contests

November 2024 from the President

We certainly had a gloriously sunny October! November is here and, hopefully, we’ll get some rain. Keep your eyes peeled for waterfowl, late migrants, and winter visitors. A Hermit Thrush has been popping by my yard, drinking from the birdbath and eating berries from the Burning Bush.

At our next regular meeting at 7 PM on Monday, November 11, we’ll announce the winners of this year’s youth contests. Then, member Becky Loncosky will present a program on “Breeding Bird Surveys in our National Parks: Catoctin’s Top Ten”. As usual, the meeting will be held at St. Luke Evangelical Lutheran Church, (off Route 997, near Scotland exit off I-81) 2695 Luther Dr, Chambersburg, PA 17202. You may also participate via Zoom.

We didn’t have space in the recent Naturally for Terri’s article about the first free nature film of the season, so you can find it here. Please come join us at CAMS South, 1151 East McKinley St, Chambersburg, on Thursday, November 14 at 7 PM for ”Islands of Wonder – Madagascar.” It sounds like a fascinating place!

From our friends at the Conococheague Institute, we bring you this announcement: Saturday, November 9th, 12:00pm to 8:00pm, 30th Anniversary: Bonfire Night. 12995 Bain Rd, Mercersburg, PA 17236.

Learn about the history of the event with Guy Fawkes, engage in Tavern song and dance, games and festivities, archery, wildlife, food and drink, all culminating in an evening Bonfire program at 7pm. There will be craft vendors and food trucks available throughout the day, a special children’s entertainment performance by Ray Owens, a birds of prey presentation by Miller’s Wildlife and much more! Matthew Wedd at Conococheague Institute shares that the falconer will be doing his presentation at 4 pm, and he’ll have a great horned owl with him.

Check this website for updates and maps to all locations.

If you haven’t already, please consider donating to Conococheague Audubon to keep things rolling. Mail your donation to CAS at PO Box 20, Fayetteville, PA 17222. Good birding!

  Valerie Barnes, President

October 2024 from the President

We needed rain, and we got it. We’re ready for a little sunshine now, please. Our thoughts are with those who really got hit by Hurricane Helene; we were lucky. Fall migrants are still passing through. A Swainson’s Thrush stopped by to eat Burning Bush berries in my back yard. I look forward to seeing one or two every fall.

This year the Big Sit is scheduled for the weekend of Saturday, October 12, 2024 starting at 12 a.m. midnight and closing Sunday, October 13, at 11:59 p.m. You may bird anywhere. But, all observations must be made from within a circle no more than 17 feet (5.2 meters) in diameter. To participate, register your circle and report your observations via eBird. Learn more by visiting the Big Sit website: https://www.thebigsit.org/. It’s fun to spend several hours sitting in a birdy place, visiting with your co-birders and noshing on snacks.

We’ve signed up to host a display table at Tayamentasachta Environmental Center’s Apple Festival on Saturday, October 12 from 9 – 3. Please contact Terri Kochert  at terri.kochert81@gmail.com or 717-264-3692 to help.

Entries for our Youth Contests are due at the October 14 general meeting. Entries for the “Best Bird Photo of the Year” and “Longest Bird Species List of the Year” contests will be accepted for two age groups: 5 to 15 and 16 to 18. Winners for the cash prizes will be announced at our November 11 meeting. Please arrive a few minutes early for the October meeting so you can submit your entries to Terri Kochert. At the meeting we’ll hear from Andy Markel about Adrenaline Birding; Big Day/Big Months/Big Years. As usual, the meeting will be held at St. Luke Evangelical Lutheran Church at 7 PM.

Five members led 90 seventh-graders from Greencastle-Antrim Middle School on bird walks September 19 at Tayamentasachta. The highlight of the day was a very cooperative Great Horned Owl. Nine members worked to clean up a stretch of Route 997 on September 28. Thanks to all our volunteers! If you would like to help at some future event, please contact Terri Kochert.

If you haven’t already, please consider donating to Conococheague Audubon to keep things rolling. Mail your donation to CAS at PO Box 20, Fayetteville, PA 17222. Good birding!

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