This trip is for the BIRDS and beach lovers!

Join Becky Stabler and York Audubon as we travel to

Chincoteague, Assateague, Kiptopeke, and the Eastern Shore of VA NWR

November 3-5, 2023

You’ll explore the shoreline, the marsh and wooded areas in search of every bird that is passing through, wintering, as well as those present year-round. The exploration is at your own pace for most of the trip.
(for brochure click below)
kiptopeke_2023_flyer.pdf
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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.   
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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.
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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RECENT EVENTS
Millbourne Garden Tour - May 2023

Approximately 20 York Audubon members enjoyed a free guided tour of Louis Appell's beautiful estate on Thursday, May 18, 2023. This is still the home of Mr. Appell's 99-year-old widow. Check out the gallery of pictures below (courtesy of Larry Armstrong).
Watch our upcoming calendar for a repeat offering of this event this fall!



May 2023 York Audubon meeting

This was a night to celebrate the legacy of Bill DelGrande. We remembered Bill's many accomplishments as a birder, a gardener, and a family man. His lifelong birding friend, Dick Humbert, shared stories and fond remembrances of some of their trips together. We were also treated to a presentation by his colorful daughter-in-law Nina DelGrande , titled "Boobies, Birds, and Wildlife of the Galapagos."
In addition, Alice Simmons was presented with the YAS Conservation award for 2023.


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.
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!

 

View a copy of our Spring 2023 newsletter and 2022 - 2023 calendar of events
2023_spring_newsletter.pdf
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2022_2023_yas_calendar.pdf
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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.
In a replay of our February 2022 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
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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York Audubon Society is a tax-exempt charitable organization under IRS regulations [section 501(c)(3)]
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