- RBA
* Pennsylvania
* Central Pennsylvania
* November 3, 2005
* PACE0511.03
Bird Highlights
Wood Duck
Gadwall
American Wigeon
Northern Pintail
Northern Shoveler
Greater Scaup
Lesser Scaup
Bufflehead
Ruddy Duck
CAVE SWALLOW (Lancaster Co., *PORC needs documentation)
Snow Bunting
- Transcript
Hotline: Central Pennsylvania Birdline
Date: November 3, 2005
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,
November 3, 2005.
ADAMS COUNTY:
Birds seen in an unspecified area of the county on October 28 included
GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET, RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET, YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER and
WHITE-THROATED SPARROW (CA).
Farmland located southwest of Gettysburg yielded 3 RED-HEADED WOODPECKERS
and 5 WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS on October 30 (JW).
BEDFORD COUNTY:
A visit to Shawnee Lake State Park on October 30 yielded 1 BLUE-WINGED TEAL,
3 DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS, 4 GREAT BLUE HERONS, TURKEY VULTURES, 87
KILLDEER, 3 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS, 3 WILSON'S SNIPES, 1 JAEGER sp.,
RING-BILLED GULLS, 1 HERRING GULL, 2 BLUE-HEADED VIREOS, 3 RED-BREASTED
NUTHATCHES, 1 WINTER WREN, 1 AMERICAN PIPIT, YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS, 2
CHIPPING SPARROWS, 1 LINCOLN'S SPARROW, WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS,
WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS, DARK-EYED JUNCOS and 6 PURPLE FINCHES (DSn).
BEDFORD/SOMERSET COUNTY:
Allegheny Front Hawk Watch reported 124 TURKEY VULTURES, 8 NORTHERN
HARRIERS, 42 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, 12 COOPER'S HAWKS, 1 NORTHERN GOSHAWK, 53
RED-SHOULDERED HAWKS, 516 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 1 ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK, 3 GOLDEN
EAGLES, 4 AMERICAN KESTRELS and 1 PEREGRINE FALCON between October 26 and
November 2 (TB, RM, TD, TF, JR, GF, NF, BSt, DBy, CM, MM).
CARBON COUNTY:
Birds seen from the Blue Mountain Ski Area on October 29 included 4 BLACK
VULTURES, 3 BALD EAGLES, 1 NORTHERN HARRIER, 63 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, 15
COOPER'S HAWKS, 6 NORTHERN GOSHAWKS, 21 RED-SHOULDERED HAWKS, 715 RED-TAILED
HAWKS, 5 GOLDEN EAGLES, 1 MERLIN and 1 PEREGRINE FALCON (BR, RR).
An October 31 visit to Beltzville State Park found BUFFLEHEAD, RUDDY DUCK,
COMMON LOON, RED-TAILED HAWK, MERLIN, GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS, HERMIT
THRUSH, YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS, PALM WARBLER, WILSON'S WARBLER, CHIPPING
SPARROW, SONG SPARROW, WHITE-THROATED SPARROW and DARK-EYED JUNCOS (BR, RR).
CENTRE COUNTY:
Birds found at Colyer Lake between October 26 and November 2 included 240
CANADA GEESE, 10 WOOD DUCKS, AMERICAN BLACK DUCKS, 80 MALLARDS, 2 NORTHERN
PINTAILS, 4 GREEN-WINGED TEAL, 10 RING-NECKED DUCKS, 6 possible GREATER
SCAUP, 2 LESSER SCAUP, 1 HOODED MERGANSER, 7 RUDDY DUCKS, 10 RED-BREASTED
MERGANSERS, 1 PIED-BILLED GREBE, 1 HORNED GREBE, 4 TURKEY VULTURES, 1
NORTHERN HARRIER, 5 AMERICAN COOT, 1 GREATER YELLOWLEGS, 1 BELTED
KINGFISHER, 1 COMMON RAVEN, 4 TREE SWALLOWS, EASTERN BLUEBIRDS, 1 NORTHERN
MOCKINGBIRD, YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS, EASTERN TOWHEES, SONG SPARROWS,
DARK-EYED JUNCOS and 1 RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD (NK, JM, MH).
Bald Eagle State Park produced 9 RING-NECKED DUCKS, several RUDDY DUCKS, 3
COMMON LOONS, 2 PIED-BILLED GREBES, 2 RED-NECKED GREBES, 1 OSPREY, 3 BALD
EAGLES, 1 SHARP-SHINNED HAWK, 6 AMERICAN COOTS, 1 PILEATED WOODPECKER, 12
TREE SWALLOWS, EASTERN BLUEBIRDS, 100 CEDAR WAXWINGS, 42 YELLOW-RUMPED
WARBLERS, WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS, WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS and 17 HOUSE
FINCHES between October 26 and November 2 (MH, BSn, RSc, JM).
Birds seen on October from the dike in Howard included 5 AMERICAN BLACK
DUCKS, 1 GREEN-WINGED TEAL, 1 PIED-BILLED GREBE and 1 DOUBLE-CRESTED
CORMORANT (BSn).
Raptors seen from the top of Bald Eagle Mountain near Skytop on October 26
included 1 OSPREY, 2 BALD EAGLES, 1 NORTHERN HARRIER, 15 SHARP-SHINNED
HAWKS, 5 COOPER'S HAWKS, 3 RED-SHOULDERED HAWKS and 133 RED-TAILED HAWKS
(DO).
