Birdingonthe.Net Recent Postings from The Pennsylvania Birding List > Home > Mail > Alerts Updated on Friday, February 3 at 10:52 PM EST The most recently received Mail is at the top.	Marbled Murrelet,©Dan Lane

3 Feb Re: Common Raven - Philadelphia [Tom Johnson ] 3 Feb 10 Bald Eagles - Lancaster County [Gordon Dimmig ] 3 Feb Screech Owl tremolo song (Ind.co) [Marcy Cunkelman ] 3 Feb WRS Berks [Rudolph Keller ] 3 Feb FW: Winter Raptor Survey (Northern Lanc. Co.) [Bruce and Sherri Carl ] 3 Feb Re: Cerulean Warbler Program Dauphin County ["John, Lisa, Danny and Bailey Fedak" ] 3 Feb Re: Cerulean Warbler Program Dauphin County [Dave Kruel ] 3 Feb "The winter of the Snowy Owl" [Dave Kerr ] 3 Feb Allegheny/Washington Cos. [Mark Vass ] 3 Feb RBA western Pennsylvania, 31 January 2012 [Amy Taracido ] 3 Feb Yard and Patch contests - January results [Drew Weber ] 3 Feb Common Raven - Philadelphia [Tom Johnson ] 3 Feb [PA BIRDS]- Egyptian Goose-Lebanon County- YES [Art Schiavo ] 3 Feb correction Re: RBA western Pennsylvania, 24 January 2012 [Amy Taracido ] 3 Feb Spring sounds, Pittsburgh ["Kate St.John" ] 3 Feb Northern Pintails - Cumberland County [Paul Banks ] 3 Feb White-winged crossbill, Northampton County [DAVID KOCH ] 3 Feb New PA eBird Story About Winter Highlight Birds ["Gross, Douglas" ] 3 Feb Merrill Creek Reservoir Snowy Owl [Evan Mann ] 3 Feb Orange-crowned Warbler at Wood's Edge [Bruce and Sherri Carl ] 3 Feb Eastern PA Birdline: 2/3/2012 [Dave DeReamus ] 2 Feb Barred Owl @ Crooked Creek (Armstrong County) [Marge Van Tassel ] 2 Feb WRS Chester Co., Western Central, February 2, 2012 [Holly Merker ] 2 Feb Northampton County sightings [Adam Sabatine ] 2 Feb Cowbirds - Washington Co. [Mark Vass ] 2 Feb Chipping sparrows, Koch property, Northampton County [DAVID KOCH ] 2 Feb WRS featured on Little Birdie Home [Flo McGuire ] 2 Feb Allegheny County Crows [Michael Fialkovich ] 2 Feb Glade Dam Lake - Butler Co. [Steve Gosser ] 2 Feb Cumberland County- Townsend's Warbler [Wildasin Family ] 2 Feb Lewistown Christmas Bird Count on 12/17/2011 [Chad Kauffman ] 2 Feb PGC News Release: GAME COMMISSION ENCOURAGES PARTICIPATION IN 'GREAT BACKYARD BIRD COUNT' ["John, Lisa, Danny and Bailey Fedak" ] 2 Feb Re: Snowy Owl--Cumberland Co. [Beth Pugliese ] 2 Feb Snowy Owl--Cumberland Co. [Fred Thompson ] 2 Feb Snowy Owl Disturbance- Cumberland Co. [Nathan Thomas ] 2 Feb Erie NWR/Crawford Co [Shawn Collins ] 2 Feb Spotting Scopes [MICHAEL JOSHUA DREIBELBIS ] 2 Feb Northern shrike, Middle Creek, Lebanon/Lancaster Counties [DAVID KOCH ] 2 Feb OT - Recommendations for Sanibel Island [Cindy Ahern ] 2 Feb Merlin Northampton Cty [Edward Vermillion ] 2 Feb L. Ontelaunee, Berks, 2/1/12, late afternoon [Rudolph Keller ] 2 Feb Fwd: [eBird Alert] Needs Alert for Pennsylvania [Chad Kauffman ] 2 Feb West Chester Bird Club trip [SANDY MOSER ] 2 Feb Rufous Hummingbird, Northampton ["Wiltraut, Richard E" ] 2 Feb 125+ bats in East Brady ["Brauning, Daniel" ] 2 Feb Heisey Rd Woodcock Franklin CO [Bob Keener ] 1 Feb Re: Mystery Duck at Lebanon Valley College in Annville, Lebanon County [Denise Donmoyer ] 1 Feb Eurasian Wigeon, Conejohela Flats (Lancaster Co.) NO [Justin Bosler ] 1 Feb WRS Clarion Co. / OT--125+ bats in East Brady [Carole Winslow ] 2 Feb 47 Turkey vultures Wilpen, westmoreland, PA [Donna Mohney ] 1 Feb northern Northampton County - Lake Minsi [tangara ] 1 Feb Middle Creek, Susquehanna River - York County ["Ann C. Pettigrew" ] 1 Feb Crawford County/Hermit Thrush/Swamp Sparrow [Shawn Collins ] 1 Feb Glaucous Gull, Berks County [Ken Lebo ] 1 Feb Snowy Owl and Prairie Falcon, Cumberland County [Dave Kerr ] 1 Feb Central PA Birdline for 2.2.2012 [Mark Mcconaughy ] 1 Feb Kestrels, Bucks Co. [Lisa Dziuban ] 1 Feb Re: Mystery Duck at Lebanon Valley College in Annville, Lebanon County [DAVID KOCH ] 1 Feb Cerulean Warbler Program Dauphin County [Thyra Sperry ] 1 Feb Re: Mystery Duck at Lebanon Valley College in Annville, Lebanon County [Dale Bicksler ] 1 Feb Mystery Duck at Lebanon Valley College in Annville, Lebanon County [Dale Bicksler ] 1 Feb Redpoll (Ind.co) [Marcy Cunkelman ] 1 Feb Re: Beef or Pork SUET [Richard Nugent ] 1 Feb Re: Beef or Pork SUET [Marcy Cunkelman ] 1 Feb Re: Beef or Pork SUET [Josh Schultz ] 1 Feb Re: Beef or Pork SUET [Scott Weidensaul ] 1 Feb Re: Beef or Pork SUET [Dick ] 1 Feb Brown Thrasher, Fort Washington SP (Montgomery) [Brian Henderson ] 1 Feb Beef or Pork SUET [Marcy Cunkelman ] 1 Feb Red-breasted Nuthatch Columbia County [Moses Martin ] 1 Feb Re: Green Pond, Minsi and Bear Swamp, Northampton County [Adam Sabatine ] 31 Jan Merlin at Lawrence [Barb Dean ] 31 Jan the Blues [Libby Strizzi ] 31 Jan 2 Greater White-fronted, Ross's, and 28+ Cackling Geese - Middle Creek WMA (Lancaster Co.) [Justin Bosler ] 31 Jan Luzerne Country Catbird ["Stratford, Jeffrey" ] 31 Jan WRS-Adams County Grasslands IBA [Ralph W siefken ] 31 Jan Indiana County--Yellow Creek highlights [Margaret Higbee ] Subject: Re: Common Raven - Philadelphia From: Tom Johnson <tbj4 AT CORNELL.EDU> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 22:42:04 -0500 PAbirders, A few photos of the Common Raven from this afternoon at Pennypack on the Delaware, Philadelphia are here: http://flickr.com/bonxie88 Cheers, Tom -- Tom Johnson Hummelstown, PA tbj4 AT cornell.edu Subject: 10 Bald Eagles - Lancaster County From: Gordon Dimmig <gordon AT GWD-PHOTOGRAPHY.COM> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 21:40:56 -0500 Today on February 3 I saw 10 Bald Eagles in a kettle between Elizabethtown and Bainbridge over farmland in Lancaster County. They almost looked like vultures, and I've never seen them do that before in such a large group. Last week there were 7 at the same location in the fields. I also saw 2 Gadwalls on the Susquehanna River from Prescot Road, along with the usual Winter Wrens. Gordon Dimmig Elizabethtown Lancaster County gwd-photography.com Subject: Screech Owl tremolo song (Ind.co) From: Marcy Cunkelman <plant4nature AT DISHMAIL.NET> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 19:05:20 -0500 Hi all, Another nice day to work outside...Crows seemed like something was going on..watched 3 fly to the north and 3 fly to the west and they did about turn, joined each other and kettled higher in the sky and then eventually they flew off (5 plus 1) to the SW. Then they bombed each other and went out of sight....later I heard crows calling up in the fields on the other side of the woods and saw a group of 10 then about 6 more in a group and then singles adding up to 5 more headed to the alarm call...interesting the 3 to 5 that hang in the yard were watching the whole show(s). Not sure if they did something to the fields like manuring...is it too early to be watching for gulls to migrate? I usually see them in early March, but the weather has been so nice, just didn't want to miss anything.. Goldfinch numbers today were close to 80 with no sightings or sound of the Redpolls. Kept watching, but no luck. Played in the yard some more trimming back some shrubs that got too big...hoping for new shoots to grow this spring...nice to see the birds using the shrubs and came close to see what I was doing...just thinning, not cutting everything down.. This evening I went out to get the birdfeeders on the deck...think a raccoon was here last night and bent the new feeder setup, but it's ok...heard the tremolo song of the Screech owl...I heard it on the 31st and thought I was just hearing things...Screech Owl was calling (with up to 4 at a time) in December before we got the snow...that is the only owls so far this year... Marcy Cunkelman Conemaugh Twp. Clarksburg, PA Indiana Co. plant4nature AT dishmail.net Subject: WRS Berks From: Rudolph Keller <rckeller AT DEJAZZD.COM> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 18:39:47 -0500 Berks County Oley Valley N of Oley Turnpike 2/3/12 Rudy Keller 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. 56.7 miles Turkey Vulture 61 Black Vulture 40 Red-tailed Hawk 20 AD, 1 IMM, 5 UN Am. Kestrel 4 M, 4F Cooper's Hawk 1 AD Temp. 32 - 38F. Clear, NW wind 8-12 mph, no snowcover, ground only superficially frozen in a few places. No patagial tags noted on any vulture seen well enough to detect a tag, which includes all the BV's. Five Tundra Swans in a flooded quarry. Rudy Keller Boyertown, PA Berks County Subject: FW: Winter Raptor Survey (Northern Lanc. Co.) From: Bruce and Sherri Carl <carls94 AT PTD.NET> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 17:52:31 -0500 Winter Raptor Survey Northern Lancaster County Friday February 3, 2012 4 hours 30 minutes (9:15am - 1:45pm) 67.8 miles Temperature: 35 to 44 degrees Mostly Sunny Skies Winds - NNW 5-10 mph No snow cover and all water was open RED -TAILED HAWK Adults - 42 (1) dark phase Imm. - 7 (ND) - 6 ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK - 0 NORTHERN HARRIER Female - 1 AMERICAN KESTREL Male - 3 Female - 1 TURKEY VULTURE - 48 BLACK VULTURE - 8 COOPERS HAWK Imm. Male - 1 SHARP-SHINNED HAWK - 1(ND) BALD EAGLE Imm. - 2 NORTHERN SHRIKE - (1) Other notable sightings along route: Killdeer (3) and Wilson Snipe (1) along Burkholder Road Redheaded Woodpecker (1) at intersection of Rock Rd & Burkholder Rd Red-tailed Hawks (9) in one tree along Hackman Rd Bald Eagle (1) Imm. on power line tower in middle of field along Sunnyside Rd Bald Eagle (1) Imm. seen flying over lake at Middle Creek WMA north of Stop #1 Northern Shrike, Female Northern Harrier and Dark Phase Red-tailed Hawk all seen from Girl Scout Rd on east side of Middle Creek WMA. Bruce A Carl Akron, PA Lancaster County Subject: Re: Cerulean Warbler Program Dauphin County From: "John, Lisa, Danny and Bailey Fedak" <jlfedak AT ATLANTICBB.NET> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 17:40:08 -0500 Dave, I respect your opinion, but I have one question. Why do you think we are not doing what you are asking? I am a teacher, a father, and a leader. I do this on a daily basis. I guess I have a second question (2 parts). What are you doing to do this and is there anything I can do to help you out? Sincerely, John Fedak VP PSO Pres Allegheny Highlands Bird Club Science Teacher Volunteer for various educational projects in the area Bradford McKean County ----- Original Message ----- From: "Dave Kruel" To: Sent: Friday, February 03, 2012 5:34 PM Subject: Re: [PABIRDS] Cerulean Warbler Program Dauphin County I saw Katie's talk at Hawk Mountain on Ceruleans......it is wonderful, definitely worth a trip to hear it. At her Hawk Mountain talk, she mentioned about getting some communication going between our students and students from South America....regarding the plight of Ceruleans. With our large fleet of birders in PA, this seems like one opportunity that we should be up to the task of accomplishing something with this communication. To me, this issue is worth way more than lots of hours and energy put into vagrants showing up. Also with this topic on Ceruleans, it's another opportunity where we could help lay out the issues to kids that their creativity and energy can make a difference in what the world looks like (including what bird species are still around) when they grow up. To me, not to be passed up are all those chances we have to go directly to kids and ask them how we can have a world where we dont keep giving devastating blows to nature and still have a wonderful society. Let's hear what they have to say. This is as much an important part of birding as are Christmas Counts, breeding surveys, etc. If we speak as if we birders do actions that help the birds, it is hard to fathom passing up on this.....esp for lots of time into birding activities that just please ourselves. Dave Kruel Pottsville Schuylkill County On Wed, 1 Feb 2012 16:07:53 -0500, Thyra Sperry wrote: >Author Katie Fallon will be giving a talk titled "Coal, Coffee and >Cooperation: Saving a Vanishing Songbird" >One of the Wildwood Winter Lectures will explore the relationship between >the Cerulean Warbler and the threats to its survival due to mountaintop >removal coal mining , deforestation and climate change. > >Tuesday February 7:00 P.M. Free program and free parking at Olewine >Nature Center, Hbg. (Wildwood Lake) > >_www.wildwoodlake.org_ (http://www.wildwoodlake.org) > > Subject: Re: Cerulean Warbler Program Dauphin County From: Dave Kruel <dkruel300 AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 17:34:11 -0500 I saw Katie's talk at Hawk Mountain on Ceruleans......it is wonderful, definitely worth a trip to hear it. At her Hawk Mountain talk, she mentioned about getting some communication going between our students and students from South America....regarding the plight of Ceruleans. With our large fleet of birders