Conservation – Conococheague Audubon

News from the Region, February 6, 2024

By Valerie BarnesPosted on February 6, 2024February 6, 2024Posted in Conservation, How to Get Involved, News

Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful

Registration is open for 2024 Pick Up Pennsylvania, an annual community improvement program. Pick Up Pennsylvania is a year-long initiative, however, events scheduled from March 1 through May 31 receive free trash bags, gloves, and safety vests provided by support from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, PennDOT and Keep America Beautiful, as supplies last. Events can include litter cleanups, illegal dump cleanups, community greening and beautification, special collections and education events. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and Pennsylvania Waste Industries Association are sponsoring trash disposal, free of charge or at a reduced rate for registered program participants, at participating landfills from April 1 through April 30, with prior approval. Events must be registered at keeppabeautiful.org to receive free cleanup supplies and a reduced rate for trash disposal.

News from the Region – October 11, 2023

By Valerie BarnesPosted on October 12, 2023October 12, 2023Posted in Birds, Conservation, How to Get Involved, NewsTagged birds

Mid-Atlantic Round-Up

Audubon Mid-Atlantic

(Audubon Mid-Atlantic is the merger of Audubon Pennsylvania and Audubon Maryland-DC.)

Insect conservation: If you missed the September AMA Webinar about insect conservation with guest Nate Reagle, you can watch the recording here: https://youtu.be/HazXyKF_dD4?si=aAGfsgBlLqjbEZEf

Lights Out Harrisburg: Appalachian Audubon Society and National Audubon Society are among the leaders of a collaborative effort to protect night-flying birds spring and fall migration seasons. Businesses, municipalities and residents across the country are invited to participate from August 15 – November 15 and April 1 – May 31 by turning off (and/or dimming) exterior and interior lights during the overnight hours of 12 a.m. to 6 a.m.

Some examples of reduced lighting are: Turning off exterior decorative lighting, pot and flood-lights; substituting strobe lighting wherever possible; Reducing atrium lighting wherever possible; turning off interior lighting especially on higher stories; pulling window coverings while working late; Down-shielding exterior lighting to eliminate horizontal glare and light directed upward; installing automatic motion sensors and controls wherever possible; and avoiding over-lighting with newer, brighter technology

These actions will help reduce nighttime bird collisions and save countless migratory bird lives each year.

October 19 – “Taking Action on Single Use Plastics,” a webinar by Pennsylvania Audubon Council; Heidi Shiver of Bird Town Pennsylvania; Faran Savitz (PennEnvironment’s Zero Waste Advocate); and Richard Metz. This conservation issue was identified as high-priority by the network, and will include a review of the Pennsylvania Audubon Council’s Education and Outreach Statement for “Elimination of Single use Plastics” with Sue Murawski, the lead author for the statement.

Follow bird migrations next fall: This time next year, visitors to both the John James Audubon Center at Mill Grove, Audubon, PA and the Discovery Center in Philadelphia will be able to experience migration in new ways. Audubon plans to install a MOTUS tower at Mill Grove, along with interactive kiosks that will link to Audubon’s Migratory Bird Initiative’s on-line tool. A MOTUS tower picks up signals emitted by transmitters that have been placed on birds. A growing network of towers across North and South America allows us to track their hemispheric movements, allowing Audubon to determine where to focus its work on behalf of birds.

The interactive Migratory Bird Explorer kiosks planned for the Discovery Center will use data from University of Pennsylvania’s MOTUS tower to help the public understand how migratory birds are using Philadelphia’s parks and other green spaces. To learn more or to support this project, contact Wendy Christie at wendy.christie@audubon.org .

Virtual Birding

Cornell Lab of Ornithology

October 19 – “Birds of the World” Discovery Webinar Series presents “Searching for Lost Birds: How Targeted Expeditions Aid Bird Conservation.” What is a “lost bird?” What is involved in the re-discovery of a species lost to humans for a long time? And how do other species gain by investing resources in searching for lost birds?

John Mittermeier, Director of the Search for Lost Birds at American Bird Conservancy will share stories from recent expeditions and tell how these searches support worldwide conservation efforts.

