DOCSLIB.ORG

The Peregrine Three Rivers Birding Club Newsletter

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
The Peregrine Three Rivers Birding Club Newsletter The Peregrine Three Rivers Birding Club Newsletter http://www.3rbc.org Vol. 11, No. 6, November/December 2012 Renowned Couple’s Topic on December 5: “Why We Need Birds” Three Rivers Birding Club will present two of North America’s most widely known and respected ornithologists and conservationists at our meeting on Wednesday, December 5. They are Kenn and Kimberly Kaufman, whose two-part program is titled “Why We Need Birds.” The meeting will be held at the Phipps Garden Center, 1059 Shady Avenue in Shadyside. Doors will open at 6:30 PM, a brief business meeting will begin at 7:30, followed immediately by the program. Ample parking is available along Beechwood Boulevard. The usual snacks will be available, but in the kitchen behind the stage this time, to make more space in the meeting hall for the bigger-than-usual audience expected. Having traveled the world in pursuit of birds, Kenn and Kimberly have gained insight and perspective on why birds are an important part of our quality of life. In this interesting and lively presentation illustrated with beautiful photos, they will share some of their favorite experiences with birds (and birders!) and remind CELEBRITY SPEAKERS – Kenn and Kimberly Kaufman, two of us that we really do need birds. the best-known ornithologists and conservationists in the U.S. (and continued on page 3 beyond), will be the speakers at our December 5 meeting. Pittsburgh Christmas Count Will Be Held on December 29 By Brian Shema, Compiler To participate, contact one of the following area leaders, who The Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania hosts the will welcome your help: Pittsburgh Christmas Bird Count (CBC) annually, and it will be held on Saturday, December 29, this year. Fox Chapel – Brian Shema, 412-968-0855 Participants in the count join a group of area birdwatchers to Franklin Park & Ohio Twp. (N) tally all the birds they find during a single day. The Pittsburgh CBC Stacy Widenhofer, 412-741-7536 is divided into 13 groups based on geo-political boundaries. Hampton Twp. – Al Werling, 412-487-8581 Participation in all CBCs is now free, and participants need Indiana Twp. (W) – Steve Gosser, 412-855-5220 not be experienced birdwatchers. Kilbuck Twp. & Ohio Twp. (S) – Paul Brown, 412-963-1979 By participating, you will support Audubon’s work to under- North Park – Bob VanNewkirk, 412-366-1694 stand bird populations in our region. Scientists use the remarkable Oakmont & Harmar Twp. – David Yeany, 814-221-4361 trend data of the CBC to measure changes in the environment and O’Hara Twp. – Steve Thomas, 412-782-4696 in bird populations throughout the continent. While scientists rely Penn Hills & Verona – Eric Hall, 412-247-5528 on the data, the success of the CBC relies on volunteers like you! Frick & Highland Parks – Jack Solomon, 412-521-3365 Everyone (including those who do not participate in the Pittsburgh (rest of city) – Mike Fialkovich, 412-731-3581 count) is invited to the compilation dinner scheduled for 6 PM on Ross & McCandless Twps. – Bob Machesney, 412-366-7869 Sunday, December 30, at Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve in Shaler Twp. – Joyce Hoffmann, 412-487-0921 Fox Chapel. Bring a covered dish, salad, or dessert that feeds 10, *** or make a donation to cover costs of the dinner. Immediately after Other local counts: dinner, the area leaders will announce their results. Buffalo Creek Valley – Saturday, December 15: Call compiler ASWP also supports and encourages members to participate George Reese, 724-353-9649. in three other counts in our area: Buffalo Creek Valley, which Pittsburgh South Hills – Saturday, December 15: Call compiler includes Todd Nature Reserve in Butler County, Pittsburgh South Nancy Page, 412-221-4795. Hills, and Lower Buffalo Creek in Washington County. See these Lower Buffalo Creek (Washington County) – Sunday, dates at right. December 16: Call compiler Larry Helgerman, 412-508-0321. The Peregrine President’s Message The Peregrine A Wealth of Memories Three Rivers Birding Club Newsletter Published bimonthly: from Harrison Hills Park January, March, May, July, September, November Send articles and/or illustrations to: By Jim Valimont Paul Hess, Editor For many years, I have led outings in the spring and fall at [email protected] Harrison Hills Park in Allegheny County. Many Three Rivers 1412 Hawthorne St., Natrona Heights, PA 15065 Birding Club members have participated, and we have had some Send ideas or items for the