- RBA
* Pennsylvania
* Central Pennsylvania
* February 2, 2006
* PACE0602.02
Bird Highlights
EURASIAN (COMMON) TEAL (Lancaster Co., *PORC needs
documentation)
ICELAND GULL (Lancaster Co.)
SNOWY OWL (Centre Co.)
LARK SPARROW (Franklin Co., *PORC needs documentation)
HARRIS’ SPARROW (Juniata Co., *PORC needs documentation)
- Transcript
Hotline: Central Pennsylvania Birdline
Date: February 2, 2006
To Report: TimeTraveler@email.msn.com
Compiler: Mark A. McConaughy
Coverage: Central Pennsylvania, Susquehanna River
Drainage System
Transcriber: Mark A. McConaughy
Welcome to Pennsylvania Audubon's and the Patriot-News' Birdline. This Birdline
covers sightings made primarily during the week prior to Thursday, February 2, 2006.
ADAMS COUNTY:
Birds seen around the southern portion of the county on January 28 included 5
NORTHERN HARRIERS, 2 RED-SHOULDERED HAWKS, 12 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 2 AMERICAN KESTRELS,
2 BARRED OWLS, 5 SHORT-EARED OWLS in fields south of the development from Gettysburg
and 3 additional SHORT-EARED OWLS at the Arentz Farm on Bigham Road, 7 AMERICAN TREE
SPARROWS, 15 WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS and 6 EASTERN MEADOWLARKS (SC).
Two RED-HEADED WOODPECKERS, EUROPEAN STARLINGS and RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS were seen
last week along Red Rock Road just outside of Gettysburg (MW).
NORTHERN HARRIERS are also being seen last week on Gettysburg Battlefield National
Monument (MW).
State Game Lands 249 yielded 2 EASTERN TOWHEES last week (MW).
A BALD EAGLE was observed at Lake Marburg on January 29 (MW).
A Winter Raptor Survey conducted in the southern portion of the county on January 31
counted 5 TURKEY VULTURES, 3 NORTHERN HARRIERS, 1 COOPER’S HAWK, 13 RED-TAILED HAWKS
and 7 AMERICAN KESTRELS (DSi, NL).
BLAIR COUNTY:
Canoe Creek State Park yielded GREAT HORNED OWL, BROWN CREEPERS and RUBY-CROWNED
KINGLET on January 29 (JD).
BRADFORD COUNTY:
Fields south of Wolf Hollow Road approximately 0.5 miles east of Baptist Hill Road
produced 5 NORTHERN HARRIERS, 1 RED-TAILED HAWK, 6 SHORT-EARED OWLS and 8 AMERICAN
TREE SPARROWS on January 28 and January 31 (JHo, DH, CB, TG).
CARBON COUNTY:
Birds seen at Beltzville State Park on January 26 and 31 included CANADA GOOSE,
AMERICAN BLACK DUCK, MALLARD, BUFFLEHEAD, HOODED MERGANSER, PIED-BILLED GREBE,
NORTHERN HARRIER, a large accipiter, 1 RED-TAILED HAWK, 2 PILEATED WOODPECKERS, 2
RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES and 3 BROWN CREEPERS (BR, RR, DW).
A MERLIN was observed perched on a utility pole at the Pine Run Boat Launch on
January 26 along with several dozen AMERICAN ROBINS and 100 CEDAR WAXWINGS (BR, RR).
One BALD EAGLE was present at Wild Creek Reservoir on January 26 AND 8 RED-BREASTED
NUTHACHES, 2 BROWN CREEPERS and 2 GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS were seen on January 31
(BR, RR, DW).
There were 40 MALLARDS and 2 NORTHERN PINTAILS at Penn Forest Reservoir on January
26 (BR, RR).
Parrysville Dam produced CANADA GEESE, 2 MUTE SWANS, MALLARDS, 7 BUFFLEHEAD, 2
HOODED MERGANSER and 1 COMMON MERGANSER on January 26 and 31 (BR, RR, DW).
CENTRE COUNTY:
A hike around Toftrees Game lands on January 28 produced RED-TAILED HAWK, AMERICAN
KESTREL, 5 MOURNING DOVES, 2 RED-BELLIED WOODPECKERS, 3 DOWNY WOODPECKERS, NORTHERN
FLICKER, PILEATED WOODPECKER, 15 BLUE JAYS, 3 AMERICAN CROWS, 15 BLACK-CAPPED
CHICKADEES, 10 TUFTED TITMICE, 4 WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCHES, BROWN CREEPER, 2
CAROLINA WRENS, 30 AMERICAN ROBINS, NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD, 25 CEDAR WAXWINGS, 4
EUROPEAN STARLINGS, 17 WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS, 6 DARK-EYED JUNCOS, 7 NORTHERN
CARDINALS, 14 COMMON GRACKLES, 5 PURPLE FINCHES and AMERICAN GOLDFINCH (NK).
A RED-SHOULDERED HAWK was observed at the on ramp to Route 322 at Toftrees on
January 28 (JSc).
A Winter Raptor Survey conducted on January 28 found 1 NORTHERN HARRIER, 7
RED-TAILED HAWKS, 1 ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK and 1 AMERICAN KESTREL (JMi).
A flock of 20 WILD TURKEYS was seen along Whitehall Road just before Deibler Road on
January 29 (JD).
The SNOWY OWL previously reported from State College was seen between January 29 and
February 1 sitting on a light standard and later on an exit sign along I-99 at Exit
78-A (CW, SB, JLG, DTi, JTi, CS). There also were 1 RED-TAILED HAWK, 1 ROUGH-LEGGED
HAWK and 3 AMERICAN KESTRELS along Rt. 220/I-99 between State College and I-80 on
January 29 (JMi).
