Central PA Birdline
- RBA
* Pennsylvania
* Central Pennsylvania
* March 22, 2007
* PACE0703.22
Bird Highlights
EARED GREBE (Dauphin and York Cos.)
LITTLE GULL (Dauphin Co.)
SCOTT'S ORIOLE (Cumberland Co.)
- Transcript
Hotline: Central Pennsylvania Birdline
Date: March 22, 2007
To Report: TimeTraveler@email.msn.com
Compiler: Mark A. McConaughy
TimeTraveler@email.msn.com
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, March 22, 2007.
BEDFORD/SOMERSET COUNTY:
Allegheny Front Hawk Watch reported counting 73 TURKEY VULTURES, 1
NORTHERN HARRIER, 1 SHARP-SHINNED HAWK, 4 COOPER'S HAWKS, 4
RED-SHOULDERED HAWKS, 15 RED-TAILED HAWKS and 5 GOLDEN EAGLES between
March 16 and 20 (MMc, BSt, EH, CMi, MMi).
CARBON COUNTY:
Perryville Dam yielded several BUFFLEHEADS and 1 AMERICAN COOT on March
17 (RR, BR).
Birds found at Beltzville State Park on March 17 included 30 TUNDRA
SWANS, 2 MALLARDS, 7 HOODED MERGANSERS and 3 COMMON MERGANSERS (RR, BR).
A GREAT BLUE HERON was found along a small stream at the Trachsville
Bridge on March 17 (RR, BR).
A flock of 20 HORNED LARKS was observed on March 17 along Route 209
around the Trachsville Fire Company (RR, BR).
FOX SPARROWS, SONG SPARROWS, WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS and DARK-EYED
JUNCOS were found along many different roads on March 17 (RR, BR).
CENTRE COUNTY:
Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch reported counting 3 BLACK VULTURES, 26 TURKEY
VULTURES, 2 OSPREY, 1 BALD EAGLE, 3 NORTHERN HARRIERS, 3 SHARP-SHINNED
HAWKS, 5 COOPER'S HAWKS, 1 RED-SHOULDERED HAWK, 15 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 2
ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS and 11 GOLDEN EAGLES between March 15 and 21 (AH,
DO).
Birds found at Millbrook Marsh between March 14 and 21 included 40
CANADA GEESE, 4 MALLARDS, 1 GREAT BLUE HERON, 1 KILLDEER, 3 WILSON'S
SNIPES, 6 DOWNY WOODPECKERS, 2 BLUE JAYS, 5 AMERICAN CROWS, 1 FISH CROW,
1 TREE SWALLOW, 3 TUFTED TITMICE, 1 WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH, 19 EASTERN
BLUEBIRDS, 6 AMERICAN ROBINS, 6 AMERICAN TREE SPARROWS, 12 SONG
SPARROWS, 1 WHITE-THROATED SPARROW, 6 DARK-EYED JUNCOS, 9 NORTHERN
CARDINALS, 80 RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS, 18 BROWN-HEADED COWBIRDS and 7
AMERICAN GOLDFINCHES (JV).
The Centre Furnace Duck Pond produced 21 RING-NECKED DUCKS, 2 HOODED
MERGANSERS and 1 HORNED GREBE between March 14 and 20 (JV, RC).
Bird feeders in Unionville attracted at least 20 FOX SPARROWS between
March 16 and 19 and Bald Eagle Creek near Unionville yielded 2 HOODED
MERGANSERS and 10 RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS on March 19 (DO).
There were CANADA GEESE, 4 WOOD DUCKS, 4 AMERICAN WIGEONS, MALLARDS, 6
NORTHERN PINTAILS, 3 GREEN-WINGED TEAL, 5 RING-NECKED DUCKS, 4 LESSER
SCAUP, 1 LONG-TAILED DUCK, 6 HOODED MERGANSERS and 1 GREAT BLUE HERON at
the Fillmore Ponds between March 16 and 21 (DO).
Birds seen at Walnut Springs on March 17 included 3 MALLARDS, 1 AMERICAN
WOODCOCK, 1 WILSON'S SNIPE, 1 RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER, 1 DOWNY
WOODPECKER, 1 BLUEJAY, 6 AMERICAN CROWS, 4 BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEES, 3
TUFTED TITMICE, 4 WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCHES, 1 EASTERN BLUEBIRD, 1
HERMIT THRUSH, 5 AMERICAN ROBINS, 11 FOX SPARROWS, 7 SONG SPARROWS, 3
WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS, 4 DARK-EYED JUNCOS and 18 HOUSE FINCHES (JV).
Two FOX SPARROWS were seen in a State College yard on March 17 (MH).
Another 11 FOX SPARROWS visited feeders in Howard between March 17 and
18 (BSn).
Two FOX SPARROWS came to feeders on a property located just south of the
Toftrees Game Lands (CG).
Birds found at Toftrees Game Lands on March 18 included 4 WOOD DUCKS, 1
RED-TAILED HAWK, 2 KILLDEER, 2 RED-BELLIED WOODPECKERS, 2 NORTHERN
FLICKERS, 1 EASTERN PHOEBE, 3 BLUE JAYS, 6 AMERICAN CROWS, 3
BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEES, 3 TUFTED TITMICE, 9 EASTERN BLUEBIRDS, 20
AMERICAN ROBINS, 1 GRAY CATBIRD, 40 SONG SPARROWS and 8 NORTHERN
CARDINALS (JV, CG).
The RS Morgan Farm yielded RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS, 3 EASTERN MEADOWLARKS
and COMMON GRACKLES on March 18 (MH).
