PVAS sponsored a bird walk at Stauffer’s Marsh Nature Preserve this morning. There were large numbers of Whte-throated Sparrows in evidence in the trees along the road and along the drive at the northern end of the preserve. Blue Jays were also abundant. We had several Black-capped Chickadees and an American Tree Sparrow. The highlight was an Eastern Screech Owl and Red-shouldered Hawk vocalizing at the same time.
We had 26 species as follows:
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I was visited by a Common Redpoll at the feeders this morning. They usually spend their winters farther north but this year appears to be an irruption year with food shortagesgoing on. Jefferson county has had a big influx of Red-breasted Nuthatches, Purple Finches and Pine Siskins already. There has also been one local report of Evening Grosbeak.
10 birdwatchers joined me for a nice walk on this cold fresh morning through fields covered in hoary frost. By the time we finished a couple hours later, the sun was emerging and temperatures rising enough to thaw the grass green. We saw some nice variety – 33 species in all – and everyone got to see just how beautiful this place is and how they might like to return again. Its fields and woods and creek offer differing habitats. We had the place to ourselves the whole time. Scroll to the bottom of this post to find out more about South Schoolhouse Ridge battlefield in Harper’s Ferry.
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PVAS sponsored a trip to the Snicker’s Gap Hawk Watch. The weather was beautiful with light but favorable winds. Several of the participants were hoping for a Golden Eagle and one appeared in late morning, together with a mature Bald Eagle. In addition, we saw about a dozen Red-tailed Hawks, a couple Red-shouldered Hawks (one of which appeared to be flying with only half of its feathers, the other feathers having molted) and a Sharp-shinned Hawk. Several of us were spoiled by the record-breaking Golden Eagle day at Waggoner’s Gap last Saturday. Nevertheless, it is always a treat to see Golden Eagles.
This morning, I led a field trip for the West Virginia Science Teachers Conference at Stauffer’s Marsh in Berkeley County.
Here is our bird list:
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The PVAS raptor class held its forth and final field trip of the season by visiting Waggoner’s Gap hawk watch site just north of Carlise, PA. The conditions were perfect for movement with overcast conditions, snow showers, brisk NW winds 10-20 mph and temps in the low 40’s. The class was not disappointed. After an hour and half drive from Spring Mills, WV to the rocky out cropping overlooking the Cumberland Valley we were never without a bird in the sky for more than 45 seconds the rest of the day. Waggoner’s Gap is one of the premier hawk watching locations in the east having started in 1952. Today, they set a new single day record for Golden Eagles with 50 (We saw 36 during our time there). Upon first arrival the first birds seen were 4 Golden Eagles flying in concert. What a start! About 5 minutes after that our first Northern Goshawk came flying by. We stayed from 10am until 3:30pm and it will be a day to remember for all. Also of note were Pine Siskins, Common Loons (71) and a few gulls.
Raptor totals seen while we were there:
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On Oct 25, 2012, a red morph Eastern screech owl was seen inside my nest box with its head popped outside. If this is a returning owl, it is probably a female. The first owl ever to occupy the nest box was seen Feb 11, 2011, and was a red morph. She and her mate (a gray morph) fledged 3 owlets May 14, 2012.
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