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. He burst onto the North American birding scene as a By Steve Thomas, Outings Director teenager in the 1970s, hitchhiking all over the continent in pursuit of Sunday, October 28 – Moraine State Park: This will be the birds – an adventure he chronicled 11th annual 3RBC picnic and bird walk. We will meet at 8 AM in in his classic book Kingbird the park's Day Use Area (South Shore) in the first parking lot on Highway. After working as a the right. leader of nature tours to all seven After the morning outing, we will have the potluck picnic at continents, he made a transition a pavilion near McDanel’s Boat Launch. Please bring a dish that into a career as a freelance writer will serve 4-6 people. and naturalist. From I-79, take Route 422 east toward Butler and exit at the Kenn is a field editor for Moraine State Park exit. At the end of the ramp, turn left and go Audubon magazine, and he writes straight into the park until you see the first major parking area on regularly for every major birding your right. Allow one hour driving from Pittsburgh. magazine. Most of his energy currently goes into book projects, Saturday, November 3 – Yellow Creek State Park: This including his own field guide se- outing will be a joint outing of the 3RBC and the Todd Bird Club. ries, Kaufman Field Guides, which Meet Margaret Higbee (724-354-3493) at 8 AM at the park office now includes volumes on North on Route 259 just off Route 422 east of Indiana. Allow an hour American birds (in both English and 30 minutes driving from Pittsburgh. This park has been the and Spanish), butterflies, mam- prime outing location for the Todd Bird Club since the club was mals, insects, and advanced bird- created. It has a wide variety of habitats and a large lake that at- ing, plus a new volume on nature tracts many waterbirds and sometimes exciting rarities. of the New England states. He broke new birding ground Sunday, November 18 – Moraine State Park: We will in 1990 with A Field Guide to gather at 8 AM at the park’s Day Use Area (South Shore) in the Advanced Birding in the Peterson first parking lot on the right. This will be a leaderless outing. From Field Guide series, in which he I-79, take Route 422 east toward Butler and exit at the Moraine tackled tough identification prob- State Park exit. At the end of the ramp, turn left and drive straight lems such as distinguishing shorebirds, gulls, terns, flycatchers, fall into the park until you see the first major parking lot on the right. warblers, sparrows, and many other difficult species. In a sequel Waterfowl and late fall migrants make this outing a highlight of the just published in 2011, the Kaufman Field Guide to Advanced season. Allow one hour driving from Pittsburgh. Birding, Kenn explains new approaches toward understanding and identifying species by what you see and hear. Kenn’s other books include Lives of North American Birds and Flights Against the Sunset. One is a 675-page compendium that includes complete life histories for 680 species that occur regularly in North America, and shorter accounts for more than 230 that visit occasionally. In the other book, he recounts how he left home at age 16 to travel the world in search of birds, and then as a grown man and famous ornithologist he comes back to visit his ailing mother and explain to her what drove his obsession with bird life. Kimberly is an Ohio native whose lifelong love of the outdoors grew into a passion for birds in the 1990s. She monitored nesting Bald Eagles for the Ohio Division of Wildlife and ran bluebird trails before she began banding migrant songbirds for the Black Swamp Bird Observatory (BSBO). Kim’s involvement with BSBO escalated as she became the observatory’s education director in 2005 and then executive director in 2009, a position she still holds. She played a key role in starting the highly successful Ohio Young Birders Club, a group for teenagers that has served as a model for youth programs in 13 other states. She has also had a key role in “The Biggest Week in EXPERT ANGLER – An Osprey at Lake Arthur in Butler County American Birding,” a spring event that rapidly has become one carries a prize catch. Steve Gosser photographed the successful of the largest birding festivals on the continent (and is an annual raptor this summer. destination for many Three Rivers Birding Club members).