The Jo Hayes Vista of Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch produced 2 OSPREY, 1 BALD
EAGLE, 2 NORTHERN HARRIERS, 9 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, 9 COOPER'S HAWKS, 1
RED-SHOULDERED HAWK, 198 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 6 GOLDEN EAGLES, 1 AMERICAN
KESTREL and 1 PEREGRINE FALCON between October 26 and 29 (CW, BL).
The following birds were found at Millbrook Marsh on October 26; 5 MALLARDS,
1 GREAT BLUE HERON, 1 SHARP-SHINNED HAWK, 1 BELTED KINGFISHER, 1 DOWNY
WOODPECKER, 1 BLUE JAY, 5 AMERICAN CROWS, 2 TUFTED TITMOUSE, 1 CAROLINA
WREN, 60 AMERICAN ROBINS, 1 NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD, 30 EUROPEAN STARLINGS, 9
SONG SPARROWS, 3 WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS, 2 WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW, 2
NORTHERN CARDINALS, 40 RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS, 700 COMMON GRACKLES, 3
BROWN-HEADED COWBIRDS and 1 HOUSE FINCH (NB).
CUMBERLAND COUNTY;
Waggoner's Gap Hawk Watch reported tabulating 10 BLACK VULTURES, 549 TURKEY
VULTURES, 4 OSPREY, 15 BALD EAGLES, 56 NORTHERN HARRIERS, 657 SHARP-SHINNED
HAWKS, 127 COOPER'S HAWKS, 27 NORTHERN GOSHAWKS, 106 RED-SHOULDERED HAWKS,
1792 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 1 ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW, 73 GOLDEN EAGLES, 7 AMERICAN
KESTRELS, 20 MERLINS and 1 PEREGRINE FALCON between October 26 and November
2 (DG, DGi, RF, GW, CH).
DAUPHIN COUNTY:
Three RED CROSSBILLS were seen feeding in Norway Spruces at the Dauphin
Conservation District north of Dauphin Borough on October 27 (TJ).
The Dauphin Conservation District, Ned Smith Center and Bear Creek areas
collectively produced around 20 RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES on October 27 (TJ).
A single RED CROSSBILL was also observed from the Cold Springs Access
parking lot in Stony Creek Valley on October 27 (TJ).
Birds found in Clark's Valley on October 30 included 2 YELLOW-BELLIED
SAPSUCKERS, 13 RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES, 5 FOX SPARROWS, 15 SWAMP SPARROWS, 4
PURPLE FINCHES and 11 PINE SISKINS (RK).
One BLUE-HEADED VIREO and 26 RUSTY BLACKBIRDS were observed at Wildwood Lake
Nature Sanctuary in northern Harrisburg on October 30 (RK).
FRANKLIN COUNTY:
Tuscarora Summit Hawk Watch reported counting 2 BLACK VULTURES, 96 TURKEY
VULTURES, 1 OSPREY, 1 NORTHERN HARRIER, 6 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, 4 COOPER'S
HAWKS, 2 RED-SHOULDERED HAWKS, 73 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 4 ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS and
1 GOLDEN EAGLE between October 26 and 30 (DGe).
Birds seen along Heisey Road on October 29 included 1 COOPER'S HAWK, 2
AMERICAN WOODCOCKS, DOWNY WOODPECKER, HAIRY WOODPECKER, PILEATED WOODPECKER,
RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES, 1 WINTER WREN, GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS,
RUBY-CROWNED KINGLETS, 1 BROWN THRASHER, YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS, SWAMP
SPARROWS, WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS and PURPLE FINCHES (BK).
RUDDY DUCKS were seen at Greencastle Reservoir and Benders Pond on October
29 (BK).
FULTON COUNTY:
A check of Haines-Seville Wetlands on October 30 found 1 WOOD DUCK, 26
MALLARDS, 1 GREEN-WINGED TEAL and 1 RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH (DSn).
Birds seen at Meadow Grounds Lake on October 30 included 1 COMMON LOON, 1
TURKEY VULTURE, 1 BALD EAGLE, 1 RED-SHOULDERED HAWK, 1 RED-TAILED HAWK and
GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS (DSn).
JUNIATA COUNTY:
A GOLDEN EAGLE, an AMERICAN KESTREL and 1 MERLIN were observed near Spruce
Hill on October 27 (CK).
A MERLIN was seen near Mifflintown on October 31 (CK).
