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3 Nov 11/3-Waterfowl at Chambers Lake/ Coatesville [Rick Robinson ] 3 Nov More Specific Rephrasal, Crane ID Query [Grant Stevenson ] 3 Nov Red-necked Grebe- Luzerne Co. [Kevin Ripka ] 3 Nov Goldfinches? Lancaster County [Ann Bodling ] 3 Nov Late, 11/2, White-Eyed Vireo at Hibernia, Chester County [Rick Robinson ] 3 Nov HSR: Tuscarora Summit (02 Nov 2009) 27 Raptors ["Hawkcount.Org Reports" ] 3 Nov HSR: Rose Tree Park (03 Nov 2009) 58 Raptors ["Hawkcount.Org Reports" ] 2 Nov Black Scoters and Merlin in Susquehanna County ["JSkinner AT epix.net" ] 2 Nov Oriole remains, Koch property, Northampton County [DAVID KOCH ] 2 Nov Rusty Blackbirds - Washington Co. [Mark Vass ] 2 Nov HSR: Bake Oven Knob (02 Nov 2009) 79 Raptors ["Hawkcount.Org Reports" ] 2 Nov HSR: Waggoner's Gap (02 Nov 2009) 272 Raptors ["Hawkcount.Org Reports" ] 2 Nov HSR: Hawk Mountain Sanctuary (02 Nov 2009) 126 Raptors ["Hawkcount.Org Reports" ] 2 Nov HSR: Second Mountain (02 Nov 2009) 103 Raptors ["Hawkcount.Org Reports" ] 2 Nov How do I tell a Sandhill Crane from a Great-blue Heron? [Grant Stevenson ] 2 Nov Buffleheads (4) at Crooked Creek (Armstrong Co.) [Marjorie Van Tassel ] 2 Nov Bird film footage ["SAFFIER, Steven" ] 2 Nov New CBC ["Wiltraut, Richard E" ] 2 Nov Re: Buffleheads - Allegheny County ["Mark K. Miller" ] 2 Nov Stone Mt., 01 Nov - 80 Raptors [Greg Grove ] 2 Nov Surf Scoters, RB Mergs- Luzerne Co. [Kevin Ripka ] 2 Nov Stilt Sand NO/Franklin County [Chuck Berthoud ] 2 Nov Blue Marsh, Berks County [Joan Silagy ] 2 Nov Washington Co. - Purple Finches, etc. [Pat Hutcheson ] 2 Nov HSR: Tuscarora Summit (01 Nov 2009) 96 Raptors ["Hawkcount.Org Reports" ] 1 Nov L. Ontelaunee, Berks [Rudolph Keller ] 1 Nov HSR: Waggoner's Gap (01 Nov 2009) 436 Raptors ["Hawkcount.Org Reports" ] 1 Nov Tundra Swans tonight, Allegheny ["Kate St.John" ] 1 Nov HSR: Rose Tree Park (01 Nov 2009) 70 Raptors ["Hawkcount.Org Reports" ] 1 Nov Tundra swans,Allegheny County [Amy Henrici ] 1 Nov Moraine SP, Butler Co. today [Lukas Musher ] 1 Nov Oriole, Koch property, Northampton County [DAVID KOCH ] 1 Nov SGL 230, Cumberland County [Annette Mathes ] 1 Nov HSR: Second Mountain (01 Nov 2009) 191 Raptors ["Hawkcount.Org Reports" ] 1 Nov Cumb. Cnty. Great Egret [Barry Horton ] 1 Nov HSR: Bake Oven Knob (01 Nov 2009) 239 Raptors ["Hawkcount.Org Reports" ] 1 Nov Buffleheads - Allegheny County [Thomas J Moeller ] 1 Nov Bufflehead & Tundra Swan - Beaver Co. [Mark Vass ] 1 Nov Solitary Sandpipers - Allegheny Co. [Mark Vass ] 1 Nov HSR: Hawk Mountain Sanctuary (01 Nov 2009) 111 Raptors ["Hawkcount.Org Reports" ] 1 Nov HSR: Militia Hill (31 Oct 2009) 21 Raptors ["Hawkcount.Org Reports" ] 1 Nov "Bird/Birding Cape May" by Pat/Clay Sutton at Wyncote Audubon Dinner 12/6 [Cliff Hence ] 1 Nov Wildlife Program & Owl Release Today [Denise Donmoyer ] 31 Oct Lanc. Cnty. Middle Creek- Golden Eagle [Barry Horton ] 1 Nov Re: bird trap [Eric Marchbein ] 1 Nov Blue Marsh, Berks County [Joan Silagy ] 31 Oct re The Bird Trap. [herb1013 ] 31 Oct Butler/Lawrence Cos. [Mark Vass ] 31 Oct Pymatuning Report [John Boback ] 31 Oct bird trap [herb1013 ] 31 Oct Stilt Sand still/Franklin [Bob Keener ] 31 Oct HSR: Waggoner's Gap (31 Oct 2009) 182 Raptors ["Hawkcount.Org Reports" ] 31 Oct HSR: Second Mountain (31 Oct 2009) 94 Raptors ["Hawkcount.Org Reports" ] 31 Oct Brant at Lake Arthur, Butler County [Ray D Hoffman ] 31 Oct HSR: Hawk Mountain Sanctuary (31 Oct 2009) 16 Raptors ["Hawkcount.Org Reports" ] 31 Oct Golden Eagles Tomorrow? ["Robert E. Hoopes" ] 31 Oct Snipe - Leaser Lake, Lehigh County ["Robert E. Hoopes" ] 31 Oct Luzerne County Brants ["Fridman, John E" ] 31 Oct Western Chester County CBC [Larry Lewis ] 31 Oct Lanco. Flats BRANT, Plover [Chuck Chalfant ] 31 Oct Presque Isle Brants [John Boback ] 31 Oct American Golden Plovers--Northumberland Co. [Our Home email ] 31 Oct Anyone going to Allegheny Front Hawk Watch on Sunday? ["Kate St.John" ] 31 Oct Lancaster County Birds -- Blackpoll Warbler [Jonathan Heller ] 31 Oct RFI: Philly birding in late December?? [Patricia_Rossi ] 31 Oct Chester Co., Bucktoe Creek Preserve [Joe Sebastiani ] 30 Oct Beaver/Lawrence Cos. [Mark Vass ] 30 Oct HSR: Bake Oven Knob (30 Oct 2009) 86 Raptors ["Hawkcount.Org Reports" ] 30 Oct HSR: Militia Hill (30 Oct 2009) 48 Raptors ["Hawkcount.Org Reports" ] 30 Oct HSR: Waggoner's Gap (30 Oct 2009) 15 Raptors ["Hawkcount.Org Reports" ] 30 Oct HSR: Rose Tree Park (30 Oct 2009) 5 Raptors ["Hawkcount.Org Reports" ] 30 Oct HSR: Hawk Mountain Sanctuary (30 Oct 2009) 51 Raptors ["Hawkcount.Org Reports" ] 30 Oct HSR: Second Mountain (30 Oct 2009) 29 Raptors ["Hawkcount.Org Reports" ] 30 Oct Re: Illegally held wild birds seized [Kerry Grim ] 30 Oct Re: Illegally held wild birds seized (Monroe Co.) [Tom Dougherty ] 30 Oct Ruby-throated hummingbird, Northampton County [DAVID KOCH ] Subject: 11/3-Waterfowl at Chambers Lake/ Coatesville From: Rick Robinson <birder18 AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Tue, 3 Nov 2009 13:43:00 -0500 This morning: (9) bufflehead (2) common goldeneye (6) gadwall (2) pintail (3) pb-grebe (1) cormorant (3) wood duck (27) ruddy duck mallards and Canada goose, with an immature bald eagle sitting in the trees along the dike. At Coatesville, (2) snow geese came in with the Canada; several ruddy and (9) ring-necks were also there. Rick Robinson Chester CountySubject: More Specific Rephrasal, Crane ID Query From: Grant Stevenson <grantstevenson44 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Tue, 3 Nov 2009 08:44:33 -0800 Hi All (PABIRDS),
First of all, apology to the experts below for wasting their time. I should
stick to one expert. Then I might get an answer. Instead, I took the lazy,
all-encompassing method. I deserve no answers from any experts in the future
and I deeply apologize to all of them. They are not email field guides.
Secondly, this is a rear-view/only JIZZ question. I didn't see the head or neck
as it was flying away. No red on the head or straight neck to be seen: I only
inquired because of the larger size, longer wings with the slate-blue upper
wings with black hands, short legs, and secretive, frightful behavior. If a
crane, it was an adult, not brownish. The upward flick of the SC wings did NOT
occur, but that may have been because it didn't travel far, if that matters.
Correct ID's are the backbone of ornithology. Birders are field ornithologists,
ornithologists which Ph.D.'s depend upon when analyzing data from large
biogeographical areas, not from their own small-site/specific, more
experimental or censusing projects, etc. I'd be interested in an informal,
online discussion at first on crane stopover habits in PA, like site size and
proximity to human development, time spent there and weather, instances when 2
or more birds are present, and food, and see where
it goes. More specific, quantified observations you can send to me directly.
Maybe an article a ways away, after sufficient data is in, could appear by me,
or someone who previously or concomitantly has the same idea, in PENNSYLVANIA
BIRDS or CASSINIA, etc., on this important new PA phenomenon.
I wrote 11/2/09:
Hi David Sibley, Kenn Kaufman, Mark Baldwin- RTPI, Jim Kushlin, Bill Thompson
III, PABIRDS, BIRDCHAT, ICF, and All,
At Green Pond, Bethlehem, Northampton County, Pennsylvania, a week ago
Tuesday, we saw two Great-blues which didn't seem phased by our presence and
remained close. That was the second trip there that day, with Jacobsburg State
Park, in between. On the first visit, there was only one. But it seemed larger,
with longer wingspan, which we spooked immediately and it flew away from us
toward some trees and disappeared. Dark slate-gray blue upper wings with black
"hands". On PABIRDS, because of a growing New York breeding population, it
seems that we're getting more reports of Sandhill Cranes in spring and fall
migration. The Peterson acct. for SC says Great-blues are often mistaken for
cranes.
