Gettysburg Battlefield Tour

Saturday January 25, 2025

Tour Gettysburg Battlefield with licensed guide Dave Weaver to look for winter wildlife while listening to Dave's stories about the battle at each site we visit. Carpool from the Visitors' Center. Meet in the lobby at 9 am..
Tour lasts about 2 hours. Dress for the weather. Bring binoculars.

Reservation required. NO FEES. Contact: Tish Swam 717-235-2578
MAGEE MARSH
&
OHIO’S NORTHWESTERN SHORE

May 14-17, 2025


Download the brochure for this year's trip below
magee_2025_flyer.pdf
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This trip is for the BIRDS!
That’s right. You will have every opportunity to explore the spring migration waypoint along Lake Erie’s southern shore in northwestern Ohio. Birders from across the world make this pilgrimage just to be able to see the birds feeding low in the branches. Warblers galore! Nashville, Black-throated Greens, Black-and-whites, Yellow, Cape May, Black-throated Blues, Prothonotary, Wilson’s, and the list goes on and on!
You’ll explore the shoreline, the marsh and wooded areas in search of every bird that is passing through, as well as, those present year-round. The exploration is at your own pace for most of the trip.

NatureStabler Explorations, LLC
1 Center Square, Suite 201
Hanover, PA 17301
NatureStabler.com
[email protected]
717-688-5183

https://naturestabler.com/
​
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/)
​
Larks, Longspurs, Pipits, and Buntings
​
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.   
​

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.
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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View a copy of our Fall 2024 newsletter and 2024 - 2025 calendar of events
2024_fall_newsletter.pdf
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2024_2025_yas_calendar.pdf
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RECENT EVENTS

Christmas Bird Count for Kids
December 27, 2024
Nixon County Park

With ideal weather for late December, 25 kids left the visitors Center at Nixon Park armed with binoculars and a goal of sighting as many birds and species as possible in the next 45 minutes. Accompanied by two or more adults from York Audubon Society, three groups took different routes on trails through the park. 

When we reassembled inside and counters called off the species under the helpful eye of Park Naturalist, Carter Johnson, 21 were identified including most of the woodpeckers, a Bald Eagle and a Golden Crowned Kinglet. The kids and their families took advantage of hot chocolate and cookies while discussing their finds. Thanks to Nixon Park, Carter Johnson and Audubon guides for making a successful 8th CBC4Kids. 

125th Christmas Bird Count

On December 21, 29 counters on 9 teams identified 73 species among 5,365 birds. The weather was notable for the wind, which it was generally felt kept the number of birds down.  Centered on the Lake Marburg Dam in Codorus State Park, counters searched around the Lake, and touched locations south to Lineboro, west to Hanover, east to Seven Valleys and north to Spring Grove. 

With 29 counting, the effort surpassed previous years, while the results were in the range of prior years. Less frequently found species were: Tundra Swan, American Widgeon, Bufflehead, Common Loon, Red Headed Woodpecker, Winter Wren and Tree Sparrow. 

Around noon most counters came to the Park Office to share their finds, stories and a bowl of chili.  
December 2024 Meeting

Wendy Looker, falconer and raptor educator, visited us with her barn owl, Willow, to share the history
and mystery of this rarely-seen species. Her presentation, titled "The Not-So- Common Barn Owl", delighted the crowd, young and old.
October 2024 Meeting
Evan Vaeth saved the day after a late cancellation from our scheduled October speaker, by reprising an updated version of his wonderful photography slide show "Birding the Seasons". Thanks Evan!
The fall scenery was in full splendor from September 28 thru October 8, 2024, as 37 members and friends of York Audubon traveled by bus to Nova Scotia. We enjoyed stops in Acadia National Park, Halifax, Prince Edward Island, and New Brunswick in Canada, among others. While not a "birding" tour, we managed to fit in an optional birding stop with a local guide in Halifax.
September 2024 meeting

Our September meeting featured Raven Ridge Wildlife Center volunteer Mark Kocher informing us on some of the rewarding (and not so rewarding) features of his role as a wildlife rehabilitator for the Ravens Ridge Wildlife Center. His presentation was enhanced with the presence of the live raptors that accompanied him!
2024 York Audubon Picnic