3 The Peregrine Bird Watch Susanne’s Jaeger By Chuck Tague The world is full of barriers. On my lifelong quest for new and exciting birds, I’m obstructed by rivers and swamps. Rushing streams force me far out of my way. Rocky ledges and steep slopes stop me in my tracks. Muddy trails and impenetrably dense brush make me miserable. Not just natural obstacles but man-made and artificial barriers constantly block my chosen path. Every day I’m obstructed by more buildings, fences, one-way streets, pastures, planted fields, and signs that shout “no trespass- ing,” “do not enter,” “private property,” “wildlife refuge,” or “propagation area.” Water, hills, forests, and thickets pose few problems for birds – fences, buildings and imaginary property lines even fewer. Birds simply fly over them. Since I lack the luxury of flight, I must use my limited physical abilities, whatever tools I have, and my wits. This is the great challenge and the true competition of birding – me against the birds. However, the playing field is never level. Can I overcome the barriers or will my feathered adversaries evade me? Although I’m usually overmatched, sometimes I get lucky. A JAEGER ADVENTURE – Chuck Tague photographed this On December 5, 1996, Susanne Varley and I drove from Pittsburgh Pomarine Jaeger on a pelagic trip out of New Smyrna Beach, to Presque Isle for a few hours of birding. We worked our way Florida, on January 26, 2009. He regularly watches jaegers around the peninsula and set up the spotting scope along the road harassing gulls and terns off Daytona Beach, Florida, but his first to scan the waterfowl. We found a few Tundra Swans feeding in sighting at Presque Isle, Pennsylvania, was his most memorable. the shallows with some Hooded Mergansers. Several Gadwalls Great Black-backed and Herring Gulls but mostly many Ring-bills. swam around, and a Great Blue Heron hunkered down by the edge. A few Hooded Mergansers bobbed and dove in the shallows, and As we watched, Jerry McWilliams drove up. Bonaparte’s Gulls cruised low over the bay. We thought we spot- Jerry, co-author of The Birds of Pennsylvania, is a thorough ted a Snow Goose, but it was only a barnyard escapee. and tireless birder. He always beams when he talks about birds, After an hour with no sign of the jaeger, we moved to the but he was more excited than usual. He suggested that we should north pier and the lighthouse that guards the channel into Erie Bay. hike out to “the Point.” He’d watched a Pomarine Jaeger harass- Susanne climbed the ramp with some effort and we walked out far ing gulls earlier in the morning, only the second one he had seen at enough to see the western edge of Gull Point. We found nothing Presque Isle. Jerry suspected that the bird would hang around. He different. The brutal wind cut through our coats so we moved to left it resting on the beach about a half-hour before. Beach 10, our last shot. Jaegers, predatory seabirds that resemble large, dark gulls, Beach 10 is the last recreation beach on the lake side of the have falcon-like wings and slightly hooked beaks. Two feathers Peninsula. The trail to Gull Point begins in the parking lot, but projecting from the center of the tail distinguish adult jaegers, but instead of taking the trail, Susanne and I went toward the beach. immature birds lack these eye-catching characteristics. Jaegers From the edge of the sand, Susanne scanned the lake. I walked to breed in the Arctic and winter in tropical and southern oceans. the water to see how much of Gull Point was visible, but a bend in During migration they travel along the coasts, only rarely coming the shoreline obstructed my view. All I found was a Red-breasted inland. Merganser paddling around the breakwater and a man walking a “What an opportunity,” I thought, “a Pomarine Jaeger resting large black retriever. on the beach.” I watched for 15 minutes, hoping the jaeger would show Of course there was a barrier. Getting to Gull Point was not itself. Nothing happened, just the man and the dog getting farther difficult then. Although sandy and sometimes soggy, the trail was away. Then I realized that if they circled the point, they would clear, level and only a half-mile long. It was, however, a formi- flush the birds that we couldn’t see from Beach 11. I ran across the dable barrier for Susanne. She’s had rheumatoid arthritis most of sand and hurried Susanne to the car. her life. A long walk through sand and water would be strenuous, As we turned into the Beach 11, a large flock of gulls painful, and too dangerous to consider. She offered to wait in the swarmed over Thompson Bay. Below the group the bulky, car, but that was out of the question. Our only hope was to scan slaty-colored jaeger chased a Ring-billed Gull. Susanne spot- Gull Point from vantage points along the road. ted it immediately. The pursuer, slightly larger than the gull, had Gull Point is a constantly-changing sand spit. It forms the falcon-like angled wings. Two feathers extended shortly beyond a eastern tip of Presque Isle, a seven-mile-long peninsula that runs wedge-shaped tail. Uniformly barred on its rump and flanks, it had parallel to Lake Erie’s shore. Migrating birds use Gull Point as a extensive white markings on its upper wings. staging and resting spot. Its dunes and beaches also provide nest- As I ran and Susanne trudged through the sand, the screaming ing habitat for shorebirds. A special management area has been set gull turned toward us. The gull frantically flapped a few feet above aside and is closed to human activity from April 1 to November 30. the water, turning, banking, dipping, desperately trying to evade The best view of Gull Point without walking the trail is Beach its pursuer. The jaeger stuck close, just a little above and a little 11. We set up the scope and looked across Thompson Bay. On behind, matching its victim’s every move, giving the gull precious Gull Point’s southern edge and the sand spit’s tip, we saw some continued on page 5 4 The Peregrine Outings Revisited We came to an area with thickets of multiflora rose bushes, small shrubs, and trees on one side of the trail, and grassland Fun-filled Days Brought fields on the other. It’s perfect mockingbird habitat. We expected to see them there, but not in the numbers that we found. Juveniles Us Many Fall Migrants called out, constantly revealing their presence, usually from the tops of shrubs. Adults would land near them and then, as if to coax Sewickley Heights Park – August 29: Even though the the young birds into joining them, fly over to the fields. Thirteen calendar said it was still summer, the temperature and light fog mockers were counted. Perhaps this high number represented made it seem more fall-like for 11 birders who gathered for the multiple family groups. first of two outings at the park. At the beginning of the migration A Killdeer announced its presence as it flew into one of the season, we hoped to see as many warblers as we could. While we fields. As we retraced our way back, a few birders got a quick were milling around the parking lot, we sighted a Red-eyed Vireo, glimpse of a Yellow-billed Cuckoo sitting on a shadowy branch. an Eastern Phoebe, and a Northern Flicker. Near the parking lot, two Red-shouldered Hawks soared overhead. We began our warbler search by scanning the lower but- Bird activity slowed down as we walked the Pipeline Trail terfly meadow. After a slow start, the warbler action picked up and gravel path. Observing butterflies, beetles, and wildflowers quickly with a Hooded, a Magnolia, a Nashville, and a Common now occupied our attention. Since the temperature began to creep Yellowthroat. Birds patrolling the wooded edges and meadow upward, some of the group decided to call it a day while others flowers in search of seeds, insects, or berries came into view. A went off to explore areas near Little Sewickley Creek. Blue-headed Vireo, a few Red-eyed Vireos, a Carolina Wren, three A Yellow-throated Vireo, a Chestnut-sided Warbler, and a Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, a pair of Gray Catbirds, an Eastern Black-and-white Warbler were discovered at Walker Park, and Towhee, and nine other species were noted. Perhaps the best bird at the Edgeworth Dump we found a Red-tailed Hawk, Cedar was a male Purple Finch that provided us with good, unobstructed Waxwings, House Finches, and Northern Mockingbirds. A looks. Much to our disappointment, a large group of horseback rid- Warbling Vireo was heard singing, but not seen. A scan of the Ohio ers chased off the birds as they rode along the lower trail in front of River near the Dashields Dam produced a Great Blue Heron and a us. The flock moved on, and so did we. Chimney Swifts zigzagged dozen Double-crested Cormorants perched on buoys above and be- over the upper meadow, and a Scarlet Tanager perched with Cedar low the dam. On a beautiful late-summer day, 47 species, including Waxwings at the top of a tree. six warbler species, were recorded. –by leader Bob VanNewkirk Our hike along the first horse pasture produced Eastern Bluebirds perching on fence posts. A dozen or more Cedar Harrison Hills Park – September 8: It was a dark and Waxwings swooped out from trees, hawking for insects over the stormy day as nine birders arrived at the park to find the gate field. A Cooper’s Hawk was spotted sitting on top of a fence post unlocked as promised by the Allegheny County Police. The in the middle of the field, with three crows foraging along the weather forecast was not good. On our walk down to the pond, we ground underneath it. They behaved as if they hadn’t even noticed were rewarded with a small flock of migrant warblers, including the hawk. There was no cawing or mobbing. Even when the hawk continued on page 6 flew away, the crows paid it no attention.

