TheDISTELFINKFall 2020

Contents
President’s Message – Tony Grimm ............................................................................................................ 2
BOC meetings via ZOOM .............................................................................................................................. 2
Dues reminder .............................................................................................................................................. 2
121st Reading Christmas Bird Count by Lucy Cairns ................................................................................... 3
Birds of Blue – by Sheila Martin................................................................................................................... 4
Memorable COVID Spring Polar Vortex by Joan Silagy ............................................................................... 5
Charming Third Time by Art Zdancewic....................................................................................................... 7
Occurrence of Glaucous Gull and Iceland Gull in Berks County by Rudy Keller ......................................... 8
BOC 100TH ANNIVERSARY BANQUET PROGRAM ..................................................................................... 10
A World on the Wing - The Global Odyssey of Migratory Birds by Scott Weidensaul ................... 10
BOC Programs 2020-2021 .......................................................................................................................... 11
Sep 11, 7:30 pm - Bird Stack: Two Migratory Seasons at China by Mark Bonta .................................. 11
Oct 9, 7:30 pm The State of Pennsylvania's Boreal Conifer Forest Birds by Doug Gross .................... 11
Nov 13, 7:30 pm - Life in the Avian Slow Lane by Keith ........................................................................ 12
Dec 11, 7:30 pm - Insect Apocalypse by Dr. Ashley Kennedy ............................................................... 12
Jan 8, 7:30 pm - Nicaragua Connection- A Wood Thrush's Journey from Nicaragua to Tinicum
Township, Bucks County by Diane Allison............................................................................................. 12
Feb 12, 7:30 pm - Broad-winged Hawk Migration Ecology: Flying from Pennsylvania to Peru by Dr.
Laurie Goodrich (Rescheduled) .............................................................................................................. 13
Mar 12, 7:30 pm - How Birds Made Us Human by Dr. Rob Fergus ....................................................... 13
Apr 8, 7:30 pm To be announced. .......................................................................................................... 14
May 14 - BOC 100TH Anniversary Banquet – Scott Weidensaul ( See announcement above in thisnewsletter) ............................................................................................................................................. 14
Fall 2020 Field Trips .................................................................................................................................... 14
Berks County Birds - Dec 2019 – Feb 2020 by Rudy Keller ....................................................................... 15
Berks County Birds, March – May, 2020 by Matt Wlasniewski ............................................................... 18
B.O.C. Officers 2020-2021 .......................................................................................................................... 21
BOC 2020-2012 Membership Form .......................................................................................................... 22

Page 2President’s Message – Tony Grimm
Ramblings of an old "Twitcher"
Greetings All,
It's been a challenging time for all of us to stay healthy. I
hope this newsletter finds you in good health!
Although we had to cancel our in-person meetings andannual dinner this spring, we will be having our Fall 2020
meetings and programs via online Zoom Programs (seebelow).
We hope you are birding your yard and local parks,
keeping your feeders full, and listening for all of the great
bird songs. Watch the website for program updates andscheduled guided walks.
It's time to renew your membership dues. BOC is one of
the best bargains in Berks County. Thank you forsupporting us! (Membership form is at the end of thisnewsletter)

A singing male Prothonotary Warbler in thewooded swamp along the Exeter Scenic River Trail.
Photo by Russ Hoffman.

We are always looking for volunteers. If you are so inclined, please give one of our board members acall to help lead or coordinate field trips, work on the newsletter, serve on the Board of Directors, andmore.
Thanks Everyone!
Tony Grimm, President, B.O.C.

BOC meetings via ZOOMEach meeting requires an invitation to the meeting with by having the ID number and passcode.
To get an invitation with all of the Fall 2020 meetings, send an Email requesting a link to us atmembership@bairdornithollogical.club
You can share the meeting invitation by with other members email (for security reasons, please DO NOT
share it by posting on social media like Facebook or Instagram). Please try to limit guests you share itwith as we are limited to 100 participants per meeting.
Using zoom is easy all you need is a computer, a tablet or a smart phone. For information about it see
this helpful link provided by the people at zoom where they show you how to join a meeting.
https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362193-Joining-a-meeting
We hope to see you all there!
Mike Slater, BOC Web Master and ZOOM Meeting Host

Dues reminder
BOC dues are due 9/1/20. Please use the form enclosed. We are all struggling to get through thisnew world we find ourselves in. Your board has planned a great schedule of virtual meetings andfield trips. Plus, some great surprises for our 100th Anniversary. Unfortunately, all this does
cost money. Please use the form at the end of this newsletter and mail your dues in as soon as
possible.
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Page 3121st Reading Christmas Bird Count by Lucy Cairns
December 15, 2019 dawned with the temperature in the low 30’s and a strong wind out of thenorthwest that numbed fingers and toes (among other tender body parts). Nevertheless, membersof the BOC joined other intrepid birders to conduct the Reading circle count for Audubon’s120th Christmas Bird Count. The CBC is not for the fair-weather birder, as the prior compiler for
the Reading circle, Ken Lebo, informed me. According to Ken, only weather that presents a highrisk of death or injury (this may be a slight exaggeration) justifies shifting the date of the count,which for the Reading circle is the first Sunday in the official count period. During the120th CBC, a total of 2,615 counts were conducted and 42,810,675 birds were tallied. The
Reading CBC contributed 14,524 birds to this total, thanks to the efforts of 35 participants who
devoted 99.5 party-hours and traveled a total of 430 miles to observe 77 species of birds.
The purpose of the CBC is to produce data in a form that can be used to reliably monitor trends
in bird population numbers and geographic distribution year upon year. Ideally, during a CBC
every bird present that day in each 15-mile diameter CBC circle would be found and counted. In
actuality, the count tally varies depending heavily on the number of field observers, the time
participants spend in the field, and the amount of ground they cover (in addition to the variationin the number of birds present). Accurate reporting of ‘effort’ data is the key to producing useful
data, allowing each year’s count to be weighted according to the effort expended (Birds per Party
Hour). Scientists were reluctant to utilize CBC data for a long time, but were eventuallyconvinced when analysis of CBC data was shown to align closely with similar analysis of datacollected with methods more traditionally acceptable. Each year the compiler is responsible formaking sure each team leader is familiar with the importance of effort data and the rules forrecording it.
Audubon introduced a new tool last year, CBC Live, to allow CBC participants to upload photosof birds, each other, and other images to share the experience of the CBC on an interactive map.
The map and photos can be found at http://gis.audubon.org/cbclive/
To ensure another successful year for the Reading CBC, additional observers will be needed
since last year we were stretched uncomfortably thin when two participants fell ill at the last
moment. Our count would also benefit from recruiting more birders to count birds at their bird
feeders, for any time period that is convenient on count day. If you are interested in counting
birds at your feeder, the easiest way to participate in the CBC, contact me to help you determine
if your feeder is inside the count circle. BOC members contribute to the Hamburg, Bernville, andElverson CBCs in addition to covering the Reading circle. Anyone with an interest in joining
the count for any of these circles is urged to contact me for further
information: ljanetcairns@gmail.com.