Registration is required for real-time attendance at noon EST or to receive video at a later time. To register for this hour-long webinar: https://cornell.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_LURUaE9sQg-u3y0iiaMXYg#/registration

October 25 – It’s tough to catch the eye of a potential mate when you’re dressed all in black with no fancy feathers to jiggle around. But a tiny bird called the Blue-black Grassquit has found a way. Learn about this fascinating species of Mexico and Central America during the 2023 Paul C. Mundinger Distinguished Lectureship, presented by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

The free Mundinger lecture will take place at 5:30 p.m. October 25 on the Cornell University campus. This is an in-person and virtual event. To register for the virtual lecture: https://cornell.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_6ZtucHc-QaOTCmr2OfA8Fw

October 2023 From the President

By Valerie BarnesPosted on October 2, 2023October 2, 2023Posted in Birds, Conservation, How to Get Involved, Monthly MessageTagged birds, donate

It’s officially Fall, and birds are coming through. Enjoy these lovely days and cool nights. Our visiting Flamingos are gone; one flew away and the other died en route to a different rehabilitation place. It was sad to see them go, but what a glorious time it was to have them visit! This winter’s finch forecast is available. See https://finchnetwork.org/winter-finch-forecast-2023-2024?mc_cid=e9ddf5df38&mc_eid=42119ad7ac .

Roy Brubaker, Forest District Manager at the Michaux State Forest informed me about a public meeting Wednesday, October 18 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at the South Mountain Fish and Game Meeting room; 11547 Loop Rd, Fayetteville, PA 17222. The session gives the public the opportunity to express ideas about plans to repurpose the South Mountain Golf Course property as the next location for the Michaux Resource Management Center (district headquarters and visitor center). Roy states: “please understand our primary objective at the District, Bureau, and Department level is to ensure the expression of community care interests surrounding the Michaux — both its history and its future – during our public input meeting on 10/18.” If you have opinions about this topic, please attend the public meeting.

Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful is sponsoring clean-up efforts to keep trash out of our oceans. If you organize and register an event, they will provide some supplies. Visit https://www.keeppabeautiful.org/programs/pick-up-pa/ .

Conservation Chair John Greer reminds us the best way to limit the amount of plastic that ends up in the environment is to reduce our use of plastic in the first place.

TIP: Reduce your plastic consumption by buying products in cans or glass, and then recycling them. Note that recycling glass is increasingly difficult as many centers no longer accept glass. We will continue to search for options.

Youth contest entries are due at the October 9 meeting! Come early (6:45 p.m.) to submit your best bird photos and list of bird species observed this year. Come for the program “Birding Antarctica” presented by Mike and Cheryl Saylor.

The Big Sit® is scheduled for October 7-8, 2023. Select your 17-foot diameter circle and sign up to participate. Report your results via eBird. It’s a great excuse to sit outside on a beautiful fall day and watch birds!

Thanks for your support for Conococheague Audubon and the birds! If you haven’t mailed in a donation yet, it’s not too late. Please make out your check to Conococheague Audubon and mail to CAS, PO Box 20, Fayetteville, PA 17222.

June 2023 From the President

By Valerie BarnesPosted on June 1, 2023June 1, 2023Posted in Conservation, How to Get Involved, Monthly Message, Outreach

As we roll into summer and the end of our fiscal year, let’s take a moment to applaud the efforts of our Board of Directors, Committee Chairs, and Officers over the past 12 months. Without these stalwart volunteers, it would be impossible to accomplish the conservation, education, and citizen science projects in which we take such pride. We appreciate your ongoing service and contributions to the chapter. We look forward to your continuing leadership and participation in our activities.

If you would like to volunteer, we would love to have your help. Contact the committee chair or any officer to step up. Volunteer opportunities this summer include:

Clean up and help maintain the native plants garden at Norlo Park. Contact Josh Donaldson, jd425@embarqmail.com or 717-264-6920.
Monitor birds on Michaux State Forest, Contact John or Sue Greer, jngreer@aol.com or 443-255-8871
Appalachian Trail Festival on Saturday, June 10 from 10 AM- 4 PM at Red Run Park in Waynesboro (12143 Buchanan Trail East). Contact Debby Hook at 717-372-0228 or debbyk@pa.net.
Display table at Chambersburg Farmers’ Market on 4th Saturdays, 9 AM – noon, June – September. Contact Terri Kochert, bobterri81@comcast.net or 717-263-3692.

