Conococheague Audubon Society

PO Box 20, Fayetteville, PA 17222

ConAudubon@outlook.com

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November 2026 from the President

By Ron GeorgePosted on Posted in Birds, Get Involved, Monthly Message, ZoomTagged , , ,

Recently, as I was stalking a mixed flock of sparrows at Furnace Run Park, my birding partner warned, “Watch where you step. The last time I was here, I almost stepped on a caterpillar.” Of course, when she tells me to do something, I do it . . . well, usually, and as usual, I was glad I did. As I stepped carefully among the tufts of grass and aster blossoms, I noticed something next to my foot moving in a decidedly wriggly way. It was, of course, a caterpillar. 

I leaned over for a closer look. A dark green caterpillar as big around as my little finger but longer curled in the grass. An orange knob at one end appeared to be the head. The sides were ridged accordion-style and spattered with tiny yellow spots. Along the back, pairs of larger yellow dots replaced the speckling and divided the body into eight segments. At the other end, a single bright orange horn protruded menacingly. As I studied its field marks, I realized that I had never seen this particular species of caterpillar before. It was a lifer!

To be honest, I don’t have a life-list of caterpillars. Personally, I have a better chance of identifying the fall Blackpoll Warbler that we saw later that day than recognizing a caterpillar species. I am told that it was a White-Lined Sphinx Moth caterpillar. Happily, just like in birding, you don’t have to identify something to appreciate it. In fact, many of us who have developed an appreciation for birds are also drawn to the “wonders of nature” even if we can’t identify everything we see, and we soon discover, as Robin Wall Kimmerer notes in her book Gathering Moss, “. . . the already gorgeous world is even more beautiful the closer you look.”

For those of us who are already interested in the wonderous world of insects and for those who are curious to learn more, CAS has two great offerings in November. On November 9th at our regular monthly meeting, Jill Zdunczyk of the Xerces Society will present “Protecting the Jewels of the Night – Firefly Education,” and on November 12th CAS will offer our first free nature film of the season, The Extraordinary Caterpillar. Come to either or both and be inspired, informed, and amazed! 

Details about both events are listed below. Details about ALL of our events can be found on our website: conococheagueaudubon.org

Charitable Contribution Committee 

If you have ideas about conservation / bird-related organizations CAS should support, please contact Valerie Barnes, chair of our Charitable Contributions committee (conaudubon@outlook.com or 717-352-4397).

Get Involved with CAS

Join the fun and help CAS in its efforts to support conservation and spread interest in nature, especially birds. We are currently seeking volunteers to pitch in with the following.

Annual Christmas Bird Counts: Christmas Bird Count (CBC) Volunteers Needed

You can help to gather data about bird populations for any or all of the counts listed below. Each count takes place on one day within a particular fifteen-mile-diameter circle. Each circle is divided into zones. Count leaders assign areas within the zones to volunteer counters who make an effort to count every bird within that territory on count day. More details, including maps, are available in the events calendar on our website. 

If you live within a count area, you can sign-up to be a feeder watcher. If you’re a new volunteer and want to count in the field, email the count leaders listed below.

CBC Dates

Pot Luck Dinner: The annual pot luck dinner will be held January 11 at 6:00. Volunteers are needed to help with setting up and cleaning up. Contact Donna Hocker dlhocker@yahoo.com 

WebsiteTrainee: Val Barnes is looking for anyone who is interested in learning the ins and outs of managing our website. The website provides a vital link for members to find the latest information about our activities etc., and helping Val to keep it up-to-date would be a great way to help CAS do what we do. You don’t need to be an expert; all you need is a desire to learn! You can email conaudubon@outlook.com if you have questions or would like to volunteer.

Vice President: Currently the position acts as an assistant to the president, and the vice president will not be required to become president at the end of their term. If you’re considering volunteering, we can discuss how you would like to contribute to the leadership team of CAS. 

Financial Support: If you wish to donate, send your check to Conococheague Audubon Society, PO Box 20, Fayetteville, PA 17222. Thanks to all who donate!

Everything Else: Email conaudubon@outlook.com if you would like to get involved in any of our activities: 

  • presenting free nature films to the public
  • contributing photos and articles to our newsletter Naturally
  • monitoring Bluebird trails
  • maintaining birdfeeders at Caledonia State Park
  • leading bird trips
  • offering our yearly Beginning Birder Workshop,
  • caring for the Native Plant Garden at Norlo Park
  • collecting trash as part of our adopt-a-highway project 
  • providing outreach to the public

Thanks to everyone who volunteers! 