SOGGY BIRDERS – Participants in 3RBC’s September 8 outing at Harrison Hills Park were caught in a tremendous downpour a long way from their cars. While they were hurrying back, Ramona Sahni insisted on taking their picture. They reluctantly but humbly complied.

Susanne’s Jaeger of Gull Point, which was devoid of gulls. As we watched, the continued from page 4 jaeger coughed up a pellet. little space to maneuver. The two birds turned sharply just before The jaeger rested on the beach for several minutes, then took they reached the beach. The gull did not want to be trapped over off. It passed in front of us, made a few feeble attacks on some land. They passed close in front of us. About a hundred yards passing gulls, then turned back to Gull Point and out of view. down the beach, the jaeger gave up. Susanne looked at her watch, “We should have left half an The bulky, barrel-chested appearance and its size, slightly hour ago.” larger than the Ring-billed Gull, identified it as a Pomarine Jaeger. “So what,” I thought, “our persistence paid off.” We con- After breaking off pursuit, the jaeger landed on the peninsula side quered a barrier, and it felt good.

5 The Peregrine Then we went to the Miller Ponds, where we saw a Northern Outings Revisited Shoveler, 4 Blue-winged Teal, 2 Green-winged Teal, 1 Lesser continued from page 5 Yellowlegs, and a flock of 50+ Bobolinks. Magnolia, Black-throated Green, and Wilson’s, and a family group Finally, at Tamarack Lake, there were 15+ Great Egrets, 4 of Indigo Buntings. A Ruby-throated Hummingbird pursued a Lesser Yellowlegs, 75+ Great Blue Herons, and 1 Bald Eagle. –by Wilson’s Warbler, perhaps gleaning small insects chased out by leader Shawn Collins the warbler. A distant Red-breasted Nuthatch called from beyond the line of evergreen trees, but failed to show for the group. Steady Allegheny Front Hawkwatch – September 20: Seven mem- light rain began. bers of 3RBC made the trek to the hawkwatch, a five-acre privately A walk along the creekside trail produced nothing of note. We owned section of ridgetop along the Allegheny Plateau near the sat out a heavier shower in a pavilion and then retreated back to Somerset-Bedford County line. We joined counters Ed and Jim, the cars. I wanted to try the fields up near the nature center, but we and a dozen or so other hawk-watching enthusiasts. hadn’t walked more than 50 yards when the wind picked up and The view is stunning! From an elevation of 2,780 feet, an im- the rain came down in sheets. Ramona Sahni insisted upon a group pressive 180-degree panorama opens up, exposing miles and miles photograph in the drenching rain, then a second shot! of farmland, small rural communities, and Shawnee State Park. A We then went to the cars and retreated to a nice breakfast at painted guide of the view is posted that names several landmarks, Eat ‘N’ Park. Newcomer Eleanor, a Carnegie-Mellon University making it easier to describe where birds are spotted. From this student, joined us and got to know more about 3RBC along with high perch, it is possible to see hawks pass closely at, above, and her chocolate pancakes. As we left, we noted a sizeable puddle of even below eye-level. water under the coat tree where we had hung our raingear. For the Winds from the east with clouds are the optimum migration day, we totaled a wimpy 22 species, not the kind of day we hope conditions for raptors gliding past the ridge. On the day we visited, for at Harrison Hills. –by leader Jim Valimont the wind was from the south-southeast and the sky was mostly cloud free. Even with mild temperatures in the 50s and 60s, most Conneaut Harbor and Pymatuning area – September watchers were bundled up with layers of fleece and wind-breaking 15: The 3RBC outing with 21 participants was highlighted by a shells, and some sported gloves. The constant breeze made it chilly Buff-breasted Sandpiper at Conneaut Harbor, which came within for humans but perfect for birds in the midst of a long southward 10 feet from us. Other highlights were 1 Lesser Yellowlegs, 1 journey. Least Sandpiper, 2 Sanderlings, 3 Semipalmated Sandpipers, 8 Our first glider of the day was a Turkey Vulture. It appeared Semipalmated Plovers, 1 American Black Duck, 1Pied-billed from the left and slid by, gently rocking on long dark wings at Grebe, 1 Green-winged Teal, 10-plus Caspian Terns, 1 Bald Eagle, eye level. Next, a Sharp-shinned Hawk followed the same path. and 1 Great Black-backed Gull. Twice a Sharpie took a dive at the Great Horned Owl decoy that’s At the Pymatuning area, we had lunch at picnic spots near mounted on a tall pole. An Osprey came in low, showing off its the Spillway, and we watched birds while we ate: 5 Blackpoll beautiful markings. Warblers, 1 Yellow-rumped Warbler, and 1 Scarlet Tanager. September 20 has traditionally been the peak of Broad- Along the Railroad Spillway Trail there were 10 Great Egrets, winged Hawk migration with daily counts often in the 500 to 800 2 Bald Eagles, 1 Cape May Warbler, 2 Red-eyed Vireos, 3 Pied- range. Throughout the day we saw groups of two or three and billed Grebes, 1 Gray Catbird, 1 Belted Kingfisher, 4 Yellow- sometimes larger kettles totaling 130 for the time we where there. rumped Warblers, and 2 Blackpoll Warblers. A kettle of 32 birds was spotted in the distance. We watched the tiny, spiraling specks grow larger and larger as they approached the ridge and soared by. Falcons were represented by a couple of American Kestrels and a single Peregrine. The Peregrine lived up to its reputation for speed by making the quickest pass of the day. Four Bald Eagles, two adults and two juveniles, were a thrilling sight. A few Red- tailed Hawks and a single Northern Harrier passed through. Four Common Ravens were seen and heard croaking. Other birds of note included two Chimney Swifts, a flock of Cedar Waxwings, and a Northern Flicker. Dragonflies and several species of butterflies were also spotted, including 20 Monarchs. The Allegheny Plateau Audubon Society maintains the hawk- watch site. Check out their website for more information and charts of past and current counts. –by participant Sheree Daugherty