in PA, this seems like one opportunity that we should be up to the task of accomplishing something with this communication. To me, this issue is worth way more than lots of hours and energy put into vagrants showing up. Also with this topic on Ceruleans, it's another opportunity where we could help lay out the issues to kids that their creativity and energy can make a difference in what the world looks like (including what bird species are still around) when they grow up. To me, not to be passed up are all those chances we have to go directly to kids and ask them how we can have a world where we dont keep giving devastating blows to nature and still have a wonderful society. Let's hear what they have to say. This is as much an important part of birding as are Christmas Counts, breeding surveys, etc. If we speak as if we birders do actions that help the birds, it is hard to fathom passing up on this.....esp for lots of time into birding activities that just please ourselves. Dave Kruel Pottsville Schuylkill County On Wed, 1 Feb 2012 16:07:53 -0500, Thyra Sperry wrote: >Author Katie Fallon will be giving a talk titled "Coal, Coffee and >Cooperation: Saving a Vanishing Songbird" >One of the Wildwood Winter Lectures will explore the relationship between >the Cerulean Warbler and the threats to its survival due to mountaintop >removal coal mining , deforestation and climate change. > >Tuesday February 7:00 P.M. Free program and free parking at Olewine >Nature Center, Hbg. (Wildwood Lake) > >_www.wildwoodlake.org_ (http://www.wildwoodlake.org) > > Subject: "The winter of the Snowy Owl" From: Dave Kerr <dsktc AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 16:28:12 -0500 Ebird has a fairly comprehensive report on this season's Snowy Owl irruption: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/news/the-winter-of-the-snowy-owl Dave Kerr Carlisle Subject: Allegheny/Washington Cos. From: Mark Vass <mvas1200 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 12:40:09 -0800 Beagle Club and Donaldson Rds.,Robinson Twp.,Washington Co.     the drake N. Shoveler that Shannon Thompson reported last Sunday at the Donaldson Rd. pond was still present today it was with four Mallards   I had four Yellow-rumped Warblers in a mixed feeding flock of birds on Beagle Cub Rd.     sightings from Allegheny Co.     the two Mute Swans that Mike Fialkovich reported last Sunday at the Imperial Grasslands main pond were still present today     I went to the Ohio River and stopped on both sides of Brunot`s Island I had a Common Raven here which is the first I have seen here this winter         Brunot`s Island,Ohio River, Allegheny Feb 3, 2012 11 species Canada Goose 55 Mallard 95 Bufflehead 12 Pied-billed Grebe 5 Double-crested Cormorant 6 Great Blue Heron 3 Peregrine Falcon 1 American Coot 6 Herring Gull 1 Belted Kingfisher 1 Common Raven 1     Mark Vass Beaver Co.   Subject: RBA western Pennsylvania, 31 January 2012 From: Amy Taracido <meadowlark4 AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 15:38:54 -0500 RBA *Pennsylvania *Pittsburgh and western Pennsylvania *PAWE01.31.12 Highlights: RED-NECKED GREBE (Westmoreland County) CALIFORNIA GULL (Erie County) ICELAND GULL (Erie County) LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL (Erie County) GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL (Erie County) GLAUCOUS GULL (Erie County) SHORT-EARED OWL NORTHERN SHRIKE (Butler County) AMERICAN PIPIT SNOW BUNTING COMMON REDPOLL (Erie County) RUSTY BLACKBIRD Contributors: Mark Bowers, Jack Christman, Shawn Collins, Michael David, Barb Dean, Cory DeStein, Mike Fialkovich, Donna Foyle, Gigi Gerben, Amy Henrici, Margaret Higbee, Craig Holt, Marjorie Howard, Timothy Johnson, Tom Kuehl, Flo McGuire, Jerry McWilliams, Mary Jane Seipler, Kate St. John, Shannon Thompson, Marjorie Van Tassel, Carole Winslow. Compiler: Amy Taracido Tuesday, 24 January 2012 through Tuesday, 31 January 2012 ***This report is distributed by e-mail only. Compiler is not responsible for errors on websites who reproduce/reprint these reports. If you would like to receive western PA RBAs, contact meadowlark4 AT verizon.net Transcript- ALLEGHENY COUNTY: On 1/28 during the Winter Raptor Survey, sightings included NORTHERN HARRIER (MF). At Schenley Park on 1/29, 1 WINTER WREN (KSJ). In Pitt on 1/29, 2 PEREGRINE FALCONS (KSJ). BEAVER COUNTY: On 1/29 along the Beaver River, sightings included 1 BALD EAGLE at New Brighton, 1 BONAPARTE'S GULL at Bridgewater Park (TJ). BUTLER COUNTY: On 1/27 at Moraine State Park, 1 NORTHERN SHRIKE (DF); on 1/28, 1 NORTHERN SHRIKE, 1 CANVASBACK, 2 BALD EAGLES, 3 GADWALL (CD), 2 additional BALD EAGLES, 2 NORTHERN PINTAILS, 17 GADWALL (ST); on 1/29, 17 GADWALL, 3 NORTHERN PINTAILS, and others (MVas). CLARION COUNTY: On 1/31 during the Winter Raptor Survey, 1 NORTHERN HARRIER, 1 BALD EAGLE (CW). CRAWFORD COUNTY: At Conneaut Lake on 1/28, sightings included 2 CANVASBACKS, 8 REDHEADS (MVas); on 1/29, 3 SNOW BUNTINGS, 1 TUNDRA SWAN (SC). On 1/28 along Hartstown Road, 3 TUNDRA SWANS (MVas). In Pymatuning on 1/29, 4 TUNDRA SWANS (JC). ERIE COUNTY: On 1/24 at Presque Isle Bay, 1 AMERICAN PIPIT; on 1/29, 1 CALIFORNIA GULL; from 1/25 to 1/29, 1 probable GREAT BLACK-BACKED X HERRING GULL, 1-5 ICELAND GULLS, 1-3 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS, 1-4 GLAUCOUS GULLS (JM); on 1/30 at Presque Isle, sightings included 2 TUNDRA SWANS, 50 CANVASBACKS, 10 REDHEADS, 1 GADWALL, 1 ICELAND GULL, 2 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS, 10 GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULLS, 2 BONAPARTE'S GULLS, 10 AMERICAN TREE SPARROWS, 5 SNOW BUNTINGS (SC). At Fairview Industrial Park this week, 1 NORTHERN SHRIKE (JM). In Edinboro on 1/28, 2 COMMON REDPOLLS (JM). On 1/28 in Union City, 2 COMMON REDPOLLS (JM). FAYETTE COUNTY: From last week: on 1/14 during the Winter Raptor Survey in eastern Fayette, 1 NORTHERN HARRIER, 10 RUSTY BLACKBIRDS, 30-40 HORNED LARKS, 2 AMERICAN TREE SPARROWS (MB). FOREST COUNTY: On 1/30 during the Winter Raptor Survey, 1 ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK (FM). GREENE COUNTY: On 1/24 during the Winter Raptor Survey, 1 ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK (MH). INDIANA COUNTY: On 1/31 at Yellow Creek State Park, sightings included 4 NORTHERN PINTAILS, 1 CANVASBACK (MH). LAWRENCE COUNTY: From last week: on 1/18 along Baird Road, 5 SHORT-EARED OWLS; on 1/20, 1 ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK; on 1/23, 4 SHORT-EARED OWLS (BD). Along Baird Road on 1/27, 1 SHORT-EARED OWL, 6 NORTHERN HARRIERS (CH). On 1/29 during the Winter Raptor Survey, 1 NORTHERN HARRIER, 1 MERLIN, 2 BALD EAGLES (BD). At the Volant Strips on 1/31, 1 NORTHERN HARRIER, 1 MERLIN, 11 SANDHILL CRANES (BD). On 1/31 at Glacier Sand and Gravel on Route 108, 1 COMMON LOON (BD). MERCER COUNTY: On 1/31 in an unspecified location, 12 HORNED LARKS (BD). WASHINGTON COUNTY: Along Justabout Road on 1/29, 1 MERLIN (GG). On 1/29 at the Toy Airport, 1 NORTHERN HARRIER (ST). Along Donaldson Road on 1/29, NORTHERN SHOVELER, 2 NORTHERN HARRIERS, 17 AMERICAN TREE SPARROWS (ST). On 1/30 at the Hahn Road AMD pond, 6 REDHEADS and more (MVas). WESTMORELAND COUNTY: From 1/25 through 1/30 at Beaver Run Reservoir, 1 RED-NECKED GREBE (MJS, MVan, MD, AH); also on 1/27, 1 BALD EAGLE (MVan). On 1/29 on the West Penn Trail to the Conemaugh River, 1 BALD EAGLE (TK). In the Walker Road and St. James Church Road area on 1/30, 2 BALD EAGLES (MVan). On 1/30 at the Conemaugh Dam and area, 2 BALD EAGLES (MVan). End transcript- Amy Taracido Washington Co., PA To send in reports: meadowlark4 AT verizon.net Thank you to all the contributors. Subject: Yard and Patch contests - January results From: Drew Weber <drewweber AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 14:58:52 -0500 I just put up two blog posts showing the January results of the Patch and Yard contests. We have about 50 patches and 30 yards entered in and are looking for lots more folks to join in the fun. In particular we need more entries from people who have small urban or suburban yards, as well as more small patches. All the patches and yards are compiled with eBird so this is a great excuse to start using eBird for your sightings. If you are already using eBird, there is no excuse not to enter your yard and patch. Rules and how to enter: http://www.nemesisbird.com/2012/01/2012-patch-and-yard-contests/ *January results* Yard contest: http://www.nemesisbird.com/2012/02/2012-yard-contest-january-results/ Patch contest: http://www.nemesisbird.com/2012/02/2012-patch-contest-january-results/ *Drew Weber* State College PA Subject: Common Raven - Philadelphia From: Tom Johnson <tbj4 AT CORNELL.EDU> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 14:56:15 -0500 Pabirders, I just saw a Common Raven over the entrance road to Pennypack on the Delaware in Philly. The bird was initially soaring with Black Vultures, visible from I-95, and appeared to land somewhere inside the Riverview Homes fence. Photos later. Cheers, Tom -- Tom Johnson Hummelstown, PA tbj4 AT cornell.edu Subject: [PA BIRDS]- Egyptian Goose-Lebanon County- YES From: Art Schiavo <redsockfan AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 19:54:51 +0000 Hi All, I decided to check out the goose reported by Dale Bicksler that is currently hanging out at the pond on the Lebanon Valley College Campus in Annville. If you go to see this bird, do not be discouraged if you don't spot it immediately. It always amazes me that for such a small pond how easy it is for birds to just blend in the bank areas. Same thing happened to me today. My first thoughts were Mmm, nothing on the water and just a group of 7 Canada geese hanging out on the far bank. BUT, after parking the car and walking up to the Canada's, there sitting in the middle of them was the Egyptian Goose! The pond is so small and the goose so "tame", you won't even need your bins. Art Schiavo Hershey, PA Sent from Xfinity Mobile App Subject: correction Re: RBA western Pennsylvania, 24 January 2012 From: Amy Taracido <meadowlark4 AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 09:40:11 -0500 Please note that the RAVENS report I had received from Butler County on this report was apparently of the FOOTBALL variety, of which I know nothing about, so I didn't think twice about adding it to my RBA! Apologies for any confusion! Amy Taracido Subject: Spring sounds, Pittsburgh From: "Kate St.John" <kstjohn001 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 05:43:19 -0800 Song sparrows & cardinals singing this morning.  Male Downy woodpecker drumming on various kinds of hollow branches.  The days are getting longer. Kate St. John, Pittsburgh Visit my bird & nature blog at wqed.org/birdblog/ Subject: Northern Pintails - Cumberland County From: Paul Banks <pbanks AT MZINGA.COM> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 08:19:53 -0500 On my way to work today I saw 21 Northern Pintails on the Zion Rd pond between Route 174 and Park Dr in Mount Holly Springs. Paul Banks Jr Cumberland County Subject: White-winged crossbill, Northampton County From: DAVID KOCH <davilene AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 05:18:20 -0800 I received a definitive, close-up photo for confirmation ID of an adult male white-winged crossbill that hit a window 2 miles east of our property - less than a quarter mile from the Delaware River and Jersey border. I don't know exactly what the woman did but she said she kept it warm and safe until it was able to fly away.  Arlene Koch Easton, PA Northampton County davilene AT verizon.net Subject: New PA eBird Story About Winter Highlight Birds From: "Gross, Douglas" <dogross AT PA.GOV> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 08:12:44 -0500 PA Birders: There is a new story about PA winter birds on the Pennsylvania portal to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/pa Thanks to everyone who contributes data on our state's birds to the eBird site. More stories will be coming soon. I also am interested in hearing from the PA birders about potential stories to put up on PA eBird site. It is our intent to keep it interesting and stimulating for PENNSYLVANIA birding and ornithology. The PSO and Audubon PA are partners in PA eBird. As you have already heard, we also encourage participation in the Great Backyard Bird Count. Participants count birds and report their sightings online at www.birdsource.org/gbbc. I am particularly enthusiastic about the potential for the GBBC to involve beginners and those you cannot easily get away from home to participate in birding. With is extraordinarily mild winter, it will be interesting to see how results differ from last year's count. Now, if I get my work done maybe I can go out birding this weekend, too! Good birding! Doug Douglas A. Gross PA Game Commission Wildlife Biologist Endangered and Non-game Bird Section Supervisor 106 Winters Road, Orangeville, PA 17859 570-458-4109; dogross AT pa.gov PA eBird: http://ebird.org/content/pa Please note the change in e-mail address domain. Subject: Merrill Creek Reservoir Snowy Owl From: Evan Mann <evanm AT FRONTIER.COM> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 06:54:57 -0500 Is there someone in the Allentown/Bethlehem area that can offer some directions to this location? I am planning to travel from above Scranton down to see the bird this weekend. The Google map doesn't seem to show an obvious road to the dam area. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Please respond offline to evanm AT frontier.com. Thanks. Evan Mann Subject: Orange-crowned Warbler at Wood's Edge From: Bruce and Sherri Carl <carls94 AT PTD.NET> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 06:28:15 -0500 PA BIRDERS, A quick stop at Wood's Edge pond along Centerville Road in Lancaster County on Thursday morning produced a brightly colored Orange-crowned Warbler seen along the walkway between the pond and the marsh area near the butterfly bushes on the marsh side. This bird looks very similar to a bird I had here back in November as far it plumage goes. Whether it is the same bird would be hard to tell. Seen well as close as 10ft before it disappeared further back into the brushy cover there. Other notable sightings included White-crowned Sparrow (2), Tree Sparrow (1) and American Coot (2). Bruce A Carl Akron, PA Lancaster County Subject: Eastern PA Birdline: 2/3/2012 From: Dave DeReamus <becard AT RCN.COM> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 03:54:25 -0500 - RBA * Pennsylvania * Lehigh / Northampton Counties and Vicinity * February 3, 2012 * PAEA1202.03 - Birds mentioned ICELAND GULL REDHEAD CACKLING GOOSE ROSS'S GOOSE RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD RED CROSSBILL GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE SNOWY OWL HARRIS'S SPARROW (extralimital) - Transcript Hotline: Eastern PA Birdline Date: February 3rd at 3:00 AM Phone Number: (610) 252-3455 To Report by Phone: Call (610) 252-3455, press the (*) key and leave your message. To Report by E-Mail: Send to becard AT rcn.com with "Birdline" in subject heading. Compiler: Dave DeReamus My reporting area includes all of Lehigh and Northampton Counties with the northern edge of the area reaching Beltzville State Park and the southern edge reaching Peace Valley Park in Bucks County. Updates are typically done every Friday, more often when necessary. You can visit the Lehigh Valley Audubon Society Website at http://www.lehigh.edu/lvas. You can visit my 'Eastern PA Birding' Website for photos and information at http://users.rcn.com/becard/home.html. This is Dave DeReamus, for the Eastern PA Birdline, sponsored by the Lehigh Valley Audubon Society, recorded on February 3rd at 3:00 AM. The next Audubon meeting will be held on February 10th at 7:00 PM at the Wildlands Conservancy in Emmaus. Dr. Howard Whidden will do a program on the natural history of Pennsylvania's bats. Directions to many of the sites in this report can be found in the area's birding guidebook, "Birds of the Lehigh Valley and Vicinity". NOW FOR THE BIRDS! Sightings from LAKE MINSI, Northampton County included: ICELAND GULLS - 2 on 1/29 (both first-winter). Also Hooded Merganser. Sightings from ECHO LAKE, Northampton County included: REDHEADS - 4 on 1/29. Sightings from the MARTINS CREEK PPL POWER PLANT area, Northampton County included: Peregrine Falcons - 2 on 1/29. Sightings from WILLIAMS TOWNSHIP, Northampton County included: Chipping Sparrows - 5 on 2/2. Sightings from the GREEN POND area, Northampton County included: CACKLING GOOSE - 1 on 1/31 Green-winged Teal - 2 on 1/29; 1 on 1/31 Northern Pintails - 2 on 1/29 and 1/31. Sightings from the BETHLEHEM area, Northampton County included: Peregrine Falcon - 1 on 1/30 (at the Bank of America building). Sightings from EAST ALLEN TOWNSHIP, Northampton County included: At Seiple's Pond: ROSS'S GOOSE - 1 on 1/27 (blue morph) CACKLING GEESE - 3 on 1/27. Sightings from the WALNUTPORT area, Northampton County included: RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD - 1 to at least 2/1 (female). Sightings from BAER ROCKS, Lehigh County included: RED CROSSBILLS - 2 on 1/28 (fly-by's). Sightings from HEIDELBERG TOWNSHIP, Lehigh County included: Peregrine Falcon - 1 on 1/30 (between Saw Mill and Handwerk Roads) Horned Larks - 285 on 1/30 (at Reservoir and Harter Roads). Sightings from the FOGELSVILLE QUARRY, Lehigh County included: Tundra Swans - 4 on 1/28 Pied-billed Grebe - 1 on 1/28. Sightings from the ALLENTOWN area, Lehigh County included: At the Dorney Park pond: GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE - 1 to at least 1/29. Also Lesser Black-backed Gull. Sightings from GREEN LANE RESERVOIR, Montgomery County included: At the Church Road area: CACKLING GEESE - 3 on 1/29. Also Green-winged Teal and Northern Harrier. Along Knight Road: Pied-billed Grebe - 1 on 1/30. Sightings from PEACE VALLEY PARK, Bucks County included: GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE - 1 on 1/30 CACKLING GOOSE - 1 during this past week Northern Pintails - 28 on 1/28 Common Mergansers - 1000 during this past week Great Egret - 1 back on 1/25 ICELAND GULL - 1 on 1/28 (first-winter) Lesser Black-backed Gulls - 429 on 1/28 (new site record). Also American Wigeon, Hooded Merganser, Horned Grebe, Common Loon, and Merlin. Sightings from LAKE NOCKAMIXON, Bucks County included: ICELAND GULLS - 6 on 1/28 (3 adults, 1 first-winter, 2 second or third-winter) Lesser Black-backed Gulls - 219 on 1/28. Sightings from MERRILL CREEK RESERVOIR in nearby New Jersey included: SNOWY OWL - 1 from 11/9 to at least 1/29. Bald Eagles were reported from many sites this past week. A little farther afield, the HARRIS'S SPARROW along Old Philly Pike in Berks County continued to at least the 31st. - End transcript Subject: Barred Owl @ Crooked Creek (Armstrong County) From: Marge Van Tassel <marvant AT WINDSTREAM.NET> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 20:56:59 -0600 1 Barred Owl (VIA==Gentleman named Vic and his wife Pat saw the Barred Owl at 10:30 this morning actually sitting/perched on a sign (photograph is great!) that reads "Environmental Learning Center"...would you believe I was in the area but not at that spot so I MISSED it!! Argh! 2 Common Ravens (appear to be getting ready to nest again) on dam bldg. 13 Common Mergansers ~100 Canada Geese 15 Eastern Bluebirds 14 Dark-eyed Juncos 5 Black-capped Chicadees 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker 8 Northern Cardinals 1 Pileated Woodpecker 7 American Goldfinches 4 House Finches 1 Downy Woodpecker 2 Golden Crowned Kinglets 2 Song Sparrows (1singing like it was spring but it was COLD) 1 Red-tail Hawk perched in tree just past CC across from Pitzer's Restaurant Marge Van Tassel Armstrong County Subject: WRS Chester Co., Western Central, February 2, 2012 From: Holly Merker <hcybelle AT AOL.COM> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 20:44:36 -0500 Central Chester County: Including areas of West Chester (west of 52), Embreeville, Unionville, and Doe Run February 2, 2012 Observers- Kevin Fryberger, Holly Merker Time on Route:Start/End-09:40-14:55 (30 minute lunch break) 4 hours and 15 minutes Miles on Route- 94 Turkey Vultures-104 Black Vultures-31 Harrier-1 Female Red-tailed Hawks: 32 (19 adults, 7 immature, 6 not determined) Rough-legged Hawks ZERO (expected) American Kestrels ZERO (unexpected) Second year in a row with no AMKE, in an area with excellent habitat, and what used to be a "given" that at least one would be tallied. Sharp-shinned Hawks-ZERO Cooper's Hawks: 2 immature Red-shouldered Hawks: 1 adult Bald Eagles: 1 adult other raptors-ZERO Shrikes-ZERO Average Temperature: 45 degrees Fahrenheit Skies: Nearly 100% cloud cover during the route Wind-Light No snow cover. Good birding and WRS travels, Holly Merker Downingtown, PA Chester County HCybelle AT aol.com Subject: Northampton County sightings From: Adam Sabatine <Birdman538 AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 19:59:00 -0500 Hi all, there was little to report today as Mark Tolino made our usual rounds around northeastern Northampton County. At Lake Minsi, there were only about 50 RING-BILLED GULLS around, half on the water and half circling above. Also here were 15 COMMON MERGANSERS. The only birds visible from the Portland foot bridge were a pair of BUFFLEHEAD. Echo Lake held 7 more BUFFLEHEAD, 8 LESSER SCAUP, 4 Scaup sp. and 16 RING-NECKED DUCKS. Bird on, Adam Sabatine Northampton County Birdman538 AT gmail.com Subject: Cowbirds - Washington Co. From: Mark Vass <mvas1200 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 16:49:37 -0800 I stopped at Canonsburg Lake on my way home from work today and had a good count of 19 Brown-headed Cowbirds there   nearby at the Hahn Rd. AMD Pond the 6 Redheads,Ring-necked Duck & Coot continue       Mark Vass Beaver Co. Subject: Chipping sparrows, Koch property, Northampton County From: DAVID KOCH <davilene AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 16:03:11 -0800 This winter's been pretty dull here compared to other recent ones although I'm not complaining. But I admit I was happy to find 5 chipping sparrows feeding in a grassy driveway between the yard and the bottom fields around 1 this afternoon. After telling Matt Sabatine that it's been so quiet, relatively speaking, that I'd be happy to see a goldfinch I decided to drive around the fields if only to look at juncos. They, at least, are here in good numbers. The chipping sparrows were with juncos, white-throated and white-crowned sparrows, and a few cardinals. I tried my best to turn one into a clay-colored but to no avail. I haven't seen a chipping sparrow here since before the CBC's, so if these 5 were around they never came into the yard or feeding areas. Other species seen today were turkey and black vultures, several red-tailed hawks, an adult Cooper's hawk, flocks of flyover gulls (probably almost all ring-billed), downy, hairy, and red-bellied woodpeckers, chickadees, titmice, white-breasted nuthatches, Carolina wrens, mourning doves, brown-headed cowbirds, blue jays, American and fish crows, singing house finches, and (amazingly after a long winter absence) some goldfinches. Unlike other years when I usually have decent sized flocks of tree sparrows around, I haven't seen even one for several weeks. Off and on all winter, however, there have been common grackles and red-winged blackbirds in the yard and a few weeks ago a juvenile bald eagle flew low over the house, heading toward the river.     