NEWS FLASH !!!

Becky Stabler has put together another great trip for us. This will be an overnight trip that will visit the John James Audubon house at Mill Grove, John Heinz NWR, Brandywine Conservancy River Walk and Bombay Hook.  We will be using vans rather than a bus. There will be the space of a 15 passenger van with the seats for 12. The intent is not to fill all 12 slots per van so there will be space for luggage, spotting scopes and cameras.

DATES:  Friday, Sept 30 at 8:00am to 5:30pm Saturday, Oct 1
Fee:  $314 single room; $223 per person- double

Check out the brochure here:
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NEW !!!

Hot off the presses

View a copy of our Fall 2022 newsletter and 2022 - 2023 calendar of events
2022_fall_newsletter.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. 


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Songbirds:
September marks the peak of fall migration.  There are many things to be excited about in this month as the migration of neotropical songbirds, shorebirds, and raptors is all in full swing. If you’ve had those binoculars stashed away since May, this is the time to dust them off and get back out there! Warblers, Vireos, and Thrushes should be moving through in good numbers, so any good woodland habitat could produce exhilarating birding.

Songbird migration in the fall is quite different than it is in the spring.  For one, the birds are not in as much of a hurry as they are in the spring, so the migration is more spread out over 6 weeks as opposed to the concentrated 3-week blitz in the spring. Also, since the birds are not worried about breeding and attracting mates, they are much, much less vocal in the fall.  Another difference is their appearance.  Many of the birds you will see in the fall are hatch year juveniles, which can often be tricky to identify as they usually have quite different plumage than the breeding males we are used to seeing in the spring.  Even the adult males can be tricky to identify because their breeding plumage gets worn or even replaced by alternate plumage.  Adult male Chestnut-Sided, Magnolia, Blackburnian, and Tennessee Warblers are virtually unrecognizable as the same species when compared to how they appear in the spring.   
​
Another difference is that some species take a different route during the fall migration than in the spring.  Two examples of this are the Connecticut Warbler and the Philadelphia Vireo.  Both of these species take a more westerly route in the spring, but follow a route in the fall that goes through central PA.  Your best chance of seeing the rare and elusive Connecticut Warbler is in September.  Look for it in brushy areas such as the power line cut at Rocky Ridge.  While the Philadelphia Vireo is rarely seen in the spring, it is much more commonly seen in the fall. Look for it in the woodland edge zones mixed in with warblers, especially at Spring Valley, Rocky Ridge, and Pinchot Parks. 
Shorebirds:
Shorebird migration hits full stride in September, so continue to monitor the water levels of the lakes in search of mudflats (see detailed description of mudflat locations in the August page). Look very closely at any birds seen, as rarities such as white-rumped sandpiper, dowitchers, or plovers will sometimes show up.  You will also likely find Blue-winged Teal in these same areas as their movement through York peaks in September (much earlier than other waterfowl).   Conditions change from month to month and year to year, so what was the hotspot for shorebirds in August may have dried up and no longer be good in September. Likewise, water that was too high in August in other areas may have receded to make great shorebird habitat now. Black Rock Flats is most consistently a shorebird hotspot this month, but conditions at nearby Long Arm and Shepperd-Myers should also be checked out.  Lake Redman Boardwalk is always a good spot to keep an eye on.  Pinchot Park can be good for shorebirds if the water level is especially low.

Raptors:
Finally, migrating raptors are very much on the move in September.  Broad-winged hawks can be seen by the hundreds on peak days during the second and third weeks of September.  Along with the raptor parade seen from the RR Hawkwatch, the site provides a good opportunity to witness migrating Common Nighthawks and the aerial antics and vocal repertoire of the increasingly common Common Raven.  

​Visit the Hawk Watch at Rocky Ridge park where there are usually hawk-watch volunteers present at the platform from September until the beginning of November.  The most productive times seem to be from 11 am to 3 pm on days with northeasterly winds.
​Songbirds:
By October, fall passerine migration is beginning to wind down.  Many of the migratory breeding birds in York have begun their journey southward, with the remainder disappearing before the end of the month.   The first two weeks of October can still be a good time to catch the last waves of neotropical migrants passing through, such as warblers and vireos. Be especially on the lookout for Lincoln’s Sparrow as very few of them migrate through York in the spring, but many more migrate southward through York in the fall, with most of them passing through in October. 

Rocky Ridge is one of the best spots for migrating passerines in October.  Be sure to check the Ball Field and Alice’s Spot for warblers and vireos.  The power line cut provides one of your best chances in the county for Lincoln’s Sparrows, although they have been found in brushy areas throughout the county such as Spring Valley County Park (animal activity area), Lake Redman Boardwalk, and Hopewell.
Winter Arrivals:
As the neotropical migrants disappear by the end of October, a number of passerines from up “north” begin to arrive in York to spend the winter.  Look for the arrival of Brown Creeper, Winter Wren, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Ruby and Golden-crowned Kinglets, Hermit Thrush, Purple Finch, Pine Siskin, White-Throated and White-Crowned Sparrow, and Junco.  Most of these birds are commonly seen at feeders located near woodland and brushy areas throughout the county and will continue to be seen throughout the winter.  (See a detailed description of Public Bird Feeders in the November description)

Shorebirds & Waterfowl:
Shorebirds continue to be seen in the county in October, so continue checking the exposed mudflats at Lake Redman Boardwalk, Black Rock flats, Long Arm Reservoir (both the southern end and northern end),  Sheppard-Myers Reservoir.  (See the September write-up in this guide for more details about viewing these mudflats).  Other areas such as Codorus State Park, Gut Road (by York Haven), Gifford Pinchot State Park, and Lake Williams could also produce shorebirds, depending on the water level.   While you will hopefully find both species of Yellowlegs along with Least, Pectoral, and Semipalmated Sandpiper; look carefully for any rarities such as Dowitchers, American Golden or Black-bellied Plovers, White-rumped Sandpiper, Dunlin, or any other shorebird.  This is often when and where you could pick up some real rarities!
While visiting the mudflats for shorebirds, be sure to check the open water for migrating waterfowl.  Many species of ducks and gulls start to show up during late October with Ruddy Duck movement typically peaking around the last week.

Raptors:
Raptor migration continues over York throughout October.  Visit the Hawk Watch at Rocky Ridge park where there are usually hawk-watch volunteers present at the platform until the beginning of November.  The most productive times seem to be from 11 am to 3 pm on days with northeasterly winds.

Hawk Watch Data:  https://www.hawkcount.org/siteinfo.php?rsite=430
Links for More Information


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!
2021 Bird Seed Sale a Success!!!

York Audubon Society recently held its 2021 Bird Seed Sale. Pickup day was Saturday, October 30. The sale was again orchestrated by long time leader of 38 years, Dick Humbert. 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!

On a more sober note, Dick Humbert has decided to step down from running the bird seed sale after 38 great years. While he will still be involved in the sale, he has decided to hand over the detailed operations to Kyle Groft starting next year. I'm sure Dick will enjoy his retirement, knowing the operation will be in great hands with Kyle.

The binoculars winner is Rich Coons, longtime Audubon member. The fellow holding the sign with Dick is Larry Pritt, who worked on the very first bird seed pick-up . A truck full of seed came to Larry's house, where customers picked up their orders. Larry did that only once! But Dick soldiered on for a total of 38 years! Karl and Susan Kleiner are our biggest supporters, filling 2 Subaru Outbacks each year.
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!

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
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York Audubon Society is a tax-exempt charitable organization under IRS regulations [section 501(c)(3)]
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