We certainly had a bitter cold streak in January. I imagine the birds and all of us hope that is behind us for the year!

From the Cornell Lab of Ornithology: “The annual Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) is February 14–17, 2025, and everyone—regardless of birdwatching experience—is invited to join. GBBC is a fun activity to take part in by yourself or with family and friends. Just grab a warm beverage and watch your feeders, or put on your outdoor gear and visit your favorite spots over the long February weekend. Remember to submit your sightings through eBird or your Merlin Bird ID app. Learn more about how you can participate by visiting the GBBC website.”

Data from the Chambersburg Area Christmas Bird Count (PACH) have been compiled and the details are on this website under the Observation Records page. The next issue of The Naturally will include a summary article.

Conservation Chair John Greer reminds us our highway clean-up day is March 8, 2025.  This is part of PENNDOT’s Adopt-A-Highway program. We have “adopted” 2 miles of PA-997 from I-81 west to Main Street, Scotland. It is easy walking on wide shoulders. Supplies are provided. We will meet at 9 a.m. at the Scotland Park & Ride, I-81 exit 20.  Even if you are unable to pick up trash, we need a driver to shuttle supplies, and we need a pickup truck to carry filled bags.  Please join us to help beautify PA.

Our next regular meeting (at St Luke Evangelical Lutheran Church) will be at 7 PM on Monday, February 10. Members David and Joyce Leaman will present Humming With the Hummingbirds: Small is Beautiful.

You might enjoy this video of birds seen at Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s FeederWatch Cam.

Good birding!