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NEW !!!

Bird Habitat Recognition Program



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.

Don't forget our York County Birding Trail map to find new places to bird!
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. 


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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.

July

July is a pretty slow month for birding. Primarily only local breeders are around.  They tend to be less visible and much less vocal as they are busy raising their young.  Be on the lookout for juvenile birds out and about, which can be confusing since they can vary drastically in plumage from adults.
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The only movement during this month tends to be waders and shorebirds.  Some species, like little blue heron (especially immature ones), tricolored heron, and white ibis, tend to wander after they breed.  On rare occasions, these species show up in York in places like Lake Redman Boardwalk, Sheppard-Myers, Long Arm, or Black Rock. Keep an eye on ebird for any reports of these and other rarities.  

By the last week of July,  some of the expected migrating shorebirds will begin to arrive.  Look for Solitary Sandpipers, Least Sandpipers, and Yellowlegs in areas where there are exposed mudflats.  Typically, Sheppard-Myers Reservoir, the southern end of Long Arm Reservoir, and Lake Williams/Redman have exposed mudflats or shallow enough water at this time of year.

August

Shorebirds
Despite not being located along the ocean, shorebird migration can be surprisingly good in York. The water levels at many of the lakes and ponds starts lowering in the late summer , revealing suitable mudflat habitat for migrating shorebirds and waders. During September, the numbers of shorebirds should continue to be increasing with larger numbers of least sandpipers, semipalmated sandpipers, and both species of yellowlegs present. Be sure to check closely for pectoral sandpipers and semipalmated plovers as well. Typically during August, the water level of Lake Marburg tends to fall, exposing the mudflats at Black Rock Flats.  When this happens, this becomes one of the prime hotspots for shorebirds and one should always be on the lookout for rarities. Also, continue to check Sheppard-Myers, Long Arm, Lake Redman Boardwalk, and Lake Williams for exposed mudflats.  Pinchot SP may also produce some good species if the water level there is low.
Best Mudflat Locations in York:
Black Rock Flats is part of Codorus State Park and is usually the best spot in the county for shorebirds in late summer/fall.  The mudflats are usually visible from the Black Rock Boat Launch Parking Lot off of Black Rock Road or from walking the Mary Ann Furnace Trail (trailhead just east of boat launch on Black Rock Road).

Sheppard-Myers Reservoir is just a 9 minute drive from Black Rock Flats, so it is highly recommended to couple any trip to Black Rock with a trip to Sheppard-Myers to check out this often overlooked hotspot for shorebirds. There are several spots to park along Impounding Dam Road with trails down to the lake.  Exactly where to park and which trail to go on will depend on the water level.  Fortunately, the reservoir is small and accessibility is fairly good, so you can drive around and look for where the best mudflats are at that time.

Marburg Flats - this is another spot in Codorus State Park that sometimes has good mudflats.  This is the southeastern most part of Lake Marburg along Blooming Grove Rd where it intersects with Morningstar Rd.  Access is limited to viewing from the somewhat busy road, so care should be taken.  If you are adventurous, there are a few deer paths that can be taken  through the wooded buffer over the rocks and poison ivy down to the lakeside that yield some unobstructed views of the flats.

Long Arm Reservoir can have mudflats on the north end that are visible from Westminster Rd.  There is also usually good shorebird habitat at the south end of the reservoir along Grand Valley Rd.  There is a handicapped parking area 0.2 miles south of Leppo Mill Rd.  Depending on the water level, there may be good mudflats at this parking area.  If the water level at this spot is too high, walk farther south on Grand Valley Rd until you find the waterline and exposed mudflats.

UPMC Hospital (aka Memorial Hospital / aka Hawk Lake Golf Course) Retention Pond.  - Located in West York not far from the West Manchester Mall, this former golf course still retains some nice habitat for birding.  While there is a walking trail on the grounds that winds around several small ponds, a surprise shorebird hotspot in 2020 was a small retention pond on the grounds.  There are two retention ponds located on the south side of the hospital and just north of Innovation Dr.  In fact, Innovation Dr goes right along the ponds.  In 2020, the water level of the west-most pond was just right for small waders and both species of yellowlegs, solitary sandpiper, pectoral sandpiper, and least sandpiper were found there.  The best part about this spot is that you can get very close, eye-level views of shorebirds that you otherwise usually see at a distance.  Time will tell if this continues to be a good hotspot for shorebirds.

​Warblers Arrive!​ - The last week of August marks the beginning of the fall neotropical migrant arrival in York County.  Look for Chestnut-sided, Magnolia, Black-throated Blue, Black and White, Blackburnian, and Canada Warblers beginning to move through during this time.  Rocky Ridge, Nixon, and Spring Valley Parks are among the best places to go for fall warblers. 

