STATE COLLEGE BIRD CLUB

2018 Spring Calendar for meetings and field trips

Further details of all 2018 field trips will be posted to the State College Bird Club listserv group.

Unless otherwise noted, all regular meetings will be held at 7:00 p.m. in the Spring Creek Education Building at the Millbrook Marsh Nature Center.

Details of local field trips will be announced on the State College Bird Club listserv group.

Regular Meetings:

January 24, 2018 (Wednesday)
Regular Meeting
7:00 p.m. Millbrook Marsh Nature Center
Program: Our guest speaker will be Matt Shumar, who will give a program titled "Lights Out for birds: creating safe passage for migrant landbirds across the landscape".

February 28, 2018 (Wednesday)
Regular Meeting
7:00 p.m. Millbrook Marsh Nature Center
Program: Our guest speaker will be Erynn Maynard, who will give a program titled "Birds and invasive shrubs in eastern forests".

March 28 2018 (Wednesday)
Regular Meeting
7:00 p.m. Millbrook Marsh Nature Center
Program: Our guest speaker will be Kristin Joivell, who will give a program titled "Climate Change at the Arctic's Edge". It's based on her trip conducting biology research in Churchill, Manitoba.

April 25, 2018 (Wednesday)
Regular Meeting
7:00 p.m. Millbrook Marsh Nature Center
Program: Our guest speaker will be Jason Beale, who will give a program about training raptors at Shaver's Creek titled "Raptors as Conservation Ambassadors".

May 23 2018, Wednesday
Last Spring meeting
6 to 7:30 pm at Millbrook Marsh Nature Center Pavilion.  Please bring a potluck item to share, water bottle (as a back up — it is a true “potluck”), eating/serving utensils. Compostable plates and napkins will be provided. 
Agenda
6:00 pm, set up food.
6:15 to 6:45 pm eat and enjoy company.
7:00 pm, conduct regular meeting / announcements / reading of the checklist
7:30 pm conclude.

Winter and Spring Field Trips

Thursday, January 25, 2017 (7:30pm-9pm)

Owl Prowl at Bald Eagle State Park
Diane Bierly will lead an owling field trip on Thursday, January 25 to some
areas included in the Bald Eagle State Park Christmas Bird Count. This will be
a listening activity which requires standing around in the cold for up to 25
minutes at a time. Binoculars are not necessary but you might want to bring a
flashlight.

We will meet at the Rt. 150 Overlook at Bald Eagle State Park at 7:30 p.m. and
then we will carpool to several locations along Bullitt Run Road and Marsh
Creek Road. We will be back at the Overlook by 9:00 p.m.

Eastern Screech Owls, Barred Owls, and Great-horned Owls were all heard during the CBC on
January 1.

Directions: From the the Milesburg exit off of Interstate 80, travel ~7 miles east on Rt 150 (North Eagle Valley Rd) towards Bald Eagle State Park. Shortly after PA-26 (the road to Howard) turn right into the overlook parking lot.

Saturday, March 24, 2018 (8am-1pm)

Birds of Huntingdon County

This is a joint field with the Juniata Valley Audubon Society and the State College Bird Club

Birding trip in Huntingdon County for waterfowl and early migrants. This will be a driving birding trip.  We will make several stops along the Juniata River and Lake Raystown as well as Old Crow Wetland.  Bring something to eat and drink.

Meet at Detwiler Memorial Field to carpool: 400 Standing Stone Rd. Huntingdon, PA. https://goo.gl/maps/ybUK5GZtetT2

Trip Leader: Susan Braun
For more information contact Susan at  814-574-0795. 

 Saturday, April 21, 2018 (7:30am-10:00am)

Walk at Rhoneymeade, Centre Hall, Pa

Surrounded by a mosaic of hedgerows, successional woodlands and forest, Rhoneymeade farm is 150 acres, certified organic (primarily hay), with a 6-acre arboretum at its center. We will take about 2 hours of gentle hiking. Be prepared for a bit of mud if it is wet, but nothing extreme. We will look for a mix of returning breeders and migrants such as American Pipit, Blue-headed Vireo, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Brown Thrasher, Palm and Yellow-rumped Warblers, and Eastern Meadowlark. If rain is heavy, we will postpone to the following Saturday (April 28), but we will continue as scheduled with light rain. Rhoneymeade Arboretum and Sculpture Garden is 9 miles east of State College, midway between Linden Hall and Centre Hall. Follow Rt 45 E out of Boalsburg for 4.5 miles past the junction with 322, then turn left on Rimmey Rd. Climb the hill ~0.3 mi until the road forces a sharp left, and then just around the corner you'll see the parking area is on the left.