Upcoming Events

SOAR Bird Walks Year-round, first and third Saturday of every month, 8:00 am. Various locations. Check the website for locations: SOAR Bird Walks are Year-Round – Buttonwood Nature Center Trip leaders: Larry and Sharon Williams

Nature Film: The Extraordinary Caterpillar, Thursday Nov. 12, 2026, 7:00-8:30 pm, Chambersburg Area Middle School South, 1151 E. McKinley St., Chambersburg. Door prizes! Free admission!

Visit our website for all our planned activities for the coming season.

Next Meetings

General Meeting, Monday Nov. 9, 2026, 7:00 pm: “Protecting the Jewels of the Night – Firefly Education,” presented by Jill Zdunczyk of the Xerces Society. St. Luke Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2695 Luther Dr, Chambersburg or via Zoom.

Joint Board/Executive Committee Meeting, Monday Nov. 23, 2026, 6:30-9:00, St. Luke Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2695 Luther Dr, Chambersburg.

Note about Zoom: The link to our Zoom meetings can always be found on our website. If you plan to attend any of our upcoming meetings via Zoom, be aware that you will need to be registered for a (free) Zoom account. Once you sign-in to the meeting, you will enter a “waiting room” before you are admitted into the meeting. 

October 2026 from the President

By Ron GeorgePosted on Posted in Birds, Get Involved, Monthly Message, Zoom

What has 38 legs, 38 eyes, and one ton of fun? Answer: The Beginning Birder Walk held on Sep. 19! We had sixteen “beginners,” two trip leaders, and over twenty different bird species. It was a great day with great weather and great views of some great birds. CAS provided binoculars for many participants, and everyone got a chance to practice their birding skills: using binoculars, observing birds, and listening to calls. Thanks to everyone who came out and made it fun. Thanks to my birding partner, Tracy, for helping to answer questions, spot birds, and make ids (of insects as well as birds, of course!). And thanks to Alyssa Good and Furnace Run Park for promoting the event and for providing a great place to see birds. (Can you tell I had a great time?) You can read more about it in the next Naturally newsletter.

Our first meeting of the year was also well attended. (Please review the attached minutes before the next meeting.) The native plant program was very informative, and it was fun to see so many familiar faces and so many newcomers as well. I hope to see you again on Oct. 12. One of the best things about these meetings is the chance to catch up with our birder friends and maybe even talk a bit about birds. I encourage everyone to come early (doors will be open at 6:30) for a social half-hour before the meeting!

If you do come early to the October 12 general CAS meeting, Jim Hook will have a selection of native Redbud tree seedlings available. A small donation to CAS is requested. Jim will be stationed just outside the outer doors. He will have seedlings under 6 inches tall (suggested donation $1) and seedlings from 6 inches to 12 inches in height (suggested $2). Each plant pot will be placed in a heavy plastic bag. Please take your seedlings to your vehicles before the meeting (not into the building). Anyone wishing for 6 or more seedlings may contact Jim at 717-262-5865 or jimbhook@gmail.com

Get Involved with CAS

Join the fun and help CAS in its efforts to support conservation and spread interest in nature, especially birds. We are currently seeking volunteers to pitch in with the following.

Each year, Conococheague Audubon makes charitable contributions to (mostly) local organizations. If you have suggestions about whom we should support, please contact Val Barnes at ConAudubon@outlook.com or 717-352-4397.

Pot Luck Dinner: The annual pot luck dinner will be held January 11 at 6:00. Volunteers are needed to help setting up and cleaning up. Contact Donna Hocker dlhocker@yahoo.com

Financial Support: If you wish to donate, send your check to Conococheague Audubon Society, PO Box 20, Fayetteville, PA 17222. Thanks to all who donate!

Adopt-a-Highway: If you missed your chance on Sep. 26, you’ll have another opportunity in the spring. 

Vice President: Currently the position acts as an assistant to the President and will not be required to become President at the end of their term. If you’re considering maybe possibly volunteering, we can discuss how you would like to contribute to the leadership team of CAS. Contact me at writinron@comcast.net

Monitoring Bluebird trails: Managing a Bluebird trail, takes a lot of work and on-going learning. Our dedicated volunteers help at multiple sites, and more help is always needed. If you’re interested in volunteering in 2027, email conaudubon@outlook.com , and we’ll pass your information to the project leaders.

