Lehigh Valley bird sightings for the week of October 23

Golden Eagle

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

Little Gap, Carbon County
Bald Eagle, 14 on October 17.
Sharp-shinned Hawk, 452 on October 16 and 272 on October 17.
Northern Goshawk, 1 on October 17.
Golden Eagle, 1 on October 16 and 2 on October 17.
Peregrine Falcon, 3 on October 16.
Ruffed Grouse, 1 on October 15.

Palmerton, Carbon County
(along Boyer Farm Road and Hemlock Road)
Western Kingbird, 1 on October 11 to at least October 21.

Bake Oven Knob, Lehigh County
Bald Eagle, 10 on October 17 and 11 on October 18.
Sharp-shinned Hawk, 265 on October 16 and 341 on October 17.
Northern Goshawk, 1 on October 16.
Golden Eagle, 3 on October 17 and October 18; 5 on October 20; and 3 on October 22.
Merlin, 5 on October 16 and 7 on October 17.

Slatedale, Lehigh County
(at a private feeder)
Rufous Hummingbird, 1 from October 16 to at least October 21.

Mississippi Kite

Green Lane Reservoir, Montgomery County
(at the Knight Lane area)
White Ibis, 1 from October 17 to at least October 22 (adult).
American Bittern, 1 on October 21 and October 22.
(at the Church Road area)
Cackling Goose, 1 on October 18.

Lake Towhee, Bucks County
Trumpeter Swan, 1 on October 18.

Merrill Creek Reservoir in New Jersey
(at the Scotts Mountain Hawkwatch)
Mississippi Kite, 1 on October 17.
Bald Eagle, 9 on October 17; 5 on October 18; and 8 on October 19.
Golden Eagle, 1 on October 18.
Merlin, 6 on October 17 and 5 on October 18.

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

Get ready for 'Owl-O-Ween'

Visit Jacobsburg State Park on "Owl-O-Ween"—Saturday, October 31—to learn about owls and other nocturnal animals. People of all ages are invited to take part in family-friendly activities from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Kathy Uhler, founder and director of the Pocono Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, will present owls and other wild animals from 1 to 2 p.m.

The event is sponsored by Jacobsburg State Park and the Lehigh Valley Audubon Society. 

Jacobsburg State Park is located off Route 33 in Northampton County. Take the Belfast exit of Route 33 and drive toward the town of Belfast. Turn left onto Belfast Road to reach Jacobsburg State Park, 400 Belfast Road.

Finding autumn birds

Autumn is a popular birding season due to migration, cooler temperatures and beautiful foliage. But where are the best places to find migrating birds?

Migration Flyways. Many national wildlife refuges and nature preserves are located along migration corridors. For instance, the Atlantic Flyway stretches from the Arctic Circle down the Atlantic Coast and along the Appalachian Mountains, and heading into the Caribbean Sea. This route includes eastern Pennsylvania. Watch for migrating flocks, waterfowl, shorebirds and local birds.

South Shores. The southern shores of lakes, bays and wide rivers are popular congregating places for migrating birds to rest after crossing the water. The best areas also have mud flats or scrub woodlands near the shore for better foraging. Watch for warblers, songbirds, shorebirds and wading birds.

Cliffs and Mountains. As the morning sun warms the autumn air, thermal currents rise along the edges of cliffs and mountains, making soaring flights much easier. Expect to see migrating raptors in large groups. Watch for hawks, eagles and other raptors.

Parks and Orchards. Late-blooming flowers or fruit harvests attract a bounty of insects, nectar and other food for birds. Migrating birds concentrate in one area if food is scarce elsewhere. Watch for hummingbirds, songbirds, flycatchers and warblers.

Agricultural Fields. After harvest, spilled grain and newly turned fields are ideal places to find bird species that eat grains. If there are nearby trees for shelter, all the better. Watch for game birds, cranes, shorebirds and blackbirds.

