Spring has sprung, the trees and many flowers have bloomed, the hummers and many other residents are back. Migration is underway; we’re happy!

Pennsylvania’s Third Bird Atlas (PBA3), a project of the Pennsylvania Game Commission and Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, is a community science project documenting the distribution and abundance of the birds of Pennsylvania. The project launched on January 1, 2024 and will run through early 2029. Be sure to come to our May 13 meeting to hear all about this project and how you can participate, from Vern Gauthier.

Thanks to all who voted in our elections in April. All candidates were elected and amendments to our By-Laws were approved. Many thanks to outgoing directors John Greer, Sue Greer, and Linda Kaiser. Welcome to new directors John Carter, Larry Williams, and Sharon Williams. All officers were re-elected for another term, and committee chairs agreed to serve for another season. THANK YOU so much!

Budget planning for June 1, 2024 – May 31, 2025 is complete. Thanks to all who contributed to the effort.

Conservation Chair John Greer reports that on April 24, 2024, President Biden signed into law the Migratory Birds of the Americas Conservation Enhancements Act. This bill reauthorizes the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act, which the American Bird Conservancy reports is a successful federal grants program funding migratory bird research and habitat restoration throughout the Western Hemisphere supporting a remarkable 717 projects in 43 countries, with 400 migratory bird species benefiting from the funding. 

Volunteer opportunities: . Unless stated otherwise, please contact Terri Kochert (717-263-3692 or terri.kochert81@gmail.com ) to sign up as a volunteer.

• Monitor Bluebird Trail boxes. Contact Dorian/Lynn Runt, adamsmail@centurylink.net or 717-352-4995.  Volunteers needed. For more info: Lynn & Dorian Runt (717-352-4995) or Ruth Barton (301-367-6968).
• Clean up and help maintain the native plants garden at Norlo Park. Contact Josh Donaldson, jd425@embarqmail.com or 717-264-6920. Needed starting in spring.
• Seventh grade students at Greencastle-Antrim Middle School participate in Pa’s Trout in the Classroom program and will be releasing fingerlings at Caledonia State Park on Thursday, May 16, 2024.  Students will be in 10 groups (about 25 students per group) and will rotate to different stations every 20 minutes; 9 – 1:15 pm. 
• Master Gardener’s Plant Sale. Saturday, May 18 from 9-1. We will have a display table regarding native plants.
• Appalachian Trail Festival at Red Run Park, Waynesboro, PA, Saturday, June 8. We will have a display table.
• Farmers’ Market in downtown Chambersburg. Dates are June 29; July 27; August 31; and September 28. We will have a display table.

With spring, our activities kick into full gear. Please note the date change for Bill Oyler’s trip. Please contact the trip leader in advance to let him/her know you plan to attend. Note the Beginning Birders’ Workshop is on June 1; bring your friends, family, and neighbors!