Everything Else: Email conaudubon@outlook.com if you would like to get involved in any of our activities: 

  • presenting free nature films to the public
  • contributing photos and articles to our newsletter Naturally
  • maintaining birdfeeders at Caledonia State Park
  • counting birds for the annual Christmas Bird Count (feeder watching or in the field)
  • leading bird trips
  • offering our yearly Beginning Birder Workshop
  • caring for the Native Plant Garden at Norlo Park
  • providing outreach to the public

Upcoming Events 

SOAR Bird Walks Year-round, first and third Saturday of every month, 8:00 am. Various locations. Check the website for locations: SOAR Bird Walks are Year-Round – Buttonwood Nature Center Trip leaders: Larry and Sharon Williams

Bluebird Program, Oct. 6: See the attached flyer for more information about the Bluebird program and Bluebird box building activity sponsored by TWEP. 

Birding Events: Birders across the country and around the world will be engaging in two events in Oct. to collect observations and enjoy birding with fellow birders. Follow the links to learn more.

October Big Day, Oct. 10, 2026:  https://ebird.org/news/october-big-day-2026 

Big Sit, Oct. 10-11: https://www.thebigsit.org/ 

Consult your Activities List or visit our website for all our planned activities for the coming season.

Next Meeting

Monday Oct.  12, 2026, 7:00 pm: 5 Years of Birding in our Mobile Home—Part 2 (Back by popular demand!) by Jeff and Sue Schmaltz.

Zoom: If you plan to attend any of our upcoming meetings via Zoom, be aware that due to changes in our security settings, you will need to be registered for a (free) Zoom account. Once you sign-in to the meeting, you will enter a “waiting room” before you are invited into the meeting. 

Zoom links for each meeting are posted on our website in the calendar event.

August 2026 from the President

By Ron GeorgePosted on Posted in Birds, Conservation, Get Involved, Monthly Message, Outreach, ZoomTagged ,

Hello Conococheague Audubon members and friends,

Have you noticed the changing soundscape where you live? All of those birds claiming territories and searching for mates have been replaced by fledglings crying to be fed, and now those juvenile birds are being drowned out by crickets and cicadas. As a school kid, I always associated that sound with going back to school, and it filled me with a sense of dread. Nowadays, I’m a birder not student, and that sound reminds me that fall migration is underway. Instead of dreading the end of summer, I’m excited about the changing mix of birds out there waiting to be identified!

For me, being in-tune with the changing seasons is one of the joys of birding, and the timing of migration is just one of the many things you learn as you become a birder. Of course, identifying birds is the biggest challenge with endless opportunities to learn and develop new skills. For those just starting out, the challenges can be daunting. This is why I am offering a brief introduction to birding and CAS for new members and beginning birders prior to our first regular meeting of the year (details below). The goal is to provide an approach to birding that leads to success and satisfaction as you develop the ability to find and identify birds on your own. On the following Saturday, Sep. 19, I’m also leading a bird walk at Furnace Run Park to help beginners put that approach into practice. Let’s Go Birding!

Details about those events and all of our great programs, films, and field trips can always be found on our webpage, and they are also included in the Activities List which will be arriving in the mail later this month. Be sure to review the Activities List and add some events to your calendar because there’s something in there for everyone–beginners, experienced birders, and nature lovers of all sorts. You’ll also receive our annual fundraising request. Remember that everything we do is the result of our members’ generous donations of both time and money. Thanks to everyone who supports Conococheague Audubon!

Get Involved with CAS

If you’re interested in helping us do what we do, we can find a way for you to get involved that suits your interests and availability. We are currently seeking volunteers to pitch in with the following.

WebsiteTrainee: Val is looking for a trainee who is interested in learning the ins and outs of managing our website. The website provides a vital link for members to find the latest information about our activities etc., and we would like to have someone to help Val keep it up-to-date. You don’t need to be an expert; all you need is a desire to learn! You can email me or Val if you have questions or would like to volunteer.