A Winter Raptor Survey conducted on January 29 in East Penns Valley and Brush Valley
counted 19 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 9 ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS and 8 AMERICAN KESTRELS (BH, SH).
Two BALD EAGLES were seen at Bald Eagle State Park on January 31 (MH).
CLEARFIELD COUNTY:
There were 10 WILD TURKEYS along I-80 between mile marker 114 and 116 on January 29
(DG).
CLINTON COUNTY:
An EASTERN PHOEBE was seen at a home near Lock Haven on January 30 (JSc).
COLUMBIA COUNTY:
A Winter Raptor Survey run on January 27 recorded 1 BALD EAGLE, 2 NORTHERN HARRIERS,
1 SHARP-SHINNED HAWK, 3 COOPER’S HAWKS, 1 RED-SHOULDERED HAWK, 16 RED-TAILED HAWKS,
4 ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS and 7 AMERICAN KESTRELS (MG, JM).
CUMBERLAND COUNTY:
A second winter ICELAND GULL and 1 first year GLAUCOUS GULL were seen on January 26
with 250 other gulls [RING-BILLS?] near a marsh/pond complex along Mountain Road and
State Game Lands 169 west of Newville (DH).
A pair of AMERICAN WIGEON was seen at Big Spring in Newville on January 28 (VG).
The LEAST SANDPIPER continues to be seen through at least January 29 at the
Stoughstown Road farm pond along with 2 KILLDEER (JW).
There were 2 YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKERS, 3 BROWN CREEPERS and 2 RUBY-CROWNED KINGLETS
along a wooded slope of Conodoguinet Creek on January 30 (LU).
DAUPHIN COUNTY:
A Winter Raptor Survey conduced in the northern portion of the county on January 27
recorded 2 BLACK VULTURES, 3 TURKEY VULTURES, 9 RED-TAILED HAWKS and 6 AMERICAN
KESTRELS (JR, RK).
Birds seen in the Susquehanna River on January 28 from the West Fairview boat ramp
and other points down to the Market Street Bridge included 1 TRUMPETER SWAN, 2
BUFFLEHEAD, 15 COMMON GOLDENEYES and 1 COMMON MERGANSER (GB).
On January 29 the fields of Swatara Township yielded 30 SNOW GEESE (in flight),
RED-TAILED HAWK, 3 RING-BILLED GULLS, 5 ROCK PIGEONS, 10 MOURNING DOVES, 4
RED-BELLIED WOODPECKERS, 8 DOWNY WOODPECKERS, 1 HAIRY WOODPECKER, 2 NORTHERN
FLICKERS, 4 BLUE JAYS, 5 AMERICAN CROWS, 20 CAROLINA CHICKADEES, 4 TUFTED TITMICE, 2
WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCHES, 5 BROWN CREEPERS, 1 CAROLINA WREN, 1 WINTER WREN, 5
AMERICAN ROBINS, 1 NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD, 5 EUROPEAN STARLINGS, 12 WHITE-THROATED
SPARROWS, 50 DARK-EYED JUNCOS, 4 NORTHERN CARDINALS, 4 HOUSE FINCHES, 4 AMERICAN
GOLDFINCHES and 15 HOUSE SPARROWS (LU).
FRANKLIN COUNTY:
The LARK SPARROW continued to be seen along with some WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS through
at least January 28 outside of Chambersburg (KM, LM, GB). The landowner has given
permission for viewing (BK). Directions (BK): Take Route 11 south to the outskirts
of Chambersburg. Turn right onto Siloam Road. Continue over some railroad tracks
and Conococheaque Creek. Then bear right at a Y onto Airport Road and take it for 1
mile or more. Turn left onto Shatzer Road and go down past Joe Shatzer’s farm
buildings 0.03 miles. The bird is being seen in the ravine on the left and around
the corn silage pit on the right. Do not wander all over the farm and be careful
around the farm buildings to not disturb anything on the farm.
FULTON COUNTY:
A Winter Raptor Survey conducted along CREP route #3 recorded 1 SHARP-SHINNED HAWK,
5 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 2 AMERICAN KESTRELS and some HORNED LARKS (DS, MS).
On January 28 along Narrows Road east of Knobsville there were 1 NORTHERN
MOCKINGBIRD and 6 PINE SISKINS along a pasture stream (DS, MS).
Meadow Grounds Lake yielded 28 CANADA GEESE, 2 GADWALL, 5 AMERICAN BLACK DUCKS, 29
MALLARDS and 1 GREEN-WINGED TEAL (DS, MS).
HUNTINGDON COUNTY:
A RED-HEADED WOODPECKER was observed on Summit School Road on January 28 (JD).
JUNIATA COUNTY:
Birds found along Cedar Springs and Long Roads on January 28 included 25 RED-TAILED
HAWKS, 2 light morph ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS, 10 KILLDEER, EASTERN BLUEBIRDS and AMERICAN
ROBINS (CK, AT, DT).
The HARRIS’ SPARROW was seen again at the Lost Creek Shoe Shop feeders in Oakland
Mills on January 29 (AT).
LANCASTER COUNTY:
A EURASIAN (COMMON) TEAL was seen among a flock of GREEN-WINGED TEAL through at
least February 1 in ponds of the wetlands preserve (a.k.a., Alcoa Wetlands) left of
the Weis Market at Fruitville Pike and Route 30 (BSc, LC, TA, TH, NH, BC, CC, JH,
TJ, JS, AS, BM). From the US 30 bypass on the north side of Lancaster, exit at the
Fruitville Pike. This exit is between PA 501 and PA 72. Directions: Take the
Fruitville Pike south (toward Lancaster) for a very short distance and immediately
turn right into the shopping center on the west side of Fruitville Pike. Drive
toward the left (south) side of Weis Market. As you drive along the left side of the
market, the wetland area is on your left. Park out of the way of through traffic and
scan for the small flock of teal. A scope is handy, but the area of open water is
not very large (BSc).
