Conococheague Audubon Society

PO Box 20, Fayetteville, PA 17222

ConAudubon@outlook.com

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November 2026 from the President

By Ron GeorgePosted on Posted in Birds, Get Involved, Monthly Message, ZoomTagged , , ,

Recently, as I was stalking a mixed flock of sparrows at Furnace Run Park, my birding partner warned, “Watch where you step. The last time I was here, I almost stepped on a caterpillar.” Of course, when she tells me to do something, I do it . . . well, usually, and as usual, I was glad I did. As I stepped carefully among the tufts of grass and aster blossoms, I noticed something next to my foot moving in a decidedly wriggly way. It was, of course, a caterpillar. 

I leaned over for a closer look. A dark green caterpillar as big around as my little finger but longer curled in the grass. An orange knob at one end appeared to be the head. The sides were ridged accordion-style and spattered with tiny yellow spots. Along the back, pairs of larger yellow dots replaced the speckling and divided the body into eight segments. At the other end, a single bright orange horn protruded menacingly. As I studied its field marks, I realized that I had never seen this particular species of caterpillar before. It was a lifer!

To be honest, I don’t have a life-list of caterpillars. Personally, I have a better chance of identifying the fall Blackpoll Warbler that we saw later that day than recognizing a caterpillar species. I am told that it was a White-Lined Sphinx Moth caterpillar. Happily, just like in birding, you don’t have to identify something to appreciate it. In fact, many of us who have developed an appreciation for birds are also drawn to the “wonders of nature” even if we can’t identify everything we see, and we soon discover, as Robin Wall Kimmerer notes in her book Gathering Moss, “. . . the already gorgeous world is even more beautiful the closer you look.”

For those of us who are already interested in the wonderous world of insects and for those who are curious to learn more, CAS has two great offerings in November. On November 9th at our regular monthly meeting, Jill Zdunczyk of the Xerces Society will present “Protecting the Jewels of the Night – Firefly Education,” and on November 12th CAS will offer our first free nature film of the season, The Extraordinary Caterpillar. Come to either or both and be inspired, informed, and amazed! 

Details about both events are listed below. Details about ALL of our events can be found on our website: conococheagueaudubon.org

Charitable Contribution Committee 

If you have ideas about conservation / bird-related organizations CAS should support, please contact Valerie Barnes, chair of our Charitable Contributions committee (conaudubon@outlook.com or 717-352-4397).

Get Involved with CAS

Join the fun and help CAS in its efforts to support conservation and spread interest in nature, especially birds. We are currently seeking volunteers to pitch in with the following.

Annual Christmas Bird Counts: Christmas Bird Count (CBC) Volunteers Needed

You can help to gather data about bird populations for any or all of the counts listed below. Each count takes place on one day within a particular fifteen-mile-diameter circle. Each circle is divided into zones. Count leaders assign areas within the zones to volunteer counters who make an effort to count every bird within that territory on count day. More details, including maps, are available in the events calendar on our website. 

If you live within a count area, you can sign-up to be a feeder watcher. If you’re a new volunteer and want to count in the field, email the count leaders listed below.

CBC Dates

Pot Luck Dinner: The annual pot luck dinner will be held January 11 at 6:00. Volunteers are needed to help with setting up and cleaning up. Contact Donna Hocker dlhocker@yahoo.com 

WebsiteTrainee: Val Barnes is looking for anyone who is interested in learning the ins and outs of managing our website. The website provides a vital link for members to find the latest information about our activities etc., and helping Val to keep it up-to-date would be a great way to help CAS do what we do. You don’t need to be an expert; all you need is a desire to learn! You can email conaudubon@outlook.com if you have questions or would like to volunteer.

Vice President: Currently the position acts as an assistant to the president, and the vice president will not be required to become president at the end of their term. If you’re considering volunteering, we can discuss how you would like to contribute to the leadership team of CAS. 

Financial Support: If you wish to donate, send your check to Conococheague Audubon Society, PO Box 20, Fayetteville, PA 17222. Thanks to all who donate!

Everything Else: Email conaudubon@outlook.com if you would like to get involved in any of our activities: 

  • presenting free nature films to the public
  • contributing photos and articles to our newsletter Naturally
  • monitoring Bluebird trails
  • maintaining birdfeeders at Caledonia State Park
  • leading bird trips
  • offering our yearly Beginning Birder Workshop,
  • caring for the Native Plant Garden at Norlo Park
  • collecting trash as part of our adopt-a-highway project 
  • providing outreach to the public

Thanks to everyone who volunteers! 

