-RBA
*Pennsylvania
*Pittsburgh and western Pennsylvania
*PAWE02.12.06
Highlights:
LESSER SCAUP
NORTHERN PINTAIL
CANVASBACK
LONG-TAILED DUCK (Erie County)
BALD EAGLE
PEREGRINE FALCON
NORTHERN HARRIER
ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK
THAYER'S GULL (Erie County)
ICELAND GULL (Erie County)
LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL (Erie County)
GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL (Erie County)
GLAUCOUS GULL (Erie County)
SHORT-EARED OWL
NORTHERN SHRIKE
WINTER WREN
RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH
FOX SPARROW
AMERICAN TREE SPARROW
SAVANNAH SPARROW
WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW
"OREGON" DARK-EYED JUNCO (Forest County)
PURPLE FINCH
EVENING GROSBEAK (Armstrong County)
BALTIMORE ORIOLE
Contributors: Ross Gallardy, Shirley Glessner, Leonard Hess, Margaret
Higbee, Marjorie Howard, Flo McGuire, Jerry McWilliams, Randy Stringer, Mark
Vass, Carole Willenpart, Dan Yagusic.
Compiler: Amy Taracido
Sunday, 5 February 2006 through Sunday, 12 February 2006
***This report is distributed by e-mail only. If you would like to receive
western PA RBAs, contact meadowlark4@verizon.net
Transcript-
ALLEGHENY COUNTY:
>From last week: In Fox Chapel on 1/30, 4 Pied-billed Grebes, 5 Hooded
Mergansers (DY).
On Moody Road 2/8, 8 American Black Ducks, American Coot; on 2/10, 1 drake
American Wigeon, 12 American Black Ducks, 1 American Coot; on 2/12, 1 drake
American Wigeon, 13 American Black Ducks, 2 Black DuckXMallard hybrids, 1
American Coot (MV).
At Neville Isle on 2/10, sightings included a group of 37 Great Blue Herons,
2 Pied-billed Grebes (MV).
At Emsworth Dam on 2/10, pair of Common Goldeneyes, 1 Pied-billed Grebe, 1
Hooded Merganser (MV).
At Brunot's Isle on 2/10, 1 PEREGRINE FALCON, 2 American Coots, 1
Bufflehead, 3 Pied-billed Grebes, 12 Hooded Mergansers, 10 Double-crested
Cormorants, 8 Great Blue Herons (MV).
At the Imperial Grasslands on 2/10, 1 light-phase and 1 dark-phase
ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS, 2 NORTHERN HARRIERS, 1 SHORT-EARED OWL (MV).
Along the Allegheny River on 2/12, sightings included 2 adult BALD EAGLES, 4
Common Mergansers (DY).
In McKees Rocks on 2/12, sightings included 12 Double-crested Cormorants, 1
hen Wood Duck, 1 drake Bufflehead, 20 Hooded Mergansers, 3 Pied-billed
Grebes, 1 American Coot, 5 Herring Gulls (MV).
ARMSTRONG COUNTY:
>From last week: on 1/30 in Crooked Creek Park, 9 EVENING GROSBEAKS (reported
to MHi by Joe Valasek).
BEAVER COUNTY:
During the Winter Raptor Survey on 2/6, 1 adult BALD EAGLE; also seen that
day on the Beaver River were 6 American Coots, Common Mergansers,
Ring-billed Gulls, 1 drake Wood Duck, 1 hen LESSER SCAUP, 2 Hooded
Mergansers, 1 Mute Swan, 3 Pied-billed Grebes, 5 American Black Ducks (MV).
On the Beaver River on 2/10, 1 hen Common Goldeneye, 1 Wood Duck, 1 LESSER
SCAUP, 12 American Black Ducks, 8 Pied-billed Grebes, 6 American Coots (MV).
On the Ohio River in Beaver on 2/10, 12 drake and 1 hen Common Mergansers (MV).
At the Montgomery Dam on 2/10, 2 Common Mergansers, 1 adult BALD EAGLE (MV).
CLARION COUNTY:
During the winter raptor survey in southcentral Clarion Co. on 2/10, 1
ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK, 1 NORTHERN SHRIKE, HORNED LARKS (CW).
