birds – Page 6 – Conococheague Audubon

October 2021 from the President

By Valerie BarnesPosted on October 4, 2021October 4, 2021Posted in Birds, Monthly Message, ZoomTagged birds, Zoom

Hello Fellow Nature Lovers,

Can you feel the nights getting cooler? Fall is definitely upon us.

A few good birds are still being seen in the local area. Bill Oyler saw a Baird’s Sandpiper at a newer location, along the Woods Road Warehouse retentions ponds near Mainsville, PA. A Stilt Sandpiper was seen at the Greencastle Reservoir by Carl Garner and Dave Ebbitt on 28 September. Bill Oyler also saw the elusive Connecticut Warbler in the Heisey Orchard on Monday. October 1 Tom Dougherty had a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker and Philadelphia Vireo in the Hunter’s Chase subdivision, Chambersburg.

A group of us from Conococheague Audubon journeyed to Cape May, NJ on Wednesday, September 22 – Friday, September 24, 2021. Our new directors, John and Sue Greer, led the trip. They were very prepared! They ventured to Cape May on Monday and had a day and a half to explore the birding areas. With colorful maps in hand, they greeted us at a new place for us, the Garrett Family Preserve, established by The Nature Conservancy. Though we didn’t see much there this time, it’s wonderful to add a new birding site.

Over the course of the remaining two days, we visited the Cape May Point Hawk Watch and the trails behind the Hawk Watch at the Cap May Point State Park. We were able to see a Eurasian Widgeon, both Green- wing and Blue-wing Teal and Black Duck in the nearby ponds. We also got good looks at various fall-plumaged warblers by the cedar trees before entering the trail. We saw numerous Northern Parulas. That was such a treat! We arose early Thursday intending to catch the “Morning Flight” as described by our September 13, 2021 meeting speakers, Chris and Rebecca Payne. Alas, at Higbee Beach Management Wildlife Area we saw little bird life either on the platform or in the open meadows. We were able to see Stilt Sandpipers, both Yellowlegs, Teals, Shovelers, both Snowy and Great Egrets, Royal and Forster’s Terns, and a Peregrine Falcon by the Nature Conservancy South Cape May Meadows. Some of us visited Nummy’s Island late Thursday afternoon where we saw American Oystercatchers, a Black-bellied Plover, Boat-tailed Grackles, one Sora, and one Saltmarsh Sharp-tailed Sparrow. On Friday we visited the Wetlands Institute, seeing a group of Willets, two Wilson’s Snipe, a Little Blue Heron and Tri-colored Heron. We had a group of White Ibises fly over. We also had one juvenile Black-crowned Night-heron. By the Stone Harbor Point we saw many Sanderlings, Ruddy Turnstones, Semipalmated Sandpipers and Semipalmated Plovers, and both Great and Lesser Black-backed Gulls. Though we didn’t see many birds at the Avalon Sea Watch, it was great to visit with the lone recorder of passing species. Overall, it was a terrific outing! Even the weather cooperated. Though much rain and stormy weather had been forecasted, we avoided most of it.

Again, a reminder that our October 11, 2021 general meeting will be held at St. Luke Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2695 Luther Drive, Chambersburg, PA (off Route 997, near Scotland exit of I-81). Our speaker will be Eric Zawatski, a Penn State graduate presenting via Zoom about the Wood Thrush Nesting Success here in Central PA Contiguous Forests at 7 PM. I will send out the Zoom invitation on Sunday, Oct. 10 for those desiring to watch it from the comfort of their own homes. ***That same evening, Oct. 11, 2021, ALL Youth Contest participants should arrive by 6:45 PM to hand in both their Longest Bird Species List and their Best Bird Photos.

Note: There is a change in our fall birding Field Trip schedule. There will now be a Hawk Migration Watch Field Trip on Oct. 16, 2021. Meeting place is still at Sunnyway Foods parking lot, 49 Warm Spring Road, Chambersburg at 11 AM to head out to the “Pulpit” searching the skies for a few hours for passing hawks and other raptors with Bob and Marion Carmack. Beginning bird watchers are welcome. Bring binoculars. Call 717-597-8631.

For your viewing pleasure, please check out Audubon’s 2021 Top Ten Videos.

I hope to see you at St. Luke on Oct. 11, 2021 (with your mask) at 7 PM for the meeting and/or 6:45 PM for the Youth Contest participants.