Sewickley Heights Park – September 21: It’s very unusual that a scheduled bird walk has to have a Plan A and a Plan B. Due to a waterline project from the park entrance on Fern Hollow Road to the top of the hill, the entrance was supposed to be closed to the public on Friday – the day of the outing – until further notice. This WATCHING CLOSELY – The highlight of 3RBC’s outing to bit of information was relayed to me on Wednesday. Conneaut Harbor, Ohio, on September 15 was this rare Buff- This meant that I had to find a different meeting place breasted Sandpiper, which came within 10 feet of the excited and birding location nearby. The one selected was the 100-acre birders. Leader Shawn Collins photographed it at close range. continued on page 7

6 The Peregrine

SOARING SOUTHWARD – The Allegheny Front on the Somerset-Bedford County border is the nearest place for 3RBC birders to see good numbers of migrating raptors. Among the hawks Tom Moeller photographed during the September 20 outing were this juvenile Red-tailed Hawk (left) and an adult Broad-winged Hawk (right).

Outings Revisited the maintenance crew allowed several cars to park above the gate continued from page 6 and gave the group access to the park. One of those birders, Ryan Allegheny Land Trust property on Audubon Road – a five minute Tomazin, was designated to be the leader, and he led them on a drive from the intersection of Little Sewickley Creek Road and walk in the park. –by leader Bob VanNewkirk Fern Hollow Road. A notice of the change in meeting place and the new birding destination was placed Thursday on the Fern Hollow Fox Chapel Area – September 23: On a chilly and cloudy website and on the PaBirds listserve. Unfortunately, not everyone morning on the first full day of autumn, 12 birders gathered at got the message, as I will explain later. Beechwood Farms to see what migrants could be found. Eleven birders carpooled to the new site and we proceeded The area at the trail heads of Spring Hollow, Goldenrod, and to explore the woodlands. The morning was a bit slow, with only upper fields was very productive. This area has had exceptional the usual resident birds such as Carolina Wrens, jays, chickadees, birding this year, and on our outing we saw American Redstart, titmice, and nuthatches. While we walked along a small creek, Black-throated Green, and Black-throated Blue Warblers. First- Swainson’s Thrushes were heard. Their soft, chip notes indicated year Chipping Sparrows, House Finches, American Goldfinches, that six or more were near, but we did not see any. and Gray Catbirds visited the willows and nearby trees. When the sun illuminated a patch of woods on a hillside, bird At the pond a Great Blue Heron was sitting on the solar activity picked up. A Scarlet Tanager, a pair of Northern Flickers, panel on the pond’s island. The heron took off, circled around, and a Hairy Woodpecker, and an American Redstart were discovered. landed on a top branch of the large oak tree overlooking the pond. We watched robins forage for fruit in numerous grapevines. As The heron gave up and left, but three Mallards continued dabbling. we took a brief rest stop while walking uphill, a bird was spotted We traveled up to the upper fields and found a few birds, all of standing still in the middle of a leafless vine. Finally, we had our which we had seen or heard below. Returning to the trail heads, we first look at a Swainson’s Thrush – a life bird for several of the were all surprised to see a Peregrine Falcon flying high overhead participants. from west to east. Moving on to the Creek Trail along Little Sewickley Creek The sun came out around 10:30 AM as we moved to our next Road, we quickly saw a Hooded Warbler and a first-year male location, Salamander Park. At the start of the creekside trail, we Rose-breasted Grosbeak, and we heard the tinny call of a Red- were greeted by a wave of warblers: Black-and-white, Black- breasted Nuthatch. throated Green, and Magnolia. Later on the back trail we had good At Walker Park, we had a flyover by a Pileated Woodpecker, close-range looks at male, female, and juvenile Redstarts and a a Red-tailed Hawk, and three Turkey Vultures. In the weedy sec- Ruby-crowned Kinglet. A Pileated Woodpecker was also seen and tion of the park near the grove, we discovered two Black-throated heard in a dispute with a Red-bellied Woodpecker. On the morning Blue Warblers, a Black-throated Green Warbler, and a Nashville outing we had 35 species. –by co-leaders Steve and Sue Thomas Warbler. A Swainson’s Thrush popped up on a bare branch in front of us and was joined by a second one about a foot away. The birds Harrison Hills Park – September 29: Jim Valimont was the lingered for awhile and gave us fantastic looks at them before scheduled leader, but I had a message from him in the morning that flying off. As we walked near the creek, the rattled call of a Belted he was ill and would not be able to make it. He asked if I could Kingfisher alerted us to its presence. We located it perched on a lead the outing for him. I was planning on going anyway, so I snag hanging over the creek. became the substitute leader. Our last stop was at the Edgeworth Dump. Mockingbirds nest A good group of 19 people were ready to explore this wonder- there, and we were able to find one. A check of the Ohio River at ful county park. One person in the group had never visited the park the Dashields Dam produced a Great Blue Heron and 14 Double- and was impressed with it. crested Cormorants. The cormorants were sitting on buoys above As is often the case in fall, dense fog greeted us and remained the dam. We had 38 species for the day, and it was a good time for almost two hours while we explored the pond and meadow. A meeting new people and exploring a new location. few warblers were present near the pond including a Tennessee, I later found out that people showed up at Sewickley Heights Nashville, Black-throated Green, Palm, Black-and-white, several Park but found no leader present. They did not see or read the post- Yellow-rumpeds, and a Black-throated Blue. ings about the outing changes. However, someone involved with continued on page 8