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Birds of Blue – by Sheila Martin
Right at the parking lot, Eastern Bluebirds
welcome me atop the main placard. Then Tree
Swallows and Indigo Buntings take over thein-your-face, ridiculously easy sightings.
Fleabane, Bladder Campion, King Devil,
Orange Hawkweed, Cow Vetch, Teasel &Yellow Goatsbeard do not disappoint. It’s
either side of Memorial Day weekend, andI’m witnessing the ultimate of High Spring’s
symphony of colors, scents, sounds & species
in the grand meadow environment which
is French Creek’s Hopewell Big Woods
Trail.
It’s a recently developed Natural Lands Trustinitiated, ADA compliant, crushed stone
multi-use trail gently winding upland from theThun Trail to intersect Crusher Road in Union
Township. Its dramatic meadowlike grassland
habitat dominates its panoramic 2-mileserpentine length. Feel free to dial down yourbinoculars to see a butterfly on the path, or toTree Swallow at a nest box along the trail.
Photo by Karl Gardner
appreciate the complex detail of a flower’sthanatomy. Nesting boxes at a 4 grader’s eye-levelare positioned at highest elevations (assume they’ll be occupied; give those Tree Swallows awide berth when passing). Eastern Bluebirds will likely grace your visit, and Field Sparrows’
background music is everywhere. But my faithful favorites, spring nesting through fledging time,
are Indigo Buntings. Conspicuously perching equidistantly on tall snags to the back of grassy
frontage, they tweet you along like Buckingham Palace guards. No bins required!
If you want a reliable locale for birds of blue and their song, I cannot
recommend this trail enough! Very underutilized, it’s the best kept new
secret in eastern Berks County. I had to surf for 20 minutes just to find averified address for the trailhead, though I know where it is and how to
get there. That’s how (seemingly) secret this nature immersion
opportunity has been. Check it out!
The Big Woods Trail can be accessed at a trailhead in Union Township,
GPS entry: 165 Center Road, Douglassville PA 19518. Currently,
only parking is provided; no restrooms or water. I’ve noted somemowing in late summer/September which may affect your “tallgrass”
experience. I’ve also gotten kind ranger warnings in November to wear
blaze orange, understanding that these fields are stocked for hunting.
Indigo Bunting.
Photo by Mike Slater4

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Memorable COVID Spring Polar Vortex by Joan Silagy
After visiting Arizona for the first time back in 1979 and seeing all the many species of birds
feeding on oranges and grape jelly, I was determined that I would try doing it at my feeders
when I got home. I
found out the birds here in the East enjoy the fruit as much as those out West do. It's a great way
to attract species that may otherwise never stop at your feeders, and you have the chance to getsome really up closeand personal looks. I had always fed raisins or currants to the N. Mockingbirds and Gray
Catbirds and was able to train both of those species to eat out of my hand and they did so formany years. In early spring the Baltimore Orioles would stop by and feed on the oranges when I
started putting them out.
When I moved to my present location I continued to do so and the numbers of returning
migrants, especially catbirds and orioles, has increased. For 2020, throw a polar vortex into the
picture and the excitement increases. It was a pleasure to stay home following the "Stay atHome" COVID orders, as I was inundated with birds.
In anticipation of the catbirds and orioles returning, I started putting oranges and apples out on
my feeder. I cut them in half, placing the cut side skyward, making it appear like a cup. In a day
or two the catbirds arrived followed shortly by the orioles. I was delighted. After their long flightto reach their northern nesting sites, they are starved as they have used up much of their bodyreserves to get here.

A male Rose-breasted Grosbeak and a male Baltimore Oriole on a feeder with safflower seed and orange halves.
Photo by Mike Slater

Then the numbers started increasing with the Baltimore Orioles in the lead. Okay, I'm up to four
now; no, wait, that's 6 or is it 7? Oh, some of them are on the suet cakes also. More orioles in thebushes -- who's who and what's happening? Wait, there is a first year Orchard Oriole eating theorange. I never had one of them at my feeder before. Time to restock the feeder with more
5Page 6oranges, apples and grape jelly. Where do I put the jelly? In the orange halves because now mostof the juice is gone. First the orioles drink the juice and when it's gone they work on the flesh of
the oranges, so now I'm left with a great natural looking orange cup that I fill with grape jelly.
The number of hungry birds increases and I'm constantly going outside to restock the fruit, seed
and suet cakes. At one point I had 14 Baltimore Orioles on my tray feeder at one time plus two
Orchard Orioles, and to my delight a Bullocks Oriole, a rare visitor from the West. Perched in
the trees and bushes near the feeder were many more orioles waiting their turn. On the suet cakes
nearby were more orioles fussing and fighting plus two male Rose-breasted Grosbeaks. I had
never seen Rose-breasted Grosbeaks feeding on the suet cakes, as they usually prefer thesunflower seed. Brown Thrashers and my local N. Mockingbirds, Downy, Hairy, Red-bellied
woodpeckers, N. Flickers, N. Cardinals, Carolina Wrens, Blue Jays, Tufted Titmice, Whitebreasted Nuthatches and Chickadees all jockeyed for their turn at the suet cakes as well. I also
make some of my own luring bird food (a lard based mix) to put in the suet log and it's next to
impossible to keep that stocked as it's the preferred food. On the tray feeder two beautiful maleIndigo Buntings fed on the millet seed, adding to my enjoyment.
It was a spring polar vortex to be enjoyed, thanks to the birds. I ended up using three bags oforanges, one bag of apples, 2 bags of mandarins, 3 large jars of grape jelly, one large jar of
strawberry jelly, half a jar of sour cherry preserves (my last jelly) and at least 52 suet cakes. It
was an expensive two weeks because that's how long the visitors stayed. During that time a kindfriend with whom I had been sharing my visual sightings mailed me a check for the bird fund, as
she loved hearing the news. The money spent for the pleasure I received from these migrants waswell worth it and in the long run I think we owe it to them. They have a long journey to get here
facing weather obstacles, especially this past spring, natural predators and huge glass buildings,
so why not help them out. They repay us with all the insects they eat and all their beauty andsong they share with us.
In closing, as I thought of all those orioles on the feeder and in the bushes and trees I couldn't
help but think of a Christmas tree because that's the impression they gave me. A tree filled withcolor and I thought how lovely it would be if Monarch Butterflies perched nearby. What
beautifully colored birds they were. The grand rush is over, but think spring of 2021 and beyond.
It's worth the effort and besides, the Red-bellied Woodpeckers and Gray Catbirds just loveoranges all season and often partake of the juice or flesh as they carry it off to feed their young.
When the red-belly comes in to feed, no matter what other bird is on that orange, apple or suet,
they leave. Large beaks rule. Plan ahead for your 2021 feeding frenzy. You may not get a large
number of orioles but even a few are a pleasure and as the orioles learn that you are on thefeeding track they and their friends will return year after year, increasing your odds. Good
Birding.