Happy Fall to each of you,

Terri Kochert

August 2021 from the President

By Valerie BarnesPosted on August 5, 2021August 19, 2021Posted in Birds, Monthly Message, OutreachTagged birds, flowers

Hello Fellow Nature Lovers,

As of today, we have 6 short weeks until we assume our new 2021-2022 season of general meetings and other events. I have some very IMPORTANT news for you today. Please read this carefully. Soon you will receive our new Activities List. With that, you will notice a BIG CHANGE! We will be conducting our general meetings, September – May at a new venue. We will now be meeting at St. Luke Evangelical Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall. The church is located adjacent to Luther Ridge in Scotland, PA. The full address is 2695 Luther Drive, Chambersburg, PA 17202. We will place signs at the entrance and in the building directing you to the correct room. When September rolls around, please make sure you come to St. Luke Evangelical Lutheran Church and NOT to Norlo Park Community Center. The room is good sized with plenty of tables and chairs. There is a kitchenette attached too for our January Covered Dish dinner. The church is located off I-81 Scotland Exit #20. Bear east towards Fayetteville on the Black Gap Road. Turn right onto Luther Drive. The church is immediately to the right. There’s ample parking. We hope to see you there!

Due to an emergency family health issue, our CAS Vice President had to step down. Thus, I need a new VP to replace Jessica. Please keep Jessica and her family in your prayers. If interested, please call me at 717-263-3692.

You’ll recall that I sent out a notice to take down your bird feeders July 2, 2021 due to a mysterious eye and neurological disease affecting common grackles, blue jays, European starlings, American robins, cardinals, finches and other birds. To date no one knows anything about the cause of this disease. There’s some speculation that it has to do with the arrival of the 17-year cicadas. Tests are being done, but no firm findings have been determined. Lest you think this is only a local phenomenon, there have been cases of many songbirds dying in Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Washington DC, Pennsylvania, Delaware, West Virginia, Virginia, and Maryland. To date I have seen nothing about returning to feed the birds at this time. It is hoped that by refraining from feeding the birds, it will cause birds to “social distance” and lessen the chance of infection. For more on this, please read the following article from the National Audubon Society: scientists-still-searching-pathogen-behind-easts-songbird-epidemic

UPDATE AS OF 13 August: The PA Game Commission has lifted the restriction on feeding birds. See the PGC announcement.

As you know this is the migration season for shore birds. Our local area has seen its share of rarities. The new birding “hotspot” seems to be the Greencastle Antrim Ponds west of the Sheetz store. Birds seen in July are American Avocets, Black-bellied Whistling Duck, Least Sandpipers, Black Duck, Osprey, Little Blue Heron, White-winged Dove, Kentucky Warbler, and Dickcissel. In the Newville area two Roseate Spoonbills have been seen.

Another reminder to you that for your fall perennial planting you may want to plant Native Plants, which help birds and other pollinators. Also, remember too that as you continue to modify your yards to create a more bird-friendly habitat, Mid-Atlantic Audubon (now merged from PA Audubon and Maryland-DC Audubon) has an application on line to answer questions about your garden. If you pay $25, you will receive a beautiful metal sign to display in your yard. To get a sign for yourself, you will need to go online to pa.audubon.org to find the application. The application is straight forward and not complicated. You will need to print off the application, fill it out, and send in your $25 to pa.audubon.org

I hope to see you all in September at our new location, St. Luke Evangelical Lutheran Church, or perhaps I’ll see you at the North Square Farmers Market on August 28, 2021 between 8 AM and 12 PM. For your viewing pleasure I’ve provided a link below to see some comical birds moving to music in a seven-and-a-half-minute long video.

Try Not To Laugh | 19 Funny Birds Videos Of The Week | The Pet Collective – Bing video

Enjoy!

Terri Kochert

November 2020 from the President

By Valerie BarnesPosted on November 2, 2020November 2, 2020Posted in Monthly MessageTagged birds, Zoom

Hello fellow nature lovers,

Most of the beautiful fall colors have waned. We all look forward to the culmination of the election on Nov. 3, 2020. Again, I encourage you all to go to the polls to vote (if you have not already mailed in your ballot). Whatever the outcome, life goes on. We have much to be grateful for, living in these United States of America. Prayerfully the rights and privileges we already experience will continue.

Just a reminder to all that we are looking for a new Vice President. Ken Higley, due to extenuating circumstances, has stepped out of that role. So, if you know of anyone wishing to serve CAS in that capacity, please advise me ASAP.

We are about to experience our first ever CAS Zoom meeting. Harry Campbell of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, according to his company’s COVID-19 protocols, will be joining us at Norlo Park Community Center via Zoom instead of in person at our November 9, 2020 general meeting. The title is Chesapeake Baby: Saving a National Treasure. The Zoom meeting will begin at 7:15 PM and will last a total of 40 minutes. Please note: WE WILL STILL BE MEETING at Norlo Park Community Center at 7 PM. Prior to the Zoom meeting, the Youth Contests Winners will be announced and awarded their prizes. Please join us as we acknowledge both the photography merits of the Best Bird Photos and more so, the tenacity of the Longest Bird List winners. I believe you will be greatly surprised with the skill expressed by our winners. We are grateful to all who participated in this year’s Youth Contests. Please come to encourage our young people.