Pine Forests. Coniferous forests yield abundant seed crops that are popular for feeding. Many birds may stay in the same area all winter; as they forage, they can be easier to see. Watch for finches, redpolls and crossbills.

Coastal Shores. Many birds that breed far north will head to coastal shores in winter. Their arrival can be spectacular. Watch for gulls, ducks, waterfowl, shorebirds and geese.

Scenic Drives. Many scenic routes are planned for fall foliage but they can also be great for birding. Watch for songbirds and warblers.

Bird Festivals. Fall festivals are planned to take advantage of peak migration. Check websites, such as Cape May's and Hawk Mountain's, for events. Watch for winter residents and migrants.

Bird-Friendly Backyards. You can find great birding in your own backyard with the right food to help. Watch for songbirds, hummingbirds and migrating birds.

Tip: Revisit hot spots frequently to get the most out of the fall migration.

Lehigh Valley bird sightings for week of October 16

Western Kingbird

Bald Eagles and Sharp-shinned Hawks continue their migration over the mountain ridges from New Jersey and Pennsylvania during the week ended October 16. But several uncommon migrants have been seen as well, according to the weekly list compiled by Dave DeReamus, of the Eastern PA BIrdline, which is sponsored by the Lehigh Valley Audubon Society.

For instance, a Western Kingbird was seen in Palmerton. These birds normally breed on the Great Plains west to California. There is no mistaking them from Eastern Kingbirds, which are common in the Lehigh Valley area during the summer. The eye-catching Western Kingbirds have ashy gray and lemon-yellow plumage; Eastern Kingbirds have blackish and white colors.

Right now Western Kingbirds are migrating in flocks south to their wintering grounds in Mexico and Central America. They do stray eastward during migration but almost never are seen in our area.

Western Kingbirds are known for their "take charge" behavior. They've even been known to chase off hawks and kestrels that come too close to their home base. They favor open areas with plenty of trees and utility poles where they dart out to feed on flying insects.

Another species, Nelson's Sparrow, was spotted at Beltzville State Park. These secretive birds breed along freshwater marshes of eastern Canada and the Great Plains. They rarely visits our area, even during their migration to coastal marshes along the southern Atlantic and Gulf coasts. 

Nelson's Sparrow

The diet of the Nelson's Sparrow consists mainly of insects, spiders, marine worms, small crabs, snails and other invertebrates. The bird also will eat seeds of marsh plants, especially in the fall and winter.

The Nelson's Sparrow has played a bit part in popular culture. Its name has been borrowed for an episode of the CBS crime drama, Criminal Minds. In the episode, detectives pursue a serial killer who has surfaced after three years of inactivity. A victim was a member of a bird-watching club.

Monocacy Nature Center, Northampton County
Wilson's Warbler, 1 on October 14.

Little Gap, Carbon County
Bald Eagle, 3 on October 11.
Sharp-shinned Hawk, 157 on October 11.
Peregrine Falcon, 5 on October 11.

Palmerton, Carbon County
(along Boyer Farm Road and Hemlock Road)
Western Kingbird, 1 from October 11 through at least October 15.

Beltzville State Park, Carbon County
Orange-crowned Warbler, 1 on October 11.
Nelson's Sparrow, 1 on October 11 (at the spillway area)

Bake Oven Knob, Lehigh County
Bald Eagle, 7 on October 12 and 4 on October 14.
Sharp-shinned Hawk, 145 on October 14 and 182 and October 15.
Golden Eagle, 1 on October 10 and October 15.
Merlin, 8 on October 14.

Peace Valley Park, Bucks County
Surf Scoter, 1 on October 10.

Lake Towhee, Bucks County
Trumpeter Swan, 1 on October 14 and October 15.

Merrill Creek Reservoir in New Jersey
Surf Scoter, 3 on October 11.
Lesser Black-backed Gull, 128 on October 10.
Rusty Blackbird, 1 on October 10.

Scotts Mountain Hawkwatch, at Merrill Creek
Bald Eagle, 4 on October 14 and October 15.
Northern Goshawk, 1 on October 15.
Peregrine Falcon, 2 on October 14.

