As July arrives along with the wonderful heat and humidity of summer, it’s hard to believe that by the end of the month fall migration will be underway for some species. So, it’s time to slow down and enjoy the birds that nest in our area while you can. Pay close attention, and you might get to see a Brown Thrasher carrying a mouthful of berries to a fledgling standing in the tall grass–its gaping mouth in permanent “feed me” mode. That was a never-saw-that-before moment for me, the kind of thing that keeps birding new and interesting no matter how long you’ve been doing it! Whether you’re coding those breeding behaviors in the PA Bird Atlas portal on eBird or just appreciating those hard-working bird parents, take it slow and stay hydrated! 

While the summer is the off-season for CAS, our volunteers have been working hard, getting ready for the upcoming year. Thanks everyone (you know who you are)! I hope you’ll join us for some of the great programs, films, and activities we are planning, and remember, it all happens because our volunteers make it happen. 

Get Involved with CAS

If you’re interested in helping us do what we do, I’m sure 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.

Vice President: Urgent 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.net.

Trip Leaders: We are close to finalizing the activities list for the coming season. We have previously offered a trip to Letort Springs in May and a trip for beginners along the Cumberland Valley Rail Trail, June 19. If you want to lead one of these, contact Lisa Coombs ASAP. Once the Activities List is completed in the next week or so, it will be printed and sent to all members. We can still add trips later in the season, but they won’t appear in our handy-dandy Activities List! If you have an idea for a new trip that you would like to lead, 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
• stuffing envelopes for our annual fundraising mailer!!!

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

Next Meetings

Tuesday July 21, 2026, 6:30 pm: joint meeting of the Executive Committee and Board of Directors on July 21, 2026, at St. Lukes. Committee chairs are also invited.

Monday Sep. 14, 2026: first regular meeting of the new season.