Three Rivers Birding Club Southwestern Pennsylvania

Winter/Spring Outings in 2023

Frick Park, January 28, 2023

Our "Dead of Winter" outing went on as scheduled, on the one-year anniversary of the collapse of the Fern Hollow Bridge. That event last year closed the park temporarily delaying the outing. That was followed by winter weather that left the trails dangerously icy. The outing was finally held on the first day of spring.

This year the weather cooperated and the bridge was replaced, so the outing went on as scheduled.

A great turnout of 28 people attended the outing! A number of participants were new birders and experienced members of the group provided valuable assistance to me.

We started at the feeders near the Environmental Center. There have been over 100 Mourning Doves around the center's feeders. We counted around 80. Two Red-winged Blackbirds were seen near the feeders, perhaps overwintering in the area. A small group of European Starlings showed some color change in their bills, with yellow near the base, a very early sign of spring. By March their bills will have changed from dark brown to yellow. A Downy Woodpecker joined the others at the feeders. A Cooper's Hawk flew in and scattered the Mourning Doves and the other birds.

We continued up Clayton Hill where we were treated to the sight of two Pileated Woodpeckers. They didn't disappoint as they worked the trees just off the trail. I recalled the days when this species was unheard of in the city parks.

We continued on South Clayton trial and up Riverview Extension, passing an Eastern Screech-Owl roost, but the resident was not sitting in the opening of the cavity. On the trail around the dog run where we saw Northern Cardinals, a few American Robins, and a Hairy Woodpecker.

— by leader Mike Fialkovich

Woodcock Walk, March 22, 2023

Two participants came to our new meeting spot on a cloudy, chilly evening. Access to the marsh area was limited due to an active new business, and another one going up. We had well over three dozen Mallards, both male and female, and a Canada Goose on the water.

In the parking area we had the usual urban suspects: House Sparrows, European Starlings, Rock Pigeons, Northern Cardinals, American Robins, Mourning Doves, and a Killdeer calling as it flew overhead.

At the Great Blue Heron nesting rookery across the Allegheny River, we were quickly able to spot the nests in the Sycamore trees, and then the birds themselves, flying about.

Walking through the American Woodcock fields later, we heard the woodcocks' courtship "peeting" calls as we moved into the denser brush. After few minutes, we heard one taking off. We were able to watch him climb, but lost him high up.

Once we got in tune to hearing them take off, we were usually able to watch them do their entire display, even seeing them land.

There was so much action that as one or two of the males were calling, another was taking off nearby. As we heard a bird taking off, he went right over our heads. The "peeting" continued as we headed out.

As we left the field, we ran into the two 3RBC members who had come earlier. It was Tom's second visit and Cynthia's first. The woodcocks were pretty much done for the night, with periodic calls as the birds were slowing down. In the field parking spot, Spring Peepers were very noisy over the hillside down toward the creek.

— by leader Tom Byrnes

Pymatuning Area, March 26, 2023

Ken Knapp, Ray Morris, Julie Jansen, and Dave Brooke led the outing, where we were joined by 11 others. It was a windy, cold, but clear morning. We started at the causeway and eventually visited five different areas.

In all, we saw 50 species. We had a good mix of water birds. Raptors, including plenty of Bald Eagles, were abundant, including several perched American Kestrels and a Red-shouldered Hawk flying off with an unfortunate snake.

The Miller Ponds were teeming with activity including Blue-winged Teals and a Greater Yellowlegs. We were excited to spot an Eastern Meadowlark across the street before he dropped out of sight.

We searched hard in two different locations for the elusive Red-headed Woodpecker to no avail. Another great day of birding.

— by co-leader Ken Knapp

Woodcock Walk, March 29, 2023

Two club members, Judy and Paul, showed up on a cloudy, rainy, windy day. There were still about three dozen mallards (male and female) in the water, along with a pair of Canada geese. House Sparrows were flitting in and out of the bushes and three ducks flew overhead. That was the only activity due to the weather.

At the Great Blue Heron rookery site the wind was blowing so hard that we had to stand in front of a building to block it. The birds were having to deal with the wind themselves, flying in and out of the nests. There was nothing else around in the water, on the ground, or in the air.

Up at the field, it seemed a little less windy, but still cold and damp. A few robins were singing, and eventually we heard the resident towhee off in the brush. Once we got to the viewing area, Carolina Wrens very vocal, and Judy was able to hear a Fox Sparrow off in the distance.

As it got darker, we were treated to a rainy/snowy, windy type of weather. Robins were still chirping, and so was the wren. Judy was able to pick up a White-throated Sparrow that we would hear off and on.

Eventually, we heard our first peet. Who would have thought they would come out in weather like this, but they did! We would catch glimpses of them flying up, hear them peeting in the distance, and it was apparent we had a few males doing their thing.

Why in this weather? Were these guys first-year males just eager to get started?

As we headed back out, the peeting was dying out. Spring peepers were heard off in the distance. We heard one last call that sounded like the towhee. Why was he up so late?