7 The Peregrine Outings Revisited continued from page 7 Two Golden-crowned Kinglets were cooperative for the group. The first Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers of the fall at the park were nice to see, and two Red-breasted Nuthatches that had been present for the past few weeks were calling in the spruces. The pond area hosted four Eastern Phoebes, often at very close range. An extremely cooperative Ovenbird worked the ground be- neath a spruce tree, allowing everyone in the group to get a look. A calling Swainson’s Thrush remained out of sight. Leaving the pond area, we next explored my favorite trail in the park that runs along a small stream, loaded with brush and fruit-bearing Spicebush. Unfortunately, the area was very unpro- ductive, and we continued to the overlook to view the Allegheny River Valley. Two raptors were soaring over the river. One was a Cooper’s Hawk and the other was a buteo that was too far away to identify with certainty. It eventually came toward us, but close views were hampered by the trees. We began walking the cliff trail and found many American Robins feeding on wild grapes. One or two Swainson’s Thrushes were picked out among the robins. WATCH FOR THESE – The forecast for Pine Siskins suggests that We continued along the trail to loop back to the parking lot. some in the Northeast will move south this fall. They are already Along the way we heard several Eastern Towhees and came upon a appearing widely in Pennsylvania. Geoff Malosh photographed Wood Thrush that turned out to be cooperative, allowing everyone this one at Moon Township in January 2009. to see it – no small feat on a narrow trail crowded with birders. A perched Gray-cheeked Thrush was the opposite; only a few of us Will We See an Invasion were able to see it. Another Swainson’s Thrush was heard calling, and both thrushes were among American Robins in the woods. of Finches This Winter? An immature Hooded Warbler betrayed its presence by chipping and eventually came into view. Immatures do not have (Editor’s note: Each fall Ron Pittaway, retired from the Ontario any trace of hoods, so we noted the call note, the yellowish color, Ministry of Natural Resources, forecasts the possibility of winter and the white flash with every nervous flick of the tail. We finally finch invasions south of their breeding range. His forecast also in- picked up a Gray Catbird, too. cludes a non-finch, the Red-breasted Nuthatch. Here is an abridge- I wanted to walk through the field of goldenrod near the ment of his predictions for the 2012-2013 winter. It is oriented nature center, and most of the participants were willing to continue mainly to Ontario, but it has implications for the northeastern U.S. on. The goldenrod was past its peak, but still washed the field in as well.) a sea of yellow, what I call the glory of the fall. We found several Palm Warblers, Common Yellowthroats, and Cedar Waxwings By Ron Pittaway along the wood edge and shrubs in the field. Field Sparrows The theme this winter is that each finch species will use a were along the dirt road near the nature center as well as Eastern different strategy to deal with the widespread tree seed crop failure Bluebirds. in the Northeast. It will be a quiet winter in the eastern North We were a bit distracted by the Common Buckeye butterflies Woods. Both coniferous and hardwood tree seed crops are gener- in the field. Normally a southern species, they sometimes emigrate ally poor from northeastern Ontario eastward across Quebec to north and this year they are numerous. Newfoundland south through the Maritime Provinces, New York, We finished quite well with a great look at a Lincoln’s and New England States. Within the Northeast there are pockets Sparrow that perched cooperatively in a shrub. –by Mike of good crops. Cone crops are much better in the Hudson Bay Fialkovich, substitute leader Lowlands and northwestern Ontario west to Alberta, Northwest Territories and Yukon.

PINE GROSBEAK: A good flight is expected into southern 3RBC Needs Website Ontario because the mountain ash berry crop is variable in the boreal forest. Many berries are hard with low moisture content be- Assistance cause of the drought. The European mountain-ash and ornamental crabapple crops are poor to fair in southern Ontario, so these crops If any member has experience with Wordpress, won’t last long. Grosbeaks will be attracted to the usually abundant HTML, JavaScript, and CSS (cascading style sheets), buckthorn berries and to bird feeders offering black oil sunflower please contact President Jim Valimont. We need assis- seeds. tance in setting up a new website. PURPLE FINCH: Most Purple Finches will migrate south of Ontario this fall because both coniferous and deciduous hard- continued on page 9

8 The Peregrine Winter Finches continued from page 8 wood seed crops are very low this year in the Northeast. Purple Finch numbers dropped significantly in recent decades as spruce budworm outbreaks subsided and currently a moderate population decline continues in the province.