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Charming Third Time by Art Zdancewic
I frequently walk Green Hills preserve in southwestern Berks. It’s 200 plus acres of warm
weather grasses and forest provide many birding opportunities. There are almost always birds toobserve as soon as you pull into the parking lot. Such was the case recently.
I turned off my pick-up and started to open the door when I glanced at one of several bluebird
boxes located in the parking area. There was a bird sitting on the roof of the box. Usually theseboxes are used by E. Bluebirds or Tree Swallows. In fact, this spring I watched a bluebird
defending this box against Tree Swallows. I believe that the bluebirds were successful infledging their chicks.
Several weeks later the Tree Swallows were guarding the same box and I could hear chicks whena parent arrived with food. Overall, there seemed to be fewer Tree Swallows at Green Hills thanin past years. No Tree Swallows were observed on this visit. Many of the bluebird boxes wereused this spring by Tree Swallows. I think that they have raised their young and moved on toother locations. There were at least 3 successful bluebird nests and possibly more.
On this visit I watched aHouse Wren singing andadding twigs to the box.
My guess is that this was amale looking for a mate.
He was very active.
Bouncing around fromshrub to rock to box while
continually singing. He
added several twigs in the
10 minutes or so that I
watched. One of the twigs
was about a foot long andhe unsuccessfully
attempted to get it into thehole. It was never going tofit. I admired the little guy
for his determination. Afterthe third unsuccessful try,
he wisely chose a smaller
twig.
I’ll visit again in a few days. I am
hopeful that at that visit I find 2
House Wrens. It’s fascinating to me that a single cavity is being used by three species of birds inthe same nesting season. I enjoy building bird boxes and have contended that if you make acavity some creature is going to make it their home. In the case of this particular box, the thirdtime is the charm for me.
House Wren. Photo by Art Zdancewic

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Occurrence of Glaucous Gull and Iceland Gull in Berks County by Rudy
KellerA highlight of winter birding in Berks County is scanning the gull flocks at Blue Marsh L. forrarer species. Highly prized are two arctic visitors, Glaucous and Iceland Gulls. Finding one
among the wheeling, shrieking masses of Ring-billed Gulls is sure to make the day for any
birder. Both were virtually unknown here for most of the 20th century, suddenly becoming morefamiliar in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s, when heaps of stockpiled garbage at a pig farm in
Strausstown attracted tens of thousands of gulls in winter. Before one was seen on the Reading
Christmas Bird Count Dec 21, 1986, Glaucous Gull had been recorded only once, a secondwinter bird at L. Ontelaunee Mar 5-7, 1961. Berks County’s first Iceland Gull, a first-winter bird,
was recorded at L. Ontelaunee Feb 19, 1989. Both species were regular winter visitors for the
next few years while the pig farm operated, moving onto the life lists of many birders. After theStrausstown pig farm closed in 1995, landfills in Berks (especially the one in New Morgan) and
Lebanon Counties took its place as reliable winter food sources for the gulls that loaf and roost inBerks County lakes. What has been the pattern of occurrence of Glaucous and Iceland Gulls
since those early years? A review of 30 years of archived bird records provided answers.
Glaucous Gull has
been the less commonof the two species,
appearing in 21 of the
34 years from 19862020. It has beenrecorded from Dec 9(2000) till Mar 17(2007). Birds havemost often arrived in
Dec or Jan and almost
all have departed by
the end of Feb. There
are only three Mar
records, indicatingthat this gull is truly awinter bird in BerksCounty. During most
winters, only one
Glaucous
Gull has beenThis long staying immature Glaucous Gull was at Blue Marsh Lake for much of JanuaryFebruary 2020 (With an adult Herring Gull behind it). Photo by Mike Slater
seen among thousands ofRing-billed Gulls andHerring Gulls, enhancing our perception of its rarity. Two or more birds have been seen in justfive of 21 winters, with a high count of four in 1992. Glaucous Gulls take four years to mature,
cycling through four plumages on the way. Of the Berks County birds whose ages have beenrecorded, the great majority have been juvenile or first-winter birds. Five second-winter birds,
one third-winter bird and four adults have been reported in 21 years. Some of these birds havebeen one-day wonders, but others have stayed for weeks, such as the first-winter bird reported atBlue Marsh L. Jan 4 till Feb 17, 2020.
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Page 9Immature Iceland Gull (R) with Ring-billed Gulls and an immature Herring Gull (L), Photo by Russ Hoffman

Iceland Gull has been more regular and numerous than Glaucous Gull, appearing in 27 of 31
years from 1989 till 2020, missing only 1990, 2009, 2017 and 2018. It may arrive a little earlier
and leave a little later than Glaucous Gull and has been recorded from Nov 9 (2016) till Apr 19(1995). Most birds have been seen in Dec, Jan and Feb, but there are at least six Mar and four
Apr records. As with Glaucous Gull, single birds have most often been reported, but two or more
Iceland Gulls have been recorded during about 12 of 27 winters. High counts have been five in
1992, five in 2005 and six in 2013. Iceland Gull also matures over four years through four
plumages, but the juvenile or first-winter plumage can vary from very light to quite dark
according to subspecies. As with Glaucous Gull, the great majority of Iceland Gulls whose ages
have been recorded have been first-winter birds at the light end of the color range. A few dark
first winter birds have been reported, including at least four Thayer’s Gulls, recently considered
to be a separate species, but now considered to be a subspecies of Iceland Gull. Second-winterbirds have been reported five times, a third-winter bird once, and adults only three times in 27
years. Though the length of stay of individual birds can be hard to determine, many have been
seen a single day while others have stayed for days or weeks, such as a first-winter bird seen at
Glen Morgan L. Jan 1 till Mar 8, 1995.
Landfills have for decades provided the reliable, concentrated food sources needed by migrating
and wintering gulls in Berks and nearby Chester, Bucks and Northampton Counties. While suchlandfills continue operating, it seems likely that Glaucous and Iceland Gulls will continue to be
prized winter visitors among thousands of more common gulls. Berks County records prior to
1997 are referenced in Uhrich, William D., A Century of Bird Life in Berks County,
9Page 10Pennsylvania. Reading Public Museum, 1997. Thank you to the birders who recorded andsubmitted their observations over the last 30 years. You made this report possible.

BOC 100TH ANNIVERSARY BANQUET PROGRAM
The status of the COVID-19 pandemic in spring of 2021 will determine whether or not BOC
will be able to hold our traditional banquet. As of now, we intend to celebrate our 100th
anniversary with a banquet, and Scott Weidensaul, our most popular speaker, has agreed topresent the program. Below is a press release from Scott’s publisher describing his latest book,which will be available for signing and sale. Final banquet details will be published in the
Spring, 2021 Distelfink. Save the date.

A World on the Wing - The Global Odyssey ofMigratory Birds by Scott Weidensaul(This title will be released on March 30, 2021.)
An exhilarating exploration of the science andwonder of global bird migration.
In the past two decades, our understanding of thenavigational and physiological feats that enable birds tocross immense oceans, fly above the highest mountains,or remain in unbroken flight for months at a stretch has exploded. Certain
species, such as thrushes, avoid dehydration by “drinking” from their own
muscles and organs, extending their flight range by more than two thousand
miles; it now seems all but certain that birds orient themselves using Earth’s
magnetic field through a form of quantum entanglement that made Einsteinqueasy.
These and other revelations convey both the wonder of bird migration and its
global sweep, from the mudflats of the Yellow Sea in China to the remotemountains of northeastern India to the dusty hills of southern Cyprus. This
breathtaking work of nature writing also introduces readers to thosescientists, researchers, and bird lovers trying to preserve global migratory
patterns in the face of climate change and other environmental challenges .

Scott Weidensaul is the author of nearly thirty books, including the
Pulitzer Prize finalist Living on the Wind. A writer and re-searcher
specializing in birds and bird migration, he is a native of Pennsylvania
now living in New Hampshire.
10Page 11

BOC Programs 2020-2021
Sep 11, 7:30 pm - Bird Stack: Two Migratory Seasons at China by Mark Bonta
Mark Bonta was raised in central PA and went on to explore the remote corners of the planet
through service to the Peace Corps and academic research at several small colleges. He has
been involved in environmental conservation efforts in the Philippines, Australia, Honduras,
Mexico, and the US. You can access his publications at https://markbonta.academia.edu/ andhis eBird profile at https://ebird.org/pa/profile/NDE4MTI5/world .
“When the weather is just right along China's NE coast, birds migrating on the East AsianAustralian Flyway pile up on the tips of peninsulas. Fallouts and other phenomena give these
special places their reputations as "bird stacks," none more famous than Laotieshan (Old-IronMountain) at the southern tip of the Liaodong Peninsula. Purely by serendipity, I landed ateaching job in the shadow of Laotieshan in 2018, at the Liaoning University for International
Business and Economics. During one glorious year, I recorded 133 species on campus ponds,
forest, and fields, and gained valuable insights to the threats and opportunities facing Chinesebird conservation. Along the way, I saw clouds of Amur Falcons appear and disappear as if bymagic, thousands of Chestnut-flanked White-eyes streaming over for days on end, orioles,
bulbuls, snipes, flycatchers, grosbeaks, and Phylloscopus leaf warblers all over the ground andtrees, and even Siberian Rubythroats flying into open classroom windows. Join me for aslideshow on this spectacle, and a sobering assessment of the future of birds in one of the most
biodiverse countries in the world.”