NEW event in July! The Conococheague Audubon Society is planning an educational and conversational tour of our chapter’s Native Plants Garden at Norlo Park (3050 Lincoln Way E, Fayetteville, PA 17222) on Monday July 17th at 9am. We’ll begin with a short Master Gardener class on native plants by MG and garden volunteer Anne St. John, followed by a tour of the garden focused on the plants as well as the butterflies, bees, and birds which depend so much on native plants. It will conclude well before noon. Our walk will be on lawn grass which may not be dry. Rain date is Wednesday July 19th, 9am. This will be the first of what we plan to be an annual event, open to the public. We hope to see you there! Please contact tour host Josh Donaldson with any questions at 717.264.6920

Other Upcoming Activities: [as always, please call the field trip leader in advance and be at the meeting place a few minutes early. It’s a good idea to double-check the details about a trip on our website’s calendar.]

June 3, Saturday, WORKSHOP. 7:45 AM Beginning Birders’ Workshop. Meet at Visitors’ Center in Caledonia State Park, Fayetteville; park in first parking lot beyond Visitors’ Center. Bring binoculars; a few pairs available for loan. Pre-register with Dave Cooney, 717-264-2116 or Janet Tice, 717-372-0379, jwtice1@comcast.net.

June 10, Saturday, FIELD TRIP, 7:00 AM South Mountain/Caledonia/Michaux Important Birding Area (IBA) for RESIDENT SONGBIRDS. Leave from second parking lot beyond Visitors’ Center in Caledonia State Park. Bring scopes and binoculars. Eric and Rhetta Martin, 717-597-8675.

June 16-19, Fri.-Mon., CONSERVATION COUNT, All day for 1-4 days. Join a team for fundraising opportunities. Breeding Birding Blitz for Conservation by the Pennsylvania Society for Ornithology. See www.breedingbirdblitz.org for info. Vern Gauthier, 717-385-9526, verngauthier14@gmail.com.

June 17, Saturday, FIELD TRIP, 7:30 AM Especially for BEGINNING BIRDERS. Chambersburg section of Cumberland Valley Rail Trail. Meet at Big Lots, 184 Southgate Mall, parking lot next to Washington Street. Bring binoculars and field guide. Debby Hook, 717-372-0228.

Thank you for your continued support and interest, and good birding!

May 2023 from the President

By Valerie BarnesPosted on May 2, 2023May 2, 2023Posted in Birds, Conservation, How to Get Involved, Monthly Message, Outreach

Spring has certainly sprung! Early blooms abound, birds are coming through, and some are staking out territory claims. It’s a great time to get out and appreciate all that nature offers.

Thursday, May 4 is “Bird Day” and we are celebrating! Sponsored by the Franklin County 11/30 Visitors Center, come to 15 South Main Street Chambersburg, PA 17201 for a noontime Lunch & Learn. The Bird Day Lunch & Learn begins at noon and is offered at no charge. Lunch menu: Variety of wraps, soup, fruit, and cookie with lemonade, iced tea, and water. Please Reserve a Spot at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lunch-learn-may-4-is-bird-day-tickets-624012296577 Activities will continue Friday, May 5 from 5 PM-8PM (no registration required).

If you participate in any of our activities, please sign and submit a waiver form, available on this site under Activities. Please mail the completed form to Conococheague Audubon Society, PO Box 20, Fayetteville, PA 17222 or bring it to a meeting or field trip.

We held annual elections at our April meeting. Incoming Board of Director members are Jim Hook, Linda Kaiser, and Cindy Thrasher (intern). They assume their new roles at the May meeting. Debby Hook will be our new Recording Secretary and John Greer will take on Conservation Chair responsibilities. Other officers, directors, and committee chairs remain the same. We thank outgoing leaders Ron George, Jim Hardy, Eric Martin, and Rhetta Martin and look forward to their continuing support in different areas.

We also passed a few changes to our By-Laws related to when local-only members renew their memberships, all officers may be re-elected for multiple two-year terms, and language clarifying that officers and directors are immune from personal liability for actions taken on behalf of CAS.