Arlene Koch Easton, PA Northampton County davilene AT verizon.net Subject: WRS featured on Little Birdie Home From: Flo McGuire <fmcguire1 AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 19:01:30 -0500 For anyone who hasn't seen it, our Winter Raptor Survey - the Lancaster on-line article featuring Bob Schutsky - was picked up by Little Birdie Home -- http://www.littlebirdiehome.com/ Good Birding! Flo McGuire Tionesta Subject: Allegheny County Crows From: Michael Fialkovich <mpfial AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 18:56:15 -0500 Hi, I had to drive to Cranberry in Southern Butler County late this afternoon to visit a customer and driving on the Pennsylvania Turnpike in Allegheny County between Monroeville and Cranberry I saw crows flying over heading to the roost in Pittsburgh, I presume. There were several flocks seen along the route (I wasn't driving, so I could look). They are probably coming in from neighboring counties such as Butler and Westmoreland. Locals often wonder how far they commute to and from the roost site. Mike Fialkovich Pittsburgh, Allegheny County Subject: Glade Dam Lake - Butler Co. From: Steve Gosser <smgosser AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 18:36:25 -0500 I had some time today, so I decided to check out Glade Dam Lake (SGL 95) in northern Butler County today. Not too many birds around but here were some of my highlights. Hermit Thrush American Robin Nice size flocks of A. Tree Sparrows and DE Juncos. Northern Pintail – About a dozen flying over. American Black Duck Mallard Canada Geese Red-tailed Hawk 4 adult Bald Eagles – 1 pair was near the nest site and I found another pair at the south end of the lake / marsh. I went back to look at the nest site and that Eagle pair was still there making me sure that this was a second pair at the other spot. Steve Gosser New Kensington, PA Birding photo site - http://home.comcast.net/~sgosser Subject: Cumberland County- Townsend's Warbler From: Wildasin Family <wildasin5 AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 18:03:49 -0500 The Townsend's Warbler was feeding on and off at 1133 Pine Rd, Carlisle today from 11:00 to 11:30 AM. Dave Wildasin Mt Wolf, PA Subject: Lewistown Christmas Bird Count on 12/17/2011 From: Chad Kauffman <chadkauffman AT EARTHLINK.NET> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 17:52:13 -0500 hello all finally got thru fighting with the CBC and I think we got final numbers in. our count is called the Lewistown count, but it is actually centered in Juniata county with a part of the count in perry county. we had 76 species counted by 36 people for 25,453 birds count was broken down as follows 44 hours by car for 292 miles 32.5 hours by foot for 14.5 miles 9 hours by kayak for 12 miles owling was 9 hours for 55 miles highlights were 9 species of waterfowl with 1 Northern Pintail and 1 Pied Billed Grebe being best 2 ruffed grouse 10 species of raptors with 1 Peregrine Falcon being best 5 species of owls 1 warbler, yellow rumped 7 species of sparrow 3 rusty blackbird 2 eastern meadowlark 12 Pine Siskin count highs for Pied Billed Grebe(1), Bald Eagle(9), Peregrine Falcon(1), Eastern Screech Owl(49), Barred Owl(2), Northern Shrike(1), Carolina Chickadee(6), European Starling(9419), Common Grackle(5339) and Brown Headed Cowbird(1409). Chad Kauffman Mifflintown, PA Check us out on facebook - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kauffman-Insurance-Agency-LLC/137699586265352 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Visit our website www.JuniataCounty.Com call us 717-436-8257 or email us ChadKauffman AT Earthlink.Net Subject: PGC News Release: GAME COMMISSION ENCOURAGES PARTICIPATION IN 'GREAT BACKYARD BIRD COUNT' From: "John, Lisa, Danny and Bailey Fedak" <jlfedak AT ATLANTICBB.NET> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 17:21:04 -0500 Everybirder should be thinking about participating in this is some way. Thank you Lenny Groshek! John Fedak McKean County Bradford Release #010-12 Feb. 2, 2012 For Information Contact: Jerry Feaser 717-705-6541 PGCNews AT pa.gov GAME COMMISSION ENCOURAGES PARTICIPATION IN 'GREAT BACKYARD BIRD COUNT' HARRISBURG - Pennsylvania Game Commission officials are encouraging bird and nature fans throughout the state to join tens of thousands of everyday North American bird watchers for the 2012 Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC), Feb. 17-20. A joint project of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society, this free event is an opportunity for families, students, and people of all ages to discover the wonders of nature in backyards, schoolyards, and local parks, and, at the same time, make an important contribution to conservation. Participants count birds and report their sightings online at www.birdsource.org/gbbc. "These types of activities provide the citizen-scientist with an opportunity to help wildlife," said Doug Gross, Game Commission biologist. "Anyone who can identify even a few species can contribute to the information wildlife managers use to decide where to invest limited resources in land conservation, as well as habitat improvement or protection. "Additionally, this is a great opportunity for beginning bird watchers to hone their skills, and for all participants to enjoy the winter landscape." Participants are asked to count birds for at least 15 minutes on at least one day of the event and reporting their sightings online at www.birdsource.org/gbbc. Additional online resources include tips to help identify birds, a photo gallery, and special materials for educators. Gross encouraged those submitting reports to the GBBC website to also contribute bird sightings by registering at Pennsylvania eBird website managed by the Game Commission. To submit sightings, go to the Game Commission's website (www.pgc.state.pa.us) and click on "Wildlife" in the menu bar at the top of the page, then choose "Birding" and then click on "Pennsylvania eBird." "The Game Commission was the first state wildlife agency to host and manage a state eBird website, which is dedicated to helping birders throughout North America and the world record their bird observations and improve our understanding of the use of bird habitat and seasonal bird activities," Gross said. The data collected helps the Game Commission and other wildlife researchers understand the importance of particular locations to birds and bird population trends, information that is critical for effective conservation. These efforts enable everyone to see what would otherwise be impossible: a comprehensive picture of where birds are in late winter and how their numbers and distribution compare with previous years. Each year, in addition to entering their tallies, participants submit thousands of digital images for the GBBC photo contest. Many are featured in the popular online gallery. Visit www.birdsource.org/gbbc to learn more, including highlights from the 2011 GBBC. To Connect with Wildlife, visit the Game Commission at the following: Website: www.pgc.state.pa.us Twitter: www.twitter.com/PAGameComm YouTube: www.youtube.com/pagamecommission Facebook: www.facebook.com/PennsylvaniaGameCommission # # # Subject: Re: Snowy Owl--Cumberland Co. From: Beth Pugliese <bethdpugliese AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 21:03:01 +0000 I missed the Snowy Owl on Sunday afternoon. We conjectured that the people who entered the farm field on Saturday to get CLOSER to take a picture probably forced the owl to move on. If it does return, I hope it is posted as I would love to see this owl as it would be a life list one for me. We, as birders, need to begin to speak up to those who DO NOT FOLLOW good birding ethics! Beth Pugliese Hanover, York Co ----- Original Message ----- From: "Fred Thompson" To: PABIRDS AT LIST.AUDUBON.ORG Sent: Thursday, February 2, 2012 3:45:58 PM Subject: [PABIRDS] Snowy Owl--Cumberland Co. Having made three trips to try and get photos of the Snowy Owl in the past two weeks and still have not obtained any usable photos to this point Nathans post really upsets me. I am using a Sigma 300-800 lens and have used a 1.4 and a 2.0 converter trying to take photos of the Owl were it is without disturbing it but knowing that the Owl was just to far for any type of good photo all the photographer who were there just waited hoping it would fly and come closer. I was planning on making another trip tomorrow or Sat. to give myself another chance to photograph this amazing bird and now I will have to wait to see if it is still in the area before I can make any plans for a return trip (I am traveling about 150 miles round trip each time). If anyone knows the location of the Snowy today or tomorrow I would be very grateful if you could either post here on pabirds or email me so I know if the Owl is still in the area, other wise I will probably not make the trip, I wish there was some way these people could be punished for being such idiots, first off disturbing the Owl in anyway is wrong and then ruining it for all the others who would like to see and or photograph this Owl. Fred Thompson Dauphin Co fred AT 4fredthompson.com wildlifebyfred.com Subject: Snowy Owl--Cumberland Co. From: Fred Thompson <ass194 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 12:45:58 -0800  Having made three trips to try and get photos of the Snowy Owl in the past two weeks and  still have not obtained any usable photos to this point Nathans post really upsets me. I am using a Sigma 300-800 lens and have used  a 1.4 and a 2.0 converter trying to take photos of the Owl were it is without disturbing it but knowing that the Owl was just to far for any type of good photo all the photographer who were there just waited hoping it would fly and come closer. I was planning on making another trip tomorrow or Sat. to give myself another chance to photograph this amazing bird and now I will have to wait to see if it is still in the area before I can make any plans for a return trip (I am traveling about 150 miles round trip each time). If anyone knows the location of the Snowy today or tomorrow I would be very grateful if you could either post here on pabirds or email me so I know if the Owl is still in the area, other wise I will probably not make the trip, I wish there was some way these people could be punished for being such idiots, first off disturbing the Owl in anyway is wrong and then ruining it for all the others who would like to see and or photograph this Owl. Fred Thompson Dauphin Co fred AT 4fredthompson.com wildlifebyfred.com Subject: Snowy Owl Disturbance- Cumberland Co. From: Nathan Thomas <tipandtoad AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 14:45:39 -0500 I just wanted to update and make a comment on the Snowy Owl that used to be along Mud Level Road. I stopped out to show my wife and son the bird this morning and we got a great look. Unfortunately while we were out there a "birder" from Maryland, who wanted to get a better picture of the bird using his inadequate lens, got permission to walk into the field where the bird was sitting. He continued to approach until it finally flew. It passed directly overhead and continued to fly out of sight to the northwest over Britton Road. I waited for the "birder" and explained to him what his actions overall may mean to birders who would have continued to appreciate the bird. I also briefly explained the ABA code of ethics. http://www.aba.org/about/ethics.html I consider myself and birder and so do all of you, but I don't think any of us wish to consider ourselves in the same category as this guy. Lets hope the bird comes back. Nathan Thomas tipandtoad AT gmail.com Shippensburg, PA Cumberland County Subject: Erie NWR/Crawford Co From: Shawn Collins <pghdjshawn AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 13:29:02 -0500 Here is my list from today... Erie NWR, Crawford, US-PA Feb 2, 2012 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM Protocol: Traveling 4.0 mile(s) 25 species Canada Goose X Wild Turkey 2 Bald Eagle 1 Red-tailed Hawk 2 American Kestrel 1 American Coot X Mourning Dove 7 Red-bellied Woodpecker 1 Downy Woodpecker 2 Pileated Woodpecker 1 Blue Jay 5 American Crow X Black-capped Chickadee X Tufted Titmouse 1 White-breasted Nuthatch 3 American Robin 11 European Starling X Cedar Waxwing 17 American Tree Sparrow 3 White-throated Sparrow 1 White-crowned Sparrow 1 Dark-eyed Junco 3 House Finch 5 Common Redpoll 4 Stopping off around New Road and rt27, I heard/saw a flock of birds moving from one area across the street to a stand of trees on Boland Ave. I heard the Redpolls vocalize but could not view them. I did a playback and 4 Redpolls flew overhead and landed back over the street to where new Road was. I turned and followed up New Road, I did playback again and also playbacked Goldfinch being most abundant in the flock. I noticed the flock had then been on the tree tops back to Boland Ave. I followed them as far as I could. I did get looks of 4 of them in the flock and were Common Redpolls. Positive ID I stopped at the feeding station at the hq and no luck. Driving around the private properties near the Refuge, many people have Bird feeders, including some just nearby where they were spotted. Will go back out there tomorrow. American Goldfinch 15 This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org) -- Shawn Collins Pghdjshawn AT gmail.com Meadville, PA Crawford County My Birding Photos http://www.flickr.com/photos/pghdjshawn/ Subject: Spotting Scopes From: MICHAEL JOSHUA DREIBELBIS <mjd5243 AT PSU.EDU> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 13:05:50 -0500 Hi, Sometime during 2012 I plan on purchasing a spotting scope somewhere in the $400-900 range. Any suggestions? Two I have looked at so far are the Alpen 20-60x80 angled scope and the Vortex Viper HD scope. Anyone have experience with either of these scopes? Thanks! Mike Alpen 20-60x80 w/45 degree EP, waterproof Spotting Scope Michael Dreibelbis Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management Undergraduate mjd5243 AT psu.edu Stormstown, PA Subject: Northern shrike, Middle Creek, Lebanon/Lancaster Counties From: DAVID KOCH <davilene AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 09:15:14 -0800 Posting for Matt Sabatine at noon Thursday, Feb 2. Matt is currently looking at a northern shrike on Girl Scout Road. Arlene Koch Easton, PA Northampton County davilene AT verizon.net Subject: OT - Recommendations for Sanibel Island From: Cindy Ahern <songbird5212 AT MSN.COM> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 