Ruby-throated Hummingbird reported in the Poconos

The first sighting of a Ruby-throated Hummingbird was reported in the Poconos on Friday, according to Hummingbirds.net, which monitor the progress of the birds northward each spring. The exact location isn't known, and the information couldn't be confirmed through the e-Bird reporting service. 

Have you seen a Ruby-throated Hummingbird in your backyard? Let us know!

Source: hummingbirds.net

Ruby-throated Hummingbird sighted in New Jersey

The annual springtime migration of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds is well underway. Most of the birds are still in Virginia, but one plucky hummingbird has reached the coastal area around Atlantic County, New Jersey, despite the March 14 nor'easter that dumped plenty of snow from Virginia northward.

The snowstorm generally slowed the Ruby-throats' progress toward the Lehigh Valley. Only a handful of sightings have been reported in southern Virginia and the Delmarva Peninsula. 

Usually the birds arrive in Lehigh and Northampton counties around April 15.

It's hard to predict from one year to the next when Ruby-throats will reach our area. Last year the weather was unusually chilly, but even so hummingbirds were reported in southern Pennsylvania. The two previous years, 2014 and 2015, were more in keeping with their usual progress.

Are your hummingbird feeders ready to receive Ruby-throats? If you have an existing feeder, it should be cleaned thoroughly. A dirty feeder could be toxic to hummingbirds. If it has been left outdoors over the winter, or brought indoors without a complete cleaning, germs might reactivate once nectar is added.

A dirty feeder can be cleaned by hand with a solution of diluted vinegar. Use a small brush to remove particles from every crevice. (Special brushes are available at The Bird House.) Rinse thoroughly, and I mean thoroughly. Any trace of vinegar could taint the nectar.

Make plans to have your feeders in place in the next few days and have plenty of nectar available. Weather forecasters say spring-like conditions finally may return to the region this week, so you never can tell how quickly hummingbirds will appear. It would be a shame if they bypass your backyard because you haven't provided nectar for them!

Some hummingbirds will use a feeder as a way-station for their migration to their breeding sites north of here. But many will remain here for the entire summer, which will provide many days of delight as the birds flit around your backyard.

If your feeder is past its prime, or you don't want to bother cleaning it, head to The Bird House for a replacement. It's also worth having more than one feeder in your backyard. Hummingbirds are territorial. If you hope to see a number of them, you may need several feeders to prevent squabbles! Any hummingbirds that lose the battle for a single feeder might move on to another location.

Keep a sharp eye out for the hummingbirds. Let us know if you are the lucky one to be the first in our area to report a sighting!

From hummingbirds.net

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.

Ruby-throated Hummingbirds arrive in the Lehigh Valley

Male Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Finally! 

Ruby-throated Hummingbirds have been seen in the Lehigh Valley.

Last week, if you remember, Ruby-throats were seen to the north, the south, the east and the west of us. None right of them here, however. In fact the first wave of birds had been seen as far north as Cape Cod!

For the record, the first Ruby-throated Hummingbird arrived in the Lehigh Valley on Wednesday, nearly two weeks later than normal. (Usually Ruby-throats arrive in the Lehigh Valley around April 15.) Here are this week's reports:

• Two in Bethlehem on Wednesday and Thursday.
• One in New Tripoli in Lehigh County on Thursday.
• Two in Weaversville in Northampton County on Thursday.

More will be arriving in the next few weeks. Be sure your nectar feeder is clean and full!

Hummingbirds soon will be mating and nesting. The Bird House has an array of hummingbird feeders, quality easy-to-mix nectar, special nesting material, poles for hummingbird feeders and a number of other products that will help you bring these special acrobats to your backyard.

Map is from Hummingbirds.net. As you can see, the first wave of hummingbirds have reached the Canadian Maritimes!

Lehigh Valley bird sightings for April 30

Baltimore Oriole

Migration season continues apace. The wide variety of birds that spend their winters in the south are now entering the Lehigh Valley to mate, breed and raise families.

Gray Catbirds and swallows are commonly seen. The raspy sounds of Eastern Phoebes can be heard around yards and farms. Scan fenceposts or wires for Eastern Kingbirds as they search for insects. Blue-gray Gnatcatchers are frequent sights in forested creek valleys.

