January 2005 Outings

Sunday, January 9 — Presque Isle State Park

Meet at 9 AM in the first parking lot on the right after entering the park. Leaders will be Jack and Sue Solomon. Gulls, waterfowl, and an outside chance at unusual winter species such as Common Redpoll, Snowy Owl and Bohemian Waxwing are our targets. Bring a lunch or eat at a nearby restaurant. Dress very warmly, in layers, and a ski mask may help. The wind off the lake can be painful. The park is at the north end of Route 832 in Erie County, west of the city of Erie. Take I-79 North to the US Route 20 exit at 26th Street exit (No. 43). Keep left at the fork in the ramp. Merge onto Route 20 West. Turn right (north) onto Route 832 and go 2.1 miles to the park. 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. Distance from Pittsburgh to Presque Isle is about 130 miles. Estimated driving time: 2.5 hours.

Saturday, January 29 — Lawrence County Farm Country

Jim Valimont (412-828-5338) will lead this outing in search of Snow Buntings, Horned Larks, Lapland Longspurs, Rough-legged Hawks, Sandhill Cranes, and Short-eared Owls. To minimize local residents’ anxiety about many vehicles and people on the roadside, only two vehicles will be taken on this outing, requiring advance reservations. Call Jim to reserve a spot. We will meet at noon in the park-and-ride lot in Cranberry to organize the two carpools. Three of these outings are scheduled to accommodate people’s different schedules.