website to: spectacular and some not-so-spectacular days. Generally, I’ve Julia Pahountis-Opacic, Webmaster been fortunate to have Paul Hess and Mike Fialkovich with me to [email protected] help with tough identifications, particularly the fall warblers. Paul has birded Harrison Hills more than any other person – Send questions and suggestions to: regularly since the park opened in 1970. In my early years in the Jim Valimont, President Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania, I went to many outings [email protected] 31 Deborah Lynn Court, Cheswick, PA 15024 led by Paul. Many of my life birds came at this park, including Red-shouldered Hawk, Veery, Philadelphia Vireo, Golden-winged Suggest or volunteer to lead outings to: Warbler, Nashville Warbler, Cape May Warbler, Blackburnian Steve Thomas, Outings Director Warbler, Black-and-white Warbler, Worm-eating Warbler, [email protected] Louisiana Waterthrush, Kentucky Warbler, and Hooded Warbler. 309 Center Ave., Aspinwall, PA 15215 Parks change with time, though. There are too many deer in this park, and their effect is not good. Some areas that were Report bird sightings to: once open fields have gradually become forest. The habitat for Mike Fialkovich, Bird Reports Editor [email protected] Golden-winged Warbler has disappeared. Red-shouldered Hawks 805 Beulah Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15235 have been displaced by Red-tailed Hawks. Kentucky Warblers, once common in the park, are increasingly rare and may no longer Send other correspondence to: breed there. Still, it’s the best location I know of in western Sherron and Pat Lynch, Co-Secretaries Pennsylvania for Philadelphia Vireos in spring or fall migration. [email protected] Paul has kept a park list that now totals 185 species. The 195 Hill Haven Lane, Wexford, PA 15090-8834 most recent addition came this past September, when Paul found a Membership: Free Student-Youth, $15 Individual, Sedge Wren at the pond. A number of us went to catch a glimpse $20 Family, $50 Contributing, $100 Sustaining of this furtive species and were rewarded with not only the Sedge Send check to Three Rivers Birding Club Wren, but also a Marsh Wren spotted by Ben Coulter at the op- c/o Bob Machesney, Treasurer posite end of the pond in a tiny group of cattails. Recent additions 105 Lindley Lane, Pittsburgh, PA 15237 to the list also include Northern Shrike, Fish Crow, and Common Raven. Copyright © Three Rivers Birding Club. All rights reserved. The Creekside Trail that we always take on our walks has (Photographers and illustrators retain their copyrights.) produced many rarities over the years. It is the primary location where Connecticut Warblers have been found in the park. This is also where Paul saw a Western Tanager in 1999. At the parking Letter from the Editor lot at the beginning of the trail is where he observed a Loggerhead Shrike in May 1981. I remember an amazing day along the trail By Paul Hess when Paul and I saw no fewer than five Philadelphia Vireos! You see Mike Fialkovich’s name in The Peregrine as our The trail overlooking the cliff is the most reliable place I bird reports editor. At 3RBC meetings, you hear his updates on the know for Cerulean Warbler. There seems to be a singing Cerulean latest sightings. But do you know how far beyond 3RBC Mike’s Warbler every 50 yards along this trail in the breeding season. And abilities are recognized? here you are likely to see one without getting “warbler neck.” They * He is a new board member of the Pennsylvania Society for are often at eye level or lower, thanks to the cliff. This is also the Ornithology – a recognition of his ornithological knowledge. best location in the park for Worm-eating Warbler. * He is a new member of the Pennsylvania Ornithological Open fields near the nature center provide good opportunities Records Committee, the body that evaluates rare bird reports and for Eastern Bluebird, Tree Swallow, Barn Swallow, and sparrows. maintains the official state bird list – a recognition of his knowl- It seems as though the park management is allowing the far fields edge of bird identification. to grow. Formerly, this area was regularly cut for equestrian events. * He is the new chair of PSO’s Records and Data Committee, This fall the fields were dazzling as goldenrods dominated with with many duties requiring the extensive expertise he can offer. their vivid yellow. Paths mown through the fields allow further Meanwhile, Mike remains the Allegheny County compiler exploration. and spring-season editor for the journal Pennsylvania Birds. As This fall I scheduled two walks at Harrison Hills. One, on if that’s not enough work, he is also Allegheny County editor for September 8, was not a good day. The second, on September 29, reports submitted to Cornell University’s eBird database. was much better, but I had a bad cold and Mike Fialkovich substi- We’re fortunate to have Mike in our club. When you see him, tuted for me. Read about both in Outings Revisited. ask him how he manages to do any birding. Trust me. There will be many more walks here, and many more great sightings and memories! 