Lehigh Valley bird sightings for the week of May 23

Alder Flycatcher

Now that the weather is warming (or at least is better than it was weeks ago), flies have emerged and a number of species of flycatchers are now on duty.

The past week saw sightings of Yellow-bellied, Alder and Olive-sided flycatchers at several locations in the Lehigh Valley. As their name suggests, they feast on insects, including flying ones.

The Alder Flycatcher breeds here during the summer but the Yellow-bellied and Olive-sided usually make visits to the region and then move on. They are rarely seen, so it's a treat to spot one. 

Small inhabitants of wet thickets, the Alder Flycatcher chases insects, catching them on the wing or picking them from the foliage of trees or shrubs. They have brown upper parts, browner on the wings and tail, and grayish-olive-white underparts. White wing bars, a small bill, a short tail and a bit of orange on the lower bill help distinguish them from other species. They place their nests in a deciduous shrub about 2 feet off the ground.

Yellow-bellied Flycatcher

The Yellow-bellied Flycatcher is the easiest of the three to spot because to it is mostly bright olive with yellow underparts. It's a small flycatcher with a relatively large round head. The wing bars are broad and white. You'll find it in boreal forests, moist forests, bogs and swamps. Insects and arthropods are its diet.

The Olive-sided Flycatcher spends time in burned forests and open areas where finding insects is easy. Otherwise they inhabit northern coniferous forests and forest edges between the woods and meadows. One of their favorite food source is bees. The Olive-sided species are a large, stocky flycatcher with a large head and a relatively short tail. The sides are gray and the best white.

Here are the Lehigh Valley bird sightings for the week ended May 23. The list was compiled by Dave DeReamus, of the Eastern PA Birdline, which is sponsored by the Lehigh Valley Audubon Society.

Olive-sided Flycatcher

Upper Mount Bethel Township, Northampton County
(along National Park Drive)
Gray-cheeked Thrush, 1 on May 18.
Mourning Warbler, 2 on May 19.

Bear Swamp, Northampton County
Gray-cheeked Thrush, 2 on May 18.

Jacobsburg State Park, Northampton County
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, 1 on May 21.
Alder Flycatcher, 2 on May 17.
Mourning Warbler, 1 on May 19.

Lower Nazareth Township, Northampton County
(at the Gremar Road retention ponds)
Common Gallinule, 1 on May 17.

Monocacy Nature Center, Northampton County
Mourning Warbler, 1 on May 19.

State Game Lands 217, Lehigh County
Olive-sided Flycatcher, 1 on May 15 and 1 on May 17.
Alder Flycatcher, 1 on May 17.

Leaser Lake, Lehigh County
Ruffed Grouse, 1 on May 16 near the top of the mountain.

Allentown, Lehigh County
(at Lehigh Canal Park)
Yellow-throated Warbler, 1 on May 17.

Peace Valley Park, Bucks County
Prothonotary Warbler, 2 continued this past week.

Pine Siskins were reported at several sites this past week. They probably will be migrating northward within days.

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

Warblers

Pine Warbler

Warblers of North America are often called "wood-warblers." Most warblers are colorful. Yellow is very common but you will also see blue, green and gray. Sometimes you may see chestnut, orange or red.

All warblers are small, about the size of a chickadee (except for the Yellow-breasted Chat). They have relatively small heads and slim bodies. Their bills are fine, pointed and short, designed to catch insects. They all have nine outer wing feathers, nine inner wing feathers and 12 tail feathers. The one exception is the Olive Warbler, which is in its own family and has 10 outer wing feathers.

A good clue in identifying warblers is their behavior. Most warblers are quick and agile as they forage, flitting from one spot to another within the foliage canopy, moving even faster than chickadees. We often get only a few seconds at a time to observe the bird. Many warblers eat insects off of leaves and can be seen in leaf clusters at the ends of branches.

Olive Warbler

Warblers begin singing in early spring into summer. Some start singing during migration and increase their songs as they get close to breeding grounds. Generally, only males sing, and they usually sing from medium high to high branches.

Most songs are very high pitched; some are a series of high whistled notes on the same pitch or different pitch and others are high pitched trills. None are long or melodic. Other calls (you really can't call them "songs") are raspy buzzes.

There are 51 species of warblers in North America which is why I've kept this article more general rather than focusing on specific birds. There are field guides devoted to warblers. In the Lehigh Valley, you may be able to spot early, middle and late migrants, adding 10 to 20 species to your birding list.

