RECENT EVENTS

Christmas Bird Count 2022-2023
December 17 marked the 123rd time that a CBC was held, making it the nation's longest-running community science bird project. York’s CBC again centered on Lake Marburg in Codorus State Park. On this partly cloudy day, 24 birders composed of 8 teams set out to count the number of birds and species within our 7.5 mile radius. At the end of the day, we tallied 73 species and 7,069 birds. The number of species has been fairly consistent over the last four years ranging between 72 and 75. Unusual birds included Wilson’s Snipe and an Osprey. Not found on this day were Wild Turkeys. Most of the birders met around noon for a break at the Codorus Park Office for a chile lunch and a discussion of what we found. The results of our CBC will be included with the data base with Audubon National covering North and South America, which will be analyzed for trends, now especially a concern with climate change.


Gettysburg Field Trip 2023
The birds were scarce but the stories were fascinating as licensed Gettysburg guide Dave Weaver led 19 YAS members and guests in a carpool caravan through the Gettysburg battlefield.
Don't Forget!

WINGS OVER WATER

Whitaker Center - November 17, 2022 - July 30, 2023

As the glaciers retreated at the end of the last ice age, they left an astounding gift of connected rivers, lakes and wetlands across the heartland of North America. Today, these largely unknown water highways remain an oasis for sustaining wildlife. From the herds of bison that still roam the Great Plains to the vital honeybees that pollinate our crops and especially for the millions of magnificent birds that migrate along these “flyways.”

Wings Over Water tells the story of the epic journeys of three amazing bird families – the Sandhill Crane, the Yellow Warbler and the Mallard Duck – with extraordinary footage of their fascinating behaviors. 

Audiences will be captivated by the triumphs and challenges of these remarkable creatures that defy all odds and soar across mountains, deserts, cities and forests as they head home to raise their young.

for tickets or more info:
https://www.whitakercenter.org/events/detail/wings-over-water
The Birds say - 2022 Bird Seed Sale a Success!!!

If you happen to see a bunch of overweight birds around this winter, it probably has something to do with the 20,000+ pounds of bird seed that was distributed at the York Audubon Society's recently held 2022 Bird Seed Sale.

Pickup day was Saturday, October 29. The sale was  orchestrated by Kyle Groft, who has assumed responsibilty for the sale from long time leader of 38 years, Dick Humbert. (Dick will be around for at least the next 38 years, in case Kyle needs some assistance). A motley crew of volunteers ran the efficient pickup operation, loading the bird seed orders into customers vehicles in very efficient fashion. The only delays were caused when old time friends would meet, and find it necessary to engage in some friendly banter, briefly holding up the line!

 
Bill DelGrande

We say goodbye to York Audubon Society's Bill Del Grande, who spent most of his 85 years immersed in the world of birding. Bill joined a bird club as a young sixth grader, fascinated by feathered beauties. As a young adult, he joined the York County Bird Club in the 1960's, where he met life-long birding friend Dick Humbert. When the club transitioned into York Audubon Society in 1977, he and Dick took active roles in the organization, Bill became vice-president for a term, and he coordinated the annual Christmas Bird Count for 30 years.

Bill's passion for birds, combined with his friendship with Dick Humbert, became a fascinating adventure! With their wives' blessings, they traveled all over North America for many years, tallying common and rare birds while sharing unforgettable experiences. Bill's record revealed more than 740 North American bird species. They both agreed that their favorite trip was also the most rugged...the 1998 trip to Attu Island, Alaska. That year ("The Big Year") brought strong winds and rare birds across the Bering Sea from Siberia, thrilling all of the birders, making them forget about the very primitive living conditions on Attu. 

Bill's interests also led him to become a Penn State Master Gardener. He volunteered countless hours at Rudy Park's trial gardens, planted beautiful gardens at his home in York, and attracted a wide variety of birds to his neighborhood. His gardens were selected to be on the native plant tour sponsored by Penn State Master Gardeners. Bill introduced friends to the love of birding and gardening, including his next-door neighbor Carolyn Mathur.