Upcoming Events

SOAR Bird Walks Year-round, first and third Saturday of every month, 8:00 am. Various locations. Check the website for locations: SOAR Bird Walks are Year-Round – Buttonwood Nature Center Trip leaders: Larry and Sharon Williams

Nature Film: The Extraordinary Caterpillar, Thursday Nov. 12, 2026, 7:00-8:30 pm, Chambersburg Area Middle School South, 1151 E. McKinley St., Chambersburg. Door prizes! Free admission!

Visit our website for all our planned activities for the coming season.

Next Meetings

General Meeting, Monday Nov. 9, 2026, 7:00 pm: “Protecting the Jewels of the Night – Firefly Education,” presented by Jill Zdunczyk of the Xerces Society. St. Luke Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2695 Luther Dr, Chambersburg or via Zoom.

Joint Board/Executive Committee Meeting, Monday Nov. 23, 2026, 6:30-9:00, St. Luke Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2695 Luther Dr, Chambersburg.

Note about Zoom: The link to our Zoom meetings can always be found on our website. If you plan to attend any of our upcoming meetings via Zoom, be aware that you will need to be registered for a (free) Zoom account. Once you sign-in to the meeting, you will enter a “waiting room” before you are admitted into the meeting. 

August 2026 from the President

By Ron GeorgePosted on Posted in Birds, Conservation, Get Involved, Monthly Message, Outreach, ZoomTagged ,

Hello Conococheague Audubon members and friends,

Have you noticed the changing soundscape where you live? All of those birds claiming territories and searching for mates have been replaced by fledglings crying to be fed, and now those juvenile birds are being drowned out by crickets and cicadas. As a school kid, I always associated that sound with going back to school, and it filled me with a sense of dread. Nowadays, I’m a birder not student, and that sound reminds me that fall migration is underway. Instead of dreading the end of summer, I’m excited about the changing mix of birds out there waiting to be identified!

For me, being in-tune with the changing seasons is one of the joys of birding, and the timing of migration is just one of the many things you learn as you become a birder. Of course, identifying birds is the biggest challenge with endless opportunities to learn and develop new skills. For those just starting out, the challenges can be daunting. This is why I am offering a brief introduction to birding and CAS for new members and beginning birders prior to our first regular meeting of the year (details below). The goal is to provide an approach to birding that leads to success and satisfaction as you develop the ability to find and identify birds on your own. On the following Saturday, Sep. 19, I’m also leading a bird walk at Furnace Run Park to help beginners put that approach into practice. Let’s Go Birding!

Details about those events and all of our great programs, films, and field trips can always be found on our webpage, and they are also included in the Activities List which will be arriving in the mail later this month. Be sure to review the Activities List and add some events to your calendar because there’s something in there for everyone–beginners, experienced birders, and nature lovers of all sorts. You’ll also receive our annual fundraising request. Remember that everything we do is the result of our members’ generous donations of both time and money. Thanks to everyone who supports Conococheague Audubon!

Get Involved with CAS

If you’re interested in helping us do what we do, we can find a way for you to get involved that suits your interests and availability. We are currently seeking volunteers to pitch in with the following.

WebsiteTrainee: Val is looking for a trainee who is interested in learning the ins and outs of managing our website. The website provides a vital link for members to find the latest information about our activities etc., and we would like to have someone to help Val keep it up-to-date. You don’t need to be an expert; all you need is a desire to learn! You can email me or Val if you have questions or would like to volunteer.

Outreach: Saturday, August 8, 7:30-noon. We’re looking for volunteers to help with a tabling event at North Square Farmers’ Market in Chambersburg. If you can join Terri for all or part of that time, she would appreciate your help. You’ll get a chance to spread the word about all the great stuff the CAS does, chat with folks about birds, and maybe even recruit some new members for CAS! Plus, you can enjoy the farmer’s market and pick up some delicious locally grown produce. Contact Terri Kochert to help, 717-860-4010.

Preparing Mailers: Volunteers will meet on August 18 at 1:00 pm at the office at Norlo Park to stuff envelopes. Every year we send members a fundraising appeal along with our activities list. The more help we get the quicker we’ll be finished! 

Financial Support: Thanks to all who have made a donation. A request for donations will be arriving in your mailbox soon, but you don’t have to wait to donate. You can send your check to Conococheague Audubon Society, PO Box 20, Fayetteville, PA 17222 today!

Vice President: Currently the position acts as an assistant to the President and will not be required to become President at the end of their term. Without that assistance, we won’t be able to do everything that we want to do. If you’re interested in possibly volunteering, we can discuss how you would like to contribute to the leadership team of CAS. Contact me at writinron@comcast.com

Adopt-a-Highway: Come help clear trash with our team of dedicated volunteers: NEXT DATE Sat. Sep. 26, 9:00 am. 