RED CROSSBILL: Red Crossbills comprise at least 10 “types” in North America. Each type probably represents a sepa- rate or newly evolving species. Most types are normally impossible to identify in the field without recordings of their flight calls. Matt Young of The Cornell Lab of Ornithology reports that there is currently a large early irruption of Type 3 Red Crossbills (smallest- billed type) from the west into eastern North America. Recordings can be made with a cell phone and sent to Matt to be identified ([email protected]). Every recording adds an important piece to the puzzle, especially when accompanied by notes on behaviour and ecology, including tree species used for foraging and nesting. Matt emphasizes that the conservation of crossbills representing all call types depends on understanding their complex distributions and ecological requirements.

WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL: With very poor spruce cone crops in the Northeast, most White-winged Crossbills will likely stay this winter in the Hudson Bay Lowlands, northwestern POSSIBLY AN INVASION – Based on a poor to only fair birch Ontario and western Canada where spruce cone crops are gener- seed crop in the far north, we may be in store for a good Common ally very good. They will be virtually absent from traditional Redpoll invasion. Geoff Malosh photographed this acrobatic hotspots such as Algonquin Park where spruce crops are very low. redpoll at Presque Isle on January 30, 2001. Wandering birds may show up throughout the Northeast. where cone crops are generally very good. Major southward irrup- COMMON REDPOLL: There should be a good southward tions occur when cone crops fail across most of North America. flight because the white birch seed crop is poor to fair across the north. Watch for redpolls on birches and in weedy fields and at bird EVENING GROSBEAK: This spectacular grosbeak is feeders offering nyger (preferred) and black oil sunflower seeds. ABA’s Bird of the Year in 2012. We can expect some at feeders in Check flocks for the rare “Greater” Common Redpoll (subspecies central Ontario and probably elsewhere in the Northeast because rostrata) from the High Arctic. It is reliably identified by its larger coniferous and hardwood tree seed supplies are low. Highest breed- size, darker and browner colour, longer/thicker bill and longer tail ing densities are found in areas with spruce budworm outbreaks. in direct comparison to “Southern” Common Redpolls (nominate The larvae are eaten by adults and fed to young. Current popula- flammea subspecies). Note: The notion of a “biennial periodicity” tions are much lower than several decades ago when budworm that redpolls irrupt south every second winter is not supported by outbreaks were much larger and more widespread. records in Atlantic Canada. Authors of one study have concluded that “irregular abundance but near-annual occurrence” of redpolls RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH: A widespread irruption in the Atlantic Provinces is a better explanation than a two-year of this nuthatch beginning in mid-summer indicated a cone crop cycle. failure in the Northeast. Most will leave the eastern half of the province for the winter, but some will probably remain in north- HOARY REDPOLL: Check redpoll flocks for Hoary western Ontario where cone crops are much better. Redpolls. There are two subspecies. Most Hoaries seen in southern *** Canada and northern United States are “Southern” Hoary Redpolls WINTER FINCH BASICS: A primer on finches, seed crops (subspecies exilipes). “Hornemann’s” Hoary Redpoll (nominate and irruptions is at www.jeaniron.ca/2011/WinterFinches.pdf. subspecies hornemanni) from the High Arctic was previously regarded as a great rarity in southern Canada and the northern CROSSBILL FLIGHT CALLS: A detailed guide to North United States. In recent decades a number have been confirmed by American Red Crossbill types, including identification of flight photographs. Hornemann’s is most reliably identified by its larger calls is available on Cornell University’s eBird website: size in direct comparison to flammea Common Redpoll or exilipes ebird.org/content/ebird/news/red-crossbill-types. Hoary Redpoll. Caution: White birds loom larger than life among PAST INVASIONS IN PENNSYLVANIA: Here are two darker birds and size illusions are frequent. articles about famous crossbill irruptions. * Paul Hess, Michael Leahy, and Robert Ross analyze the PINE SISKIN: Some siskins currently in the Northeast 1977-1998 crossbill invasion in the journal Pennsylvania Birds – should move south this fall and winter because cone crops are www.pabirds.org/PABIRDS/BackIssues/PBV12N1.pdf. poor. However, siskins are opportunistic nomads wandering east * Mike Fialkovich describes the White-winged Crossbill inva- and west continent-wide in search of cone crops. Most siskins sion of 2008-2009 in Pennsylvania Birds – will probably winter in northwestern Ontario and western Canada www.pabirds.org/PABIRDS/BackIssues/PBV23N2.pdf.