Outreach: Saturday, August 8, 7:30-noon. We’re looking for volunteers to help with a tabling event at North Square Farmers’ Market in Chambersburg. If you can join Terri for all or part of that time, she would appreciate your help. You’ll get a chance to spread the word about all the great stuff the CAS does, chat with folks about birds, and maybe even recruit some new members for CAS! Plus, you can enjoy the farmer’s market and pick up some delicious locally grown produce. Contact Terri Kochert to help, 717-860-4010.

Preparing Mailers: Volunteers will meet on August 18 at 1:00 pm at the office at Norlo Park to stuff envelopes. Every year we send members a fundraising appeal along with our activities list. The more help we get the quicker we’ll be finished! 

Financial Support: Thanks to all who have made a donation. A request for donations will be arriving in your mailbox soon, but you don’t have to wait to donate. You can send your check to Conococheague Audubon Society, PO Box 20, Fayetteville, PA 17222 today!

Vice President: Currently the position acts as an assistant to the President and will not be required to become President at the end of their term. Without that assistance, we won’t be able to do everything that we want to do. If you’re interested in possibly volunteering, we can discuss how you would like to contribute to the leadership team of CAS. Contact me at writinron@comcast.com

Adopt-a-Highway: Come help clear trash with our team of dedicated volunteers: NEXT DATE Sat. Sep. 26, 9:00 am. 

Everything Else: Email conaudubon@outlook.com if you would like to get involved in any of our activities: 

  • monitoring Bluebird trails
  • maintaining birdfeeders at Caledonia State Park
  • caring for the native plant garden at Norlo Park
  • providing outreach to the public
  • counting birds for the annual Christmas Bird Count (feeder watching or in the field)
  • presenting free nature films to the public
  • leading bird trips
  • contributing photos and articles to our newsletter Naturally
  • offering our yearly Beginning Birder Workshop

Upcoming Events

SOAR Bird Walks Year-round, first and third Saturday of every month, 8:00 am. Various locations. Check the website for locations: SOAR Bird Walks are Year-Round – Buttonwood Nature Center Trip leaders: Larry and Sharon Williams

Field trip for FALL MIGRANTS Saturday Sep. 5, 2026, 7:15 am:  Meet at the Park & Ride, Scotland Exit 20, I-81 northbound. Field trip includes walking in wet grass at Heisey Orchard and other possible walks as we travel Michaux SF roads, with field trip ending by 1:00 PM. Bring binoculars and snack or lunch. Bill Oyler, 717-360-5191, oylerbill@gmail.com.

Next Meeting

Note about Zoom: If you plan to attend any of our upcoming meetings via Zoom, be aware that due to changes in our security settings, you will need to be registered for a (free) Zoom account. Once you sign-in to the meeting, you will enter a “waiting room” before you are invited into the meeting. 

Monday Sep. 14, 2026, 7:00 pm: The first regular meeting of the new season! We’re launching this year’s season with Native Seed Workshop (Site Prep, Pre-treatment, and Planting) by James Thomson, owner of Wildscape Blooms. You’re probably aware of the importance of growing native plants; now, you can learn what it takes to bring some of those beautiful beneficial natives into your own landscape!

Monday Sep. 14, 2026, 6:00 pm: Prior to the first regular meeting, there will be a half-hour welcome and introduction to birding entitled Let’s Go Birding, by Ron George. If you’re new to birding or new to Conococheague Audubon Society (CAS), I hope you’ll come and learn a bit about birding and about all the great things we do. Plus, you’ll get to see photos of 50 different cool birds! The presentation is only 30 minutes, so we’ll be moving at speed of 100 BPH (Birds Per Hour)!

Happy Birding,

December 2025 from the President

By Valerie BarnesPosted on Posted in Get Involved, Monthly Message, ZoomTagged , ,

As I type, our first real snowfall is winding down. It is lovely outside, with the ground white and branches draped with snow as well. Birds are happily visiting feeders in the yard. As we ease towards the first day of winter, it feels as if it’s here already. Days are certainly shorter!

We continue to seek volunteers for several positions: Conservation Chair, Hospitality Chair, Film Chair, Vice President, and Treasurer. Please contact me to offer your services. We need you! Many thanks to Ron George for agreeing to be the next President!

Our next regular meeting takes place on December 8, Monday, at 7:00 PM. We look forward to hearing from local birding enthusiast Andy Markel about Adrenaline Birding Big Month. Our regular meetings occur at St. Luke Evangelical Lutheran Church (off Route 997, near Scotland exit off I-81) 2695 Luther Dr, Chambersburg, PA 17202. Please join us in person or via Zoom. We welcome everyone.

