A Message from the President — Valerie B. Barnes Thanksgiving has come and gone, and we’re waiting for the first snowfall. The Juncos are back – winter must be coming. As we approach the end of the year, let us reflect on what we can do to help protect birds. Here are some suggestions from our chapter and the National Audubon Society: 1. Be active locally. Talk to your family, friends, neighbors, colleagues, and local leaders about what you’re doing on behalf of birds and why it’s important. Participate in Conoco-cheague Audubon events. Volunteer to be a director or an officer, help on a committee, care for the garden, report your bird sightings, write an article or letter, or whatever else suits you and your strengths.

Naturally NEWSLETTER OF THE CONOCOCHEAGUE AUDUBON SOCIETY Jan. 2018 Published: September, November, January, March, May Vol. 42, No. 3

In this Issue:

Page 2 Bird Behavior _________________________________________

Page 3 Christmas Count _________________________________________ Page 4 Conservation Report; On the Record ____________________ Page 5 Snowy Owl film; Covered Dish Dinner ___________________

Page 6 Club Activties

2. Be informed and get moving. Go to Audubon’s climate page to read the latest climate news and sign up to receive up-dates. Explore Audubon’s Birds and Climate Change report. Sign up to participate in citizen science projects to monitor birds and help to document how they respond to a changing climate. According to NAS, up to 10 states may lose their state birds by 2080. Pennsylvania is one of those states. Our state bird, the Ruffed Grouse, may disappear from Pennsylvania. 3. Create a bird-friendly yard. Use fewer pesticides, let dead trees (or at least part of them) stand, install a bird bath, and convert part of your yard to native plants. Visit the Native Plants Garden at Norlo Park near Fayetteville to get ideas. Learn more at athome.audubon.org. Search Audubon’s native plants database. 4. Get involved with your local important bird area. We have three Important Bird Areas (IBAs) nearby: Tuscarora Ridge / The Pulpit, South Mountain / Caledonia State Park/ Michaux State Forest, and the Kittatinny Ridge. Hike in those areas, report what birds you see via eBird, and be an advocate for protecting and conserving those natural environments. 5. Support policies that protect the environment. Urge leaders at local, state, and national levels to enact policies that low-er greenhouse gas emissions, support clean energy and clean water, conserve sensitive habitats, protect native species, and encourage citizens, governments, and businesses to be good stewards. Vote for candidates who support conservation. Remember that if you order something through Conococheague Audubon’s AmazonSmile page, Amazon will donate to us a dollar amount equal to 0.5% of the order. Prices are not affected by using the site. So, if you place orders on Amazon, please consider using this site instead of the generic one: https://smile.amazon.com/ch/25-1485719. We have received several donations in response to our annual fundraising letter. Thank you! If you haven’t already done so, please mail in your tax-deductible donation so that we can continue to show nature films for free, put Audubon Adventures in classrooms, publish this newsletter, offer scholarships, participate in citizen science projects like the Christmas Bird Count and Pennsylvania Migration Count, host a Beginning Birder’s Workshop, make presentations to other local organizations, and maintain the Norlo Park Native Plants Garden. Please make your check payable to CAS and mail to Conococheague Audubon Society, PO Box 20, Fayetteville, PA 17222. It costs just $46 to sponsor Audubon Adventures for a local class-room. Thank you! May you have a happy and birdy 2018!

2

Q: What are the winter habits of the Dark-eyed Junco? A: Juncos can be found all across America throughout nesting, breeding and wintering seasons. In fact, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology calls the Dark-eyed Junco one of the most abundant forest birds of North America. The Boreal Songbird Initiative reports that juncos will nest in both coniferous and hardwood forests, especially where there is dense understory. In winter, these little “snowbirds” are even less picky about where they hang out, being found also on open lakeshores, in lawns and along roadsides. Locally, juncos are common in fall and winter but tend to head north in spring. Their “telephone ring” trill is a sign that they’ll soon be gone. But they don’t go far; in fact, in upstate Pennsylvania, juncos are found in abundance in summer as well. The question is, are those nearby juncos the same ones we see in winter at our feeders? Well, yes and no. According to several sources, including “The Sibley Guide to Bird Life & Behavior,” juncos migrate in different patterns according to age and sex. Sibley says that, in general, female juncos migrate the farthest south (into the southern tier of the U.S.) and young males migrate the shortest distances – often just moving to lower altitudes in their Canadian summer homes. Likewise, adult males and young females tend to win-ter in intermediate latitudes. Juncos aren’t the only species that are known to follow this pattern, but studies have found them to be perfect examples of this behavior. Why would bird families break up in such a variable manner? Sibley offers the explanation that young males may need the advantage of being closer to breeding grounds in order to stake out their spring territories. Older males will return to

We are still looking for one additional Director. Please contact Val if you are interested in serving.

We need your help!

their old home territories, so they don’t need such an advantage. Females, which don’t have to worry about staking out their own nest sites, take advantage of the warmer cli-mates to ensure a greater chance of survival in winter. In some areas of the Appalachian Mountains, resident juncos may be recognizable from migrants by the length of their wings, reports the Cornell Lab of Ornithology: Juncos that remain in winter, moving only to lower ele-vations, tend to have shorter wings than the snowbirds that arrive each winter. Additionally, Cornell says that junco flocks display a pecking order at feeders, and earlier arrivals tend to rank higher in the group than latecomers. If you have juncos at your feeder this year, see if you can identify any habits and hierarchies common to this little “New World Sparrow” species.