Everything Else: Email conaudubon@outlook.com if you would like to get involved in any of our activities: 

  • monitoring Bluebird trails
  • maintaining birdfeeders at Caledonia State Park
  • caring for the native plant garden at Norlo Park
  • providing outreach to the public
  • counting birds for the annual Christmas Bird Count (feeder watching or in the field)
  • presenting free nature films to the public
  • leading bird trips
  • contributing photos and articles to our newsletter Naturally
  • offering our yearly Beginning Birder Workshop

Upcoming Events

SOAR Bird Walks Year-round, first and third Saturday of every month, 8:00 am. Various locations. Check the website for locations: SOAR Bird Walks are Year-Round – Buttonwood Nature Center Trip leaders: Larry and Sharon Williams

Field trip for FALL MIGRANTS Saturday Sep. 5, 2026, 7:15 am:  Meet at the Park & Ride, Scotland Exit 20, I-81 northbound. Field trip includes walking in wet grass at Heisey Orchard and other possible walks as we travel Michaux SF roads, with field trip ending by 1:00 PM. Bring binoculars and snack or lunch. Bill Oyler, 717-360-5191, oylerbill@gmail.com.

Next Meeting

Note about Zoom: If you plan to attend any of our upcoming meetings via Zoom, be aware that due to changes in our security settings, you will need to be registered for a (free) Zoom account. Once you sign-in to the meeting, you will enter a “waiting room” before you are invited into the meeting. 

Monday Sep. 14, 2026, 7:00 pm: The first regular meeting of the new season! We’re launching this year’s season with Native Seed Workshop (Site Prep, Pre-treatment, and Planting) by James Thomson, owner of Wildscape Blooms. You’re probably aware of the importance of growing native plants; now, you can learn what it takes to bring some of those beautiful beneficial natives into your own landscape!

Monday Sep. 14, 2026, 6:00 pm: Prior to the first regular meeting, there will be a half-hour welcome and introduction to birding entitled Let’s Go Birding, by Ron George. If you’re new to birding or new to Conococheague Audubon Society (CAS), I hope you’ll come and learn a bit about birding and about all the great things we do. Plus, you’ll get to see photos of 50 different cool birds! The presentation is only 30 minutes, so we’ll be moving at speed of 100 BPH (Birds Per Hour)!

Happy Birding,

December 2025 from the President

By Valerie BarnesPosted on Posted in Get Involved, Monthly Message, ZoomTagged , ,

As I type, our first real snowfall is winding down. It is lovely outside, with the ground white and branches draped with snow as well. Birds are happily visiting feeders in the yard. As we ease towards the first day of winter, it feels as if it’s here already. Days are certainly shorter!

We continue to seek volunteers for several positions: Conservation Chair, Hospitality Chair, Film Chair, Vice President, and Treasurer. Please contact me to offer your services. We need you! Many thanks to Ron George for agreeing to be the next President!

Our next regular meeting takes place on December 8, Monday, at 7:00 PM. We look forward to hearing from local birding enthusiast Andy Markel about Adrenaline Birding Big Month. Our regular meetings occur at St. Luke Evangelical Lutheran Church (off Route 997, near Scotland exit off I-81) 2695 Luther Dr, Chambersburg, PA 17202. Please join us in person or via Zoom. We welcome everyone.

We had a good turnout for our first free nature film last month. The next one is January 29 – Islands of Wonder: Borneo.

SOAR Bird Walks will take place on the first and third Saturdays (6 and 20 December).

Christmas is coming, so we have Christmas Bird Counts coming, too. Sign up with the compiler if you want to start participating in one you haven’t done before.

  • December 20, Saturday. Chambersburg area (PACH).  Lisa Coombs, 715-602-2838, lcoombs58@gmail.com.

Our annual covered dish dinner and members’ photo show is at 6:00 PM on Monday, January 12, 2026 at St Luke’s. Please plan to join us for good food and fellowship. Members typically contribute one dinner item and/or a dessert. Coffee, tea, and pots/jugs of water will be provided. Bring your own table setting, including a napkin, flatware, plate, bowl, and mug/cup. Let’s try to avoid plastic and disposable items! If you have a few photos you wish to share, please bring them on a USB thumb drive. Bring a friend; all are welcome!

Inputs for the next issue of the newsletter are due December 15 to Jane Bussard, janenbussard47@gmail.com. 

Thanks to all who have made a donation. If you haven’t yet, please send your check to Conococheague Audubon Society, PO Box 20, Fayetteville, PA 17222. Good birding!

