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A Christmas Bird Count Adventure
It’s 6:50AM on a Saturday morning (Dec 15) and I’m heading to my first Christmas Bird Count. It’s cold, dark, and raining. Yippee.
What’s a Christmas Bird Count ? It’s a program administered by the National Audubon Society that uses volunteer birdwatchers to take a census of birds in the Northern & Western Hemisphere winter. Yep, that’s right. Folks go out into the cold winter woods to count numbers & species of birds. Then they report this to the Audubon Society.
Dating back to Dec 1900, this is described as the longest running citizen science survey in the world. Now in year 118. The Audubon Society also partners with several other organizations in the rest of the Western Hemisphere.
According to a Facebook post by Robert Mulvihill of the National Aviary, there are 15 designated counting circles in SW PA. Each is headed by a Compiler who, as the name implies, compiles the data for that particular circle & sends it up the ladder. I’m joining the Washington Circle where the Compiler is Thomas Contreras, a Professor in the Biology Department at W & J. That’s where we’ll meet. Several other volunteers show up there. Others will be heading out directly from home to their pre-designated area in the circle. Others will be counting at bird feeders. No doubt they’ll be warmer & drier than we’ll end up.
After short discussions I’m partnered with a life -long birder. And ‘partnered’, in the birding sense only since he’s the senior managing partner in a prestigious law firm and I’m an unpaid summer intern just finishing up pre-law. (See ‘gofer’ or ‘nephew’, whichever applies.) Although, in this case, my partner was more than companionable. And if you’re going to spend 3 hours walking in the cold rain with someone, companionable is the least that you hope for.
We got our assigned area and headed out. We ended up south of Washington in the area around Prosperity & Bells Lakes, crisscrossing Ten Mile Creek or some tributary several times.
A few things I learned from my birding partner :
There’s a big difference between a ‘walk in the woods’ and a birders ‘walk in the woods’. The latter is much, much, much, slower. In 3 hours in the field my partner estimated that we’d only walked about 1.5 miles. After all, if you’re looking for ” little brown jobs ” (an informal term referring to the large families of small plain colored birds) hiding in the brush you have to look long & hard.
There’s also some unique vocabulary & techniques :
“Pishing” is simply the act of saying “pish,pish,pish” several times in the hope that a curious bird will poke it’s head out of the brush. You do it in the same tone you might use in saying “Psshh” to someone. Not too loud. It didn’t help flush any birds that day but, later, it would get my dogs attention every time.
“Squeaking” is another form of pishing. To squeak, nosily kiss the back of your hand. This makes a noise, you hope, like a bird scolding a predator. It can entice other birds to join in.
You can also get something called a “squeaker”. A little noise maker to do something similar. Although when I searched “birders squeaking noise” I got a video of a parrot that made a squeaking sound when squeezed. Followed by an endless series of videos of parrots making funny sounds. Who knew?
The binoculars recommended were typically described in range of 843 or 845 to 1050. The 8 or 10 refers to magnification. And there’s a tradeoff. The lower magnification gives a wider field of vision while the higher magnification offers a narrower field. For hand held binoculars, and for following a bird in flight, a wider field is very important. And water proof binoculars with good lens optics do not come cheap. A truly good pair can cost $1500-$2000.
Well, it rained the entire time we were out. And the temperature hovered around 46F. Chilling. About 2 hours into the field trip I decided I better put my gloves on or I wouldn’t be able to grip the keys for my cars ignition.
Did the birds cooperate? Not so much. In that weather any bird with an instinct for self -preservation was hunkered down in the thickest brush it could find, trying to stay warm and dry.
But, will I do it again? Absolutely. It is a way to learn something new while doing something worthwhile. And if you’re lucky, that’s as good as retirement gets.
Ken Yonek
12/16/18
Two Local Christmas Bird Counts
If you’re a birder, or curious about what birders do, or maybe just looking for an outdoor activity and to meet some new people interested in nature, consider the following:
Washington, PA Bird Count, Dec.15
Contact is Tom Contreras at [email protected]
I am happy to announce that the Washington PA’s 45th Annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count will be held on Saturday, 15 December, 2018.