11:34:12 -0500 I am interested in recommendations for accomodations on or near Sanibel Island, FL, preferably a quiet B & B or small inn away from activity, preferably on the beach. Please email me off-list if you have a place to recommend. Thanks, Cindy Ahern Huntingdon Valley, PA Subject: Merlin Northampton Cty From: Edward Vermillion <edhvermillion AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 11:24:31 -0500 Today about 10:30 A.M. I saw a merlin chasing a goldfinch along Harriet Lane south of Hanoverville Rd Bethlehem. I initially thought it was a pigeon until it flew directly over me about 10 feet above the ground and banked left . I got a good view of the tail and its underside. Ed. Ed Vermillion Bethlehem PA edhvermillion AT hotmail.com Subject: L. Ontelaunee, Berks, 2/1/12, late afternoon From: Rudolph Keller <rckeller AT DEJAZZD.COM> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 10:33:22 -0500 Not surprisingly, numbers of some waterfowl are reaching levels not usually seen till later in Feb. No Am. Woodcock heard, though I waited at Bailey Cr. till dusk. No ice on the lake. Temp 50's F. Snow Goose 1000 (most overhead) Canada Goose 2100 Mute Swan 4 Gadwall 15 Am. Wigeon 20 Am. Black Duck 117 Mallard 250 Mallard X Am. Black Duck hyb. 1 drake N. Pintail 47 Green-winged Teal 3 Ring-necked Duck 2 Bufflehead 1 Hooded Merganser 14 Common Merganser 950 ( raft off West Shore Dr. dodging Herring Gull pirates) Great Blue Heron 2 Bald Eagle 2 imm. Herring Gull 150 Ring-billed Gull 300 Belted Kingfisher 2 Common Raven 2 (seemingly now a fixture at LO vic. Evansville) Rudy Keller Boyertown, PA Berks County Subject: Fwd: [eBird Alert] Needs Alert for Pennsylvania From: Chad Kauffman <chadkauffman AT EARTHLINK.NET> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 09:03:49 -0500 anyone else hear of this one? >X-CornellRouted: This message has been Routed already. >Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 08:52:48 -0500 (EST) >From: ebird-alert AT cornell.edu >To: chadkauffman AT earthlink.net >Subject: [eBird Alert] Needs Alert for Pennsylvania >X-PMX-CORNELL: Alva01 >X-ELNK-Received-Info: spv=0; >X-ELNK-AV: 0 >X-ELNK-Info: sbv=0; sbrc=.0; sbf=0b; sbw=000; > >*** Species Summary: > >- Mew Gull (1 report) > >--------------------------------------------- >Thank you for subscribing to the Needs Alert for >Pennsylvania. The report below shows observations of species you >have not seen in Pennsylvania, based on your eBird >observations. View this alert on the web at >http://ebird.org/ebird/alert/summary?sid=SN10382 >NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated > >Mew Gull (Larus canus) (1) >- Reported Feb 01, 2012 08:00 by Theresa Heinsler >- John Heinz NWR--impoundment (Philadelphia Co.), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania >- Map: >http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=39.8923531,-75.2590942&ll=39.8923531,-75.2590942 >- Checklist: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S9738309 >- Comments: "Identified from photo, taken just because I was able >to. Had no idea of what it was, which is usually the case with >gulls. Identify only with photo as having white edge on wing, >darker underwing and dark iris. Also black tip has different >pattern than Ring-billed." > >*********** > >You received this message because you are subscribed to eBird's >Needs Alert for Pennsylvania > >Manage your eBird alert subscriptions: >http://ebird.org/ebird/alerts Check us out on facebook - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kauffman-Insurance-Agency-LLC/137699586265352 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Visit our website www.JuniataCounty.Com call us 717-436-8257 or email us ChadKauffman AT Earthlink.Net Subject: West Chester Bird Club trip From: SANDY MOSER <sandymoser AT MAC.COM> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 08:56:05 -0500 The West Chester Bird Club will host a trip to Hildacy Farm/ a Natural Lands Trust Preserve, PA on Sunday, February 5, 2012.. We will be looking for winter residents and visitors. Anyone interested in birds is invited to come along. Contact trip leader for details: Rick and Ellie Wolf randewolf AT verizon.net. For directions, visit the Field Trips link on the West Chester Bird Club web site - http://martinp1.tripod.com/wcbchome.htm. Sandy Moser, Chester County Subject: Rufous Hummingbird, Northampton From: "Wiltraut, Richard E" <rwiltraut AT PA.GOV> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 08:47:49 -0500 Yesterday after work I drove up to the Wagner's near Danielsville to see if I could see my first February Rufous Hummingbird in the state. This is the same hummingbird that I first saw at the end of October feeding on Black & Blue sage at Brad Silfies' house on the Blue Mountain. Dave Wagner was in the yard when I got there and it didn't take long for the Rufous to show up in the top of the weeping cherry, it's favorite perch when it approaches the feeder. This bird was last seen on the mountain by Brad during the approaching October snowstorm. It's been at the Wagner's ever since. It was banded by Scott on November 25th and ID'd as an adult female. Dan Altif and I saw it December 18th during the Wild Creek CBC, a first for that count. I believe the Wagner's first saw it at their feeder in September. I had mentioned to Dave that this bird must be finding bugs somewhere since it can't survive just on sugar water and he mentioned he sees a lot of them around his koi pond (probably midges) which is right next to the feeder. So besides the balmy temps we've been getting (it was close to 60 yesterday afternoon), I'm sure the insects from the koi pond (and no doubt elsewhere in the neighborhood) have been helping this bird out. Dave also said he's very particular about keeping the sugar water fresh which was good to hear. He also said that during the real cold days we've had, the Rufous will just perch on the feeder with its back toward the heat lamp. I don't think Dave ever got a real good look at the bird through optics before. When I let him look through my scope at the bird in the cherry tree, he was blown away. Good birding, Rick Rick Wiltraut PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center 835 Jacobsburg Road Wind Gap, PA 18091 Subject: 125+ bats in East Brady From: "Brauning, Daniel" <dbrauning AT PA.GOV> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 07:41:33 -0500 Carole and PA Birders, So right - WRS and bats don't usually go together. What you have described is an outbreak of White Nose Syndrome (WNS) -- a fungal disease that has been devastating the hibernating bat populations across eastern North America. This is the typical scenario: bats, infected with this disease, have been massing toward the entrance of their hibernacula in mid-winter (long before they should be coming out of hibernation). Then, during a winter warm spell (like we are in now), they emerge from their mine and attempt to forage across the landscape. Well, there is very little food, and depleted of resources and infected by the fungus, they die in large numbers. So, Carole, you witnessed one of the most unprecedented wildlife population collapses of modern history, and due to a disease! You are also correct that this is a heavy mining area, and these abandoned mines are used extensively by bats for hibernation. There are probably many mines in the area, but this location (Rt 68 in Armstrong county) is fairly close to one of the state's largest hibernacula - Long Run Mine. This mine is (or should I saw was) inhabited by a colony of roughly 90,000 bats, including approximately 100 federally-endangered Indiana bats (one of PA’s largest concentrations). Little brown myotis and tri-colored bats (formerly eastern pipistrelles) also hibernate here (from the Important Mammal Area site description). If this follows recent history, 98% of those bats will be gone next year. We were already aware WMS is at Long Run but your report further confirms the extent of the impact. There is little that can be done. WNS moved across Pennsylvania from east to west over the past 4 years. For more information, the official FWS site is: http://www.fws.gov/whitenosesyndrome/ Note, that PA's own Cal Butchkoski creates the WNS national map. As a bat conservationist with the Game Commission for the past nearly 30 years, his conservation work is being undone before his eyes! Sorry for the gloomy report on a mild February day. Daniel Brauning Wildlife Diversity Chief Pennsylvania Game Commission Subject: Heisey Rd Woodcock Franklin CO From: Bob Keener <keenerb99 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 03:45:03 -0800 Happy Groundhog/Woodcock Day!   A single American Woodcock was displaying and peenting at 6:35 this morning - FOS here at Heisey Rd. Bob Keener 5207 Heisey Rd Shippensburg, PA 17257 717-532-9723 Subject: Re: Mystery Duck at Lebanon Valley College in Annville, Lebanon County From: Denise Donmoyer <nightowl57 AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 23:32:11 -0500 Yep, Arlene's right Egyptian Goose. Some people keep exotic waterfowl and chickens and such and sometimes they get away and end up on a pond at LVC :) Denise Donmoyer Sweet Arrow Lake Pine Grove, Schuylkill Co. nightowl57 AT verizon.net ----- Original Message ----- From: "DAVID KOCH" To: Sent: Wednesday, February 01, 2012 4:14 PM Subject: Re: [PABIRDS] Mystery Duck at Lebanon Valley College in Annville, Lebanon County > That's an Egyptian goose. > > > Arlene Koch > Easton, PA > Northampton County > davilene AT verizon.net > > > ________________________________ > From: Dale Bicksler > To: PABIRDS AT LIST.AUDUBON.ORG > Sent: Wednesday, February 1, 2012 4:03 PM > Subject: Re: [PABIRDS] Mystery Duck at Lebanon Valley College in Annville, > Lebanon County > > Sorry. The link to the duck pictures didn't make it. Here it is: > > > > http://www.druthersndragons.com/druthersndragons/Recent_Photos_Pending.html > > > > Dale > > > -----Original Message----- > From: Dale Bicksler > To: PABIRDS > Sent: Wed, Feb 1, 2012 4:00 pm > Subject: [PABIRDS] Mystery Duck at Lebanon Valley College in Annville, > Lebanon County > > > Some friends found this duck on the little pond next to the athletic > fields at > Lebanon Valley College in Annville. Does anyone know what it is, how it > got > there? Is it an escapee? A hybrid? It reminds me of a black-bellied > whistling-duck. > > > Thanks for your help. > > > Dale Bicksler > Cumberland County Subject: Eurasian Wigeon, Conejohela Flats (Lancaster Co.) NO From: Justin Bosler <justin.bosler AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 23:24:35 -0500 PABIRDS, I missed the Eurasian Wigeon late yesterday morning, 31 January, among some 27 wigeons while doing an hour river-watch from the Lancaster County shoreline in the vicinity of the Blue Rock Rd. boat launch. A number of the wigeon were downriver beyond confident identification distance, but were defaulted to the expected American. This afternoon, 1 February, I tallied about 28 American Wigeons, most along Rookery Island, but nary a Eurasian among them. Looks like I'll be back out there checking again soon. One accomplishment of today's outing worth noting is that I was finally able to confirm the ID of a scaup species from yesterday as a male Greater. Despite attempts last night at Middle Creek WMA and tonight at Lancaster County Central Park, I failed to locate any vocal/ displaying woodcocks. Although I may have chosen the wrong locations to focus my efforts. Good birding, Justin -- Justin Bosler Lancaster, PA Subject: WRS Clarion Co. / OT--125+ bats in East Brady From: Carole Winslow <cjnal AT WINDSTREAM.NET> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 22:23:54 -0600 Hi folks, A brief overlook from our longest WRS route from yesterday- one of our lowest red-tail totals, only 12 in 86 miles. However, in contrast we had a high number of 6 kestrels as well as one immature northern harrier which we have rarely seen any of in the past 5 years. No rough-legs on this route as well as no shrikes, but we did see one gray phase screech owl perched in a box where we found one a couple of months ago, and an adult bald eagle just over the hill from the farm here. Today on the way to Butler mid afternoon, as we headed down the narrow valley between East Brady and Chicora (actually Armstrong Co), Rt 68 runs alongside Sugar Creek here, and in the afternoon sun with the temps in the mid 60's I first saw one bat fluttering around in a yard, rather low, then another and another. For the next 5 or so miles we saw them everywhere, flying low over the road in areas where I am sure some of them would be hit by cars. I have never seen