Property along Sinking Creek attracted 5 FOX SPARROWS, many SONG
SPARROWS, WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS, WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS, hundreds of
RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS, 1 EASTERN MEADOWLARK and COMMON GRACKLES between
March 17 and 18 (LR).
WOOD DUCKS, HOODED MERGANSERS and 1 EASTERN PHOEBE were found along Egg
Hill Road on March 18 (LR).
Birds found on March 17 and 18 in and around the Springfield Development
near Zion included HORNED LARK, AMERICAN ROBINS, PALM WARBLER, AMERICAN
TREE SPARROWS, SONG SPARROWS, RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS and COMMON GRACKLES
(JK).
COLUMBIA COUNTY:
State Games Land 226 produced 30 WILD TURKEYS and a mixed flock of over
300 RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS and COMMON GRACKLES on March 18 (MM).
CUMBERLAND COUNTY:
An adult male SCOTT'S ORIOLE continues to seen in a Mechanicsburg yard
along with several AMERICAN GOLDFINCHES through March 19 (TJ). It has
been seen visiting feeders and nearby trees behind 406 Kent Drive and
the next house south of that. These two homeowners have allowed people
to walk up beside the house to view the bird (carport on the adjacent
yard provides a good view of the feeders). However, visitors are
requested to remain in the street and not go into any other private
yard. To get to Kent Drive take Route 15 south from Camp Hill (or the PA
Turnpike if you come in that way), and exit onto 114 (turn left/south at
the end of the ramp). Make the first left onto Kim Acres Drive and
follow that past a couple of side streets to a left onto Kent Drive. It
is recommended that visitors either cruise around the area looking for a
conspicuously black and yellow bird or walk the street. Please park
legally on these narrow streets and DO NOT BLOCK DRIVEWAYS OR MAILBOXES,
etc. Be courteous and do nothing that might give birders a bad
reputation.
Two EASTERN PHOEBES were singing outside a Camp Hill office on March 15
(LU).
Three FOX SPARROWS visited feeders in Boiling Springs on March 15 (TS).
There were 139 TUNDRA SWANS and 53 AMERICAN PIPITS at Messiah College on
March 15 (CR, JD, AS).
A Camp Hill yard attracted 7 FOX SPARROWS on March 16 and 17 (RK).
A YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER was seen in Mechanicsburg on March 18 (CK,
DS, SS).
DAUPHIN COUNTY:
A field on top of a hill along East Park Drive across from its
intersection with Tipton Road had at least 2 displaying AMERICAN
WOODCOCK on the evening of March 14 (LU).
Birds seen in the Susquehanna River between March 15 and 21 from either
the West Fairview boat ramp or across the river from Front Street
included 45 CANADA GEESE, 72 TUNDRA SWANS, 12 WOOD DUCKS, 2 GADWALLS, 15
AMERICAN WIGEONS, 1 AMERICAN BLACK DUCK, 5 MALLARDS, 55 NORTHERN
PINTAILS, 20 GREEN-WINGED TEAL, 5 CANVASBACKS, 20 RING-NECKED DUCKS, 100
GREATER and LESSERS SCAUP, 15 BUFFLEHEADS, 2 COMMON GOLDENEYE, 18 HOODED
MERGANSERS, 30 COMMON MERGANSERS, 2 RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS, 22 HORNED
GREBES, 1 EARED GREBE, 1 DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT, 1 GREAT BLUE HERON, 3
TURKEY VULTURES, 2 BALD EAGLES, 1 RED-TAILED HAWK, 1 AMERICAN COOT, 1
KILLDEER, 2 LITTLE GULLS (one on March 15 and 2 on March 19), 50
BONAPARTE'S GULLS, 200 RING-BILLED GULLS, HERRING GULLS, ROCK PIGEONS, 1
BELTED KINGFISHER, 1 DOWNY WOODPECKER, 2 EASTERN PHOEBES, 1 FISH CROW,
30 TREE SWALLOWS, 2 NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOWS, 1 CAROLINA
CHICKADEE, 1 CAROLINA WREN, 2 AMERICAN ROBINS, 1 NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD,
EUROPEAN STARLINGS, 2 AMERICAN PIPITS, 5 SONG SPARROWS, 1 NORTHERN
CARDINAL, 5 RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS, 20 COMMON GRACKLES, 1 HOUSE FINCH and
10 HOUSE SPARROWS (RK, CK, DS, SS, TJ, DY, DH).
The following birds were seen along the Susquehanna River between
Wormleysburg and Marysville between March 15 and 16; NORTHERN PINTAIL, 4
CANVASBACKS, 17 SCAUP sp., 1 WHITE-WINGED SCOTER, 1 LONG-TAILED DUCK, 7
RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS, 17 HORNED GREBES, 2 RED-NECKED GREBES, 1
DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT, 5 BONAPARTE'S GULLS, 22 TREE SWALLOWS and 1
AMERICAN PIPIT (CR, DY).
A flock of over 60 AMERICAN PIPITS, AMERICAN TREE SPARROWS, 1 SAVANNAH
SPARROW, 8 FOX SPARROWS, SONG SPARROWS, WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS,
DARK-EYED JUNCOS and NORTHERN CARDINALS were seen in snowy fields along
Swatara Road in the Hershey Important Bird Area #45 between March 16 and
20 (DW, PW, AS).
Feeders near Hummelstown attracted 1 FOX SPARROW, WHITE-CROWNED
SPARROWS, RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS and 1 BROWN-HEADED COWBIRD on March 16
(SZ).
Another Hummelstown yard produced 1 RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH, AMERICAN
ROBINS, 4 FOX SPARROWS and RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS on March 16 (DW, PW).
Several AMERICAN ROBINS, 2 FOX SPARROWS and 3 RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS were
seen in a Harrisburg yard on March 16 (RS).
