Volume 10 Number 6
June 1997
CONTENTS
Wine and Cheese at the Leight Center
Greet the New President!
Calendar of Events
Vacation Reports
MOS Convention
The Budget
25 Year Members
New Group Active In Land Use Issues
Observations from the Feeder
Eden Mill Schedule
Field Trip Reports
HARFORD CHAPTER - MOS FIELD TRIPS JUNE - AUGUST 1997
Summer Meeting Reservation Form
The Harford Bird Club will have its first Summer Meeting at the Anita Leight
Estuary Center on July 11 at 6:30 PM. Considering the summer doldrums in terms
of birdwatching, we thought we should take the opportunity to get together and
get ready for the fall migration by having a social/meeting at the Leight
Center. The Leight Center is an excellent facility to visit and would provide
us with an opportunity to see it first hand in an intimate atmosphere. Light
fare (e.g., wine, soft drinks, and munchies) will be included for the
registration fee.
At the meeting, Keith Pardieck of the US Geological Survey, Biological Research
Division will speak on the North American Breeding Bird Survey: Recent Trends
and Forecasts. Mr. Pardieck will fill us in on the history of the BBS, and
highlight which species are most in need of conservation efforts. Mr. Pardieck
has a MS in Environmental Science and has worked on the recovery research for
the endangered Puerto Rican Parrot Project.
The Leight Center is located approximately 2 miles east of Edgewood on Route 40
off of Otter Point Road (at the top of the hill); the Center is on the right
1/4 mile down the road. Details can be had by calling 410-692-5978.
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Mr. Larry Fry was voted in as our new president for the next 2 years at our
last meeting, as were our other officers all incumbents from the previous
administration. Larry has expertise in public office as he was a previous
State Treasurer in MOS. He and his wife Jean are educators in Harford County
Public Schools and active birders in our club. Jean was a 2-term past
president with our club, and brings her advisory experience (should Larry need
it). Larry and Jean have a passion for birds that is admired by most who meet
them. They spend the occasional weekend at their Chincoteague getaway and
reside in a beautiful wooded location in Pylesville; both ideal locations for
naturalists. The Frys have brought several slide presentations to our club
from the birding vacations they have taken and are well known by many club
members. We wish Larry much success and good fortune for the next two years!
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| Monday, Jun 9 | Field Trip Committee meeting at 7:00 PM at Tom Congersky's house.
|
| Friday, Jul 11 | Summer Meeting. 6:30 PM at the Leight Estuary Center.
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| Friday, Jul 25 | Deadline for submitting articles for the August
|
| | newsletter to Les Eastman. Les' address is
|
| | 4034 Wilkinson Road, Havre de Grace, MD 21078.
|
| Saturday, Sep 6 | Annual Picnic at Rocks 4-H Camp.
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| Saturday. Sep 20 | 4th Annual Fall Migration Count
|
| Friday, Nov 7 | Dinner Meeting at Churchville Presbyterian Church
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| | at 6:15 PM.
|
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Although the club activities slow down somewhat in the summer, many of you will
be birding on your vacations this summer. If you find a special area or would
like to report on any unusual sightings, we will have a section in the October
newsletter for "Birds I Saw on My Summer Vacation." Please send your
contributions to either Larry Fry or Les Eastman by Sept. 25.
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About a dozen Harford Bird Club members attended the annual MOS Convention in
Ocean City on May 2-4. Everyone had a good time and saw many good birds.
Field trips covered all the good birding spots from Bombay Hook NWR, DE to
Chincoteague NWR, VA and Ocean City to the Irish Grove Sanctuary.
Unfortunately (or perhaps fortunately for those with weak stomachs), the
pelagic trip was weathered out, so all those rare pelagic birds that were out
there remained unobserved. Plan now to accompany your fellow club members for
more fun and birding at the next MOS convention. It will be in June 1998 at
the Wisp resort in Garrett County.