A check of Alcoa Swamp [Same place as where the Eurasian Teal is being found] on
January 27 and 28 found 200 CANADA GEESE, 4 MALLARDS, 6 GREEN-WINGED TEAL, 1 GREAT
BLUE HERON, 1 RING-BILLED GULL, 4 ROCK PIGEONS, 1 BELTED KINGFISHER and 2 AMERICAN
CROWS (PF).
A pair of BALD EAGLES were displaying mating behavior on January 27 near Holtwood
Dam (JS).
The WAWA Water Retention Pond yielded 3 GREEN-WINGED TEAL, 25 RING-BILLED GULLS, 1
NORTHERN FLICKER, 2 AMERICAN CROWS, 1 NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD, 2 NORTHERN CARDINALS, 3
HOUSE FINCHES and 500 AMERICAN GOLDFINCHES on January 27 (PF).
Speedwell Forge Reservoir produced 1 CACKLING GOOSE, 156 CANADA GEESE, 200 TUNDRA
SWANS, 6 MALLARDS, 106 COMMON MERGANSERS, 3 GREAT BLUE HERONS, 1 TURKEY VULTURE, 1
SHARP-SHINNED HAWK, 1 RED-TAILED HAWK, 22 RING-BILLED GULLS, 3 HERRING GULLS,
RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER, YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER, DOWNY WOODPECKER, HAIRY
WOODPECKER, NORTHERN FLICKER, PILEATED WOODPECKER, 14 ROCK PIGEONS, 1 BELTED
KINGFISHER, 1 RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER, 2 CAROLINA CHICKADEES, 1 TUFTED TITMOUSE, 1
RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHE, 6 BROWN CREEPERS, 1 CAROLINA WREN, 1 GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET,
1 HERMIT THRUSH, 1 GRAY CATBIRD, 201 EUROPEAN STARLINGS, 4 EASTERN TOWHEES, 2 FOX
SPARROWS, 3 SONG SPARROWS and 1 HOUSE SPARROW on January 27 and 28 (PF, BC).
Birds seen at Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area on January 27 and 29 included
530 SNOW GEESE, 950 CANADA GEESE, 5000 TUNDRA SWANS, 11 GADWALL, 250 AMERICAN BLACK
DUCKS, 6 MALLARDS, 3 HOODED MERANSERS, 60 COMMON MERGANSERS, 3 GREAT BLUE HERONS, 2
TURKEY VULTURES, 1 BALD EAGLE, 2 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 1 AMERICAN KESTRELS, 4
RING-BILLED GULLS, 1 EASTERN SCREECH OWL, 1 BELTED KINGFISHER, 1 RED-BELLIED
WOODPECKER, 1 BLUE JAY, 8 AMERICAN CROWS, 1 CAROLINA CHICKADEE, 3 TUFTED TITMICE, 2
WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCHES, 1 NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD, 1 EASTERN TOWHEE, 2 SONG
SPARROWS, 8 WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS and 1 DARK-EYED JUNCO (PF, JH).
CANADA GEESE, MALLARDS, RING-NECKED DUCKS and AMERICAN COOT were at Quarryville
quarry on January 28 (CC).
A visit to Octoraro Reservoir on January 28 found 100 SNOW GEESE, CANADA GEESE,
COMMON MERGANSERS, 1 BALD EAGLE, RING-BILLED GULLS and 2 HERRING GULLS (CC).
Wedgewood pond yielded CANADA GEESE, MUTE SWAN, MALLARDS, RING-NECKED DUCKS, HOODED
MERGANSER and PIED-BILLED GREBE (CC).
Coatsville Reservoir produced 3 SNOW GEESE, 3 CACKLING GEESE, 3000 CANADA GEESE,
RING-NECKED DUCKS, GREATER SCAUP, LESSER SCAUP and RUDDY DUCKS (CC).
CANADA GEESE, MALLARDS and RING-BILLED GULLS were at Chambers Lake on January 28 (CC).
There were at least 11 BALD EAGLES seen in trees along Quarry Road a few miles east
of Strasburg on January 28 and 19 BALD EAGLES were present on the morning of January
29 (TR).
A Winter Raptor Survey run in the southern portion of the county on January 28
tabulated 38 BLACK VULTURES, 112 TURKEY VULTURES, 6 BALD EAGLES, 1 COOPER’S HAWK, 1
RED-SHOULDERED HAWK, 13 RED-TAILED HAWKS and 3 AMERICAN KESTRELS (BSc).
A PEREGRINE FALCON was observed perched in a tree along Route 283 just north of
Route 30 and a single TREE SWALLOW was flying around the Route 283/30/Fruitville
Pike interchange on January 29 (TJ).
The following birds were seen on February 1 along the Susquehanna River between the
Bainbridge and Falmouth Boat Ramps; 10 COMMON MERGANSERS, 2 GREAT BLUE HERONS, 5
RED-TAILED HAWKS, 50 RING-BILLED GULLS, 2 HERRING GULLS, 2 GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULLS,
1 BELTED KINGFISHER, 8 RED-BELLIED WOODPECKERS, 10 DOWNY WOODPECKERS, 1 HAIRY
WOODPECKER, 3 NORTHERN FLICKERS, CAROLINA CHICKADEE, BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE, 10
WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCHES, 15 BROWN CREEPERS, 10 CAROLINA WRENS, 1 WINTER WREN, 24
GOLDEN CROWNED KINGLETS, 6 EASTERN BLUEBIRDS, 1 HERMIT THRUSH, 30 AMERICAN ROBINS, 3
CEDAR WAXWINGS, 8 SONG SPARROWS, 6 WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS, 2 DARK-EYED JUNCOS, 12
NORTHERN CARDINALS, 1 HOUSE FINCH and 20 AMERICAN GOLDFINCHES (CC).