LANCASTER COUNTY:
Birds found at Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area on October 26 and 29
included 50 SNOW GEESE, 100 CANADA GEESE, 5 WOOD DUCKS, 30 AMERICAN BLACK
DUCKS, 50 MALLARDS, 30 NORTHERN SHOVELERS, 3 RING-NECKED DUCKS, 1 HOODED
MERGANSERS, 50 RUDDY DUCKS, 1 PIED-BILLED GREBE, 12 DOUBLE-CRESTED
CORMORANTS, 6 GREAT BLUE HERONS, BLACK VULTURES, TURKEY VULTURES, 1 BALD
EAGLE, 2 NORTHERN HARRIERS, 8 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, 8 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 1
AMERICAN KESTREL, 3 AMERICAN COOT, 3 BELTED KINGFISHERS, 3 RED-BELLIED
WOODPECKERS, 3 DOWNY WOODPECKERS, 3 NORTHERN FLICKERS, 1 BLUE-HEADED VIREO,
5 BLUE JAYS, 43 AMERICAN CROWS, HORNED LARKS, 12 TREE SWALLOWS, 1 NORTHERN
ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW, 4 CAROLINA CHICKADEES, 2 TUFTED TITMICE, 2
WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCHES, 4 BROWN CREEPERS, 2 CAROLINA WRENS, 8
GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS, 4 RUBY-CROWNED KINGLETS, 2 EASTERN BLUEBIRDS, 1
GRAY CATBIRD, 2 NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRDS, 1 EUROPEAN STARLING, 20 CEDAR
WAXWINGS, 2 EASTERN TOWHEES, CHIPPING SPARROWS, 8 FIELD SPARROWS, 6 SONG
SPARROWS, 6 WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS, 4 WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS, 15 DARK-EYED
JUNCOS, NORTHERN CARDINAL, 30 RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS, 15 EASTERN MEADOWLARKS,
50 COMMON GRACKLES, 30 BROWN-HEADED COWBIRDS, 1 PURPLE FINCH, 1 HOUSE FINCH
and 1 AMERICAN GOLDFINCH (CC, PF, JMi).
Birds found at the Conejohela Flats between October 27 and 30 included 22
WOOD DUCKS, GADWALL, AMERICAN WIGEON, AMERICAN BLACK DUCKS, MALLARDS,
NORTHERN SHOVELER, GREEN-WINGED TEAL, 6 COMMON MERGANSERS, 1 HORNED GREBE, 2
DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS, 16 GREAT BLUE HERONS, 1 adult and 3 immature BALD
EAGLES, SHARP-SHINNED HAWK, COOPER'S HAWK, RED-SHOULDERED HAWK, RED-TAILED
HAWKS, 1 MERLIN, 1 PEREGRINE FALCON, 63 AMERICAN COOT, 1 SEMIPALMATED
PLOVER, 13 KILLDEER, 2 GREATER YELLOWLEGS, 1 LESSER YELLOWLEGS, 1 WESTERN
SANDPIPER, 1 dark morph JAEGER sp. (October 30), 2 BONAPARTE'S GULLS, 1
LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL, TREE SWALLOWS, ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOWS, 1 CAVE
SWALLOW (on October 30), 1 RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH, EASTERN BLUEBIRDS,
AMERICAN ROBINS, 1 AMERICAN PIPIT, CEDAR WAXWINGS, 1 YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER,
PALM WARBLER, CHIPPING SPARROW and 1 PINE SISKIN (BS, TA, TJ).
Over 25 FORSTER'S TERNS were seen on the Conowingo Pond section of the
Susquehanna River near Peach Bottom on October 27 (BS).
Both CAROLINA CHICKADEES and BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEES have been visiting an
Elizabethtown yard through October 28 (AMB).
The following birds were seen near Gap on October 29; 2 MALLARDS, 1
SHARP-SHINNED HAWK, 2 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 1 AMERICAN KESTREL, 1 KILLDEER, 25
ROCK PIGEONS, 30 MOURNING DOVES, 2 DOWNY WOODPECKERS, 1 NORTHERN FLICKER, 1
BLUE-HEADED VIREO, 2 BLUE JAYS, 3 AMERICAN CROWS, 1 HORNED LARK, 1
BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE, 2 GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS, 7 EASTERN BLUEBIRDS, 2
NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRDS, 24 EUROPEAN STARLINGS, 1 SAVANNAH SPARROW, 1 FOX
SPARROW, 13 SONG SPARROWS, 1 WHITE-THROATED SPARROW, 3 DARK-EYED JUNCOS, 2
NORTHERN CARDINALS, 2 RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS, 520 BROWN-HEADED COWBIRDS, 1
HOUSE FINCH, 1 AMERICAN GOLDFINCH and 29 HOUSE SPARROWS (PF).
A hike along Kelly's Run Trail in the Holtwood Recreation Area on November 2
found 20 CANADA GEESE, 1 RING-NECKED PHEASANT, 10 BLACK VULTURES, 3 TURKEY
VULTURES, 1 NORTHERN HARIER, 1 RED-TAILED HAWK, 2 MOURNING DOVES, 1
RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER, 3 DOWNY WOODPECKERS, 2 NORTHERN FLICKERS, 3 BLUE
JAYS, 3 AMERICAN CROWS, 1 CAROLINA CHICKADEE, 2 BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEES, 2
TUFTED TITMICE, 1 RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH, 2 WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCHES, 1
CAROLINA WREN, 1 GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET, 2 RUBY-CROWNED KINGLETS, 1 EASTERN
BLUEBIRD, 32 AMERICAN ROBINS, 1 GRAY CATBIRD, 15 EUROPEAN STARLINGS, 15
CEDAR WAXWINGS, 2 YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS, 1 EASTERN TOWHEE, 2 SONG SPARROWS,
7 WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS, 4 DARK-EYED JUNCOS, 2 NORTHERN CARDINALS, 1
RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD, 1 COMMON GRACKLE, 3 HOUSE FINCHES and 1 AMERICAN
GOLDFINCH (PF).