Louisiana Waterthrush, which arrived a couple of weeks ago, has begun singing vigorously in bogs and along waterways. Its cousin, the Northern Waterthrush, is now arriving in the Lehigh Valley.

Warblers of every species can be heard everywhere. Vireos have joined them in song.

Some of the biggest treats for bird-watchers have returned: Ruby-throated Hummingbirds and Baltimore Orioles. Orchard Orioles have arrived too.

Despite all of these warm-weather newcomers, you may be reminded of our recent chilly temperatures: Two Snow Geese were seen Tuesday at Leaser Lake in Lehigh County.

The season is beginning to be busy! And so have bird-watchers. Many were in the field this week scanning for newly arriving species.

Here is a list of Lehigh Valley bird sightings for the week ended April 30. The Bird House compiled the list from sightings reported by the online service E-Bird.

White-eyed Vireo

Upper Mount Bethel Township, Northampton County
(at Marshfield Drive)
Osprey, 2 on April 29.
White-eyed Vireo, 2 on April 29.
Also seen: Yellow-throated, Blue-headed and Warbling vireos.

Mount Bethel Fens, Northampton County
(along Institute Drive)
Winter Wren, 1 on April 29 (seems late for a migrant).
Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 15 on April 29.
Hermit Thrush, 3 on April 29.
Eastern Meadowlark, 4 on April 29.
Louisiana Waterthrush: 2 on April 29.
Also seen were these vireos: Blue-headed, Warbling and Yellow-throated.
Warblers: Blue-winged, Black-and-white, Black-throated Blue, Black-throated Green, Orange-crowned, Prairie, Yellow and Yellow-rumped.

Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
(along National Park Road)
Red-shouldered Hawk, 1 on April 29 and April 28.
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, 1 on April 28.
Eastern Screech-Owl, 1 on April 26.

Hermit Thrush

Ovenbird, 9 on April 30; 5 on April 28.
American Redstart, 1 on April 30; 5 on April 29.
Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 20 on April 29.
Hermit Thrush, 2 on April 28.
Louisiana Waterthrush, 4 on April 28.
Swamp Sparrow, 2 on April 28.
Dark-eyed Junco, 6 on April 26.
Rose-breasted Grosbeak, 2 on April 28 (a pair).
Also seen were the following warbler species: Black-and-white, Black-throated Green, Blackburnian, Blue-winged, Brewster's, Cerulean, Chestnut-sided, Golden-winged, Hooded, Nashville, Palm, Prairie, Worm-eating and Yellow-rumped.
Also seen were Yellow-throated, Blue-headed and Warbling vireos.

Kirkridge, Northampton County
Cerulean Warbler, 1 on April 28.
Also seen: Black-and-white and Black-throated Green warblers; Yellow-throated and Blue-headed vireos.

East Bangor wetlands, Northampton County
Blue-winged Teal, 2 on April 26 (a pair)
American Bittern, 1 on April 25 (migrating in flight).
Sharp-shinned Hawk, 1 on April 26.
Spotted Sandpiper, 6 on April 26.
Solitary Sandpiper, 6 on April 26; 11 on April 25.
Red-winged Blackbird, 100 on April 25.
Also seen: Wilson's Snipe, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Swamp Sparrow.

Roseto, Northampton County
(near Route 191)
Blue-headed Vireo, 1 on April 30.
Northern Parula, 1 on April 30.
Also seen: Yellow and Yellow-rumped warblers; and Chipping and White-throated sparrows.

Stockertown Trail, Northampton County
Great Crested Flycatcher, 1 on April 30.
White-throated Sparrow, 2 on April 30.

Northern Harrier

Lake Minsi, Northampton County
Osprey, 2 on April 30; 2 on April 26.
Bald Eagle, 1 on April 26.
Northern Harrier, 1 on April 30.
Common Loon, 1 on April 27 and April 26.
Mute Swan, 5 on April 30 (one of them on the nest); 4 on April 27.
Ring-billed Gull, 1 on April 26.
Warbling Vireo, 2 on April 30; 2 on April 27; 1 on April 26.
Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 2 on April 27.
Also seen: Brown Thrasher, Yellow Warbler and Louisiana Waterthrush.