LYCOMING COUNTY:
A Winter Raptor Survey conducted in the eastern portion of the county yielded WILD
TURKEYS, 2 NORTHERN HARRIERS, 1 COOPER’S HAWK, 7 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 2 AMERICAN
KESTRELS, PILEATED WOODPECKER, COMMON RAVEN and NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD (WE, RB, FS).
A Winter Raptor Survey run northwest of Williamsport produced 2 NORTHERN HARRIERS,
12 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 3 ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS and 4 AMERICAN KESTRELS (DF, MM).
PERRY COUNTY:
Some COMMON MERGANSERS were observed along Shermans Creek between Shermans Dale and
Dromgold on February 1 (JW).
SNYDER COUNTY:
A Winter Raptor Survey run on January 28 produced 5 TURKEY VULTURES, 1 NORTHERN
HARRIER, 52 RED-TAILED HAWKS and 9 AMERICAN KESTRELS (MB, MB2, DB, CM).
Faylor Lake yielded 1 SNOW GOOSE, 50 CANADA GEESE, 7 MALLARDS, 6 COMMON MERGANSERS,
4 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 20 MOURNING DOVES, 2 BELTED KINGFISHERS, 4 RED-BELLIED
WOODPECKERS, 3 DOWNY WOODPECKERS, 1 NORTHERN FLICKER, 1 PLIEATED WOODPECKER, 15 BLUE
JAYS, 42 AMERICAN CROWS, 17 HORNED LARKS, 8 BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEES, 4 RED-BREASTED
NUTHATCHES, 5 WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCHES, 4 BROWN CREEPERS, 2 CAROLINA WRENS, 5
GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS, 20 EASTERN BLUEBIRDS, 1 HERMIT THRUSH, 3 NORTHERN
MOCKINGBIRDS, 500 EUROPEAN STARLINGS, 3 AMERICAN TREE SPARROWS, 10 SONG SPARROWS, 7
WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS, 25 DARK-EYED JUNCOS, 10 NORTHERN CARDINALS and 15 HOUSE
SPARROWS on January 29 (CK, RC).
TIOGA COUNTY:
Cowanesque Lake yielded 12 CANADA GEESE, 2 MALLARDS, 8 COMMON MERGANSERS, 2 bald
eagles, RING-BILLED GULLS, HERRING GULLS and 1 first year LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL
(DH, CB).
YORK COUNTY:
Birds seen at Long Arm Reservoir on January 28 included 1 domestic x CANADA GOOSE
hybrid, 12 HOODED MERGANSERS, 25 COMMON MERGANSERS, 4 PIED-BILLED GREBES and 1 BALD
EAGLE (SC).
CLOSING ANNOUNCEMENTS:
If you miss the usual Thursday postings of the Central PA Birdline on BIRDEAST and
PABIRDS, I will also be posting it on my page web site at:
http://people.delphiforums.com/MCCONAUGHY/currentbl.htm
The address for the home page of the web site is:
http://people.delphiforums.com/MCCONAUGHY/index.html
Also, people can access both the current and older birdlines at:
http://groups.msn.com/MarkMcConaughyHomePage/messageboard.msnw
*PORC = Pennsylvania Ornithological Record Committee. Rare bird sightings should be
documented with written descriptions and photographs whenever possible and sent to
PORC for review. Send PORC reports to Nick Pulcinella, 613 Howard Road, West
Chester, PA 19380.
I would like to acknowledge people who have contributed to this report; Tom Amico
(TA), Ron Beach (RB), Carolyn Blatchley (CB), Susan Braun (SB), Donna Brown (DB),
Mick Brown (MB), Mark Brown (MB2), Bruce Carl (BC), Lou Carpenter (LC), Chuck
Chalfant (CC), Ron Colledge (RC), Steve Collins (SC), Jim Dunn (JD), Wes Egli (WE),
Dave Ferry (DF), Pamela Fisher (PF), Marilyn Gamble (MG), Vern Gauthier (VG), Trudy
Gerlach (TG), Deborah Grove (DG), Bob Hass (BH), Steve Hass (SH), Molly Heath (MH),
Deuane Hoffman (DH), Jeff Holbrook (JHo), Jeff Hopkins (JH), Nancy Hopson (NH), Tom
Hopson (TH), Tom Johnson (TJ), Chad Kauffman (CK), Bob Keener (BK), Nick Kerlin
(NK), Ramsay Koury (RK), Nancy Locher (NL), Jim Lukens-Gable (JLG), Crystal Malick
(CM), Jeff Michaels (JMi), Joan Morgan (JM), Bob Moul (BM), Kirk Moulton (KM), Lois
Moulton (LM), Mike Murafka (MM), Tom Raub (TR), Barbara Rehrig (BR), Rich Rehrig
(RR), Joan Renninger (JR), Carmen Santasania (CS), Jeff Schaffer (JSc), Art Schiavo
(AS), Bob Schutsky (BSc), Deb Siefken (DSi), Jim Smith (JS), Dan Snell (DS), Marilyn
Snell (MS), Fred Stiner (FS), Don Timmons (DTi), Jan Timmons (JTi), Aden Troyer
(AT), David Troyer (DT), Larry Usselman (LU), Mike Weible (MW), Dustin Welch (DW),
John Wheatley (JW), Chuck Widmann (CW) and Jim Wojewodzki (JW). I apologize if I
have misspelled their names. I will also refrain from naming that person on request.
I would also like to point out that one of the people who regularly reports to the
hotline is Bob Schutsky, owner of BIRD TREKS Tours. He leads birding tours in other
areas of North and Central America. You can contact him at 717-548-3303 or at his
new web site:
http://www.birdtreks.com
I want to thank Bob for his reports and recommend booking one of his tours if you
want to view local and extraregional birds.
