Lehigh Valley bird sightings for February 7

Snowy Owls remain in the Lehigh Valley.

The most recent sightings, based on reports gathered by Dave DeReamus of the Eastern PA Birdline, continue to take place at the Lehigh Valley International Airport and in Fogelsville along Route 100.

Weather forecasters say we're to expect snow to cover the ground at least for another week, but there is no telling how long the owls will stay here. They may get an itch to begin their migration back toward the Arctic Circle, so if you haven't been outdoors to look, now is the time to do it. As we reported on January 26, this may be a once-in-a-lifetime treat. For tips on how to look for a Snowy Owl, click here.

The Eastern PA Birdline, which is sponsored by the Lehigh Valley Audubon Society, has reported the following locations where Snowy Owls have been seen:

• Lehigh Valley International Airport: The most recent sighting occurred on February 3 in the usual location: the airport's northeastern sector (near Race Street).
• Fogelsville: The latest sighting took place on February 1 along Route 100 south of Interstate 78. Sightings have occurred on Route 100 between I-78 and Route 222, with the most numerous taking place opposite Homewood Suites on Industrial Boulevard.
• Palmer Township: Along Van Buren Road.
• Lower Nazareth Township: Along Township Line Road.
• Williams Township (Northampton County): No specific location given.
• Queen City Airport, Allentown: No specific area given.
• Bethlehem: Along Commerce City Boulevard. This was the first sighting locally. There have been no additional reports since November 29. However, that does not necessarily mean that Snowy Owls no longer visit the industrial park.
• New Smithville: Across from the Peterbilt Truck Stop, off the Route 863 interchange on Interstate 78. Again, this is an older sighting, having been reported last on December 7.

Now, back to rest of the bird sightings for the Lehigh Valley and vicinity. The Eastern PA Birdline is sponsored by the Lehigh Valley Audubon Society. One notable development: Gray Catbirds have been spotted at three different locations.

Gray Catbird in February 2010 (Derek Stoner photo)

Easton, Northampton County
(at the "Forks of the Delaware")
Red-necked Grebe, 1 on February 2.
Iceland Gull, 2 on February 2.

Bethlehem, Northampton County
Peregrine Falcon, 1 on February 3.

East Allen Township, Northampton County
(at Seiple's Pond)
Greater White-fronted Goose, 1 on February 6.
Redhead, 16 on February 4, and 18 on February 6.

Graver's Hill, Northampton County
Lapland Longspur, 2 through February 1.

Allentown, Lehigh County
Red-breasted Nuthatch, 1 on February 1.
Redhead, through February 2 at the Dorney Park pond.
Iceland Gull, 1 on February 2 at Lehigh Canal Park.

Haafsville, Lehigh County
Ring-necked Pheasant, 1 on February 5.

Fogelsville Quarry, Lehigh County
Gray Catbird.

Lake Muhlenberg, Lehigh County
Canvasback, 3 on February 1.
Greater Scaup, 2 on February 2.
Also seen: Lesser Black-backed Gull.

Walking Purchase Park, Lehigh County
Redheads, 13 on February 1.
Also seen: Common Raven, Winter Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush and Gray Catbird.

Lehigh Gap Nature Center, Carbon County
Long-tailed Duck, 2 on February 4.

Gilbertsville, Montgomery County
Bullock's Oriole, 1 through February 1 along Oberholtzer Road.

Peace Valley Park, Bucks County
Red-headed Woodpecker, 1 through the week near Angler's Pier.
Also seen: Cackling Goose and Gray Catbird.

Belvidere, New Jersey
Red-necked Grebe, 1 on February 2 at the Belvidere Bridge.

Bald eagles were reported at several sites this week.

To report bird sightings to Dave DeReamus, send an e-mail to beard@rcn.com with the word "Birdline" in the subject heading.