Grand Central Landfill, Northampton County
Herring Gull, 1 on April 30.
Louisiana Waterthrush, 1 on April 30.

Graver's Hill, Northampton County
Cooper's Hawk, 2 on April 26.
American Kestrel, 2 on April 26.
Spotted Sandpiper, 1 on April 26.
Horned Lark, 1 on April 30.
Eastern Meadowlark, 1 on April 30.
Vesper Sparrow, 2 on April 26.
Savannah Sparrow, 3 on April 26.
Also seen: Yellow and Yellow-rumped warblers; Ovenbird.

Eastern Screech-Owl

Martins Creek Environmental Preserve, Northampton County
Osprey, 1 on April 30 (seen picking up sticks and taking the to a cell tower); 2 on April 28; 2 on April 26.
Bald Eagle, 2 adults on April 26.
American Kestrel, 1 on April 30; 2 on April 26.
Peregrine Falcon, 1 on April 30; 1 on April 26.
Spotted Sandpiper, 11 on April 30; 3 on April 28; 3 on April 26.
Double-crested Cormorant, 1 on April 30.
Eastern Screech-Owl, 1 on April 28.
Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 11 on April 30.
Baltimore Oriole, 7 on April 30.
Warbler species: Black-throated Blue, Black-throated, Green, Blue-winged, Black-and-white, Magnolia, Palm, Yellow and Yellow-rumped.
Vireo species: Warbling, Yellow-throated, Red-eyed and Blue-headed.
Also seen: Brown Thrasher, American Redstart, White-throated Sparrow.

Riverton Road pond, Northampton County
American Wigeon, 1 on April 26.
Also seen: Yellow Warbler, Field Sparrow.

Easton, Northampton County
(near Northampton Street)
Sharp-shinned Hawk, 1 on April 28.
Cooper's Hawk, 1 on April 28.
Broad-winged Hawk, 1 on April 28.
Red-tailed Hawk, 1 on April 28.

Nazareth, Northampton County
(at Christian Springs Road pond)
Snow Goose, 5 on April 26.
(at Nazareth Quarry)
Orchard Oriole, 1 on April 26.
Yellow Warbler, 1 on April 26.

Green-winged Teal

Bath, Northampton County
(at the pond and plowed field on Silvercrest Road)
Green-winged Teal, 2 (a pair).

Near Bethlehem Boat Club, Northampton County
(on the Canal Towpath)
Osprey, 1 on April 24.
Ring-billed Gull, 25 on April 24.
Warbling Vireo, 2 on April 26.
Orchard Oriole, 1 on April 24.
Also seen: Black-and-white, Blue-winged, Palm, Yellow and Yellow-throated warblers.

Green Pond, Northampton County
Green Heron, 2 on April 26.
Solitary Sandpiper, 5 on April 26.
Least Sandpiper, 2 on April 26.
Eastern Kingbird, 1 on April 26.
Warbling Vireo, 1 on April 26.
Northern Waterthrush, 1 on April 26.
Also seen: Yellow and Yellow-rumped warblers; Baltimore Oriole.

Ovenbird

Monocacy Nature Center, Northampton County
Ovenbird, 3 on April 30.
Baltimore Oriole, 4 on April 30.
Scarlet Tanager, 1 on April 30.
Vireos: Yellow-throated, Blue-headed, Warbling and Red-eyed.
Warblers: Black-throated Blue, Chestnut-sided, Yellow and Yellow-rumped.

Weaversville, Northampton County
Ruby-throated Hummingbird, 2 on April 28.
Carolina Wren, 2 on April 28 (nesting in a garage).
Indigo Bunting, 1 on April 28.

Northampton Borough, Northampton County
(at Canal Street Park)
Spotted Sandpiper, 2 on April 27.
Veery, 1 on April 27.
Also seen: Blue-headed and Warbling vireos; Black-and-white, Palm and Yellow-rumped warblers.

Boblink

New Tripoli, Lehigh County
(at Scully Court)
Ruby-throated Hummingbird, 1 on April 27; 1 on April 24.
Green Heron, 1 on April 30; 1 on April 24.
Wilson's Snipe, 2 on April 24.
Eastern Screech-Owl, 1 on April 24.
Baltimore Oriole, 1 on April 30.
Orchard Oriole, 1 on April 29; 1 on April 27.
Red-eyed Vireo, 2 on April 30.
Indigo Bunting: 1 on April 30; 1 on April 29.
Bobolink: 1 on April 30.
Also seen: American Redstart, Vesper Sparrow.
Warblers: Black-throated Blue Warbler, Blue-winged, Canada, Worm-eating, Yellow and Yellow-rumped.