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

Where do birds go in winter?

Tree Swallow

With chill in the night air, winter can't be far away. You'll continue to see cardinals, chickadees, goldfinches and many other species throughout the winter. But other backyard species prefer warmer regions where insects and other invertebrates remain available. So where do these birds go for the winter?

Gray Catbird: southern Atlantic Coast of Florida and along the Gulf Coast, into Mexico.

Tree Swallow: Southern Carolina coast south and along the Gulf Coast to Texas.

House Wren: Georgia coast to southern Florida, Alabama and Mississippi.

Ruby-throated Hummingbird: central Mexico (after flying across the Gulf of Mexico).

Chipping Sparrow: Florida and the Gulf Coast, into Mexico.

Chimney Swift: a long-distance migrator. South America via the Gulf of Mexico or along the Texas coast and then heading south.

Purple Martin: another long-distance migrator. South America—as far south as Argentina—via the Gulf of Mexico.

Baltimore Oriole: Georgia coast and into Florida.

Brown-headed Cowbird: Florida peninsula.

Lehigh Valley bird sightings for the week of October 10

Eurasian Collared-Dove

Here are the Lehigh Valley bird sightings for the week ended October 10. The list was compiled by Dave DeReamus, of the Eastern PA Birdline, which is sponsored by the Lehigh Valley Audubon Society.

Lake Minsi, Northampton County
Marsh Wren, 2 on October 6.

Monocacy Nature Center, Northampton County
Connecticut Warbler, 1 on October 5.

Little Gap, Carbon County
Bald Eagle, 4 on October 1 and October 2; 6 on October 4 and October 5.
Peregrine Falcon, 8 on October 1; 6 on October 2.
Snow Bunting, 1 on October 4.

Beltzville State Park, Carbon County
Northern Goshawk, 1 on October 2.
Marsh Wren, 1 on October 9.

Allentown, Lehigh County
Eurasian Collared-Dove, 1 on October 9 (window-killed bird).

Green Lane Reservoir, Montgomery County
(at the Church Road area)
Snowy Egret, 1 to at least October 3.
Black-bellied Plover, 1 on October 3.

Lake Towhee, Bucks County
Trumpter Swan, 1 on October 3.

Peace Valley Park, Bucks County
Dunlin, 1 on October 3.
Lesser Black-backed Gull, approximately 100 on October 3.

Merrill Creek Reservoir in New Jersey
(at Scotts Mountain Hawkwatch)
Osprey, 22 on October 3.
Bald Eagle, 8 on October 4; 4 on October 5.
Sharp-shinned Hawk, 157 on October 4.
Peregrine Falcon, 4 on October 3.

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

Autumn Refuge Hike on October 17

Hikers at the Lehigh Gap Nature Center

Chill is in the air and there is no mistaking that fall is here. Join the Lehigh Gap Nature Center and the Allentown Hiking Club for an autumn hike along scenic trails in Carbon County on Saturday, October 17.

The hike will begin at the Lehigh Gap Nature Center's Osprey House for a jaunt up along the old Lehigh & New England railroad bed. From there cross the Prairie Grass and Chestnut Oak trails. The return tip will take you along the Three Ponds and Delaware & Lackawanna nature trails.

The 6-mile hike involves a 600-foot gain and loss in elevation. There are some rocky trail sections.

The hike will begin at 1 p.m. and will take much of the afternoon to complete.

The Lehigh Gap Nature Center has furnished trail maps online for your convenience. Click here for the maps.

Bring water and snacks. Be sure to wear clothing and footwear appropriate to the weather.

The Osprey House is located at 8844 Paint Mill Road, just off Route 873 north of Slatington. Paint Mill Road is parallel to the west bank of the Lehigh River.

Field trip planned for October 10 at Leaser Lake

The Lehigh Valley Audubon Society is sponsoring a field trip to Leaser Lake on Saturday, October 10, to look for migrating waterfowl and other seasonal travelers.