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Joyce Gorsuch, our treasurer, has done an excellent job of bookkeeping our
receipts and disbursements. In the interest of keeping this article brief, a
synopsis is presented. Our balance as of April 25, 1997, is $1,643.14. Of
this, $1,200 is earmarked for the County Birdwatching Brochure; this leaves
approximately $400. Although I realize we are a non-profit organization and as
such are not in the moneymaking business, my opinion is that this balance is of
concern. Our moneymakers are raffles, sales of T-shirts, posters, etc., and
often dinners. Our disbursements are predominantly for dinners, honoraria for
speakers, and for specific, worthwhile causes (e.g., donations to the Harford
Land Trust, Wildlife R&R, etc.). However, above all of these is the
postage and printing costs associated with our newsletter. It is my
understanding that the county dues presently does not cover these rising
expenses, and should be if we are to be the type of bird club we have been; one
involved in the community in protecting birds and their habitats. Therefore, I
am interested in finding out ways to increase revenues. Since we are all
volunteers, the only certain solution is to raise dues. Increases would be
modest, however a precise formula has not yet been developed. We are
interested in your comments and suggestions. Please contact Mark Johnson or
Larry Fry with your ideas or concerns.
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The following people have been members of the Harford Bird Club for twenty-five
years. Congratulations and thanks to these birders for supporting the club for
such a long time.
- Hammond and Thirza Brandt
- Ed Folk
- Mildred Gebhard
- Joyce Gorsuch
- Emma Kohout
- Steiner and Jane Pierce
- Lucille Wilson
- John and Lorna Wortman
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New Group Active In Land Use Issues
by Deborah Bowers
A group called Friends of Harford has formed with the purpose of urging citizens
to participate in land use and environmental decisions. It promises to be an
effective group, and has attracted a board of directors with experience in
working with county government for better land use planning and protection of
the environment.
The group also focuses on protection of communities and sustainability of the
local economy. FOH opposes the Rouse mall because of the effect it will likely
have on existing businesses, traffic congestion and future development. It also
opposes expansion of the Arundel quarry because of how it will affect the
surrounding community. The group is urging adoption of a transfer of
development rights program to aid in farmland preservation.
Several members of the Board of Directors, including myself, are very active in
land preservation (i.e., bird habitat) work. I personally urge members of the
Harford Bird Club to join Friends of Harford by sending your name and address
to the address below. There are currently no dues, although contributions are
very welcome to defray expenses.
The group organized as a nonprofit corporation during the first stages of the
county's comprehensive zoning review, when about 400 landowners requested new
zoning categories to allow more intense development of their properties. Many
agricultural properties requested residential status. The Department of
Planning and Zoning has recommended approval of about 25% of requests.
During the summer the County Council will review recommendations and prepare to
vote on the rezonings. Citizen testimony is a very important part of the
process and affects decisions.
If you would like more information, call me at (410) 692-9741. You can also
email FOH at foharford@juno.com. Request membership by giving your name and
address. Request our brochure. By mail, send membership request to FOH, Box
1005, Abingdon, 21009. Checks should be payable to Friends of Harford Inc.
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"Pat, you will love it. Wear plenty of warm clothes and bring a thermos of hot
coffee."
I listened to my friend Beth's descriptions and reminders regarding the
upcoming birdwatching jaunt in which she wanted me to join. I shivered as I
considered the chilly early morn when we would be meeting at a local Denny's.
All sorts of doubts filled my head and I paid attention to Beth with only half
a mind.
"Pat, the first time you see a bird up close, and you will...this particular
trip has an excellent guide...you'll forget all your discomfort."