(at the Blue Mountain parking lot)
Ovenbird, 2 on April 29.
Northern Waterthrush, 1 on April 27.
Indigo Bunting, 1 on April 29.
Eastern Meadowlark, 1 on April 29.
Baltimore Oriole, 2 on April 29.
Warblers: Black-and-white, Cerulean, Chestnut-sided, Nashville, Pine, Worm-eating and Yellow-rumped.

(at Bausch Road)
Red-tailed Hawk, 1 on April 28.
Northern Waterthrush, 1 on April 28.
Chestnut-sided Warbler, 1 on April 28.
Scarlet Tanager, 1 on April 28.

Scarlet Tanager

Trexler Nature Preserve, Lehigh County
Great Blue Heron, 3 on April 30.
Green Heron, 1 on April 30.
Solitary Sandpiper, 2 on April 30.
Baltimore Oriole, 2 on April 30.
Orchard Oriole, 2 on April 30.
Also seen: American Kestrel, Warbling Vireo, Ovenbird, Northern Parula, 
Warblers: Black-and-white, Prairie and Yellow-rumped.

Ironton, Lehigh County
(at Iron Lakes)
Great Blue Heron, 13 (about 23 large nests).
Also seen: Warbling Vireo.

(along Mauch Chunk Road)
American Bittern (flyover).

Coplay, Lehigh County
(at the dirt bike trails)
Double-crested Cormorant, 4 on April 27.
Yellow-rumped Warbler: 30 on April 27.
Other warblers: Black-and-white, Yellow, Palm.
Also seen: Osprey, Ovenbird.

Jordan Creek Parkway, Lehigh County
Solitary Sandpiper, 2 on April 28.
Louisiana Waterthrush, 1 on April 28.
Northern Waterthrush, 1 on April 28.
Swamp Sparrow, 1 on April 28.
Warblers: Black-and-white, Black-throated Blue, Palm, Yellow-rumped.

Commerce Corporate Center, Lehigh County
Blue-headed Vireo, 1 on April 28.
Warblers: Magnolia, Palm, Yellow-rumped.

Spotted Sandpiper

Dorney Park Pond, Lehigh County
Great Blue Heron, 1 on April 27.
Spotted Sandpiper, 1 on April 27.

Pool Wildlife Sanctuary, Lehigh County
Blue-headed Vireo, 1 on April 30.
Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 1 on April 30.
Ovenbird, 1 on April 30.
Northern Waterthrush, 1 on April 30.
Lincoln's Sparrow, 1 on April 30.
Warblers: Black-and-white; Yellow-rumped.

Emmaus, Lehigh County
(at Bee Pond)
Hermit Thrush, 2 on April 27.

Leaser Lake, Lehigh County
Snow Goose, 2 on April 28.
Mute Swan, 1 from April 27 through at least April 29.
Green Heron, 1 on April 30; 1 on April 28; 5 on April 27.
American Bittern, 1 on April 25.
Cooper's Hawk, 1 on April 30 (in mid-kill).
Spotted Sandpiper, 1 from April 27 through at least April 30.
Caspian Tern, 1 on April 30.

Northern Waterthrush

Forster's Tern, 1 on April 29.
American Coot, 1 on April 28.
Purple Martin, 3 on April 27.
Northern Bobwhite, 1 on April 30.
Veery: 2 on April 30.
Louisiana Waterthrush, 1 on April 28; 1 on April 27.
Northern Waterthrush, 1 on April 27.
Swamp Sparrow, 1 on April 28; 1 on April 27.
Grasshopper Sparrow, 1 on April 28.
Savannah Sparrow, 1 on April 27.
Baltimore Oriole, 1 on April 29; 3 on April 27; 1 on April 25.
Orchard Oriole, 1 on April 27.
Yellow-rumped Warbler: approximately 30 on April 29; 157 on April 27.
Other warblers: Black-and-white, Black-throated Blue, Black-throated Green, Blackburnian, Cerulean, Chestnut-sided, Palm, Worm-eating, Yellow.
Also seen: Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Blue-headed Vireo, Yellow-throated Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Ovenbird.