The following birds were seen on November 2 from the Face Rock Overlook in
Susquehannock State Park; 4 DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS, 1 GREAT BLUE HERON,
20 BLACK VULTURES, 5 TURKEY VULTURES, 10 BALD EAGLES, 1 RED-TAILED HAWK,
hundreds of RING-BILLED GULLS, 1 HERRING GULL, 1 ROCK PIGEON and 74 AMERICAN
CROWS (PF).
One KILLDEER and 2 HORNED LARKS were seen in the Musser's Store parking lot
on November 2 (PF).
LEBANON COUNTY:
Second Mountain Hawk Watch reports counting 17 BLACK VULTURES, 31 TURKEY
VULTURES, 2 OSPREY, 5 BALD EAGLE, 23 NORTHERN HARRIERS, 157 SHARP-SHINNED
HAWKS, 39 COOPER'S HAWKS, 9 NORTHERN GOSHAWKS, 47 RED-SHOULDERED HAWKS, 2
BROAD-WINGED HAWKS, 445 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 16 GOLDEN EAGLES, 2 AMERICAN
KESTRELS, 1 MERLIN and 1 PEREGRINE FALCON from October 26 to November 1 (DS,
GK, FW, JG, RP).
LYCOMING COUNTY:
There were RUDDY DUCKS, 4 PIED-BILLED GREBES and 2 SNOW BUNTINGS at Rose
Valley Lake on October 28 (FMc, JMc).
MCKEAN COUNTY:
Feeders in Bradford attracted 35 CHIPPING SPARROWS, 1 CLAY-COLORED SPARROW
and 19 PINE SISKINS on October 29 (JF).
MIFFLIN COUNTY:
Stone Mountain Hawk Watch reported seeing 2 OSPREY, 4 BALD EAGLES, 16
NORTHERN HARRIERS, 51 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, 13 COOPER'S HAWKS, 2 NORTHERN
GOSHAWKS, 23 RED-SHOULDERED HAWKS, 301 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 1 ROUGH-LEGGED
HAWK, 19 GOLDEN EAGLES, 3 AMERICAN KESTREL and 1 MERLIN between October 26
and November 1 (BD, DB, TK, GG).
Jack's Mountain Hawk Watch reported counting 71 TURKEY VULTURES, 3 NORTHERN
HARRIERS, 25 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, 4 COOPER'S HAWKS, 1 NORTHERN GOSHAWK, 129
RED-TAILED HAWKS and 3 GOLDEN EAGLES between October 26 and 31 (LW, DSm).
SCHUYLKILL/BERKS COUNTIES:
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary reported counting 39 BLACK VULTURE, 229 TURKEY
VULTURES, 5 OSPREY, 8 BALD EAGLES, 30 NORTHERN HARRIERS, 619 SHARP-SHINNED
HAWKS, 182 COOPER'S HAWKS, 13 NORTHERN GOSHAWKS, 168 RED-SHOULDERED HAWKS, 1
BROAD-WINGED HAWK, 1971 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 42 GOLDEN EAGLES, 11 AMERICAN
KESTRELS, 12 MERLINS and 2 PEREGRINE FALCONS between October 26 and November
2 (LG, DBa).
SNYDER COUNTY:
A SNOW BUNTING was found near the Adam Bower Dam on October 26 (MB).
A flock of 75 HORNED LARKS were found in fields on the Isle-of-Que in
Selinsgrove on October 26 (MB).
YORK COUNTY:
There were 1 AMERICAN WOODCOCK, 1 possible BARN OWL and SWAMP SPARROW near
Abbottstown on October 28 (CA).
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;
Celia Adams (CA), Tom Amico (TA), Dave Barber (DBa), Tony Barle (TB), Mick
Brown (MB), Don Bryant (DB), Nan Butkovich (NB), Dick Byers (DBy), Chuck
Chalfant (CC), Tom Dick (TD), John Fedak (JF), Pamela Fisher (PF), Gene
Flament (GF), Nancy Flament (NF), Ron Freed (RF), Dale Gearhart (DGe), Jay
George (JG), Deb Gingrich (DGi), Laurie Goodrich (LG), Dave Grove (DG), Greg
Grove (GG), Molly Heath (MH), Deuane Hoffman (DHo), Craig Houston (CH), Tom
Johnson (TJ), Chad Kauffman (CK), Bob Keener (BKe), Nick Kerlin (NK), Gary
Koppenhaver (GK), Ramsay Koury (RK), Trudy Kyler (TK), Bob Linsay (BL),
Rosemary McGlynn (RM), Flo McGuire (FMc), Jim McGuire (JMc), Jeff Michaels
(JM), Jean Miller (JMi), Che Mincone (CM), Marian Mincone (MM), Dan Ombalski
(DO), Richard Pohner (RP), Barbara Rehrig (BR), Rich Rehrig (RR), Jim Rocco
(JR), Ron Schaffer (RSh), Bob Schutsky (BS), Dave Schwenk (DS), Ron Singer
(RSi), Darrell Smith (DSm), Dan Snell (DSn), Bob Snyder (BSn), Bob Stewart
(BSt), Linda Whitesel (LW), Chuck Widmann (CW), Fred Wilcox (FW), Jim
Wilkinson (JW) and John Yerger (JY). 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
* November 3, 2005
* PACE0511.03
Bird Highlights
Wood Duck
Gadwall
American Wigeon
Northern Pintail
Northern Shoveler
Greater Scaup
Lesser Scaup
Bufflehead
Ruddy Duck
CAVE SWALLOW (Lancaster Co., *PORC needs documentation)
Snow Bunting
- Transcript
Hotline: Central Pennsylvania Birdline
Date: November 3, 2005
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,
November 3, 2005.
