Well, we’re past the peak of spring migration, yet there are still some stragglers and long-distance travelers passing through. The rainy weather created some opportunities to see some cool shorebirds including, Dunlin, Hudsonian Whimbrel (maybe Eurasian as well!), White-Rumped Sandpiper, and Pectoral Sandpiper. Songbird-wise, I was hearing Blackpoll Warblers last week on their way to the upper reaches of Maine and northern(!) Canada. According to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, the Blackpolls that nest in Western Canada actually have extra-long wings to help them along their epic migration route. While Blackpoll Warblers are still heading north, other birds are raising young. Already, I’ve seen several fledglings: Downy Woodpecker, Fish Crow, Northern Cardinal, Killdeer, American Robin, Eastern Towhee, Carolina Wren, and Northern Mockingbird. Time’s a-wasting, Blackpolls!
Get Involved with CAS
Your support for Conococheague Audubon makes everything we do possible. We are currently seeking volunteers to pitch in with the following.
Technical Know-how: Urgent Our website could probably use some security upgrades, but our current web maintainers lack the knowledge to decide. Please contact Val Barnes (717-352-4397) ASAP to share your expertise.
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. There is plenty of flexibility here, so if you’re interested in possibly maybe volunteering, we can discuss how you would like to contribute to the leadership team of CAS. Contact me at writinron@comcast.com
Trip Leaders: We are looking for some new field trip leaders for 2027: May Horse Valley field trip, the May Letort Spring Garden field trip (previous leader John Greer) and the June Chambersburg Rail Trail field trip (previous leader Debby Hook). If you’d like more information about what’s involved please contact the previous trip leaders. If you want to lead one of these or if you have an idea for a new trip that you would like to lead, email conaudubon@outlook.com
Programs for Monthly Meetings: We’re working on next season’s activities list and are in need of ideas for the programs for our monthly meetings. We’re currently in need of programs for Sep 14, Dec 14, and Feb 8. We always look to the members of the board to arrange these, but everyone is invited to share their suggestions. We welcome topics related to birds, nature, and conservation. Email conaudubon@outlook.com
Financial Support: Thanks to all who have made a donation. If you would like to donate, please send your check to Conococheague Audubon Society, PO Box 20, Fayetteville, PA 17222.
Everything: 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, clearing trash for our Adopt a Highway project, 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 . . . Whew, we do a lot! Thanks, volunteers!
Next Meetings
Our next regular meeting is not until Monday Sep. 14. There will be a joint meeting of the Executive Committee and Board of Directors on July 21, 2026, at St. Lukes. Committee chairs are also invited.