Oct 9, 7:30 pm The State of Pennsylvania's Boreal Conifer Forest Birds by Doug Gross(Rescheduled)Pennsylvania mountain conifer forests, found primarily on
glaciated parts of the Allegheny Plateau, are dominated by
spruce and hemlock, but are diminished from pre-settlement
forest. Unlike other Appalachian spruce forests, some ofthose in Pennsylvania harbor Yellow-bellied Flycatcher andBlackpoll Warbler (both PA Endangered). Other species ofstate conservation concern in this habitat include Swainson’sThrush , Northern Waterthrush, Canada Warbler, Red
Crossbill, White-throated Sparrow and formerly Olive-sided
Flycatcher. These boreal conifer forests also host numerous other northern species having highcontinental conservation priorities and PA Species of Greatest Conservation Need status. Doug
Gross, a biologist recently retired from the Pennsylvania Game Commission, will introduce us tosome of these species and speak of management plans for this threatened ecosystem.

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Nov 13, 7:30 pm - Life in the Avian Slow
Lane by Keith Bildstein (Rescheduled)
Keith Bildstein, PhD, retired Director of
Acopian Center of Hawk Mountain Sanctuary,is the author of several volumes on raptor
migration ecology. Keith is presently working
on his next book presently titled “The Secret
Ecology of the World’s 23 Species of Vultures
and Condors.” This presentation will be areview of his work with vultures and condors.
A Turkey Vulture basking in the sun on an electrical tower.
Photo by Mike SlaterDec 11, 7:30 pm - Insect Apocalypse by Dr. Ashley Kennedy (Joint meeting with Mengel
Natural History Society)Your yard might look beautiful, but how do you know if it's contributing to the local ecosystem?
Numerous studies from around the world suggest that insect populations are in decline, andthat affects birds who rely on insects for food. Dr. Ashley Kennedy will show how food webs
connect plants, insects, and birds, and how you can convert your yard into better wildlife
habitat for these groups.
Dr. Kennedy earned her doctorate at the
University of Delaware's Dept. of
Entomology and Wildlife Ecology. She is aboard-certified entomologist, a Science
Policy Fellow of the Entomological Society ofAmerica, and a member of the Delaware
Native Species Commission. She currently
Caterpillars are an important part of the food webs that support researches tick-borne diseases at the Army
birds. Here is a Canadian Owlet Caterpillar eating a Meadow-rue. Public Health Center in Edgewood, MD.
Photo by Mike SlaterJan 8, 7:30 pm - Nicaragua Connection- A Wood Thrush's Journey from Nicaragua to
Tinicum Township, Bucks County by Diane Allison
In 2011 a Wood Thrush that had been banded in Nicaragua died after striking a window in
Tinicum Township Bucks County. Diane traveled to Nicaragua to visit the cloud forest where
this Wood Thrush spent the winter and was banded. Through her photos she will share thisbird's story and open the little known world of birds in Nicaragua to viewers. This land of many
habitats has a treasure of unexplored bird life and is an important wintering ground for many of
our summer breeders. Over 700 species of birds have been found in Nicaragua and the list
grows every day. Join Diane in a visit to the cloud forests, wetlands and pine-oak forests ofNicaragua to see its amazing natural resources.
Diane has lived in Tinicum township, Bucks County for 40 years with her husband Dave. She has
12Page 13served on the board of Bucks County Audubon, and the Tinicum Conservancy. Her interest inbirds has taken her to many places including all 50 states, Europe, Mexico, Central America,
South America, the Galapagos Islands and the Caribbean. She is the compiler for the Central
Bucks Audubon Christmas Bird Count and the compiler for all of Bucks County for thePennsylvania Migration Count since 2001. Diane is on the speakers bureau for the North
American Bluebird Society and has built over 2000 bluebird boxes with school children,community groups and scouts. She enjoys hiking, nature photography and introducing people
to the wonders of birds and nature.
A Wood Thrush on a lawn in Central America (Belize) photo by Mike SlaterFeb 12, 7:30 pm Broad-winged Hawk
Migration Ecology:
Flying from
Pennsylvania to Peru by
Dr. Laurie Goodrich(Rescheduled)
Hawk Mountain has
tracked adult andjuvenile Broad-winged
Hawks throughout their life cycle from 2014 through 2019. Broad-winged Hawks have declined
in southeastern Pennsylvania but remain common in more heavily forested regions. Hawk
Mountain's study is only the second study to use satellite-telemetry with Broad-winged Hawks
and the first to tag males. The talk will detail some of the key findings on range, migration
ecology, stopover and wintering sites as well as emerging conservation threats. Dr. Laurie
Goodrich is the Sarkis Acopian Director of Conservation Science at Hawk Mt. Sanctuary

Mar 12, 7:30 pm - How Birds Made Us Human by Dr. Rob Fergus
People have been living and interacting with birds since before we were human. Manyof the behaviors that we take to be inherently human—including walking upright, using
tools, language, writing, music, dance, sewing, pottery, home building, and flight—were
perfected by birds long before we became human. This presentation looks at the sharedhistory of humans and birds and how we may have became human by copying thesebehaviors from birds in our shared environment.
Dr. Rob Fergus studied bird conservation at the University of Texas, where he received his PhD
in 2008. He was the founding director of the Hornsby Bend (Texas) Bird Observatory and was
the first executive director of the Travis Audubon Society in Austin, Texas. He worked for the
National Audubon Society for nearly 5 years as their senior scientist for Urban Bird
Conservation. Dr. Fergus is currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Geography andthe Environment at Rowan University, where he teaches cultural geography and environmental
science. He also teaches urban ecology and biodiversity courses at Rosemont College in13

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Philadelphia, and provides bird pest control consulting for BirdBGone, Inc. Rob recently moved
from Bucks County, PA to a geothermal home in the wilds of Hunterdon County, NJ where heenjoys birding and exploring nature with his kids.

Apr 8, 7:30 pm To be announced.

May 14 - BOC 100TH Anniversary Banquet – Scott Weidensaul(See announcement above in this newsletter)

Fall 2020 Field Trips
BOC Fall Field Trips
Covid-19 precautions for the BOC Fall Field Trips.
Due to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, the following
precautions will beobserved on field trips:

Red-tailed Hawk- Photo by Ken Lebo

We will try to maintain 6 ft. social distancing. However, eventhough we will be outdoors and the trails at all locations are fairly
wide, it may be unrealistic to maintain constant social distancing,so masks must be worn. Please bring your own optics,
especially spotting scopes when needed. It is difficult if not
impossible to sanitize scopes for multiple users. (Changes may
be made at the discretion of trip leaders.)

