Lehigh Valley bird sightings for December 2

White-crowned Sparrow

The autumn migration has ended, bringing many changes in bird life in the greater Lehigh Valley. You won't see some species until spring. They've departed for their wintering grounds in the southern states or even South America. Other species are here after flying from their breeding grounds in Canada.

You've probably seen many "snow birds"—the Dark-eyed Juncos that scratch the bare ground all winter long searching for seed. Make their days happier by scattering some millet seed, shell-free sunflower seed or cracked corn in a location outside the pouncing range of cats.

Other wintertime visitors include wintering sparrows: American Tree Sparrows, White-crowned Sparrows and White-throated Sparrows. Red-breasted Nuthatches are occasionally seen in warm months but they are much more numerous when the weather turns cold. A number of these nuthatches have been reported already.

Pine Siskins have been seen in a few locations. We never know how frequently they'll be seen in any given year. Sometimes they are in abundance. In other years, they are scarce. No one knows why their wintering habits change from one year to the next. They breed in the far north of Canada.

Most Chipping Sparrows have departed. So have flycatchers, gnatcatchers, vireos, swallows and Purple Martins. Insects and invertebrates are the prime menu of these species. Ruby-throated Hummingbirds can no longer find nectar-filled flowers.

Likewise all species of warblers have flown south with the exception, of course, the Yellow-rumped Warbler. These warblers migrant from northern Canada to spend their winters here, feeding on berries, small fruits and seed. You may see them on a backyard feeder on occasion.

Black-necked Stilt

Snow Geese are regular winter visitors. In some years flocks of 100 or more can be spotted in pastures and farm fields. One bird-watcher estimated that flocks of 6,000 Snow Geese flew over the Nazareth Quarry in late November.

Keep an eye out for several lakes in the region. You may be treated to a Lesser Black-backed Gull. These birds are rarely seen during the warmer months but have been reported wintering at Green Lane Reservoir in Montgomery County and Lake Nockamixon in Bucks County.

Dave DeReamus, of the Eastern PA Birdline, compiled the latest sightings from the period from mid-November through December 1. The Eastern PA Birdline is sponsored by the Lehigh Valley Audubon Society. His reports include these species.

Bake Oven Knob, Lehigh County
Bald Eagle, 3 on November 21; 7 on November 22; 4 on November 26.
Northern Goshawk, 2 on November 22 and November 23.
Golden Eagle, 4 on November 22.

Kunkletown, Monroe County
Rusty Blackbird, 1 on November 26 (a fly-by).

Mauch Chunk Lake, Carbon County
Evening Grosbeak, 2 on November 25.

Green Lane Reservoir, Montgomery County
(at the Walt Road area)
Great Cormorant, 1 from November 10 to at least November 23.
Black-necked Stilt, 1 from November 13 to at least November 24.
Dunlin, 1 from November 19 to at least November 30.
Ruddy Duck, 438 on November 25.
Snow Bunting, 2 on November 25 (fly-by).
Also seen: Common Goldeneye, Double-crested Cormorant, Greater and Lesser yellowlegs, Least Sandpiper and Great Black-backed Gull.

Tropical Kingbird (extremely rare sighting in the state)

Kintnersville, Bucks County
Dickcissel, 1 on November 24 and November 25 (at a private feeder).

Peace Valley Park, Bucks County
Greater White-fronted Goose, 1 on November 23, 1 on November 25.
Cackling Goose, 1 on November 17, 3 on November 25, 5 on November 26, 3 on November 27.
Long-tailed Duck, 1 on November 25.
American Pipit, 1 on November 25.
Red-throated Loon, 1 on November 23.
Baltimore Oriole, 1 on November 19.

Lake Towhee, Bucks County
Cackling Goose, 1 on November 26.

Farther afield, a Tropical Kingbird has been seen along the Susquehanna River at Peach Bottom, particularly around Spring Lane, to at least November 24. If confirmed, to will be only the second time a Tropical Kingbird has been reported in Pennsylvania.

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