston, PA > > > > On May 15, 2013, at 9:47 PM, Gerald Kruth wrote: > >> There have been some nice posts by folks relating to sightings at State >> Game Lands. >> >> It might be helpful to the general readership if the author would identify >> the place by name, or general area if possible (county is sometimes >> included and that helps). It might let the reader decide if the place was close >> enough, if we also wished to enjoy the place. >> >> Thank you, >> >> Jerry Kruth >> Pittsburgh
Subject: (19) species of Warblers Middle Creek WMA
From: Bruce and Sherri Carl <carls94 AT PTD.NET>
Date: Sun, 19 May 2013 11:29:29 -0400

PA BIRDERS, I spent a few hours birding the Middle Creek WMA identifying (89) species of which (19) species were warblers. List of warblers identified: Blue-winged, Nashville, Parula, Yellow, Magnolia, Black-throated Blue, Black-throated Green, Blackburnian, Bay-breasted, Blackpoll, Black & White, Redstart, Worm-eating, Ovenbird, Northern Waterthrush, Louisiana Waterthrush, Common Yellowthroat, Hooded & Canada. Other birds of note this morning included Osprey, Horned Lark, Blue-headed Vireo and White-crowned Sparrow. Bruce A Carl Akron, PA Lancaster County
Subject: Bird ID discussion, Lancaster County
From: Meredith_Lombard <ctsnature AT YAHOO.COM>
Date: Sun, 19 May 2013 11:03:39 -0400

At the end of April, I took a picture of a vireo in a tree beside the Susquehanna River near Columbia, PA. I posted the picture to a web photo-sharing site (Flickr) asking for definitive identification as to whether the bird was a Philadelphia Vireo or another species. While most of the responses favor the Philadelphia ID, there is some consideration of it being a Warbling Vireo. While I, too, favor the Philadelphia ID, any further thoughts on the positive ID are welcome, either posted to Flickr, to the listserv, or by email. Previous discussion is in "Comments and faves" under each picture. The link to the pictures is: http://www.flickr.com/photos/caritas_nature/8740584232/ Five additional pictures of the vireo are available by clicking the thumbnail photo on the right. Pictures advance to the right. Thanks for any help. Good birding! Meredith Lombard
Subject: Re: PEFAs on Clark's Ferry Bridge - Dauphin CO
From: Robert Protz <robertprotz AT YAHOO.COM>
Date: Sun, 19 May 2013 07:11:12 -0700

5/19/13 а Dear PABirders, а Since noone else has replied regarding the Peregrine sightings near the Clark's Ferry Bridge, let me just say that I have it from a very reliable source (you can probably guess who) that there is an active PEFA nest on the Clark's Ferry Bridge where 3 young were banded early last week! а Rob Protz Brackenridge - Allegheny Co http://pahummers.tripod.com/
Subject: Warblers and more in yard, Lanc. Co
From: Loretta Gehman <lilbirdie8 AT YAHOO.COM>
Date: Sat, 18 May 2013 18:42:55 -0700

Nice to see some warblers in my yard late this afternoon and early evening after being away all day. Was trying to unload the car of the unsold yard sale things, gave up and went in and got my bins to see if I could find everything I was hearing. Glad I did........I found: Black-and-White Blackpoll Yellow-Rumped Northern Parula Magnolia American Redstart Chestnut-Sided Scarlet Tanager Cedar Waxwings Red-Eyed Vireo Also seen in yard today and everyday: Rose-breasted Grosbeak, male and female Baltimore Oriole, male and female Eastern Towee, male and female Wood Thrushes Pileated Woodpecker (male) pecking on some stumps around the yard Saw first of the year Indigo Bunting, eating seeds from the mixed seed feeder on 5/15/13 Loretta Gehman Denver, PA Lancaster County
Subject: Re: chickadee nesting question
From: Kathy Clark <kcbsp AT AOL.COM>
Date: Sat, 18 May 2013 21:01:42 -0400

Did you open the box? Please go see what is inside. It may be the Wren took over the nest. Did you check? Kathy Clark -----Original Message----- From: Lisa Dziuban To: PABIRDS Sent: Fri, May 17, 2013 9:29 am Subject: [PABIRDS] chickadee nesting question My resident pair of Carolina Chickadees were building a nest last week in one of my birdhouses. I watched this activity for several days and observed one of the chickadees picking off moss from the base of a very old maple tree on my property and taking it to the nest box. The nest box they were using is an ornamental type birdhouse, in the shape of a "barn", about 12" long with about 5 holes in it. I can see that they have stuffed it full of moss and nesting material. I have not seen the birds now since last week and am wondering what happened. They also used the sunflower feeder frequently, but that activity has stopped as well. I do have an Eastern Phoebe nesting in the adjacent woodshed and a wren is heard and seen in the same vicinity. I am wondering if the chickadees felt threatened by the wren? I was really looking forward to having these chickadees raise young in the birdhouse but I am puzzled why they are not seen now. Any ideas? Lisa V. Dziuban, CPESC Bucks County Conservation District www.bucksccd.org lisadziuban AT bucksccd.org

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