The half of my mind that wasn't listening to Beth took me away to a warm sunny
afternoon. I was sitting on my porch, watching the flowers grow and minding
the antics of the yard birds. Suddenly, a female titmouse lands on the porch
rail in front of me. I am surprised at how close she is to me, but I was even
more surprised by what happened next. For she regarded me with those curious
black eyes, then lifted herself up from the porch rail and "helicopter-flew"
over to my head. With this unusual development, I held my breath even as I
felt her wings fluttering against the nape of my neck. Whatever on earth was
this little bird doing? Before I could jump up from my chair and thrash my
hands madly about my head to send birds that fly about my hair back to the
skies, the little titmouse grabbed a strand of my hair. And before this
interesting concept could register, she flew up to the telephone wire to join
her scolding mate, a prized strand of hair, beloved by the titmouse for
nestbuilding, held proudly in her beak.
"The last time I went on this birdwatching trip, Pat, I was able to watch a
hawk come down from the skies to grab a mouse lunch. Imagine being that close
and seeing this!"
That other half of my mind took me somewhere again. It was a cold day in early
Winter and I was preparing dinner. On one of my occasional glances out to the
birdfeeders immediately adjacent to my kitchen, I was surprised to see a large
sharp-shinned hawk sitting peacefully on the branch of a Winter-bare oak. Even
as the hawk sat and surveyed its surround, the birds flew to the feeders,
unconcerned. Over a two hour period I watched the hawk, who sat on the branch
and paid no mind to the birds flying about. "Must be looking for a mouse," I
thought as explanation for the birds' nonchalant manner re the hawk.
As I carried a pot of boiling water to the sink, I saw a flash out of the
corner of my eye. Quickly setting the pot down, I hurried to the window; just
in time to see the sharp-shinned hawk fly away, a struggling mourning dove
clamped firmly in its talons. The hawk flew several trees away from its
original perch but still easily within my eyesight. As I watched, the hawk
furiously ripped the feathers from the dove. The feathers flew around the hawk
as if a furious hurricane. The hawk then consumed its meal.
"One other time I went, Pat, I actually got to see all the birds in the woods
flushed out when an owl landed right nearby. It was amazing, all those birds
flying and squawking."
There went my mind again. It took me back this time to an early Spring
morning. The spirea bush was in full bloom. I sat on the porch to enjoy its
heady fragrance and drink my morning coffee. The scream of a blue jay pierced
the air. Soon, about twenty blue jays all descended raucously on the spirea
bush and all of them were screaming their heads off. Before anything could
register, birds were coming from everywhere. Robins landed on oak limbs and
barked displeasure. Chickadees buzzed about the spirea, seriously scolding
something that was in the spirea. House finches flew in to chirp and worry
about the spirea. Red cardinals "clicked" in and dived recklessly into the
bush. Even the peaceful mourning doves flew in to cluck impatiently at the
contents of the bush.
My daughter soon comes running out. The screams of the birds had awakened even
this sound sleeper. In response to her puzzled look, I told her something was
in the spirea that was troubling the birds. She offered to go look.
Soon, as daughter bent below the dripping floral branches of the bush, the
sound of teenaged female screams would join the chirps, howls, clucks and barks
of the angry birds. A ten foot black snake was curled peacefully around the
trunk of the spirea, ostensibly to take a sunny nap but greatly disturbed by
the noisy birds and now this silly human.
"Pat, you won't be sorry you agreed to go on this birdwatching trip."
I turned my full mind to the telephone and my friend Beth. Of course, I agreed
to sign up for the birdwatching expedition. Where else could I ever find all
this bird action?
Pat Fish
Pasadena, Md.
PatFish1@aol.com
(Pat lived in Harford County for 3 years and graduated from North Harford
High School. She contributed this and similar articles to BIRDCHAT. It is
being reprinted here with her permission. - Ed.)
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In addition to being a great place to go birding, the Eden Mill Nature Center
maintains a busy schedule of activities. A small fee is charged for some of
the activities. The mill is open to be public every Sunday from 1 PM until 5
PM. For more information, contact the center at (410) 836-3050.
Twilight Paddling Trips on Deer Creek - every Tuesday and Thursday evening from
6 PM until 9 PM.
Adopt-A-Road Clean Up Hike - Saturday, June 14 from 10 AM until noon.
