Birding Spotlight of Cameron County this weekend

 

Birding Spotlight of Cameron County this weekend

The Pennsylvania Society for Ornithology (PSO) is holding a birding spotlight of Cameron County from October 14-17. As part of this spotlight Sinnemahoning State Park staff and volunteers will be conducting several birding tours for those who are interested.

A guided bird walk will be held Friday, October 14th, from 2:00 PM – 3:45 PM at the 40 Maples Day Use Area. Goes through open field, early successional habitat, and may include conifer forest and mixed deciduous forest, depending on route choice of participants. Likely species: sparrows, confusing fall warblers, backyard birds. Includes an overview of where to go in the park to see other species. Distance 1.5-2 miles over slightly uneven gravel and natural trail surfaces. Minimal elevation change, some small hills. Sturdy shoes recommended. Led by park educator and local birder Barb Gee. Park in main parking lot of 40 Maples Day Use Area, GPS 41.4509, -78.0472. Meet at Pavilion 1.

A bird walk for experienced birders will be led by local birder, Mark Johnson, on Saturday, October 15th, from 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM on the Lowlands Trail. Walk may run later depending on amount of birds seen. Goes through mixed lowland habitat and open fields. Likely species: sparrows, confusing fall warblers, backyard birds. Includes an overview of where to go in Cameron County to see other species. Distance 1.5-2 miles, slightly uneven gravel and natural trail surfaces and some off-trail meadow walking. Minimal elevation change, some small hills. Sturdy waterproof shoes recommended. Led by local birder Mark Johnson. Park at the Wildlife Center (park office) GPS 41.4735, -78.0562. Meet by the main door of the building.

A bird watch from the pontoon boat will be held Sunday, October 16th, from 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM, with stops along edges of 145-acre lake. Viewing habitat includes shoreline, tributaries, mature hardwood forest, meadows, and mixed lowland habitat. Likely species: waterfowl, shorebirds, sparrows, etc. Includes an overview of where to go in the park to see other species. Dress in warm layers as it is cool on the lake in the morning. Life vests will be provided. No walking required; boat is wheelchair accessible. Led by park educator, with spotting and identification done by participants. Park at Lake Day Use Area, GPS 41.4226, -78.0296. Group size limited to 18 bird watchers. Meet at the boat launch.

No pre-registration required for these free programs.

For more information about PSO or the birding spotlight of Cameron County, please contact Chad Kauffman at chadkauffman@earthlink.net.