Grant Stevenson
Fountain Hill, PA
grantstevenson44 AT yahoo.com
Subject: Red-necked Grebe- Luzerne Co.From: Kevin Ripka <pabirds AT NEPABIRDPROJECT.ORG> Date: Tue, 3 Nov 2009 08:49:56 -0500 The morning spin around Harvey's Lake was awfully grebe-y with 3 species of grebe, the highlight a RED-NECKED GREBE. Anyone interested in weekday morning Harvey's Lake sightings can see them at shorebirds.nepabirdproject.org. I'm going to try to cover it every morning before work until the light isn't there or the lake is frozen. Anyone who sees something not on the list or on the weekend, if you could send them via the contact page for inclusion, I'd love to know. The Harvey's Lake list today: RED-NECKED GREBE-1 Horned Grebe- 1 Pied-billed Grebe- 1 Ring-necked Duck- 1 Gadwall- 1 Bufflehead- 3 American Coot- 12ish Sordoni Pond: Hooded Merganser- 3 Bufflehead- 15ish Ring-necked Duck- 4 yours, Kevin Ripka www.nepabirdproject.orgSubject: Goldfinches? Lancaster County From: Ann Bodling <thistlebrook AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Tue, 3 Nov 2009 06:58:34 -0500 Hi all, After what seemed an unusually busy time at the thistle feeders, and goldfinches being all over the area on any plant with seed heads lately, their population seems to have suddenly dropped. There are still goldfinches around, just not at the elevated numbers they were. While I know that these posts about missing goldfinches turn up on PABIRDS every year, I'm wondering what others are seeing now, particularly in the southern part of the state. Males have been absent for a long time and the ones here were females/juveniles. Does anyone know where they winter? Thanks, Ann Bodling Elizabethtown, Lancaster Co Thistlebrook AT gmail.comSubject: Late, 11/2, White-Eyed Vireo at Hibernia, Chester County From: Rick Robinson <birder18 AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Tue, 3 Nov 2009 06:34:37 -0500 The vireo was the highlight of an overall good day at the park, with the first fox sparrow of the year, first bufflehead. Lingerers included a single Lincoln's sparrow, several towhee, common yellowthroat, and a spotted sandpiper. Several purple finch were with the abundant waxwing/ robin flocks; winter wren and hermit thrush were observed, and two adult bald eagles,low, and together overhead. I did not see a single yellow-rump. Rick Robinson Chester CountySubject: HSR: Tuscarora Summit (02 Nov 2009) 27 Raptors From: "Hawkcount.Org Reports" <reports AT HAWKCOUNT.ORG> Date: Tue, 3 Nov 2009 00:11:39 -0400 Tuscarora Summit Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 02, 2009 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Black Vulture 0 0 0 Turkey Vulture 11 40 310 Osprey 0 0 72 Bald Eagle 0 2 47 Northern Harrier 1 4 51 Sharp-shinned Hawk 3 6 1106 Cooper's Hawk 1 4 106 Northern Goshawk 0 0 3 Red-shouldered Hawk 1 5 20 Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 1721 Red-tailed Hawk 10 58 194 Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0 Golden Eagle 0 3 21 American Kestrel 0 0 40 Merlin 0 1 11 Peregrine Falcon 0 0 13 Unknown Accipiter 0 0 14 Unknown Buteo 0 0 8 Unknown Falcon 0 0 8 Unknown Eagle 0 0 1 Unknown Raptor 0 0 20 Total: 27 123 3766 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 08:45:00 Observation end time: 15:30:00 Total observation time: 6.25 hours Official Counter: Dale L. Gearhart Observers: Alex Lamoreaux, Dale L. Gearhart Weather: Raptor Observations: Non-raptor Observations: ======================================================================== Report submitted by Dale L. Gearhart (dgearhart01 AT comcast.net)Subject: HSR: Rose Tree Park (03 Nov 2009) 58 Raptors From: "Hawkcount.Org Reports" <reports AT HAWKCOUNT.ORG> Date: Tue, 3 Nov 2009 00:11:18 -0400 Rose Tree Park Media, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 03, 2009 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Turkey Vulture 4 4 116 Black Vulture 0 0 5 Osprey 0 0 155 Northern Harrier 0 1 39 Mississippi Kite 0 0 0 Bald Eagle 0 2 156 Sharp-shinned Hawk 9 27 876 Cooper's Hawk 3 6 130 Northern Goshawk 0 0 2 Red-shouldered Hawk 12 49 122 Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 4514 Swainson's Hawk 0 0 1 Red-tailed Hawk 29 37 178 Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0 Golden Eagle 0 1 1 American Kestrel 0 0 139 Merlin 0 0 19 Peregrine Falcon 1 1 14 Unknown Vulture 0 0 0 Unknown Accipiter 0 0 2 Unknown Buteo 0 0 6 Unknown Eagle 0 0 0 Unknown Falcon 0 0 1 Unknown Raptor 0 0 22 Total: 58 128 6498 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 6 hours Official Counter: Bill Cranny, Bob Kelly Observers: Gary Becker, Skip Conant Visitors: Mike from Militia Hill Weather: Partly cloudy, with NE winds at 8-13 MPH. Temperature 51-56F. Raptor Observations: Non-raptor Observations: 1 Double-crested Cormorant 1 Common Loon Predictions: Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 60s. Northwest winds 10 to 15 mph. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Janet Crawford (janet AT rtphawkwatch.org) Rose Tree Park Hawkwatch, Media, PA information may be found at: www.rtphawkwatch.orgSubject: Black Scoters and Merlin in Susquehanna County From: "JSkinner AT epix.net" <jskinner@EPIX.NET> Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 20:50:14 -0500 Monday morning at 830 am there was a flock of 29 Black Scoters on Schooley Pond near Springville in Susquehanna County. Only the second time I've seen this species in the county, they reminded me exactly of the account Dave Andre gave a few years ago from Lake Chrisann. He described how the flock circled repeatedly, almost manically, before landing. Once on the water, they formed a very tight grouping, seemingly side to side on the water. Friday morning, October 30, I found a Merlin sitting atop a utility pole in the area of the traditional rail swamp at Noble Farm in Springville Twp. This, too, reminded me of my last Merlin sighting at the same place several years ago. Jerry Skinner Susquehanna CountySubject: Oriole remains, Koch property, Northampton County From: DAVID KOCH <davilene AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 16:20:45 -0800 The subject line says it all - the oriole was still here today, Monday Nov 2. Having gotten some good looks at its mantle, scapulars, coverts, pale lower mandible, etc.,I still believe it's a first fall male Baltimore.Funny, though, how a bird taken out of context, so to speak -- in this case eating sunflower seeds next to house finches, goldfinches, and chickadees -- can still be puzzlingrven after years of familiarity with the species. Arlene Koch Easton, PA Northampton County davilene AT verizon.netSubject: Rusty Blackbirds - Washington Co. From: Mark Vass <mvas1200 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 16:18:14 -0800 I stopped at Canonsburg Lake on my way home from work today There was a mixed flock of blackbirds herein the trees behind Waterdam Plaza This flock contained the following species 10 Rusty Blackbird Brown-headed Cowbird Common Grackle European Starling Red-winged Blackbird Mark Vass Beaver Co.Subject: HSR: Bake Oven Knob (02 Nov 2009) 79 Raptors From: "Hawkcount.Org Reports" <reports AT HAWKCOUNT.ORG> Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 19:11:26 -0400 Bake Oven Knob 2 miles North of Germansville, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 02, 2009 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Black Vulture 1 4 225 Turkey Vulture 15 18 757 Osprey 0 0 422 Bald Eagle 0 4 176 Northern Harrier 1 5 80 Sharp-shinned Hawk 5 35 2697 Cooper's Hawk 1 8 363 Northern Goshawk 0 4 11 Red-shouldered Hawk 4 17 58 Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 3953 Red-tailed Hawk 47 202 877 Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0 Golden Eagle 2 6 29 American Kestrel 0 0 196 Merlin 0 0 93 Peregrine Falcon 0 1 62 Unknown Accipiter 0 0 0 Unknown Buteo 0 0 0 Unknown Falcon 0 0 0 Unknown Eagle 0 0 0 Unknown Raptor 3 14 250 Mississippi Kite 0 0 2 Total: 79 318 10251 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 08:30:00 Observation end time: 16:30:00 Total observation time: 7.75 hours Official Counter: Steve Ritt Observers: Visitors: George (Philly), John Wasilowsky Weather: Visibility: 20 Mi, T: 42-50ºF, Wind: ENE to SSE 4-18 MPH, Cloud Cover: 100-40% Raptor Observations: GE: 8:45I, 14:15I Non-raptor Observations: C Raven: 2 Predictions: Tuesday: A slight chance of showers between noon and 3pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 58. Calm wind becoming west between 11 and 14 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Bob Hoopes (rehoopes AT hotmail.com) Bake Oven Knob Hawkwatch, Pa. information may be found at: www.lgnc.orgSubject: HSR: Waggoner's Gap (02 Nov 2009) 272 Raptors From: "Hawkcount.Org Reports" <reports AT HAWKCOUNT.ORG> Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 18:11:22 -0400 Waggoner's Gap
40 km W of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 02, 2009
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
BV 0 8 41
TV 18 151 1235
OS 0 1 442
BE 2 5 337
NH 8 17 137
SS 14 41 7122
CH 3 10 832
NG 2 3 21
RS 19 35 134
BW 0 0 5866
RT 194 404 1619
RL 0 0 0
GE 5 22 71
AK 0 0 312
ML 1 2 104
PG 0 0 50
UA 1 1 26
UB 3 5 11
UF 0 0 3
UE 0 0 2
UR 2 3 67
Total: 272 708 18432
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 06:30:00
Observation end time: 16:45:00
Total observation time: 10.25 hours
Official Counter: Dave Grove, Ron Freed
Observers: Charlie Albin, Craig Houston, Dave Grove, Deb Gingrich,
Jerry Stanley, Joe Lavella, Keith Gingrich, Nancy Baker,
Pat Freed, Robert McLaughlin, Ron Freed
Visitors:
Gary Koppenhaver, Brian Weaver, Justin & Devin Bosler, Karl Pass 24
Weather:
Sunny skies, few clouds, light N winds, going SE late.