The annual York Audubon picnic was held in the Muskie Pavilion at William Kain Park on June 15. Good weather, good food, and good friends made for a great event!
GETTYSBURG

York Audubon held a Spring Wildlife Walk in Gettysburg National Military Park on May 25. Licensed guide David Weaver met us at the Visitor Center and guided our walk.
May 2024 Meeting

Dr. Dan Klem, Jr. enlightened us on an important topic in his presentation titled "Saving Billions of Birds From Windows: An Essential Conservation Issue for Birds and People".

LEGACY AWARD

Also, our long time Program Director, Tish Swam, received the inaugural "Legacy Award" from a grateful York Audubon membership. Tish's contributions in providing an interesting and exciting slate of programs for us
year after year (after year, after year, after . . . . well, you get it) is greatly appreciated.
April - 2024 Annual Banquet

Our annual banquet returned in 2024 to a very receptive crowd. From the silent auction to the delicious dinner to the amazing presentation from Linette Mansburger, "A Charm of Hummingbirds",  not to mention the enjoyment of socializing with one another, it was an amazing evening.
 March 2024 Meeting - LIVE! RAPTORS!

Our March 2024 meeting featured Patrick Miller, of Miller’s Wildlife. This program took our understanding of raptors to new heights! During the Birds of Prey program, we learned about the distinct characteristics of a variety of raptors. From “feathered missiles” to “wolves of the sky”. The program featured a selection of ambassador animals who helped us share the story of their wild counterparts, and thrilled the doorbusting crowd of both young and old!.
Our February 2024 meeting featured Larry and Fran Armstrong presenting their wonderful program "Australia: Diverse, Beautiful, Deadly!”
It was a  look at the ecology, geology, flora, and fauna of Australia from Sydney in the east to Perth in the west with a stop at Uluru in the center. From Darwin in the north (105°) to Tasmania in the south (32° with snow) with a visit to kangaroo island in between. From deserts to tropical rainforests and from mountains to coastal beaches, there was something for everyone.
Our January 2024 meeting was our " Members Best Night. It was an evening of sharing hobbies, collections, projects, and interests, and members shared a wide variety as evidenced in the photos below.
2023 Christmas Bird Count for Kids

Ten children and ten adults attended this years count at Nixon Park. About 2 dozen species were recorded. Instruction was given on how to ID birds based on their characteristics, and how to use binoculars in the field.

November 2023 Meeting

Campbell Plowden presented "Supporting Native Artisans, Communities, and Forest Conservation in the Peruvian Amazon", which included his presentation and a Fair Trade Craft Sale.
October 2023 Meeting
Ken and Mary Frazier entertained us with
"Costa Rica Birding and Vacation Adventures with Ken and Mary Frazier"
Thank You Everyone
2023 Bird Seed Sale a Success

Over 10 tons of bird seed was distributed at the York Audubon Society's recently held 2023 Bird Seed Sale.

Pickup day was Saturday, October 28. The sale was  organized by Kyle Groft, who led a group of volunteers in the fulfillment operation, sorting and loading the bird seed orders into customers vehicles in very efficient fashion. (Retired long time leader Dick Humbert kept a watchful eye on the group!)

Thank you to all of our valued customers and friends for their support. Profits will go to support our many programs and activities.

 
September 2023 Meeting
Evan Vaeth presented a photography slide show "Birding the Seasons", proving that you don't need to go far to see birds all year round.
Millbourne Garden Tours
May 2023, October 2023, April 2024

Many York Audubon members have now enjoyed a free guided tour of Louis Appell's beautiful estate. Check out the gallery of pictures below (courtesy of Larry Armstrong and Ken Frazier) from our tours.
Millbourne through the seasons!



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.

Christmas Bird Count 2022
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.
Slideshow of some Past Events

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, Give Local York, and birding on the Lake Redman Boardwalk, where we met up by chance with the 4-H Wildlife Watchers.

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:

[email protected]

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.
Membership application for York Audubon Society - print and mail
york_audubon_membership_application.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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