177 Rimmey Road, Centre Hall, PA 16828. www.rhoneymeade.org/

Trip Leaders: Joe Gyekis and James Lesher


Wednesday, April 25, 2018 (6pm-6:50pm)

Pre Bird Club Meeting Walk at Millbrook Marsh

Looking to check off a few last birds for the monthly checklist reading? Join Julia Plummer for a short walk through the unique marsh ecosystem at Millbrook Marsh Nature Center. The centers boardwalk provides excellent views of songbirds, waterfowl, and possible sounds of elusive rails and bitterns. Afterwards, join us for our monthly meeting and guest speaker, Jason Beale, who will give a program about training raptors at Shaver's Creek titled "Raptors as Conservation Ambassadors".

Meet at the pavilion near the old silo.

Saturday, April 28, 2018 (7:30am-9:30am)

Spring Ephemeral and Bird Walk at Fisherman’s Paradise

Fisherman’s Paradise is widely known for its trout fishing on Spring Creek, but you don’t have to be trout angler to enjoy this legendary microclimate. The waters of Spring Creek and the canyons that it meanders through is home to a diversity of flora and fauna. We will take a leisurely walk along Spring Creek to identify early migrants and the diversity of spring ephemerals. The path provides easy access through the canyon with little to none elevation changes.

Trip Leaders: Jon Kauffman and Mary Birrer

Directions: From the Bellefonte (Route 150) exit off of Route 220, go north on 150. Turn left onto Paradise Road, then make a left onto Spring Creek Road. Park at the end of this road.

Sunday, April 29, 2018 (7am-noon)

Lake Perez, Rocky Ridge Natural Area, and Mierly Wetland

Northern Huntingdon county has a diverse selection of habitats that hosts a diversity of migrants and breeding birds. Please join Greg Grove as we visit Lake Perez, Rocky Ridge Natural Area, and Mierly Wetland outside of Cornpropst Mills. 

Starting at Lake Perez, participants will spend a short time scanning the lake for waterfowl, terns, herons, and other migrants. We will then proceed to Rocky Ridge Natural Area on Frew Road in Rothrock State Forest (approx. 25 minute drive) to hike a loop that includes a portion of the Standing Stone Trail (SST). This portion of the field trip will focus on returning songbirds. This hike also features outstanding rock formations** and possible spring ephemerals. Hike will approximately last 2 hours with a distance of 1.5 miles, give or take. This portion is considered medium (at most) difficulty with a short climb (not difficult) of about 150 feet in elevation at the beginning. Please dress accordingly as the trail is somewhat rocky - some may prefer to use hiking poles.

** Those interested in the geology - check this web link from Stan Kotala, but note we will not follow the course of the hike described therein.

After Rocky Ridge Natural Area, we then take a short drive to visit Mierley Wetland near Cornpropst Mills. This property has recently implemented management practices through the Huntingdon County Conservation Distict that includes a wetland and agricultural fields.

Please meet at the Stone Valley Recreation Area boat launch at 7am.

Directions: Coming from State College, travel west on Rt 26 to Pine Grove Mills. At the blinking light in Pine Grove Mills turn left and continue to follow Rt 26 over Tussey Mountain. In about 4.1 miles turn right onto Charter Oak Rd at the base of the mountain. Follow Charter Oak Rd for about 1.7 miles then take a left onto Red Rose Rd. In 0.5 miles turn right onto Scare Pond Rd. Follow Scare Pond Rd to the main entrance of Stone Valley Recreation Area. The boat launch, main office, and cabins are located at this location.

Trip Leader: Greg Grove

 Wednesday, May 16, 2018 (7:30am - 9:30am)

Search for Cerulan Warblers on the Lower Trail, Blair County

Please join Nick Bolgiano for a leisurely walk along a stretch of the Lower Trail in Blair County. The goal of this trip is to find Cerulean Warblers, in the core of their Lower Trail habitat. See keystonefund.org/success-story/a-perfect-habitat/ for more information of Nick Bolgiano's search for Cerulean Warblers. This stretch of the Lower Trail is also great for Acadian Flycatcher, Yellow-throated Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Wood Thrush, Louisiana Waterthrush, Yellow-throated Warbler, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, and Baltimore Oriole.

