MAY 2008 Outings
Friday to Friday, May 2-9, 2008 - Crane Creek/Magee Marsh, Ohio
Co-leaders Margie Kern and Jack Solomon (412-521-3365 ) will lead this outing to see warblers and other migrants that swarm there. The 2007 Crane Creek Week trip blessed us with total of 187 species, many seen at arm's length along the Magee Marsh boardwalk! Our leaders will be staying in the Best Budget Inn, 1735 East Perry Street, Port Clinton OH 43452 (419-734-5633 ). There are plenty of other accommodations around, too. In some prior years there has been a Birder's Discount at many places, so inquire when you make your reservations.
You can find information about other accommodations such as condos and cabin rentals on the 3RBC web site, 3rbc.org. Gather in the Best Budget lobby Friday evening, May 2, at 7 pm for a pre-outing get together where we will firm up our plans.
We are repeating our Jet Express Birdwatching Excursion to Point Pelee National Park in Canada. The excursion to Point Pelee National Park will be on May 8, 2008. Cost is $85, same as last year. Passengers will need a valid US Passport or birth certificate along with photo identification for proof of citizenship. Web site is http://www.jet-express.com/ or call Jet Express (1-800-245-1538) for information about this year's excursion and reservations. Visit the following web site for other birding areas along Lake Erie which we will try to explore if time permits: http://www.coastalohio.com.
Bring binoculars, spotting scopes, walkie talkies, Ohio maps and gazetteers. Come for the whole week or just for a few days. If you have been on this outing before you know it is a winner. We guarantee you will have a great time. Please contact Jack (by email, please: snaggle719@yahoo.com) to let us know you are joining us on the outing. . Please provide your cell phone number in your email. When you email Jack that you're coming, he'll tell you our plans and give you his cell phone number. Watch the 3RBC web site for updates and additional information for the trip. Those desiring to carpool should use the 3RBC web site's carpool discussion forum.
Monday May 5 - Sewickley Heights Borough Park
In collaboration with the Fern Hollow Nature Center at Sewickley Heights Borough Park, this bird walk will be lead by Bob VanNewkirk (412-366-1694 or email at van126@comcast.net). The walks begin at 7:30 AM starting from the upper parking lot. Birders should bring water and be prepared for muddy trails. Besides birding in the park we usually drive and make stops along Little Sewickley Creek Road. Louisiana Waterthrush, Yellow-throated Warbler, and Warbling Vireo nest in the area.
Saturday May 10 - Frick Park - Migration count
Jack and Sue Solomon (412-521-3365) will lead this outing for the annual Pennsylvania Migration Count. Meet at 7:30 AM in the Frick Environmental Center parking lot, 2005 Beechwood Boulevard, one block south of Forbes Avenue in Squirrel Hill.
Monday May 12 - Frick Park
Meet at the Frick Environmental Center parking lot at 7:30 am for this outing led by one of Pittsburgh's favorite birding sons, Ted Floyd, Editor of Birding magazine and author of the Smithsonian Guide to the Birds of North America. Frick is often great for neotropical migrants, and even though he's not there everyday anymore since he grew up and moved away, few can find them for you any better than Ted Floyd. The Environmental Center is off of Beechwood Blvd. (2005 Beechwood Boulevard, 15217, in Squirrel Hill). Detailed directions are at http://www.pittsburghparks.org/_94.php
Wednesday May 14, 2008 - Woodcock Walk
Meet leader Tom Byrnes (412-828-4539) at the Ladbrokes (now The Meadows) parking lot behind the Primanti Brothers restaurant off the Harmar exit of Route 28. We will carpool and drive a short distance to a field in Harmar Township that has produced lots of American Woodcock in the past several years. Be prepared for a muddy walk and bring a flashlight. Tom will lead three walks to this location this spring. Meeting time 8:00 PM.
Wednesday May 21 - Frick Park
Jack & Sue Solomon (412)521-3365, will lead this quest for Frick Park's migrants, especially warblers. Meet at 7:30 am in the Frick Environmental Center parking lot, off of Beechwood Blvd. (2005 Beechwood Boulevard, 15217, in Squirrel Hill). Detailed directions are at http://www.pittsburghparks.org/_94.php. As usual, we'll head to Kazansky's for breakfast afterwards.
Saturday May 24 - Bell Farm
Join Ralph Bell at 9 AM at his farm in Green County. Eastern Bluebirds that feed out of your hand, nesting American Kestrels up close, and possible Summer Tanagers are features of the perennially favorite outing. Bring lunch and spend all day. Take I-79 south to the Ruff Creek exit. Turn left onto Route 221, drive under the interstate, continue 5 mile to a golf course, and turn left onto Route 188 toward Jefferson. In Jefferson, turn left onto Pine Street, then proceed down hill and under the railroad bridge. Go straight up the hill for 0.5 mile and turn at the "R.BELL Tree Farm" sign. Park 0.5 mile down the road.
Wissahickon Nature Club Outing - May 7, Wednesday - Butler Freeport Trail
10:00 a.m. Leaders: Chuck Tague and Esther Allen.
You are cordially invited to discover western Pennsylvania’s transformation into spring. This delightful walk with Esther along the Butler Freeport Trail is a long-standing tradition. Esther knows this trail like the back of her hand and can find dozens of flowers arrayed in their striking beauty. Butterflies will celebrate their rites of passage from chrysalis to stunning beauty. Birders can expect to find Gray Catbird, Cedar Waxwing, Warbling Vireo and Rose-breasted Grosbeak. We may even hear a Yellow-billed Cuckoo.
This trail is wheelchair accessible. Wear a hat. Bring your binoculars and field guides, lunch and beverages. Outings are not exclusive to members. Everyone’s invited. Call Susanne at (412)771-4737 to let us know you’re coming.
Directions: From Pittsburgh, take Route 28 north to Exit 17 (PA356/Butler/Freeport). At the end of the ramp, head west or north on PA 356. After roughly 3.5 miles, turn right onto Sarver Road (SR2018) at a traffic light. Continue a little over 1/2 mile, traveling down a hill. After crossing a creek and passing the Sarver Buffalo Township Fire Hall on the left, turn left into the bike trail parking area, where we will meet.
