COMING Events
CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT
Join the 121st Christmas Bird Count (CBC) on Saturday, December 19. First conducted in 1900, this is the nation’s longest running wildlife census. Around the USA and 19 other countries, participants join a group that identifies as many species and their numbers within a circle with a 15 mile diameter. Census data are compiled and sent to the National Audubon organization. Results are used by researchers, scientists and wild life agencies to assess the health of bird populations and to guide conservation efforts. The Environmental Protection Agency has used the findings as an indicator of climate change.
The York Audubon circle centers on Lake Marburg in Codorus State Park. Counters form teams and search areas likely to have many and/or unusual birds. Birders of all levels are welcome. If interested, contact Bernie Frick at 717-843-6675 or email at BernardFrick@alum.lehigh.edu. In case of bad weather, our alternate date is Jan 2nd.
York County Department of Parks and Recreation
Christmas Bird Count for Kids
Are you between the ages of 8 and 18 and would like to participate in a citizens science project to identify and count birds? Experienced birders from York Audubon Society will explain how to use binoculars to identify birds, record them on a check list and submit your findings on the eBird website at Cornell Labs.
WHEN: Tuesday, December 29, 2020 from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM.
WHERE: Nixon County Park Nature Center, 5922 Nixon Dr, York PA 17403
REQUIREMENTS: -register by calling Nixon Park at 717-428-1961 by December 26.
Registration may be limited.
-bring a parent or adult who will stay with you.
-wear clothing appropriate for walking on trails for up to 90 minutes.
-wear a mask and observe social distancing.
For over a century Christmas Bird Counts have been organized across the Americas, but the counts have largely been for adults. This is an opportunity for kids and their families with no birding experience to learn about the basics of this grand old tradition.
We will provide and explain the use of binoculars and identify birds that come to the feeders at Nixon Park Nature Center. Teams will be given a checklist. An experienced birder will lead the team on trails within the park. The teams will return to the Nature Center to report their birds. The results will be tallied and then entered on the eBird website with Cornell Labs.
Join us for some healthy holiday family fun while learning birding basics and doing citizen science.
Field Trip
NEW ACTIVITY - - - Saturday, January 23, 2021: Gettysburg Winter Wildlife Watching Tour with licensed battlefield guide Dave Weaver. We will follow Dave throughout sections of the battlefield, stopping to listen to his historical recounts as we scan the sky, fields, fences, trees for wildlife.
Masks are required, as well as social distancing when we get out of our vehicles. Meet outside of the Visitors' Center by 1:45. The tour will be 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. NOMINAL FEE REQUIRED.
Inclement weather date is January 30.
Coordinator: Tish Swam 717-235-2578. Call to reserve your spot.
Currently, activities come with certain rules:
Join the 121st Christmas Bird Count (CBC) on Saturday, December 19. First conducted in 1900, this is the nation’s longest running wildlife census. Around the USA and 19 other countries, participants join a group that identifies as many species and their numbers within a circle with a 15 mile diameter. Census data are compiled and sent to the National Audubon organization. Results are used by researchers, scientists and wild life agencies to assess the health of bird populations and to guide conservation efforts. The Environmental Protection Agency has used the findings as an indicator of climate change.
The York Audubon circle centers on Lake Marburg in Codorus State Park. Counters form teams and search areas likely to have many and/or unusual birds. Birders of all levels are welcome. If interested, contact Bernie Frick at 717-843-6675 or email at BernardFrick@alum.lehigh.edu. In case of bad weather, our alternate date is Jan 2nd.
York County Department of Parks and Recreation
Christmas Bird Count for Kids
Are you between the ages of 8 and 18 and would like to participate in a citizens science project to identify and count birds? Experienced birders from York Audubon Society will explain how to use binoculars to identify birds, record them on a check list and submit your findings on the eBird website at Cornell Labs.
WHEN: Tuesday, December 29, 2020 from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM.
WHERE: Nixon County Park Nature Center, 5922 Nixon Dr, York PA 17403
REQUIREMENTS: -register by calling Nixon Park at 717-428-1961 by December 26.
Registration may be limited.
-bring a parent or adult who will stay with you.
-wear clothing appropriate for walking on trails for up to 90 minutes.
-wear a mask and observe social distancing.
For over a century Christmas Bird Counts have been organized across the Americas, but the counts have largely been for adults. This is an opportunity for kids and their families with no birding experience to learn about the basics of this grand old tradition.
