Hello Fellow Nature Lovers,
How can it possibly be that we have zipped through two-thirds of the year 2021 already? Children have returned to school, returning to routine and learning new things. So too, we at CAS are beginning our regular 2021-2022 season. I am looking forward to seeing all your smiling faces once again. Remember that we have a new meeting venue. We will meet in person at St. Luke Evangelical Lutheran Church fellowship hall (off 997, near the Scotland exit off I-81), 2695 Luther Drive on September 13, 2021. Our speakers for the evening will be Chris and Rebecca Payne. Chris is a recent Shippensburg University graduate and Rebecca used to work at the Nature Center of Cape May, Cape May, NJ. They will be presenting “Fall Migrants”—warblers, raptors and shore birds. We will be conducting this meeting in-person and zooming the meeting to those who choose to view it from home. I will send out the zoom meeting address on Sept. 12 if you prefer to view the meeting at home via Zoom.
Again, to clarify, there still is no definitive answer to the cause of the mysterious bird disease that caused ocular issues, including blindness, and other neurological issues. Regardless, the PA Game Commission (and endorsed by Audubon) is giving their approval for reinstating your bird feeding stations.
There have been very few reports of local migrants other than several flycatchers: Yellow-bellied, Least, and Olive-sided. There have been some juvenile Little Blue Herons found off Mountain Road in the ponds, though they are difficult to see without a scope. There are many shorebirds, including Baird’s Sandpipers, at Woods Road Warehouse retention ponds near Mainsville, PA.
Upcoming field trips and or meetings:
- Sept. 4, 2021, Saturday FIELD TRIP
7:15 AM for FALL MIGRANTS. Meet at 7:15 AM at the Park and Ride, Scotland Exit 20, I-81 northbound. One mile walk in wet grass at Heisey Orchard. Then by car on Michaux SF roads with additional walk(s) of up to half mile, with trip ending between 12 and 1 PM.Bring binoculars and snack. Bill Oyler, oylerbill@gmail.com or 717-360-5191.
- Sept. 13, Monday ZOOM or HYBRID MEETING
7:00 PM Cape May Fall Migrants by Chris & Rebecca Payne. Meeting at St. Luke Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2695 Luther Drive, Chambersburg, PA. Preparation for the Cape May trip this month. Arranged by John and Sue Greer. - Sept. 18, Saturday FIELD TRIP
9:00 AM Chambersburg section of Cumberland Valley Rail Trail. Meet at Big Lots, 184 Southgate Mall, parking lot next to Washington Street. Bring binoculars. Terri Kochert, 717-263-3692.
- Sept. 22-24, Wed-Fri FIELD TRIP
Trip to Cape May NJ, for FALL MIGRANTS, WARBLERS, RAPTORS and SEABIRDS. Bring scopes and binoculars. Signup Deadline is Sept. 15. Sue Greer, 443-255-9559 or sgreer412@gmail.com.
- Sept. 25, Saturday FIELD TRIP
11:00 AM for HAWK MIGRATION. Leave from Sunnyway Foods parking lot, 49 Warm Spring Road, Chambersburg, to “The Pulpit.” Beginning hawk watchers are welcome. Bring binoculars. Leader To Be Announced.
I found two very interesting articles for your edification. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did.
What Do Birds and Beef Have in Common?
Here’s a group of funny, yet amazing “courting” dances birds do to attract their mates. I hope you enjoy these short videos! 10 Outrageous Ways Birds Dance to Impress their Mates.
Looking forward to seeing you in person on Sept. 13!
Good birding to you all!
Terri Kochert