Lehigh Valley bird sightings for the week of April 17

Yellow-throated Warbler

Spring migration brings several species that haven't been seen since the cold, snowy months of winer.

In week ended April 17, Yellow-throated Warblers, Bank Swallows and Broad-winged Hawks made their reappearance in the Lehigh Valley.

Meanwhile, several species are getting ready to depart for northern regions. Among them are the Pink Siskin and the Merlin, both of which probably will remain only until mid-May. 

Naturally, Snowy Geese, Snow Buntings, Snowy Owls and Snow Buntings  are long gone. So, too, are Cackling Geese. 

But there are plenty of migratory species that will be passing by the Lehigh Valley. They are a treat to see because of the short period that they are visible here. Species reported this week include Bonaparte's Gull, the Solitary Sandpiper, Dunlin, Northern Waterthrush and Red-throated Loon.

The sightings were compiled by Dave DeReamus, of the Eastern PA Birdline, which is sponsored by the Lehigh Valley Audubon Society.

Lake Minsi, Northampton County
Long-tailed Duck, 1 at least to April 10 and 2 on April 14.
Black Scoter, 10 on April 17.
Red-breasted Merganser, 6 on April 10.
Red-throated Loon, 1 on April 17.
Red-necked Grebe, 1 on April 17.
Dunlin, 1 on April 10.
Bonaparte's Gull, 12 on April 9 and 2 on April 14.
Common Tern, 1 on April 10.

Bear Swamp, Northampton County
Northern Waterthrush, 1 on April 15.

Martins Creek PPL Power Plant area, Northampton County
Bonaparte's Gull, 8 on April 10
Also seen: Bank Swallow.

Nazareth Quarry, Northampton County
Red-throated Loon, 1 from April 9 to at least April 14.
Bonaparte's Gull, 4 on April 14.

Lower Nazareth Township, Northampton County
(at the Gremar retention ponds)
Long-tailed Duck, 5 to at least to April 10.
Bonaparte's Gull, 1 on April 10.
Also seen: Hooded Merganser and Wilson's Snipe.

Bethlehem Boat Club area, Northampton County
Yellow-throated Warbler, 1 returning on April 12.

Green Pond, Northampton County
Bonaparte's Gull, 2 on April 10.
Also seen: Blue-winged Teal.

Beltzville State Park, Carbon County
Red-breasted Merganser, 2 on April 14.
Red-throated Loon, 1 from April 10 to at least April 12.
Also seen: Cliff Swallow.

Bake Oven Knob, Lehigh County
Bald Eagle, 2 on April 15.
Broad-winged Hawk, 77 on April 15.
Merlin, 1 on April 15.

Leaser Lake, Lehigh County
Red-breasted Merganser, 1 on April 14.
Caspian Tern, 1 on April 12.

Bonaparte's Gull

Haafsville, Lehigh County
Sandhill Crane, 1 on April 14.
Also seen: Wilson's Snipe.

Upper Macungie Township, Lehigh County
(along Cetronia Road, near Air Products)
Solitary Sandpiper, 1 to at least April 12.

Green Lane Reservoir, Montgomery County
(at the Walt Road area)
Red-breasted Merganser, 9 on April 10.
Red-throated Loon, 2 to at least April 12.
Dunlin, 1 on April 11.
Bonaparte's Gull, 1 on April 10; 1 on April 11; 18 on April 14; and 1 on April 16.
(at the Church Road area)
Green Heron, 1 on April 10.

Peace Valley Park, Bucks County
Common Goldeneye, 1 to at least April 10.
Red-necked Grebe, 1 on April 11.
Peregrine Falcon, 1 on April 11.
Also seen: Green Heron, Broad-winged Hawk and Blue-gray Gnatcatcher.

Several locations
Double-breasted Cormorant, Osprey, Bald Eagle and Pine Siskin were among the species reported at several sites this past week.

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