September 19 – 9 am to 2 pm Mt. Penn Hawk Watch at the Pagoda – Bill Uhrich, 610-3738109 micheleandbill621@gmail.com
September 26 – 8:00 am
Greenhills Preserve, Gunhart RD, Robeson Twp. – Art
Zdancewic (cell # 610-858-3315) and Tony Grimm (Saturday)
October 3 - 8:00 am
Hopewell Big Woods Trail
Rudy Keller (610-845-7310; rckeller@dejazzd.com) and Sheila Martin
See directions in Sheila's article about the trail in this issue.

October 10 - 8:00 am
Union Meadows Recreation Area– meet at the Schuylkill River
Trail parking lot behind the Fork & Ale Restaurant on Rte. 724 east of Birdsboro. - Linda
Ingram (610-326-9531) and Mike Slater (paplantings@gmail.com) (Saturday)
October 13 6:30 am
Delaware Shorebirds from Delaware City to Bombay Hook –Art Zdancewic.. Meet at the McDonalds in Morgantown. Drive with yourself or with a trusted
friend or family member. Limited to 5 cars, Call Art at cell # 610-858-3315 for reservations andmore info. (Day trip on a Tuesday)
October 17 – 9 am to 2 pm, Mt. Penn Hawk Watch at the Pagoda – Bill Uhrich , 610-3738109 micheleandbill621@gmail.com (Saturday)

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Berks County Birds - Dec 2019 – Feb 2020 by Rudy Keller
Abbreviations: Blue Marsh L. (BML), E. J. Breneman Quarry (BQ), Hawk Mt. Sanctuary(HMS), Kernsville Dam & Recreation Area, Hamburg (KDRC), L. Ontelaunee (LO), State
Game Lands (SGL). Christmas Bird Counts: Reading (RCBC), Bernville (BCBC), Hamburg(HCBC).
Winter was exceptionally mild with virtually no snow cover. Lakes and larger waterways mostly
stayed open and the ground was never deeply frozen. Spring migration of waterfowl and suchpasserines as blackbirds and Fish Crows, which usually begins late in Feb, was well underway by
the beginning of that month.
The enormous wintering population of Snow Geese in the Lehigh Valley again spilled over into
eastern Berks, where flocks of hundreds to 15,000 were often reported. Sightings increased inlate Jan and Feb, when multitudes of geese staged at Middle Creek WMA in Lancaster Co.
Winter’s only Ross’s Goose was photographed as part of a flyover flock of Snow Geese at Green
Hills Preserve 12/27 (NW, DW). Two Greater White-fronted Geese, a typical winter number,were with Canada Geese in the Oley Valley 2/16-20 (RK, m.ob.). A Pink-footed Goose, the firstin 20 years, was a one-day wonder at Gotwals pond, Oley 1/30 (PJW, m.ob.). Pennsylvania’s
first Pink-footed Goose was seen at this pond 3/29/97, attracting dozens of birders to see what
was then a mega-rarity. One to three Cackling Geese, annual in small numbers, were reported
at three places 1/1 till 2/22 (m.ob.). A Canada X dark morph
Snow Goose was at BQ 12/24 (RK). This hybrid combination has previously been described inBerks. A few Dec reports of southbound Tundra Swans were followed in Feb by reports of astrong northbound movement, including 250 flying over the Schuylkill R. 2/9 (EB).
The last Wood Ducks had barely left in early Jan before small numbers began returning in midFeb, such as three at KDRC 2/17 (KG). The seasonal high count of the small, long establishedwintering population of Gadwall around LO was 72 on 2/29 (RK), when migrants were alreadyswelling the numbers. LO is a favored regional spring stopover site for American Wigeon. The
seasonal high count there was 150 on 2/28 (JSp). American Black Duck continued to decline, its
winter high count a mere 28 on the RCBC 12/15. One or two American Black Duck X Mallard
were periodically seen at six locations, showing how widespread this hybrid is. One or two
Northern Pintail were at BQ in Jan and 18 were part of the Feb migratory movement at LO 2/15
(PJW). Open ponds favored wintering by Green-winged Teal, up to seven of which werereported from various places during the period.
Ring-necked Duck, the Aythya that prefers ponds, was well reported, with 18-50 at a farm pond
on Zweizig Rd. near Shoemakersville in Jan and Feb (MW) and up to 35 at BQ during the period.
Canvasback, Redhead, Greater Scaup and Lesser Scaup were far more scarce, with one toseven seen at BQ and a few other places on various dates. Single Long-tailed Ducks werereported at BML 12/3-22 (DP, RH) and Hopewell L., French Creek State Park 2/26. A few
Buffleheads (up to nine at KDRC 12/10 – KG) popped up with Ring-necked Ducks at some ponds
and lakes during the winter. Common Goldeneye, a winter lake duck here, peaked at 10 at BML
1/27 (VS). Patient scans of lakes and shadowy pond edges revealed elegantly cryptic Hooded
Mergansers at many places, with the winter high count of 20 made on the RCBC 12/15. Some
Common Mergansers wintered, but 1000 at LO 2/18 (RK) were part of a migratory surge. Four
Red-breasted Mergansers seen on the RCBC 12/15 were the first on the count since 2008. Two
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Page 16others were at BQ 12/31 (KG) and one was at LO 1/31 (RK). Many counts were made of theannually wintering flock of Ruddy Ducks at BQ, tallying a range of one to 38 birds from 12/4 till
2/23 (m.ob.).
Four Ruffed Grouse were counted on the HCBC 12/29 and one was at SGL 110, Northkill Gap
2/9 (PJW), all on the Kittatinny Ridge, which harbors the last of the county’s grouse. One or two
Pied-billed Grebes wintered at BQ and at a pond in Morgantown. One to three Horned Grebes
at BML 12/2-6 (DP) were late migrants. Birders starting annual lists found two or three EurasianCollared-Doves at the Shartlesville colony during the period. This colony apparently renews
itself, but does not grow. Along with Canada Geese, gangs of corn demanding suburban
Mallards and a few Ruddy Ducks and American Coots have become winter fixtures at BQ. Coot
counts this season usually numbered in single digits, but there was a surge to 30 on 2/1 (CH).
Killdeer were not reported during most of Jan, but birds slowly returned in Feb, with a seasonalhigh count of 12 at Kutztown 2/29 (TU). Wilson’s Snipe were regularly seen only at Rodale
Experimental Farm in Maxatawny Twp., where one to eight were reported on various dates
1/6-23 (m.ob.). Three American Woodcock were displaying at Union Meadows Park near
Birdsboro 2/22 (S&F).
Shrieking masses of gulls sated with landfill delicacies enliven the dark months when theygather on the beach at BML in late afternoon. Birders seeking white-winged gulls among themwere well rewarded this season. Two first winter Iceland Gulls were there 12/3 (JS), when few
birders were paying attention. The next Iceland Gull, a light first winter bird, was not seen till
1/21 (RW), but stayed till 2/8 (RK). This light bird and a dark Thayer’s type bird were seen
together 1/29 till 2/8 (m.ob.), leading to the conclusion that at least two but probably four
different Iceland Gulls were present this season. Sorting out the number of Glaucous Gulls wasequally interesting. A first winter bird was at BML 1/4 till 2/28 (RK, m.ob.). Another bird,
possibly second winter, was at BML 1/17 (RK), and two birds, likely the ones above, according
to photos, were there 1/28 (JH). An older, probably subadult bird was photographed at BML
1/5-9 (SG, DP, PJW, RPW), when neither of the younger birds was apparently present. Thus,
three Glaucous Gulls visited BML this winter. Counts of one to nine Lesser Black-backed Gulls
and one to 10 Great Black-backed Gulls during the period were within expected numerical
ranges.
There were reports of single Red-throated Loons at BML 12/2-13 (DP, JSp). Double-crested
Cormorants did the expected thing by disappearing after 12/15. An adult Northern Goshawk,
now rare in all seasons, was clearly seen perched at close range in Bern Twp. near BML 1/24
(JS). This species has been seen around BML in a few recent winters, perhaps attracted in partby sacrificial pheasants released for the hunting season. Credible winter reports of Golden
Eagles off the Kittatinny Ridge have increased in recent years, but definitive details should
always be provided to distinguish them from the many immature Bald Eagles on the scene. The
BCBC recorded its first Golden Eagle 12/28. Two birds were seen from North Lookout, HMSduring the HCBC 12/29. A probable adult was seen at BML 1/9 (ZM), one was soaring over SGL
106, Pine Swamp Rd. 1/29 (KG), and one was seen near LO 2/9 (JV). Single Northern Harriers
were reported from seven locations, mostly in Dec. These birds are forced to move on because
modern intensive agriculture does not provide vole habitat. The only reported Long-eared Owl
was found on the HCBC 12/29. Two Northern Saw-whet Owls were heard on the HCBC 12/29.
Single birds were attracted by playback at Port Clinton Firetower 12/29 (DKr) and at HMS 1/11
and 2/8 (DKr, MW).
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Mild weather may have induced some Red-headed Woodpeckers to stay on territory rather
than migrate. Birds were recorded on all three CBC’s, which is not the norm, and at someknown breeding locations later in winter. The largest colony currently known is in the vicinity ofAllendale Rd., Shoemakersville, where three pairs were found as late as 12/27 (SM). Red-bellied
Woodpecker, apparently still expanding, was abundant, with a record 202 tallied on the HCBC
12/29. A first year female Rufous Hummingbird first identified in Exeter Twp. 10/14 andbanded by Sandy Lockerman 10/21 was last seen 12/24 (LV). Lack of snowcover probably
helped American Kestrels winter in the low numbers that have become the norm in recent
years. Merlins were recorded on all three CBC’s, including a record four on the BCBC 12/28.
Single birds were reported periodically for the rest of the winter in habitats from rural to urban.
Reading’s resident Peregrine Falcons were seen in Jan. Singletons were seen at Hereford 12/27(JH) and along Bastian Rd. near Bowers 1/26 (DB).
Eastern Phoebes were surviving in Wyomissing 1/9 (LC), at KDRC 1/12 and 2/4 (KG), and atGring’s Mill 1/31 (PJW). Following their decimation, likely by West Nile Virus, numbers of Tufted
Titmice on CBC’s were slightly higher than the lows of last year, but still far below ten-year
averages. In this non-irruption year, single Red-breasted Nuthatches were reported in
Wyomissing Park12/26 (LC) and at Gring’s Mill 2/16. Thanks to a run of non-lethal winters,
Carolina Wrens will enter the 2020 breeding season with a booming population. High numbers
were tallied on the CBC’s, including a record 224 on the HCBC 12/29, and theirs were among
the most frequently heard voices on winter birdwalks. Single Gray Catbirds were found in
Shillington Park 12/2 (NW), at KDRC 12/5 till 1/15 (KG), and on two CBC’s. A Brown Thrasher,still exceptional in winter, was at KDRC 12/6 till 1/23 (KG). In early Dec, a small regional
movement of Pine Siskins, also not irruptive this year, was detected in Berks, with 15 counted
at HMS 12/4 and seven at LO 12/12 (AZ).
Birds associated with cold, snowy winters were scarce. No reported flock of Horned Larks
exceeded 250 birds. Most often encountered were resident birds of the prairie subspecies inpairs or small flocks in fields where they breed. The sole report of American Pipits was of three
on the BCBC 12/28. A Lapland Longspur was near Fleetwood 1/18, 19 (JH, MW). A Snow
Bunting was found on the HCBC 12/29 and one was near Fleetwood 1/19 (MW).
Chipping Sparrows, Fox Sparrows and Eastern Towhees seem to be continuing a trend ofstaying later in fall and perhaps overwintering more regularly. Green Hills Preserve, a farmconverted to warm season grassland and edge, held three Fox Sparrows 12/27 and five Eastern
Towhees 2/18 (NW). Red-winged Blackbirds and Common Grackles, normally about 30 miles
southwest of Berks in winter, stayed later and returned early (e.g., 2000 Red-winged Blackbirds
near Bowers 1/26 (DB) and 1000 Common Grackles near Morgantown 2/3 (RK, AZ). An Orangecrowned Warbler was photographed on the Exeter Scenic River Trail 12/22 (RH). There wereeight recorded in Dec and Jan during the 20th century, most recently in 1995. This is the firstsince then. A Pine Warbler was photographed in its eponymous habitat at Daniel Boone
Homestead 12/3, 5 (SF). There have been several winter records, from single sightings to
overwintering birds, of this species since 2000. There was just one, in 1957, in the 20 th century.
Yellow-rumped Warblers were reported in their usual small winter numbers, mostly in the
Schuylkill R. valley. Two Purple Finches visited a Bern Twp. feeder 12/31 and a single bird
visited there 2/14 (JS).