— by leader Tom Byrnes

Yellow Creek State Park — April 1, 2023

Nine birders gathered for the joint Todd Bird Club-3RBC outing, a low turnout because of the ominous weather forecast. Fortunately, the weather predictions were wrong, and we enjoyed a beautiful, calm, sunny day.

Sixteen species of waterfowl included 2 Blue-winged Teal, 5 Northern Shovelers, 52 Buffleheads, and 56 Red-breasted Mergansers. We spotted Pied-billed and Horned Grebes, 169 American Coots, single Greater Yellowlegs and Killdeer, and a plethora of gulls: 58 Bonaparte's and 22 Ring-billed. We were also graced with a nice assortment of raptors: a Turkey Vulture and a Red-tailed Hawk, two Red-shouldered Hawks, and three Bald Eagles.

A walk to the wetlands and to the observatory yielded Golden-crowned Kinglets and Brown Creepers. Other highlights included a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, two Rusty Blackbirds, and a Pine Warbler. We ended with 61 species.

— by leader Margaret Higbee

Maurice K. Goddard State Park and State Game Lands 270, April 2, 2023

Azure blue skies with crisp cool air and bright sunshine greeted 13 birders at the Lake Wilhelm Marina. Recent storms and winds not only brought back winter temperatures but also many downed trees along the way.

In addition to a soaring Bald Eagle and an Osprey, we were delighted to see 22 Common Loons, at least 145 Ring-billed Gulls, and a Great Blue Heron near the docks.

Our next stop was the nearby Wildlife Observation Deck located by the Wilhelm Causeway. Abundant Red-winged Blackbirds, Buffleheads, and Tree Swallows were easily viewed with binoculars and spotting scopes; also providing photography opportunities.

We then trekked across the causeway to view 25 American Coots and stopped at Boat Launch No.3. Several large flocks of Double-crested Cormorants skimmed across the sparkling water; we also saw Hooded Mergansers and Horned Grebe.

Our group then traveled to adjacent State Game Lands 270 to two different areas. Many species of ducks delighted us: Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Ring-necked, Hooded, and Common Merganser-- plus Golden Crowned Kinglets, a Swamp Sparrow and an American Tree Sparrow. A stunning sight was 8 Bonaparte's Gulls flying and circling overhead, shimmering white against a crystal clear blue sky.

By this time we were ready to enjoy lunch with cheese/snack trays at Wilhelm Winery. Their lawn was brightly colored with eggs for an Easter Egg Hunt, and we shared bird stories at our own upstairs balcony dining room.

As usual, some of us "Birded On" and drove to the end of the lake by the dam. We were treated to more Common Loons, Bald Eagles, and waterfowl to end a spectacular day at this Mercer County hot spot.

Interesting fact: It was Maurice K. Goddard who set the goal of having a state park within 25 miles of every resident of Pennsylvania.

— by leaders Linda Croskey and Dave Brooke

Raccoon Creek State Park — April 22, 2023

Due to forecast high wind and storms (never materialized), I canceled my outing, but three brave souls drove down from Butler County, and we birded for an hour between showers. We had an early singing Cerulean Warbler, as well as Hooded and Yellow-rumped warblers, an Ovenbird, White-throated Sparrows, and 21 other species. After that, in other parts around the lake, there was the obligatory Osprey, Blue-headed Vireo, and all the expected swallows and early warblers.

— by leader Ryan Tomazin

Frick Park — April 30, 2023

As we gathered at the Environmental Center, we enjoyed Baltimore Orioles singing and showing off in their typical haunts near the parking area, and a Cooper's Hawk darted low overhead.

A few birds feasted at the feeders, including Mourning Doves and House Finches, plus a Song Sparrow popping up nearby. A group of Blue Jays flew over us heading north, likely in active migration--a common sight in the spring if you can remember to look up! Continuing to the wooded section of the trail, we took a moment to appreciate a group of Gray Squirrels and Fox Squirrels gnawing on seeds in the trees hanging over the trail.

The meadow was relatively quiet. We followed a loud drumming sound to find a Downy Woodpecker displaying in the field below the meadow loop. We took a moment to discuss the recently-expanded deer exclosure, thinking about how deer overpopulation affects wildflowers, trees, and birds in Pennsylvania.

Back on the loop, two feisty Tufted Titmice buzzed in front of us. Although both were adults, one made a high-pitched begging noise and fluttered its wings--the sure sign of a birdy courtship! An active group of songbirds flitting in the trees resolved into distant views of Yellow-rumped Warblers and Blue-headed Vireos.

Bird activity began to pick up in the Clayton Loop. Two male Rose-breasted Grosbeaks sang and perched in the open while nibbling fresh buds, allowing for excellent views and photos. More Blue-headed Vireos noodled around in the trees above Falls Ravine, distant but at eye level from our high vantage point.

As we made our way back to the Environmental Center, an Eastern Towhee sang and played hide-and-seek in the brush. Near Beechwood Boulevard, we enjoyed watching a House Wren figure out how to maneuver a long twig into a nest box. A Purple Finch sang across the boulevard, continuing an influx of observations of this species in the area this spring.

Despite the slow start and threat of rain, we were pleased to end our walk relatively dry having encountered 32 species: Frick Park Birds.