9 The Peregrine “Red-crowned” Woodpeckers By Tom Moeller Many of us have little trouble telling a Downy Woodpecker from a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. The Downy has a black-and-white pattern on its head, and the male has a small red patch at the back of his head. The sapsucker also has a black-and-white pattern but has a red crown. However, in May and June, when Downy Woodpecker fledglings appear, confusion in identification may occur. It happened to me! I observed a Downy female feeding her fledgling in our back yard on an overcast day. The young bird seemed to have a brownish tinge in the black area of its crown. Seeing the fledgling again the next day, I noticed that the tinge on its crown was more reddish. Was the fledgling a female sapsucker? A check of my field guides (Stokes, Sibley, and Peterson) showed that fledgling Downies do, indeed, have red on their crowns. As a male matures, its crown becomes black, and a red patch appears on the back corner of the crown. Female adults have no red on their heads. Juvenile Downy Woodpecker My field guides also say that the red crown is true in fledgling HairyWoodpeckers. A stop at The Birdwatchers’ Store in Slippery Rock partially confirmed the guides. There I observed a larger fledgling woodpecker – in fact, a juvenile male Hairy being fed by its mother. The younger bird was bigger than the adult! The red crown of this juvenile male was very prominent, and with a quick look the bird could be mistaken for a sapsucker. Although Sibley’s field guide says the red crown is prominent on Downy and Hairy juveniles in July and August, I photo- graphed the “red-crowned Hairy” on June 3. Other authors do put the time frame from May through August. Female Downy and Hairy fledglings may also have red on their crowns, but not as much as male fledglings. Sometimes this red may only be near the back of a female’s crown. The red-tinged juvenile Downy in our yard had a sibling also fed by the parents, but “she” showed no red tinge at all. (I assumed the bird was a female due to the lack of red.) In other parts of the country, the Hairy juvenile’s crown could be pink or even yellow. Luckily, they all grow up to be more recognizable woodpeckers. If you think you see a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker with its red crown during the summer months, look at its back. Sapsuckers have black-and-white striped backs. If the back is all white, you have an immature “red-crowned” Downy or Hairy Woodpecker. *** [Postscript: Jeffrey Hall noted in his August 3RBC meeting that juvenile male Red- cockaded Woodpeckers also display full red crowns in their first months of life.] Juvenile Hairy Woodpecker Meeting Minutes warbler, mist-netted and placed in a paper bag for banding at the Powdermill Nature Reserve in Westmoreland County, became We Learned How to ID agitated and responded to members of its own species flying over. Mike checked his theory by playing what he thought were ap- Unseen Birds by Calls propriate flight calls to two other bagged warbler species, and they each responded in turn. There was the flight call – right there in By Pat and Sherron Lynch, Co-secretaries Mike’s hands. Mike started with a pillowcase, quieter than a paper bag, and developed it into an acoustic cone in a room designed like On what might have been one of the last warm evenings of a recording studio. Now flight calls can be isolated and recorded the season, 66 members and visitors gathered at the Three Rivers clearly and conveniently. Birding Club meeting on October 3 to hear about a new technique The recorded squeaks and chirps were categorized into in bird watching – and, in this case, a new method of bird listening. “zeep,” “buzzy,” “up-seep,” and “thrush-like” calls. The audio Our speaker was Mike Lanzone, who is well known for his was converted to squiggly pictures called spectrograms. Learning many birding accomplishments in Somerset County, through- which birds have similar flight calls can help with identification out Pennsylvania, and across the country. He was the assistant of birds. Mike showed the spectrograms of a series of birds and coordinator for the recent state atlassing project, is a member of played a tape of the corresponding calls. At normal speed the audi- the Pennsylvania Ornithological Records Committee, and is vice ence had difficulty matching the sounds to the spectrograms, but at president of the Pennsylvania Society for Ornithology. Mike is the a slower speed some people started to make the connection. CEO of Cellular Tracking Technologies in Somerset County. Future research includes recording flight calls of more birds, His program, “Unraveling the Secrets of the Night: Flight-call analyzing more findings, studying migratory flyways, estimating Research Now and into the Future,” discussed the development of population, and applying this technology to bird conservation. equipment and techniques to aid researchers, conservationists, and To help you learn this advanced skill, find detailed informa- serious birders in identifying a bird by its flight call. tion at the Cornell University website, macaulaylibrary.org/raven- Isolating the flight call of an individual species was difficult viewer, and at www.oldbird.org. in the field due to the number of birds in a flight and extraneous (Complete meeting minutes are posted on the 3RBC website.) noises from insects, traffic, etc. until Mike’s chance discovery. A

10 The Peregrine Birds in the Three Rivers Area A Sora with Two Chicks Highlighted June-July 2012 By Mike Fialkovich, Bird Reports Editor

Following a warmer than normal spring, summer came with a vengeance. The last half of June was as hot as August with record high temperatures, and July’s temperatures soared to near 100 degrees. There was very little precipitation in both months, though thunderstorms brought some relief in the third week of July. Wood Ducks were certainly successful breeders at Boyce- Mayview Park. Six adults and 20 ducklings were tallied 6/1 (FK). A Bufflehead lingered at North Park into the summer season and was last reported 6/17 (TA). The injured Common Merganser previously reported continues to live on the Monongahela River at Duck Hollow (TM, NM, et al.). A Great Egret was at Imperial SOUTHBOUND – Shorebird migrants begin to appear in our area 7/20 (MV). during July. This Pectoral Sandpiper stopped to rest and feed at There was quite a bit of Osprey activity this summer. The pair Imperial on July 20, 2012, where Geoff Malosh photographed it. along the Ohio River in Leetsdale were at the nest on a power line tower through June, but by 7/5 it appeared that their breeding at- A real surprise, a Sora was observed with two downy young tempt had failed (MV). Better news came from a few miles upriver at Imperial 7/21 (MD). This is the first confirmed breeding at at the Neville Island nest where 3 young were seen 7/12 (PB). A Imperial and the second in Allegheny County. The pond is only Bald Eagle flew over Oakland 6/6, surprising observers watching a few years old and was constructed at the entrance to a new Pitt’s nesting Peregrine Falcons (KSJ). Another Bald Eagle was industrial park. Cattails are beginning to grow in clumps and the seen flying over Harrison Hills Park 6/14 (PH, JS, SS). A Red- vegetation is still rather sparse, but the birds apparently found it shouldered Hawk was a welcome sight at Harrison Hills Park satisfactory for nesting. 6/14 (PH, JS, SS), where the species was previously reliable but The first southbound shorebirds began to appear.Killdeer is no longer regularly seen. The white Red-tailed Hawk reported gathered into a flock of 63 at Hampton Community Park 7/23 in the spring was seen again on the North Side of Pittsburgh 6/28 (DN). A Greater Yellowlegs was at Imperial 7/23 (GM), and (OM). A Peregrine Falcon was an exciting visitor to a yard in Pine Township 7/13 (PL, SL). continued on page 12

SUCCESS AT LAST – After an unsuccessful nesting attempt in 2011, Peregrine Falcons succeeded in fledging two young from a nest on the bridge that links Allegheny and Westmoreland Counties from Tarentum to New Kensington. Steve Gosser kept close watch, photographing both the adults and the young during the entire breeding season. He photographed the young bird at right in June and the one below in July.