An errant Rufous Hummingbird has created quite a stir in the birding community. All were rushing to get a look and possibly to get a photo or two. I have included a few photos, taken by Bob Keener, in the above attachment. Also, many had the opportunity to see a migrating flock of 90 American Golden Plovers along Mud Level Road in Shippensburg, Oct. 16, 2020. Also seen in October were Least and Solitary Sandpipers, a Wilson’s Phalarope at the Keefer Road pond, a Brant at the Greencastle Antrim Commons, Pine Siskins, a Red-breasted Nuthatch, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, and a raft of 30 Buffleheads at the Long Pine Dam on October 31.

CAS is inviting anyone to participate in our general meeting on Nov. 9, 2020 via Zoom or in person. Please find below the actual link to the Nov. 9 Zoom meeting. IF you feel uncomfortable about using Zoom, perhaps you can join one of our three practice sessions THIS COMING WEEK. Use the same link for any of the practice sessions and for the real meeting at 7:15 PM on November 9.

CAS Practice Zoom 1 (2020-11-03 at 11AM)

CAS Practice Zoom 2 (2020-11-04 at 4 PM)

CAS Practice Zoom 3 (2020-11-04 at 7:30 PM)

Regular meeting via Zoom: Nov 9, 2020 07:15 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us04web.zoom.us/j/7211203928?pwd=RXNwMjZpQVNvSHJGRld3cWZFQjJiZz09

Meeting ID: 721 120 3928

Passcode: cardinal20

I hope to see your smiling face Nov. 9 at the Norlo Community Center at 7 PM.

Until then, please vote. Good birding to you, one and all!

Terri Kochert

September 2020 from the President

By casbirdsPosted on September 3, 2020September 8, 2020Posted in Monthly MessageTagged birds

Hello fellow nature lovers,

It is difficult to believe we are quickly approaching the latter part of 2020, though for some of us, it has not been the kindest of years. Things have the “appearance” of getting “back to normal.” Children are “back to school”. The evenings arrive earlier; the days are shorter. We are also looking forward to the beginning of our 2020-2021 Season at Conococheague.

Breaking news: Conococheague Audubon now has its own Facebook page for those who participate in Facebook. This is for you to post your photos of birds, wildlife, and plants. Ifyou are not a member of CAS, you will have to “request” to join. Once the administrators approve, you may post your photos. This is NOT for advertising any of your events. To connect, go to “Conococheague Audubon” or the following address:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/647514482542153

Please take note of these important September events:

Sept. 5 FIELD TRIP at 7:30 AM to see the Fall Migrants. Meet at the Park and Ride, Scotland Exit 20, I-81 northbound. There will first be a half-mile walk in wet grass at Heisey Orchard. Come prepared with the proper footwear. Bill Oyler requests that participants drive their own vehicles and that they maintain social distancing upon exiting the vehicles. Wearing masks is required when closer than 6 feet. Please call Bill Oyler, 717-360-5191, in advance if you wish to attend. You will also need to sign your name upon arrival at the Park and Ride.
Sept. 14 our First MEETING. At 6:30 PM please stroll through the Norlo Park Garden for a self-tour. Upon entry into the Community Center, please wear a mask and seat yourselves six feet apart from others. Our speaker will be Brittany Clark of the Penn State Extension Office. Her topic is Icky Invasives; insects in our Forests, such as the Spotted Lanternfly.
Sept. 19 FIELD TRIP Meet at 9 AM at Big Lots, 184 Southgate Mall parking lot next to Washington Street for a stroll along the Cumberland Valley Rail Trail. Wearing masks is required, but we will take “mask breaks” during our journey for those who need to. Social distancing is required. Call Terri Kochert in advance of the event, 717-263-3692, of your intentions to participate. You will need to sign your name upon arrival at the trail.
Sept. 26 FIELD TRIP at 11 AM for Hawk Migration. Leave from Sunnyway Foods parking lot, 49 Warm Spring Road, Chambersburg, to go to the “Pulpit.” Beginning hawk watchers are welcome. Bring binoculars. Bring your masks. Please call Bob Carmack, 717-597-8631, in advance of the event of your intentions to participate. You will need to sign your name upon arrival at Sunnyway Foods.

*Please remember that Youth Contests’ entries: 5” X 7” bird photos and longest list of bird species for the year, Dec. 1, 2019-Oct. 12, 2020, are due Oct. 12, 2020 at our regular Monday night meeting.