A flock of over 100 SNOW GEESE was observed flying over Hershey on March
17 (AS).
A BALD EAGLE and 5 FOX SPARROWS were at Wildwood Lake Wildlife Preserve
between March 19 and 20 (SL).
FRANKLIN COUNTY:
Birds found in the vicinity of Heisey Road between March 16 included 1
COOPER'S HAWK, 1 AMERICAN KESTREL MOURNING DOVES, 1 EASTERN PHOEBE,
AMERICAN ROBINS, NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD, AMERICAN TREE SPARROWS, 35 FOX
SPARROWS, SONG SPARROWS, WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS, 75 DARK-EYED JUNCOS,
NORTHERN CARDINALS, RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS and COMMON GRACKLES (BK).
Flocks of AMERICAN PIPITS were seen along Fetterhof Chapel Road and
Orchard Road on March 16 (BK).
Greencastle Reservoir produced 20 RING-NECKED DUCKS, 1 GREATER SCAUP, 1
RUDDY DUCK, 3 WILSON'S SNIPE and AMERICAN PIPITS on March 16 (BK).
Feeders at Caledonia State Park attracted 1 PINE WARBLER, AMERICAN TREE
SPARROWS, 20 FOX SPARROWS and a couple of PURPLE FINCHES on March 16
(MO).
A hike along the Conococheague Creek between Ragged Edge and Ritchey
Roads on March 17 located 1 NORTHERN HARRIER, 4 AMERICAN WOODCOCK, 1
HAIRY WOODPECKER, 5 EASTERN PHOEBES, 2 GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS, 2 HERMIT
THRUSHES, 1 AMERICAN PIPIT, 15 FOX SPARROWS, 4 SWAMP SPARROWS and 10
RUSTY BLACKBIRDS (MO).
There were 2 GREEN-WINGED TEAL at a small pond off St. Annes Drive in
Penn National on March 19 (MO).
HUNTINGDON COUNTY:
A PINE WARBLER visited feeders in Ennisville on March 18 (DWe).
JUNIATA COUNTY:
A PURPLE MARTIN was seen near Van Wert on March 15 (AR).
There were 2 light morph ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS along Cedar Spring Road on
March 17 (CK, AT, RF).
Thompsontown Road produced 9 WILSON'S SNIPE and hundreds of HORNED LARKS
on March 17 (CK, AT, RF).
Two BARN OWLS were observed at an undisclosed location on March 17 (CK,
AT, RF).
EASTERN PHOEBE and AMERICAN PIPIT were found on March 17 along the
Juniata River near the Mifflin Swimming Pool (CK, AT, RF).
The Mifflintown River Access yielded 1 NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW and
20 RUSTY BLACKBIRDS (CK, AT, RF).
RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER, DOWNY WOODPECKER, BLUE JAY, TUFTED TITMOUSE,
WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH, EUROPEAN STARLINGS, AMERICAN TREE SPARROWS, 2
FOX SPARROWS, SONG SPARROW, DARK-EYED JUNCO, NORTHERN CARDINAL,
RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD, COMMON GRACKLE, BROWN-HEADED COWBIRD, HOUSE FINCH
and HOUSE SPARROW were seen at a Mifflintown yard between March 17 and
19 (CK).
An EASTERN MEADOWLARK was observed near Pinnacle Hill on March 17 (CK,
AT, RF).
A LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH and 1 EASTERN MEADOWLARK were present along Metz
Road on March 17 (CK, AT, RF).
HORNED LARKS and 300 AMERICAN PIPITS were found along Long Road on March
17 (CK, AT, RF).
Birds seen near Oakland Mills on or prior to March 19 included 1
NORTHERN HARRIER, 1 NORTHERN GOSHAWK, 1 BROWN THRASHER and 1 SWAMP
SPARROW (AT).
LANCASTER COUNTY:
Feeders in Holtwood attracted 2 FOX SPARROWS, WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS
and DARK-EYED JUNCOS on March 16 (JS).
Up to 9 FOX SPARROWS and 1 RUSTY BLACKBIRD visited the Odell's feeders
between March 16 and 17 (AO).
A FOX SPARROW and a large number of AMERICAN GOLDFINCHES were visiting
feeders in Peach Bottom Village on March 16 (BS, NS).
Muddy Run Lake produced HOODED MERGANERS, 50 COMMON MERGANSERS, 1 COMMON
LOON, 3 RED-NECKED GREBES and 1 PINE WARBLER on March 16 (TA).
Birds seen at Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area between March 16 and
18 included SNOW GEESE, 3 TRUMPETER SWANS, 100 TUNDRA SWANS, 50
GREEN-WINGED TEAL, 1 PILEATED WOODPECKER, 1 KILLDEER, 2 WILSON'S SNIPE,
1 SANDHILL CRANE, 1 EASTERN PHOEBE, AMERICAN TREE SPARROWS, 1 FOX
SPARROW, SONG SPARROWS and 12 RUSTY BLACKBIRDS (TA, TJ).
Speedwell Forge Lake and County Park yielded a few TUNDRA SWANS, 100
COMMON MERGANSERS and 1 SWAMP SPARROW on March 16 (TA).
RING-NECKED DUCKS and HOODED MERGANSERS were found at ALCO Marsh in
Lancaster on March 16 (TA).
An Elizabethtown yard attracted 12 AMERICAN ROBINS and AMERICAN
GOLDFINCHES on March 16 (AB).
A Churchtown yard produced 8 FOX SPARROWS, 20 RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS,
COMMON GRACKLES and 50 BROWN-HEADED COWBIRDS on March 17 (FH, BH).