Raptor Observations:
BE Unaged 10:30
BE Ad 4:09
GE Juv 12:15, 3:08
GE Ad 11:28, 2:14
GE unaged 2:33
First Bird - NH 8:25
Last bird - RT 4:28
Non-raptor Observations:
Monarchs - 2
Loon 1
========================================================================
Report submitted by dave grove (waggap AT comcast.net)
Waggoner's Gap Hawkwatch information may be found at:
www.waggap.com
Subject: HSR: Hawk Mountain Sanctuary (02 Nov 2009) 126 RaptorsFrom: "Hawkcount.Org Reports" <reports AT HAWKCOUNT.ORG> Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 18:11:18 -0400 Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Kempton, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 02, 2009 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Black Vulture 0 0 20 Turkey Vulture 7 14 341 Unknown Vulture 0 0 0 Mississippi Kite 0 0 1 Osprey 0 2 455 Bald Eagle 2 3 181 Northern Harrier 2 4 113 Sharp-shinned Hawk 7 22 4259 Cooper's Hawk 3 6 586 Northern Goshawk 2 5 15 Unknown Accipiter 1 1 22 Red-shouldered Hawk 6 20 78 Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 6440 Swainson's Hawk 0 0 0 Red-tailed Hawk 92 148 913 Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0 Unknown Buteo 0 0 18 Golden Eagle 4 11 41 Unknown Eagle 0 0 0 American Kestrel 0 0 459 Merlin 0 1 159 Peregrine Falcon 0 0 67 Unknown Falcon 0 0 13 Unknown Raptor 0 0 33 Total: 126 237 14214 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 07:30:00 Observation end time: 16:30:00 Total observation time: 9 hours Compiler: Laurie Goodrich Counters: Chris Farmer Weather: Overcast, with good visibility. Temperatures in the low 40s to low 50s. Winds ESE changing to SE and diminishing in the afternoon. Raptor Observations: Bald Eagles: 0945 (juv), 1257 (juv) Golden Eagles: 0957 (juv), 0959 (juv), 1357 (subadult), 1453 (juv) Non-raptor Observations: 1 American Pipit, 420 Red-winged Blackbirds, 9 Purple Finches, 197 American Crows ======================================================================== Report submitted by Laurie Goodrich (goodrich AT hawkmtn.org) Hawk Mountain Sanctuary information may be found at: http://www.hawkmountain.org/Subject: HSR: Second Mountain (02 Nov 2009) 103 Raptors From: "Hawkcount.Org Reports" <reports AT HAWKCOUNT.ORG> Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 17:11:39 -0400 Second Mountain
Ft. Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 02, 2009
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 20 62 151
Turkey Vulture 0 12 177
Osprey 0 0 179
Bald Eagle 0 0 88
Northern Harrier 1 6 90
Sharp-shinned Hawk 9 23 1731
Cooper's Hawk 2 8 211
Northern Goshawk 1 2 13
Red-shouldered Hawk 10 22 71
Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 4383
Red-tailed Hawk 58 152 469
Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
Golden Eagle 2 6 29
American Kestrel 0 0 85
Merlin 0 1 30
Peregrine Falcon 0 0 27
Unknown Accipiter 0 0 14
Unknown Buteo 0 0 10
Unknown Falcon 0 0 0
Unknown Eagle 0 0 0
Unknown Raptor 0 0 20
Total: 103 294 7778
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 08:00:00
Observation end time: 16:00:00
Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Richard Pohner
Observers: Bill Harvey, Fred Habbeger, Fritz Heilman, Randy Brenner,
Sam Black, Tom McKinne
Visitors:
5
Weather:
A partly cloudy day with light variable winds. Temperatures ranged from
38-54.
Raptor Observations:
10:10 sub-adult GE
10:35 juv. GE
1:35 adult NG
1st bird 8:55 RT
last bird 3:30 RT
Non-raptor Observations:
~250 Canada geese
24 c. loons
========================================================================
Report submitted by Dave Schwenk (secondmtn AT juno.com)
Subject: How do I tell a Sandhill Crane from a Great-blue Heron?From: Grant Stevenson <grantstevenson44 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 13:25:34 -0800 Hi David, Kenn, Mark, Jim, Bill, PABIRDS, BIRDCHAT, and All,
At Green Pond, Bethlehem, Northampton County, Pennsylvania, a week ago
Tuesday, we saw two Great-blues which didn't seem phased by our presence and
remained close. That was the second trip there that day, with Jacobsburg State
Park, in between. On the first visit, there was only one. But it seemed larger,
with longer wingspan, which we spooked immediately and it flew away from us
toward some trees and disappeared. Dark slate-gray blue upper wings with black
"hands". On PABIRDS, because of a growing New York breeding population, it
seems that we're getting more reports of Sandhill Cranes in spring and fall
migration. The Peterson acct. for SC says Great-blues are often mistaken for
cranes.
Grant Stevenson
Fountain Hill, PA
grantstevenson44 AT yahoo.com
Subject: Buffleheads (4) at Crooked Creek (Armstrong Co.)From: Marjorie Van Tassel <marvant AT WINDSTREAM.NET> Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 15:38:42 -0500 4 Buffleheads 7 Killdeer 1 Bald Eagle (adult) (Usual Titmice, Chicadees, Nuthatches, RBWoodpeckers, Pileated Woodpecker, Eastern Bluebirds, Song Sparrow, Tufted Titmice, 1 Carolina Wren, etc.) Marge Van Tassel Armstrong CountySubject: Bird film footage From: "SAFFIER, Steven" <ssaffier AT AUDUBON.ORG> Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 13:24:34 -0500 A bit off-topic, but we are looking for about 10-20 seconds of good film/video footage of wild birds (songbirds). Ideally, this footage would be donated to our project, which is a short video highlighting the "joys of birding." Please contact me offline if you have access to quality footage. Thanks, Steven J. Saffier Audubon At Home Coordinator Audubon Pennsylvania John James Audubon Center at Mill Grove 1201 Pawlings Road Audubon Pa 19403 610-666-5593 x112 Got Habitat? Register at http://pa.audubon.org/habitat P Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail.Subject: New CBC From: "Wiltraut, Richard E" <rwiltraut AT STATE.PA.US> Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 12:48:22 -0500 There were several inquiries about CBC's in ne PA and I just wanted to let those interested know that I will be compiling a new CBC in the Promised Land/Lake Wallenpaupack/Lackawaxen River area. If anyone is interested let me know. Good birding to all. Rick Rick Wiltraut Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center 835 Jacobsburg Road Wind Gap, PA 18091 rwiltraut AT state.pa.us (610) 746-2810 Fax: (610) 746-2804Subject: Re: Buffleheads - Allegheny County From: "Mark K. Miller" <max AT PSU.EDU> Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 11:55:45 -0500 Sorry if this may be a bit off topic, but I can't resist making a slight correction to Thomas's post... On Sun, 1 Nov 2009, Thomas J Moeller wrote: > We stopped at Lock and Dam No. One on the Allegheny River today and found There is no Lock and Dam No. One on the Allegheny River. As a child growing up in the New Kensington, Arnold, Lower Burrell, Natrona Heights (Lock and Dam No. 4) area and spending lots of time on the river, this was one of my favorite 'river oddities.' There's a nice Corp. of Engineers page with links to documentation for Locks and Dams 2 through 9 (and the Locks and Dams on the Monongahela and Ohio Rivers) here: http://www.lrp.usace.army.mil/nav/nav.htm Mark Miller Centre CountySubject: Stone Mt., 01 Nov - 80 Raptors From: Greg Grove <gwg2 AT PSU.EDU> Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 09:14:13 -0500 Stone Mt., Pa.
Allensville, Pennsylvania, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 01, 2009
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
BV 0 0 10
TV 9 9 303
OS 0 0 78
BE 1 1 55
NH 3 3 23
SS 4 4 713
CH 0 0 158
NG 0 0 10
RS 2 2 27
BW 0 0 2873
RT 53 53 258
RL 0 0 0
GE 7 7 29
AK 0 0 83
ML 0 0 31
PG 0 0 28
UA 0 0 1
UB 1 1 1
UF 0 0 1
UE 0 0 0
UR 0 0 23
Total: 80 80 4705
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 08:15:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00
Total observation time: 7.75 hours
Official Counter: Nick Bolgiano
Observers: David Kyler, Don Bryant, Greg Grove, Nick Bolgiano,
Trudy Kyler
Visitors:
Dave Ryan
Weather:
Wind 4-8 mph, starting WNW, switching to N at 1300, partly sunny, max temp
about 50 F
Raptor Observations:
GE: 1200A, 1229J, 1230Imm, 1249J, 1312A, 1354Unk, 1525Unk
BE: 1212Basic III
Non-raptor Observations:
19 C. Loon, 4 Tundra Swan, many robins and crows
========================================================================
Report submitted by Nick Bolgiano (nbolgiano AT pennswoods.net)
--
Gregory W. Grove, Ph.D.
Genomics Core Facility
407 Chandlee Lab, Penn State
814 865 3332, gwg2 AT psu.edu
Subject: Surf Scoters, RB Mergs- Luzerne Co.From: Kevin Ripka <pabirds AT NEPABIRDPROJECT.ORG> Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 08:56:03 -0500 Northeast winds were kind to Harvey's Lake this morning: SURF SCOTER- 7 RED-BREASTED MERGANSER- 4 Bufflehead- 3 Ring-necked Duck- 8 Pied-billed Grebe- 2 American Coot-15 Ring-billed Gull- 14 yours, Kevin Ripka www.nepabirdproject.orgSubject: Stilt Sand NO/Franklin County From: Chuck Berthoud <cberthoud AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 08:40:10 -0500 There were 25+ killdeer and 3 yellowlegs at the Kiner Road Ponds yesterday afternoon but no Stilt sandpiper. Chuck Berthoud Hershey, Dauphin Co, PA cberthoud AT verizon.net 717/608-2614 mobileSubject: Blue Marsh, Berks County From: Joan Silagy <jsilagy AT EPIX.NET> Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 07:12:04 -0500 The Merlin was present at the Dry Brooks Boat Ramp along Palisades Drive again this AM. It was perched in a large tree and as I watched it four Starlings flew in and were preparing to land in that tree when they did this "whoa", there's a Merlin perched there. Out of here! It was so funny as they realized their almost deadly mistake and did a hasty retreat in another direction. At my home in Bern Twp, yesterday, Nov. 1, a beautiful male Purple Finch at the feeders. Joan Silagy and Sidney Leesport, PASubject: Washington Co. - Purple Finches, etc. From: Pat Hutcheson <Hutch4750 AT AOL.COM> Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 04:36:37 EST On Nov 1- in East Finley Twp. Washington Co. Waxwings, a Phoebe, a Grackle, & at least 3 Purple Finches. also - in Morris Twp. Washington Co. 3 handsome cock Pheasants. Pat HutchesonSubject: HSR: Tuscarora Summit (01 Nov 2009) 96 Raptors From: "Hawkcount.Org Reports" <reports AT HAWKCOUNT.ORG> Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 00:11:28 -0400 Tuscarora Summit Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 01, 2009 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Black Vulture 0 0 0 Turkey Vulture 29 29 299 Osprey 0 0 72 Bald Eagle 2 2 47 Northern Harrier 3 3 50 Sharp-shinned Hawk 3 3 1103 Cooper's Hawk 3 3 105 Northern Goshawk 0 0 3 Red-shouldered Hawk 4 4 19 Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 1721 Red-tailed Hawk 48 48 184 Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0 Golden Eagle 3 3 21 American Kestrel 0 0 40 Merlin 1 1 11 Peregrine Falcon 0 0 13 Unknown Accipiter 0 0 14 Unknown Buteo 0 0 8 Unknown Falcon 0 0 8 Unknown Eagle 0 0 1 Unknown Raptor 0 0 20 Total: 96 96 3739 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours Official Counter: Dale L. Gearhart Observers: Alex Lamoreaux, Marion Carmack, Robert Carmack Visitors: Bill Oyler Weather: Raptor Observations: Non-raptor Observations: ======================================================================== Report submitted by Dale L. Gearhart (dgearhart01 AT comcast.net)Subject: L. Ontelaunee, Berks From: Rudolph Keller <rckeller AT DEJAZZD.COM> Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 21:59:24 -0500 A brief 11/1 midday visit to the lake produced: Canada Goose 200 Gadwall 8 Am. Black Duck 14 Mallard 10 N. Pintail 1 Ring-necked Duck 20 Black Scoter 1 ad. female Bufflehead 22 Red-breasted Merganser 1 Ruddy Duck 16 Pied-billed Grebe 3 Double-crested Cormorant 5 Great Blue Heron 2 Belted Kingfisher 4 A Wood Thrush at my home in eastern Berks furnished one of the latest county records. Rudy Keller Boyertown, PA Berks CountySubject: HSR: Waggoner's Gap (01 Nov 2009) 436 Raptors From: "Hawkcount.Org Reports" <reports AT HAWKCOUNT.ORG> Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 22:11:24 -0400 Waggoner's Gap
40 km W of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 01, 2009
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
BV 8 8 41
TV 133 133 1217
OS 1 1 442
BE 3 3 335
NH 9 9 129
SS 27 27 7108
CH 7 7 829
NG 1 1 19
RS 16 16 115
BW 0 0 5866
RT 210 210 1425
RL 0 0 0
GE 17 17 66
AK 0 0 312
ML 1 1 103
PG 0 0 50
UA 0 0 25
UB 2 2 8
UF 0 0 3
UE 0 0 2
UR 1 1 65
Total: 436 436 18160
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 07:00:00
Observation end time: 17:00:00
Total observation time: 10 hours
Official Counter: Dave Grove
Observers: Dean Scarff, Gene Wagner, Jerry Stanley, Jim Spontak,
Joan Renninger, Joe Sabo, Joe Yoder, Meredith Lombard,
Nancy Baker, Ramsay Koury, Robert McLaughlin
Visitors:
Annette Mathes,Sue Strassner,Diane McLaughlin,Pete Lusardi, Janet
Crawford,Tina & Jose, Mary Ann Spontak,
Andy Fayer and the Over the Militia Hill Gang - 79
Weather:
Overcast in the morning, becoming sunny in the PM. Moderate NW winds
becoming N.
