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YORK AUDUBON SOCIETY
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JOIN US for our next meeting
live and in person on

Monday, November 10, 2025 at 7:00 pm

when Thomas Sterner will present

"Public Sculptures... From Inspiration to
Installation: An Artist's View of Nature"

Join us at 7:00 p.m. at Unitarian Universalist Congregation of York, 925 S. George Street, York, PA 17403.

and on
Monday, December 8th 2025
Peter Kaestner will present 
“Search for the Orange-Tufted Spiderhunter ~~~My Quest to See
10,000 Birds"

UUCY, 7 pm




View / Download a copy of our

Fall 2025 newsletter (including our
2025-2026 calendar of events
                              or                         Membership Application             
2025_fall_newsletter.pdf
File Size: 618 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

york_audubon_membership_application_pdf.pdf
File Size: 66 kb
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Download File


NEW !!!

Bird Habitat Recognition Program


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Beautiful for You.

Beneficial for Birds!

The Pennsylvania Audubon Council has a brand new recognition program for turning outdoor spaces into healthy habitats. Get started today.


Learn More

Join YORK AUDUBON SOCIETY
on a day trip to 

BLACKWATER NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
on Saturday December 6, 2025

hosted by Becky Stabler of NATURESTABLER EXPLORATIONS, LLC 
717-688-5183

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge is a rest stop for southern migration in the fall and a
winter stopover for thousands of birds and waterfowl. The Refuge encompasses 27,000
acres of salt-marsh, freshwater ponds, farm fields, loblolly pines, and deciduous forests.
The ponds and planting of the farm crops provide desirable habitat for the migrating
waterfowl.

Click here to download brochure 
 > > > > > > > > > > >
bnwr_2025_brochure-2.pdf
File Size: 357 kb
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DECEMBER 20, 2025

2025 CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT


The 126th Christmas Bird Count, centered at Codorus State Park, is scheduled for December 20. Join your fellow birders for the longest running bird project. While experience helps, this is a great way to get experience by partnering with veterans. If you would like to participate or just get more information, contact Bernie Frick at 717-843-6675 or [email protected].

Alternate weather date is Dec. 27.

DECEMBER 30, 2025

CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT FOR KIDS

York Audubon Society is planning to hold our annual Christmas Bird Count for Kids on Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025. 

Details to follow shortly - please check back in a few days


York Southeast Christmas Bird Count
Friday, January 2, 2026

Please consider participating in the York Southeast Christmas Bird Count on Friday, January 2 .
Your eBird checklists within the count circle can be sent directly to eBird. Your paper checklist should be sent to Chuck Berthoud at [email protected]. The CBC will include Modern Landfill in
Yorkanna, Spring Valley and Nixon County Parks, Lakes Redman and Williams, Reservoir Park and Hopewell TWP Recreational area. If you live within the count circle please keep a feeder list! If you live within 7.5 miles of Rt 24 (Winterstown Road) and Barshinger Road you are within the count circle. Please consider taking the time to count and report all the birds you see on January 2.
Contact Chuck Berthoud at above email for further information.

Join York Audubon on a trip to beautiful

Savannah, Jekyll Island & Beaufort, SC.

April 20 - 25, 2026

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We are currently accepting sign-ups for this trip. Click the link below to see a brochure with all the details.
 
sanannah_-_april_2026.pdf
File Size: 941 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

 
For more information, or to reserve your spot contact Darlene Schardt at [email protected] or 717-741-3078 (voice only).

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​Waterfowl:
November begins the peak months for fall waterfowl migration. By mid-November, Ring-necked Duck, Bufflehead, Ruddy Duck, American Wigeon, Gadwall, Pied-billed Grebe, and Common and Hooded Merganser are commonly found on many of the bodies of water in York. Some of these birds will ‘hang out’ in these locations for months if the water remains unfrozen, while others will only spend the day as they are just passing through.  This necessitates frequent checks of open water at  Pinchot Lake, Lake Marburg (Codorus State Park), Long Arm Reservoir, Lake Redman & Lake Williams, and the Spring Grove Paper Mill Pond.  


Shorebirds:
While the main event in November is the waterfowl, the mudflats should continue to be checked for lingering shorebirds.  Many of the shorebirds found in October may still be present into November (Dunlin, Least Sandpiper, Yellowlegs), while a late migrating straggler or other rarer species is always possible.