The Susquehanna River near the Chickies Rock boat launch yielded TUNDRA
SWAN, HOODED MERGANSER, DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT, BONAPARTE'S GULL,
RING-BILLED GULL and AMERICAN PIPIT on March 18 (CC).
An INDIGO BUNTING was seen at a residence located south of Quarryville
on March 18 (DWeb).
LEBANON COUNTY:
Memorial Lake in Fort Indiantown gap produced 90 CANADA GEESE, 95 TUNDRA
SWANS, 6 GADWALL, 22 AMERICAN WIGEONS, 5 MALLARDS, 20 NORTHERN PINTAILS,
8 REDHEADS, 125 RING-NECKED DUCKS, 2 SCAUP sp., 5 HOODED MERGANSERS, 2
RUDDY DUCKS, 3 HORNED GREBEBS and 38 AMERICAN COOTS (DW, PW).
LYCOMING COUNTY:
Feeders at a Williamsport property attracted 6 FOX SPARROWS on March 17
(DF).
A PEREGRINE FALCON was seen perched on the corner of the Genetti Hotel
in downtown Williamsport on March 17 (DF).
On March 17, Rider Park north of Warrensville produced 1 SHARP-SHINNED
HAWK, DOWNY WOODPECKER, HAIRY WOODPECKER, BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEES,
TUFTED TITMICE, WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCHES, EASTERN BLUEBIRDS, AMERICAN
TREE SPARROWS, SONG SPARROWS, WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS and DARK-EYED
JUNCOS (DF).
An EASTERN PHOEBE was seen at a cabin near Rose Valley Lake on March 17
(DF).
AMERICAN WOODCOCK were displaying at an undisclosed location this last
week (DF).
MIFFLIN COUNTY:
There were 3 CANADA GEESE, 2 WOOD DUCKS, 20 MALLARDS and 1 COMMON
GOLDENEYE at a farm pond along Bunkerhill Road in Big Valley on March 14
(JZ).
RING-BILLED GULLS, 1 AMERICAN PIPIT and 1 EASTERN MEADOWLARK was seen
around the Zook farm near Belleville between March 14 and 16 (JZ).
MONTOUR COUNTY:
Property located near Montour Preserve produced 3 NORTHERN HARRIERS, 2
SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, RED-TAILED HAWKS, AMERICAN KESTREL, BLUE JAY,
BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE, TUFTED TITMOUSE, AMERICAN TREE SPARROW, SONG
SPARROW, NORTHERN CARDINAL, RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD and BROWN-HEADED
COWBIRD on March 18 (MM).
YORK COUNTY:
A GREAT EGRET was found at Silver Lake near Lewisberry on March 14
(BKi).
Over 150 CANADA GEESE, 4 AMERICAN BLACK DUCKS, 12 MALLARDS, 6 NORTHERN
PINTAILS, 4 GREEN-WINGED TEAL, 18 REDHEADS, 250 RING-NECKED DUCKS, 1
GREATER SCAUP, 1 LESSER SCAUP, 9 BUFFLEHEADS, 60 COMMON MERGANSERS, 43
RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS, 14 COMMON LOONS, 1 PIED-BILLED GREBE, 14 HORNED
GREBES, 1 EARED GREBE in transitional molt (March 15), 13 DOUBLE-CRESTED
CORMORANTS and 1 BALD EAGLE were observed at Lake Marburg between March
15 and 20 (MW).
A Hanover yard attracted 1 FOX SPARROW, 4 SONG SPARROWS and 2
WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS between March 17 and 19 (BP).
An AMERICAN WOODCOCK was found in the marshy area at the south end of
Lake Redman on March 20 (DC).
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/CentralPABirdlinebackupfiles/messages.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.
The following people have contributed to this birdline: Tom Amico (TA),
Ann Bodling (AB), Dick Cleary (DC), Christopher Colby (CC), Ron Crandall
(RC), Jarrod Derr (JD), Dave Ferry (DF), Roana Fuller (RF), Laurie
Goodrich (LG), Chet Gottfried (CG), Barb Haas (BH), Frank Haas (FH),
Aaron Haiman (AH), Eric Hall (EH), Molly Heath (MH), Deuane Hoffman
(DH), Tom Johnson (TJ), Chad Kauffman (CK), Bob Keener (BK), Bill
Kimmich (BKi), John Kontier (JK), Ramsay Koury (RK), Sandy Lockerman
(SL), Moses Martin (MM), Mark McConaughy (MMc), Che Mincone (CMi),
Marian Mincone (MMi), Andrew Odell (AO), Dan Ombalski (DO), Mik Oyler
(MO), Beth Pugliese (BP), Larry Ramsey (LR), Barbara Rehrig (BR), Rich
Rehrig (RR), Amos Renno (AR), Cameron Rutt (CR), Art Schiavo (AS), Bob
Schutsky (BS), Nancy Schutsky (NS), Jim Smith (JS), Bob Snyder (BSn),
Thyra Sperry (TS), Rosemary Spreha (RS), Bob Stewart (BSt), Dave Stoner
(DS), Shawn Stoner (SS), Adam Stuckert (AS), Aden Troyer (AT), Larry
Usselman (LU), Joe Verica (JV), Drew Weber (DWeb), Mike Weible (MW),
Doug Wentzel (DWe), Dick Williams (DW) and Pat Williams (PW), David
Yeany (DY), Sally Zaino (SZ) and Jay Zook (JZ). I apologize if I have
misspelled their names and I will also refrain from naming that person
on request.