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OBSERVERS: Rudy Keller, 71 Lutz Rd., Boyertown, PA 19512, rckeller@dejazzd.com, Joe
Beatrice, Debbie Beer, Dan Brennan, Tom Buehl, Lucy Cairns, Catherine Elwell, Mike
Epler, Scott Godshall, Kerry Grim, M-T Grob, Holly Hartshorne, Dan Hinnebusch, Russ
Hoffman, MiMi Hoffmaster, Jason Horn, Chris Hugosson, Linda Ingram, Ted Keen,
Edward Komito, Dave Kruel, Zach Millen, Sandra Moroney, Derek Price, Mike Reese, Joan
Silagy, Victoria Sindlinger, Mike Slater, Jo Spilde, Stollery & Flood, Bill Uhrich, Todd
Underwood, Lois Vedock, Jeff Vinosky, Ron Wagner, Todd Watkins, Helen Weaver, Drew
Weber, Nelson Weber, Matt White, Richard & Pat Williams, Peter & Jane Wolfe, Matt
Wlasniewski, Art Zdancewic.

Berks County Birds, March – May, 2020 by Matt Wlasniewski
Locations: Bartram Trail (BAT), Berne Township (BT), Blue Mountain Academy (BMA), Blue
Marsh Lake (BML), Blue Marsh Lake State Hill Boat Launch (BMLSH), Blue Marsh Lake Sheidy
Boat Launch (BMLSBL), EJ Breneman Quarry (BQ), Exeter Scenic River Trail (ESRT), French Creek
State Park (FCSP), Gotwals Pond (GP), Hamburg Commerce Park (HCP), Hamburg Reservoir (HR),Hawk Mountain North Lookout Data (HMNL), Hawk Mountain South Lookout (HMSL), Hay Creek(HC), Kernsville Dam Recreation Area (KDRA), Kutztown University (KU), Lake Ontelaunee (LO),
Lake Ontelaunee Bailey’s Creek (LOBC), Lake Ontelaunee Blue Falls (LOBF),Lake Ontelaunee
Water Street (LOWA), Lake Ontelaunee West Shore Drive (LOWS), Lowland Road Retention Pond
(LRRP), Monacacy Hill Recreation Area (MHRC), Mount Penn (MP), Old Topton Road (OTP),
Peter’s Creek (PC), Pine Swamp Road (PSR), Sacony Trail (ST), Shartlesville Farm Pond (SFP), State
Game Lands 52 (SGL52), State Game Lands 106 (SGL106), State Game Lands 110 North Kill Gap(SGL110), Trout Run Reservoir (TRR).
March 13, 2020 was a Friday that turned out to have a larger than anticipated impact on the lives ofBerks Countians. For on that date, the term COVID-19 became part of everyone’s daily life. We
discovered that we had taken the freedom to move freely in our communities for granted. Birders,
although restricted in some parts of Berks County, continued to pursue their pastime and file theirreports which now probably included more sightings with less travel---even their own backyards if thechanges to their employment kept them at home. Life changed on that Friday the thirteenth and birding
provided an avenue to reduce the stress of COVID-19.
Snow Goose migration routes continued to avoid Berks County with fewer flocks of large numbers
spending days on the two major lakes and surrounding farms. Three exceptions were: 1500 Snow
Geese in the fields along Zweizig Road 3/1 (MW), 5000 at Gotwals Pond 3/1 and 6000 at the same
location 3/4 (RK). A single Cackling Goose was found in a flock of geese at LOBC 3/1 (RK).
Three immature Mute Swans arrived at SFP 5/2 and stayed until 5/9, which included side trips to nearby
lakes. Six Mute Swans were also seen at Bernhart’s Dam 5/28 (JSp). On 5/17, KG was surprised to find
two unbanded Trumpeter Swans at SFP. Unfortunately, they had flown when he returned with hiscamera. Tundra Swans continue to prefer LO for stopovers. On 3/4, RK counted 153 at LO while on 3/2,
MW tallied 87 Tundra Swans there.
Nine Blue-winged Teal were found at Peter’s Creek 4/23 (JW, PW) and two were seen foraging along theshoreline of LO 4/18 (RK, MW). On 4/18, RK found a good number of Northern Shovelers, 16, at LO
where he also found twelve Canvasback 3/13. A lone drake Redhead found SFP to its liking and wasseen there 4/19 to 5/17 (MW, m. obs.). At LO, JH counted 11 Redheads 3/12 and on 3/9 DK had 14 at
the same lake.

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Several storms forced “storm birds” to rest on the two main lakes in Berks. On 3/13, DP foundfive Greater Scaup at BMLSH. JW and PW braved the weather to count three Greater Scaup at LO 3/30.
Greater numbers of Lesser Scaup sought refuge on Berks lakes as did 20 on LO 4/18 (MW, RK) and 30 on
BMLSH 3/29 (DP). The 4/18 storm resulted in two Surf Scoters and one White-winged Scoter stoppingat BMLSH (MW, JW, PW).
Long-tailed Ducks usually appear in small numbers in Berks, such as two at LO 4/6 (MW). But MS
counted an unusually high number of 32 Long-tailed Ducks at BMLSH 3/20. At LO, RK totaled
362 Bufflehead, a more common storm bird, in scattered groups on 4/18. A high number, 13, of themore uncommon Common Goldeneye, weathered a storm at LO 3/20 (RK).
On 3/1, RK watched 357 Common Mergansers feed at LOWS. A female Common Merganser wasobserved teaching two young how to fish in the Schuylkill River at Berne Bridge 5/7 (MW). Eleven Redbreasted Mergansers were seen at two different locations: BML 4/18 (RH) and LO (RK).
A single Red-throated Loon appeared at LO 5/16 and 5/23 (RK, DP). Common Loon numbers vary witheach storm. At LO, MW counted eight on 4/9 while 51 Common Loons rested at LO 4/13 (JW, MW, PW).
A surprising 357 Common Loons arrived before the fishermen at BML 4/18 (JS) but were scared away by
the noisy fishing boats. A high number of Horned Grebes, 21, displayed their breeding plumage at
BMLSH 3/27 (DP). Only one Red-necked Grebe was reported this quarter at LO 5/13 (JW, MW, PW).
Double-crested Cormorants are usually seen at LO and BML, such as the 35 at LO 4/13 (MW).
Surprisingly, KK added Double-crested Cormorant to her yard list when 35 flew over Mount Penn 4/20.
Single American Bitterns made appearances throughout Berks. On 4/16, one fed at LRRP (MW). On
4/25, SF discovered one hiding along the shoreline of LO. Two American Bitterns flushed at PC 4/25
(TU). The Great Blue Heron rookery at New Bethel Church Road numbered 17 nests 5/9 (MW) and therookery at Van Reed Road in Spring Township had 28 herons present 3/22 (EB). The first reported Great
Egret was at LRRP 4/6 (MW). LW photographed a Cattle Egret next to a small herd of cows along Hoch
Road in Fleetwood. The curious cattle were lined up along the fence within six feet of the egret.
Six Black-crowned Night-Herons were seen along the marshes of BML at the Old Church Road access
4/25 (JW, PW).
Spring migration count at HMS was conducted 4/1 to 5/15. This year the total count was 30% above theten year average. 1269 raptors of 14 species were counted. Increases were noted for Bald Eagle, Turkey
Vulture and Broad-winged Hawk. Decreases were counted for Northern Harrier, Black
Vulture and Sharp-shinned Hawk. On 5/17, the 7th record for Mississippi Kite, a non-migrating raptor,
flew to the southwest past the north lookout. It was an adult bird. The high count day tallied 392 hawks(LG, HMNL).