11 The Peregrine A Common Raven was seen near the Pittsburgh International Airport 6/2 (GM). Two were flying over East Liberty 6/18 (JS, MVV), one was at Imperial 7/4 and 7/20 (MV), and one was at Duck Hollow 7/21 (TM, NM). Cliff Swallows are not common in the county at any time. One at Imperial 7/20 (MV) was unexpected. Surprising was the confirmation of at least one nest at North Park in July (DN). Cliff Swallows were confirmed nesting in the Pittsburgh area during the first atlas, but as far as I’m aware, not during the second. A Brown Creeper was discovered near Settler’s Cabin Park at the future Pittsburgh Botanic Garden site 6/15 (BMu). This is an unusual species here during the summer. The two nesting pairs of Eastern Bluebirds within the Pittsburgh city limits, first noted in the spring, were both successful as both nests contained young 6/19 (BMi, DY). Veeries were pres- ent in Pine Township the entire period (PL, SL). A Northern Parula at Frick Park 6/3 (JS) may have been a late migrant because this species is not known to breed in the park. A pair was observed nesting at Boyce-Mayview Park 6/26 (FK), a rare breeding record for Allegheny County. The last Yellow Warblers reported were two at Frick Park 7/27 (MF). A surprising find was a Northern Waterthrush at Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve in Fox Chapel 6/20 (BSh). The bird was foraging along IT’S MY TERRITORY – Good numbers of Grasshopper Sparrows the shore of a small pond. Black-and-white Warblers were at were found at the Imperial grasslands during the 2012 breeding Harrison Hills Park 6/10 (AH, PM) and 6/14 (PH, JS, SS), one of season. This one, photographed nicely by Jeff McDonald, was the few breeding sites in the county. Other rare breeders included already establishing his breeding territory on May 23. Worm-eating Warbler at Harrison Hills Park 6/2 and 6/10 (AH, PM) and up to 4 Ovenbirds at Knob Hill Park (KD). A Kentucky Birds in the Three Rivers Area Warbler was found at Harrison Hills Park 6/2 (AH, PM) and 6/14 continued from page 11 (PH, JS, SS). There was only one report of Yellow-breasted Chat at Imperial 6/12 (ST). 4 Lesser Yellowlegs were there 7/20 (GM). Two Solitary A few Vesper, Grasshopper and Savannah Sparrows were Sandpipers were at Boyce-Mayview Park 7/1, a rather early date; reported at Imperial in June (v.o.). A nice count of 15 Grasshopper one was at Imperial 7/13 (GM). Three straggling northbound Sparrows and 4 Henslow’s Sparrows was made at Imperial 6/15 Semipalmated Sandpipers were at Imperial 6/2 (GM). The first (ST). Least Sandpiper was at Boyce-Mayview Park 7/3 (FK), and 2 The male Summer Tanager first reported in the spring were at Imperial 7/5 (MV). A Pectoral Sandpiper was at Imperial remained at Schenley Park to 6/30 (HF, KSJ, et. al.). A female was 7/4 (MV) and 3 were there 7/20 (GM). Two Wilson’s Snipe at never found. This is the same location where a pair attempted to Imperial were entered into eBird 7/22 (IG). nest last year. Herring Gulls continue to nest on the Highland Park Bridge. A Dickcissel at Imperial 6/12 (ST) was the lone report. A A total of 87 adults and 17 juveniles were tallied 6/23 (MV). One female Bobolink was at Boyce-Mayview Park 6/27 (FK). The field chick was observed at Dashields Dam on the Ohio River 6/7 (MV), where it was seen was mowed, and the bird was not relocated. another nesting site. Two late Common Terns were flying around Purple Finch was confirmed breeding in Pine Township in Lock and Dam No. 4 on the Allegheny River in Natrona Heights June (PL, SL). The first-year male reported in May continued in 6/7 (BC). Penn Hills at least to mid-June (MF). A large number of Mourning Doves gathered at Duck Hollow 7/25 (TM, NM); the tally was 59. The breeding Barred Owls at Observers: Tim Andrle, Paul Brown, Ben Coulter, Michael Boyce-Mayview Park reported last season continued to mid-June David, Karyn Delaney, Mike Fialkovich, Hiro Fukuda, Ian (FK). One visited a yard in Mount Lebanon in June (DR), one was Gardner, Amy Henrici, Paul Hess, Fred Kachmarik, Pat Lynch, seen at North Park 7/23 (DN), and one was calling in Schenley Sherron Lynch, Pat McShea, Geoff Malosh, Oscar Miller, Ben Park 7/27 (KSJ). Those are the most reports I’ve ever received for Milleville (BMi), Nancy Moeller, Tom Moeller, Bob Mulvihill this species. Small numbers of Common Nighthawks were noted (BMu), Dick Nugent, Dick Ridgeway, Kate St. John (KSJ), throughout July in various locations (v.o.). Rosemary Salemi, Brian Shema (BSh), Jack Solomon, Sue There were two reports of Red-headed Woodpeckers in the Solomon, Shannon Thompson, Mark VanderVen (MVV), Mark county; a rare bird here. One bird visited a feeder in Upper St. Vass, Dave Wilton, Dan Yagusic, various observers (v.o.). Clair off and on for three weeks and was last seen 6/15 (RS). The other was in the same general area and may have been the same bird. It also visited a feeder and was seen from 6/4 through July (fide FK, DW, ST). Both birds were photographed. Join the fun at 3RBC’s Willow Flycatchers were reported at Imperial during the en- tire season (ST, GM). Great Crested Flycatchers are not reported Picnic Outing on Oct. 28 regularly. One was in Pine Township 6/7 (PL, SL) and 3 were at See details on page 3 Knob Hill Park 7/20 (KD).

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