-End Transcript
* Pennsylvania
* Central Pennsylvania
* February 2, 2006
* PACE0602.02
Bird Highlights
EURASIAN (COMMON) TEAL (Lancaster Co., *PORC needs
documentation)
ICELAND GULL (Lancaster Co.)
SNOWY OWL (Centre Co.)
LARK SPARROW (Franklin Co., *PORC needs documentation)
HARRIS’ SPARROW (Juniata Co., *PORC needs documentation)
- Transcript
Hotline: Central Pennsylvania Birdline
Date: February 2, 2006
To Report: TimeTraveler@email.msn.com
Compiler: Mark A. McConaughy
Coverage: Central Pennsylvania, Susquehanna River
Drainage System
Transcriber: Mark A. McConaughy
Welcome to Pennsylvania Audubon's and the Patriot-News' Birdline. This Birdline
covers sightings made primarily during the week prior to Thursday, February 2, 2006.
ADAMS COUNTY:
Birds seen around the southern portion of the county on January 28 included 5
NORTHERN HARRIERS, 2 RED-SHOULDERED HAWKS, 12 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 2 AMERICAN KESTRELS,
2 BARRED OWLS, 5 SHORT-EARED OWLS in fields south of the development from Gettysburg
and 3 additional SHORT-EARED OWLS at the Arentz Farm on Bigham Road, 7 AMERICAN TREE
SPARROWS, 15 WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS and 6 EASTERN MEADOWLARKS (SC).
Two RED-HEADED WOODPECKERS, EUROPEAN STARLINGS and RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS were seen
last week along Red Rock Road just outside of Gettysburg (MW).
NORTHERN HARRIERS are also being seen last week on Gettysburg Battlefield National
Monument (MW).
State Game Lands 249 yielded 2 EASTERN TOWHEES last week (MW).
A BALD EAGLE was observed at Lake Marburg on January 29 (MW).
A Winter Raptor Survey conducted in the southern portion of the county on January 31
counted 5 TURKEY VULTURES, 3 NORTHERN HARRIERS, 1 COOPER’S HAWK, 13 RED-TAILED HAWKS
and 7 AMERICAN KESTRELS (DSi, NL).
BLAIR COUNTY:
Canoe Creek State Park yielded GREAT HORNED OWL, BROWN CREEPERS and RUBY-CROWNED
KINGLET on January 29 (JD).
BRADFORD COUNTY:
Fields south of Wolf Hollow Road approximately 0.5 miles east of Baptist Hill Road
produced 5 NORTHERN HARRIERS, 1 RED-TAILED HAWK, 6 SHORT-EARED OWLS and 8 AMERICAN
TREE SPARROWS on January 28 and January 31 (JHo, DH, CB, TG).
CARBON COUNTY:
Birds seen at Beltzville State Park on January 26 and 31 included CANADA GOOSE,
AMERICAN BLACK DUCK, MALLARD, BUFFLEHEAD, HOODED MERGANSER, PIED-BILLED GREBE,
NORTHERN HARRIER, a large accipiter, 1 RED-TAILED HAWK, 2 PILEATED WOODPECKERS, 2
RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES and 3 BROWN CREEPERS (BR, RR, DW).
A MERLIN was observed perched on a utility pole at the Pine Run Boat Launch on
January 26 along with several dozen AMERICAN ROBINS and 100 CEDAR WAXWINGS (BR, RR).
One BALD EAGLE was present at Wild Creek Reservoir on January 26 AND 8 RED-BREASTED
NUTHACHES, 2 BROWN CREEPERS and 2 GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS were seen on January 31
(BR, RR, DW).
There were 40 MALLARDS and 2 NORTHERN PINTAILS at Penn Forest Reservoir on January
26 (BR, RR).
Parrysville Dam produced CANADA GEESE, 2 MUTE SWANS, MALLARDS, 7 BUFFLEHEAD, 2
HOODED MERGANSER and 1 COMMON MERGANSER on January 26 and 31 (BR, RR, DW).
CENTRE COUNTY:
A hike around Toftrees Game lands on January 28 produced RED-TAILED HAWK, AMERICAN
KESTREL, 5 MOURNING DOVES, 2 RED-BELLIED WOODPECKERS, 3 DOWNY WOODPECKERS, NORTHERN
FLICKER, PILEATED WOODPECKER, 15 BLUE JAYS, 3 AMERICAN CROWS, 15 BLACK-CAPPED
CHICKADEES, 10 TUFTED TITMICE, 4 WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCHES, BROWN CREEPER, 2
CAROLINA WRENS, 30 AMERICAN ROBINS, NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD, 25 CEDAR WAXWINGS, 4
EUROPEAN STARLINGS, 17 WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS, 6 DARK-EYED JUNCOS, 7 NORTHERN
CARDINALS, 14 COMMON GRACKLES, 5 PURPLE FINCHES and AMERICAN GOLDFINCH (NK).
A RED-SHOULDERED HAWK was observed at the on ramp to Route 322 at Toftrees on
January 28 (JSc).
A Winter Raptor Survey conducted on January 28 found 1 NORTHERN HARRIER, 7
RED-TAILED HAWKS, 1 ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK and 1 AMERICAN KESTREL (JMi).
A flock of 20 WILD TURKEYS was seen along Whitehall Road just before Deibler Road on
January 29 (JD).
The SNOWY OWL previously reported from State College was seen between January 29 and
February 1 sitting on a light standard and later on an exit sign along I-99 at Exit
78-A (CW, SB, JLG, DTi, JTi, CS). There also were 1 RED-TAILED HAWK, 1 ROUGH-LEGGED
HAWK and 3 AMERICAN KESTRELS along Rt. 220/I-99 between State College and I-80 on
January 29 (JMi).
