October 2006 Outings
Sunday, October 1 — Lower Buffalo Creek Watershed (Washington County)
Outings to this area continue to produce an impressive list of species. From Pittsburgh, take I-79 south to I-70. Take I-70 west to the Taylorstown exit. At the stop sign, take a left. At the next stop sign, take a right. After about one mile, you will come to a blinking red light. Proceed straight through this light and meet our leader, Larry Helgerman, in the parking area about 200 yards on the left. In case you get lost, ask for directions to the S-bridge, which is a well-known local landmark at this intersection. Meet at 8:00 AM. Be prepared for muddy trails and pack a lunch to stay into the afternoon.
Wednesday, October 11 — Allegheny Front Hawk Watch
Dick Byers (724-593-3534) will lead this joint outing with the Westmoreland Bird and Nature Club to one of the most reliable locations to observe Golden Eagle and Northern Goshawk in migration. October is best to see the greatest variety of hawks. Meet at 9:30 AM at the Burger King parking lot near the intersection of Route 601 and Route 30 at Jenners Crossroads in Westmoreland County. We will travel to the Hawk Watch from there (Approx 1/2 hour). Bring a lunch and dress warmly. Be prepared for changes in the weather! Allow 2 hours drive time from Pittsburgh.
Saturday, October 14 — Pymatuning Area
Meet leader BobVan Newkirk at the Pymatuning Wildlife Learning Center (Waterfowl Museum) at 9:00 AM for this all day outing. Plenty of waterfowl, Bald Eagles, and late migrant songbirds should be around for this trip. Dress appropriately for the weather. Bring a lunch or join us as we stop for lunch at a local restaurant.
Sunday, October 22 — Moraine State Park
This will be our first outing to Lake Arthur this fall season. This is also our annual every popular 3RBC picnic. Bob Machesney (412-366-7869) will be our host to lead us to the Moraine State Park fall birding hot spots. After the morning outing, we will have the picnic lunch at one of the park pavilions near the McDaniel’s boat launch. Bring a salad, side dish, or dessert to share with the group. A main course will be provided.
Meet in the Moraine State Park day use area (south shore) in the first parking lot on the right at 8:00 AM. 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. This is where we will meet. Allow one hour driving from Pittsburgh.
(Non-3RBC) Tuesday, October 3 — Wissahickon Nature Club: Irwin Road North Park
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Leaders: Esther Allen and Chuck Tague
Virginia Sticktight, New England Asters and some interesting sedges will be there. Esther has found some interesting mushrooms on this trail. Great Blue Herons, Cooper's Hawks, Red-bellied Woodpeckers, Downy Woodpeckers, Northern Flickers and White-breasted Nuthatches should all be there.
Bring binoculars, field guides, water and a lunch. Call Susanne at (412)771-4737 or email natureob@city-net.com so we know you’re coming.
Directions: Start on Babcock Boulevard and go past Pierce Mill Road. Park at the parking lot on the left on Babcock. Irwin Road is closed to traffic.