The first report of Osprey in Berks was on 4/4 at KDRA along the Schuylkill River. An immature Golden
Eagle surprised a group of Sunday morning birders at LO 3/1 (MS, MW).
The Virginia Rail was seen and heard calling at KDRA 4/12 to 5/2 (KG, MW). On 4/23, KG saw and heard
four Virginia Rails on both sides of the marsh trail at KDRA. In Bern Township, JS stopped her yard workwhen she heard Sandhill Cranes calling as they flew overhead 3/9. She lives near Blue Marsh Lake.
Three Semipalmated Plovers sought cover at LOWA 5/26 (RK). A 5/25 storm forced a nice variety ofshorebirds to seek shelter at HCP 5/26, including two Solitary Sandpipers, a Spotted Sandpiper,
one Greater Yellowlegs, 3 Lesser Yellowlegs, a Least Sandpiper and 4 Baird’s Sandpipers (MW). The
scattered storms provided rain pool feeding areas for a variety of migrating shorebirds.
A Dunlin appeared at the School Road farm pond 5/23 (RK). A male Red-necked Phalarope foundenough food at the same School Road farm pond on 4/30 to return on 5/13 and stay until 5/17 (JW,
MW, PW and m. obs.).
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Twenty Wilson’s Snipe fed in a rain pool along Siegfriedale Road in Kutztown 4/17 (TU). Four American
Woodcock began displaying in the fields along River Road 3/1 and six were at the same site 3/2 (MW).
A frequent spring migrant in Berks, 150 Bonaparte’s Gulls stopped at LO after a storm 4/18 (RK). At
BML, RK found a holdover Greater Black-backed Gull 3/4. Four Caspian Terns made a fleeting
appearance at LOBC 4/19 (JW, PW). Two irregular visitors appeared 4/18 after storms—a Common
Tern at LO (J Sp) and a Forster’s Tern at BMLSH (DP).
Eurasian Collared-Doves were present all quarter at their usual spot-Shartlesville. However, on 3/2,
seven doves, a new high count, were photographed as they fed at a farm (CDP, JCP). A Short-eared
Owl perched on a traffic sign in Hamburg’s farm area 3/10 (MW). Common Nighthawks made their first
appearance 5/23, with three seen in Leesport (EB) and three in Morgantown (HH). SGL 110 remains the
only nesting area for Eastern Whip-poor-will. KG heard three 4/28 and MW saw and heard four 5/1 inthat location. On 5/23, MW observed a female Ruby-throated Hummingbird taking worms from a gypsy
moth worm nest.
The Peregrine Falcons’ nesting at 5th and Penn in Reading was successful this year with two young being
fledged (BU, m. obs.). Migrant flycatchers were scarce in Berks but these four were
documented: Yellow-bellied Flycatcher 5/16 at TRR (RK), Acadian Flycatcher at Neversink Mt Preserve5/17 (RK), Alder Flycatcher at Jim Dietrich Park 5/23 (J Sp), and Least Flycatcher at SGL 110 (KG).
An early arrival date for Purple Martin at the Mill Hill Road gourds was 4/4 (MW). The earliest Purple
Martin arrival date on record is 3/28/1984 (KG) at a colony in Hamburg. Cliff Swallows arrived at LO 5/1(DB). The new bridge at Berne had nesting Cliff Swallows 5/14 (MW).
On 5/16, MW observed a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher taking worms from a Gypsy Moth nest to a nearby tree
at SGL 106. Golden-crowned Kinglets sang loudly on their stopover in SGL 110 where MW counted 79 inseveral groups 4/4.
Gray-cheeked Thrush sometimes get overlooked during migration but single birds were seen at: Buxton
Conservancy 5/17 (MSl), Nolde Forest 5/25 (DK) and William Penn Forest 5/10 (AZ). Bad weather often
brings American Pipits to the fields in Berks and such was the case 3/28 when MW found 50 along
Mertz Road and 4/18 when TU watched 30 feed along the roadside.
Birders found 33 warbler species during migration. Perhaps the most cooperative was a
singing Prothonotary Warbler found 5/12 at ESRT (RH, m.obs.). (Error! Reference source not found.) It
was last documented 5/25 (RH). Mourning Warblers proved to be easier to locate this season with eight
different birds being documented by birders.
A Le Conte’s Sparrow photographed KDRA 3/9 (KG) was a new species for Berks. An earlier photograph
2/18 (AM) was shown to KG after his discovery. The first birder had difficulty with his bird’s
identification and then didn’t know who to notify of his discovery. Lincoln’s Sparrows appeared in fivereports from all four corners of Berks: 5/3 at Peter’s Creek (JB), 5/14 at Berne Bridge (KG), 5/15 at North
Park (JW, PW), 5/17 at Kutztown (NL) and 5/18 at FC (RK). A singing Blue Grosbeak caught the attentionof KG 5/19 at KDRA.
On May 9, a record setting polar vortex dropped down from Canada and surprised the northeast withfreezing temperatures and snow. Several locations recorded the lowest May temperatures ever. From
Texas to Maine, temperatures fell in every state in the eastern half of the lower 48 north of Florida.
Caught in this mayhem were millions of migrants. Berks also had freezing temperatures which destroyedsome of the food for those hungry birds. Baltimore Orioles and Orchard Orioles began showing up at
residential feeding stations that had never had those birds so close to their windows. The birds were
desperate to replace the food lost to the cold temperatures and consumed oranges, grape jelly and suet
in a frenzy. Baltimore Orioles competed with the usual suet eaters such as Red-bellied Woodpeckers.
eBbird records show almost unbelievable numbers in a period of two weeks after May 9. For the week
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Page 21of 5/9, 462 Baltimore Oriole sightings were reported; for the week of 5/15, there were 406. These
numbers do not include Baltimore Orioles seen but not reported. The average homeowner who put out
feeders for the children to enjoy were depleting the shelves of oranges and grape jelly. Hardware storesin Hamburg had to order more feeders just when the bird feeding purchases normally slow
down. Orchard Oriole sightings peaked at a much lower rate but still sightings were above normal.
During the week of 5/1 there were 33 reports and 22 for the week of 5/8.
Observers: Matt Wlasniewski, 191 Scenic Drive, Hamburg, PA 19526, 610-4638845, martind28@comcast.net Ed Barrell, Joe Beatrice, Dan Brennan, Chris Della Penna, Joey Della
Penna, Jane Evangelista, Steven Fordyce, Laurie Goodrich & HMS Volunteers/Staff, Mary-Therese Grob,
Kerry Grim, Holly Hartshorne, Jason Horn, Russell Hoffman, Dean Kendall, Rudy Keller, Kristen Kennedy,
Daryl Klopp, Dave Kozlovsky, Edward Komito, Katrina Knight, Sandy Lockerman, Nathan Lewis, Andy
Matsko, Sandra Moroney, Derek Price, Joan Silagy, Mike Slater, Matt Spence, Jo Spilde (JSp), Stollery &Flood, Todd Underwood, Bill Uhrich, Linford Weber, Jane Wolfe, Peter Wolfe, Art Zdancewic.