Raptor Observations:
BE WB 12:07
BE Ad 10:39,10:49
GE Juv 8:06,11:16,11:55,3:16
GE Sub 11:03,11:28,11:42(2),12:03,1:15,3:53,4:29
GE ad 11:58,1:50,2:58,3:30
GE Unaged 4:10
First bird UR 7:07
Last Bird GE 4:29
Non-raptor Observations:
Monarchs 9
Loons 36
========================================================================
Report submitted by dave grove (waggap AT comcast.net)
Waggoner's Gap Hawkwatch information may be found at:
www.waggap.com
Subject: Tundra Swans tonight, AlleghenyFrom: "Kate St.John" <kstjohn001 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 18:12:24 -0800 A flock of tundra swans flew over my house at 8:40pm, though I could not see them. Shortly after the flock's voices faded in the distance I heard a lone swan fly after them. It dawned on me that this explains how I sometimes find a single tundra swan on a lake or river. The lone swan could have fallen behind and the flock did not slacken their pace - perhaps didn't even know. Its bad (deadly?) for juveniles when this happens because they don't know the migration route. Hmmmmm. Kate St. John, Pittsburgh Visit my bird & nature blog at www.wqed.org/birdblogSubject: HSR: Rose Tree Park (01 Nov 2009) 70 Raptors From: "Hawkcount.Org Reports" <reports AT HAWKCOUNT.ORG> Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 21:11:50 -0400 Rose Tree Park Media, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 01, 2009 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Turkey Vulture 0 0 112 Black Vulture 0 0 5 Osprey 0 0 155 Northern Harrier 1 1 39 Mississippi Kite 0 0 0 Bald Eagle 2 2 156 Sharp-shinned Hawk 18 18 867 Cooper's Hawk 3 3 127 Northern Goshawk 0 0 2 Red-shouldered Hawk 37 37 110 Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 4514 Swainson's Hawk 0 0 1 Red-tailed Hawk 8 8 149 Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0 Golden Eagle 1 1 1 American Kestrel 0 0 139 Merlin 0 0 19 Peregrine Falcon 0 0 13 Unknown Vulture 0 0 0 Unknown Accipiter 0 0 2 Unknown Buteo 0 0 6 Unknown Eagle 0 0 0 Unknown Falcon 0 0 1 Unknown Raptor 0 0 22 Total: 70 70 6440 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 15:15:00 Total observation time: 6.25 hours Official Counter: Al Guarente, Bob Kelly Observers: Visitors: Mike Krissinger Weather: Cloudy with NNW-N-NNE winds at 7-10 MPH. Raptor Observations: 2 Adult Bald Eagles at 1211 and 1329 1 Immature Golden Eagle was spotted far out and ended up passing almost directly overhead. Non-raptor Observations: 1 Purple Finch 165 Canada Geese Predictions: Mostly cloudy. Highs in the mid 50s. Northeast winds 5 to 10 mph. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Janet Crawford (janet AT rtphawkwatch.org) Rose Tree Park Hawkwatch, Media, PA information may be found at: www.rtphawkwatch.orgSubject: Tundra swans,Allegheny County From: Amy Henrici <achenrici AT MSN.COM> Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 20:09:14 -0500 Pat and I heard a flock of Tundra Swans fly over this afternoon. We were in the woods below our house, which gave us only a patchy view of the sky, so we were not able to see them. It was also hard to hear them over the numerous leaf blowers. We had the canoe out on the Allegheny River in the late morning and only saw a few mallards. Amy Henrici Pat McShea Plum BoroughSubject: Moraine SP, Butler Co. today From: Lukas Musher <musherluke AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 20:03:44 -0500 The Pitt birding and ornithology club had a trip today to Moraine state park. We left quite late however, and didn't have a lot of time. This was all of our first time at this location so we didn't really know where the good spots were, but the one part of the lake that produced birds was the south shore parking area. Highlights were: 10+ Pied-billed Grebe 2 Horned Grebe 1 Ring-necked duck 1 Bufflehead 110+ Ruddy Duck 100+ American Coot Lukas Musher Mat Natali Ryan FordSubject: Oriole, Koch property, Northampton County From: DAVID KOCH <davilene AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 16:30:07 -0800 An oriole paid at least three visits to a black oil sunflower feeder in the front yard this afternoon. It was, I believe, a first year male Baltimore but I'm not 100% surebecause I wasn't able to see enough of what I needed to see on the bird to make a positive ID as to species. Baltimore is the obvious choice but I'm hoping it's still around in the morning so I can be sure. An eastern phoebe and a Savannah sparrow were also yard visitors today, along with the normal sparrow species, golden-crowned kinglets, and lots of yellow-rumped warblers. White-crowned and white-throated sparrow numbers are really picking up. I didn't go down into the fields. Arlene Koch Easton, PA Northampton County davilene AT verizon.netSubject: SGL 230, Cumberland County From: Annette Mathes <amathes19 AT MSN.COM> Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 19:29:03 -0500 Hello, This afternoon at SGL 230 Sue Strassner and I twice heard what sounded exactly like the drumming of a Ruffed Grouse, but we couldn't locate the bird. Other highlights: Brown Thrasher Red-breasted Nuthatch (several) Hermit Thrush (several) Brown Creeper Golden-crowned Kinglet Regards, Annette Mathes Harrisburg, Dauphin CountySubject: HSR: Second Mountain (01 Nov 2009) 191 Raptors From: "Hawkcount.Org Reports" <reports AT HAWKCOUNT.ORG> Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 19:11:03 -0400 Second Mountain
Ft. Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 01, 2009
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 42 42 131
Turkey Vulture 12 12 177
Osprey 0 0 179
Bald Eagle 0 0 88
Northern Harrier 5 5 89
Sharp-shinned Hawk 14 14 1722
Cooper's Hawk 6 6 209
Northern Goshawk 1 1 12
Red-shouldered Hawk 12 12 61
Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 4383
Red-tailed Hawk 94 94 411
Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
Golden Eagle 4 4 27
American Kestrel 0 0 85
Merlin 1 1 30
Peregrine Falcon 0 0 27
Unknown Accipiter 0 0 14
Unknown Buteo 0 0 10
Unknown Falcon 0 0 0
Unknown Eagle 0 0 0
Unknown Raptor 0 0 20
Total: 191 191 7675
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 07:00:00
Observation end time: 17:00:00
Total observation time: 10 hours
Official Counter: Dave Schwenk, Richard Pohner
Observers: Brian Weaver, Gary Koppenhaver, Linda McKinne, Mary Brenner,
Mike McKinne, Morris Cox, Randy Brenner, Tom McKinne
Visitors:
Mary Brenner, Gayle McKinne, + 6 others
Weather:
Light/moderate northwest winds, overcast skies with gradual clearing to all
blue by mid PM. Chilly with temps 45-52.
Raptor Observations:
3 immature golden eagles 10:35,1:34,2:23, adult golden eagle 1:57 Adult
bald eagles were seen roaming the area on 3 occasions with final
destinations to the east and not counted.
1st bird, SS AT 7:51, last, RT AT 4:31
Non-raptor Observations:
20 loons, 260+ C geese, palm warbler
Predictions:
Mostly cloudy, with NE - East winds, temps in the 40's.