Here is some good news on the Conservation front:

A federal court has rejected efforts to weaken the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. In the past few years there was pushback from the federal government to undermine the decades old treaty protecting birds. This judge ruled it “illegal” to do so. The treaty stands as written.
Earlier this month, the President signed into law the Great American Outdoors Act, a historic bipartisan conservation law, which will provide parks, and public lands the protection and care they deserve, with permanent, mandatory funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund at no additional cost to taxpayers.
The Delaware River Watershed has recently been named, ”River of the Year.” There are plans to celebrate this recognition with virtual and safely in-person events. I will keep you posted of their planned events.

For those of you with children ‘back to school virtually,” perhaps you are looking for a “field trip.” I suggest you check out the “Pick Up Pennsylvania 2020” campaign from Sept. 1 – Nov. 30. Please see the attached flyer about this.

Friends, I hope to see you at one of our scheduled September events. Until then, please enjoy this eight- minute documentary video on the hatching and eventual fledging of two hummingbirds.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gU_pJ8PAWwQ&feature=emb_rel_end

Happy Birding!

Terri Kochert

August 2020 From the President

By Valerie BarnesPosted on August 3, 2020August 3, 2020Posted in Birds, Monthly MessageTagged birds

Greetings all fellow nature lovers!

We are indeed in the dog days of summer. Can it get any warmer? Any more humid?

Bob and I have enjoyed watching the vigorous courting antics of a house wren couple. They zoomed all over our back yard, past our ears, and onto other neighbors’ yards, only to return much later to a small birdhouse we have attached to the side of our backyard swing. We are still waiting to witness the fledging of the chicks. The time must be near. We have been watching the adult (female) bring food to the little ones and removing the fecal sacks.

Though the CAS Bluebird trail near Upper Strasburg, PA has been officially postponed due to the COVID-19 lockdown, one of our members has taken it upon herself to watch over a total of 22 bluebird boxes in the Penn National area. On July 8, 2020 Ruth Barton wrote:

Two of the boxes had fledged since her last visit and there were no new nests.
She had only one active tree swallow nest with chicks and cleared out all other tree swallow nests.
Four of the 22 boxes were inaccessible due to tall weeds.
As of July 8, there were 16 empty boxes ready for new residents. (We can only hope there will be more bluebird baby chicks hatched before migration season.) Thank you, Ruth, for this report and for your tenacity!

Also, on July 8 Jim Hook decided to check out the CAS Bluebird Trail with its 25 boxes. He noted:

The 12 boxes off Wye Road appeared to be dominated by tree swallows, with only one active bluebird nest containing one egg.
Two of the four new boxes off Pine Road revealed two bluebird nests.
Three of the four boxes on Joel Burkholder’s lane had evidence of bluebirds. Two of the boxes had bluebird eggs.
The Druckenbrod Lane’s five boxes are dominated by house wrens, with evidence of three earlier bluebird nests.
Jim reported that he found a total of five active bluebird nests with eggs that day. Thank you, Jim for your curiosity!

In mid-July, a young female birder, Miriam Weaver, located an anomaly on her family’s farm. She noticed that this new sparrow had a significantly different (“insect sounding”) song and appearance from the other house sparrows around her family’s farm. She had found a clay-colored sparrow.

It breeds in the northern part of the USA west of New York and into western Canada.
It winters in Texas and throughout Mexico.
This is the first time one has been discovered in Franklin County. It is only the second account on record of one in Pennsylvania.
Of course, such good news travels fast. Soon, the Weaver farm in the Orrstown area was inundated with curious birders. Some attempted and did indeed get some great photos. Please see my attachment with these photos. There were reports of still seeing it yet on July 31.

Thursday, July 30, Bill Oyler reported four glossy ibises were seen off Sandy Mount Road, Pleasant Hall area near Bender’s first pond. Many went to see them.

For your amusement, I am including the URL for an interesting story of how a mother cat adopts newly hatched ducklings. You will have to copy and paste this website into your browser. It should appear immediately. https://youtu.be/570khFoaE4s

Currently we plan to meet as usual at the Norlo Park Community Center on September 14, 2020. We are asking that you wear a mask and social distance. Members will disinfect the premises before your arrival.

Just for your information National Audubon is making some new combinations. National Audubon Society announced on July 7 that Pennsylvania, Maryland and Washington, D.C., offices are being merged into the new Audubon Mid-Atlantic office. We will still correspond with Kelly McGinley of the Harrisburg regional office.
Val Barnes and Janet Tice have been working to update and improve our CAS website. The new site will allow us to change or add pictures more easily, identify how to contact CAS leaders via email or phone, let you view maps where we meet, and show all our activities on a calendar. If you see any problems not related to calendar events, please let Val or Janet know.

Stay cool and safe!

Terri Kochert