-End Transcript
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Mark A. McConaughy TimeTraveler@email.msn.com
Bushy Run Battlefield
P.O. Box 486
Harrison City, PA 15636-0468 (724) 527-5585 x103
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
- RBA
* Pennsylvania
* Central Pennsylvania
* March 22, 2007
* PACE0703.22
Bird Highlights
EARED GREBE (Dauphin and York Cos.)
LITTLE GULL (Dauphin Co.)
SCOTT'S ORIOLE (Cumberland Co.)
- Transcript
Hotline: Central Pennsylvania Birdline
Date: March 22, 2007
To Report: TimeTraveler@email.msn.com
Compiler: Mark A. McConaughy
TimeTraveler@email.msn.com
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, March 22, 2007.
BEDFORD/SOMERSET COUNTY:
Allegheny Front Hawk Watch reported counting 73 TURKEY VULTURES, 1
NORTHERN HARRIER, 1 SHARP-SHINNED HAWK, 4 COOPER'S HAWKS, 4
RED-SHOULDERED HAWKS, 15 RED-TAILED HAWKS and 5 GOLDEN EAGLES between
March 16 and 20 (MMc, BSt, EH, CMi, MMi).
CARBON COUNTY:
Perryville Dam yielded several BUFFLEHEADS and 1 AMERICAN COOT on March
17 (RR, BR).
Birds found at Beltzville State Park on March 17 included 30 TUNDRA
SWANS, 2 MALLARDS, 7 HOODED MERGANSERS and 3 COMMON MERGANSERS (RR, BR).
A GREAT BLUE HERON was found along a small stream at the Trachsville
Bridge on March 17 (RR, BR).
A flock of 20 HORNED LARKS was observed on March 17 along Route 209
around the Trachsville Fire Company (RR, BR).
FOX SPARROWS, SONG SPARROWS, WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS and DARK-EYED
JUNCOS were found along many different roads on March 17 (RR, BR).
CENTRE COUNTY:
Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch reported counting 3 BLACK VULTURES, 26 TURKEY
VULTURES, 2 OSPREY, 1 BALD EAGLE, 3 NORTHERN HARRIERS, 3 SHARP-SHINNED
HAWKS, 5 COOPER'S HAWKS, 1 RED-SHOULDERED HAWK, 15 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 2
ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS and 11 GOLDEN EAGLES between March 15 and 21 (AH,
DO).
Birds found at Millbrook Marsh between March 14 and 21 included 40
CANADA GEESE, 4 MALLARDS, 1 GREAT BLUE HERON, 1 KILLDEER, 3 WILSON'S
SNIPES, 6 DOWNY WOODPECKERS, 2 BLUE JAYS, 5 AMERICAN CROWS, 1 FISH CROW,
1 TREE SWALLOW, 3 TUFTED TITMICE, 1 WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH, 19 EASTERN
BLUEBIRDS, 6 AMERICAN ROBINS, 6 AMERICAN TREE SPARROWS, 12 SONG
SPARROWS, 1 WHITE-THROATED SPARROW, 6 DARK-EYED JUNCOS, 9 NORTHERN
CARDINALS, 80 RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS, 18 BROWN-HEADED COWBIRDS and 7
AMERICAN GOLDFINCHES (JV).
The Centre Furnace Duck Pond produced 21 RING-NECKED DUCKS, 2 HOODED
MERGANSERS and 1 HORNED GREBE between March 14 and 20 (JV, RC).
Bird feeders in Unionville attracted at least 20 FOX SPARROWS between
March 16 and 19 and Bald Eagle Creek near Unionville yielded 2 HOODED
MERGANSERS and 10 RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS on March 19 (DO).
There were CANADA GEESE, 4 WOOD DUCKS, 4 AMERICAN WIGEONS, MALLARDS, 6
NORTHERN PINTAILS, 3 GREEN-WINGED TEAL, 5 RING-NECKED DUCKS, 4 LESSER
SCAUP, 1 LONG-TAILED DUCK, 6 HOODED MERGANSERS and 1 GREAT BLUE HERON at
the Fillmore Ponds between March 16 and 21 (DO).
Birds seen at Walnut Springs on March 17 included 3 MALLARDS, 1 AMERICAN
WOODCOCK, 1 WILSON'S SNIPE, 1 RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER, 1 DOWNY
WOODPECKER, 1 BLUEJAY, 6 AMERICAN CROWS, 4 BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEES, 3
TUFTED TITMICE, 4 WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCHES, 1 EASTERN BLUEBIRD, 1
HERMIT THRUSH, 5 AMERICAN ROBINS, 11 FOX SPARROWS, 7 SONG SPARROWS, 3
WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS, 4 DARK-EYED JUNCOS and 18 HOUSE FINCHES (JV).
Two FOX SPARROWS were seen in a State College yard on March 17 (MH).
Another 11 FOX SPARROWS visited feeders in Howard between March 17 and
18 (BSn).
Two FOX SPARROWS came to feeders on a property located just south of the
Toftrees Game Lands (CG).
Birds found at Toftrees Game Lands on March 18 included 4 WOOD DUCKS, 1
RED-TAILED HAWK, 2 KILLDEER, 2 RED-BELLIED WOODPECKERS, 2 NORTHERN
FLICKERS, 1 EASTERN PHOEBE, 3 BLUE JAYS, 6 AMERICAN CROWS, 3
BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEES, 3 TUFTED TITMICE, 9 EASTERN BLUEBIRDS, 20
AMERICAN ROBINS, 1 GRAY CATBIRD, 40 SONG SPARROWS and 8 NORTHERN
CARDINALS (JV, CG).
The RS Morgan Farm yielded RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS, 3 EASTERN MEADOWLARKS
and COMMON GRACKLES on March 18 (MH).