State Game Lands 205, Lehigh County
(Emergency Road Trail)
Osprey, 1 on April 29.
Yellow-rumped Warbler, 21 on April 29.
Other warblers: Black-throated Green, Nashville.

Haafsville, Lehigh County
Green-winged Teal, 1 on April 25.

Horned Grebe

Beltzville State Park, Carbon County
Red-breasted Merganser, 2 from April 26 through at least April 30.
Red-necked Loon, 1 on April 29.
Horned Grebe, 1 on April 29.
Snowy Egret, 1 on April 29.
Spotted Sandpiper, 4 on April 30; 2 on April 26.
Ring-billed Gull, 6 on April 26.
Merlin, 2 on April 27.
Northern Harrier, 1 on April 27.
Pine Siskin, 1 on April 29.
Yellow-rumped Warbler, 15 on April 29.
Prairie Warbler, 6 on April 29.
Other warblers seen: Black-and-white, Black-throated Green, Palm, Pine, Prairie, Yellow,
Also seen: Red-breasted Merganser, Bonaparte's Gull and Forster's Tern, Ovenbird, American Redstart, Blue-headed Vireo, Louisiana Waterthrush, Northern Parula, Savannah Sparrow, Eastern Meadowlark.

Lehigh Gap Nature Center, Carbon County
Hermit Thrush, 1 on April 29.
Baltimore Oriole, 1 on April 29.
Warblers seen: Black-and-white, Black-throated Green, Prairie, Yellow, Yellow-rumped.
Also seen: Ovenbird, Blue-headed Vireo.

Penn Forest Reservoir, Carbon County
(Hell Hollow Road)
Bald Eagle, 1 on April 29; 3 on April 28.
Double-crested Cormorant, 1 on April 28.
Black-and-white Warbler, 9 on April 29.
Yellow-rumped Warbler, 14 on April 27.
Other warblers seen: Blackburnian, Black-throated Blue, Black-throated Green, Chestnut-sided, Hooded, Nashville and Pine.
Also seen: Swamp Sparrow.

Spring is bird-watching season

Grab your binoculars and check your bird feeder. It's migrating time for birds that call the Lehigh Valley their home during breeding season.

Naturally many familiar species stay throughout the year—Northern Cardinals, House Finches, Blue Jays and House Sparrows, for instance. But for other species, we are finally seeing evidence that summer lies ahead.

Most waterfowl became active as soon as ice on the lakes broke. Already there are reports of Mallards raising ducklings! Other waterfowl are completing their migration. Look sharp for Bald Eagles; they are now prowling the skies above rivers and lakes for meals of fish.

E-bird, the online bird-reporting service, has a large accumulation of reports for warblers, gnatcatchers and phoebes. They'll stay the summer, where they'll breed and raise new broods. Some species of native sparrows will be leaving, others will be arriving. Chipping sparrows have been around for a few weeks.

Several species are making brief stops in the Lehigh Valley as they head northward to northern Canada and the subarctic regions. You'll have to head to the fields or forests right away to catch these migrants.

The Bird House has the book "Birds of the Lehigh Valley" which includes species arriving for the breeding season and others making brief layovers. You may have luck seeing some of them at your backyard bird feeder, but more likely than not you'll have to leave the comfort of your home to enjoy the action. The sightings were reported between April 16 and April 22.

American Robins

American Robin

Always regarded as a harbinger of spring, the vast majority of robins spent their winters in the southern states. However, some stay in the Lehigh Valley year-round. Most take to the woods where they search for berries and fruits left over from autumn. Because the pickings are so slim during winter, they move from place to place to find food. As soon as the ground thaws, earthworms become the staple of their diet. They compete with robins arriving from winter roosts. By now, probably everyone has seen robins, sometimes in large numbers. The hot spot for admiring robins is the Lehigh Parkway in Allentown.

Other backyard visitors

A single Purple Martin was seen last Sunday at Leaser Lake in Lehigh County; three were reported on Wednesday.