Chestnut-sided Warbler

Spring migration in our area usually begins in mid to late April and into late May. Spots to find warblers in our area include Jacobsburg State Park, Monocacy Nature Center, Nockamixon State Park, Wild Creek Reservoir, Jordan Creek Parkway, Martins Creek and Green Lane Reservoir.

Some species may be confused with warblers: Kinglets, which are small and often seen migrating with warblers; Vireos, some of which have similar coloring as warblers but have thicker bills; and Gnatcatchers, which are smaller than most warblers and have very long tails with mostly gray bodies.

Five birding trips planned for May 16-17

Scarlet Tanager

Take advantage of several opportunities this weekend for birding trips in and around the Lehigh Valley. Sponsoring organizations include the Lehigh Valley Audubon Society and the Wildlands Conservancy.

Leaser Lake on Saturday, May 16. Leaser Lake is a favorite birding spot because of a wealth of nesting species difficult to find elsewhere in the Lehigh Valley. This excursion involves a drive and a bird trip, with some uphill walking as well. The trip will last about six hours. Meet at 6:30 a.m. at the Tilghman Square parking lot, near the Red Robin restaurant. The trip is sponsored by the Lehigh Valley Audubon Society. Fritz Brock is the leader. Information: 610-797-2675.

Pool Wildlife Sanctuary on Saturday, May 16. Explore the forests, fields and streams to discover bird life in May. Meet at 8 a.m. at the Wildlife Sanctuary, located off Route 29 north of Emmaus. Sponsored by the Wildlands Conservancy. Information: 610-965-4397, extension 136. 

Lehigh Furnace Gap on Sunday, May 17. State Game Lands 217, below Lehigh Furnace Gap in northern Lehigh County, is an excellent place to see songbirds in May. Walk the trail at the base of Kittatinny Ridge. Waterproof footwear is recommended since the grass can be wet during the morning. Due to limited parking at the site, all participants must be willing to carpool. Meet at 6 a.m. at the Tilghman Square parking lot, near the Red Robin restaurant. The trip will return to the Red Robin around noon. Sponsored by the Adam Smith is the leader. Information: 610-462-2528.

Monocacy Nature Center on Sunday, May 17. Bird walk through the Monocacy Nature Center in Bethlehem, an excellent location to see spring migrants. Meet at 7:30 a.m. in the parking lot on Illicks Mill Road, just off Center Street. The trip should last four hours. Sponsored by the Lehigh Valley Audubon Society. Barbara Malt and Linda Freedman are co-leaders. Information: 610-433-3451 (Barbara).

Trexler Memorial Park on Sunday, May 17. Examine "Nature in the City" by walking the park's trails and exploring its ponds for signs of abundant wildlife.  Meet at 2 p.m. at the park, located between Cedar Crest Boulevard and Springhouse Road, and south of Tilghman Street in Allentown. Sponsored by the Wildlands Conservancy. Information: 610-965-4397, extension 136.

Lehigh Valley bird sightings for the week of May 8

Orange-crowned Warbler

The first of this season's warblers have begun returning to the Lehigh Valley from their southern wintering grounds.

During the period ended May 8, Golden-winged, Orange-crowned, Connecticut and Yellow-throated warblers were seen in the area. They are the first of many warbler species that probably will arrive in coming days.

The Orange-crowned and Connecticut warblers are passing through our area heading north to their breeding grounds, so you have to be quick if you want to see one. They can be seen again in September as they migrate southward for the winter.

The Golden-winged and Yellow-throated warblers will remain in the Lehigh Valley all summer long.

The warblers are among the Lehigh Valley bird sightings reported in to Dave DeReamus. He compiles the reports for the Eastern PA Birdline, which is sponsored by the Lehigh Valley Audubon Society.

Upper Mount Bethel Township, Northampton County
(along National Park Drive)
Golden-winged Warbler, 1 on May 4.

Williams Township, Northampton County

Connecticut Warbler

Harris's Sparrow, 1 to at least May 4.

Bethlehem Boat Club area, Northampton County
Yellow-throated Warbler, 1 continuing since April 12.

Green Pond area, Northampton County
Glossy Ibis, 1 on May 4.

Monocacy Nature Center, Northampton County
Black-crowned Night Heron, 1 on April 30.