========================================================================
Report submitted by Dave Schwenk (secondmtn AT juno.com)
Subject: Cumb. Cnty. Great EgretFrom: Barry Horton <fightthefoe AT ATT.NET> Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 18:45:00 -0500 Sorry, I forgot to post this on Sat. 10/31. On our way back from Middle Creek on Sat. 10/31 AT 1:30 pm we saw one (1) Great Egret in the lake in front of the New Cumberland Army Depot from the P.A. Turnpike. Barry & Jennifer Horton fightthefoe AT att.netSubject: HSR: Bake Oven Knob (01 Nov 2009) 239 Raptors From: "Hawkcount.Org Reports" <reports AT HAWKCOUNT.ORG> Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 19:11:30 -0400 Bake Oven Knob 2 miles North of Germansville, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 01, 2009 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Black Vulture 3 3 224 Turkey Vulture 3 3 742 Osprey 0 0 422 Bald Eagle 4 4 176 Northern Harrier 4 4 79 Sharp-shinned Hawk 30 30 2692 Cooper's Hawk 7 7 362 Northern Goshawk 4 4 11 Red-shouldered Hawk 13 13 54 Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 3953 Red-tailed Hawk 155 155 830 Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0 Golden Eagle 4 4 27 American Kestrel 0 0 196 Merlin 0 0 93 Peregrine Falcon 1 1 62 Unknown Accipiter 0 0 0 Unknown Buteo 0 0 0 Unknown Falcon 0 0 0 Unknown Eagle 0 0 0 Unknown Raptor 11 11 247 Mississippi Kite 0 0 2 Total: 239 239 10172 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 07:45:00 Observation end time: 16:15:00 Total observation time: 8.5 hours Official Counter: Bob Hoopes Observers: Jeff Hopkins, John Traynor, Matt Loyko, Ron Kline Visitors: Additional Observers: John Leskosky and the DVOC annual trip section: Paul Guris, Dan Efroymson, Bert Filemyr, Barbera Granger, Cindy Ahern, Connie Goldman, Frank Windfelder, Peter Burns, Win Shaffer, Nathaniel and Dad, plus several others. Weather: Visibility 15 miles, Temp 45.5-49.3F, Wind 4-8 N, Cloud Cover 100% through noon, then decreasing to 10% at the end of the day. Raptor Observations: It was good to see John Traynor on the lookout again. BE: 1043a, 1125i, 1139a, 1216a GE: 1146a, 1146a, 1306a, 1506i NG: 0942, 1325, 1411i, 1524i PF: 0918 Merlin - Two interacting as they flew upridge. One previously landed in a tree on the hump and was observed perched in the tree. When the second Merlin came by, the first took off and "wrestled" with the second one before heading up ridge. The 1411 immature Northern Goshawk put on a nice show as it circled for nearly five minutes, slowly gaining altitude right above the lookout. Non-raptor Observations: Raven-5 Brant-18 Tundra Swan-8 Canada Goose-142 Loon-12 Gull sp.-15 Purple Finch-5 Orange Sulfur Butterly Red Squirrel Rabit on the rocks behind the North Lookout Predictions: Monday: Partly sunny, with a high near 52. East wind between 5 and 8 mph. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Bob Hoopes (rehoopes AT hotmail.com) Bake Oven Knob Hawkwatch, Pa. information may be found at: www.lgnc.orgSubject: Buffleheads - Allegheny County From: Thomas J Moeller <ThosJMoel AT AOL.COM> Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 18:23:24 -0500 We stopped at Lock and Dam No. One on the Allegheny River today and found three female buffleheads swimming above the Highland Park Bridge. After a couple of hours at Beechwood Farms, we stopped at the Aspinwall Marina on the opposite shore of the Allegheny to look for the buffleheads again and found a male and female drifting down the river 'asleep'. First of the season birds for us. Good birding. Tom Moeller Allegheny CountySubject: Bufflehead & Tundra Swan - Beaver Co. From: Mark Vass <mvas1200 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 15:03:41 -0800 This afternoon I stopped at the Ambridge Reservoir and Independence Marsh in Beaver Co. Ambridge Reservoir 1 Tundra Swan 2 Bufflehead 6 Gadwall 1 Pied-billed Grebe Independence Marsh 2 Greater Yellowlegs 3 A. Black Duck 1 Green-winged Teal 3 Wood Duck Mark Vass Beaver Co.Subject: Solitary Sandpipers - Allegheny Co. From: Mark Vass <mvas1200 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 14:57:43 -0800 This morning I went to North Park I found 3 species of shorebirds 2 Solitary Sandpiper(Nov. solitaries are late) 1 Greater Yellowlegs 59 Killdeer also here was a A. Black Duck and 2 Green-winged Teal there were 8 Turkey Vultures perched on the island here Mark Vass Beaver Co.Subject: HSR: Hawk Mountain Sanctuary (01 Nov 2009) 111 Raptors From: "Hawkcount.Org Reports" <reports AT HAWKCOUNT.ORG> Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 18:11:38 -0400 Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Kempton, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 01, 2009 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Black Vulture 0 0 20 Turkey Vulture 7 7 334 Unknown Vulture 0 0 0 Mississippi Kite 0 0 1 Osprey 2 2 455 Bald Eagle 1 1 179 Northern Harrier 2 2 111 Sharp-shinned Hawk 15 15 4252 Cooper's Hawk 3 3 583 Northern Goshawk 3 3 13 Unknown Accipiter 0 0 21 Red-shouldered Hawk 14 14 72 Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 6440 Swainson's Hawk 0 0 0 Red-tailed Hawk 56 56 821 Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0 Unknown Buteo 0 0 18 Golden Eagle 7 7 37 Unknown Eagle 0 0 0 American Kestrel 0 0 459 Merlin 1 1 159 Peregrine Falcon 0 0 67 Unknown Falcon 0 0 13 Unknown Raptor 0 0 33 Total: 111 111 14088 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 06:30:00 Observation end time: 17:00:00 Total observation time: 10.5 hours Compiler: Laurie Goodrich Counters: David Hughes, Phil Campbell Weather: Overcast for most of day with clearing late in afternoon, light winds (1-3 mph) with shifting directions from NNW to N to NW. Raptor Observations: BAEA: 1240i GOEA: 0650A, 0652I, 0652I, 1106I, 1140I, 1225I, 1640A Non-raptor Observations: Over 1500 mixed red-winged blackbirds and common grackles, 16 common loons, 38 eastern bluebirds ======================================================================== Report submitted by Laurie Goodrich (goodrich AT hawkmtn.org) Hawk Mountain Sanctuary information may be found at: http://www.hawkmountain.org/Subject: HSR: Militia Hill (31 Oct 2009) 21 Raptors From: "Hawkcount.Org Reports" <reports AT HAWKCOUNT.ORG> Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 18:11:40 -0400 Militia Hill Fort Washington, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Oct 31, 2009 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Black Vulture 0 8 12 Turkey Vulture 9 422 435 Osprey 0 57 263 Bald Eagle 0 37 86 Northern Harrier 0 62 77 Sharp-shinned Hawk 9 773 1169 Cooper's Hawk 1 103 136 Northern Goshawk 0 1 1 Red-shouldered Hawk 2 40 42 Broad-winged Hawk 0 38 13436 Red-tailed Hawk 0 53 60 Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0 Golden Eagle 0 2 2 American Kestrel 0 136 274 Merlin 0 16 26 Peregrine Falcon 0 31 41 Unknown Accipiter 0 5 8 Unknown Buteo 0 11 19 Unknown Falcon 0 6 9 Unknown Eagle 0 0 0 Unknown Raptor 0 25 33 Swallow-tailed Kite 0 0 1 Total: 21 1826 16130 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 5.5 hours Official Counter: Andrew Fayer Observers: Andy Fayer, Rich Conroy Visitors: Lots of people for the annual Halloween Party to end the season. Its been a great year! Hope to see everyone next year!!! Weather: Ugly Raptor Observations: Slow Non-raptor Observations: ======================================================================== Report submitted by Andrew Fayer (AndyFayer AT aol.com) Militia Hill information may be found at: http://www.wyncoteaudubon.org/Subject: "Bird/Birding Cape May" by Pat/Clay Sutton at Wyncote Audubon Dinner 12/6 From: Cliff Hence <cwhenceiii AT AOL.COM> Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 11:53:25 -0500 “Birds and Birding at Cape May” with Clay & Pat Sutton will be the program at the Annual Wyncote Audubon Society dinner Sunday evening, Dec. 6th at the Williamson’s Restaurant in Horsham Pa. For information and registration go to: Wyncoteaudubon.org. Clay & Pat Sutton are a husband and wife team of naturalists and writers whose careers and names are synonymous with their home town of Cape May, New Jersey, a place that has been aptly called the migration capitol of North America. This migratory crossroads is famous for its hawk, owl, songbird, shorebird, and Monarch butterfly migration. They have keenly studied the natural world for over 30 years. Clay and Pat Sutton are veteran naturalists who have lived and worked at Cape May throughout their entire careers. They will share their insiders’ understanding of all that makes Cape May great. "Birds and Birding at Cape May" is the migration story both explained and brought alive by first-hand knowledge, lively anecdotes, and stories of both yesteryear, today, and the bright future. Their latest book, Birds and Birding at Cape May is the in-depth result of their efforts over many years documenting and protecting the migration and the area that they so love. This landmark book is a complete guide to birds and birding for the Cape May region, covering what to see, when, where, and how to go, as well as the storied ornithological history of the Cape. Cliff Hence Phila. Pa.Subject: Wildlife Program & Owl Release Today From: Denise Donmoyer <nightowl57 AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 11:37:48 -0500 TALONS AND TOES WILDLIFE PROGRAM AND SILENT AUCTION A wildlife program and silent auction will be held for the benefit of the Red Creek Wildlife Center on Sunday, November 1 at the Sweet Arrow Lake Clubhouse, Pine Grove. Doors open at 4pm and auction bidding will take place 4-6pm. A program will follow with Peggy Hentz and Morrie Katz that will include a Broad-winged Hawk and an original wildlife comedy routine. Food will be avaiable from "The Rib House." Auction items will be awarded to successful bidders following the program. Over 60 items will be available for bid including four (4) parkhopper passes for Disney Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, or Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park, 2 round-trip coach airline tickets from Allentown/Bethlehem Airport to Orlando Florida, several art prints and original paintings: Gidee, Barb Jucker, Alan Friedman, Fisher Welding Nature Bench, NAME THE HAWK, Sponsor and name our newest education bird, A Broad-winged Hawk, Ski Passes, Camping, Horse back riding, Hot air balloon rides, Sport Team tickets and memorabilia: Reading Phillies Tickets, Harrisburg Stampede Season Tickets, Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees memorabilia, Signed puck from Matt Carle of the Philadelphia Flyers, Boyds Bears,Longeberger baskets, Princess House, Gift Certificates from many local businesses, And Much Much More!!!! A Great Horned Owl Release will end the evening.(Weather Permitting) For more information visit www.redcreekwildlifecenter.com Sweet Arrow Lake 11/1/09 Bufflehead Ducks Kingfisher Golden-crowned Kinglets Ruby-crowned Kinglets Junco Great-Horned Owl Red-Bellied and Pileated Woodpeckers Denise Donmoyer Sweet Arrow Lake Pine Grove, Schuylkill Co. nightowl57 AT verizon.netSubject: Lanc. Cnty. Middle Creek- Golden Eagle From: Barry Horton <fightthefoe AT ATT.NET> Date: Sat, 31 Oct 2009 17:25:48 -0400 Had a great time at Middle Creek this am. 10/31/09 Saw a Golden Eagle with immature plumage at the dam. 8:30 am-12:45pm Highlights: Northern Pintail Green-winged Teal Eastern Phoebe Eastern Bluebird Raven-3 Yellow-rumped Warbler-2 Swamp Sparrow-7 Field Sparrow-1 Plus the usual. Aside- Jen possibly saw 4 Grasshopper Sparrows come into the feeder area at the center. White/tawny lower breast & belly. Distinct narrow white eye-ring. Pinkish legs. Mottled brown on back and wings. Did not notice the white crown stripe. Unfortunately they only stayed AT 20 seconds before flying off. Barry did not get to see them. Sooo...that's birding! Did see an American Kestrel by the highway going to Middle Creek. Barry & Jennifer Horton fightthefoe AT att.netSubject: Re: bird trap From: Eric Marchbein <emarch333 AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 10:07:14 -0500 If you read the patent description, you'll understand why we don't see many canaries anymore.Subject: Blue Marsh, Berks County From: Joan Silagy <jsilagy AT EPIX.NET> Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 09:09:19 -0500 For the third winter in a row, a Merlin has appeared at Blue Marsh at the same location. As I was walking the shore line this morning looking for Snow Buntings which I usually find at this time of the year, I flushed the Merlin who was also looking for song birds. Other birds seen were: Pied-billed Grebes, 2 White-crowned Sparrows, many White-throated Sparrows, many Carolina Wrens American Robins, countless Eastern Bluebirds, many House Finches American Gold Finches Fish Crows American Crows Red-tailed Hawk Joan Silagy and Sidney Leesport, PASubject: re The Bird Trap. From: herb1013 <herb1013 AT EPIX.NET> Date: Sat, 31 Oct 2009 20:55:04 -0400 I hope no one thought that I thought tje bird trap was good. I posted that link in hopes that others would do as I am. I mention that in a letter to President Obama, our 2 Senators and Congressman Carney.I found this one and one other while getting info for and thought that posting the link would lead others to send letters of complaint about the trap also.This is how I used it in the letter to Pres Obama and Congress. Herb Flavell, God's Knob, Milk Can Corners, Susquehanna County Also enclosed are a couple pages of silly items that have been patented. Also included in those patents is a Bird Trap & Cat Feeder.That traps birds and feeds them to a cat. Patent number US 4150505. I guess the USPTO did not know or care that it is against Federal Law to kill migratory song birds. Makes me feel great that these stupid inventions are patented and my invention that may solve many of the worlds problems is thought of as Perpetual Motion and not patentable without a working model.Subject: Butler/Lawrence Cos. From: Mark Vass <mvas1200 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Sat, 31 Oct 2009 17:03:26 -0700 I made my first visit this fallto Moraine S.P. today I thought the weather would put down some birds but that was not the case with the exception of finding the shovelers in the middle of the lake boaters and windsurferswere on the lake Here are some of the birds I had 1 Osprey(Porter`s Cove) 2 Bald Eagle(adults) 2 Mute Swan 5 Ring-necked Duck 13 Green-winged Teal 102 Ruddy Duck 8 N. Shoveler 21 Wood Duck 1 Common Loon 15 Pied-billed Grebe 97 A. Coot 3 Tree Swallow 2 Great Blue Heron 2 Belted Kingfisher also in Plain Grove,Lawrence Co. therewere 6 Sandhill Cranes in the field along Bonnani Rd. Mark Vass Beaver Co.Subject: Pymatuning Report From: John Boback <morlitte AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Sat, 31 Oct 2009 16:48:04 -0700 Hi All,
I stopped by Pymatuning late this afternoon on my way home from Presque Isle.