so many bats out in one area even on summer evenings at home. I would say they seemed smaller than some I have seen but really cannot say for sure what type they might be. All the ones I could see (and I feel pretty sure that we missed counting many) were between maybe 4 ft to 50 ft off the ground. I've never seen anything anything like it before, and would welcome any comments. I've seen other comments recently on some bat sightings but this number of over 125 in one small area seemed very strange. In this area in the past there has been a lot of coal mining (deep) so don't know if there is an old mine site that is being used as a winter roost site. Just wanted to share this sighting and see what others might think. Carole Winslow Sligo, Clarion Co. Subject: 47 Turkey vultures Wilpen, westmoreland, PA From: Donna Mohney <echoes77 AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 02:01:11 +0000 Coming down the Marietta Road into Wilpen, Westmoreland County today between 4 and 4:30 pm, I watched at least 47 turkey vultures fly into and land in treetops. I got some photos of them in the tree branches! Donna Mohney Wilpen, Westmoreland County, PA Subject: northern Northampton County - Lake Minsi From: tangara <slabar AT ENTER.NET> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 19:50:58 -0500 I stopped at Lake Minsi after work yesterday afternoon and today. About the same mix of gull species both days, but double the number of gulls today, up from a few hundred to almost a thousand. A young Bald Eagle flew over at about 3:45, scattering the two gull flocks and causing most of them to head off to the west for the day. It then settled into a tree for a while. Bald Eagle - immature 1 unidentified raptor - very high, seemed to be a Buteo, but not a Red-tail Ring-billed Gull - the majority Herring Gull - about half as many as Ring-billed Great Black Backed Gull - at least four today / one yesterday Lesser Black Backed - at least two today / two yesterday Hooded Merganser - 2 pair Bufflehead - 2 female Turkey Vulture - 8 Black Vulture - 6 Belted Kingfisher Canada Goose Mallard Carolina Wren - very vocal Sherri LaBar North Bangor, PA slabar AT enter.net Subject: Middle Creek, Susquehanna River - York County From: "Ann C. Pettigrew" <rook185 AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 19:50:59 -0500 Hello All, I failed to see any Cackling Geese at Middle Creek today but did see a sub-adult Bald Eagle, Gadwalls, Ring-necked Ducks, one female Common Merganser and a female Hooded Merganser that was staying very close to the Common. On the way home I stopped at the river to look for the Peregrines and was able to find one in a tree next to the old bridge between Wrightsville in York County and Columbia in Lancaster County. I set up my scope to find it and once I did I could actually see it with the naked eye because the sun was shining off its chest. Three crows mobbed it at one point then it flew low over gulls sitting on the water and then went to a snag farther east and perched again. I was standing in the parking lot at the John Wright Restaurant. The first tree is located at the fifth support of the bridge counting from the York side. There was a large piece of blue trash hung up in the base of the tree. Not sure if he uses the same perch but it may be worth a look just in case. Good luck if you go for the Peregrine. Ann Ann C. Pettigrew, VMD York, PA rook185 AT comcast.net www.pbase.com/rook185 "It came to me that every time I lose a dog they take a piece of my heart with them. And every new dog who comes into my life, gifts me with a piece of their heart. If I live long enough, all the components of my heart will be dog, and I will become as generous and loving as they are." Unknown Sent from my iPad Subject: Crawford County/Hermit Thrush/Swamp Sparrow From: Shawn Collins <pghdjshawn AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 18:33:03 -0500 I took advantage of the great weather and went out to a few places today, At the Nature Center I had a very tame White Tail Deer, walk up to me, and I had to back away..was very odd. Some highlights today were Woodcock Lake 3 Red Breasted Mergansers 30 plus Common Mergansers 1 Yellow Bellied Sapsucker Pymatuning Miller's Ponds 1 Rough Leg Hawk 7 Redheads 2 Bald Eagles Pymatuning Nature Center 1 Hermit Thrush 3 Eastern Bluebirds 3 Golden Crowned Kinglets 1 Brown Creeper 3 White Throated Sparrows 50 plus Common Mergansers ( These guys were everywhere) 2 Double Crested Cormorants Parking Area across from Fish Hatchery 1 Winter Wren 1 Swamp Sparrow 3 American Tree Sparrows Some photos from today http://www.flickr.com/photos/pghdjshawn/ -- Shawn Collins Pghdjshawn AT gmail.com Meadville, PA Crawford County My Birding Photos http://www.flickr.com/photos/pghdjshawn/ Subject: Glaucous Gull, Berks County From: Ken Lebo <klebo AT DEJAZZD.COM> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 18:21:29 -0500 From the dam of Lake Ontelaunee around noon 100+ Mallards 100+ Black Ducks 10+ American Wigeons 37 Northern Pintails 2 Buffleheads 50 Common Mergansers 2 Hooded Mergansers From the beach at Blue Marsh Lake 3:30 to 4:30 1 Great Black-backed Gull - adult 1 Glaucous Gull - 2nd winter 100+ Herring Gulls 2000+ Ring-billed Gulls 1 Bald Eagle - 2nd year Ken Lebo klebo AT dejazzd.com www.pbase.com/kenlebo Berks County Subject: Snowy Owl and Prairie Falcon, Cumberland County From: Dave Kerr <dsktc AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 17:15:41 -0500 The Snowy Owl was in a different location today off Mud Level Road. When I arrived about 1250 this afternoon at the telephone Substation gravel lot, neither birders nor the Snowy were to be found. A few minutes later, Larry and Hank, of Early Bird Tours, pulled into the lot and gave me the info on the Snowy. It was seen to the southwest immediately south of the junction of Mud Level and Running Pump Roads. That is approx. 1 ˝ miles northeast of the gravel lot. http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=40.119114,-77.47461 &spn=0.003741,0.004796&t=h&z=17 I drove over there and found the Snowy in the limestone rocks exactly where Larry and Hank had indicated. I stayed there until 1:25 and went searching for the Prairie Falcon, which had eluded me on all of my previous trips to Mud Level Road. I decided to head back to the gravel lot at Mud Level Road after an unsuccessful recon. At approx. 2:20, I saw a large falcon south of the gravel lot. It was the Prairie Falcon. I watched it land on a tree and later fly and hover. It then landed on a fence post about 200-250 yards away. It left but within 15 minutes it came back again, hunting, and perched on another fencepost south of the gravel lot. At 2:55 if flew off and I lost it. Needless to say, I was thrilled to be able to finally see the falcon. At 4:00, I stopped at the location on ML where I had seen the Snowy earlier. I did not see it. I photographed – handheld - the Snowy and the Falcon with my 300mm and my new 2x converter. The light was poor on the Snowy but I had good light on the falcon. I hope to transfer the photos from the camera shortly. Dave Kerr Carlisle Subject: Central PA Birdline for 2.2.2012 From: Mark Mcconaughy <timetraveler50 AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 21:53:41 +0000 - RBA * Pennsylvania * Central Pennsylvania * February 2, 2012 * PACE1202.02 Bird Highlights GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE (Lancaster Co.) ROSS' GOOSE (Lancaster Co.) CACKLING GOOSE (Bedford & Lancaster Cos.) EURASIAN WIGEON (Lancaster Co.) SNOWY OWL (Cumberland Co.) NORTHERN SHRIKE (Columbia & Juniata Cos.) TOWNSEND'S WARBLER (Cumberland Co.) COMMON REDPOLL (Juniata & Lebanon Cos.) - Transcript Hotline: Central Pennsylvania Birdline February 2, 2012 To Report: TimeTraveler50 AT comcast.net Compiler: Mark A. McConaughy Coverage: Central Pennsylvania, Susquehanna River Drainage System Transcriber: Mark A. McConaughy Welcome to Pennsylvania Audubon's and the Patriot-News' Birdline. This Birdline covers sightings made primarily during the week prior to Thursday, February 2, 2012. ADAMS COUNTY: Four BALD EAGLES were seen on January 28 during a Winter Raptor Survey of the northeastern portion of the county (RP, PK). BEDFORD COUNTY: One CACKLING GOOSE was found on January 28 at the waterfront park that adjoins Fort Bedford (DSn). CENTRE COUNTY: A female MERLIN was seen on January 26 along Tadpoll Road (AL, JV). Up to 2 SHORT-EARED OWLS were seen between January 28 and 29 along Rock Road at the east end of the State College Airport (JV, MH). Up to 5 BALD EAGLES were observed between January 28 and 29 at various areas of Bald Eagle State Park (NB, BSn). CLINTON COUNTY: Two PEREGRINE FALCONS were observed on January 28 up river from the McElhatten Bridge (WL). COLUMBIA COUNTY: A NORTHERN SHRIKE was seen and photographed on January 30 along the northern part of Ridge Road about 2 miles northwest of Benton and about a mile south of Waller in Jackson Township (CM). One ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK was observed on January 30 flying over the large fields northwest of Benton (JL). CUMBERLAND COUNTY: The SNOWY OWL continues to be seen through at least January 28, but it shifted its location on January 27 to a field along Route 533 which is the next road south of Mud Level Road (VG). The SNOWY OWL was seen about 0.5 miles west of the intersection of Route 533 and Oakville Road (VG). The SNOWY OWL was back at the field near the intersection of Duncan and Mud Level Roads on January 28 (TC, DK). The TOWNSEND'S WARBLER continued to be seen through at least January 28 (JF). Andy Green welcomes visitors to his yard to see the TOWNSEND'S WARBLER. His address is 1133 Pine Road, Carlisle (paste these coordinates into Google Maps: 40.1126724,-77.277326). This is about half a mile east of the Kings Gap Store. Andy's driveway is gravel and is well-marked with the house number on a signpost as well as on a green mailbox. Visitors are welcome during daylight hours - the feeders are visible from the driveway on the creek side of the house. The bird can be seen best on the back deck of the home which Andy Green (the home owner) has graciously agreed too. You can drive down the long gravel drive and park in front of the red shed at the end but not in front of the garage on the left. Feel free to park along the driveway, but do not block it. Andy said it is o.k. to park on the grass shoulder. Andy says he has seen it since around. Please keep an eye out for other warblers that are feeding in this yard along the Yellow Breeches Creek - a PINE WARBLER and a YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT also come in on occasion. DAUPHIN COUNTY: One BALD EAGLE was observed chasing some COMMON MERGANSERS on January 28 along Swatara Road near Hershey (GK). FRANKLIN COUNTY: One BALD EAGLE was seen on January 28 soaring over the Franklin Farm Lane area (BO). HUNTINGDON COUNTY: One RED-NECKED GREBE was seen on January 31 at Raystown Lake just behind the dam breast (GG). JUNIATA COUNTY: One COMMON REDPOLL visited feeders near Red Rock Road in Mifflintown on January 28 (AT). A light morph ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK was seen on January 28 or 29 along Metz Road northwest of Thompsontown (KH). One light morph ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK was seen on January 28 or 29 along Route 235 near East Salem (KH). The NORTHERN SHRIKE continues to be seen through January 30 near the falling down house along Troyer Road in Oakland Mills (AT). Three BALD EAGLES and 2 light morph ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS were found during a Winter Raptor Survey conducted on January 31 (CK). LANCASTER COUNTY: The BALTIMORE ORIOLE continues to be seen through at least January 26 around Peach Bottom Village (BS, NS). One BALD EAGLE was seen on January 28 perched in a transmission tower near Holtwood Dam (JS). One BALD EAGLE was observed on January 28 flying over Wissler Run Park (JS). One BALD EAGLE was seen on January 28 on Piney Island (JS). Two BALD EAGLES were seen on January 28 at Muddy Run Reservoir (JS). Middle Creek Wildlife Propagation Area yielded 4000 SNOW GEESE, 2 CACKLING GEESE and 3 BALD EAGLES on January 28 (ME). An estimated 5000+ SNOW GEESE were present on January 30 according to the PA Game Commission (JBi). January 31 yielded 2 adult Greenland GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE, 1 ROSS' GOOSE and at least 20 CACKLING GEESE (hutchinsii subspecies) (JB, TJ, AM). One CACKLING GOOSE and upwards of 20 BALD EAGLES were seen on January 28 at Octoraro Reservoir from the Chester Water Authority boat launch off of Spruce Grove Road (JB). A drake EURASIAN WIGEON was