ADAMS COUNTY:
Birds seen in an unspecified area of the county on October 28 included
GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET, RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET, YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER and
WHITE-THROATED SPARROW (CA).
Farmland located southwest of Gettysburg yielded 3 RED-HEADED WOODPECKERS
and 5 WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS on October 30 (JW).
BEDFORD COUNTY:
A visit to Shawnee Lake State Park on October 30 yielded 1 BLUE-WINGED TEAL,
3 DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS, 4 GREAT BLUE HERONS, TURKEY VULTURES, 87
KILLDEER, 3 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS, 3 WILSON'S SNIPES, 1 JAEGER sp.,
RING-BILLED GULLS, 1 HERRING GULL, 2 BLUE-HEADED VIREOS, 3 RED-BREASTED
NUTHATCHES, 1 WINTER WREN, 1 AMERICAN PIPIT, YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS, 2
CHIPPING SPARROWS, 1 LINCOLN'S SPARROW, WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS,
WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS, DARK-EYED JUNCOS and 6 PURPLE FINCHES (DSn).
BEDFORD/SOMERSET COUNTY:
Allegheny Front Hawk Watch reported 124 TURKEY VULTURES, 8 NORTHERN
HARRIERS, 42 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, 12 COOPER'S HAWKS, 1 NORTHERN GOSHAWK, 53
RED-SHOULDERED HAWKS, 516 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 1 ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK, 3 GOLDEN
EAGLES, 4 AMERICAN KESTRELS and 1 PEREGRINE FALCON between October 26 and
November 2 (TB, RM, TD, TF, JR, GF, NF, BSt, DBy, CM, MM).
CARBON COUNTY:
Birds seen from the Blue Mountain Ski Area on October 29 included 4 BLACK
VULTURES, 3 BALD EAGLES, 1 NORTHERN HARRIER, 63 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, 15
COOPER'S HAWKS, 6 NORTHERN GOSHAWKS, 21 RED-SHOULDERED HAWKS, 715 RED-TAILED
HAWKS, 5 GOLDEN EAGLES, 1 MERLIN and 1 PEREGRINE FALCON (BR, RR).
An October 31 visit to Beltzville State Park found BUFFLEHEAD, RUDDY DUCK,
COMMON LOON, RED-TAILED HAWK, MERLIN, GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS, HERMIT
THRUSH, YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS, PALM WARBLER, WILSON'S WARBLER, CHIPPING
SPARROW, SONG SPARROW, WHITE-THROATED SPARROW and DARK-EYED JUNCOS (BR, RR).
CENTRE COUNTY:
Birds found at Colyer Lake between October 26 and November 2 included 240
CANADA GEESE, 10 WOOD DUCKS, AMERICAN BLACK DUCKS, 80 MALLARDS, 2 NORTHERN
PINTAILS, 4 GREEN-WINGED TEAL, 10 RING-NECKED DUCKS, 6 possible GREATER
SCAUP, 2 LESSER SCAUP, 1 HOODED MERGANSER, 7 RUDDY DUCKS, 10 RED-BREASTED
MERGANSERS, 1 PIED-BILLED GREBE, 1 HORNED GREBE, 4 TURKEY VULTURES, 1
NORTHERN HARRIER, 5 AMERICAN COOT, 1 GREATER YELLOWLEGS, 1 BELTED
KINGFISHER, 1 COMMON RAVEN, 4 TREE SWALLOWS, EASTERN BLUEBIRDS, 1 NORTHERN
MOCKINGBIRD, YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS, EASTERN TOWHEES, SONG SPARROWS,
DARK-EYED JUNCOS and 1 RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD (NK, JM, MH).
Bald Eagle State Park produced 9 RING-NECKED DUCKS, several RUDDY DUCKS, 3
COMMON LOONS, 2 PIED-BILLED GREBES, 2 RED-NECKED GREBES, 1 OSPREY, 3 BALD
EAGLES, 1 SHARP-SHINNED HAWK, 6 AMERICAN COOTS, 1 PILEATED WOODPECKER, 12
TREE SWALLOWS, EASTERN BLUEBIRDS, 100 CEDAR WAXWINGS, 42 YELLOW-RUMPED
WARBLERS, WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS, WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS and 17 HOUSE
FINCHES between October 26 and November 2 (MH, BSn, RSc, JM).
Birds seen on October from the dike in Howard included 5 AMERICAN BLACK
DUCKS, 1 GREEN-WINGED TEAL, 1 PIED-BILLED GREBE and 1 DOUBLE-CRESTED
CORMORANT (BSn).
Raptors seen from the top of Bald Eagle Mountain near Skytop on October 26
included 1 OSPREY, 2 BALD EAGLES, 1 NORTHERN HARRIER, 15 SHARP-SHINNED
HAWKS, 5 COOPER'S HAWKS, 3 RED-SHOULDERED HAWKS and 133 RED-TAILED HAWKS
(DO).