The first E-bird report of a Baltimore Oriole occurred on Wednesday at the Blue Mountain parking lot off Route 309 near New Tripoli. An Orchard Oriole was located at Lake Muhlenberg in Lehigh County.

Gray Catbirds have been seen at Bethlehem's Monocacy Nature Center in Northampton County, and Leaser Lake and Trexler Nature Preserve in Lehigh County.

Yellow-rumped Warblers

Yellow-rumped Warblers tend to be wintertime visitors to our region. They arrive in September and stay until spring. Some even come to bird feeders seed—one of the few warbler species to do so. 

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Yellow-rumped Warblers are at their peak numbers right now; they should be leaving for Canada; some will remain regionally at the highest elevations of the forested Appalachian Mountains. Within the past week, Yellow-rumped Warblers have been seen in numerous locations.
Northampton County: Bear Swamp Park, Jacobsburg State Park, East Bangor wetlands, along the Lehigh Canal Towpath near the Bethlehem Boat Club, Green Pond, the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, Martins Creek Environmental Preserve and Lake Minsi.
Lehigh County: Leaser Lake, western Sand Island in Bethlehem, Coplay woodlands, woodlots along Brynwood Drive in Whitehall Township, Lake Muhlenberg, Lehigh Parkway East in Allentown and along Friedens Road in Upper Saucon Township.
Carbon County: Beltzville State Park and Lehigh Gap Nature Center.
Montgomery County: Green Lane Reservoir (Church Road access).

Other warbler species

These are the hot spots to look for warblers that are arriving in the greater Lehigh Valley area.

Black-and-white Warbler

Black-and-white Warblers. Bethlehem Boat Club and the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (both of these locations being in Northampton County), and the Blue Mountain parking lot and along Bausch Road in Lynn Township (both in Lehigh County).

Black-throated Green Warblers. One seen in New Tripoli (at the Blue Mountain parking lot off Route 309), Lehigh County.

Blue-winged Warblers. One was seen in woodlands near Coplay in Lehigh County.

Cerulean Warbler. New Tripoli (Blue Mountain parking lot), Lehigh County.

Common Yellowthroat. The western end of Sand Island in Lehigh County.

Louisiana Waterthrush. This warbler is fairly well dispersed along streams flowing through hilly, deciduous forests.
Northampton County: Bear Swamp Park and the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.
Lehigh County: Leaser Lake, Blue Mountain parking lot, State Game Lands 217 (Reservoir Road access) and Lynn Township.
Carbon County: Beltzville State Park.

Palm Warbler. This migrant is passing through out area; most have left by April 30.
Northampton County: Monocacy Nature Center, East Bangor, Bear Swamp Park, Bethlehem Boat Club and the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.
Lehigh County: Coplay, Trexler Nature Preserve, Leaser Lake, Blue Mountain parking lot and Rodale Park in Trexlertown.
Carbon County: Lehigh Gap Nature Center.

Pine Warbler

Pine Warbler. True to its name, this species prefers pine forests. They breed as far north as Ontario and the Canadian Maritimes.
Northampton County: Echo Lake, Bear Swamp Park, Bethlehem Boat Club and Lake Minsi.
Lehigh County: Blue Mountain parking lot.
Carbon County: Beltzville State Park.

Yellow Warbler. East Bangor in Northampton County and the Blue Moutain parking lot in Lehigh County.

Yellow-throated Warbler. Three were seen on Monday along the canal towpath near the Bethlehem Boat Club in Northampton County.

Swallows and swifts

Tree Swallows. Their deep blue, iridescent backs and sparkling white fronts make it hard to miss these common aerial acrobats.
Northampton County: East Bangor, Hugh Moore Park, Graver's Hill, Jacobsburg State Park, Bear Swamp Park, Bushkill Drive in Palmer Township, Echo Lake, Lake Minsi,  Cedarville Road in Williams Township, Weaversville, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, South Delaware Drive in Lower Mount Bethel Township and Martins Creek Environmental Preserve.

Barn Swallow

Lehigh County: Leaser Lake, Sand Island, Scully Court south of New Tripoli, State Game Lands 217 (Reservoir Road access), Promenade Shops, Slatington, Lynn Township, Lehigh Parkway East in Allentown and Dorney Park in Allentown.
Carbon County: Beltzville State Park and Lehigh Gap Nature Center.