Raptors :
Although the majority of the hawks have moved through in September & October, there will still be small numbers of raptors moving through in November.  In fact, November may be the best time to see rarities like a Golden Eagle, Rough-Legged Hawk, or Northern Goshawk; although only a couple of these are usually seen each year.  The Hawk Watch at Rocky Ridge is definitely the place to be on the lookout for raptors.  The hawk watch platform is always open, but volunteers will be present less frequently as November progresses.



Sparrows and Finches:
Wintering sparrows and finches continue to arrive.  In addition to the wintering passerines that began arriving in October; look for Fox Sparrows and Tree Sparrows to begin showing up in November. These two uncommon wintering sparrows can show up in brushy areas and at feeders located near woodlands and fields throughout the county and will continue to be seen throughout the winter.
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.
Go To October
Go To Winter (Dec-March)

Fall Birding is here! Don't forget our York County Birding Trail map to find new places to bird!
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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 BIRDING 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
File Size: 2210 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File



MONTHLY Bird Walks in York County!

Join us for an outdoor adventure at different locations in York County each month 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.

Monthly Bird Walk Info

RECENT EVENTS

October 2025 meeting

Our October meeting featured several speakers led by Bernie Frick, who relayed their recent experiences while visiting and hiking in Alaska. The evening was getting a bit late, so we decided to delay David Arrow's presentation about pelagic birding in Alaska to a future date. We are definitely looking forward to that! 

Saturday, June 14, 2025

The 2025 Annual Audubon Picnic


was held in the Muskie pavilion at William Kain Park on Saturday June 14.

Members and friends shared our pot-luck specialties, reminisced over the past year's activities, and anticipated the coming very big year, including all of our planned activities and trips.
Check back in late summer for our upcoming fall/spring schedule. 
April - 2025 Annual Banquet a rousing success!

Our 2025 annual banquet featured Ryan O'Meara of the Native Plant Company in Hanover, Pa., presenting a program entitled "Native Plants: A Bird Sanctuary". The program explained the importance of native plants to our local bird population. We also had an amazing silent auction, 50/50 raffle, and the raffle of a hand-made bird themed quilt. Above all, the enjoyment of socializing with one another made it an amazing evening.
 
March 2025 Meeting

Frank Marsden,
director of Eden Mill Nature Center in Harford County, MD, entertained us with his program about a photographer's journey in nature, titled "The Story Behind the Photos". While the varied bird and wildlife photos were terrific, the stories that Frank told us about the events surrounding the photos were mesmerizing.
Meeting location
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of York
925 S. George Street, York, PA 17403
February 2025 Meeting

Keith Williams, vice-president of the Lancaster Conservancy, presented a very informative program that
explained all about the Lancaster Conservancy organization...how it began, location, and plans for the future. The Conservancy does a wonderful job of obtaining and protecting significant parcels of land throughout central Pennsylvania.
     Gettysburg Battlefield Tour

Saturday January 25, 2025

The weather was cold, the birds were scarce (except for the TEN HORNED LARKS that we found out in the field below), but the 20 participants were hardy and a good time was had. Licensed battlefield guide and bird enthusiast Dave Weaver led us on our trek to look for winter wildlife,  while listening to stories about the battle at each site we visited.
Carpoolers left from the Visitors' Center lobby at 9 am.
Tour lasted about 2 hours.
Join us when we try this again this spring (April 26) in warmer weather!

January 2025 Meeting

At our meeting on January 13, Kathy Gingerich enlightened us on the various ways that birds keep warm during the cold winter months, with her presentation titled

"Baby, It's Cold Outside!"


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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!
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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.

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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!
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.
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.

 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.

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"
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.

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!

Lake Redman
York Hiking Club cabin at the river
Hopewell
Hopewell
Nixon park
Don't forget to visit the York Audubon feeders at Pinchot Park
(photos courtesy Sherry Lookofsky)
Pinchot Park


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!

BIRDING BLOG

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!


Click HERE for Marty's FUN new website!

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!

Map to NEW MEETING LOCATION
 



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.
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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.

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Shown above are just some of Cliff's cover photos found on several national magazines.

  JOIN York Audubon Society 

Join online at the National Audubon Society portal. You will be placed into our local chapter by using this link  > > >
or
Membership application - print and mail > > > > 
Join York Audubon Society now
york_audubon_membership_application.pdf
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File Type: pdf
Download File

York Audubon Society is a tax-exempt charitable organization under IRS regulations [section 501(c)(3)]
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  • Home
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    • About Us
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  • Events
    • Summary - Coming Events
    • Magee Marsh
    • Past Events >
      • Past Meetings
      • Annual Banquet
      • Bird Seed Sales
      • Central Park, NYC - May 2019
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