Mill Tour Day - Saturday, June 21 from 10 AM until 5 PM.
Storytelling Workshop - Sunday, June 22 from 1 PM until 3 PM.
Native Nights Nature Hike and Cherokee Drumming - Saturday, July 26 and
September 6 from 7 PM until 9 PM.
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Rocks State Park
Harold Boling, Jr.
On Saturday, April 5, the club went to the Rocks State Park to look for early
spring migrants and Wild Turkey. The trip was attended by 16 birders. We were
disappointed in our attempt to locate the Turkeys. I knew where they were
roosting for the evening so the possibility of seeing or hearing them was good.
Unfortunately the picnic area we needed access to was closed and prevented us
from even attempting to try for the birds. We instead settled for a good spot
just north of the park limits along St. Claire Bridge road and on Holy Cross
road.
We found most of our 45 species here. Among the birds we found were Tree,
Barn and Northern Rough-winged Swallows; Eastern Phoebe,
Eastern Bluebirds and Fish Crow; Cooper's,
Red-tailed and Red-shouldered Hawks and great looks at Belted
Kingfishers. The real highlights were watching an Osprey fishing in
the creek, 2 pairs of Canada Geese fighting over a nesting spot and the
3 Fox Sparrows and 1 Chestnut-sided Warbler we found.
Gettysburg
by Dave Webb
On April 13, eight birders met for a morning tour of the rural landscape
between Gettysburg and Fairfield, PA. The first stop of the morning yielded
Blue-winged Teal, American Wigeon, Wood Duck, and
Osprey at a pond. We found Red-headed Woodpeckers at the
majority of our stops, and were afforded several #10 views of their striking
plumage. Later in the morning, we found a Loggerhead Shrike, a very
rare Pennsylvania breeder. We put in a lengthy, diligent search for an
Upland Sandpiper known to be present on breeding territory, but could do
no better than hear its distinctive wolf-whistle. Several spring migrants
turned up such as Brown Thrasher, Purple Martin, and Northern
Rough-winged Swallow. A few winter birds on their return trip north such
as Rusty Blackbird, Hermit Thrush, and White-crowned
Sparrow rounded out our diverse trip list of 54 species. Many thanks to
our local co-leader, Art Kennell, and his wife, Nonie, for their hospitality --
they invited everyone into their home for coffee and great looks at the
Purple Finches at their feeders.
Gunpowder Peninsula
by Mark Johnson
Sunrise on Saturday, April 26 greeted seven of us with clear, cool weather at
Joppatowne. We headed down to the peninsula adjacent to the Rumsey Mansion and
walked along water's edge for about 2 hours. Early spring migrants seemed
scarce, though we did have great looks at Palm and Yellow-rumped
Warblers. A pair of female Hooded Mergansers were found as were
several pairs of Wood Ducks; Osprey were common. From there we
hiked to the Mill Pond area where we had excellent looks at a very
accommodating Savanna Sparrow, who perched in a sapling as we maneuvered
around it. Yellow and Parula Warblers were less accommodating,
and were only heard. Our trip ended up with a kettle of soaring Bald
Eagles and other associated hawks. We ended up with an even 50 species for
the day.
Harford Glen
by Mary Procell and Norm Friedman
On Saturday, May 3, six dedicated birders braved the downpour and met to look
for spring migrants and reliable locals. Despite the weather, the group saw a
good number and variety of species. We started off the trip by staying close
to the water's edge where we saw both Greater and Lesser
Yellowlegs, Solitary Sandpiper, and Least Sandpiper. Wood
Ducks, Mallards and Canada Geese were also present.
A walk along the trail next to the beaver pond produced an American
Redstart. Farther along, a Northern Rough-winged Swallow was
sighted among several Tree Swallows. Other notable sightings were
Common Yellowthroat, Yellow Warbler, and Eastern
Bluebird.