Field participants will meet at 7:30am in 305 Dieter-Porter Hall (W&J College) at the corner of College St. and East Maiden St.
Field participants should be able to park in the Grant Street lot across from Swanson Hall at the corner of Grant St. and Lincoln St. or in the lot directly behind Dieter-Porter Hall (access to lot from College St.).
It’s important that those of us doing field counts meet to discuss coverage and travel within the count circle.
If you absolutely can’t make it in to W&J that morning, but would still like to participate in the field count, please contact me the week before the count so we can arrange proper coverage for the count circle.
I need to know who will be helping with the field count, so please contact me by email or phone (724-223-6118) to let me know if you can help with the field count.
If you know of anyone else who would like to participate, have them email me.
For those of you watching your bird feeders on the day of the count, I have attached a checklist which you can fill out and send back to me sometime before 20 January, 2018. Remember to only record the maximum number of individuals of a particular species you’ve observed at one time—this will help to avoid double-counting of individuals.
Thanks to all of you for your help with this year’s count.
Let’s hope the weather cooperates.
To see results from previous years, go to https://netapp.audubon.org/cbcobservation/ and enter “PAWS” as the “Count Code”. Results go all the way back to the first counts for this area in the 1970’s.
Also, my cell phone number is 724-413-2310 in case there are any weather-related issues on the day of the count and you want to contact me to determine the status of the count.
Buffalo Creek event in Washington County, Dec.16
Buffalo Creek in Washington Co. on Dec. 16th.
If interested in participating contact Larry Helgerman, coordinator, at [email protected] or 412-508-032.
Shop Local, Travel Local: 4 Mon River Farmers Markets To Visit This Fall
Who doesn’t love a good farmers market? Fresh local produce and small business wares hold a special place in many of our hearts. And if there’s one thing Pennsylvania has plenty of, it’s farmers markets! Even better, these markets are hosted in scenic Pennsylvania river towns, many of which include beautiful places to hike.
Shopping and nature…that sounds like the perfect combination for a weekend trip! So before planning your next long drive into the great outdoors, hold off on typing “scenic hikes near me” into Google and consider visiting these lovely towns and farmers markets.
- Elizabeth (15 Miles From Pittsburgh) - The Elizabeth Homemade-Homegrown Market kicked off its 2017 season earlier this month, and will operate every second Saturday from June to October. Organized by the owner of local business Yogastyle Studio, the event has caught on thanks to the number of local craft makers and farm vendors. The market works with local nonprofit development groups and is a great place to find fresh produce, homemade one-of-a-kind jewelry, soap, and crafts. Our Recommendation: Elizabeth is a great daytime or weekend destination. Keep an eye on their farmers market on Facebook, and plan on taking some time to walk around this beautiful area. The market runs from 9am to 1pm, so you’ll have plenty of time to wander in Elizabeth’s busy and charming downtown. It features historic buildings and an authentic feel, not to mention a number of trails worth venturing onto. You’ll especially want to check out the Grand Theatre, built in 1902 as a Vaudeville House; today it’s one of the few remaining single screen movie theatres operating in the Mon Valley.
- Monongahela (17 Miles From Pittsburgh) - Named for the river it borders, this river town’s farmers market runs every Friday from June to October, in Chess Park, from 3-6pm. The beautiful market operates next to the park and runs into the heart of Monongahela Main Street District. Our Recommendation: Don’t settle for following this event on Facebook! Take a day off from work, make the quick drive south, and kick off your weekend with a dose of local beauty. Chess Park is absolutely worth taking a stroll through, before or after you shop. You’ll also want to explore Monongahela as a whole, which houses sites important to the Whiskey Rebellion as well as the local Underground Railroad. If you can, you’ll definitely want to check out an event at the Monongahela Aquatorium as well, as nothing compares to this unique riverside venue!