2 The Peregrine Outings to Come Renowned Couple Our Final Fall Hotspots continued from page 1 Kenn scarcely needs an Include Two Large Lakes introduction.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • BACKPACKING Explore the Great Allegheny Passage with Us! We Will Pedal a Total of 30 Miles out and Back Along the GAP
    April – June 2017 Schedule VENTURE OUTDOORS TRAILHEAD Everyone Belongs Outdoors! Board of Directors Did You Know… Alice Johnston, Board Chair Venture Outdoors is a 501(c)3 charitable nonprofit organization. We believe everyone Amanda Beamon, Vice Chair deserves the chance to experience how incredibly fun the outdoors can be, so we provide Darlene Schiller, Co-Secretary the gear, guidance and inspiration to make outdoor recreation part of people’s lives. Robert J. Standish, Co-Secretary Drew Lessard, Treasurer We believe everyone belongs outdoors! Todd Owens, Past Chair Abby Corbin Dennis Henderson David Hunt Support Venture Outdoors and Save with a Yearly Membership Lindsay Patross Go to ventureoutdoors.org/join-us or call 412.255.0564 x.224 to become a New or Marty Silverman Geoff Tolley Renewing Venture Outdoors Member. W. Jesse Ward Your Support Helps Venture Outdoors: David Wolf Membership Levels Student / Senior – $15 • Fund the outings and events that Staff Individual – $25 get you and your family outdoors year-round Joey–Linn Ulrich, Executive Director Dual – $35 Family – $50 • Enable underserved children to PROGRAM DEPARTMENT Trailblazer – $75 learn more about nature and the Lora Woodward, Director environment while developing Paddler – $100 Liz Fager, Community Program Manager outdoor recreation skills Jim Smith, Equipment and Facilities Manager Ranger – $125 Lora Hutelmyer, Youth Program Manager Steward – $250 • Turn volunteers into accomplished Jake Very, Custom Program Coordinator trip leaders while enhancing their Trustee – $500 Billy Dixon, Program Administrator leadership skills and safety training Ken Sikora, Head Trip Leader Specialist Pathfinder – $1,000 KAYAK PITTSBURGH Benefits to You Include: Vanessa Bashur, Director • Discounts on outings, Kayak Pittsburgh Mike Adams, Equipment and Training rentals and season passes Specialist • Shopping savings at Eddie Bauer DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNICATIONS and Gander Mountain Donna L.
    [Show full text]
  • Allegheny's Riverfronts
    ALLEGHENY’S RIVERFRONTS A Progress Report on Municipal Riverfront Development in Allegheny County DECEMBER 2010 Allegheny County Allegheny’s Riverfronts Dear Friends: In Allegheny County, we are known for our rivers. In fact, our rivers have repeatedly been in the national spotlight – during the Forrest L. Wood Cup and Pittsburgh G-20 Summit in 2009, and during World Environment Day in 2010. We are fortunate to have more than 185 miles of riverfront property along the Allegheny, Monongahela, Ohio and Youghiogheny Rivers. Our riverfronts provide opportunities for recreation, conservation and economic development. Providing access to our waterways has always been a key priority and we have been very successful in connecting communities through our trail and greenway system. Through partnerships with businesses, foundations and trail groups, we are on target to complete the Great Allegheny Passage along the Monongahela River before the end of 2011. This trail has been improving the economy and quality of life in towns throughout the Laurel Highlands and Southwestern Pennsylvania, and now its benefits will spread north through the Mon Valley and into the City of Pittsburgh. Our riverfronts provide opportunities for greening our region through the use of new trees, rain gardens and riverside vegetation that aid in flood control, improved water quality and a more natural experience. Allegheny County riverfronts have also always been great places to live. More people will be able to experience riverfront living with the development of communities such as Edgewater at Oakmont, which promises to be one of the best new neighborhoods in the region. I am so proud of all that we have accomplished along our riverfronts and excited about all that is yet to come.