In Sligo on 2/12, sightings included 59 AMERICAN TREE SPARROWS, 1 FOX
SPARROW, 30 White-throated Sparrows, 7 PURPLE FINCHES (CW).
ERIE COUNTY:
On 2/6 the high winds and stormy weather brought back the gulls, an
estimated 50,000-75,000, into Presque Isle Bay. The majority were
Ring-billed Gulls, but also seen were Herring Gull, GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL,
1 adult THAYER'S GULL, 1 adult and 1 first-year ICELAND GULL, 1 adult
THAYER'S/ICELAND GULL, 3 adult LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS, 1 immature and 1
second-year GLAUCOUS GULL; on 2/7, the number of gulls decreased by about
half, and notable individuals included 3 first-year and 1
second/third-winter ICELAND GULLS, 3 adult LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS, and 1
first-year GLAUCOUS GULL; by 2/11, the numbers of gulls were back up to
75,000-100,000+, including Ring-billed, Herring, GREAT BLACK-BACKED, LESSER
BLACK-BACKED, GLAUCOUS, ICELAND, 1 "NELSON'S" (HerringXGlaucous), and 1
second-year HerringXGreat Black-Backed Gull (JM).
On 2/8 at East Avenue, a large number (3,000 or more) of Herring Gulls were
present, along with 3 first-year and 1 third-year ICELAND GULLS, 6 LESSER
BLACK-BACKED GULLS (2 were adults), 7 GLAUCOUS GULLS (5 first- and
second-year, 1 third year, 1 adult), and 1 partial-albino Ring-billed Gull (JM).
Other sightings in Presque Isle State Park: In Presque Isle Bay on 2/10, 1
LONG-TAILED DUCK; off the west pier to 2/12, 1 Common Loon; on 2/12 at the
junction of Duck Pond and Canoe Portage trails, 1 WINTER WREN (JM).
At the Lake City wastewater treatment plant through 2/7, 1 Eastern Phoebe (JM).
FOREST COUNTY:
Since 2/8, an OREGON Dark-eyed JUNCO has been visiting a backyard near
Tionesta with (Slate-colored) Dark-eyed Juncos (FM).
GREENE COUNTY:
During the winter raptor survey on 2/9 in the southwestern part of the
county, sightings included 8 Turkey Vultures (MHo).
LAWRENCE COUNTY:
In Plain Grove on 2/11, 45 SANDHILL CRANES (MV).
In Pulaski Township on 2/11, 1 Red-headed Woodpecker, 1 drake Green-winged
Teal (MV).
At the Atlantic States gravel pond on 2/11, 1 drake CANVASBACK, 1 hen Ruddy
Duck (MV).
MERCER COUNTY:
The winter raptor survey (southeastern part of the county) on 2/11 included
sightings of 2 Red-shouldered Hawks, 2 adult BALD EAGLES, 3 light-phase and
1 dark-phase ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS, 8 American Wigeon, 1 American Coot, 1
Red-winged Blackbird (RS). In this area on 2/12, 1 NORTHERN HARRIER (RS).
WASHINGTON COUNTY:
The BALTIMORE ORIOLE is still present at a backyard in Peters Township
(present since 1/14/06) (MV).
At Washington Cemetery on 2/11, 2 NORTHERN PINTAILS (RG).
At Reservoir #4 on 2/11, 15 American Coots, 1 male Hooded Merganser, 1 drake
CANVASBACK, 2 American Wigeons (RG).
In IBA #80 (Buffalo Creek area) on 2/11, sightings included 11 Horned Larks,
1 RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH, 2 Eastern Towhees, 60+ AMERICAN TREE SPARROWS, 1
SAVANNAH SPARROW, 2 FOX SPARROWS, 45 WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS (DY).
WESTMORELAND COUNTY:
In a field north of Ligonier on 2/6, a BALD EAGLE was sighted on a deer
carcass (reported to LH by Barry Tuscano).
During the winter raptor survey on 2/10 (Unity and Mt. Pleasant Townships),
1 female NORTHERN HARRIER, 1 Great Horned Owl, and others (SG).
End transcript-
Amy Taracido
Washington Co., PA
To send in reports:
meadowlark4@verizon.net
724-938-0655
Thank you to all the contributors.