found on January 31 at Conejohela Flats near the discharge from the Washington Boro Water Treatment Plant in an area opposite Route 999 (ME, ML). LEBANON COUNTY: One MERLIN was found during a Winter Raptor Survey conducted on January 28 in the middle of the county (AS, GB, FH). One COMMON REDPOLL was seen on January 30 at Lions Lake (TJ). LUZERNE COUNTY: One BALD EAGLE was seen on January 26 at Harvey's Lake (JD). LYCOMING COUNTY: A leucistic RED-TAILED HAWK was observed on January 29 along River Road in the Nisbet area just southwest of Williamsport (DF, SP). MIFFLIN COUNTY: One BALD EAGLE was seen on January 28 during a Winter Raptor Survey in the Ferguson Valley (BF, LP, DSw, JSw, SSw, ASw). Two light morph ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS were seen on January 30 during a Winter Raptor Survey in the northeastern part of the Kishacoquillas Valley east of Route 322 (BF, LP, SSw). CLOSING ANNOUNCEMENTS: If you miss the usual Thursday postings of the Central PA Birdline on BIRDEAST and PABIRDS, I will also be posting it on my page web site at: http://people.delphiforums.com/MCCONAUGHY/currentbl.htm *PORC = Pennsylvania Ornithological Record Committee. Rare bird sightings should be documented with written descriptions and photographs whenever possible and sent to PORC for review. Send PORC reports to Nick Pulcinella, 613 Howard Road, West Chester, PA 19380. The following people have contributed to this report: Jim Binder (JB), Gerry Boltz (GB), Justin Bosler (JB), Nan Butkovich (NB), Travis Clemens (TC), Jonathan DeBalko (JD), Mike Epler (ME), Dave Ferry (DF), Bob Fowles (BF), James Fox (JF), Vern Gauthier (VG), Greg Grove (GG), Molly Heath (MH), Kitt Heckscher (KH), Fritz Heilman (FH), Tom Johnson (TJ), Chad Kauffman (CK), Phil Keener (PK), Dave Kerr (DK), Gary Kinkley (GK), Alex Lamoreaux (AL), Wayne Laubscher (WL), Meredith Lombard (ML), Judy Lynn (JL), Andy McGann (AM), Chuck Musitano (CM), Bill Oyler (BO), Randy Phillips (RP), Louie Pleight (LP), Steve Pinkerton (SP), Art Schiavo (AS), Bob Schutsky (BS), Nancy Schutsky (NS), Jim Smith (JS), Dan Snell (DSn), Bob Snyder (BSn), Amos Swarey (ASw), David Swarey (DSw), Jesse Swarey (JSw), Stephen Swarey (SSw), Aden Troyer (AT) and Joe Verica (JV). I apologize if I have misspelled their names and I will also refrain from naming that person on request. -End Transcript ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Mark A. McConaughy TimeTraveler50 AT comcast.net Bushy Run Battlefield P.O. Box 486 Harrison City, PA 15636-0468 (724) 527-5585 x103 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Subject: Kestrels, Bucks Co. From: Lisa Dziuban <lisadziuban AT BUCKSCCD.ORG> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 21:23:52 +0000 The old Leatherman farm on Potters Lane in Plumstead is now an active development site. Prior to site work the farm had been abandoned for years. Occasionally I would see a Kestrel in the old farm fields and someone had mounted some nest boxes on telephone poles. Today I observed a Kestrel flying around the site, landing and perched on the lot and grade stakes...appeared quite at home in the recently rearranged and disturbed landscape. I also observed a Kestrel yesterday in Buckingham Twp, Street Rd, near the Matejik farm fields. There was also a nest box mounted on a telephone pole nearby. Lisa V. Dziuban Bucks County Conservation District www.bucksccd.org Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T Subject: Re: Mystery Duck at Lebanon Valley College in Annville, Lebanon County From: DAVID KOCH <davilene AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 13:14:14 -0800 That's an Egyptian goose. Arlene Koch Easton, PA Northampton County davilene AT verizon.net ________________________________ From: Dale Bicksler To: PABIRDS AT LIST.AUDUBON.ORG Sent: Wednesday, February 1, 2012 4:03 PM Subject: Re: [PABIRDS] Mystery Duck at Lebanon Valley College in Annville, Lebanon County Sorry. The link to the duck pictures didn't make it. Here it is: http://www.druthersndragons.com/druthersndragons/Recent_Photos_Pending.html Dale -----Original Message----- From: Dale Bicksler To: PABIRDS Sent: Wed, Feb 1, 2012 4:00 pm Subject: [PABIRDS] Mystery Duck at Lebanon Valley College in Annville, Lebanon County Some friends found this duck on the little pond next to the athletic fields at Lebanon Valley College in Annville. Does anyone know what it is, how it got there? Is it an escapee? A hybrid? It reminds me of a black-bellied whistling-duck. Thanks for your help. Dale Bicksler Cumberland County Subject: Cerulean Warbler Program Dauphin County From: Thyra Sperry <PennaHikers AT AOL.COM> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 16:07:53 -0500 Author Katie Fallon will be giving a talk titled "Coal, Coffee and Cooperation: Saving a Vanishing Songbird" One of the Wildwood Winter Lectures will explore the relationship between the Cerulean Warbler and the threats to its survival due to mountaintop removal coal mining , deforestation and climate change. Tuesday February 7:00 P.M. Free program and free parking at Olewine Nature Center, Hbg. (Wildwood Lake) _www.wildwoodlake.org_ (http://www.wildwoodlake.org) Subject: Re: Mystery Duck at Lebanon Valley College in Annville, Lebanon County From: Dale Bicksler <bickhouse AT AOL.COM> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 16:03:42 -0500 Sorry. The link to the duck pictures didn't make it. Here it is: http://www.druthersndragons.com/druthersndragons/Recent_Photos_Pending.html Dale -----Original Message----- From: Dale Bicksler To: PABIRDS Sent: Wed, Feb 1, 2012 4:00 pm Subject: [PABIRDS] Mystery Duck at Lebanon Valley College in Annville, Lebanon County Some friends found this duck on the little pond next to the athletic fields at Lebanon Valley College in Annville. Does anyone know what it is, how it got there? Is it an escapee? A hybrid? It reminds me of a black-bellied whistling-duck. Thanks for your help. Dale Bicksler Cumberland County Subject: Mystery Duck at Lebanon Valley College in Annville, Lebanon County From: Dale Bicksler <bickhouse AT AOL.COM> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 15:59:49 -0500 Some friends found this duck on the little pond next to the athletic fields at Lebanon Valley College in Annville. Does anyone know what it is, how it got there? Is it an escapee? A hybrid? It reminds me of a black-bellied whistling-duck. Thanks for your help. Dale Bicksler Cumberland County Subject: Redpoll (Ind.co) From: Marcy Cunkelman <plant4nature AT DISHMAIL.NET> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 13:55:09 -0500 Hi All, While out cutting the ornamental grass, I heard the swoosh of the finches taking off...besides, the house, gold, purple finches I heard Redpolls...something is around since they are flying in and out of the feeders...Heard it 3 times and sounded like 2 or more were here...so I will be inside and see what comes to the feeders...noticed brighter Goldfinches, so there is a new flock here.. So keep listening and watching...still nothing new in the yard... Marcy Cunkelman Conemaugh Twp. Clarksburg, PA Indiana Co. plant4nature AT dishmail.net Subject: Re: Beef or Pork SUET From: Richard Nugent <rmnugent AT EXCITE.COM> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 13:53:39 -0500 Marcy is correct that Pork fat is softer and this the main difference at least in my opinion. In terms of nutrition I doubt that there is much difference. In terms of hardness poultry (chicken, duck, turkey etc.) fat is very soft followed by pork, beef, lamb and deer fat is very hard. I have put deer fat out for the birds and they mostly ignored it. In cold weather the birds seem to prefer soft fats (I like to experiment). In warmer weather the beef fat would be better since it will be less likely to melt. Best Regards ...... Richard Nugent -----Original Message----- From: "Marcy Cunkelman" [plant4nature AT DISHMAIL.NET] Date: 02/01/2012 11:51 AM To: PABIRDS AT LIST.AUDUBON.ORG Subject: Re: [PABIRDS] Beef or Pork SUET Thanks All, Well, it looks like what I thought was correct is what everyone else thought, beef kidney suet it the best...so I will call and ask why they said this. I did put out some fat off the pork loins and the birds have been eating that, but's it's much softer than the beef suet... Another nice day to be out and many birds singing and even signs of courtship...way too early for that... Hoping to hear the Raven again from yesterday...out at the right time to hear it. Red-tailed Hawks were flying over too...kept watching for a very early TV and Eagles, as mild as the winter has been. Enjoy the day!!! (headed out to get a head start on cutting my grasses and trimming back some things since most of the seeds are eaten. Got about 1/3 cut yesterday. Daffodils are way up already and the sooner this gets done, the less chance they will be tramped on.) Thanks again, Marcy Cunkelman Conemaugh Twp. Clarksburg, PA Indiana Co. plant4nature AT dishmail.net >> >> Subject: [PABIRDS] Beef or Pork SUET >> >> >> Hi All, >> Just had a question about suet...our caregiver for Dana was having a beef >> butchered and I asked if she could save me the kidney suet...they were told >> by the butcher NOT to use the beef suet, but Pork..I have always used beef, >> so what is the difference? I know you need to use suet for homemade >> mincemeat and they call for beef in the recipes I have seen. It's past >> holiday time, so I would assume they wouldn't need it now. >> >> Any ideas...right or wrong or should I tell him there is no difference? >> Thanks.... >> Marcy Cunkelman >> Conemaugh Twp. Clarksburg, PA Indiana Co. >> plant4nature AT dishmail.net Subject: Re: Beef or Pork SUET From: Marcy Cunkelman <plant4nature AT DISHMAIL.NET> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 11:51:25 -0500 Thanks All, Well, it looks like what I thought was correct is what everyone else thought, beef kidney suet it the best...so I will call and ask why they said this. I did put out some fat off the pork loins and the birds have been eating that, but's it's much softer than the beef suet... Another nice day to be out and many birds singing and even signs of courtship...way too early for that... Hoping to hear the Raven again from yesterday...out at the right time to hear it. Red-tailed Hawks were flying over too...kept watching for a very early TV and Eagles, as mild as the winter has been. Enjoy the day!!! (headed out to get a head start on cutting my grasses and trimming back some things since most of the seeds are eaten. Got about 1/3 cut yesterday. Daffodils are way up already and the sooner this gets done, the less chance they will be tramped on.) Thanks again, Marcy Cunkelman Conemaugh Twp. Clarksburg, PA Indiana Co. plant4nature AT dishmail.net >> >> Subject: [PABIRDS] Beef or Pork SUET >> >> >> Hi All, >> Just had a question about suet...our caregiver for Dana was having a beef >> butchered and I asked if she could save me the kidney suet...they were told >> by the butcher NOT to use the beef suet, but Pork..I have always used beef, >> so what is the difference? I know you need to use suet for homemade >> mincemeat and they call for beef in the recipes I have seen. It's past >> holiday time, so I would assume they wouldn't need it now. >> >> Any ideas...right or wrong or should I tell him there is no difference? >> Thanks.... >> Marcy Cunkelman >> Conemaugh Twp. Clarksburg, PA Indiana Co. >> plant4nature AT dishmail.net Subject: Re: Beef or Pork SUET From: Josh Schultz <schu5587 AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 11:40:23 -0500 The bottom line is that anything you or a bird eats is going to introduce toxins into the body. Obviously, however, eating nothing is not an option, so the idea is to eat things that are the most nutritious and the least toxic. Seeing as people have been feeding beef fat to birds for a long time and there hasn't been any documentation of inordinately harmful affects, I would continue feeding beef suet until proven guilty. As for weather there's a difference, I'm not qualified to answer that, but I can assure you that both are mostly fat (though pork fat may be higher in saturated fats, but I don't think that makes much of a difference except that it has a little more energy per molecule). On Wed, Feb 1, 2012 at 11:24 AM, Dick wrote: > I wonder if it has something to do with the hormones they put into > livestock feed to enhance growth? There are questions being raised right > now of the effect these hormones have on human health. > Dick Byers > ----- Original Message ----- From: "Marcy Cunkelman" < > plant4nature AT DISHMAIL.NET> > To: > Sent: Wednesday, February 01, 2012 10:07 AM > Subject: [PABIRDS] Beef