We were also joined by a reporter and photographer for the Pittsburgh Public Source, whose photos can be found in a recent article: Signals from songbirds.

— by leader Tessa Rhinehart

Sewickley Heights Borough Park — May 5, 2023

Plans changed quickly on where to start when Lauren Nagoda showed us a beautiful photo taken minutes before. She graciously led us on the Butterfly Trail where a singing Orange-crowned Warbler moved through the treetops -- a great find and a life bird for at least one of our group of 15 birders. Thank you, Lauren!

Temperatures were barely in the 40s and the trails were muddy as we made our way around the Pipeline Trail. The bright sunlight soon warmed both birds and birders as we added many common birds to our lists.

Despite much effort, two incessantly calling Ovenbirds refused to be seen. We soon had better luck with a small wave of warblers that included Blue-winged, Yellow-rumped, Nashville, Black-throated Green, Hooded, and a Cerulean.

An odd, almost scolding call caught our attention. It was a surprise to find that the sound was coming from an Eastern Towhee.

Other highlights among our 35 species were a Scarlet Tanager and a Baltimore Oriole, the first of the season for many of us.

— by leader Sheree Daugherty

Powdermill Avian Research Center — May 6, 2023

Fifteen bird enthusiasts ventured out for a demonstration of bird banding. The Powdermill outreach coordinator showed us the mist nets used to catch the birds and how the birds are extracted and placed into a bag. Each bag has a colored clip that indicates the bird's size.

We also visited a nice demonstration room with a large projection screen where we could watch the banding process. The bird's wings, weight, and fat deposits are measured, and an appropriately sized band is attached to a leg. All the data goes into a database for later analysis. The bird is then released unless it is a candidate for a "flight tunnel." Birds captured included a Gray Catbird, a Blue Jay, a Northern Cardinal, and a surprise Solitary Sandpiper.

We also had a demonstration of Powdermill's famous "flight tunnel," where birds are placed to fly toward sunlit windows, to test various types of glass that might prevent them from crashing. Two windows are placed side by side, one a test window and the other plain. Each flight is videotaped to see which window the bird flies toward and which it avoids. The bird does not strike the window because of a protective netting. Once the bird has traveled the length of the tunnel, a side door is opened and the bird flies out.

Powdermill is one of very few places in the world with a flight tunnel. The researchers receive window avoidance samples from all over the world to be analyzed.

It was a very good and informative tour. The Powdermill Avian Research Center schedules many of these demonstration events throughout the banding season. The demonstrations are free. They are definitely worth a visit.

— by participants Steve and Suzanne Thomas

Hays Woods — May 7, 2023

It was an excellent morning with lots of migrants, including birds flying high overhead. There was a significant movement of Blue Jays flying high and headed north across the river, off the Hays Woods bluff.

We tallied 35 species, including 9 species of warblers. Highlights included Red-breasted Nuthatch, Great Crested Flycatcher, Orange-crowned Warbler, Nashville Warbler, and Bay-breasted Warbler. Good heard-only birds included Cerulean Warbler and Blue-winged Warbler.

Here's the full eBird checklist: Hay Woods Birds.

— by Leader Ken Behrens

Deer Lakes Park — May 13, 2023

Threats of storms kept all but nine participants away, yet spring migrants provided an enjoyable morning. Gathering at the parking lot, this merry band ascended the service road amidst songs of Black-throated Green and Hooded Warblers, and we saw a Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Magnolia Warbler and Northern Parula.

After a Nashville and Tennessee Warblers pulled us up the hill, a Blackburnian Warbler met us at the top, and Indigo Buntings singing from treetops led us off the road and into the wild field. While following the upper trails, we were treated to a Chestnut-sided Warbler, a White-eyed Vireo, and a Black-throated Blue Warbler darted across the path.

Sounds of Ovenbirds and Wood Thrushes permeated the forests as light rain fell off and on that mid-May morning. Sightings of Swainson's Thrushes, an Eastern Wood-Pewee and an Eastern Kingbird accompanied us down to the upper lake, but not before we viewed a large Opossum cross the trail in front of us. At the lake's upper end the group posed for a quick photo before noticing a Green Heron close by on a log. Several Spotted Sandpipers were scurrying along the banks as we crossed and headed upstream.

Chip calls of a Louisiana Waterthrush guided us up the hill, and we heard the croak of a Common Raven as we rejoined the service road at the top. By the time we parted ways, we had experienced a morning filled with pleasant conversations and various migrants. Avoiding heavier storms, the light rain had covered our binoculars and the habitats around us but did little to dampen the time we spent together.

— by leader John Vassallo

Hartwood Acres — May 20, 2023

Rain forced cancellation, but leader Malcolm Kurtz reported that the participants saw a Great Crested Flycatcher before the rain started.

Glade Run Lake Park — May 21, 2023

Nine birders met at the lake on a beautiful morning. Warblers were less visible and audible than I had hoped. Still we had five species with a Bay-breasted calling being a nice surprise. Two Spotted Sandpipers were another nice find as was getting to see and hear a Veery.

We had a nice group of very experienced birders and finished with 47 species. See the complete checklist at Glade Run Birds.

— by leader Dave Brooke