Beltzville State Park, Carbon County
Red-necked Grebe, 1 from April 23 to April 25; 12 on April 27; and 1 on April 28.
American Avocet, 1 on April 29.
Marsh Wren, 1 on April 26.
Orange-crowned Warbler, 1 on May 3.

Germansville, Lehigh County
Connecticut Warbler, 1 on May 6.

Fogelsville Quarry, Lehigh County
Red-necked Grebe, 1 from April 29.

Quakertown Swamp, Bucks County
American Bittern, 2 on April 25.

Green Lane Reservoir, Montgomery County
Double-crested Cormorant, at least 230 during the last week of April.

Pine Siskins remained at several sites in the area 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.

The Bird House Closed Monday

Monday, May 11th, The Bird House will be closed for the day. I will re-open on Tuesday for normal business hours at 10 AM.

Lehigh Valley Audubon offers two birding trips this weekend

Get ready to enjoy the weekend's pleasant weather and great opportunities for birding trips in our area. The Lehigh Valley Audubon Society has two walks planned, both within an easy drive.

Saturday, May 9. Jordan Creek Parkway is a birding oasis in Whitehall Township, Lehigh County. Meet at 7:30 a.m. at the parking lot at the tennis courts off Lehnert Road/Scherersville Road. Alan Jennings will lead the walk. Information: 610-439-0879. The easiest route to the parkway is from the 15th Street exit of Route 22. Head north (right) at the end of the exit ramp onto Mauch Chunk Road. Drive 0.7 mile and make a sharp right at the traffic signal onto Scherersville Road. It's another 0.5 mile to the tennis courts. From Scherersville Road, stay right onto Lehnert Road. Look for sandpipers, woodpeckers, warblers, hawks and owls.

Sunday, May 10. Treat your mother to a birding trip to the Plainfield Township Trail, which follows Little Bushkill Creek through a variety of habitats. For Mother's Day, she is bound to see birds she won't encounter at her backyard feeders: thrushes, warblers and herons, to name a few. The chances of seeing plenty of species are great because it's the peak of migration season. Meet at 7 a.m. at the Park & Ride Lot at the William Penn Highway exit of Route 33 in Bethlehem Township, Northampton County. Dave DeReamus will lead the walk. Information: 610-252-0893. The trail is located on the old Bangor and Portland Railway. You'll cross wooden bridges on the walk.

Great trees to plant for wildlife

It is that time of year when we look at our yards and may think about some new plantings. Birds look for habitats that provide food, shelter, protection and water.

For starters, it is helpful to establish the basic framework for the habitat which are high and lower trees and then add shrubs, flowers or vines depending on what they can offer backyard wildlife. Here are some suggestions for trees that will benefit wildlife that may be seen in our yards.

Red Cedars, which are actually junipers, offer year-round cover from predators and bad weather as well as a place to rest, roost and nest. Cedars produce berry-like cones which are food for birds from early summer to winter. More than 30 native moths and butterflies lay their eggs on Red Cedars.

Oak trees are hosts to more caterpillars than any other tree. 532 species of caterpillars thrive on oak trees, providing important nutrition for bird breeding success. Birds and some mammals also feed on the hard covered fruit that the oak produce, the acorn.

Willows are among the first trees to flower after long winters and provide nectar from long, tube-shaped catkins for pollinators, like native bees. Beavers and grazing animals enjoy the fine textured willow leaves during the summer and the willow twigs during winter.

Beech mast or nuts, are eaten by a variety of birds and mammals. The nuts are rich in fat, allowing many birds and mammals to build up fat reserves that help them survive the winter. Squirrels, chipmunks, black bears, deer, foxes, ruffed grouse, ducks and blue jays all feed on beechnuts. The trees are long-lived which increases the probability of natural cavities will be used by mammals or birds.






Native cherry and plum trees. Leaves on these trees provide food for caterpillars of a variety of butterflies, including the Tiger Swallowtail, and spring blossoms are where native bees find early nectar. Songbirds eat the fruit along with black bears, foxes, chipmunks, squirrels, raccoons and mice.

Dead trees provide vital habitats for more than 1,000 species of wildlife nationwide! The two most common types of dead wood that are found in yards, parks and forests are snags (upright) and logs (on the ground). Salamanders, snails, beetles, ants and other insects are often found underneath a fallen log. Upright dead trees can provide a place to find insects in or under the bark, as well as places for making cavities for nesting woodpeckers.

Thanks for Jane Kirchner for providing this information.