Northern Rough-winged Swallows. A stocky, plain brown bird, this species is a voracious insect-eater.
Northampton County: Monocacy Nature Center, East Bangor, Lake Minsi, Bethlehem Boat Club, Martins Creek Environmental Preserve, Hugh Moore Park, Forks of the Delaware in Easton and Vein Road swamp in Bangor.
Lehigh County: Leaser Lake, Sand Island, Lake Muhlenberg and Lehigh Parkway East.
Montgomery County: Green Lake Park (near Church Road).

Bank Swallow. Promenade Shops in Lehigh County.

Barn Swallow. Bear Swamp Park, Graver's Hill and Hugh Moore Park, all in Northampton County; and Leaser Lake and Lynn Township, both in Lehigh County.

Chimney Swift. Lehigh University and Gramer Road Pond, both in Northampton County, and Lake Muhlenberg and Scully Court in Lehigh Township, both in Lehigh County.

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

Northampton County: Graver's Hill, Bear Swamp Park, Jacobsburg State Park, Monocacy Nature Center, East Bangor, Echo Lake, Bethlehem Boat Club, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, Martins Creek Environmental Preserve and Hugh Moore Park.
Lehigh County: Trexler Nature Preserve, Coplay, Sand Island, Rodale Park, Lehigh Parkway East, Slatington and Lynn Township.
Carbon County: Lehigh Gap Nature Center.

Vireos

Blue-eyed Vireo. Most are just passing through, staying only through May, but some of them will remain all summer. Sightings were reported this past week in Jacobsburg State Park, Bear Swamp Park, Martins Creek Environmental Preserve and the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (all in Northampton County), and Leaser Lake and Coplay in Lehigh County.

Red-eyed Vireo. A common summertime breeding bird in the Lehigh Valley, the first of the species was reported in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area on April 22.

Eastern Towhee

Eastern Towhee

Its bold black back and reddish brown belly make this a striking bird—if you can see it amid the undergrowth. Eastern Towhees spend much of their time on the ground, scratching backwards through the leaves, in search of invertebrates, seeds and fruits.
Northampton County: Jacobsburg State Park, Bear Swamp Park, Moore Township (near Cigar Road), Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, Martins Creek Environmental Preserve and Vein Road swamp in Bangor.
Lehigh County: Trexler Nature Preserve, the Blue Mountain parking lot, Leaser Lake, Zionsville woodlands, State Game Lands 217 (Reservoir Road access) and Lynn Township.
Carbon County: Beltzville State Park and Lehigh Gap Nature Center.

Eastern Phoebe

Eastern Phoebe

One of the East's most common flycatchers, the plump songbird is visible in yards, parks, woodlands and woodland edges—anywhere it has a ready supply of flies, wasps, beetles, moths, ticks and millipedes and other invertebrates.
Northampton County: Monocacy Nature Center, East Bangor, Lake Minsi, Bear Swamp Park, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, East Shore Drive in Upper Mount Bethel Township, Martins Creek Environmental Preserve and Hugh Moore Park.
Lehigh County: Trexler Nature Preserve, New Tripoli area, along Brynwood Drive in Whitehall Township, Sand Island, Leaser Lake, Lynn Township and Lehigh Park West in Allentown.
Carbon County: Beltzville State Park.
Montgomery County: Green Lane Reservoir (at Church Road).

Sparrows

White-throated and White-crowned sparrows will be leaving the Lehigh Valley soon, as will their wintertime cousin, the Dark-eyed Junco. Other native sparrows are arriving already to replace them. (The House Sparrow being with us during all seasons.)

Chipping Sparrow

Chipping Sparrow. One of the most common warm-weather native sparrows found in the Lehigh Valley, the species is noted for its rusty brown crown and loud, trilling calls.
Northampton County: Graver's Hill, East Bangor, Bear Swamp Park, Bushkill Drive in Palmer Township, Lake Minsi, Moore Township, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, Black River Road in Lower Saucon Township and Martins Creek Environmental Preserve.
Lehigh County: Leaser Lake is the hot spot, with 42 seen during the week. Other locations include Blue Mountain, Brynwood Drive in Whitehall Township, Zionsville, Rodale Park, Lynn Township, Lehigh Parkway East, Slatington and Friedens Lane in Upper Saucon Township.
Carbon County: Lehigh Gap Nature Center.

