October 2003 Outings

Saturday, October 4 — Sewickley Heights Park

Chris Knoll (412-741-0203) will be our guide to this park in western Allegheny County.  From I-79, take the Mt. Nebo exit and head west toward Sewickley.  After about two miles, you will come to a stop sign.  Turn right Fern Hollow Road (Orange Belt).  After about one mile, turn right into Sewickley Heights Park.  Drive to the end of the road to the parking lot.  Meet at 8:00 AM for this morning outing and be prepared for muddy trails.  Chris will guide us through the park, then possibly on to Walker Park and Ponifrac Park in Sewickley. 

Sunday, October 12 — Presque Isle

This will be another leaderless outing.  The group will meet in the first parking lot on the right at 9:00 AM.  No matter who is there, there are bound to be lots of birds!  At this time of year at Presque Isle, expect to see waterfowl, lingering shorebirds, migrating hawks, lots of sparrows, and still a few species of warblers.  But Presque Isle always seems to have that real rarity lurking in some corner, waiting to be found.  Carpool at 6:30 AM at the park and ride lot at the intersection of Rts. 19 and 228 (across from Denny’s) in Cranberry Township.  Enter the lot from the service road behind, accessible from the Burger King on Rt. 19. 

Saturday and Sunday, October 18-19 — Hawk Mountain (More Info)

Jack Solomon (412-521-3365) and George Bercik (412-655-4707) will co-lead this outing to Pennsylvania’s most famous hawk watch and sanctuary.  Participants will have to make their own hotel reservations.  Contact Jack for information on hotels in the area and where the group will meet.  Jack will also try to arrange car pooling for those that are interested.  Be prepared for all kinds of weather!  It can get very cold and very wet on the lookout! 

Thursday, October 23 — Allegheny Front Hawk Watch

Bill Judd (412-571-2057) and Che Mincone will lead this outing to one of the most reliable locations to observe Golden Eagle and Northern Goshawk in migration.  October is best to see the greatest variety of hawks.  The Allegheny Front is one of the closest hawk watches to western Pennsylvania that reliably produces good numbers of migrating hawks (weather permitting).  It saves driving the long distances that are required for some of the more famous hawk watches further east.  Parking is limited, however, so meeting at a remote location is necessary to make sure we don't exceed the capacity.  Take the turnpike east to the Somerset exit, then Route 281 north to Stoystown, Route 30 east to Reels Corner.  Meet at Adel's Restaurant at the intersection of Rts. 30 and 160 at 9:30 AM.  Bring a lunch and dress warmly.  Be prepared for changes in the weather!

Sunday, October 26 — Lake Arthur

This outing of the Three Rivers Birding Club to Lake Arthur will be led by Bob Machesney (412-366-7869).  Besides the nice variety of waterfowl expected, other species could include Eastern Bluebird, Northern Mockingbird, Cedar Waxwings, Common Snipe, American Woodcock, and Ruffed Grouse.  Lake Arthur is a man made lake that is the heart of Moraine State Park.  Although heavily fished, waterfowl are more comfortable with the fishermen than they are with hunters.  Therefore, the lake gets good (sometimes spectacular) numbers and variety of waterfowl in migration.  Meet in the Moraine State Park day use area (south shore) in the first parking lot on the right at 8:00 AM.  From I-79, take route 422 east toward Butler and exit at the Moraine State Park exit.  At the end of the ramp, turn left and go straight into the park until you see the first major parking area on your right.  This is where we will meet.  Allow one hour driving from Pittsburgh.  Carpool at 7:00 AM at the park and ride lot at the intersection of Rts. 19 and 228 (across from Denny’s) in Cranberry Township.  Enter the lot from the service road behind, accessible from the Burger King on Rt. 19.  After the morning outing, we will have another picnic lunch at one of the park pavilions near the McDaniel’s boat launch, celebrating the second anniversary of the first 3RBC outing.  Bring a salad, side dish, or dessert to share with the group.  A main course will be provided.