B.O.C. Officers 2020-2021
President - Tony Grimm 1148 Old Mill Lane, Wyomissing, PA 19610 610-780-0340 - afgrimm@aol.com
Vice-President – Lucy Cairns 20 Wyomissing Ct, Wyomissing, PA 19610, 610-223-4501 - ljanetcairns@gmail.com
Treasurer – Charles Coleman, 129 Grecian Terrace, Sinking Spring, PA 19608 610-7632548 - coleman1801@comcast.net

Secretary – Sheila Martin 554 Mullen Hollow Road, Birdsboro PA 19508 610-858-6005- sheilamartin554@gmail.com

Past President - Art Zdancewic 331 Sell Road, Mohnton, PA 19540, 610-858-3315 - art.zdancewic@gmail.com
Elected Members of the Board of Directors
Linda Ingram* 29 Unionville Road, Douglassville, PA 19518 - 610-326-9531 - lindamingram29@gmail.com
Rudy Keller* 71 Lutz Road, Boyertown, PA 19510, 610-845-7310 rckeller@fastmail.com
Joanne Kintner 441 Township Line Rd., Bechtelsville, PA 19505 - 610-369-1585- jrkestrel@msn.com
Mike Slater* 4411 New Holland Road, Mohnton, PA 19540 home: 610-775-3757 – cell: 610-698-4031
paplanting@gmail.com* Newsletter Committee

21Page 22

Dues reminder BOC dues are due September 1, 2020. Please use th
We are all struggling to get through this new world we find ourselves in. Your board hasplanned a great schedule of virtual meetings and field trips. Plus, some great surprises
for our 100th Anniversary. Unfortunately, all this does cost money. Please use the form
at the end of this newsletter and mail your dues to: Charles Coleman, Treasurer, 129
Grecian Terrace
Sinking Spring, PA 19608-1164

Contact: membership@bairdornithological.club

BOC 2020-2012 Membership Form
Dues $15/year (make check payable to B.O.C.)
Payment is due in September for the year running from September through August.

Please print out this form and mail it to the address below..

Name:
Address:

email address: (required to receive electronic communications and the link to receive
the digital copy of The Distelfink from BOC):________________________________________________________

By supplying my eMail address I give my permission for BOC to contact me by email forclub related announcements and newsletters.
[ ] I do not have access to or can’t read an electronic version of the newsletter,
please send me a quick-printed version by USPS.

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Send this form with payment to the payable to BOC and mail to:
Charles Coleman, Treasurer
129 Grecian Terrace
Sinking Spring, PA 19608-1164
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