    [Show full text]
  • COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Forging Our Future 2020 CONTENTS
    HARRISON BRACKENRIDGE TARENTUM COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Forging Our Future 2020 CONTENTS ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS................................................................................ iii SUMMARY.OF.THE.COMPREHENSIVE.PLAN................................................ ES1 INTRODUCTION............................................................................................ 1 SOCIAL.ENTERPRISE,.COMMUNITY,.AND.ECONOMIC.DEVELOPMENT............ 11 STRATEGIES: Improving Social Enterprise, Community and Economic Development ..................... 16 BLIGHT.&.PROPERTY.DETERIORATION........................................................ 35 STRATEGIES: Improving the Condition of Properties and the Effects of Deterioration ................... 38 TRAILS,.PARKS.AND.RECREATION................................................................ 47 STRATEGIES: Improving Trails, Parks & Recreation ........................................................................... 50 COMMUNITY.IDENTITY.AND.BRANDING....................................................... 59 STRATEGIES: Improving Community Identity and Branding ............................................................ 62 ADDITIONAL.TOPICS................................................................................... 65 Appendices.provided.in.companion.document ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS STEERING.COMMITTEE.MEMBERS PUBLIC.OFFICIALS Working Name Community Harrison Group Commissioners Planning. Eric Bengel Harrison Blight William W. Heasley, Commission Robin Trails, Parks, Chairman Harrison Cody Nolen, Chairman
    [Show full text]
  • Allegheny County Department of Administrative Services Department of Purchasing and Supplies Room 206 Courthouse
    ALLEGHENY COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES DEPARTMENT OF PURCHASING AND SUPPLIES ROOM 206 COURTHOUSE TABULATION FOR COLLECTION OF SOLID WASTE FOR VARIOUS COUNTY DEPARTMENTS SPEC #5542 GROUP I - Parks Division, 30 cubic year containers October 1, 2004-September 30, October 1, 2005 - September October 1, 2005 - September 2005 30, 2006 30, 2007 Per ton rate Per ton rate per ton rate for load for load Per haul for load Per haul for exceeding 7 Per haul for exceeding 7 for 0-7 exceeding 7 Location Company Quantity 0-7 tons tons 0-7 tons tons tons tons South Park Library, 1 PA 15129 Waste Management of Pennsylvania One$ 354.00 $ 30.00 $ 364.62 $ 30.90 $ 375.55 $ 31.82 BFI Waste Services of Pennsylvania One$ 360.00 $ 27.00 $ 370.00 $ 27.80 $ 380.00 $ 28.60 North Park, Allison 2 Park, PA 15101 Waste Management of Pennsylvania One$ 375.00 $ 30.00 $ 386.25 $ 30.90 $ 397.83 $ 31.82 BFI Waste Services of Pennsylvania One$ 360.00 $ 27.00 $ 370.00 $ 27.80 $ 380.00 $ 28.60 Boyce Park, Plum Borough, PA 3 15239 Waste Management of Pennsylvania One$ 295.00 $ 30.00 $ 303.85 $ 30.90 $ 312.96 $ 31.82 BFI Waste Services of Pennsylvania One$ 410.00 $ 27.00 $ 430.00 $ 28.00 $ 451.00 $ 29.00 Harrison Hills Park, Natrona Heights, 4 PA 15065 Waste Management of Pennsylvania One$ 360.00 $ 30.00 $ 370.80 $ 30.90 $ 381.92 $ 31.82 BFI Waste Services of Pennsylvania One$ 425.00 $ 27.00 $ 450.00 $ 28.00 $ 475.00 $ 29.00 White Oak Park, McKeesport, PA 5 15134 Waste Management of Pennsylvania One $ 295.00 $ 30.00 $ 303.85 $ 30.90 $ 312.96 $ 31.82 BFI Waste
    [Show full text]
  • 1.0 Introduction
    ALLEGHENY COUNTY PARKS COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 1.0 Introduction 1.1 THE ALLEGHENY COUNTY PARKS SYSTEM The Allegheny County parks system consists of approximately 12,000 acres in nine parks that encircle the City of Pittsburgh at about a 15-mile radius (Figure 1). Listed in order of size, these parks are: • North Park (3,010 acres) • South Park (1,999 acres) • Settler’s Cabin Park (1,589 acres) • Deer Lakes Park (1,180 acres) • Round Hill Park (1,101 acres) • Boyce Park (1,096 acres) • White Oak Park (810 acres) • Hartwood (629 acres) • Harrison Hills Park (500 acres) The county parks are rich in recreational, natural, and historic resources. The two largest parks in the system, North and South Parks, were established in the 1920s and 1930s. The remaining seven parks – referred to as the “regional parks” – were acquired and developed in the 1950s and 1960s. The parks allow Allegheny County residents to enjoy a variety of recreational activities in diverse outdoor settings, contributing greatly to the quality of life in the County. All of the county parks offer basic recreation opportunities that include passively delivered activities such as picnicking, walking, and bird watching. The most intensively developed parks are North and South, with the remainder offering varying degrees of developed recreation opportunities. Each park has evolved around a theme or distinctive characteristic. North Park is known for the 72-acre lake, the largest man made body of water in Allegheny County, and its golf course. South Park is home to a game preserve, the County Fairgrounds, and 27 holes of golf.