Property along Sinking Creek attracted 5 FOX SPARROWS, many SONG
SPARROWS, WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS, WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS, hundreds of
RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS, 1 EASTERN MEADOWLARK and COMMON GRACKLES between
March 17 and 18 (LR).
WOOD DUCKS, HOODED MERGANSERS and 1 EASTERN PHOEBE were found along Egg
Hill Road on March 18 (LR).
Birds found on March 17 and 18 in and around the Springfield Development
near Zion included HORNED LARK, AMERICAN ROBINS, PALM WARBLER, AMERICAN
TREE SPARROWS, SONG SPARROWS, RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS and COMMON GRACKLES
(JK).
COLUMBIA COUNTY:
State Games Land 226 produced 30 WILD TURKEYS and a mixed flock of over
300 RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS and COMMON GRACKLES on March 18 (MM).
CUMBERLAND COUNTY:
An adult male SCOTT'S ORIOLE continues to seen in a Mechanicsburg yard
along with several AMERICAN GOLDFINCHES through March 19 (TJ). It has
been seen visiting feeders and nearby trees behind 406 Kent Drive and
the next house south of that. These two homeowners have allowed people
to walk up beside the house to view the bird (carport on the adjacent
yard provides a good view of the feeders). However, visitors are
requested to remain in the street and not go into any other private
yard. To get to Kent Drive take Route 15 south from Camp Hill (or the PA
Turnpike if you come in that way), and exit onto 114 (turn left/south at
the end of the ramp). Make the first left onto Kim Acres Drive and
follow that past a couple of side streets to a left onto Kent Drive. It
is recommended that visitors either cruise around the area looking for a
conspicuously black and yellow bird or walk the street. Please park
legally on these narrow streets and DO NOT BLOCK DRIVEWAYS OR MAILBOXES,
etc. Be courteous and do nothing that might give birders a bad
reputation.
Two EASTERN PHOEBES were singing outside a Camp Hill office on March 15
(LU).
Three FOX SPARROWS visited feeders in Boiling Springs on March 15 (TS).
There were 139 TUNDRA SWANS and 53 AMERICAN PIPITS at Messiah College on
March 15 (CR, JD, AS).
A Camp Hill yard attracted 7 FOX SPARROWS on March 16 and 17 (RK).
A YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER was seen in Mechanicsburg on March 18 (CK,
DS, SS).
DAUPHIN COUNTY:
A field on top of a hill along East Park Drive across from its
intersection with Tipton Road had at least 2 displaying AMERICAN
WOODCOCK on the evening of March 14 (LU).
Birds seen in the Susquehanna River between March 15 and 21 from either
the West Fairview boat ramp or across the river from Front Street
included 45 CANADA GEESE, 72 TUNDRA SWANS, 12 WOOD DUCKS, 2 GADWALLS, 15
AMERICAN WIGEONS, 1 AMERICAN BLACK DUCK, 5 MALLARDS, 55 NORTHERN
PINTAILS, 20 GREEN-WINGED TEAL, 5 CANVASBACKS, 20 RING-NECKED DUCKS, 100
GREATER and LESSERS SCAUP, 15 BUFFLEHEADS, 2 COMMON GOLDENEYE, 18 HOODED
MERGANSERS, 30 COMMON MERGANSERS, 2 RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS, 22 HORNED
GREBES, 1 EARED GREBE, 1 DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT, 1 GREAT BLUE HERON, 3
TURKEY VULTURES, 2 BALD EAGLES, 1 RED-TAILED HAWK, 1 AMERICAN COOT, 1
KILLDEER, 2 LITTLE GULLS (one on March 15 and 2 on March 19), 50
BONAPARTE'S GULLS, 200 RING-BILLED GULLS, HERRING GULLS, ROCK PIGEONS, 1
BELTED KINGFISHER, 1 DOWNY WOODPECKER, 2 EASTERN PHOEBES, 1 FISH CROW,
30 TREE SWALLOWS, 2 NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOWS, 1 CAROLINA
CHICKADEE, 1 CAROLINA WREN, 2 AMERICAN ROBINS, 1 NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD,
EUROPEAN STARLINGS, 2 AMERICAN PIPITS, 5 SONG SPARROWS, 1 NORTHERN
CARDINAL, 5 RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS, 20 COMMON GRACKLES, 1 HOUSE FINCH and
10 HOUSE SPARROWS (RK, CK, DS, SS, TJ, DY, DH).
The following birds were seen along the Susquehanna River between
Wormleysburg and Marysville between March 15 and 16; NORTHERN PINTAIL, 4
CANVASBACKS, 17 SCAUP sp., 1 WHITE-WINGED SCOTER, 1 LONG-TAILED DUCK, 7
RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS, 17 HORNED GREBES, 2 RED-NECKED GREBES, 1
DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT, 5 BONAPARTE'S GULLS, 22 TREE SWALLOWS and 1
AMERICAN PIPIT (CR, DY).
A flock of over 60 AMERICAN PIPITS, AMERICAN TREE SPARROWS, 1 SAVANNAH
SPARROW, 8 FOX SPARROWS, SONG SPARROWS, WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS,
DARK-EYED JUNCOS and NORTHERN CARDINALS were seen in snowy fields along
Swatara Road in the Hershey Important Bird Area #45 between March 16 and
20 (DW, PW, AS).
Feeders near Hummelstown attracted 1 FOX SPARROW, WHITE-CROWNED
SPARROWS, RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS and 1 BROWN-HEADED COWBIRD on March 16
(SZ).
Another Hummelstown yard produced 1 RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH, AMERICAN
ROBINS, 4 FOX SPARROWS and RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS on March 16 (DW, PW).
Several AMERICAN ROBINS, 2 FOX SPARROWS and 3 RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS were
seen in a Harrisburg yard on March 16 (RS).
