May 2009 Outings
Friday May 1 - Sewickley Park
In collaboration with the Fern Hollow Nature Center at Sewickley Heights Borough Park, these bird walks 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. Directions to the park can be found on the 3RBC's website www.3rbc.org. Birders should be prepared for muddy trails. It is also advisable to bring water and a lunch. Besides birding in the park we will drive and make stops along Little Sewickley Creek. Louisiana Waterthrush, Yellow-throated Warbler, and Warbling Vireo nest in the area.
Sunday May 3 - Frick Park
Meet at the Frick Environmental Center parking lot at 7:30 AM for this outing led Jack and Sue Solomon. (412-521-3365). Frick is often great migrant trap for neotropical birds. The Environmental Center is off of Beechwood Blvd. (2005 Beechwood Boulevard, 15217, in Squirrel Hill). Detailed directions are at www.pittsburghparks.org/_94.php.
Thursday, May 7 to Wednesday May 13, 2009 - Crane Creek/Magee Marsh, Ohio
Click here for full information and all links for Crane Creek.
Co-leaders Margie Kern and Jack Solomon
Let Jack know by email if you will be joining us and provide a cell phone number, if possible. Many of us will be staying in or near Port Clinton, Ohio. Several will probably stay at the Comfort Inn there (419)732-2929, though Jack expects to camp at Camp Sabroske http://campsabroske.org/default.aspx. Other places to camp in the area can be found on the net. Visit http://www.ohiobirds.org and click on Birding Sites for other areas along Lake Erie which we will try to explore if time permits.
We do not expect to repeat our Jet Express Birdwatching Excursion to Point Pelee National Park in Canada, but those interested can look for it at http://www.jet-express.com/ or call (1-800-245-1538). Information about Crane Creek State Park: can be found at http://www.stateparks.com/crane_creek.html There is a nice map on this site which, when enlarged, gives you a real good idea where the park is located.
Saturday, May 9 - Buttermilk Hill Nature Sanctuary
Buttermilk Hill Nature Sanctuary is a 60 acre, predominantly wooded nature sanctuary owned by Jerry Stanley and his wife, Kathie Goodblood, (814-432-4496) who have offered to host this field trip. At least 20 species of warblers have nested at BHNS, and there are usually 5 to 10 singing cerulean warblers on territory. Other possibilities are: yellow-throated warbler, yellow-throated vireo, Louisiana waterthrush, both cuckoos, alder and great-crested flycatcher, Swainson's thrush and olive-sided flycatcher are not unusual. Meet at 8:00 AM. Bring a lunch where we can sit on the porch and enjoy the birds at the feeders. Be prepared for muddy trails.
Directions from points south via interstate 79: Take exit 121 - route 62/Mercer then turn right onto route 62 and follow 62 into Sandy Lake. In Sandy Lake go north on route 173. Travel on route173 for 4.4 miles then turn right onto Georgetown Road.Drive about 3 ½ miles to a sign pointing to the left for Utica. Take this road into the little town of Utica. Cross the bridge in Utica (this is over French Creek). Drive 1.2 miles and take a right onto Buttermilk Hill Road.Drive 1.2 miles and take a right onto Keith Lane. This is our lane, please drive slowly. Go back this lane through a gate for about 1mile. Our house is a log home on the right.
Wednesday May 13 - Woodcock Walk
Meet leader Tom Byrnes (412-828-4539) for our final spring outing of the Woodcock walk 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. Meeting time will be 7:45 PM.
Friday May 15 - Sewickley Park
In collaboration with the Fern Hollow Nature Center at Sewickley Heights Borough Park, these bird walks 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. Directions to the park can be found on the 3RBC's website www.3rbc.org. Birders should be prepared for muddy trails. It is also advisable to bring water and a lunch. Besides birding in the park we will drive and make stops along Little Sewickley Creek. Louisiana Waterthrush, Yellow-throated Warbler, and Warbling Vireo nest in the area.
Saturday May 16 - Bell Farm
Join Ralph Bell at 9 AM at his farm in Greene County. Eastern Bluebirds that feed out of your hand, nesting American Kestrels up close and personal, 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.
Sunday May 17 - Harrison Hills
Meet leader JimValimont (412-828-5338) 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 at 8:15 AM for this morning walk in search of migrants. Dress for wet grass and mud. Previous spring outings have produced a nice variety of warblers (including Cape May and Wilson's), Philadelphia and Yellow-throated Vireos, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, and Scarlet Tanagers.
Thursday May 21 - Raccoon Creek State Park Nichol Road
Joan Tague will lead an outing through the back section of the park. Kentucky Warbler is a regular nester in this area. Habitats in this area include hardwood forest, open fields and small wetlands. If time allows, we may also travel to the nearby gamelands to Pitch Pine Trail. Meet at the park office on Route 18 at 7AM. Bring lunch and drinks. Prepare for light hiking. Contact Joan at babyowl@mac.com or 412-488-8760 if you are coming.
May 7-10 Wildflower Pilgrimage at Blackwater Falls WV.
This will be the 48th annual event, with outings to many great areas. Each year approximately 300 people attend this event. Professional and amateur botanists as well as bird watchers are among those in attendance from 16 states and 2 foreign countries. Speakers, interesting programs, and exhibits will be featured throughout the evenings. All outings have flower and bird leaders.
Contact Joan Tuckwiller at joantuckwiller@hotmail.com
Bird leaders include Ralph K. Bell, Bill Beatty, Tom Fox, LeJay Grafious, Greg Park, Cindy Slater, Mary Grey and Larry Helgerman.