    [Show full text]
  • BOYCE PARK Prepared for the Allegheny County Parks Foundation January, 2016
    ALLEGHENY COUNTY PARKS ECOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT AND ACTION PLAN BOYCE PARK Prepared for the Allegheny County Parks Foundation January, 2016 FOREWORD With nine parks encompassing over 12,000 acres, Allegheny County boasts one of the largest regional park systems in the country. An array of abundant recreational Board of Directors activities makes each park a unique destination. Nature is the common thread that James Mitnick (chair) connects our parks and is our most treasured asset. The abundant resources found Ellen Still Brooks (vice chair) in our parks’ forests, meadows and streams provide vital habitat for flora and fauna Rick Rose (treasurer) that clean our air and water, pollinate our plants and connect the web of life. We are Sally McCrady (secretary) stewards of these natural sanctuaries and are working to protect them for future Tom Armstrong generations. Chester R. Babst, III Andy Baechle Bill Bates In 2015, the Allegheny County Parks Foundation together with the Allegheny Carol R. Brown County Parks Department launched a systematic evaluation of natural resources G. Reynolds Clark and ecological assets in the parks beginning with Boyce Park. We partnered with The Honorable John DeFazio the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy (WPC) to conduct the first Ecological Karen Wolk Feinstein Assessment and Action Plan to provide a framework for project implementation to The Honorable Rich Fitzgerald protect, preserve and improve the environmental health of the park. Pat Getty Jonathan Kersting Using state-of-the-art mapping and data collection techniques and on-the-ground Nancy Knauss field observations, WPC staff identified several plant species in Boyce Park that John Mascaro, Jr.
    [Show full text]
  • The Peregrine Three Rivers Birding Club Newsletter
    The Peregrine Three Rivers Birding Club Newsletter http://www.3rbc.org Vol. 17, No. 1, January/February 2018 Find Out on Feb. 7 Why Our Forest Birds Need Help Nearly 40% of all birds classified as “Species of Greatest 1059 Shady Avenue in Shadyside. Doors open at 6:30 PM for Conservation Need in Pennsylvania” depend on high-quality forest socializing, a business meeting begins at 7:30, and the program habitats for their best chance of nesting successfully. We will learn starts at 8:00. about threats to that success at the Three Rivers Birding Club David joined the Natural Heritage Program in 2011, working meeting on Wednesday, February 7, and we will find out what on variety of ecology, conservation planning, and ornithology ecologists in Pennsylvania are doing to help these forest species. projects, including spatial analysis, mapping important habitats Our speaker is David Yeany (above), a conservation planning for rare taxa, population monitoring, and research wildlife habitat specialist and ornithologist for the Pennsylvania Natural Heritage relationships. Program at the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy in Pittsburgh. He has a M.S. in Applied Ecology and Conservation Biology His presentation titled “Conserving Pennsylvania’s Forest from Frostburg State University and a B.S. in Biology from Interior Birds and their Habitats” will cover many species Messiah College. David has worked for National Audubon Society, including perennial birding favorites such as Swainson’s Thrush, Fort Indiantown Gap National Guard Training Center, and the Black-and-white Warbler (above, photographed by David),Canada Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry doing various wildlife and habitat Warbler, and Scarlet Tanager.