A Winter Raptor Survey conducted on January 29 in East Penns Valley and Brush Valley
counted 19 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 9 ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS and 8 AMERICAN KESTRELS (BH, SH).
Two BALD EAGLES were seen at Bald Eagle State Park on January 31 (MH).
CLEARFIELD COUNTY:
There were 10 WILD TURKEYS along I-80 between mile marker 114 and 116 on January 29
(DG).
CLINTON COUNTY:
An EASTERN PHOEBE was seen at a home near Lock Haven on January 30 (JSc).
COLUMBIA COUNTY:
A Winter Raptor Survey run on January 27 recorded 1 BALD EAGLE, 2 NORTHERN HARRIERS,
1 SHARP-SHINNED HAWK, 3 COOPER’S HAWKS, 1 RED-SHOULDERED HAWK, 16 RED-TAILED HAWKS,
4 ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS and 7 AMERICAN KESTRELS (MG, JM).
CUMBERLAND COUNTY:
A second winter ICELAND GULL and 1 first year GLAUCOUS GULL were seen on January 26
with 250 other gulls [RING-BILLS?] near a marsh/pond complex along Mountain Road and
State Game Lands 169 west of Newville (DH).
A pair of AMERICAN WIGEON was seen at Big Spring in Newville on January 28 (VG).
The LEAST SANDPIPER continues to be seen through at least January 29 at the
Stoughstown Road farm pond along with 2 KILLDEER (JW).
There were 2 YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKERS, 3 BROWN CREEPERS and 2 RUBY-CROWNED KINGLETS
along a wooded slope of Conodoguinet Creek on January 30 (LU).
DAUPHIN COUNTY:
A Winter Raptor Survey conduced in the northern portion of the county on January 27
recorded 2 BLACK VULTURES, 3 TURKEY VULTURES, 9 RED-TAILED HAWKS and 6 AMERICAN
KESTRELS (JR, RK).
Birds seen in the Susquehanna River on January 28 from the West Fairview boat ramp
and other points down to the Market Street Bridge included 1 TRUMPETER SWAN, 2
BUFFLEHEAD, 15 COMMON GOLDENEYES and 1 COMMON MERGANSER (GB).
On January 29 the fields of Swatara Township yielded 30 SNOW GEESE (in flight),
RED-TAILED HAWK, 3 RING-BILLED GULLS, 5 ROCK PIGEONS, 10 MOURNING DOVES, 4
RED-BELLIED WOODPECKERS, 8 DOWNY WOODPECKERS, 1 HAIRY WOODPECKER, 2 NORTHERN
FLICKERS, 4 BLUE JAYS, 5 AMERICAN CROWS, 20 CAROLINA CHICKADEES, 4 TUFTED TITMICE, 2
WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCHES, 5 BROWN CREEPERS, 1 CAROLINA WREN, 1 WINTER WREN, 5
AMERICAN ROBINS, 1 NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD, 5 EUROPEAN STARLINGS, 12 WHITE-THROATED
SPARROWS, 50 DARK-EYED JUNCOS, 4 NORTHERN CARDINALS, 4 HOUSE FINCHES, 4 AMERICAN
GOLDFINCHES and 15 HOUSE SPARROWS (LU).
FRANKLIN COUNTY:
The LARK SPARROW continued to be seen along with some WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS through
at least January 28 outside of Chambersburg (KM, LM, GB). The landowner has given
permission for viewing (BK). Directions (BK): Take Route 11 south to the outskirts
of Chambersburg. Turn right onto Siloam Road. Continue over some railroad tracks
and Conococheaque Creek. Then bear right at a Y onto Airport Road and take it for 1
mile or more. Turn left onto Shatzer Road and go down past Joe Shatzer’s farm
buildings 0.03 miles. The bird is being seen in the ravine on the left and around
the corn silage pit on the right. Do not wander all over the farm and be careful
around the farm buildings to not disturb anything on the farm.
FULTON COUNTY:
A Winter Raptor Survey conducted along CREP route #3 recorded 1 SHARP-SHINNED HAWK,
5 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 2 AMERICAN KESTRELS and some HORNED LARKS (DS, MS).
On January 28 along Narrows Road east of Knobsville there were 1 NORTHERN
MOCKINGBIRD and 6 PINE SISKINS along a pasture stream (DS, MS).
Meadow Grounds Lake yielded 28 CANADA GEESE, 2 GADWALL, 5 AMERICAN BLACK DUCKS, 29
MALLARDS and 1 GREEN-WINGED TEAL (DS, MS).
HUNTINGDON COUNTY:
A RED-HEADED WOODPECKER was observed on Summit School Road on January 28 (JD).
JUNIATA COUNTY:
Birds found along Cedar Springs and Long Roads on January 28 included 25 RED-TAILED
HAWKS, 2 light morph ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS, 10 KILLDEER, EASTERN BLUEBIRDS and AMERICAN
ROBINS (CK, AT, DT).
The HARRIS’ SPARROW was seen again at the Lost Creek Shoe Shop feeders in Oakland
Mills on January 29 (AT).
LANCASTER COUNTY:
A EURASIAN (COMMON) TEAL was seen among a flock of GREEN-WINGED TEAL through at
least February 1 in ponds of the wetlands preserve (a.k.a., Alcoa Wetlands) left of
the Weis Market at Fruitville Pike and Route 30 (BSc, LC, TA, TH, NH, BC, CC, JH,
TJ, JS, AS, BM). From the US 30 bypass on the north side of Lancaster, exit at the
Fruitville Pike. This exit is between PA 501 and PA 72. Directions: Take the
Fruitville Pike south (toward Lancaster) for a very short distance and immediately
turn right into the shopping center on the west side of Fruitville Pike. Drive
toward the left (south) side of Weis Market. As you drive along the left side of the
market, the wetland area is on your left. Park out of the way of through traffic and
scan for the small flock of teal. A scope is handy, but the area of open water is
not very large (BSc).
