December 2005 Outings
Sunday, December 4 — Southwestern Veterans Center
Come join 3rbc for a first-time outing to a small, but bird-filled location on private property within the confines of the City of Pittsburgh. The Southwestern Veterans Center, a new site for 3RBC, will be the venue for leader Dan Yagusic to take us for a late fall hunt for lingering migrants and resident birds. Meet at 8:00AM. The outing is limited to 8 participants, so contact Dan immediately (412-613-1534 or 412-665-6773) to reserve a spot.
The center is at 7060 Highland Dr. in the East Liberty section of Pittsburgh (15206). Directions: From Washington Blvd, turn east onto Highland Dr. (across from Housing Authority City of Pittsburgh) headquarters, go up the hill, staying LEFT at the "Y", make the first right after the "Y" and proceed past the building and park in the far upper corner of the parking lot, near the two small outbuildings. On this morning outing, we will venture past several small ponds, under a fruit-filled canopy of trees and through an overgrown powerline field. For the return walk, we will pass brush and bramble piles, through a small scotch pine stand, and back out into several small fields. Expected species include: Winter Wren; Fox Sparrow; Towhee; White-throated Sparrows; Hermit Thrush; Yellow-bellied Sapsucker and Brown Creeper. White-crowned Sparrows and Catbirds are possible. The trails are narrow and sometimes a little muddy, so please dress appropriately.
Thursday, December 8 — National Aviary
Join Jim Dunster, Curator of Birds, for a behind-the-scenes tour of this world-class indoor bird park on Pittsburgh’s Northside. The aviary is home to over 500 birds representing 200 species and is the only “National” Aviary in the country. Jim will take us on a private tour, introduce us to the amazing diversity of birds, and speak about the array of conservation projects being undertaken by the aviary staff. There is no fee for this outing; however, to provide the best tour experience, registration is limited to 15 participants. Contact Brian Shema (412-963-6100) to register. Participants will meet in the aviary parking lot at 9 AM.
Saturday, December 17 — Christmas Bird Count
Buffalo Creek Valley and Pittsburgh-South Hills. The Pittsburgh South Hills count can also use help. This count, begun a few years ago, is quickly getting up to speed, counting more birds and species each year. If you’d like to explore some new areas in the South Hills, call compiler Bill Judd (412-571-2057).
Sunday, December 18 — Christmas Bird Count: Buffalo Creek Watershed (IBA80)
For all who know the area, come straight to Greencove Wetlands. For all others not familiar with the area, meet at the S-bridge.
All information will be handed out the morning of the count (territory maps, checklists, etc.) unless other arrangements are made.
Those who want to request a particular territory PLEASE let Larry Helgerman know. The CBC circle will be divided the same as last year into 12 sectors.
Field birders can meet back at the base camp (Greencove) to drop off count data around lunch time. If anyone wants to continue into the afternoon that's up to you.
Anyone who wants to begin before 7:15am and look for owls, GREAT! If you think this is a possibility let me know.
Participants who live in the watershed the count starts a12:00am and ends11:59pm on December 18th. you can count birds at any time on that day. Any questions at all, please ask!
The two meeting areas:
#1- Green Cove wetlands: Also off of SR-221, around 5 or 6 miles north of the S-Bridge. Follow SR-221 north past Taylorstown, when you get to Greencove Rd. turn right, you will see a transmission power line tower and a Game commission sign , go 1/4 mile, turn right into the game commission parking area. Note: those who have never been to IBA-80, just go to first meeting area, it's easier.
#2- S-Bridge: is on SR-221 at SR-40. Exit #11 on I-70, From Pittsburgh: south on I-79 to I-70 west, approx 5k to exit #3 Taylorstown, follow SR-221 north approx 1/4k to blinking red light, and the S-Bridge {an historic landmark}. We meet at the parking area on the left, just past the blinking red light on SR-221.
Saturday, December 31 — Pittsburgh Christmas Bird Count
The Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania sponsors the annual Pittsburgh Christmas Bird Count. This year, the count is set for Saturday, December 31.
Everyone (including those who do not participate in the count) is also invited to attend the annual count dinner and tally meeting on Sunday, January 1. Dinner starts at 6:00 PM at Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve, Dorseyville Road, Fox Chapel. Bring a covered dish or salad or dessert that serves 10, or give a donation to help cover the cost of the dinner. Immediately after dinner and dessert, the area leaders will present their results.
The Pittsburgh CBC has been known nationally for many years for its high numbers of participants. Last year our 136 participants (98 in the field and 38 feeder watchers) tied for 16th place among all 2,022 CBC circles in the U.S., Canada, Caribbean, and Latin America. That’s terrific! Now, let’s see if we can do even better this year!
To participate in the count, contact one of the following area leaders, who will welcome your help:
Fox Chapel – David Liebmann, 412-968-3045
Franklin Park & Ohio Twp. (N) – John Orndorff,
412-741-2021
Hampton Twp. – Al Werling, 412-487-8581
Indiana Twp. (W) – David Geis, 724-443-5447
Kilbuck Twp. & Ohio Twp. – Paul Brown, 412-963-1979
North Park – Bob Van Newkirk, 412-366-1694
Oakmont & Harmar Twp. – Sam Sinderson, 412-653-3073
O’Hara Twp. – Steve Thomas, 412-782-4696
Penn Hills – Ron Byrom, 412-363-0409
Pittsburgh (Frick & Highland Parks & East End) – Jack Solomon,
412-521-3365
Pittsburgh (rest of city) – Mike Fialkovich,
412-731-3581
Ross & McCandless Twps. – Bob Machesney,
412-366-7869
Shaler Twp. – Joyce Hoffmann, 412-487-0921.
I also encourage our members to support two other local counts, both on Saturday, December 17. The Buffalo Creek Valley count includes Audubon’s Todd Sanctuary. Please give compiler George Reese a call if you can help out (724-353-9649). The Pittsburgh South Hills count can also use help. This count, begun a few years ago, is quickly getting up to speed, counting more birds and species each year. If you’d like to explore some new areas in the South Hills, call compiler Bill Judd (412-571-2057).
(Non-3RBC) Thursday, December 22 — Wissahickon Nature Club (President, Chuck Tague) Meeting
On December 22, Thursday, Bru Randall and Barbara Schomer will present Spring Wildflowers of South Western Australia. Bru and Barbara spent all of 2002 living in Sydney, Australia where Bru was an exchange teacher. Naturally, one of their primary diversions was observing the delightfully different flora and fauna, especially wildflowers. During the spring school holiday (September 28 to October 13) they traveled to the South West Botanical Province, the area around Perth, to botanize in what is reputedly one of the best wildflower displays in Australia. This presentation will try to capture and share some of their experiences.
Our Annual Christmas Party and Cookie Exchange will take place tonight. There is no minimum requirement for the Exchange. Bring cookies. If you don’t have time to bake, just bring yourselves. This is not exclusively for members only. Come for our presentation, party games and holiday punch, and bring your friends.
Meet at the Community Presbyterian Church of Ben Avon, 7501 Church Avenue, Ben Avon, PA 15202 (412)761-1233. The meeting and program begins at 7:30 p.m. Arrive at 7:00 p.m. for coffee, tea and a potluck dessert. Bring a mug.
Free and open to the public.
Directions from Pittsburgh: take Ohio River Boulevard (Route 65) into Ben Avon. After crossing the bridge into Ben Avon, turn Right onto Dickson. At the second STOP sign turn Left onto Church Street. After the third STOP sign look for a large stone church on the left. Turn left onto Rostrevor. Parking lot is on the left of Rostrevor Place.