The Jo Hayes Vista of Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch produced 2 OSPREY, 1 BALD
EAGLE, 2 NORTHERN HARRIERS, 9 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, 9 COOPER'S HAWKS, 1
RED-SHOULDERED HAWK, 198 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 6 GOLDEN EAGLES, 1 AMERICAN
KESTREL and 1 PEREGRINE FALCON between October 26 and 29 (CW, BL).
The following birds were found at Millbrook Marsh on October 26; 5 MALLARDS,
1 GREAT BLUE HERON, 1 SHARP-SHINNED HAWK, 1 BELTED KINGFISHER, 1 DOWNY
WOODPECKER, 1 BLUE JAY, 5 AMERICAN CROWS, 2 TUFTED TITMOUSE, 1 CAROLINA
WREN, 60 AMERICAN ROBINS, 1 NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD, 30 EUROPEAN STARLINGS, 9
SONG SPARROWS, 3 WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS, 2 WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW, 2
NORTHERN CARDINALS, 40 RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS, 700 COMMON GRACKLES, 3
BROWN-HEADED COWBIRDS and 1 HOUSE FINCH (NB).
CUMBERLAND COUNTY;
Waggoner's Gap Hawk Watch reported tabulating 10 BLACK VULTURES, 549 TURKEY
VULTURES, 4 OSPREY, 15 BALD EAGLES, 56 NORTHERN HARRIERS, 657 SHARP-SHINNED
HAWKS, 127 COOPER'S HAWKS, 27 NORTHERN GOSHAWKS, 106 RED-SHOULDERED HAWKS,
1792 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 1 ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW, 73 GOLDEN EAGLES, 7 AMERICAN
KESTRELS, 20 MERLINS and 1 PEREGRINE FALCON between October 26 and November
2 (DG, DGi, RF, GW, CH).
DAUPHIN COUNTY:
Three RED CROSSBILLS were seen feeding in Norway Spruces at the Dauphin
Conservation District north of Dauphin Borough on October 27 (TJ).
The Dauphin Conservation District, Ned Smith Center and Bear Creek areas
collectively produced around 20 RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES on October 27 (TJ).
A single RED CROSSBILL was also observed from the Cold Springs Access
parking lot in Stony Creek Valley on October 27 (TJ).
Birds found in Clark's Valley on October 30 included 2 YELLOW-BELLIED
SAPSUCKERS, 13 RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES, 5 FOX SPARROWS, 15 SWAMP SPARROWS, 4
PURPLE FINCHES and 11 PINE SISKINS (RK).
One BLUE-HEADED VIREO and 26 RUSTY BLACKBIRDS were observed at Wildwood Lake
Nature Sanctuary in northern Harrisburg on October 30 (RK).
FRANKLIN COUNTY:
Tuscarora Summit Hawk Watch reported counting 2 BLACK VULTURES, 96 TURKEY
VULTURES, 1 OSPREY, 1 NORTHERN HARRIER, 6 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, 4 COOPER'S
HAWKS, 2 RED-SHOULDERED HAWKS, 73 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 4 ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS and
1 GOLDEN EAGLE between October 26 and 30 (DGe).
Birds seen along Heisey Road on October 29 included 1 COOPER'S HAWK, 2
AMERICAN WOODCOCKS, DOWNY WOODPECKER, HAIRY WOODPECKER, PILEATED WOODPECKER,
RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES, 1 WINTER WREN, GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS,
RUBY-CROWNED KINGLETS, 1 BROWN THRASHER, YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS, SWAMP
SPARROWS, WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS and PURPLE FINCHES (BK).
RUDDY DUCKS were seen at Greencastle Reservoir and Benders Pond on October
29 (BK).
FULTON COUNTY:
A check of Haines-Seville Wetlands on October 30 found 1 WOOD DUCK, 26
MALLARDS, 1 GREEN-WINGED TEAL and 1 RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH (DSn).
Birds seen at Meadow Grounds Lake on October 30 included 1 COMMON LOON, 1
TURKEY VULTURE, 1 BALD EAGLE, 1 RED-SHOULDERED HAWK, 1 RED-TAILED HAWK and
GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS (DSn).
JUNIATA COUNTY:
A GOLDEN EAGLE, an AMERICAN KESTREL and 1 MERLIN were observed near Spruce
Hill on October 27 (CK).
A MERLIN was seen near Mifflintown on October 31 (CK).