- Morgantown (75 Miles From Pittsburgh) - If you’re itching to venture out of Pennsylvania, Morgantown is a mere 75 miles away in West Virginia. While the town is quieter than usual in the summer - when most West Virginia University students head home - it still has plenty to offer visitors, including a farmer’s market that operates every Saturday from 8:30am to noon at Morgantown Market Place. Our Recommendation: Take an entire weekend to explore Morgantown. The area was once prime settlement territory, meaning it’s packed full of history. You can catch a glimpse of the area’s glass and coal heritage at the Morgantown Museum and in display cases at the Seneca Center. The area is also full of theaters, museums, parks, and eateries - plus a handful of microbreweries. If you’re the outdoors type, you won’t want to miss the chance to paddle on the nearby Cheat River or Big Sandy Creek, as both are beautiful places to kayak. Save some energy to hike the trails of Coopers Rock State Forest!
As you can see, these four towns offer a great combination of shopping and outdoor exploration. You’ll absolutely want to keep them on your list of places to visit, especially as you search for beautiful places to kayak, for scenic hikes near you, or for your next great farmers market find. Want to find out exactly what’s happening in these towns, as well as their sister Mon River Towns? Visit our website calendar anytime to find out what’s happening, and remember to save the date for your next adventure!
Let’s Paddle: History, Whiskey, And David Bowie Will Collide This July
Whiskey, David Bowie, kayaking - these are a few of our favorite things, and they’re coming together in an unexpected way later this month. On Sunday, July 30th, the Mon River Town Program will host the 2017 Rebel Rebel Float Trip with Venture Outdoors and with support by National Road Heritage Corridor, Wigle Whiskey, and the Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds & Rivers.
The full name of this event? “Rebel Rebel Float Trip: the Whiskey Rebellion with a Bowie Twist.” During this guided float trip, storytellers will lead the way for a 4.5 mile guided kayaking trip on Monongahela River, sharing the story of the Whiskey Rebellion.
The Whiskey Rebellion…
In 1791 protests broke out against the young United States government’s first new tax of a domestic product. Though the tax applied to all distilled spirits, whiskey was the most popular beverage of choice - especially in western Pennsylvania, where whiskey distilleries were thriving. Protests against the new tax were often violent, eventually forcing president George Washington to respond to the crisis.
…with a Bowie Twist.
The Mon River Town Program is especially excited that this harrowing tale from western Pennsylvania’s past will be shared during our float trip in an entirely new way. As we travel along one of the most beautiful places to kayak in the area, we’ll be calling on the voice and music of David Bowie to help us dive into this piece of Pennsylvania history. Why Bowie? Because we believe that a spirit of rebellion - revolution even - threaded the experiences of the rebels and David Bowie (albeit nearly 200 years removed). We’ll use music and interpreters in such a way that you won’t possibly forget what the Whiskey Rebellion meant to both the region and a young nation.
Sign up and join us for this unforgettable event!
You won’t want to miss out on this wonderful paddle. This most rebellious experience will be held on the Mon River between Webster and Monongahela, about 50 minutes outside of Pittsburgh. The experience will be limited to 25 guests with ticket prices beginning at $75. A $75 ticket to the event includes:
- A guided paddle and tour on the Mon River, a beautiful place to kayak
- An exclusive, rustic riverfront period supper at the Monongahela Aquatorium
- 2 cocktail samples courtesy of Wigle Whiskey
- David Bowie tunes and covers, also at the Monongahela Aquatorium
And for $10 more you can rent a kayak through the Mon River Town Program and Venture Outdoors.
Attendees will receive more information about meeting at the local kayak boat launch for this event. This is a 21 and over event with a rain date scheduled for August 6.
Tickets are on sale now, so be sure to purchase yours before they’re all gone! And if you’re unable to make it to this particular event, we invite you to visit our website calendar anytime to explore other local events, and to save the date for your next adventure!
With A Special Thanks To Our Sponsors and Partners:
Shop Local, Travel Local: 4 Mon River Farmers Markets And Towns To Visit
Who doesn’t love a good farmers market? Fresh local produce and small business wares hold a special place in many of our hearts. And if there’s one thing Pennsylvania has plenty of, it’s farmers markets! Even better, these markets are hosted in scenic Pennsylvania river towns, many of which include beautiful places to kayak and hike.