October 2025 from the President

By Valerie BarnesPosted on Posted in UncategorizedTagged , ,

Temperatures are drifting a little lower in the area, and there are good reports of migrating birds.

September 25, 2025 marked a new record night for Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s BirdCast. The migration tool recorded more than 1.2 billion birds. Amazing!

Many thanks to Joe and Vanessa Miller for leading a group of 12 who cleaned up a 2-mile stretch of PA Route 997 on Saturday, September 27. Before our first meeting of the year, Ron George and Tracy Snyder helped 10 participants see and identify 10 species of birds around St. Luke’s. Maybe we should make that an annual event…

We are seeking volunteers for several positions: Conservation Chair, Hospitality Chair, President, Vice President, and Treasurer. Please contact me to offer your services. We need you! If you would like to help take Greencastle-Antrim students on a bird walk at Tayamentasachta on Monday, October 20, please contact Terri Kochert [terri.kochert81@gmail.com or 717-263-3692].

Our only October activities are the regular meeting on Monday, October 13 and SOAR Bird Walks on the first and third Saturdays (4 and 18 October). Youth Contest Bird Photos and Lists are due at 6:45 PM at the regular meeting. Members Jeff and Sue Schmaltz will present 5 Years of Birding in our Mobile Home at 7 PM. At the November 10 meeting, we’ll announce youth contest winners and enjoy Kyle Rambo’s Big Year 2024 program. Our regular meetings occur at St. Luke Evangelical Lutheran Church (off Route 997, near Scotland exit off I-81) 2695 Luther Dr, Chambersburg, PA 17202. Please join us in person or via Zoom. We welcome everyone.

Thanks to all who have made a donation. If you haven’t yet, please send your check to Conococheague Audubon Society, PO Box 20, Fayetteville, PA 17222. Good birding!

May 2025 from the President

By Valerie BarnesPosted on Posted in Monthly Message, Outreach, ZoomTagged

Many folks have enjoyed spring field trips. Warblers abound! Join us when you can; see the calendar section for what’s planned. Please call the leader in advance.

Welcome to Jeff Schmaltz and Mike Fagan, who were elected to 3-year terms as directors at the April General Meeting.

Many thanks to outgoing directors Dave Ebbitt and Anne St. John. We will miss you, but look forward to your continued leadership and participation in new ways.

Join us for our last regular meeting of the season: May 12, Monday at 7:00 PM. PA Third Bird Atlas Update, One Year into the 5 Year Project, presented by member and atlas co-coordinator for Franklin County John Carter. Note that the last planning session for the Beginning Birders’ Workshop will happen just before the regular meeting, at 6:30 PM. These meetings are at our regular meeting place: St Luke Evangelical Lutheran Church, (off Route 997, near Scotland exit off I-81) 2695 Luther Dr, Chambersburg, PA 17202. The meeting will also be available via Zoom.

Volunteer opportunities:

  • Ruth Barton is stepping down as Hospitality Chair. The main duty is setting up a table in the back of our meeting room to welcome newcomers. Feel free to talk to Ruth about what else is involved. Please be hospitable!.
  • John Greer is stepping down as Conservation Chair. The main duties are to stay on top of conservation issues and keep our membership informed. It’s also terrific, but not mandatory, if you write a short article for each Naturally newsletter. Who is willing to be our collective conscience about conservation?
  • Bluebird Trail monitors. Contact Lynn or Dorian Runt.
  • Garden care. Contact Josh Donaldson.
  • Greencastle-Antrim Middle School Fish Release, May 15. Terri Kochert, Val Barnes, Dave Ebbitt. Anyone else?
  • Master Gardeners’ Plant Sale, May 17. Ron George and Dave Ebbitt. 9am – 1 pm at Franklin County Human Services Building. 425 Franklin Farm Lane, Chambersburg.
  • Ride along with Bob Mulvihill, looking for Loggerhead Shrikes in our area. May 13, 14, 15, and TBD in mid-late June / early July. Anyone interested in riding along? Contact Bob directly at 412-522-5729.
  • Beginning Birders’ Workshop on June 7 at Caledonia. Many volunteers. Contact Janet Tice. Last planning session will be at 6:30 before the May general meeting on Monday, May 12 at St. Luke Evangelical Lutheran Church, .
  • Appalachian Trail Festival, Red Run Park, Waynesboro, PA on June 14, 2025 from 9:00 – 3:00. Terri Kochert, Debby and Jim Hook. Anyone else?
  • North Square Farmers Market, Chambersburg, PA on June 28, 2025 from 8:00 – 12:00. Terri Kochert. Anyone else?

Please bring family and friends to our events – we welcome new faces! Everything is open to everyone and is free.

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