We will provide and explain the use of binoculars and identify birds that come to the feeders at Nixon Park Nature Center. Teams will be given a checklist. An experienced birder will lead the team on trails within the park. The teams will return to the Nature Center to report their birds. The results will be tallied and then entered on the eBird website with Cornell Labs.
Join us for some healthy holiday family fun while learning birding basics and doing citizen science.
Field Trip
NEW ACTIVITY - - - Saturday, January 23, 2021: Gettysburg Winter Wildlife Watching Tour with licensed battlefield guide Dave Weaver. We will follow Dave throughout sections of the battlefield, stopping to listen to his historical recounts as we scan the sky, fields, fences, trees for wildlife.
Masks are required, as well as social distancing when we get out of our vehicles. Meet outside of the Visitors' Center by 1:45. The tour will be 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. NOMINAL FEE REQUIRED.
Inclement weather date is January 30.
Coordinator: Tish Swam 717-235-2578. Call to reserve your spot.
Currently, activities come with certain rules:
- Participants will be limited to 10 and must register with the leader before the activity.
- Participants will meet at the site. No organized carpooling.
- Social distancing and wearing of masks should be observed.
- Participants will need to sign a release form and give it to the activity leader prior to participating. Leaders will have copies the day of the event, or you may print the following form ahead of time and bring it with you.
| yas_liability_release_form_v2.pdf |
Scheduled ZOOM meetings:
Due to regulations limiting our activities, no in-person monthly meetings are currently scheduled.
However, we will be hosting some ZOOM meetings online.
Be sure to send your email address to
sherrylookofsky@comcast.net
in order to obtain the meeting link and instructions, or check back here closer to the meeting date.
Monday, Dec. 14, 2020 at 7:00 p.m.......................Baltimore Bird Club's Martin Brazeau will present a fascinating Zoom program titled, "Filming Birds in Australia". His high-definition videos show colorful birds that he filmed in Sydney, the Blue Mountains, the Great Ocean Road, and Tasmania. Marty will also humorously share his top 10 strategies related to getting good bird footage.
Monday, Feb, 8 2021 at 7:00 p.m....................... Join us for a webinar titled, "Birding in Big Bend National Park" presented by Lee Hoy via Wildlife Nature Tours. View stunning landscapes, sunsets, the Milky Way, and BIRDS, BIRDS, BIRDS! You will want to book a flight to Texas after the pandemic ends!
Monday, March 8, 2021...................... "White-throated Sparrows: A Closer Look at This Common but Not Ordinary Species"
Dr. Brent Horton is an associate professor of Biology at Millersville University. He has conducted many years of fieldwork on White-throated Sparrows, examining how hormones and genes determine variation in behavior. Let's learn more about these lovely winter residents.... their songs and coloration differences as Dr. Horton's research reveals!
Due to regulations limiting our activities, no in-person monthly meetings are currently scheduled.
However, we will be hosting some ZOOM meetings online.
Be sure to send your email address to
sherrylookofsky@comcast.net
in order to obtain the meeting link and instructions, or check back here closer to the meeting date.
Monday, Dec. 14, 2020 at 7:00 p.m.......................Baltimore Bird Club's Martin Brazeau will present a fascinating Zoom program titled, "Filming Birds in Australia". His high-definition videos show colorful birds that he filmed in Sydney, the Blue Mountains, the Great Ocean Road, and Tasmania. Marty will also humorously share his top 10 strategies related to getting good bird footage.
Monday, Feb, 8 2021 at 7:00 p.m....................... Join us for a webinar titled, "Birding in Big Bend National Park" presented by Lee Hoy via Wildlife Nature Tours. View stunning landscapes, sunsets, the Milky Way, and BIRDS, BIRDS, BIRDS! You will want to book a flight to Texas after the pandemic ends!
Monday, March 8, 2021...................... "White-throated Sparrows: A Closer Look at This Common but Not Ordinary Species"
Dr. Brent Horton is an associate professor of Biology at Millersville University. He has conducted many years of fieldwork on White-throated Sparrows, examining how hormones and genes determine variation in behavior. Let's learn more about these lovely winter residents.... their songs and coloration differences as Dr. Horton's research reveals!
We look forward to seeing you soon! In-Person meetings are currently suspended, but watch the website for news regarding the other options we have been planning.
Meetings are free and open to the public - Come join us!