There was nothing particularly noteworthy at the Spillway.
At Millers Ponds I saw:
GW Teal (6)
Black Duck (12)
Canvasback (1)
Hooded Merg (4)
Bald Eagle (at least 3)
John Boback
Washington County, PA
Subject: bird trapFrom: herb1013 <herb1013 AT EPIX.NET> Date: Sat, 31 Oct 2009 19:39:22 -0400 I thought everyone might like to see the patented bird trap. Here is the link to the USPTO. http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=4150505.PN.&OS=PN/4150505&RS=PN/4150505 His idea was ok to trap english sparrows but I wonder who was going to stay by the trap to prevent other birds from entering and wind up feeding a cat. Herb Flavell, Gods Knob, Milk Can Corners, Susquehanna CountySubject: Stilt Sand still/Franklin From: Bob Keener <keenerb99 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Sat, 31 Oct 2009 16:16:08 -0700 The Stilt Sandpiper continues with 2 Lesser Yellowlegs and 6 K Hi All, The Stilt Sandpiper continues with 2 Lesser Yellowlegs and 6 Killdeerat Kriner Rd ponds this afternoon off of Wayne Avenue in Chambersburg. The Stilt S.has been there for a week, if it is the same one. Bob Keener 5207 Heisey Rd Shippensburg, PA 17257 717-532-9723Subject: HSR: Waggoner's Gap (31 Oct 2009) 182 Raptors From: "Hawkcount.Org Reports" <reports AT HAWKCOUNT.ORG> Date: Sat, 31 Oct 2009 18:10:48 -0400 Waggoner's Gap
40 km W of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Oct 31, 2009
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
BV 0 33 33
TV 75 1084 1084
OS 0 53 441
BE 2 85 332
NH 0 67 120
SS 9 5305 7081
CH 4 639 822
NG 0 17 18
RS 0 92 99
BW 0 16 5866
RT 86 1021 1215
RL 0 0 0
GE 3 48 49
AK 0 108 312
ML 1 76 102
PG 2 29 50
UA 0 18 25
UB 0 4 6
UF 0 0 3
UE 0 1 2
UR 0 27 64
Total: 182 8723 17724
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 07:00:00
Observation end time: 13:45:00
Total observation time: 6.75 hours
Official Counter: Dave Grove
Observers: Charlie Albin, Gene Wagner, Jerry Stanley, Joe Sabo,
Meredith Lombard, Robert McLaughlin
Visitors:
Tina & Jose - 6
Weather:
Overcast with a moderate to strong SSW wind. Rain ended the count early.
Raptor Observations:
BE Juv 11:06,12:13
GE Juv 10:41,1:27
GE Ad 10:04
PG AD 11:28
PG Unaged 1:27
First bird RT 8:41
Last Bird RT 1:32
Non-raptor Observations:
========================================================================
Report submitted by dave grove (waggap AT comcast.net)
Waggoner's Gap Hawkwatch information may be found at:
www.waggap.com
Subject: HSR: Second Mountain (31 Oct 2009) 94 RaptorsFrom: "Hawkcount.Org Reports" <reports AT HAWKCOUNT.ORG> Date: Sat, 31 Oct 2009 18:10:57 -0400 Second Mountain
Ft. Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Oct 31, 2009
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 12 89 89
Turkey Vulture 45 165 165
Osprey 0 25 179
Bald Eagle 4 28 88
Northern Harrier 4 26 84
Sharp-shinned Hawk 6 1308 1708
Cooper's Hawk 1 132 203
Northern Goshawk 0 6 11
Red-shouldered Hawk 1 33 49
Broad-winged Hawk 0 11 4383
Red-tailed Hawk 17 218 317
Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
Golden Eagle 3 14 23
American Kestrel 0 29 85
Merlin 0 16 29
Peregrine Falcon 0 12 27
Unknown Accipiter 0 9 14
Unknown Buteo 0 2 10
Unknown Falcon 0 0 0
Unknown Eagle 0 0 0
Unknown Raptor 1 9 20
Total: 94 2132 7484
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 07:30:00
Observation end time: 14:30:00
Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Dave Schwenk
Observers: Brian Weaver, Gary Koppenhaver, Morris Cox, Tom McKinne,
Tom Power
Weather:
Moderate/strong south-southwest winds under an overcast sky with only a few
breaks for sun. Rain shortened the count at mid-pm.
Raptor Observations:
2 immature golden eagles AT 10:15,&12:04, adult golden eagle AT 11:12, 3 adult
bald eagles AT 10:32, 12:09, &1:06, immature Bald eagle AT 11:09.
1st bird -RT AT 8:17, last- RT AT 2:10
Non-raptor Observations:
3 N ravens
Predictions:
8-10 NW winds, partly sunny, temps 40-50 on the mountain
========================================================================
Report submitted by Dave Schwenk (secondmtn AT juno.com)
Subject: Brant at Lake Arthur, Butler CountyFrom: Ray D Hoffman <rhoffn AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sat, 31 Oct 2009 16:55:06 -0400 Tom Maher (Slippery Rock) told me that he observed a Brant from the observation deck on old Rt 422 on October 29th. It was among the Canada Geese. He has seen Brant before on the Jersey shore and is confident of his identification.Subject: HSR: Hawk Mountain Sanctuary (31 Oct 2009) 16 Raptors From: "Hawkcount.Org Reports" <reports AT HAWKCOUNT.ORG> Date: Sat, 31 Oct 2009 17:10:13 -0400 Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Kempton, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Oct 31, 2009 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Black Vulture 0 11 20 Turkey Vulture 3 303 327 Unknown Vulture 0 0 0 Mississippi Kite 0 0 1 Osprey 0 78 453 Bald Eagle 2 55 177 Northern Harrier 0 55 109 Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 3185 4237 Cooper's Hawk 3 452 580 Northern Goshawk 0 9 10 Unknown Accipiter 0 12 21 Red-shouldered Hawk 0 55 58 Broad-winged Hawk 0 16 6440 Swainson's Hawk 0 0 0 Red-tailed Hawk 6 631 765 Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0 Unknown Buteo 0 11 18 Golden Eagle 0 29 30 Unknown Eagle 0 0 0 American Kestrel 0 171 459 Merlin 1 87 158 Peregrine Falcon 0 41 67 Unknown Falcon 0 5 13 Unknown Raptor 0 18 33 Total: 16 5224 13976 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours Compiler: Laurie Goodrich Counters: David Kruel, Rudy Keller Weather: Morning fog then overcast skies. Southwest wind. Raptor Observations: Non-raptor Observations: Few Dark-eyed Juncos. Also several Purple Finch. Lots of American Robins. Predictions: Shaping up to be a potentially good migration day. Forcast is for mostly Sunny skies and a North wind around 7mph. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Laurie Goodrich (goodrich AT hawkmtn.org) Hawk Mountain Sanctuary information may be found at: http://www.hawkmountain.org/Subject: Golden Eagles Tomorrow? From: "Robert E. Hoopes" <hoopes AT PTD.NET> Date: Sat, 31 Oct 2009 16:00:48 -0400 With the cold front moving through eastern PA Saturday night bringing a predicted 15 degree drop in temperature for Sunday, along with moderate north/northwest winds, Sunday should be a good time to see Golden Eagles along the ridges and perhaps some N. Goshawks. We had similar conditions last Sunday at Bake Oven Knob and had six GEs and two BEs. With a predicted high of 54 degrees, this may be the most "comfortable" day to enjoy GEs for the rest of this season. One veteran hawkwatcher visiting BOK last Sunday made a similar comment as the later GEs passed the lookout. If you are not an experienced hawkwatcher and would like some assistance, visit us at the North Lookout on Sunday. The "Faithful" will be glad to assist you. The North Lookout is about 200 yards passed the top of the hill where you would turn right to the South Lookout. Take your time climbing down to the pile of rocks full of Hawkwatchers and say hi!. Even though 54 degrees sounds comfortable, bring several warm layers (long underwear and gloves for sure). You have been forewarned. :)) Bob Hoopes Schnecksville, Lehigh CountySubject: Snipe - Leaser Lake, Lehigh County From: "Robert E. Hoopes" <hoopes AT PTD.NET> Date: Sat, 31 Oct 2009 15:44:38 -0400 One Wilson's Snipe in the empty lake bed of Leaser Lake this morning. It flew up and circled overhead for about five minutes before settling down again in the lake bed. Since the lake has been empty the bed has lots of vegetation good for sparrows. Had many Swamp and Song Sparrows, along with a few White-Crowned Sparrows. Also had a N. Harrier fly across the "lake." Bob Hoopes Schnecksville, Lehigh CountySubject: Luzerne County Brants From: "Fridman, John E" <jefridman AT PPLWEB.COM> Date: Sat, 31 Oct 2009 14:57:08 -0400 Six brants are feeding on the baseball field at PPL's Susquehanna Riverlands. 02:55 PM The information contained in this message is intended only for the personal and confidential use of the recipient(s) named above. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient or an agent responsible for delivering it to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that you have received this document in error and that any review, dissemination, distribution, or copying of this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately, and delete the original message.Subject: Western Chester County CBC From: Larry Lewis <EarlyBirdTours AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Sat, 31 Oct 2009 17:52:45 +0000 Hi Everyone, The Western Chester County CBC will be on Sunday, January 3, 2010. Email me if you are interested in participating. Good Birding, Larry Lewis, compiler Western Chester County CBC EARLY BIRD NATURE TOURS "Exciting & Fun Adventures in Nature" Coatesville, PA 19320 484-340-SORA (7672) -- cell & business email: earlybirdtours AT comcast.netSubject: Lanco. Flats BRANT, Plover From: Chuck Chalfant <chuckchalfant AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Sat, 31 Oct 2009 13:27:24 -0400 Greetings, I got a call from Jerry Book at 9:30, informing me he had a BRANT at Avocet Point, on the Conejohela Flats of Lancaster County, seen from the RR bank. I arrived at 10:30 and found the BRANT right away, also 3 Black-belly Plover there, 2 Bonaparte's Gulls, 1 3 yr.old Bald Eagle that was ceaselessly rearranging the other birds on the islands. Many Ring-billed Gulls, many Green-wing Teal, a single Pied-billed Grebe, and some Mallards. The BRANT was flushed many times but always returned to the two points, Avocet Point and I think I will call the other point to the west of Avocet ,"West Point" . Seems like we always describe it as the point to the west of Avocet Point, so why not ? Unless it already has a name ! Jerry also had a few shorebirds in flight in the Avocet Point area, but didn't get the conclusive look he would have liked, but he was leaning toward Phalaropes. I could never locate them. Heavy winds out of the South West at midday here. Stopped at a few spots on way home, pretty quiet except for Beechdale Road spot. There were many hundreds of Canada Geese here, and only one Killdeer. There were many many Killdeer here a week ago, birds are certainly moving around. Good birding, Chuck Chalfant Happy Trails Chuck Chalfant Gap, Penna. E.Lancaster Co. chuckchalfant AT comcast.netSubject: Presque Isle Brants From: John Boback <morlitte AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Sat, 31 Oct 2009 09:10:58 -0700 Hi All:
The weather at Presque Isle has posed more of a challenge to birding today than
duck hunters. High winds, rain, blowing sand, scope vibration, and lots of
white caps have been but a few of the challenges.