Species heard but not seen included Ovenbird, Yellow-throated
Vireo, Barred Owl, and a Baltimore Oriole, heard just in
front of the mansion house. Due to the weather, the group stayed together for
only an hour. Overall, this wet morning trip produced a total of 37
species.
Otter Creek Canoe Trip
by Mark Johnson
As many as 10 boats were filled in our joint canoe trip with the Anita Leight
Estuary Center. We put in at the Melvin Bosley Conservation Area at about 5:30
PM to canoe the marsh and hopefully get in some evening birding. The weather
was fair, but breezy. Most of us learned quite fast the difficulties involved
in open water birdwatching in a small boat: one of balance when you are looking
up through binoculars, and of dividing up your attention between birds and
watching where the wind or current is taking you. Slight mishaps where boats
floated into bushes or each other were common but were harmless. The birds
were relatively silent. The first we saw was an accommodating Common
Yellowthroat. Two Bald Eagles flew as we approached Snake Island
and circled us as we passed. A few Least Terns were seen foraging in
the marsh, also. Wood Ducks were seen flying amongst us as were many
Great Blue Herons and Red-winged Blackbirds. Our return through
the delta of Otter Creek produced sightings of Blue-gray Gnatcatchers,
Orchard Orioles, and Eastern Kingbirds. We ended up at dusk
where we had put in and attempted to call in Barred Owls without luck. Many
who participated remarked that it was a fun trip. Many thanks to Heather Helm
and others from the Estuary Center for their coordination, instruction, and use
of the canoes.
Bombay Hook
by Randy Robertson
Five of us started out at 6 AM from the former AMES parking lot. The weather
was mostly cloudy and breezy through 1 PM, then sunny. At times it was
downright chilly! At Jeff Effinger's suggestion, we visited some open farm
fields east of Galena in hopes of spotting Dickcissel and Vesper Sparrow, both
of which he has seen there in the past. Although we didn't see them, we had
#10 looks at Bobolinks, Eastern Meadowlarks and Grasshopper
Sparrows. Proceeding on to Bombay Hook, the brag sheet was advertising
Curlew Sandpiper and Wilson's Phalarope. Jeff did spot the Curlew
Sandpiper at the far end of Shearness Pool but we were unable to locate any
Phalaropes. Curlew Sandpiper was definitely the bird-of-the-day! Other
notable sightings included Snow Goose, Peregrine Falcon,
Ringed-neck Pheasant and White-rumped Sandpiper. We had #10
looks at several species that are usually secretive including Marsh
Wren, Swamp Sparrow and Yellow Warblers and Common
Yellowthroats were flying around us like butterflies!! Port Mahon yielded
great looks at Ruddy Turnstones, Red Knots and Sanderlings
in initial breeding plumage.
All told, we accounted for a total of 90 species and had a great day in
spite of the windy conditions!
Oriole and Eagle Watch
by Les Eastman
About 15 birders met on Sunday morning, May 25, to see the birds at Conowingo
Dam. We started off by scanning the river for eagles. We didn't find any but
we saw dozens of Great Blue Herons, several Black-crowned
Night-herons and Osprey on the nest. A pair of Baltimore
Orioles was feeding in the trees overhead. As we walked down the
riverside, we had great views of Eastern Kingbirds, Great Crested
Flycatchers (nesting in a tree cavity), Warbling,
Yellow-throated and Red-eyed Vireos, Orchard Orioles and
even a pair of Black Vultures sitting in a tree. On the trail, we saw
many Blackpoll Warblers and observed Acadian Flycatchers and
Eastern Wood-Pewees. Some even got a brief glimpse of a Cerulean
Warbler.
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**********
"Empidonax is Latin for not being able to tell which freaking one is which"
Joey Slinger 1996 from Down & Dirty Birding - Key Porter Books
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Here are the Harford Bird Club field trips for the next few weeks.
