February 2007 Outings

Lawrence County Farm Country

Jim Valimont will lead at least two outings in search of Snow Buntings, Horned Larks, Lapland Longspurs, Rough-legged Hawks, Sandhill Cranes, and Shorteared Owls. Jim will determine the dates to have the best chance of viewing these winter birds (which is when there is snow on the ground).

Attendance will be limited. Call Jim in early January to reserve a spot, and he will contact you when the dates are set. Preference will be given to those who have not been on previous Lawrence County winter trips. Participants will meet at noon in the park-and-ride lot in Cranberry Township to organize carpools. The lot is at the intersection of Routes 19 and 228 (across from Denny's). Enter the lot from the service road, accessible from behind the Burger King on Route 19.

Saturday, February 17 — Cook Forest/Piney Tract

Mike Leahy will be our leader. Cook Forest sometimes has abundant numbers of winter finches, and Piney Tract is a great place to find Northern Shrike, Rough-legged Hawk, and Short-eared Owl. Meet at 9 AM at the Cook Forest State Park office. Take I-79 north to I-80 east. Go east to exit 60 (old exit 8), the Shippenville exit. Take Route 66 north toward Marienville. At the intersection of Routes 66 and 36 in the village of Leeper, turn right (south) onto Route 36. Follow Route 36 into Cook Forest. Just before you cross the bridge over the Clarion River, turn left onto River Road. The park office is 100 yards down River Road on the left side. Allow two hours driving time from Pittsburgh.