A check of Alcoa Swamp [Same place as where the Eurasian Teal is being found] on
January 27 and 28 found 200 CANADA GEESE, 4 MALLARDS, 6 GREEN-WINGED TEAL, 1 GREAT
BLUE HERON, 1 RING-BILLED GULL, 4 ROCK PIGEONS, 1 BELTED KINGFISHER and 2 AMERICAN
CROWS (PF).
A pair of BALD EAGLES were displaying mating behavior on January 27 near Holtwood
Dam (JS).
The WAWA Water Retention Pond yielded 3 GREEN-WINGED TEAL, 25 RING-BILLED GULLS, 1
NORTHERN FLICKER, 2 AMERICAN CROWS, 1 NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD, 2 NORTHERN CARDINALS, 3
HOUSE FINCHES and 500 AMERICAN GOLDFINCHES on January 27 (PF).
Speedwell Forge Reservoir produced 1 CACKLING GOOSE, 156 CANADA GEESE, 200 TUNDRA
SWANS, 6 MALLARDS, 106 COMMON MERGANSERS, 3 GREAT BLUE HERONS, 1 TURKEY VULTURE, 1
SHARP-SHINNED HAWK, 1 RED-TAILED HAWK, 22 RING-BILLED GULLS, 3 HERRING GULLS,
RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER, YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER, DOWNY WOODPECKER, HAIRY
WOODPECKER, NORTHERN FLICKER, PILEATED WOODPECKER, 14 ROCK PIGEONS, 1 BELTED
KINGFISHER, 1 RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER, 2 CAROLINA CHICKADEES, 1 TUFTED TITMOUSE, 1
RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHE, 6 BROWN CREEPERS, 1 CAROLINA WREN, 1 GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET,
1 HERMIT THRUSH, 1 GRAY CATBIRD, 201 EUROPEAN STARLINGS, 4 EASTERN TOWHEES, 2 FOX
SPARROWS, 3 SONG SPARROWS and 1 HOUSE SPARROW on January 27 and 28 (PF, BC).
Birds seen at Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area on January 27 and 29 included
530 SNOW GEESE, 950 CANADA GEESE, 5000 TUNDRA SWANS, 11 GADWALL, 250 AMERICAN BLACK
DUCKS, 6 MALLARDS, 3 HOODED MERANSERS, 60 COMMON MERGANSERS, 3 GREAT BLUE HERONS, 2
TURKEY VULTURES, 1 BALD EAGLE, 2 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 1 AMERICAN KESTRELS, 4
RING-BILLED GULLS, 1 EASTERN SCREECH OWL, 1 BELTED KINGFISHER, 1 RED-BELLIED
WOODPECKER, 1 BLUE JAY, 8 AMERICAN CROWS, 1 CAROLINA CHICKADEE, 3 TUFTED TITMICE, 2
WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCHES, 1 NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD, 1 EASTERN TOWHEE, 2 SONG
SPARROWS, 8 WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS and 1 DARK-EYED JUNCO (PF, JH).
CANADA GEESE, MALLARDS, RING-NECKED DUCKS and AMERICAN COOT were at Quarryville
quarry on January 28 (CC).
A visit to Octoraro Reservoir on January 28 found 100 SNOW GEESE, CANADA GEESE,
COMMON MERGANSERS, 1 BALD EAGLE, RING-BILLED GULLS and 2 HERRING GULLS (CC).
Wedgewood pond yielded CANADA GEESE, MUTE SWAN, MALLARDS, RING-NECKED DUCKS, HOODED
MERGANSER and PIED-BILLED GREBE (CC).
Coatsville Reservoir produced 3 SNOW GEESE, 3 CACKLING GEESE, 3000 CANADA GEESE,
RING-NECKED DUCKS, GREATER SCAUP, LESSER SCAUP and RUDDY DUCKS (CC).
CANADA GEESE, MALLARDS and RING-BILLED GULLS were at Chambers Lake on January 28 (CC).
There were at least 11 BALD EAGLES seen in trees along Quarry Road a few miles east
of Strasburg on January 28 and 19 BALD EAGLES were present on the morning of January
29 (TR).
A Winter Raptor Survey run in the southern portion of the county on January 28
tabulated 38 BLACK VULTURES, 112 TURKEY VULTURES, 6 BALD EAGLES, 1 COOPER’S HAWK, 1
RED-SHOULDERED HAWK, 13 RED-TAILED HAWKS and 3 AMERICAN KESTRELS (BSc).
A PEREGRINE FALCON was observed perched in a tree along Route 283 just north of
Route 30 and a single TREE SWALLOW was flying around the Route 283/30/Fruitville
Pike interchange on January 29 (TJ).
The following birds were seen on February 1 along the Susquehanna River between the
Bainbridge and Falmouth Boat Ramps; 10 COMMON MERGANSERS, 2 GREAT BLUE HERONS, 5
RED-TAILED HAWKS, 50 RING-BILLED GULLS, 2 HERRING GULLS, 2 GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULLS,
1 BELTED KINGFISHER, 8 RED-BELLIED WOODPECKERS, 10 DOWNY WOODPECKERS, 1 HAIRY
WOODPECKER, 3 NORTHERN FLICKERS, CAROLINA CHICKADEE, BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE, 10
WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCHES, 15 BROWN CREEPERS, 10 CAROLINA WRENS, 1 WINTER WREN, 24
GOLDEN CROWNED KINGLETS, 6 EASTERN BLUEBIRDS, 1 HERMIT THRUSH, 30 AMERICAN ROBINS, 3
CEDAR WAXWINGS, 8 SONG SPARROWS, 6 WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS, 2 DARK-EYED JUNCOS, 12
NORTHERN CARDINALS, 1 HOUSE FINCH and 20 AMERICAN GOLDFINCHES (CC).