Please meet at the Mt. Etna trailhead parking lot at 7:30am (www.rttcpa.org/index.shtml). Travel West on Route 22 from the intersection of Route 453 at Water Street. Turn Left on Fox Run Rd at 3.3 mi (just after the westbound turns to 2 lanes, making this easier if traffic) or Left on Etna Furnace Rd at 4.6 mile. Continue Right near the river to reach the Mt. Etna trailhead parking lot. There is a modern outhouse available.

From the Mt. Etna trailhead parking lot, the group will walk South along the Lower Trail for 1-2 miles out and back.

Field Trip Leader: Nick Bolgiano

Saturday, August, 11th 2018 (9:30am-11:30am and 1pm-3pm)

Hummingbird Migration and Banding at the Reed Residence, Coburn, Pa

Please join Jon Kauffman as we visit the homestead of Jan and John Reed of Coburn, Pa to learn about Ruby-throated Hummingbird migration. With the fall season quickly approaching the Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, Pennsylvania’s only nesting hummingbird, are beginning the journey south. The Reed residence will provide photogenic opportunities for feeding Ruby-throats as well as the opportunity to observe and learn about hummingbird banding with fellow naturalist and bird bander, Sandy Lockerman of Harrisburg,Pa. Sandy will provide on-site demonstrations in how bands are placed on the hummingbirds as well as collecting wing length, tail length, weight, beak length, and fat content.

Due to limited parking, field trip participants are asked to choose an AM visit or PM visit. (See times above). With this in mind carpooling is highly recommended. If interested in attending, please reply to Jon directly by Thursday, August 9th with your preferred time slot. A follow-up email with details and directions will be provided.

Field Trip Leader: Jon Kauffman

RAIN DATE: Saturday, August 25th 2018




Other Birding Events

2018 Spring Banding Dates
Banding takes place at the Air Quality Learning and Demonstration Center in Big Hollow or
the H.O. Smith Botanic Gardens as listed.

*Note time change beginning April 20
*11 am ending time is approximate
*Any precipitation or constant winds above 15 mph will result in cancellation.

Nick Kerlin, Bander-in-charge
Avian Education Program
The Arboretum at Penn State

March 29, Thursday, 7 am-11 am
April 2, Monday, 7 am-11 am 
April 4, Wednesday, 7 am-11 am
April 6, Friday, 7 am-11am 
April 10, Tuesday, 7 am-11 am
April 13, Friday, 7 am-11 am
April 16, Monday, 7 am-11 am
April 18, Wednesday, 7 am-11 am
April 20, Friday, 6:30 am-11 am
April 26, Thursday, 6:30 am-11 am
April 28, Saturday, 6:30 am-11 am Botanic Gardens
April 30, Monday, 6:30 am-11 am
May 2, Wednesday, 6:30 am-11 am
May 4, Friday, 6:30 am- 11 am
May 7, Monday, 6:30 am-11 am

Migration bird walks at the Arboretum

Migration bird walks at the Arboretum are starting this Thursday April 12th.  Walks start at the arboretum parking lot and go from 8:00-9:30.  Bring binoculars if you have them, but I will also have extra pairs if you don't have a pair. Walks will be cancelled if there is steady rain.  All walks will be starting at the Arboretum except the walk on Thursday May 3 which will be at Scotia SGL 176.  Hope to see some of you there.  It's a great way to start the morning!

Margaret Brittingham

Bird Walk Dates

Thursday April 12
Thursday April 19
Thursday April 26
Saturday April 28 (Arboretum)
Thursday May 3 (Scotia)

Wednesday, April 4,11,18, 25, and May 2, 9 (7:00am-8:30am)
Shaver’s Creek Migration Morning Walks

Take a leisurely hike to see and hear the numerous bird species that migrate through central Pennsylvania every spring and fall. Shaver’s Creek naturalists Doug Wentzel, Joshua Potter, and Jon Kauffman will help participants identify the songs, calls, and field marks of species, from hawks and eagles to thrushes and woodpeckers. Bring a good pair of hiking boots, binoculars, any guidebooks you have, and an inquisitive mind! Migration Morning Bird Walks are open to birders of all experience levels. Some binoculars are available to borrow.
Meet at the Shaver's Creek Environmental Center.

