August 2005 Outings

Tuesday, August 9  — Sewickley Heights Community Park

Bob VanNewkirk (412-366-1694) will be our guide for a morning walk through this community park in western Allegheny County to find summer residents and early migrants. 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. After about one mile, turn right into the park. Meet in the parking lot at 8 AM.

Saturday, August 13  — Shenango Reservoir, Pymatuning & Miller's Pond

Westmoreland Bird and Nature Club and 3RBC will cosponsor this outing in search of shorebirds at Shenango Reservoir, Pymatuning, and the Miller Ponds, some of western Pennsylvania’s best shorebird locations. Mark McConaughy will be the leader. Meet him at 9 AM at the I-79 rest stop north of I-80 between exits 130 and 141. Our destinations will depend on water levels and weather. Bring a lunch!

Friday, August 19  — Jennings Prairie

Join Esther Allen and Chuck Tague in search for Tall Sunflower, Whorled Rosinweed,  Black-eyed Susan and other prairie-type flowers. The Blazing Star may  still be hanging on. We should find some Goldenrods and Ground Nut. Expect to see Eastern Bluebirds, Carolina Wrens, and lots and lots of butterflies. We may encounter the elusive Massasagua Rattlesnake.

From Pittsburgh take I-79 North to Exit 29. Drive east on Route 422 roughly 5.8 miles to the Prospect Exit, and turn left (north) onto Route 528. Continue on Route 528 for about 7 miles. Meet in the Jennings Environmental Center Parking Lot on the left (west) side of the road at 9:00AM.

Dress for hot, shadeless weather. Wear a hat, bring water and binoculars. Bring a lunch. Please call Susanne at (412)771-4737 so we know you're coming.

Saturday, August 20 — Conneaut Harbor, Ohio

This has become a tremendous shorebird hotspot in recent years, where the birds can be viewed at very close distances. Walt Shaffer will lead us for a look at this year’s migrants. Meet him at 6 AM at the Park and Ride lot at the intersection of Routes 19 and 228 (across from Denny’s) in Cranberry Township near the intersection of the Pennsylvania Turnpike and I-79. Enter the lot from the service road accessible from the Burger King on Route 19. It will be a drive of 2.5 to 3 hours. Bring a scope, if you can, and lunch, a hat, and water.