LYCOMING COUNTY:
A Winter Raptor Survey conducted in the eastern portion of the county yielded WILD
TURKEYS, 2 NORTHERN HARRIERS, 1 COOPER’S HAWK, 7 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 2 AMERICAN
KESTRELS, PILEATED WOODPECKER, COMMON RAVEN and NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD (WE, RB, FS).
A Winter Raptor Survey run northwest of Williamsport produced 2 NORTHERN HARRIERS,
12 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 3 ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS and 4 AMERICAN KESTRELS (DF, MM).
PERRY COUNTY:
Some COMMON MERGANSERS were observed along Shermans Creek between Shermans Dale and
Dromgold on February 1 (JW).
SNYDER COUNTY:
A Winter Raptor Survey run on January 28 produced 5 TURKEY VULTURES, 1 NORTHERN
HARRIER, 52 RED-TAILED HAWKS and 9 AMERICAN KESTRELS (MB, MB2, DB, CM).
Faylor Lake yielded 1 SNOW GOOSE, 50 CANADA GEESE, 7 MALLARDS, 6 COMMON MERGANSERS,
4 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 20 MOURNING DOVES, 2 BELTED KINGFISHERS, 4 RED-BELLIED
WOODPECKERS, 3 DOWNY WOODPECKERS, 1 NORTHERN FLICKER, 1 PLIEATED WOODPECKER, 15 BLUE
JAYS, 42 AMERICAN CROWS, 17 HORNED LARKS, 8 BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEES, 4 RED-BREASTED
NUTHATCHES, 5 WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCHES, 4 BROWN CREEPERS, 2 CAROLINA WRENS, 5
GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS, 20 EASTERN BLUEBIRDS, 1 HERMIT THRUSH, 3 NORTHERN
MOCKINGBIRDS, 500 EUROPEAN STARLINGS, 3 AMERICAN TREE SPARROWS, 10 SONG SPARROWS, 7
WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS, 25 DARK-EYED JUNCOS, 10 NORTHERN CARDINALS and 15 HOUSE
SPARROWS on January 29 (CK, RC).
TIOGA COUNTY:
Cowanesque Lake yielded 12 CANADA GEESE, 2 MALLARDS, 8 COMMON MERGANSERS, 2 bald
eagles, RING-BILLED GULLS, HERRING GULLS and 1 first year LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL
(DH, CB).
YORK COUNTY:
Birds seen at Long Arm Reservoir on January 28 included 1 domestic x CANADA GOOSE
hybrid, 12 HOODED MERGANSERS, 25 COMMON MERGANSERS, 4 PIED-BILLED GREBES and 1 BALD
EAGLE (SC).
CLOSING ANNOUNCEMENTS:
If you miss the usual Thursday postings of the Central PA Birdline on BIRDEAST and
PABIRDS, I will also be posting it on my page web site at:
http://people.delphiforums.com/MCCONAUGHY/currentbl.htm
The address for the home page of the web site is:
http://people.delphiforums.com/MCCONAUGHY/index.html
Also, people can access both the current and older birdlines at:
http://groups.msn.com/MarkMcConaughyHomePage/messageboard.msnw
*PORC = Pennsylvania Ornithological Record Committee. Rare bird sightings should be
documented with written descriptions and photographs whenever possible and sent to
PORC for review. Send PORC reports to Nick Pulcinella, 613 Howard Road, West
Chester, PA 19380.
I would like to acknowledge people who have contributed to this report; Tom Amico
(TA), Ron Beach (RB), Carolyn Blatchley (CB), Susan Braun (SB), Donna Brown (DB),
Mick Brown (MB), Mark Brown (MB2), Bruce Carl (BC), Lou Carpenter (LC), Chuck
Chalfant (CC), Ron Colledge (RC), Steve Collins (SC), Jim Dunn (JD), Wes Egli (WE),
Dave Ferry (DF), Pamela Fisher (PF), Marilyn Gamble (MG), Vern Gauthier (VG), Trudy
Gerlach (TG), Deborah Grove (DG), Bob Hass (BH), Steve Hass (SH), Molly Heath (MH),
Deuane Hoffman (DH), Jeff Holbrook (JHo), Jeff Hopkins (JH), Nancy Hopson (NH), Tom
Hopson (TH), Tom Johnson (TJ), Chad Kauffman (CK), Bob Keener (BK), Nick Kerlin
(NK), Ramsay Koury (RK), Nancy Locher (NL), Jim Lukens-Gable (JLG), Crystal Malick
(CM), Jeff Michaels (JMi), Joan Morgan (JM), Bob Moul (BM), Kirk Moulton (KM), Lois
Moulton (LM), Mike Murafka (MM), Tom Raub (TR), Barbara Rehrig (BR), Rich Rehrig
(RR), Joan Renninger (JR), Carmen Santasania (CS), Jeff Schaffer (JSc), Art Schiavo
(AS), Bob Schutsky (BSc), Deb Siefken (DSi), Jim Smith (JS), Dan Snell (DS), Marilyn
Snell (MS), Fred Stiner (FS), Don Timmons (DTi), Jan Timmons (JTi), Aden Troyer
(AT), David Troyer (DT), Larry Usselman (LU), Mike Weible (MW), Dustin Welch (DW),
John Wheatley (JW), Chuck Widmann (CW) and Jim Wojewodzki (JW). I apologize if I
have misspelled their names. I will also refrain from naming that person on request.
I would also like to point out that one of the people who regularly reports to the
hotline is Bob Schutsky, owner of BIRD TREKS Tours. He leads birding tours in other
areas of North and Central America. You can contact him at 717-548-3303 or at his
new web site:
http://www.birdtreks.com
I want to thank Bob for his reports and recommend booking one of his tours if you
want to view local and extraregional birds.
-End Transcript