January 2003 Outings
Monday, January 6 — Carnegie Library
This will be a repeat of last year's successful visit to the library's Special Collections section. Meet at 7:00 PM on the 3rd floor of the Science and Technology section of the library, 4400 Forbes Avenue. We will be able to view original editions of John James Audubon's "Birds of America", Alexander Wilson's "American Ornithology", and other rare books relating to birds. Attendance is limited to 15 people because of the size of the room. Please call or e-mail Eric Marchbein (412-521-1410) to reserve a place. When making reservations, be sure to leave a phone number in case reservations are filled or to be placed on a waiting list. Audubon's highly dramatic (some say overdramatized) "Birds of America" fired up and popularized worldwide interest in America's avian life. Alexander Wilson's plain but astute and insightful observations, always unfavorably compared to the showmanship of Audubon, will surprise and delight those who are unacquainted with his work, "American Ornithology."
Saturday, January 18 — Presque Isle State Park
Meet at 9:00 AM in the first parking lot on the right after entering the park for this leaderless outing. Bring a lunch or eat at a nearby restaurant. Lingering waterfowl and an outside chance at unusual winter species such as Common Redpoll, Snowy Owl and Bohemian Waxwing are our targets. Dress very warmly, in layers — a ski mask will help. The wind off the lake can be painful. Allow 2-1/2 hours driving time from Pittsburgh.
Non-3RBC Outings
Wednesday, January 1 — Northern Chester & Lancaster Counties
Saturday, January 11 — West Penn Trail
Len Hess will be leading this outing on the West Penn Trail, Conemaugh Dam Section. Meet at the (now closed) Windmill Restaurant on Rt. 22 (about four miles East of New Alexandria or five miles west of Blairsville) at 8:00 AM.
We will spot some cars at the Livermore gate, then carpool to the gate just past the Blairsville Westinghouse plant. It's a nice level 1.75 mile walk back to Livermore.
Saturday, January 11 — Water Birds in Winter Barnegat Light & Long Beach
Saturday, January 11 — Birding Green Valleys at Welkinweir