A flock of over 100 SNOW GEESE was observed flying over Hershey on March
17 (AS).
A BALD EAGLE and 5 FOX SPARROWS were at Wildwood Lake Wildlife Preserve
between March 19 and 20 (SL).
FRANKLIN COUNTY:
Birds found in the vicinity of Heisey Road between March 16 included 1
COOPER'S HAWK, 1 AMERICAN KESTREL MOURNING DOVES, 1 EASTERN PHOEBE,
AMERICAN ROBINS, NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD, AMERICAN TREE SPARROWS, 35 FOX
SPARROWS, SONG SPARROWS, WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS, 75 DARK-EYED JUNCOS,
NORTHERN CARDINALS, RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS and COMMON GRACKLES (BK).
Flocks of AMERICAN PIPITS were seen along Fetterhof Chapel Road and
Orchard Road on March 16 (BK).
Greencastle Reservoir produced 20 RING-NECKED DUCKS, 1 GREATER SCAUP, 1
RUDDY DUCK, 3 WILSON'S SNIPE and AMERICAN PIPITS on March 16 (BK).
Feeders at Caledonia State Park attracted 1 PINE WARBLER, AMERICAN TREE
SPARROWS, 20 FOX SPARROWS and a couple of PURPLE FINCHES on March 16
(MO).
A hike along the Conococheague Creek between Ragged Edge and Ritchey
Roads on March 17 located 1 NORTHERN HARRIER, 4 AMERICAN WOODCOCK, 1
HAIRY WOODPECKER, 5 EASTERN PHOEBES, 2 GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS, 2 HERMIT
THRUSHES, 1 AMERICAN PIPIT, 15 FOX SPARROWS, 4 SWAMP SPARROWS and 10
RUSTY BLACKBIRDS (MO).
There were 2 GREEN-WINGED TEAL at a small pond off St. Annes Drive in
Penn National on March 19 (MO).
HUNTINGDON COUNTY:
A PINE WARBLER visited feeders in Ennisville on March 18 (DWe).
JUNIATA COUNTY:
A PURPLE MARTIN was seen near Van Wert on March 15 (AR).
There were 2 light morph ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS along Cedar Spring Road on
March 17 (CK, AT, RF).
Thompsontown Road produced 9 WILSON'S SNIPE and hundreds of HORNED LARKS
on March 17 (CK, AT, RF).
Two BARN OWLS were observed at an undisclosed location on March 17 (CK,
AT, RF).
EASTERN PHOEBE and AMERICAN PIPIT were found on March 17 along the
Juniata River near the Mifflin Swimming Pool (CK, AT, RF).
The Mifflintown River Access yielded 1 NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW and
20 RUSTY BLACKBIRDS (CK, AT, RF).
RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER, DOWNY WOODPECKER, BLUE JAY, TUFTED TITMOUSE,
WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH, EUROPEAN STARLINGS, AMERICAN TREE SPARROWS, 2
FOX SPARROWS, SONG SPARROW, DARK-EYED JUNCO, NORTHERN CARDINAL,
RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD, COMMON GRACKLE, BROWN-HEADED COWBIRD, HOUSE FINCH
and HOUSE SPARROW were seen at a Mifflintown yard between March 17 and
19 (CK).
An EASTERN MEADOWLARK was observed near Pinnacle Hill on March 17 (CK,
AT, RF).
A LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH and 1 EASTERN MEADOWLARK were present along Metz
Road on March 17 (CK, AT, RF).
HORNED LARKS and 300 AMERICAN PIPITS were found along Long Road on March
17 (CK, AT, RF).
Birds seen near Oakland Mills on or prior to March 19 included 1
NORTHERN HARRIER, 1 NORTHERN GOSHAWK, 1 BROWN THRASHER and 1 SWAMP
SPARROW (AT).
LANCASTER COUNTY:
Feeders in Holtwood attracted 2 FOX SPARROWS, WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS
and DARK-EYED JUNCOS on March 16 (JS).
Up to 9 FOX SPARROWS and 1 RUSTY BLACKBIRD visited the Odell's feeders
between March 16 and 17 (AO).
A FOX SPARROW and a large number of AMERICAN GOLDFINCHES were visiting
feeders in Peach Bottom Village on March 16 (BS, NS).
Muddy Run Lake produced HOODED MERGANERS, 50 COMMON MERGANSERS, 1 COMMON
LOON, 3 RED-NECKED GREBES and 1 PINE WARBLER on March 16 (TA).
Birds seen at Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area between March 16 and
18 included SNOW GEESE, 3 TRUMPETER SWANS, 100 TUNDRA SWANS, 50
GREEN-WINGED TEAL, 1 PILEATED WOODPECKER, 1 KILLDEER, 2 WILSON'S SNIPE,
1 SANDHILL CRANE, 1 EASTERN PHOEBE, AMERICAN TREE SPARROWS, 1 FOX
SPARROW, SONG SPARROWS and 12 RUSTY BLACKBIRDS (TA, TJ).
Speedwell Forge Lake and County Park yielded a few TUNDRA SWANS, 100
COMMON MERGANSERS and 1 SWAMP SPARROW on March 16 (TA).
RING-NECKED DUCKS and HOODED MERGANSERS were found at ALCO Marsh in
Lancaster on March 16 (TA).
An Elizabethtown yard attracted 12 AMERICAN ROBINS and AMERICAN
GOLDFINCHES on March 16 (AB).
A Churchtown yard produced 8 FOX SPARROWS, 20 RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS,
COMMON GRACKLES and 50 BROWN-HEADED COWBIRDS on March 17 (FH, BH).