Sunday, April 15 and through 12 noon on Sunday, April 22, 2018

Earth Week Birding Classic

The 3rd annual Earth Week Birding Classic at Penn State Altoona will start at 12 noon on Sunday, April 15 and end at 12 noon on Sunday, April 22, 2018. Teams will choose one 24-hour “day” to complete their count and must register their count time 24 hours in advance. Registration is free. The goal is for teams in seven different categories to count as many species of birds as possible in the 24-hour-period during the week prior to Earth Day, April 22.

This non-profit event is co-sponsored by the Environmental Studies program at Penn State Altoona and Juniata Valley Audubon Society (JVAS). Pledges that team members garner will support bird conservation and education. Teams of 3 or more (2 or more for Senior citizens and Big Sitters) will count birds in Blair and surrounding counties (Bedford, Huntingdon, Centre, Clearfield, Cambria), and prizes will be awarded during the closing ceremony at the Penn State Altoona campus immediately following the event.
To register and for more information, please contact Catherine Farr at catiegk5059@gmail.com.


Tuesdays, April 17th-May 8th 8:00am-9:30am at Millbrook Marsh

Early Morning Bird Walks at Millbrook Marsh

Start your day off right by exploring Millbrook Marsh to see and hear the birds that are migrating to and through the Centre Region. Registration not required. Please meet at the large pavilion.


Friday, May 4, 2018, 7:00 p.m. to Saturday, May 5,  7:00 p.m. 2018
The Birding Cup
Shaver's Creek Environmental Center
The Birding Cup, Shaver’s Creek’s annual fundraising tournament, is a contest among teams of birders to identify the most bird species in a twenty-four hour period in the central Pennsylvania region (Huntingdon, Centre, and adjoining counties). Teams must consist of at least three members and must follow the rules of The Birding Cup when participating. Team entries should be submitted no later than four days prior to the start. Team entry is free, however, since this is our only annual fundraiser, teams are encouraged to raise at least $100 in donations to The Birding Cup.
For more information visit: www.shaverscreek.org


Saturday, May 12th, 8:00pm-9:30pm

Early Morning Bird Walk at Millbrook Marsh

Start your day off right by exploring Millbrook Marsh to see and hear the birds that are migrating to and through the Centre Region. Free, donations appreciated. Registration not required. Please meet at the large pavilion.


 Saturday, May 12 at 8:30am to 9:00pm

Bald Eagle Birding Day

Join Bald Eagle State Park and other bird lovers for an enjoyable day of avian education!  Participants will be able to experience live raptors up close, learn about bird identification, build their own bird house to take home, observe resident bald eagles and osprey, and take part in a woodcock walk to conclude the day. Please contact Bald Eagle State Park for more information or to pre-register by calling 814-625-9369.
Details of events and locations


Friday June 8th, 8:00am-9:30am

Who's Nesting at Millbrook Marsh?

Join experienced birder, NancyEllen Kiernan, to identify clues that help us discover the species of birds nesting here at the marsh. Take a mystery bird walk to sleuth out who's here. After this enjoyable walk you will be able to use your new found knowledge to detect clues to nesting birds in your own back yard. Free, donations appreciated. Registration not required. Please meet at the large pavilion.


Friday. June 15th. 8:00am-9:30am

Who's Nesting at Millbrook Marsh?

Join experienced birder, NancyEllen Kiernan, to identify clues that help us discover the species of birds nesting here at the marsh. Take a mystery bird walk to sleuth out who's here. Open to all ages with any level of experience. Please dress for the weather and bring binoculars. In the case of heavy rain, the walk that morning will be cancelled. Registration not required. Please meet at the large pavilion.

After this enjoyable walk, you will be able to use your new found knowledge to detect clues to nesting birds in your own back yard, and even participate in the 5th Annual Pennsylvania Society of Ornithology  Breeding Bird Blitz

Previous schedules:

Spring 2017  Fall 2017
Spring 2016  Fall 2016
Spring 2015  Fall 2015
Spring 2014  Fall 2014
Spring 2013  Fall 2013
Spring 2012  Fall 2012
Spring 2011  Fall 2011
Spring 2010  Fall 2010
Spring 2009  Fall 2009
Spring 2008  Fall 2008
Spring 2007  Fall 2007
Spring 2006  Fall 2006
Spring 2005  Fall 2005