Conococheague Audubon is a presence in the community at many events, with most volunteers at special events organized by Education – Outreach Chair, Terri Kochert. Your help would be most appreciated. Here are upcoming opportunities:

Monitor Bluebird Trail boxes. Contact Dorian/Lynn Runt, adamsmail@centurylink.net or 717-352-4995.
Clean up and help maintain the native plants garden at Norlo Park. Contact Josh Donaldson, jd425@embarqmail.com or 717-264-6920.
Bird Day events being planned by the Franklin County Visitors Bureau for 4 and 5 May. See above for details about 4 May event. The May 5 activities will happen as part of Chambersburg’s monthly First Friday, 5 PM – 8 PM. Contact Terri Kochert, bobterri81@comcast.net or 717-263-3692.
Monitor birds on Michaux State Forest, Contact John or Sue Greer, jngreer@aol.com or 443-255-8871
Beginning Birders’ Workshop is scheduled for Saturday, June 3 at Caledonia. Volunteers needed! Final planning session will occur at 6:15 PM prior to our May 8 regular meeting at St Luke Evangelical Lutheran Church. Contact Dave Cooney Jr. at (717) 264-2116 or slant1cm@yahoo.com, or Janet Tice at (717) 372-0379 or jwtice1@comcast.net.
Appalachian Trail Festival on Saturday, June 10 from 10 AM- 4 PM at Red Run Park in Waynesboro (12143 Buchanan Trail East). Contact Debby Hook at 717-372-0228 or debbyk@pa.net.
Coming on some Saturdays (probably 4^th Saturday, June – September) this summer: display table at Chambersburg Farmers’ Market. Details TBD. Contact Terri Kochert, bobterri81@comcast.net or 717-263-3692.

May is full of CAS activities. Please call the field trip leader in advance and be at the meeting place a few minutes early. It’s a good idea to double-check the details about a trip on our website’s calendar.

May 4, Thursday, FIELD TRIP. 6:30 AM Fort McCord area for SPRING ARRIVALS/MIGRANTS. Meet at North Pointe Center, US 11 north of Chambersburg. Some walking. Bring lunch and binoculars. Bill Oyler,717-360-5191.

May 5, Friday, FIELD TRIP. 6:00 PM Lehman property for Spring Migrants. Meet at 750 Tallow Hill Road, Chambersburg, to walk around a pond, meadows and woods. Larry Lehman, 717-263-7203.

May 6, Saturday, FIELD TRIP. 7:00 AM Horse Valley for SPRING MIGRANTS. Meet at North Pointe Center, US 11 north of Chambersburg. Bring lunch and binoculars. Valerie Barnes, 717-352-4397or Donna Hocker, 717-491-2171.

May 8, Monday, MEETING. 7:00 PM Bird Banding by Paul Engman. Program focus: Cape May Raptor Banding Project generally and the changes seen in the fall migration over 5 decades of banding. Available to view in-person at St. Luke Evangelical Church. Mr. Engman will present using film slides, so no Zoom.

May 13, Saturday, FIELD TRIP, NEW DATE. 6:30 AM Stillhouse Hollow, Heisey Road Orchard, and some local farms for SPRING MIGRANTS. Leave from Keener’s home, 5207 Heisey Road. Bring scopes, binoculars, and lunch. Bob Keener, 717-532-9723 or 717-658-8765.

May 13, Saturday, WORK DAY. 9:30 AM Work at NORLO PARK native garden. Bring garden tools and gloves. Josh Donaldson, 717-264-6920.

May 15-17, Mon.-Wed., FIELD TRIP. Trip to Magee Marsh, Ohio, for WARBLER MIGRANTS. Bring scopes, binoculars, and lunch. Make own hotel arrangements. Bob and Terri Kochert, 717-263-3692.

May 20, Saturday, FIELD TRIP. 5:00 PM Edenville area for WHIP-POOR-WILLS and BOBOLINKS. Leave from Sunnyway Foods parking lot, 49 Warm Spring Road, Chambersburg. Bring scopes and binoculars. Eric and Rhetta Martin, 717-597-8675.

June 3, Saturday, WORKSHOP. 7:45 AM Beginning Birders’ Workshop. Meet at Visitors’ Center in Caledonia State Park, Fayetteville; park in first parking lot beyond Visitors’ Center. Bring binoculars; a few pairs available for loan. Pre-register with Dave Cooney, 717-264-2116 or Janet Tice, 717-372-0379, jwtice1@comcast.net.

National Audubon invites us to learn more about the Canada (not Canadian) Goose. For instance, “goslings … can learn to swim within one day of being born.”

Thank you for your continued support and interest, and good birding!