The Susquehanna River near the Chickies Rock boat launch yielded TUNDRA
SWAN, HOODED MERGANSER, DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT, BONAPARTE'S GULL,
RING-BILLED GULL and AMERICAN PIPIT on March 18 (CC).
An INDIGO BUNTING was seen at a residence located south of Quarryville
on March 18 (DWeb).
LEBANON COUNTY:
Memorial Lake in Fort Indiantown gap produced 90 CANADA GEESE, 95 TUNDRA
SWANS, 6 GADWALL, 22 AMERICAN WIGEONS, 5 MALLARDS, 20 NORTHERN PINTAILS,
8 REDHEADS, 125 RING-NECKED DUCKS, 2 SCAUP sp., 5 HOODED MERGANSERS, 2
RUDDY DUCKS, 3 HORNED GREBEBS and 38 AMERICAN COOTS (DW, PW).
LYCOMING COUNTY:
Feeders at a Williamsport property attracted 6 FOX SPARROWS on March 17
(DF).
A PEREGRINE FALCON was seen perched on the corner of the Genetti Hotel
in downtown Williamsport on March 17 (DF).
On March 17, Rider Park north of Warrensville produced 1 SHARP-SHINNED
HAWK, DOWNY WOODPECKER, HAIRY WOODPECKER, BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEES,
TUFTED TITMICE, WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCHES, EASTERN BLUEBIRDS, AMERICAN
TREE SPARROWS, SONG SPARROWS, WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS and DARK-EYED
JUNCOS (DF).
An EASTERN PHOEBE was seen at a cabin near Rose Valley Lake on March 17
(DF).
AMERICAN WOODCOCK were displaying at an undisclosed location this last
week (DF).
MIFFLIN COUNTY:
There were 3 CANADA GEESE, 2 WOOD DUCKS, 20 MALLARDS and 1 COMMON
GOLDENEYE at a farm pond along Bunkerhill Road in Big Valley on March 14
(JZ).
RING-BILLED GULLS, 1 AMERICAN PIPIT and 1 EASTERN MEADOWLARK was seen
around the Zook farm near Belleville between March 14 and 16 (JZ).
MONTOUR COUNTY:
Property located near Montour Preserve produced 3 NORTHERN HARRIERS, 2
SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, RED-TAILED HAWKS, AMERICAN KESTREL, BLUE JAY,
BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE, TUFTED TITMOUSE, AMERICAN TREE SPARROW, SONG
SPARROW, NORTHERN CARDINAL, RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD and BROWN-HEADED
COWBIRD on March 18 (MM).
YORK COUNTY:
A GREAT EGRET was found at Silver Lake near Lewisberry on March 14
(BKi).
Over 150 CANADA GEESE, 4 AMERICAN BLACK DUCKS, 12 MALLARDS, 6 NORTHERN
PINTAILS, 4 GREEN-WINGED TEAL, 18 REDHEADS, 250 RING-NECKED DUCKS, 1
GREATER SCAUP, 1 LESSER SCAUP, 9 BUFFLEHEADS, 60 COMMON MERGANSERS, 43
RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS, 14 COMMON LOONS, 1 PIED-BILLED GREBE, 14 HORNED
GREBES, 1 EARED GREBE in transitional molt (March 15), 13 DOUBLE-CRESTED
CORMORANTS and 1 BALD EAGLE were observed at Lake Marburg between March
15 and 20 (MW).
A Hanover yard attracted 1 FOX SPARROW, 4 SONG SPARROWS and 2
WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS between March 17 and 19 (BP).
An AMERICAN WOODCOCK was found in the marshy area at the south end of
Lake Redman on March 20 (DC).
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/CentralPABirdlinebackupfiles/messages.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.
The following people have contributed to this birdline: Tom Amico (TA),
Ann Bodling (AB), Dick Cleary (DC), Christopher Colby (CC), Ron Crandall
(RC), Jarrod Derr (JD), Dave Ferry (DF), Roana Fuller (RF), Laurie
Goodrich (LG), Chet Gottfried (CG), Barb Haas (BH), Frank Haas (FH),
Aaron Haiman (AH), Eric Hall (EH), Molly Heath (MH), Deuane Hoffman
(DH), Tom Johnson (TJ), Chad Kauffman (CK), Bob Keener (BK), Bill
Kimmich (BKi), John Kontier (JK), Ramsay Koury (RK), Sandy Lockerman
(SL), Moses Martin (MM), Mark McConaughy (MMc), Che Mincone (CMi),
Marian Mincone (MMi), Andrew Odell (AO), Dan Ombalski (DO), Mik Oyler
(MO), Beth Pugliese (BP), Larry Ramsey (LR), Barbara Rehrig (BR), Rich
Rehrig (RR), Amos Renno (AR), Cameron Rutt (CR), Art Schiavo (AS), Bob
Schutsky (BS), Nancy Schutsky (NS), Jim Smith (JS), Bob Snyder (BSn),
Thyra Sperry (TS), Rosemary Spreha (RS), Bob Stewart (BSt), Dave Stoner
(DS), Shawn Stoner (SS), Adam Stuckert (AS), Aden Troyer (AT), Larry
Usselman (LU), Joe Verica (JV), Drew Weber (DWeb), Mike Weible (MW),
Doug Wentzel (DWe), Dick Williams (DW) and Pat Williams (PW), David
Yeany (DY), Sally Zaino (SZ) and Jay Zook (JZ). I apologize if I have
misspelled their names and I will also refrain from naming that person
on request.
-End Transcript
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Mark A. McConaughy TimeTraveler@email.msn.com
Bushy Run Battlefield
P.O. Box 486
Harrison City, PA 15636-0468 (724) 527-5585 x103
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