LANCASTER COUNTY:
Birds found at Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area on October 26 and 29
included 50 SNOW GEESE, 100 CANADA GEESE, 5 WOOD DUCKS, 30 AMERICAN BLACK
DUCKS, 50 MALLARDS, 30 NORTHERN SHOVELERS, 3 RING-NECKED DUCKS, 1 HOODED
MERGANSERS, 50 RUDDY DUCKS, 1 PIED-BILLED GREBE, 12 DOUBLE-CRESTED
CORMORANTS, 6 GREAT BLUE HERONS, BLACK VULTURES, TURKEY VULTURES, 1 BALD
EAGLE, 2 NORTHERN HARRIERS, 8 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, 8 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 1
AMERICAN KESTREL, 3 AMERICAN COOT, 3 BELTED KINGFISHERS, 3 RED-BELLIED
WOODPECKERS, 3 DOWNY WOODPECKERS, 3 NORTHERN FLICKERS, 1 BLUE-HEADED VIREO,
5 BLUE JAYS, 43 AMERICAN CROWS, HORNED LARKS, 12 TREE SWALLOWS, 1 NORTHERN
ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW, 4 CAROLINA CHICKADEES, 2 TUFTED TITMICE, 2
WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCHES, 4 BROWN CREEPERS, 2 CAROLINA WRENS, 8
GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS, 4 RUBY-CROWNED KINGLETS, 2 EASTERN BLUEBIRDS, 1
GRAY CATBIRD, 2 NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRDS, 1 EUROPEAN STARLING, 20 CEDAR
WAXWINGS, 2 EASTERN TOWHEES, CHIPPING SPARROWS, 8 FIELD SPARROWS, 6 SONG
SPARROWS, 6 WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS, 4 WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS, 15 DARK-EYED
JUNCOS, NORTHERN CARDINAL, 30 RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS, 15 EASTERN MEADOWLARKS,
50 COMMON GRACKLES, 30 BROWN-HEADED COWBIRDS, 1 PURPLE FINCH, 1 HOUSE FINCH
and 1 AMERICAN GOLDFINCH (CC, PF, JMi).
Birds found at the Conejohela Flats between October 27 and 30 included 22
WOOD DUCKS, GADWALL, AMERICAN WIGEON, AMERICAN BLACK DUCKS, MALLARDS,
NORTHERN SHOVELER, GREEN-WINGED TEAL, 6 COMMON MERGANSERS, 1 HORNED GREBE, 2
DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS, 16 GREAT BLUE HERONS, 1 adult and 3 immature BALD
EAGLES, SHARP-SHINNED HAWK, COOPER'S HAWK, RED-SHOULDERED HAWK, RED-TAILED
HAWKS, 1 MERLIN, 1 PEREGRINE FALCON, 63 AMERICAN COOT, 1 SEMIPALMATED
PLOVER, 13 KILLDEER, 2 GREATER YELLOWLEGS, 1 LESSER YELLOWLEGS, 1 WESTERN
SANDPIPER, 1 dark morph JAEGER sp. (October 30), 2 BONAPARTE'S GULLS, 1
LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL, TREE SWALLOWS, ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOWS, 1 CAVE
SWALLOW (on October 30), 1 RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH, EASTERN BLUEBIRDS,
AMERICAN ROBINS, 1 AMERICAN PIPIT, CEDAR WAXWINGS, 1 YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER,
PALM WARBLER, CHIPPING SPARROW and 1 PINE SISKIN (BS, TA, TJ).
Over 25 FORSTER'S TERNS were seen on the Conowingo Pond section of the
Susquehanna River near Peach Bottom on October 27 (BS).
Both CAROLINA CHICKADEES and BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEES have been visiting an
Elizabethtown yard through October 28 (AMB).
The following birds were seen near Gap on October 29; 2 MALLARDS, 1
SHARP-SHINNED HAWK, 2 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 1 AMERICAN KESTREL, 1 KILLDEER, 25
ROCK PIGEONS, 30 MOURNING DOVES, 2 DOWNY WOODPECKERS, 1 NORTHERN FLICKER, 1
BLUE-HEADED VIREO, 2 BLUE JAYS, 3 AMERICAN CROWS, 1 HORNED LARK, 1
BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE, 2 GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS, 7 EASTERN BLUEBIRDS, 2
NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRDS, 24 EUROPEAN STARLINGS, 1 SAVANNAH SPARROW, 1 FOX
SPARROW, 13 SONG SPARROWS, 1 WHITE-THROATED SPARROW, 3 DARK-EYED JUNCOS, 2
NORTHERN CARDINALS, 2 RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS, 520 BROWN-HEADED COWBIRDS, 1
HOUSE FINCH, 1 AMERICAN GOLDFINCH and 29 HOUSE SPARROWS (PF).
A hike along Kelly's Run Trail in the Holtwood Recreation Area on November 2
found 20 CANADA GEESE, 1 RING-NECKED PHEASANT, 10 BLACK VULTURES, 3 TURKEY
VULTURES, 1 NORTHERN HARIER, 1 RED-TAILED HAWK, 2 MOURNING DOVES, 1
RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER, 3 DOWNY WOODPECKERS, 2 NORTHERN FLICKERS, 3 BLUE
JAYS, 3 AMERICAN CROWS, 1 CAROLINA CHICKADEE, 2 BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEES, 2
TUFTED TITMICE, 1 RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH, 2 WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCHES, 1
CAROLINA WREN, 1 GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET, 2 RUBY-CROWNED KINGLETS, 1 EASTERN
BLUEBIRD, 32 AMERICAN ROBINS, 1 GRAY CATBIRD, 15 EUROPEAN STARLINGS, 15
CEDAR WAXWINGS, 2 YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS, 1 EASTERN TOWHEE, 2 SONG SPARROWS,
7 WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS, 4 DARK-EYED JUNCOS, 2 NORTHERN CARDINALS, 1
RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD, 1 COMMON GRACKLE, 3 HOUSE FINCHES and 1 AMERICAN
GOLDFINCH (PF).