We had a good turnout for our first free nature film last month. The next one is January 29 – Islands of Wonder: Borneo.

SOAR Bird Walks will take place on the first and third Saturdays (6 and 20 December).

Christmas is coming, so we have Christmas Bird Counts coming, too. Sign up with the compiler if you want to start participating in one you haven’t done before.

  • December 20, Saturday. Chambersburg area (PACH).  Lisa Coombs, 715-602-2838, lcoombs58@gmail.com.

Our annual covered dish dinner and members’ photo show is at 6:00 PM on Monday, January 12, 2026 at St Luke’s. Please plan to join us for good food and fellowship. Members typically contribute one dinner item and/or a dessert. Coffee, tea, and pots/jugs of water will be provided. Bring your own table setting, including a napkin, flatware, plate, bowl, and mug/cup. Let’s try to avoid plastic and disposable items! If you have a few photos you wish to share, please bring them on a USB thumb drive. Bring a friend; all are welcome!

Inputs for the next issue of the newsletter are due December 15 to Jane Bussard, janenbussard47@gmail.com. 

Thanks to all who have made a donation. If you haven’t yet, please send your check to Conococheague Audubon Society, PO Box 20, Fayetteville, PA 17222. Good birding!

May 2025 from the President

By Valerie BarnesPosted on Posted in Monthly Message, Outreach, ZoomTagged

Many folks have enjoyed spring field trips. Warblers abound! Join us when you can; see the calendar section for what’s planned. Please call the leader in advance.

Welcome to Jeff Schmaltz and Mike Fagan, who were elected to 3-year terms as directors at the April General Meeting.

Many thanks to outgoing directors Dave Ebbitt and Anne St. John. We will miss you, but look forward to your continued leadership and participation in new ways.

Join us for our last regular meeting of the season: May 12, Monday at 7:00 PM. PA Third Bird Atlas Update, One Year into the 5 Year Project, presented by member and atlas co-coordinator for Franklin County John Carter. Note that the last planning session for the Beginning Birders’ Workshop will happen just before the regular meeting, at 6:30 PM. These meetings are at our regular meeting place: St Luke Evangelical Lutheran Church, (off Route 997, near Scotland exit off I-81) 2695 Luther Dr, Chambersburg, PA 17202. The meeting will also be available via Zoom.

Volunteer opportunities:

  • Ruth Barton is stepping down as Hospitality Chair. The main duty is setting up a table in the back of our meeting room to welcome newcomers. Feel free to talk to Ruth about what else is involved. Please be hospitable!.
  • John Greer is stepping down as Conservation Chair. The main duties are to stay on top of conservation issues and keep our membership informed. It’s also terrific, but not mandatory, if you write a short article for each Naturally newsletter. Who is willing to be our collective conscience about conservation?
  • Bluebird Trail monitors. Contact Lynn or Dorian Runt.
  • Garden care. Contact Josh Donaldson.
  • Greencastle-Antrim Middle School Fish Release, May 15. Terri Kochert, Val Barnes, Dave Ebbitt. Anyone else?
  • Master Gardeners’ Plant Sale, May 17. Ron George and Dave Ebbitt. 9am – 1 pm at Franklin County Human Services Building. 425 Franklin Farm Lane, Chambersburg.
  • Ride along with Bob Mulvihill, looking for Loggerhead Shrikes in our area. May 13, 14, 15, and TBD in mid-late June / early July. Anyone interested in riding along? Contact Bob directly at 412-522-5729.
  • Beginning Birders’ Workshop on June 7 at Caledonia. Many volunteers. Contact Janet Tice. Last planning session will be at 6:30 before the May general meeting on Monday, May 12 at St. Luke Evangelical Lutheran Church, .
  • Appalachian Trail Festival, Red Run Park, Waynesboro, PA on June 14, 2025 from 9:00 – 3:00. Terri Kochert, Debby and Jim Hook. Anyone else?
  • North Square Farmers Market, Chambersburg, PA on June 28, 2025 from 8:00 – 12:00. Terri Kochert. Anyone else?

Please bring family and friends to our events – we welcome new faces! Everything is open to everyone and is free.

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