Lehigh Valley bird sightings for week of February 17

Great Black-backed Gull

Here are the Lehigh Valley bird sightings for the week ended February 17. The list was compiled by Dave DeReamus, of the Eastern PA Birdline, which is sponsored by the Lehigh Valley Audubon Society.

Martins Creek Power Plant, Northampton County
(at the boat launch area)
Spotted Sandpiper, 1 to at least February 11.
Eastern Phoebe, 1 fly-by on February 11.

Plainfield Township, Northampton County
Peregrine Falcon, 1 fly-by on February 11.

Williams Township, Northampton County
Gambel's White-crowned Sparrow, 1 on February 16.

Moore Township, Northampton County
American Woodcock, 1 on February 16.

Allentown, Lehigh County
(at the Dorney Park pond)
Greater White-fronted Goose, 1 to at least February 16.
Cackling Goose, 1 on February 11.

Green Lane Reservoir, Montgomery County
(at the Walt Road Area)
Ross's Goose, 1 to at least February 14.

Common Merganser (male)

Green Lane Reservoir, Montgomery County
(at the Church Road area)
Great Back-blacked Gull, 1 on February 11.

Deep Creek/Knight Lake area, Montgomery County
Common Goldeneye, 1 to at least February 11.

Peace Valley Park, Bucks County
Common Merganser, approximately 1,910 on February 11.
Red-breasted Merganser, 1 on February 11.
Great Black-backed Gull, 33 on February 11.
Also seen: Hooded Merganser.

Bald Eagles and Red-breasted Nuthatches continue to be reported from several sites this past week.

The male Black-backed Oriole, a native of central Mexico, continues to visit feeders in backyards on Indiana Street in Heidelberg Township, near Sinking Spring. This is the first Black-backed Oriole identified in the United States. The bird is a neotropical species seen only in southwestern Mexico. Please use caution when approaching the scene. The rules are listed in the February 12 blog posting.

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