Meet at 8 a.m. in parking lot near Leaser Lake's North Boat Launch, close to the bridge on Ontelaunee Road in New Tripoli, Lehigh County.

Expect multiple short walks on relatively flat terrain. Bring a snack if you wish. Don't forget your spotting scope. If you don't have one, you can take a peek through someone else's scope. Dress appropriately for the weather.

Power struggles

Quite a discussion at the feeder!

Birds do a lot more than feed when they visit our feeders. As they come and go, they also interact with each other in a well-established pecking order. At your feeder, watch for displacement, threat displays and appeasement behaviors.

Displacement occurs when one bird gets out of the way of another bird. It also shows when one bird waits on the sidelines for another bird to finish eating and fly away. Within the same species, males tend to dominate females, and older birds dominate younger ones. But you can see bigger birds displacing smaller ones.

Threat displays are when one bird does not need to displace a subordinate one to exert influence. Certain displays convey aggressive behavior. A dominant White-breasted Nuthatch performs a wingspread display and sways side to side in the direction of the subordinate bird.

Appeasement displays by subordinate birds are the opposite of threats. Watch for birds that lean away or look away from a newly arrived bird. Watch positioning when three Black-capped Chickadees work out their positions at a feeder. If two birds tolerate each other, they may be mates.

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Dominance at feeders is more than bullying; it can be life or death. Research shows that dominant birds forage in safer spots and at safer hours of the day when there is less predation. They get eaten less often by predators, are able to maintain a better body condition through leaner winter months, and have higher survivorship.

Temperament also plays a role. Red-breasted Nuthatches are notoriously aggressive and will dominate chickadees when given the chance. Carolina Wrens appear oblivious to other birds and don't move until ready. On the other hand, watch a flock of Cedar Waxwings. These birds appear to get along with one another very well.

Audubon program on restoration of Lehigh Gap

Atop Blue Mountain before restoration began

For nearly a century, the New Jersey Zinc Company smelted zinc along Lehigh Gap in Carbon County. Its smoke stacks spewed airborne particles of zinc, cadmium and lead across Blue Mountain, contaminating the soil to the point where few plants were able to grow. Near Palmerton, the company town, an enormous 100-foot-high residue pile remained as a byproduct of the New Jersey Zinc's mining operations.

When the zinc company closed in 1980, its property became one of the largest federal Superfund cleanup sites east of the Mississippi River. Work began immediately on undoing decades' worth of damage to the area's land and water. 

Dan Kunkle will tell about the challenges and accomplishments in the restoration of Lehigh Gap during the next Lehigh Valley Audubon Society's meeting on Thursday, October 8. 

Kunkle, executive director of the Lehigh Gap Nature Center and a consultant on the restoration, will explain how the site is being revegetated. He also will share information on the birds and wildlife sightings that have occurred since the restoration began.

The meeting will take place at 7 p.m. at the Wildlands Conservancy Education Center Building of the Pool Wildlife Sanctuary at 3701 Orchid Place in Emmaus. The program is open to the public.

Directions: From Allentown and points north or east, travel on South Cedar Crest Boulevard (Route 29). Just outside Emmaus, turn left onto Riverbend Road. Follow the road over the bridge and up a small hill. Turn right onto Orchid Place. The entrance to the Pool sanctuary is down than hill, less than a half mile, on the right.

Meet noted author Scott Weidensaul at Bethlehem library

Scott Weidensaul

Author and naturalist Scott Weidensaul will present a program on "Owls: Soul of the Night" at the Bethlehem Area Public Library on Saturday, October 17, from 2 to 3 p.m. He also will sign copies of his newly released book, Peterson Reference Guide to Owls of North America and the Caribbean.

The program is free and open to the public. However, registration is required. Call the library at 610-867-3761, extension 224, to register.

The Bethlehem Area Public Library is located at 11 West Church Street, just across the plaza from Town Hall in Center City Bethlehem. The event is sponsored by Friends of the Library.

