Saturday October 26, 2024

YAS Annual Bird Seed Sale

4075 N. George St., Manchester.
9am to 1pm.
(see below to order)

Two Ways to Order:
  1. Online - Visit our Bird Seed Sale Web Page to place your order online and Pay by Credit Card (no need for a form)
  2. By Mail - Fill out the order form from our flyer and send a check in with your order form. 
    1. If you have received a flyer in the mail last year, you will be receiving one in the mail again this year
    2. If you have not received a flyer, you may download one to print out here --> Download Flyer

PLEASE NOTE - ALL ORDERS MUST BE PLACED BY SATURDAY, OCT 20th


NOTE THAT ALL ORDERS MUST STILL BE PICKED UP AT THE DESIGNATED TIME AND PLACE.

SATURDAY OCTOBER 26, 2024 – 9AM-1PM

FORMERLY RECORD CLUB OF AMERICA PARKING LOT 
4075 N. GEORGE STREET, MANCHESTER, PA
(see map below)

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
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
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.
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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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