Though Bill is gone from our sight, his legacy will always be a part of all of us.
Rest easy, friend.
CHUCK KLING

York Audubon Society's Chuck Kling left us so suddenly on Wednesday, October 5, perhaps to find the elusive Ivory-billed Woodpecker and the long-extinct Passenger Pigeon. Ever the birder, we fondly remember Chuck with binoculars around his neck wherever he happened to be. The former Marine from Oregon found his way to York, and eventually to the love of his life, Darlene. Chuck's life journey seemed to take him to exciting places for birding, including Jamaica, Costa Rica, Galapagos, Magee Marsh, and countless other destinations.... always with his eyes to the sky.

Chuck volunteered for York County Parks for years, handling tasks like clearing trails at Nixon Park and monitoring a bluebird trail along the rail trail. Chuck also participated in York Audubon Society's annual Christmas Bird Count. In his quiet, friendly manner, Chuck helped other birders to spot rarities like the Dickcissel and Northern Waterthrush.

Chuck's vital information may appear like this.....1945-2022....., but he fit so many fascinating adventures between those two dates, living a life he chose. We will think of Chuck when our eyes are on the sky. Safe journey, our friend! ♥

View a copy of our Fall 2022 newsletter and 2022 - 2023 calendar of events
2022_fall_newsletter.pdf
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2022_2023_yas_calendar.pdf
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WEEKLY Bird Walks in York County!

Join us for an outdoor adventure at different locations in York County each week as we explore to see what birds are in the area.  These are informal walks and anyone with an interest in nature is welcome to attend, regardless of skill level or membership status.  In fact, these walks are an excellent opportunity to learn about birding and nature. There are always some more experienced members on the walk who are  eager to share their knowledge.  No registration required. Click below for details.
A hummingbird gathers nesting material at the Lake Redman boardwalk.
(photo by Michelle Wittig)

Need something to do? Try out a new birding area!
The York County Birding Trail Map was an initiative long considered, but made a reality by former vice-president Andrew Wolfgang. yorkaudubon.org 
provides detailed information on 20+ locations including directions, unusual birds, best times of year, trails and other useful information.

York County Birding Trail Brochure - (printable PDF)
click the button to go to the map!

York County Bird Trail Project:  Signs have been placed at most of the 20+ birding sites that are identified and described on our web site. Thanks to financial support from National Audubon and York County Parks and Recreation, signs have been procured and located so that the visitor will know they are at a special birding site and that more information can be found on our website about their location and other sites. 


york_county_birding_trail_brochure.pdf
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Though the weather can be cold and unpleasant during the winter months, there is significant bird movement possible during this time, so the birding can be quite rewarding. Lakes & Ponds should be frequently checked for waterfowl, Farm Fields checked for Larks, and Feeders should be watched for wintering specialties:

Waterfowl
Although the largest numbers of waterfowl pass through York County in March and November, there is much that can be seen throughout the winter.  Ducks, Geese, and Swans will continually move northward or southward during the winter in search of food and open water; so some flocks may spend most of the winter in York, while others come intermittently.  This means that frequent checks of any unfrozen body of water can be productive during these winter months.  Changes in temperatures may trigger some movement and warrant extra vigilance of the open waters. Ring-necked Duck, Bufflehead, Wigeon, Gadwall, Common Merganser, and Hooded Merganser are frequently found in York County over the winter, but many other less common species of duck are quite possible such as Redhead, Pintail, Common Loon, Grebes, Scaup, Goldeneye, Shoveler, and Canvasback.  Also keep an eye out for rarities such as Long-tailed Duck and any of the species of Scoters. 

Migratory waterfowl can drop down on any body of open water, but Pinchot Lake and Long Arm Reservoir tend to be the most reliable spots.  Lake Marburg (Codorus State Park) is a large lake and can have very large numbers of waterfowl; but, it is open to duck hunting and is often devoid of migratory waterfowl while the season is open. (The 2021-22 season is from Oct 9-16th and Nov 23 - Jan 22).  

Another hotspot is the Spring Grove Paper Mill Pond, visible from Rt 116.  This pond can be a gem in the winter when it is not frozen over.  Due to its small size, the pond elicits very close and satisfying views of any waterfowl that may be present.  Ring-necked Duck, Gadwall, and Hooded Merganser are often seen here along with the possibility of other, less-frequent visitors.