If you would like further information about a particular field trip,
please contact Dave Webb.
Friday, June 13 thru Sunday, June 15
Carey Run Weekend.
Joint trip with the
Cecil MOS Chapter to the westernmost part of the state for a fun, two-day
birding junket. Leaders Russ Kovach and Marcia Whitmyre will guide you to
several Garrett County hotspots for "mountain" breeders such as Blackburnian
Warbler, Northern Raven, Alder Flycatcher, Ruffed Grouse, and Bobolink.
Accommodations will be available at the MOS sanctuary at Carey Run for a
nominal fee. Call Marcia for additional information, or to make
reservations no later than Sunday, June 8.
Sunday, June 29
Eden Mill & Kilgore Falls.
Morning journey geared toward
the beginning birder to north-central Harford County for local breeding birds.
Possible species include Worm-eating Warbler, Louisiana Waterthrush,
Yellow-billed Cuckoo, and Broad-winged Hawk. Meet at 6:30 AM at the Eden Mill
Nature Center, located on Eden Mill Road just west of Fawn Grove Road. Trip
leader is Dave Webb.
Saturday, July 19
Susquehanna State Park.
Beginners and "old-timers" can
learn much from local expert John Wortman as he leads a leisure
morning birdwalk along park trails near the mouth of Deer Creek. Most birds
seen will be local breeders such as Prothonotary Warbler, Warbling Vireo,
Acadian Flycatcher and their offspring. Meet at 7:00 AM at Rock Run Mill,
located at the junction of Stafford and Rock Run Roads.
Friday, August 8
Hummingbird Happy Hour.
Hosts Les & Jan Eastman invite
you to their home near Susquehanna State Park for an evening of socializing and
backyard birdwatching, highlighted by up-close views of Ruby-throated
Hummingbirds. Participants are asked to bring a snack/appetizer to share, and
their own beverages. You may also bring your swimsuit and enjoy the Eastman's
pool. Party begins at 6:00 PM at 4034 Wilkinson Road, just west of the
intersection with Craigs Corner Road. For further information, call Les.
Saturday, August 16
Pot Luck Shorebirds.
"Chase" trip for rare shorebirds
reported on the most recent mid-Atlantic hotlines. An excellent opportunity
for birders of all skill levels to add to their lifelists. Bring lunch,
sunscreen, and insect repellent (or a suit of armor). Spotting scopes are
helpful but not necessary. Meet at the MD 155 & I-95 commuter lot (Havre
de Grace exit) at 7:00 AM. Leaders for this 3/4-day trip are Dennis Kirkwood
and Mary Procell.
Saturday, August 23
Conejohela Flats.
All-day outing aboard the boat of
Captain Tom Garner for a visit to famed area of Susquehanna River near
Washington Boro, PA. Each summer this chain of wooded and brushy islands and
connecting mudflats attracts many migrants following the course of the river,
including several species that are rarely seen inland. Meet leader Harold
Boling at 6:00 AM at the Pylesville Park 'n' Ride, intersection
of MD 543 & MD 165. Bring lunch, sunscreen and insect repellent.
Tuesday, August 26 thru Thursday, August 28
Bel Air Nighthawks.
Bring your
folding chair, binoculars, and, if you wish, dinner atop the Bel Air parking
garage (Hickory and Pennsylvania Avenues) and scan the skies for southbound
Common Nighthawks. Other possibilities include Purple Martin and Bank Swallow.
Each watch runs from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Leaders are Joe Vangrin, Anne Mursch,
and Debbie Bowers, respectively. For additional information, contact Joe.
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Please return to Barbara Siebens, P.O. Box 68, Pylesville, MD 21132-0068
by Wednesday, July 2, 1997
__________ Number of attendees ( at $5.00 each )
Please make checks payable to Harford County MOS.
_______________________________
Print your name(s)
Include address and phone number if you would like transportation to the meeting.
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
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Please send any comments to Les Eastman.
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