or Pork SUET > > > Hi All, > Just had a question about suet...our caregiver for Dana was having a beef > butchered and I asked if she could save me the kidney suet...they were told > by the butcher NOT to use the beef suet, but Pork..I have always used beef, > so what is the difference? I know you need to use suet for homemade > mincemeat and they call for beef in the recipes I have seen. It's past > holiday time, so I would assume they wouldn't need it now. > > Any ideas...right or wrong or should I tell him there is no difference? > Thanks.... > Marcy Cunkelman > Conemaugh Twp. Clarksburg, PA Indiana Co. > plant4nature AT dishmail.net Subject: Re: Beef or Pork SUET From: Scott Weidensaul <scottweidensaul AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 11:31:12 -0500 Everything I've read, including the material from the Lab of Ornithology via Project FeederWatch, recommends beef suet, primarily because it's relatively inexpensive. Unless someone can point to new research, I'd say this is just an old wives' (or old butcher's) tale. Scott Weidensaul Schuylkill Haven, PA On Feb 1, 2012, at 11:24 AM, Dick wrote: > I wonder if it has something to do with the hormones they put into > livestock feed to enhance growth? There are questions being raised > right now of the effect these hormones have on human health. > Dick Byers > ----- Original Message ----- From: "Marcy Cunkelman" > > To: > Sent: Wednesday, February 01, 2012 10:07 AM > Subject: [PABIRDS] Beef or Pork SUET > > > Hi All, > Just had a question about suet...our caregiver for Dana was having a > beef butchered and I asked if she could save me the kidney > suet...they were told by the butcher NOT to use the beef suet, but > Pork..I have always used beef, so what is the difference? I know you > need to use suet for homemade mincemeat and they call for beef in > the recipes I have seen. It's past holiday time, so I would assume > they wouldn't need it now. > > Any ideas...right or wrong or should I tell him there is no > difference? > Thanks.... > Marcy Cunkelman > Conemaugh Twp. Clarksburg, PA Indiana Co. > plant4nature AT dishmail.net Subject: Re: Beef or Pork SUET From: Dick <otusasio AT LHTOT.COM> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 11:24:55 -0500 I wonder if it has something to do with the hormones they put into livestock feed to enhance growth? There are questions being raised right now of the effect these hormones have on human health. Dick Byers ----- Original Message ----- From: "Marcy Cunkelman" To: Sent: Wednesday, February 01, 2012 10:07 AM Subject: [PABIRDS] Beef or Pork SUET Hi All, Just had a question about suet...our caregiver for Dana was having a beef butchered and I asked if she could save me the kidney suet...they were told by the butcher NOT to use the beef suet, but Pork..I have always used beef, so what is the difference? I know you need to use suet for homemade mincemeat and they call for beef in the recipes I have seen. It's past holiday time, so I would assume they wouldn't need it now. Any ideas...right or wrong or should I tell him there is no difference? Thanks.... Marcy Cunkelman Conemaugh Twp. Clarksburg, PA Indiana Co. plant4nature AT dishmail.net Subject: Brown Thrasher, Fort Washington SP (Montgomery) From: Brian Henderson <wbhenderson AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 11:13:23 -0500 There was a Brown Thrasher at Fort Washington State Park this morning. It was in the brush (naturally) along the path at the base of Militia Hill running parallel to the railroad tracks. It was a great morning for Eastern Towhees as well, with at least seven seen/heard. Full eBird checklist: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S9735441 Brian Henderson East Norriton Montgomery County Subject: Beef or Pork SUET From: Marcy Cunkelman <plant4nature AT DISHMAIL.NET> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 10:07:32 -0500 Hi All, Just had a question about suet...our caregiver for Dana was having a beef butchered and I asked if she could save me the kidney suet...they were told by the butcher NOT to use the beef suet, but Pork..I have always used beef, so what is the difference? I know you need to use suet for homemade mincemeat and they call for beef in the recipes I have seen. It's past holiday time, so I would assume they wouldn't need it now. Any ideas...right or wrong or should I tell him there is no difference? Thanks.... Marcy Cunkelman Conemaugh Twp. Clarksburg, PA Indiana Co. plant4nature AT dishmail.net Subject: Red-breasted Nuthatch Columbia County From: Moses Martin <kaboommals AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 07:03:13 -0500 Yesterday looked out to see a pair (M & F) of Red-breasted Nuthatches both feeding on at my suet feeder at the same time. A few years ago there was a breeding pair here, hope to see that again! Moses Martin Millville, PA Columbia Cty Subject: Re: Green Pond, Minsi and Bear Swamp, Northampton County From: Adam Sabatine <birdman538 AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 01:59:55 -0500 Hi all, I forgot to report a single CACKLING GOOSE at Green Pond yesterday (1/31). Sorry for the mix up. Bird on, Adam Sabatine Sent from my iPhone On Jan 31, 2012, at 5:11 PM, Adam Sabatine wrote: > Hi all, today Mark Tolino and I spent some time birding around Northampton County. Around 1 pm we scanned through several thousand SNOW and CANADA GEESE and found a pair of NORTHERN PINTAIL and single GREEN-WINGED TEAL and GREAT BLUE HERON. We also briefly saw a possible Ross's Goose candidate bust quickly lost it among the masses of Snow Geese. It was tough looking for Ross's since the majority of Snows (and Canada's) had their heads tucked in, resting. There was also several Blue Geese in the flock, though we saw no tagged birds today. > At Lake Minsi, the gull flock numbered 300+ when we arrived around 3pm. Surprisingly, we could find nothing but RING-BILLED GULLS. As we scanned, another 1-200 (conservative estimate) Ring-billed Gulls pured in from the west, most likely needing a bath after feeding at the Pen Argyl landfill. When we left to check Bear Swamp there were upwards of 500 gulls present, though again we could find no Herring, black-backed or other species. > Bear Swamp (the southern side) was virtually birdless, though we did manage to hoot up the local BARRED OWL pair. The only other birds present were a pair of PILEATED WOODPECKERS and a single EASTERN WINTER WREN on the southern end of the powerline cut just after the boardwalk. When we first saw/heard the wren skulking in the reedy brush I tried in vane to turn it into a marsh, which I have had at this spot twice before during migration. Still, the Winter Wren obliged us with uncharacteristically long looks as it perched out in the open twice before disappearing into the brush. > We stopped back at Minsi around 430pm to see if anything new had shown up. There were still about 300+ Ring-billed Gulls roosting but not as many as there were on our first run through. Perhaps the missing gulls had continued on to the river or other roosts further east/south. > Bird on, Adam Sabatine > Northampton County > Birdman538 AT gmail.com Subject: Merlin at Lawrence From: Barb Dean <barbcdean AT AOL.COM> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 23:57:27 -0500 Lawrence County Merlin 01/31/2012 Sunshine when we started at 2 p.m. and 55 degrees. George and I birded in Mercer County and only found a dozen Horned Larks. We went to the Volant Strips around 3:20 p. m. We had one ad. Male Northern Harrier and watched a Merlin do its thing for a good 5 minutes. We were on Old Ash Road and watched eleven Sandhill Cranes land in the field. Six of the birds were rusty colored. After that we made a quick run to Glacier Sand and Gravel on Rt 108 in Lawrence County. This is close to the Butler County line. We found Canada Geese and a Common Loon there. Barb Dean New Castle, PA Lawrence County Jan 31, 2012 Lawrence County barbcdean AT aol.com Subject: the Blues From: Libby Strizzi <libstriz AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 23:12:35 -0500 A pair of bluebirds checked out my nestbox this morning, flying in and out. It was delightful to hear their chirpy little bluebird songs. As a news broadcaster said today, it's June-u-ary. Subject: 2 Greater White-fronted, Ross's, and 28+ Cackling Geese - Middle Creek WMA (Lancaster Co.) From: Justin Bosler <justin.bosler AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 22:10:50 -0500 PABIRDS, It was a venerable goose-a-palooza at Middle Creek WMA (Lancaster Co.) this afternoon, 31 January 2012. The epicenter of the activity was in the grassy field on the east side of Kleinfeltersville Rd. just beyond Auto Tour Stop #1 as you begin to climb the hill. There's a long, narrow pond there that runs parallel to the lake. In with the nearly 1,500 Canada Geese in this field was a tight group of 15 CACKLING GEESE plus another 4-5+ solitary individuals (they can be easily overlooked, especially at rest or when foraging behind larger Canadas) and one adult Greenland GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE. All Cackling Geese were presumably of the "hutchinsii" subspecies, also known as 'Richardson's Goose'. The range of size and plumage variation in the local Cackling Geese is always worth noting, and photographing when possible. It would be nice to begin determining the extent at which Richardson's varies from one end of the spectrum to the other -- whether we're talking about body size, white collars, black chin stripes, underpart coloration, etc. I ran into Tom Johnson and Andy McGann who were working through the 10,000+ Snow Geese from Willow Point. Tom had a lone ROSS'S GOOSE among the Snows before Andy or I had arrived. Also mixed in with the Snows were 2 CACKLING GEESE. And, at least two more CACKLING GEESE were spotted in a smaller flock of Canadas off Willow Point. There were quite a few yellow neck-collared Snow Geese, of which we attempted to record as many of the alphanumeric codes as possible, and I counted over 50 blue-morph Snows. Tom and Andy soon left to follow up on the pile-o-cacklers and found yet another adult Greenland GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE, but this time, the goose was accompanied by 3 immature *presumed* CANADA X GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE hybrids! Although they may have flown in after I had left, there's a good chance that I completely overlooked this unique bunch. Regardless, this goes to show the importance of scanning through a flock *multiple* times. I gave up my Ross's Goose search prematurely and rushed back to ogle over the hybrids and the second white-fronted. Along with an adult Canada Goose, this apparent family group flew off together at dusk and disappeared to the north. Tom Johnson's photos can be viewed at the following link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bonxie88/with/6798722381/ Good wild-goose chasing, Justin -- Justin Bosler Lancaster, PA Subject: Luzerne Country Catbird From: "Stratford, Jeffrey" <jeffrey.stratford AT WILKES.EDU> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 21:56:08 -0500 Had a single Gray Catbird in the yard today at Amherst Ave, Wilkes-Barre. Subject: WRS-Adams County Grasslands IBA From: Ralph W siefken <siefkend AT EMBARQMAIL.COM> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 21:41:20 -0500 PA Birders, Here are the results of the Adams County Grasslands IBA WRS (Pumping Station, Shriver, Cunningham, Red Rock, Scott Roads). County-Adams Date-Jan. 31, 2012 Observers-Deb and Ralph Siefken, Nancy Locher Amount of Time on Route (hours:minutes)2 hrs. 15 min. Start/End-1pm-3:15pm Miles on Route-19 #TVs-14 #BVs-2 #Harriers (Male/Female/Imm.)-0 #Red-tails (Ad./Imm./ND)-9/1/2 #Rough-legs (Light/Dark)-0 #Kestrels (M/F/ND)-3/1/0 Sharp-shins(Ad/Imm)-0 Cooper's (Ad/Imm.)-0 Red-shouldered hawks (Ad/Imm.)-0 Bald Eagles (Ad./Imm.)-0 other raptors-0 Shrikes-0 Other species: 1 Red-headed Woodpecker, 2 Great Blue Herons, 1 Killdeer Avg Temperature-58 Sky(Clear/ Pt cloudy/ Cloudy)-Clear Wind (light/medium/strong)-light Avg Snow Cover depth-0 Deb Siefken Adams County Subject: Indiana County--Yellow Creek highlights From: Margaret Higbee <bcoriole AT WINDSTREAM.NET> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 21:01:00 -0500 Today on the Tuesday Yellow Creek outing in Indiana County among our 24 species we had the following highlights: 3 Am. Black Ducks 2 Mallards 4 N. Pintails 1 Canvasback 15 Ring-necked Ducks 7 Ring-billed Gulls 1 Ruffed Grouse Observers: Lee Carnahan, Margaret Higbee Here at home our E. Screech-Owl was peering from the nest box. Margaret Higbee Indiana, PA bcoriole AT windstream.net