September 2008 Outings
Fridays September 5, 12, and 19 - 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 walk will begin at 8:00 AM starting from the upper parking lot. Birders should bring water and be prepared for muddy trails. We will bird the park and along Little Sewickley Creek Road. Warblers, flycatchers, thrushes, and vireos will be our target species.
Sunday, September 7 - Smith/Wilks Farm in Greene County
Patti Kaminski (412-831-8041) has arranged an outing to this multi-habitat, 90+ acre privately owned farm just north of the West Virginia border. We will meet at 7:30 AM at the Norman Center parking lot by Borders (across from Burger King Restaurant) in Mount Lebanon for assembly and car pooling. From Pittsburgh to Norman Center, take Route 19 south past the Galleria and turn left at the light at the top of the hill (North Highland). We will drive on to I-79 and continue south to the Mt. Norris exit (#1). At the end of the exit ramp, turn left and follow this road for about 3 miles to a t-intersection (stop sign). Turn left again onto Taylortown Road, and follow this for another 3 miles (caution - lots of curves!); at a "y" in the road, we'll bear right onto Bigfoot Road, and the first driveway to the right is the entrance to the farm. Total driving time is about one hour and fifteen minutes. Be prepared for muddy trails.
Sunday, September 7 - Lower Buffalo Creek Watershed (Washington County)
Larry Helgerman (412-508-0321) and Mary Grey will be our leaders. We will meet at the S- Bridge. 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 the leaders 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. We will meet at 8:00 AM. Be prepared for muddy trails and pack a lunch to stay into the afternoon.
Saturday, September 13 - Harrison Hills Park
Meet leader Jim Valimont (412-828-5338) at 8:00 AM at this county park off Freeport Road between Natrona Heights and Freeport. As you enter the park, bear left and meet in the first parking lot on the left for this morning walk in search of migrants. Dress for wet grass and mud. Previous fall outings have produced a nice variety of fall migrants, including warblers, and vireos.
Wednesday, September 17 - Allegheny Front Hawk Watch
Karen Jackson (724-668-7421) will lead this joint outing with the Westmoreland Bird and Nature Club. The date should be near the peak of Broad-winged Hawk migration and many other raptor species can be expected. Meet at 10:00 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 ½ hour). Bring a lunch and dress warmly. Be prepared for changes in the weather! Allow 2 hours drive time from Pittsburgh.
Saturday, September 20 - Presque Isle State Park
Join Bob VanNewkirk (412-366-1694 or email at van126@comcast.net) at one of the state's prime locations for seeing fall migrants. Meet at 9:00 AM in the first parking lot on the right as you enter the park. The park is at the north end of Route 832 just west of the city of Erie. Bring a lunch
Sunday, September 21 - Fox Chapel Parks
Steve and Suz Thomas (412-782-4696) will lead to several parks and nature reserves in the Fox Chapel area in search of migrant and resident species. Meet at Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve at 614 Dorseyville Road at 7:30 AM. Be prepared for muddy trails!
Saturday, September 27 - Frick Park
Jack & Sue Solomon (412-521-3365), will lead this quest for Frick Park's fall 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 .