*Pennsylvania
*Pittsburgh and western Pennsylvania
*PAWE02.12.06
Highlights:
LESSER SCAUP
NORTHERN PINTAIL
CANVASBACK
LONG-TAILED DUCK (Erie County)
BALD EAGLE
PEREGRINE FALCON
NORTHERN HARRIER
ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK
THAYER'S GULL (Erie County)
ICELAND GULL (Erie County)
LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL (Erie County)
GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL (Erie County)
GLAUCOUS GULL (Erie County)
SHORT-EARED OWL
NORTHERN SHRIKE
WINTER WREN
RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH
FOX SPARROW
AMERICAN TREE SPARROW
SAVANNAH SPARROW
WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW
"OREGON" DARK-EYED JUNCO (Forest County)
PURPLE FINCH
EVENING GROSBEAK (Armstrong County)
BALTIMORE ORIOLE
Contributors: Ross Gallardy, Shirley Glessner, Leonard Hess, Margaret
Higbee, Marjorie Howard, Flo McGuire, Jerry McWilliams, Randy Stringer, Mark
Vass, Carole Willenpart, Dan Yagusic.
Compiler: Amy Taracido
Sunday, 5 February 2006 through Sunday, 12 February 2006
***This report is distributed by e-mail only. If you would like to receive
western PA RBAs, contact meadowlark4@verizon.net
Transcript-
ALLEGHENY COUNTY:
>From last week: In Fox Chapel on 1/30, 4 Pied-billed Grebes, 5 Hooded
Mergansers (DY).
On Moody Road 2/8, 8 American Black Ducks, American Coot; on 2/10, 1 drake
American Wigeon, 12 American Black Ducks, 1 American Coot; on 2/12, 1 drake
American Wigeon, 13 American Black Ducks, 2 Black DuckXMallard hybrids, 1
American Coot (MV).
At Neville Isle on 2/10, sightings included a group of 37 Great Blue Herons,
2 Pied-billed Grebes (MV).
At Emsworth Dam on 2/10, pair of Common Goldeneyes, 1 Pied-billed Grebe, 1
Hooded Merganser (MV).
At Brunot's Isle on 2/10, 1 PEREGRINE FALCON, 2 American Coots, 1
Bufflehead, 3 Pied-billed Grebes, 12 Hooded Mergansers, 10 Double-crested
Cormorants, 8 Great Blue Herons (MV).
At the Imperial Grasslands on 2/10, 1 light-phase and 1 dark-phase
ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS, 2 NORTHERN HARRIERS, 1 SHORT-EARED OWL (MV).
Along the Allegheny River on 2/12, sightings included 2 adult BALD EAGLES, 4
Common Mergansers (DY).
In McKees Rocks on 2/12, sightings included 12 Double-crested Cormorants, 1
hen Wood Duck, 1 drake Bufflehead, 20 Hooded Mergansers, 3 Pied-billed
Grebes, 1 American Coot, 5 Herring Gulls (MV).
ARMSTRONG COUNTY:
>From last week: on 1/30 in Crooked Creek Park, 9 EVENING GROSBEAKS (reported
to MHi by Joe Valasek).
BEAVER COUNTY:
During the Winter Raptor Survey on 2/6, 1 adult BALD EAGLE; also seen that
day on the Beaver River were 6 American Coots, Common Mergansers,
Ring-billed Gulls, 1 drake Wood Duck, 1 hen LESSER SCAUP, 2 Hooded
Mergansers, 1 Mute Swan, 3 Pied-billed Grebes, 5 American Black Ducks (MV).
On the Beaver River on 2/10, 1 hen Common Goldeneye, 1 Wood Duck, 1 LESSER
SCAUP, 12 American Black Ducks, 8 Pied-billed Grebes, 6 American Coots (MV).
On the Ohio River in Beaver on 2/10, 12 drake and 1 hen Common Mergansers (MV).
At the Montgomery Dam on 2/10, 2 Common Mergansers, 1 adult BALD EAGLE (MV).
CLARION COUNTY:
During the winter raptor survey in southcentral Clarion Co. on 2/10, 1
ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK, 1 NORTHERN SHRIKE, HORNED LARKS (CW).
