October 2004 Outings

Sunday, October 3 — Lower Buffalo Creek Watershed (Washington County)

Larry Helgerman (412-531-9273) will lead the season’s second outing to this Important Bird Area. I-70 to Taylorstown exit, Follow signs for SR-221 north, meet in parking lot just past blinking light.  Questions, e-mail Christy. Meet at 8 AM. Be prepared for muddy trails and pack a lunch to stay into the afternoon.

Sunday, October 17 — Presque Isle

This will be a leaderless outing. The group will meet in the first parking lot on the right at 9 AM. At this time of year at Presque Isle, expect to see early waterfowl, lingering shorebirds, migrating hawks, lots of sparrows, and still a few species of warblers. See September 11 for directions.

Sunday, October 24 — Lake Arthur

Bob Machesney (412-366-7869) will lead us. Besides the nice variety of waterfowl expected, other species could include Eastern Bluebird, Northern Mockingbird, Cedar Waxwing, Wilson's Snipe, and Ruffed Grouse. Lake Arthur, a man-made lake, is the heart of Moraine State Park. It is heavily fished, but the waterfowl are more comfortable with fishermen than they are with hunters. Therefore, the lake gets good (sometimes spectacular) numbers and variety of waterfowl in migration. Meet at 8 AM in the Moraine State Park Day Use Area (South Shore) in the first parking lot on the right. 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, where we will meet. Allow one hour driving from Pittsburgh. Those who wish can carpool at 7 AM at the park-and-ride lot at the intersection of Routes 19 and 228 (across from Denny's) in Cranberry Township. Enter the lot from the service road accessible from the Burger King on Route 19. After the morning outing, we will have a picnic lunch at one of the park pavilions near the McDanel's Boat Launch, celebrating the third anniversary of the first 3RBC outing. Bring a salad, side dish, or dessert to share with the group. A main course will be provided.

Tuesday, October 26 — Horigan Property (Butler County)

Brian Shema (412-963-6100) will guide us to this wonderful addition to the Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania's sanctuaries. Take Route 28 North to Exit 17 (Butler/Freeport), Route 356. Turn right at the end of the ramp onto Route 356 North. Just after crossing the Route 28 overpass, meet in the park-and-ride lot on the left at 8 AM. Depending on the number of cars, we will carpool from here to the limited parking area on Monroe Road near the property.

Tuesday, October 26 — Allegheny Front Hawk Watch

Bill Judd (412-571-2057) will lead this outing to one of the most reliable locations to observe Golden Eagle and Northern Goshawk in migration during October, which is also the best month for the greatest variety of hawks. See September 15 for directions. Meet at the hawkwatch at 9:30 AM. Bring a lunch and dress warmly. Be prepared for changes in the weather!

Sunday, October 31 — Lower Buffalo Creek Watershed (Washington County)

Larry Helgerman (412-531-9273) will lead us again to this IBA site. Meet at the S-Bridge at 8:30 AM. Directions to S-Bridge: I-70 to Taylorstown exit, Follow signs for SR-221 north, meet in parking lot just past blinking light.  Questions, e-mail Christy.  Be prepared for muddy trails and pack a lunch to stay into the afternoon.