March 2004 Outings

Friday, March 19 — Timberdoodle Watch

Chris Knoll (412-741-0203) will take us in search of the courtship flight of the Woodcock in Sewickly Heights Park. 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 onto 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 6:30 PM, bring a flashlight, and be prepared for muddy trails. If conditions are favorable, we may also try calling Barred Owls. Note: If it is raining or very windy, chances are not good for hearing or seeing the birds.

Saturday, March 20 — Pymatuning Area

Meet leader Bob Van Newkirk (412-366-1694) at the Pymatuming Visitors Center (Waterfowl Museum) at 9:00 AM for this outing. Depending on ice cover, plenty of waterfowl and other winter specialties should be around for this trip. Bald Eagles are almost guaranteed. Rough-legged Hawks are likely, along with the famous albino Red-tailed Hawk that has been there for several years now. Other possibilities include Snow Buntings and Horned Larks. Carpool at 7:30 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.

Sunday, March 21 — Moraine State Park

Join leaders Jack and Sue Solomon (412-521-3365) for this first spring outing to one of western Pennsylvania's best birding spots. Hopefully, the ice will be gone by now and a good variety of diving ducks will be present. Meet at the first parking lot on the south shore day use area (off Route 422) at 9:00 AM. We will stop for lunch at Eppingers where we will decide upon birding other locations in the afternoon. Carpool at 8:00 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.

Friday, March 26 — Timberdoodle Watch

Chris Knoll (412-741-0203) will again take us in search of the courtship flight of the Woodcock in Sewickly Heights Park. See March 19 for directions. Meet at 6:30 PM, bring a flashlight, and be prepared for muddy trails.