The following birds were seen on November 2 from the Face Rock Overlook in
Susquehannock State Park; 4 DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS, 1 GREAT BLUE HERON,
20 BLACK VULTURES, 5 TURKEY VULTURES, 10 BALD EAGLES, 1 RED-TAILED HAWK,
hundreds of RING-BILLED GULLS, 1 HERRING GULL, 1 ROCK PIGEON and 74 AMERICAN
CROWS (PF).
One KILLDEER and 2 HORNED LARKS were seen in the Musser's Store parking lot
on November 2 (PF).
LEBANON COUNTY:
Second Mountain Hawk Watch reports counting 17 BLACK VULTURES, 31 TURKEY
VULTURES, 2 OSPREY, 5 BALD EAGLE, 23 NORTHERN HARRIERS, 157 SHARP-SHINNED
HAWKS, 39 COOPER'S HAWKS, 9 NORTHERN GOSHAWKS, 47 RED-SHOULDERED HAWKS, 2
BROAD-WINGED HAWKS, 445 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 16 GOLDEN EAGLES, 2 AMERICAN
KESTRELS, 1 MERLIN and 1 PEREGRINE FALCON from October 26 to November 1 (DS,
GK, FW, JG, RP).
LYCOMING COUNTY:
There were RUDDY DUCKS, 4 PIED-BILLED GREBES and 2 SNOW BUNTINGS at Rose
Valley Lake on October 28 (FMc, JMc).
MCKEAN COUNTY:
Feeders in Bradford attracted 35 CHIPPING SPARROWS, 1 CLAY-COLORED SPARROW
and 19 PINE SISKINS on October 29 (JF).
MIFFLIN COUNTY:
Stone Mountain Hawk Watch reported seeing 2 OSPREY, 4 BALD EAGLES, 16
NORTHERN HARRIERS, 51 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, 13 COOPER'S HAWKS, 2 NORTHERN
GOSHAWKS, 23 RED-SHOULDERED HAWKS, 301 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 1 ROUGH-LEGGED
HAWK, 19 GOLDEN EAGLES, 3 AMERICAN KESTREL and 1 MERLIN between October 26
and November 1 (BD, DB, TK, GG).
Jack's Mountain Hawk Watch reported counting 71 TURKEY VULTURES, 3 NORTHERN
HARRIERS, 25 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, 4 COOPER'S HAWKS, 1 NORTHERN GOSHAWK, 129
RED-TAILED HAWKS and 3 GOLDEN EAGLES between October 26 and 31 (LW, DSm).
SCHUYLKILL/BERKS COUNTIES:
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary reported counting 39 BLACK VULTURE, 229 TURKEY
VULTURES, 5 OSPREY, 8 BALD EAGLES, 30 NORTHERN HARRIERS, 619 SHARP-SHINNED
HAWKS, 182 COOPER'S HAWKS, 13 NORTHERN GOSHAWKS, 168 RED-SHOULDERED HAWKS, 1
BROAD-WINGED HAWK, 1971 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 42 GOLDEN EAGLES, 11 AMERICAN
KESTRELS, 12 MERLINS and 2 PEREGRINE FALCONS between October 26 and November
2 (LG, DBa).
SNYDER COUNTY:
A SNOW BUNTING was found near the Adam Bower Dam on October 26 (MB).
A flock of 75 HORNED LARKS were found in fields on the Isle-of-Que in
Selinsgrove on October 26 (MB).
YORK COUNTY:
There were 1 AMERICAN WOODCOCK, 1 possible BARN OWL and SWAMP SPARROW near
Abbottstown on October 28 (CA).
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;
Celia Adams (CA), Tom Amico (TA), Dave Barber (DBa), Tony Barle (TB), Mick
Brown (MB), Don Bryant (DB), Nan Butkovich (NB), Dick Byers (DBy), Chuck
Chalfant (CC), Tom Dick (TD), John Fedak (JF), Pamela Fisher (PF), Gene
Flament (GF), Nancy Flament (NF), Ron Freed (RF), Dale Gearhart (DGe), Jay
George (JG), Deb Gingrich (DGi), Laurie Goodrich (LG), Dave Grove (DG), Greg
Grove (GG), Molly Heath (MH), Deuane Hoffman (DHo), Craig Houston (CH), Tom
Johnson (TJ), Chad Kauffman (CK), Bob Keener (BKe), Nick Kerlin (NK), Gary
Koppenhaver (GK), Ramsay Koury (RK), Trudy Kyler (TK), Bob Linsay (BL),
Rosemary McGlynn (RM), Flo McGuire (FMc), Jim McGuire (JMc), Jeff Michaels
(JM), Jean Miller (JMi), Che Mincone (CM), Marian Mincone (MM), Dan Ombalski
(DO), Richard Pohner (RP), Barbara Rehrig (BR), Rich Rehrig (RR), Jim Rocco
(JR), Ron Schaffer (RSh), Bob Schutsky (BS), Dave Schwenk (DS), Ron Singer
(RSi), Darrell Smith (DSm), Dan Snell (DSn), Bob Snyder (BSn), Bob Stewart
(BSt), Linda Whitesel (LW), Chuck Widmann (CW), Fred Wilcox (FW), Jim
Wilkinson (JW) and John Yerger (JY). 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