Shopping and nature…that sounds like the perfect combination for a weekend trip! So before planning your next long drive into the great outdoors, hold off on typing “scenic hikes near me” into Google and consider visiting these lovely towns and farmers markets.
- Elizabeth (15 Miles From Pittsburgh) - The Elizabeth Homemade-Homegrown Market kicked off its 2017 season earlier this month, and will operate every second Saturday from June to October. Organized by the owner of local business Yogastyle Studio, the event has caught on thanks to the number of local craft makers and farm vendors. The market works with local nonprofit development groups and is a great place to find fresh produce, homemade one-of-a-kind jewelry, soap, and crafts. Our Recommendation: Elizabeth is a great daytime or weekend destination. Keep an eye on their farmers market on Facebook, and plan on taking some time to walk around this beautiful area. The market runs from 9am to 1pm, so you’ll have plenty of time to wander in Elizabeth’s busy and charming downtown. It features historic buildings and an authentic feel, not to mention a number of trails worth venturing onto. You’ll especially want to check out the Grand Theatre, built in 1902 as a Vaudeville House; today it’s one of the few remaining single screen movie theatres operating in the Mon Valley.
- Monongahela (17 Miles From Pittsburgh) - Named for the river it borders, this river town’s farmers market runs every Friday from June to October, in Chess Park, from 3-6pm. The beautiful market operates next to the park and runs into the heart of Monongahela Main Street District. Our Recommendation: Don’t settle for following this event on Facebook! Take a day off from work, make the quick drive south, and kick off your weekend with a dose of local beauty. Chess Park is absolutely worth taking a stroll through, before or after you shop. You’ll also want to explore Monongahela as a whole, which houses sites important to the Whiskey Rebellion as well as the local Underground Railroad. If you can, you’ll definitely want to check out an event at the Monongahela Aquatorium as well, as nothing compares to this unique riverside venue!
- Fredericktown (43.5 Miles From Pittsburgh) - Every Saturday from 9am to noon, Fredericktown’s market bustles with the sounds of shoppers looking for produce and homemade goods to take home with them. The early morning operation means that it’s very easy to visit and start your day with a dose of local sights, smells, and more. Our Recommendation: While Elizabeth and Monongahela can be visited for a day, Fredericktown is definitely a weekend destination spot. The farmer’s market will be the perfect introduction to the area, and browsing through this lovely rural area will certainly provide a relaxing change of scenery. Fun fact: Fredericktown is located in the Maxwell Basin Recreation Area, the longest stretch of the Monongahela River uninterrupted by a lock or dam. So whether you choose to go paddling, for a walk, on a cycling trip along the river trails, or out for an afternoon of fishing, you’re guaranteed nothing but gorgeous nature views in this scenic area.
- Morgantown (75 Miles From Pittsburgh) - If you’re itching to venture out of Pennsylvania, Morgantown is a mere 75 miles away in West Virginia. While the town is quieter than usual in the summer - when most West Virginia University students head home - it still has plenty to offer visitors, including a farmer’s market that operates every Saturday from 8:30am to noon at Morgantown Market Place. Our Recommendation: Take an entire weekend to explore Morgantown. The area was once prime settlement territory, meaning it’s packed full of history. You can catch a glimpse of the area’s glass and coal heritage at the Morgantown Museum and in display cases at the Seneca Center. The area is also full of theaters, museums, parks, and eateries - plus a handful of microbreweries. If you’re the outdoors type, you won’t want to miss the chance to paddle on the nearby Cheat River or Big Sandy Creek, as both are beautiful places to kayak. Save some energy to hike the trails of Coopers Rock State Forest!
As you can see, these four towns offer a great combination of shopping and outdoor exploration. You’ll absolutely want to keep them on your list of places to visit, especially as you search for beautiful places to kayak, for scenic hikes near you, or for your next great farmers market find. Want to find out exactly what’s happening in these towns, as well as their sister Mon River Towns? Visit our website calendar anytime to find out what’s happening, and remember to save the date for your next adventure!