Lake Williams and Lake Redman are also worth a visit.  Large numbers of Common Mergansers often winter in these lakes.  There are usually a few species of dabblers hanging around the shallow water at the Lake Redman Boardwalk if it is not frozen over.  Look for Green-winged Teal, Black Duck, Pintail, Shoveler, or a wayward Snow Goose.

A final spot to look for waterfowl is along the Susquehanna River.  Since the Susquehanna River is in Lancaster County and not York County, any birds seen on the river technically count as Lancaster birds unless they land on the shore on the York side.  Two  of the best vantage points to view birds on the river from York are in Wrightsville.  They include Lemon Street and the John Wright Restaurant property. 
Wintering Finches and Sparrows
Throughout the winter, it is important to keep a close eye on birds coming to bird feeders.  There are several “good birds” that are most easily found at feeders that could be overlooked and passed off as House FInches if one is not looking carefully.  Watch from your own backyard feeders or check the public feeders mentioned at the bottom of this web page.  Keep a close eye out for Pine Siskins (smaller, more heavily streaked finch, with a hint of yellow in the wing),  Purple Finches (slightly bulkier than house finches with a white eyestripe), or a very rare Common Redpoll (yellow bill, small red cap, and black area surrounding the base of the bill)

Other good “Feeder Finds” to keep an eye out for over the winter are Fox Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, and Evening Grosbeak (very rare, but possible in irruption years).  Another possible, yet confusing species in the winter is the Black-Capped Chickadee.  Although almost all of the Chickadees seen in York year-round are Carolina Chickadees, there are a few Black-Capped Chickadees that venture south to York in the winter; especially in the northern, higher elevation part of the county. One should be very careful before claiming a Black-capped Chickadee though, because Carolina is by far the most likely and the two species look amazingly similar.

If you are really interested in winter finches, check out the Winter Finch Forecast available under the menu at The Finch Resource Network website (https://finchnetwork.org/)
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Larks, Longspurs, Pipits, and Buntings
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Horned Larks can be found in York County year-round, but the numbers are highest in the winter time when many additional larks from the north migrate south to the US for the winter.  They tend to “flock up” more in the winter time.  Finding a large flock of horned larks can be exciting in itself, but a flock should always be looked over closely.  Occasionally, wintering American Pipits, Lapland Longspurs, or Snow Buntings can be found mixed in with the larks.  The flocks can be best found in large tracts of agricultural areas.  Plowed fields, fields with corn stubble, or other short cover crops provide good habitat for these field birds. 

Driving slowly along lightly travelled rural farm roads and listening for larks with the car windows down is a good way to find them.  They are quite vocal all day, even in the winter time. The fields below Davidsburg, between Dover and East Berlin have been reliable for finding lark flocks.  The best roads in this spot tend to be Pinchtown Rd, Eagle Scout Rd, and Dairy Rd on the north side of Admire Rd.  Emig School Rd, located slightly south of Admire is also worth checking out. The Airvillle / Collinsville area in southeastern York County also has large tracts of farmland with suitable lark habitat.  In the winter of 2020-21, the fields along East Posey Rd (just east of Rt 74) held a flock of hundreds of field birds that yielded several Lapland Longspurs and a Snow Bunting in February when manure had been spread on the snow-covered fields.  Note: Be very careful if you are on this road as it is moderately travelled and there are no good pull-off spots.

A particularly good time to look for these birds is after the ground has been covered with several inches or more of snow.  These field birds will go looking for seeds along the roadsides where snowplows have exposed grassy areas, yielding nice and close views of the birds.  If the snow remains for several days, look for a snow covered field that has had “fresh” manure spread on top.  The seeds in the manure are a virtual gold mine for the birds and congregations of field birds can be found by the hundreds feeding on it.  If you are lucky enough to stumble upon such a large gathering, you have a good chance of finding a Lapland Longspur mixed in.  Bring a spotting scope, as it is often a necessary tool for picking a longspur out of the flock.   
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Short-eared Owls at Hopewell TWP Recreation Area:
It is a special treat to see short-eared owls hunting at dusk, and York County has a pretty reliable spot to see this occurrence at the Hopewell Twp Park, north of Stewartstown.  Beginning the last week  in November through the first week in March, there is a good chance you will find one or more short-eared owls flying low, hunting over the fields of the repurposed old landfill area.  The birds begin flying about 30 minutes before dusk and are best seen from the main parking lot on Althouse School Rd. 