RECENT EVENTS

Saturday, June 13, 2026

The 2026 Annual Audubon Picnic

was held in the Muskie pavilion at William Kain Park on Saturday June 13.

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. 
 
Magee Marsh trip 2026

Once again, Becky Stabler took a full busload of birders for a four day trip to the amazing Magee Marsh. As usual, there was no disappointment. Take a look at some of the beauties that were spotted this year. Especially, wait, what is that last picture?? Could it be?? To the delight of all,
the Kirtland's Warbler once again made an appearance!
(Don't miss your chance to sign up when next year's trip rolls around!)
April 2026 - Annual Banquet            

Our 2026 annual banquet featured Linette Mansberger presenting a program entitled "Winging it Near Water". The program showcased birds that are found near various water habitats in south central PA., and taught us about the families of birds that frequent wetlands, ponds, streams, etc…and some of the birds’ unique characteristics.

Our silent auction, 50/50 raffle, and the raffle of a hand-made bird themed quilt were big hits as usual.

Phil Keener was presented with the 2026 Conservation Award.

Tish Swam announced her retirement as our Program Director after 33 years of outstanding service, during which she managed to arrange for some amazing and internationally recognized speakers (Scott Weidensaul, Peter Kaestner, to name a few - you can't say "no" to Tish!).

Karen Cappeluti was introduced as our new Program Director.

Above all, the enjoyment of socializing with one another made it an amazing evening.


March 2026 Meeting

Lancaster Conservancy’s Keith Williams welcomed the new season with a presentation titled, " Spring Ephemerals".



February 2026 Meeting

There’s far more to feathers than meets the eye, as Kathy Gingerich informed us at our February meeting. She revealed  the mysteries of each feather on a bird in her presentation titled, "Feathers". 
January 2026 Meeting

"Birds Z to A"

George Schardt presented a fun and colorful look at his favorite bird pictures and video clips from Z to A.
Birds were from Alaska to Zimbabwe, and many countries and states in between, including Costa Rica, Jamaica, Ecuador, Peru, Arizona, Nevada,Texas, and Florida. Why Z to A? Well, you always save the best for last, right?
2025 CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT

The Christmas Bird Count on Dec 20, 2025 marked the 126th event of this community science project. The York Circle, with a radius of 7.5 miles, is centered on the dam at Codorus State Park. Weather was good for counting in that the day was sunny without the wind we had been experiencing. The number of counters was down to 19 from a high of 30 last year, mainly due to some regulars traveling. Among the 4,047 birds counted, we had 70 species.

New to our list is the Ross's Goose, which was spotted at Log Arm Reservoir in a group of other geese, by using scopes. A low number of American Goldfinches were identified at 40. Highs included Common Mergansers at 108 and Common Ravens at 10. There was a reported eruption of Red Breasted Nuthatches and our count of 9 was the highest in the last 7 years. Thanks to our counters for continuing the tradition.
2025 CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT
FOR KIDS

This was the 10th CBC4Kids and it was going to be different. It started with Nixon Park Visitor's Center being closed for improvements to the HVAC system. Plan B was to conduct the event at Rocky Ridge County Park using a pavilion with panels. Amenities would include a fire and electric heaters. 25 had registered for the event on Dec 30. Approaching the turnoff from Mt. Zion Rd, traffic was backed up and waring signs said “Workers Ahead”. Utility workers were actively engaged at the intersection when we got there. Upon finally reaching the pavilion, the power was out. Kelsey Frey, our Park’s leader took it in stride and said we could shift to Rudy Park and so we went to Plan C. 

Unfortunately, not all those registered made the transition, but those who did found a warm fire, lights and heaters. After Kelsey made her introduction, explaining what birds we might find and how to use binoculars. Our group of 7 kids started the walk. We anxiously returned to the pavilion to get out of the wind, enjoy some hot chocolate and total our numbers. Despite the cold temperature and bitter winds, we spotted 49 birds among 10 species, for which, given the conditions, we were pleased. 

Thanks to the Park Staff and our Audubon guides for making this happen.
December 2025 meeting
Peter Kaestner once again gave us a fascinating presentation. He talked about being inspired by his brother at age 2, all the way up until he spotted his 10,000th bird species. Or so he thought. Due to several interesting events, it actually took him 3 tries to reach the magical 10,000 number!


November 2025 meeting

Metal sculptor Thomas Sterner presented "Public Sculptures... From Inspiration to Installation: An Artist's View of Nature". 
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!"




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!
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!
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.

  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 > > > > 
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