There are plenty of ducks around, but it has been tough to get a good look at
them. I've not yet found any of my coveted scoters in 4 hours of birding,
however, I guess my consolation prize so far is a pair of Brants at Sunset
Beach. I don't know whether that is a good sighting for Erie, but I'll take
them.
John Boback
Washington County, PA
Subject: American Golden Plovers--Northumberland Co.From: Our Home email <ralphandlauri AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Sat, 31 Oct 2009 10:37:41 -0400 Late yesterday afternoon I encountered a flock of about 25 American Golden Plovers in a Northumberland County farm field beside County Line road near Limestoneville. Happy Birding! Lauri Shaffer Montour CountySubject: Anyone going to Allegheny Front Hawk Watch on Sunday? From: "Kate St.John" <kstjohn001 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Sat, 31 Oct 2009 06:24:18 -0700 Finally the Weather Service has predicted good weather for the Allegheny Front. The wind & rain we have now will turn cold & sunny with a northwest wind on Sunday. It looks good for migration - maybe Golden Eagles. I haven't been to the Hawk Watch yet this year and want to go tomorrow but my car is on the blink and shouldn't be driven that far. Is anyone traveling from Pittsburgh to the Allegheny Front Hawk watch tomorrow (Sunday 11/1)? Would you be willing to give me a ride? My day is flexible so I can fit my stay there to whatever hours you had planned. Please let me know via reply email (kstjohn001 AT yahoo.com) or at 412-860-1441. Kate St. John, PittsburghSubject: Lancaster County Birds -- Blackpoll Warbler From: Jonathan Heller <jonathan.heller AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Sat, 31 Oct 2009 13:24:18 +0000 Yesterday afternoon (October 30) I spent a couple of hours on the grounds of the Lancaster Area Sewer Authority in Washington Boro. In addition to many common birds including dozens of Yellow-rumped Warblers there were two late Blackpoll Warblers. I did not see any late swallows on the grounds like in some previous years. Jonathan HellerSubject: RFI: Philly birding in late December?? From: Patricia_Rossi <circus_cyaneus AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Sat, 31 Oct 2009 08:18:55 -0400 Greetings! Forwarding this RFI from Birdchat. Any suggestions email Dave Rintoul: Thanks, Patricia Rossi circus_cyaneus AT verizon.net ------------------------------------------ Subject: RFI: Philly area in late December From: David RintoulSubject: Chester Co., Bucktoe Creek Preserve From: Joe Sebastiani <bunker17 AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Sat, 31 Oct 2009 06:48:32 -0400 This Sunday, Holly Merker will lead the free bird walk at the Bucktoe Creek
Preserve near Kennett Square, PA. On Monday, Larry Lewis will lead the walk.
Both walks start at 8am. Directions can be found at
http://www.delawarenaturesociety.org/dns_sites.html.
Hope you can make it. Joe Sebastiani, Delaware Nature Society
Here is the list from last Sunday's walk on October 25:
Canada Goose
Black Vulture
Turkey Vulture
Osprey
Bald Eagle
Sharp-shinned Hawk
Coopers Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
American Kestrel
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Eastern Phoebe
Blue Jay
American Crow
Carolina Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
Carolina Wren
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Eastern Bluebird
American Robin
Gray Catbird
Northern Mockingbird
European Starling
Cedar Waxwing
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Palm Warbler
Eastern Towhee
Chipping Sparrow
Field Sparrow
Savannah Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Northern Cardinal
Common Grackle
Purple Finch
House Finch
American Goldfinch
Subject: Beaver/Lawrence Cos.From: Mark Vass <mvas1200 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Fri, 30 Oct 2009 17:21:18 -0700 Here are sightings I had this afternoon Beaver Co. Independence Marsh 8 Greater Yellowlegs 81 Killdeer 1 Green-winged Teal Big Beaver Wetlands 2 Greater Yellowlegs New Beaver,Lawrence Co. Three Rivers gravel pond 78 Ring-necked Duck 1 Ruddy Duck 4 Hooded Merganser 4 Pied-billed Grebe 6 A. Coot 91 Killdeer Wampum-New Galilee Rd. marsh 29 Green-winged Teal Mark Vass Beaver Co.Subject: HSR: Bake Oven Knob (30 Oct 2009) 86 Raptors From: "Hawkcount.Org Reports" <reports AT HAWKCOUNT.ORG> Date: Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:10:51 -0400 Bake Oven Knob 2 miles North of Germansville, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Oct 30, 2009 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Black Vulture 4 79 221 Turkey Vulture 26 342 739 Osprey 0 85 422 Bald Eagle 1 52 172 Northern Harrier 8 46 75 Sharp-shinned Hawk 5 2026 2662 Cooper's Hawk 0 287 355 Northern Goshawk 0 6 7 Red-shouldered Hawk 0 31 41 Broad-winged Hawk 0 5 3953 Red-tailed Hawk 39 523 675 Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0 Golden Eagle 1 22 23 American Kestrel 0 103 196 Merlin 2 48 93 Peregrine Falcon 0 37 61 Unknown Accipiter 0 0 0 Unknown Buteo 0 0 0 Unknown Falcon 0 0 0 Unknown Eagle 0 0 0 Unknown Raptor 0 107 236 Mississippi Kite 0 0 2 Total: 86 3799 9933 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 16:30:00 Total observation time: 8 hours Official Counter: Steve Ritt Observers: Fritz Brock, Ron Hillegas Visitors: Chris Reynolds, Lance Miner, Tom & Christine, John & Stella Weather: Visibility: 0-10 Mi, T: 45-51-48ºF, Wind: SE-S 12-24 MPH, Cloud Cover: 100% Raptor Observations: GE: 12:44I BE: 14:39A Non-raptor Observations: C Raven: 2 Robins galore. Predictions: Saturday: Showers likely, mainly after noon. Cloudy, with a high near 66. South wind between 8 and 16 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Bob Hoopes (rehoopes AT hotmail.com) Bake Oven Knob Hawkwatch, Pa. information may be found at: www.lgnc.orgSubject: HSR: Militia Hill (30 Oct 2009) 48 Raptors From: "Hawkcount.Org Reports" <reports AT HAWKCOUNT.ORG> Date: Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:10:03 -0400 Militia Hill Fort Washington, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Oct 30, 2009 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Black Vulture 0 8 12 Turkey Vulture 32 413 426 Osprey 0 57 263 Bald Eagle 0 37 86 Northern Harrier 1 62 77 Sharp-shinned Hawk 10 764 1160 Cooper's Hawk 2 102 135 Northern Goshawk 0 1 1 Red-shouldered Hawk 0 38 40 Broad-winged Hawk 0 38 13436 Red-tailed Hawk 3 53 60 Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0 Golden Eagle 0 2 2 American Kestrel 0 136 274 Merlin 0 16 26 Peregrine Falcon 0 31 41 Unknown Accipiter 0 5 8 Unknown Buteo 0 11 19 Unknown Falcon 0 6 9 Unknown Eagle 0 0 0 Unknown Raptor 0 25 33 Swallow-tailed Kite 0 0 1 Total: 48 1805 16109 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours Official Counter: Andrew Fayer Observers: Andy Fayer, Anita Beaumont, Cliff Hence Weather: Raptor Observations: Non-raptor Observations: Predictions: Halloween Party tomorrow at Noon at the Fort Washington State Park Picnic Pavillion. Last day of the hawkwatch for the year. Everyone is invited! ======================================================================== Report submitted by Andrew Fayer (AndyFayer AT aol.com) Militia Hill information may be found at: http://www.wyncoteaudubon.org/Subject: HSR: Waggoner's Gap (30 Oct 2009) 15 Raptors From: "Hawkcount.Org Reports" <reports AT HAWKCOUNT.ORG> Date: Fri, 30 Oct 2009 18:10:53 -0400 Waggoner's Gap 40 km W of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Oct 30, 2009 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- BV 0 33 33 TV 5 1009 1009 OS 0 53 441 BE 0 83 330 NH 0 67 120 SS 2 5296 7072 CH 1 635 818 NG 0 17 18 RS 0 92 99 BW 0 16 5866 RT 5 935 1129 RL 0 0 0 GE 1 45 46 AK 0 108 312 ML 0 75 101 PG 0 27 48 UA 0 18 25 UB 0 4 6 UF 0 0 3 UE 0 1 2 UR 1 27 64 Total: 15 8541 17542 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 08:30:00 Observation end time: 15:45:00 Total observation time: 7.25 hours Official Counter: Keith Gingrich Observers: Craig Houston, Dave Grove, Joe Lavella Visitors: Bill Murphy, April Sterling - 5 Weather: persistent fog until early afternoon Raptor Observations: First bird - 10:23 Last bird - 2:53 Unaged GE - 12:27 Non-raptor Observations: ======================================================================== Report submitted by Deb Gingrich (gingrich AT pa.net) Waggoner's Gap Hawkwatch information may be found at: www.waggap.comSubject: HSR: Rose Tree Park (30 Oct 2009) 5 Raptors From: "Hawkcount.Org Reports" <reports AT HAWKCOUNT.ORG> Date: Fri, 30 Oct 2009 18:10:44 -0400 Rose Tree Park Media, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Oct 30, 2009 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Turkey Vulture 0 111 112 Black Vulture 0 3 5 Osprey 0 16 155 Northern Harrier 0 24 38 Mississippi Kite 0 0 0 Bald Eagle 1 47 154 Sharp-shinned Hawk 3 562 849 Cooper's Hawk 0 77 124 Northern Goshawk 0 2 2 Red-shouldered Hawk 0 59 73 Broad-winged Hawk 0 20 4514 Swainson's Hawk 0 0 1 Red-tailed Hawk 1 119 141 Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0 Golden Eagle 0 0 0 American Kestrel 0 63 139 Merlin 0 7 19 Peregrine Falcon 0 9 13 Unknown Vulture 0 0 0 Unknown Accipiter 0 1 2 Unknown Buteo 0 2 6 Unknown Eagle 0 0 0 Unknown Falcon 0 0 1 Unknown Raptor 0 10 22 Total: 5 1132 6370 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours Official Counter: Bob Kelly, George Wrangham Observers: Skip Conant Weather: Cloudy, with ESE-S-SSE winds at 3-8 MPH. Temperature 53-59F. Raptor Observations: 1 Adult Bald Eagle at 0850 EST Non-raptor Observations: Predictions: Mostly cloudy. A slight chance of light rain or drizzle in the morning, then showers likely in the afternoon. Breezy with highs in the lower 70s. Southwest winds 15 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 70 percent. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Janet Crawford (janet AT rtphawkwatch.org) Rose Tree Park Hawkwatch, Media, PA information may be found at: www.rtphawkwatch.orgSubject: HSR: Hawk Mountain Sanctuary (30 Oct 2009) 51 Raptors From: "Hawkcount.Org Reports" <reports AT HAWKCOUNT.ORG> Date: Fri, 30 Oct 2009 18:10:53 -0400 Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Kempton, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Oct 30, 2009 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Black Vulture 0 11 20 Turkey Vulture 18 300 324 Unknown Vulture 0 0 0 Mississippi Kite 0 0 1 Osprey 0 78 453 Bald Eagle 0 53 175 Northern Harrier 1 55 109 Sharp-shinned Hawk 5 3184 4236 Cooper's Hawk 3 449 577 Northern Goshawk 0 9 10 Unknown Accipiter 0 12 21 Red-shouldered Hawk 0 55 58 Broad-winged Hawk 0 16 6440 Swainson's Hawk 0 0 0 Red-tailed Hawk 20 625 759 Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0 Unknown Buteo 1 11 18 Golden Eagle 2 29 30 Unknown Eagle 0 0 0 American Kestrel 0 171 459 Merlin 0 86 157 Peregrine Falcon 1 41 67 Unknown Falcon 0 5 13 Unknown Raptor 0 18 33 Total: 51 5208 13960 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 15:45:00 Total observation time: 8.75 hours Compiler: Laurie Goodrich Counters: Jeremy Scheivert Visitors: Kutztown University Weather: Morning fog reduced visability to the front of the lookout. Better visability after 10am. Overcast skies and light to moderate southeast wind. Raptor Observations: Six redtails kettling together in the afternoon. Last bird of the day a Golden Eagle that put down for the evening between East Rocks and Number 1. Non-raptor Observations: Hermit Thrushes picking at Mountain Ash berries. One Common Loon at 0911hrs. Predictions: Depending on visability birds should be seen moving in the morning. Rain showers are likely in the afternoon. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Laurie Goodrich (goodrich AT hawkmtn.org) Hawk Mountain Sanctuary information may be found at: http://www.hawkmountain.org/Subject: HSR: Second Mountain (30 Oct 2009) 29 Raptors From: "Hawkcount.Org Reports" <reports AT HAWKCOUNT.ORG> Date: Fri, 30 Oct 2009 18:10:22 -0400 Second Mountain Ft. Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Oct 30, 2009 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- Black Vulture 0 77 77 Turkey Vulture 0 120 120 Osprey 0 25 179 Bald Eagle 2 24 84 Northern Harrier 0 22 80 Sharp-shinned Hawk 14 1302 1702 Cooper's Hawk 0 131 202 Northern Goshawk 0 6 11 Red-shouldered Hawk 0 32 48 Broad-winged Hawk 0 11 4383 Red-tailed Hawk 11 201 300 Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0 Golden Eagle 1 11 20 American Kestrel 0 29 85 Merlin 1 16 29 Peregrine Falcon 0 12 27 Unknown Accipiter 0 9 14 Unknown Buteo 0 2 10 Unknown Falcon 0 0 0 Unknown Eagle 0 0 0 Unknown Raptor 0 8 19 Total: 29 2038 7390 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Observation start time: 07:30:00 Observation end time: 14:30:00 Total observation time: 7 hours Official Counter: Randy Brenner Observers: Brian Weaver, Jay George, John Nicholas, Sam Black Visitors: 2 Weather: A cold, dreary, overcast day with strong winds from the S. Temperatures ranged from 48-50. Raptor Observations: 9:01, 12:12 Adult BE 11:08 sub-adult GE 1st bird 8:57 merlin last bird 2:08 RT Non-raptor Observations: 2 ravens ======================================================================== Report submitted by Dave Schwenk (secondmtn AT juno.com)Subject: Re: Illegally held wild birds seized From: Kerry Grim <grim04 AT ENTER.NET> Date: Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:43:36 -0400 One time many years ago there was an ad in a local paper "wanted, Red-tailed Hawk". It could not be determined if that person wanted to buy or was selling hawks. I won't mention names (it was not me) but person "A" contacted person "B". Person "B" contacted the right people and it turned out this person was illegally trafficking raptors. The Feds had been trying to catch him for years and thus did so because of that one sentence add in the newspaper. The point to remember is to be alert that things like this do go on and if you know of someone illegally collecting or trafficking birds, please make an effort to contact the Pennsylvania Game Commission about it. Kerry GrimSubject: Re: Illegally held wild birds seized (Monroe Co.) From: Tom Dougherty <tomdoc AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:11:18 -0400 It is unfortunate the fines levied could not be greater than what they are. Thomas Dougherty Chambersburg, PA Franklin County > Date: Fri, 30 Oct 2009 13:01:42 -0400 > From: scottweidensaul AT VERIZON.NET > Subject: [PABIRDS] Illegally held wild birds seized (Monroe Co.) > To: PABIRDS AT LIST.AUDUBON.ORG > > FYI, from the PA Game Commission. > > Scott Weidensaul > Schuylkill Haven, PA > > > > > Release #113-09 > Oct. 30, 2009 > For Information Contact: > Jerry Feaser > 717-705-6541 > PGCNews AT state.pa.us > > MONROE COUNTY MAN PLEDS GUILTY TO ILLEGAL WILDLIFE POSSESSION > > DALLAS, Luzerne County - Some may have thought Stephen Andrew Moore, > 46, of Tannersville, Monroe County, enjoyed wildlife. However, as > neighbors may have noticed a decline in the local wildlife > populations, it became clear that Moore was participating in a > non-traditional form of poaching: possession of wildlife illegally > taken from the wild for "a hobby that got out of control," according > to Moore. > > Pennsylvania Game Commission Wildlife Conservation Officers today > announced that, on Oct. 29, Moore pled guilty to 30 counts of illegal > possession of various species ranging from blue jays to raccoons, > from chipping sparrows to gray squirrels, from groundhogs to purple > finches. As part of the plea agreement, charges against Moore for > cruelty to animals were withdrawn. District Judge Thomas E. Olsen, of > Tannersville, ordered Moore to pay $2,250 in fines, and $750 in > reimbursement to the Pocono Wildlife Rehabilitation Center for > expenses incurred treating the wildlife that survived. > > Based on a tip from a confidential informant, on May 28, Game > Commission WCOs Scott Malicky and Cory Bentzoni went to Moore's home > on Gravatts Way in Pocono Township to investigate alleged illegal > possession of birds. > > "When we arrived, we saw several cages and multiple bird traps on the > front porch," WCO Malicky said. "Also visible from the front porch > were several bird traps in the backyard." > > On May 29, after acquiring a search warrant, WCOs Malicky and > Bentzoni returned to Moore's home, along with Northeast Region Law > Enforcement Supervisor Daniel Figured, Northeast Region Information > and Education Supervisor Tim Conway and Deputy WCO William McGlone. > A search of the residence resulted in the seizing the following: 13 > goldfinches; 11 pine siskins; 7 house finches; 5 dark-eyed juncos; 4 > purple finches; 3 blue jays; 3 gray squirrels; 2 groundhogs; 2 > raccoons; 2 indigo buntings; 1 chipping sparrow; 2 black-capped > chickadees; 2 rose-breasted grosbeaks; 1 cardinal; 1 brown-headed > cowbird; 1 house sparrow; 1 mourning dove; and five others needing > identification due to decomposition. > > "The birds and mammals, as well as some of the enclosures, were > transferred to the Pocono Wildlife Rehabilitation Center for care and > housing," WCO Malicky said. "Many of the birds required beak > trimming, nail trimming and antibacterial medication in their > drinking water, and one of the raccoons is suffering nutritional > problems requiring dietary supplements. The cages needed cleaning and > disinfection due to the improper care of the wildlife." > > Katherine Uhler, who runs Pocono Wildlife Rehabilitation Center and > has many years of experience caring for sick and injured wildlife, > stated that all of the birds were "underweight, suffering from > neglect and had nutritional problems." Since being housed at her > facility, 20 of the birds have died due to the poor condition they > were in when they arrived. > > "It is Kathy Uhler's expert opinion that the mammals and birds were > neglected by not providing the proper care," WCO Malicky said. > > # # # _________________________________________________________________ New Windows 7: Find the right PC for you. Learn more. http://www.microsoft.com/windows/pc-scout/default.aspx?CBID=wl&ocid=PID24727::T:WLMTAGL:ON:WL:en-US:WWL_WIN_pcscout:102009Subject: Ruby-throated hummingbird, Northampton County From: DAVID KOCH <davilene AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Fri, 30 Oct 2009 12:39:31 -0700 The adult male ruby-throated hummingbird in Palmer Township, city of Easton, county of Northampton, is still actively feeding at two feeders as of Friday morning, October 30.It appears perfectly fine. Guess it doesn't know the rules. Arlene Koch Easton, PA Northampton County davilene AT verizon.net |