While you are looking for the owls, be sure to keep a close eye on raptors.  The northern harrier is usually seen flying low to the horizon just before the owls come out.  Also, in winters when Rough-legged Hawks move this far south, this site likely provides the best opportunity to see them in the county.  Bring your binoculars, blankets, and popcorn and enjoy the show!  Visit the HopeWell Twp Park site page for pictures and more information!

Gulls at The ‘Dump’
If you are so inclined to find some large numbers of wintering gulls in York County, there is no better spot than the active Modern Landfill located on Mt Pisgah Road off of Rt 124 between East York and East Prospect. This is not an official birding hotspot and most of your views will be distant, but it is quite likely that you will see gulls flying by the thousands here.  Most of the gulls will be Ring-billed Gulls, but Herring Gulls and Great Black-billed Gulls are reliably seen here.  It is also likely that some uncommon gulls visit here, but identification would be difficult due to the viewing distance.  Because you have no vantage point to see into the dump itself, you will only see gulls that are flying or ones that are perched on the crests and outer hillside of the landfill, so a spotting scope is highly recommended.  When the vehicles and machinery inside the landfill are operating, the birds get stirred up and become more visible, so be sure to visit during operating hours. Viewing is best from Riddle Rd on the west side of the landfill.  Since you are looking east into the sun, it is best to come very early in the morning or afternoon. Driving down Mt Pisgah Rd on the east side of the landfill can also be productive as the Black-backed gulls typically occupy the top of the posts visible from this side.  

American Woodcock
Marking the end of winter and the beginning of spring is the arrival of American Woodcock. In late February through March and into April, the American Woodcock pass through York County.  They can be found by listening for their ‘peent’ call just before dusk.  After hearing the ‘peent’ call, listen for the whistling wingbeats as they begin their ascent into the air to perform their unusual courtship display and descent to the ground.  Woodcock prefer damp, brushy, woodland areas located next to an open field.  They are not common in York, but are most likely seen in the state gamelands.  In the past, they have been observed displaying at High View Park, SGL 243 and 242, as well as the Indian Rock Dam Gamelands near Woodberry Rd and Indian Rock Dam Road.  They have also been seen in the cabin area at Pinchot Park and at the nearby Warrington Twp Park.
Public Bird Blinds and Feeder Locations:

Nixon Park:  
The park typically maintains its feeders from November through April.  The feeders are located just outside of the Visitor’s Center/Museum and can be viewed from outside, but viewing is actually best from inside of the Visitor’s Center.  It’s hard to beat viewing a great bird feeder from the warmth of the inside during the winter months!  Just be sure to check the hours (https://yorkcountypa.gov/parks-recreation/the-parks/richard-nixon-parks.html) to make sure it will be open if you plan on watching from inside. In addition to the expected wintering species, this has been one of the more reliable places in York to see Pine Siskins.

Gifford Pinchot State Park:
A feeder with a bird blind is maintained by the York Audubon Society in the winter.  The 50 yard trail through the woods to the blind can be accessed from the Conewago Day Use Area parking lot.  You will see a sign to the bird blind at the southeast corner of this parking lot at the Boulder Woods Disc Golf Course area.  

Rocky Ridge County Park: 
York Audubon Society maintains a feeder with a bird blind at Rocky Ridge.  It is located just a few yards into the woods on Trail #1 from the back parking lot.

Codorus State Park (3 Feeder Locations):  
This State Park hosts three bird feeding stations that are maintained by the “Friends of Codorus”.  A major feeding station with multiple feeder types and a blind (known as the “Codorus State Park Bird Viewing Station) can be accessed by exiting Sinsheim Rd on the park road towards the Main Boat Launch and Band Shell. After driving past a field, turn into the first parking lot on the right and drive all the way to the back end of the lot.  There, you will see a very short trail going down the hill towards a cove of the lake.  The bird blind and feeders will be on the left before the water’s edge.