Weidensaul has written two dozen books on nature, wildlife and ornithology. One of his books, Living on the Wind: Across the Hemisphere with Migratory Birds, was a finalist for the 2000 Pulitzer Prize. 

In addition to his writing career, he is an active field researcher whose work focuses on bird migration. He is co-director of Project Owlnet, a collaborative effort among nearly 125 banding and research stations across North America for the study of owl migration. For nearly 20 years he has directed studies on the movement of Northern Saw-whet Owls, one of the smallest and least understood raptors of North America. And he co-founded Project SNOWstorm, which uses tracking technology to study Snowy Owls.

Weidensaul began his writing career at the Pottsvillle Republican in 1978 with a weekly natural history column. His writings have appeared in dozens of publications, including Audubon (for which he is a contributing editor), Nature Conservancy and National Wildlife.

Parking at the library is available along Church Street or in the parking garage beneath the side of the library on New Street.

Lehigh Valley bird sightings for the week of October 2

Dickcissel in breeding plumage

Here are the Lehigh Valley bird sightings for the week ended October 2. The list was compiled by Dave DeReamus, of the Eastern PA Birdline, which is sponsored by the Lehigh Valley Audubon Society.

Upper Mount Bethel Township, Northampton County
(along National Park Drive)
Philadelphia Vireo, 2 on September 19 and 1 on September 29.

Martins Creek Environmental Preserve, Northampton County
(Tekening area)
Connecticut Warbler, 1 on September 23.

Jacobsburg State Park, Northampton County
Philadelphia Vireo, 2 on September 24 and 3 on September 28.
Also seen: Lincoln's Sparrow.

Williams Township, Northampton County
Philadelphia Vireo, 1 on September 25.
Connecticut Warbler, 3 on September 25 and 1 on September 27.
Dickcissel, 2 on September 22 and September 23.
Blue Grosbeak, 1 on September 27.
Also seen: Lincoln's Sparrow.

Little Gap, Carbon County
Connecticut Warbler, 1 on September 20.

Connecticut Warbler

Bake Oven Knob, Lehigh County
Bald Eagle, 6 on September 23 and 7 on September 27.
Peregrine Falcon, 5 on September 27, 4 on September 29 and 7 on October 1.
Philadelphia Vireo, 1 on September 19.
Also seen: Common Raven.

Trexler Park, Lehigh County
Connecticut Warbler, 1 on September 28.

Green Lane Reservoir, Montgomery County
(at the Church Road area)
Snowy Egret, 1 from September 12 to at least October 1.
Black-bellied Plover, 1 on September 20 and September 21.
Stilt Sandpiper, 1 on September 21, September 25 and September 28.
(at the Walt Road area)
Black-bellied Plover, 1 on September 26.

Peace Valley Park, Bucks Couty
Rusty Blackbird, 1 on September 22.

Merrill Creek Reservoir in New Jersey
(at the Scotts Mountain Hawkwatch)
Bald Eagle, 10 on September 20 and 7 on September 26.
Northern Goshawk, 1 on September 21.
Broad-winged Hawk, 2,457 on September 20; 4,117 on September 21; 1,190 on September 22; 1,927 on September 23.
Peregrine Falcon, 3 on September 20 and September 27.

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

Weather affects bird migration

Geese migrate despite the odds

Fall migration peaks in October but continues into December for many species, especially those short-distance flyers (sparrows and blackbirds for instance). During peak migration, birds are on the move every day, particularly as days become shorter. 

The volume of migrating birds is greatly affected by local and regional weather patterns. In addition to precipitation, wind direction plays a major role. Wind at a bird's back makes flying much easier than flying into a wind. When weather systems create favorable winds, birds move en masse.

As strong cold fronts pass through, there is a surge in flights of migrating birds. Behind a typical autumn cold front, the air is dry and cool, and the wind direction is generally from the north and west. Migration is most intense on the day after the passage of a front.

By watching the weather, you can increase your chances of encountering migrants. You may also see an increase in birds at your feeders or water sources.