    [Show full text]
  • North Park Lake Area Master Plan Allegheny County, PA
    Prepared for: Allegheny County Parks Foundation 535 Smithfield Street, Suite 525 Pittsburgh, PA 15222 412.281.5595 North Park Lake Area Master Plan Allegheny County, PA April 2012 Prepared by: GAI Consultants, Inc. 385 East Waterfront Drive Homestead, PA 15120-5005 412.476.2000 Prepared for: Allegheny County Parks Foundation 535 Smithfield Street, Suite 525 Pittsburgh, PA 15222 412.281.5595 North Park Lake Area Master Plan Allegheny County, PA April 2012 Prepared by: GAI Consultants, Inc. 385 East Waterfront Drive Homestead, PA 15120-5005 412.476.2000 North Park Lake Area Master Plan — Allegheny County, Pennsylvania | 1 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS PROJECT FUNDING FOCUS GROUP PARTICIPANTS County of Allegheny The Community Allegheny County Parks Foundation • Friends of North Park • Colcom Foundation • Park User Groups • Hillman Foundation • Individual Park Users • Richard King Mellon Foundation Local Government PROJECT COMMITTEE • The Office of Senator Orie Andy Baechle – Allegheny County Parks • Town of McCandless Gil Coda – Allegheny County Public Works • Township of Hampton Christine Fulton – Allegheny County Parks Foundation • Township of Pine Clarence Hopson – Allegheny County Parks Tom Mulroy – Allegheny County Parks Foundation County of Allegheny Joseph Olczak – Allegheny County Public Works • Allegheny County Economic Development Ron Schipani – Allegheny County Parks Foundation • Allegheny County Council Don Schmitt – Allegheny County Parks • Allegheny County Parks Department • Allegheny County Public Works Department MASTER PLAN CONSULTANTS
    [Show full text]
  • FALL/WINTER 2015/2016 PROGRAM and EVENT GUIDE Fall Is Nearly Upon Us
    Allegheny County Parks FALL/WINTER 2015/2016 PROGRAM AND EVENT GUIDE Fall is nearly upon us. It’s always bittersweet. For many of us, it means the end of summer, back to school and time for sweaters, football and apple cider. For our county parks though, it means even more of an opportunity to highlight the amenities and opportunities that make our Allegheny County Parks system such a valuable asset in our region. Our Allegheny County Park Rangers have several months in our parks under their belts now, and their experiences can be seen in the educational and recreational opportunities that they are offering in this guide. If you’ve not had the opportunity to interact with them, consider participating in one of the many programs being offered by the rangers. The Fall Foliage Hike is the perfect chance to enjoy the fall weather and the changing leaves which always signal the coming change of seasons. Our Parks Rangers are expanding beyond our parks too – they have participated as resources in festivals and other events in our community, sharing their background and experiences. The Park Rangers outreach includes to local schools and groups for educational programming. Fall is also the perfect opportunity for you to “live well.” In January 2014, the Live Well Allegheny program was launched that embraces a broad concept of living will which includes physical health, mental wellness, personal and community safety, prevention and preparedness, and much more. Whether you choose to take advantage of a formal class like yoga, or simply utilize our trails and facilities, you can make this fall your time to make a personal pledge to live well.