Another feeder is located at the Visitor Center at the corner of Blooming Grove Rd (216) and Smith Station Road.

A more recent addition is a feeding station that is located at the end of the parking lot of what is known as the ‘Codorus Launch’ or the ‘Marburg Dirt Launch’.  It is an easily accessible feeder that can be viewed easily from inside of your car. The lot is located off of Hoff Road about ¾ of a mile east of the intersection of Hoff Rd and Smith Station Rd.


York Audubon recent activities have included a visit to Gardener of the Owl Valley, a Go Green in the City event, ECO event at Codorus state park, and birding on the Lake Redman Boardwalk, where we met up by chance with the 4-H Wildlife Watchers.
In a replay of our February meeting, Master Gardener Deb Carman covers the habitat elements necessary for the survival of butterflies from egg to adult. The important ecological role that our native plants and butterflies play in food webs, especially concerning nesting birds, are highlighted. Multiple species of butterflies commonly occurring in PA are profiled.

(Click below to view the recording of the meeting)

drive.google.com/file/d/1zd_W8MyuS_7aO95I-Bg4TJ_e_HRjdmG5/view?usp=sharing

Saturday, Jan. 15, 2022:
The annual YAS Gettysburg trip was attended by 12 brave birders under the talented leadership of David Weaver, and the careful coordination of  York Audubon's Tish Swam. . The temperature was brutally cold, but all were excited about the treasure hunt! Northern harriers worked back and forth across the field, a red-headed woodpecker gave quite a show on a bridle path that overlooked the Eisenhower farm, kestrels, red-tailed hawks and an immature bald eagle gave birders a thrill. A beaver pond with a lodge was in the basin below Little Round Top. There was NO FEE required, as York Audubon sponsored this event FREE for all attendees. 
THE RESULTS ARE IN!!

2021 Christmas Bird Count for Kids

York County Parks and the York Audubon Society held the 2021Christmas Bird Count for Kids at Nixon County Park on Thursday, Dec. 30, 2021.  26 Participants reported bird sightings while hiking trails at the park. The bird sightings included 20 species and 128 individual birds. These details were included in National Audubon's 122nd Christmas Bird Count, an international, citizen science effort used by scientists to track the health of bird populations.




















2021 Christmas Bird Count

The weather for the CBC was cloudy and in the high 30's, but the birders in the tricked out bird truck were warm because of the heated seats. Sightings included 34 species, including 10 red-tailed hawks, 2 yellow-bellied sapsuckers, 35 cardinals, 33 red-bellied woodpeckers, and 3 red-shouldered hawks.
The truck had a banner and a flashing yellow light for the roof. Even so, 2 homeowners accosted the birders as to why they were looking at their properties with binoculars!
Re-live recent presentations

View "SAMBURU SAFARI: A Stunning Side of Kenya" presented by  Adrian Binns, of Wildside Nature Tours. Just click on the button below!
View the entire  webinar from Wildside Nature Tours, titled "Trinidad and Tobago: A Relaxed Introduction to South America". Just click on the button below!
 
View "Birding in Big Bend National Park" presented by Lee Hoy via Wildside Nature Tours by clicking on the following button.

View "U.S. National Park Treasures: Yellowstone, Tetons, and Glacier" presented by Kevin Loughlin, president and owner of Wildside Nature Tours by clicking on the following button.

View " Botswana: Okavango Delta Wildlife" presented by  Adrian Binns, of Wildside Nature Tours. Just click on the button below!

Garden Day at John Rudy County Park

York Audubon's first foray of the new season was the annual Garden Day at John Rudy County Park, when the public can tour the pollinator gardens, vegetable gardens, listen to seminars, get free plants, taste garden delicacies, and visit booths. The York County Master Gardeners play a huge role in this yearly venture, volunteering many hours of planting, tending, and harvesting. We all enjoyed the fruits of their labor today. Dick Humbert, Michelle Wittig, Bill del Grande and I spread the word about the York Audubon Society!




