PSO 2005
(by Sue Solomon)

The PSO meeting held in Clarion, May 20 - 22, was very well organized, with stimulating talks and exceptional field trips. My favorite talk was comparing habitats for golden-winged warblers  near Penn State. We also learned about "toot" routes, clearcut versus shelter cutting in national  forests, and the lasting effects of spruce bud-worm infestations.

My favorite walk was to Buttermilk Hill, where Jerry Stanley and Linda Goodblood have diverse habitats overlooking French Creek. We heard Blackpoll and Black- throated Green warblers and a  Veery that Jerry hopes might breed. Along the creek, some got life looks at a Yellow-throated  Warbler and a female Cerulean confirmed nesting with her tiny strands of grass. An olive-sided  Flycatcher posed and sang its "quick three beers" song and we compared it to a nearby pewee. Soft-shelled turtles basked on a sandbar, and Wood Ducks, as well as an immature bald eagle,  flew overhead . 

The morning's total bird species numbered 75, and the fun measured 100. Some lunched on the  deck as Linda served cool drinks with Flo's chocolate-chip cookies, as the bluebirds, buntings, orioles and a sapsucker fed from feeders. 

Thanks to all who helped with this PSO meeting. As Carole McCullough said: "Maybe 3RBC  should wait 5 years [to sponsor a PSO meeting] so everyone forgets this one.