In Sligo on 2/12, sightings included 59 AMERICAN TREE SPARROWS, 1 FOX
SPARROW, 30 White-throated Sparrows, 7 PURPLE FINCHES (CW).
ERIE COUNTY:
On 2/6 the high winds and stormy weather brought back the gulls, an
estimated 50,000-75,000, into Presque Isle Bay. The majority were
Ring-billed Gulls, but also seen were Herring Gull, GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL,
1 adult THAYER'S GULL, 1 adult and 1 first-year ICELAND GULL, 1 adult
THAYER'S/ICELAND GULL, 3 adult LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS, 1 immature and 1
second-year GLAUCOUS GULL; on 2/7, the number of gulls decreased by about
half, and notable individuals included 3 first-year and 1
second/third-winter ICELAND GULLS, 3 adult LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS, and 1
first-year GLAUCOUS GULL; by 2/11, the numbers of gulls were back up to
75,000-100,000+, including Ring-billed, Herring, GREAT BLACK-BACKED, LESSER
BLACK-BACKED, GLAUCOUS, ICELAND, 1 "NELSON'S" (HerringXGlaucous), and 1
second-year HerringXGreat Black-Backed Gull (JM).
On 2/8 at East Avenue, a large number (3,000 or more) of Herring Gulls were
present, along with 3 first-year and 1 third-year ICELAND GULLS, 6 LESSER
BLACK-BACKED GULLS (2 were adults), 7 GLAUCOUS GULLS (5 first- and
second-year, 1 third year, 1 adult), and 1 partial-albino Ring-billed Gull (JM).
Other sightings in Presque Isle State Park: In Presque Isle Bay on 2/10, 1
LONG-TAILED DUCK; off the west pier to 2/12, 1 Common Loon; on 2/12 at the
junction of Duck Pond and Canoe Portage trails, 1 WINTER WREN (JM).
At the Lake City wastewater treatment plant through 2/7, 1 Eastern Phoebe (JM).
FOREST COUNTY:
Since 2/8, an OREGON Dark-eyed JUNCO has been visiting a backyard near
Tionesta with (Slate-colored) Dark-eyed Juncos (FM).
GREENE COUNTY:
During the winter raptor survey on 2/9 in the southwestern part of the
county, sightings included 8 Turkey Vultures (MHo).
LAWRENCE COUNTY:
In Plain Grove on 2/11, 45 SANDHILL CRANES (MV).
In Pulaski Township on 2/11, 1 Red-headed Woodpecker, 1 drake Green-winged
Teal (MV).
At the Atlantic States gravel pond on 2/11, 1 drake CANVASBACK, 1 hen Ruddy
Duck (MV).
MERCER COUNTY:
The winter raptor survey (southeastern part of the county) on 2/11 included
sightings of 2 Red-shouldered Hawks, 2 adult BALD EAGLES, 3 light-phase and
1 dark-phase ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS, 8 American Wigeon, 1 American Coot, 1
Red-winged Blackbird (RS). In this area on 2/12, 1 NORTHERN HARRIER (RS).
WASHINGTON COUNTY:
The BALTIMORE ORIOLE is still present at a backyard in Peters Township
(present since 1/14/06) (MV).
At Washington Cemetery on 2/11, 2 NORTHERN PINTAILS (RG).
At Reservoir #4 on 2/11, 15 American Coots, 1 male Hooded Merganser, 1 drake
CANVASBACK, 2 American Wigeons (RG).
In IBA #80 (Buffalo Creek area) on 2/11, sightings included 11 Horned Larks,
1 RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH, 2 Eastern Towhees, 60+ AMERICAN TREE SPARROWS, 1
SAVANNAH SPARROW, 2 FOX SPARROWS, 45 WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS (DY).
WESTMORELAND COUNTY:
In a field north of Ligonier on 2/6, a BALD EAGLE was sighted on a deer
carcass (reported to LH by Barry Tuscano).
During the winter raptor survey on 2/10 (Unity and Mt. Pleasant Townships),
1 female NORTHERN HARRIER, 1 Great Horned Owl, and others (SG).
End transcript-
Amy Taracido
Washington Co., PA
To send in reports:
meadowlark4@verizon.net
724-938-0655
Thank you to all the contributors.