Neither rain, nor snow, nor heat of day shall deter us from watching birds!

Our 4 scheduled walks for the spring have been completed. They were very well attended, even though we endured a snow squall while walking amidst early spring wildflowers at the river, and showers on the boardwalk at Lake Redman, followed by an early taste of summer heat at Hopewell! What could Mother Nature possibly have in store for us next!
Don't forget to visit the York Audubon feeders at Pinchot Park
(photos courtesy Sherry Lookofsky)

Have an unusual bird sighting?

An unusual bird for the area, an unusual time of year for a bird to be seen, or maybe the first of the season as the migration season begins!
Report it on our new Birding Blog!
Members can enter their sightings (text only) on the blog for other members to read and comment on.
Click the button below to check it out!
Baltimore Bird Club's Martin Brazeau has created a new website! If you loved his bird identification video quiz, and enjoyed his presentation at our December meeting, you will love this!

Birding videos and quizzes, topics on bird songs, warblers and more! Check it out! Thanks Marty!

What to do if you find an injured bird ?

Try contacting Pennsylvania Association of Wildlife Rehbilitators
https://pawr.com/

To contact us by email, or to unsubscribe from our email list, send a note to:

audubonyorkpa@gmail.com

Still need something to do? Try out the wealth of resources available from the American Birding Association (ABA) website, including tips on birding from home.

https://www.aba.org/
Please Note Our NEW MEETING LOCATION 

UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CHURCH of YORK,
925 S. GEORGE ST, YORK, PA
(just north of York Hospital)

Regular Monthly Meetings are free and open to the public - Come join us!

 



Peter Kaestner shared some of his marvelous worldwide adventures at our March York Audubon Society meeting. The audience loved listening to his near-death experiences of birding in many remote and beautiful places! His life list is at 9,450 so far, with a goal of an unfathomable 10,000 birds! Peter is pictured here with Tish Swam and Carolyn Mathur.
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Our February 2020 meeting featured Mark Kocher, veteran volunteer for local raptor rehabilitator Mitzie Eaton. He wowed the  crowd tonight with live raptors and his many colorful stories about them. We got up close with a beautiful Red-tailed Hawk, a cute little Screech Owl and a handsome Barred Owl!





The crowd was huge for the York Audubon January meeting, when George Schardt presented "The Desert Southwest~ A Birder's Paradise". His photos and stories were spellbinding, and humorous parts were charming! We applauded a spectacular program! Pictured are George and his wife Darlene.

Images from the Desert Southwest
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Our November 19 meeting featured the very talented photographer Bob Anderhalt (right), show here with York Audubon vice-president Andrew Wolfgang. Bob narrowed over 17,000 pictures down to his 100 best in order to present "The Birds of Magee Marsh". The photographers in the audience were enlightened on some of the techniques used to shoot the pictures, while the bird lovers were just "wowed" by the gorgeous photos. Thanks Bob for a great evening!
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York County geologist Jeri Jones (left) enlightened us about the many fascinating geological features of our county. He will lead a field trip to the Chickies Rock area on Saturday, Oct. 26. If you're interested, call him at 717-887-7103. Jeri is pictured here with our Audubon vice-president Andrew Wolfgang.

http://www.jonesgeo.com/


At our September 2019 meeting, Cliff Beittel, acclaimed bird photographer who now lives in Sanibel, Florida, offered tips on capturing the best possible nature photos. He revealed secrets about lighting, timing, subjects, equipment, and more. Check out his amazing photos at:

https://www.cliffbeittel.com/index
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Cliff Beittel, shown here with Program Director extraordinaire Tish Swam, and the York chapters own photography buff, Bob Anderhalt.
Shown above are just some of Cliff's cover photos found on several national magazines.
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Guest speaker Doc Schoch with YAS President Carolyn Mathur following Doc's extremely interesting and informative presentation entitled

“Damsels and Dragons—Flies, that is!”

at the May 2019 chapter meeting.
Membership application for York Audubon Society - print and mail
york_audubon_membership_application.pdf
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File Type: pdf
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York Audubon Society is a tax-exempt charitable organization under IRS regulations [section 501(c)(3)]
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