Fox Sparrow. Migrants through our area, most Fox Sparrows winter from Virginia south, passing through our area on their way to breeding grounds in northern Canada and Newfoundland. Most have made their way through already. Stragglers were seen at the Lehigh Gap Nature Center in Carbon County and the Blue Mountain parking lot near Tripoli in Lehigh County.

Vesper Sparrow

Savannah Sparrow. Though they sometimes stay all year, Savannah Sparrows are most numerous during the warmer months. They eat seeds on or near the ground, sometimes in small flocks. Itinerants were seen in Graver's Hill in Northampton County, Blue Mountain in Lehigh County, Beltzville State Park in Carbon County and Green Lane Park in Montgomery County.

Swamp Sparrow. Most numerous during spring and fall migration, most Swamp Sparrows breed from upstate New York north to the Hudson Bay. Visitors were seen at Jacobsburg State Park, Monocacy Nature Center, East Bangor, Bear Swamp Park and Lake Minsi, all in Northampton County, and Leaser Lake, Lake Muhlenberg, Slatington and Blue Mountain in Lehigh County.

Vesper Sparrow. As its name suggests, the Vesper Sparrow sings in the evening twilight. The bird is a migrant to our area. Unfortunately, the species is declining throughout its range. During the past week it was seen at Graver's Hill in Northampton County and at Leaser Lake and in Lynn Township, both in Lehigh County.

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

A tiny bird with an abundance of energy, the Ruby-crowned Kinglet flits through shrubs and the lower branches of trees in its quest for insects and spiders. It spends the breeding season in from the Canadian Maritimes to Newfoundland, the Hudson Bay and points west. Look for it now; by month's end, they will on their way north.
Northampton County: Jacobsburg State Park, Bear Swamp Park, Monocacy Nature Center, East Bangor, Echo Lake, Lake Minsi, Weaversville and the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.
Lehigh County: Trexler Nature Preserve, Leaser Lake, Rodale Park, Lynn Township and Lehigh Parkway East.
Carbon County: Beltzville State Park and Lehigh Gap Nature Center.
Montgomery County: Green Lane Reservoir.

Waterfowl

Greater Yellowlegs

Sightings of Pied-eyed Grebes were reported at the East Bangor, Easton, Lake Minsi and  Leaser Lake.
Great Blue Heron. Monocacy Nature Center in Bethlehem and Trexler Nature Preserve.
Double-crested Cormorant. Jacobsburg State Park.
Ruddy Duck. Martins Creek Environmental Center.
American Coot. South Delaware Drive in Lower Mount Bethel Township.
Blue-winged Teal. Green Pond.
Green-winged Teal. Green Pond.
Ring-necked Duck. Lake Minsi.
Greater Yellowlegs. Nestlé Way Retention Ponds, Lehigh County.
Spotted Sandpiper. Lake Muhlenberg and Lynn Township, both in Lehigh County.

Other arrivals

Northern Parula. Martins Creek Environmental Preserve (Northampton County) and Lynn Township (Lehigh County).
Eastern Kingbird. Lynn Township (Lehigh County).

Red-winged Blackbird

Rusty Blackbird. East Bangor.
Wilson's Snipe. East Bangor and Lynn Township.
Osprey. Lake Minsi, East Bangor, Echo Lake, East Shore Drive in Upper Mount Bethel Township, Martins Creek Environmental Preserve, Vein Road swamp in Bangor, Leaser Lake and Green Lane Park.
Red-winged Blackbird. Bear Swamp Park, Cedarville Road in Williams Township, Martins Creek-Belvedere Highway in Lower Mount Bethel Township, Black River Road in Lower Saucon Township, Graver's Hill, Bethlehem Boat Club, Weaversville and East Bangor in Northampton County. Lake Muhlenberg, Leaser Lake, Slatington, State Game Lands 215 (Route 309 access), Blue Mountain parking lot, Sand Island and Lynn Township, all in Lehigh County.
Broad-winged Hawk. State Game Lands (Route 309 access), Lehigh County.
Red-shouldered Hawk. Easton, Northampton County.

Thanks for Frank Baran who compiled this extensive list for your information.