    [Show full text]
  • The Peregrine Three Rivers Birding Club Newsletter
    The Peregrine Three Rivers Birding Club Newsletter http://www.3rbc.org Vol. 14, No. 5, September/October 2015 FOUND IN ALASKA – This Spectacled Eider (above) was a spectacular find on Roger and Margaret Higbees’ trip. To see it, they had to travel as far north as Deadhorse near Prudhoe Bay on the Arctic Ocean. They spotted the Arctic Tern (right) at the Potter Marsh near Anchorage. Roger took both photographs. The extent and complexity of planning for a trip like this one is hard to imagine. All of it was designed to find as many species as possible. Only after seeing the program can we appreciate these two expert birders’ achievement. See an Amazing Road Trip to Alaska Can you imagine this challenge? Roger and Margaret Higbee, several times and had postponed it for about 10 years. They finally 3RBC members from Indiana County and two of Pennsylvania’s decided to take the plunge the first year of Roger’s retirement. most respected birders, not only imagined it but accomplished it. Their goal was to reach Alaska as quickly as possible, see the state, They took an 11,400-mile trip to Alaska and back in their van, on and return as quickly as possible. These plans were quickly altered their own, traveling as far north as the Arctic Ocean. once on the road because of the beautiful scenery. Roger will tell us about their extraordinary odyssey at the A member of the Brooks Bird Club, 3RBC, Todd Bird Club, Three Rivers Birding Club meeting on Wednesday, October 7. The Ontario Field Ornithologists, and the Pennsylvania Society for meeting will be held at the Phipps Garden Center, 1059 Shady Ornithology, Roger has been actively birding since 1972, but Avenue in Shadyside.
    [Show full text]
  • Spring 2010 Volume 10, Issue 1
    Spring 2010 Volume 10, Issue 1 P.O. Box 35 Warrendale, PA 15086-0035 www.rachelcarsontrails.org [email protected] President’s Corner By Todd Chambers Inside This Issue Marcellus shale is a sedimentary rock, found throughout much President’s Corner 1 of Pennsylvania, which has generated a great deal of Spring Hiking on Conservancy Trails 1 discussion because, locked away in the tight spaces that make Trail Challenges in 2010 2 up this rock are large natural gas reserves. This makes it an Where Does This Trail Lead? 2 attractive target for energy development that could be an Allegheny Valley Community Trails Initiative 3 economic boon for the region if it is done right, but it could Event Calendar 4 also be an environmental nightmare. how this pattern can repeat. Marcellus shale wells utilize a drilling technique that involves injecting millions of gallons of pressurized water and Groups such as the PA Forest Coalition and the Pennsylvania chemicals deep underground to fracture the shale and release Campaign for Clean Water are committed to ensuring the DEP the natural gas. Several streams in Western Pennsylvania were and other government agencies implement proper depleted by drillers who pulled out all their water, and late in environmental protection regulations for Marcellus shale 2008, industrial users and drinking water consumers along the drilling, and that sufficient resources are devoted to monitoring Monongahela River were warned not to use the water because and enforcement. We support the work of these groups. it was too polluted, in part from discharges of contaminated water from Marcellus shale wells.
    [Show full text]
  • Trailhead Connecting Everyone with the Outdoors
    September – December 2015 Calendar of Events VENTURE OUTDOORS TRAILHEAD Connecting Everyone with the Outdoors. Watch the leaves fall with a great view from the water. Kayak Pittsburgh is open through October. Explore the outdoors with the whole family! Decorate pumpkins. Make bird feeders. Find candy canes. Our Family Outings have something for everyone! Be a tourist in your own backyard! Join an urban hike that highlights the art, archaeology, or architecture of Pittsburgh. Did You Know… Board of Directors Venture Outdoors is a 501(c)3 charitable nonprofit organization. We are dedicated to Alice Johnston, Board Chair connecting everyone to the benefits of outdoor recreation throughout southwestern Drew Lessard, Vice Chair & Treasurer Pennsylvania. We provide a variety of activities that inspire an active lifestyle, promote the Erik Agostoni, Secretary region’s unique natural amenities, highlight its excellent quality of life, and foster a greater Todd Owens, Immediate Past Chair appreciation for the environment. L. Todd Becker Abby Corbin Here’s How We Do It… Becoming a member helps us… Dennis Henderson With more than 700 outings and events • Get children and low-income families David Hunt each year, people of all ages, families, kids, outside and active, experiencing the Lindsay Patross and even pets, can enjoy our first-rate wonder and beauty of outdoor Darlene Schiller outdoor recreation. recreation Robert J. Standish • Develop adaptive outdoor recreation Geoff Tolley Members save on outings, but everyone is programs for people with disabilities David Wolf welcome. Want to create a unique group experience? Call about customized outings. • Fund our continued efforts to promote healthy lifestyles throughout Western Staff Venture Outdoors also runs Kayak Pennsylvania Pittsburgh and operates a 24’ climbing Joey-Linn Ulrich, Executive Director wall to bring fun to your next festival, community day, or corporate event.
    [Show full text]