BIRD BEHAVIOR: I Want To Know . . . — by Debby Hook

Dark-eyed Junco Image credit: Dave Menke, USFWS

3

We conducted the 58th Chambersburg Christmas Bird Count on December 16, 2017. Although many of us feel as if fewer birds are coming to our feeders this season, the total count was about average in terms of total species and numbers of birds observed. Each count takes place in an established 15-mile diameter circle, and is organized by a count compiler and zone cap-tains. Count volunteers cover specified areas in the circle, counting every bird they see or hear all day. It's not just a species tally—all individual birds are counted all day, giving a snapshot of the total number of birds in the circle that day. Participants in the field: 65 Participants at home watching feeders: 26 Field counters spent: 71 hours on foot, walking 57 miles; 67.5 hours in cars, driving 495.5 miles; and 3.5 hours listen-ing for owls, covering 25.9 miles. Feeder counters spent 58 hours watching at home. Total species counted: 71 Total individual birds counted: 24668 Weather conditions: ~21-44 degrees, partly cloudy to sunny

Species and number: CW = Count Week. All were seen during the week sur-rounding the count day at Long Pine Reservoir, but were not seen on count day.

Comments: The total number of species seen was average; the total num-ber of individual birds observed was about average. Howev-er, the count was inflated by two large flocks of Brown-headed Cowbirds. Without those large flocks, the total number of birds would have been 20,398, approximately 2,000 birds below the average adjusted for other large blackbird flocks that were seen in 1984. The count of birds seen at feeders this year was approximately 500 below the average for the last 6 years. Ten more birders were out in the field than average. New to the list this year: Eurasian Collared-Dove and Bona-parte’s Gull. We recorded a new high for Common Raven (13), Eastern Bluebird (165), and American Robin (234). For birds seen in more than 30 counts, teams reported unusually low numbers of American Black Duck, Killdeer, Horned Lark, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Hermit Thrush, Field Sparrow, Fox Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow, Red-winged Blackbird, East-ern Meadowlark, Pine Siskin, and House Sparrow. We saw more than the usual numbers of Canada Goose, Cooper’s Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Northern Flicker, Carolina Wren, Winter Wren, Cedar Waxwing, Eastern Towhee, White-crowned Sparrow, and Brown-headed Cowbird. We missed Ring-necked Pheasant, Wilson’s Snipe, Eastern Screech Owl, American Tree Sparrow, and Purple Finch, each seen on at least 41 prior counts.

Chambersburg, PA Christmas Bird Count 2017 Preliminary Report — Valerie B. Barnes

Canada Goose 1121 American Wigeon 1 American Black Duck 2 Mallard 916 Northern Pintail 1 Green-winged Teal 4 Greater Scaup CW Bufflehead CW Common Goldeneye CW Hooded Merganser CW Common Merganser CW Red-breasted Merganser CW Ruddy Duck CW Wild Turkey 11 Great Blue Heron 23 Black Vulture 3 Turkey Vulture 8 Bald Eagle 6 Northern Harrier 3 Sharp-shinned Hawk 6 Cooper's Hawk 15

Red-shouldered Hawk 2 Red-tailed Hawk 75 American Kestrel 35 Peregrine Falcon 1 Killdeer 8 Bonaparte's Gull 1 Ring-billed Gull Rock Pigeon 1150 Eurasian Collared-Dove 1 Mourning Dove 983 Great Horned Owl 4 Belted Kingfisher 10 Red-headed Woodpecker 5 Red-bellied Woodpecker 109 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 9 Downy Woodpecker 160 Hairy Woodpecker 29 Northern Flicker 48 Pileated Woodpecker 11 Eastern Phoebe 2 Eastern Wood-Pewee 1

Blue Jay 226 American Crow 291 Fish Crow 2 Common Raven 13 Horned Lark 225 Carolina/Black-Capped Chickadee 193 Tufted Titmouse 119 Red-breasted Nuthatch 4 White-breasted Nuthatch 106 Brown Creeper 14 Carolina Wren 108 Winter Wren 10 Golden-crowned Kinglet 28 Ruby-crowned Kinglet 7 Eastern Bluebird 165 Hermit Thrush 1 American Robin 234 Northern Mockingbird 94 Brown Thrasher 1 European Starling 9674

American Pipit 1 Cedar Waxwing 52 Yellow-rumped Warbler 12 Eastern Towhee 7 Chipping Sparrow 4 Field Sparrow 2 Song Sparrow 99 White-throated Sparrow 382 White-crowned Sparrow 137 Dark-eyed Junco 1167 Northern Cardinal 390 Common Grackle 15 Brown-headed Cowbird 4281 House Finch 48, White-winged Crossbill 2 Pine Siskin CW American Goldfinch 279 House Sparrow 1056

4

Pennsylvania More and more, our birds are being threatened by humans erecting glass buildings, using non- native plants in our back-yards and using toxic pesticides. We can regain connection with our bird friends by using native plants in our communi-ties, building with non-glare/reflective materials, and turning non-essential lights off.

National There is a proposed federal law that could save countless birds from striking glass buildings. This bill would mandate that all new federal constructions or renovations be made of 60-to-90 percent non-glass material. There is not a one-size-fits-all fix to this plight for our avian friends. A major portion of bird deaths occur during spring and fall migration. Also, there are Lights-Out programs around the country to decrease the number of bird casualties from striking build-ings. Lights-Out participants turn off excess lights during the migrating months. Just one out of many sad stories stated that close to 400 birds were killed by colliding with the American National Insurance building in Galveston, TX.

International The Artic National Refuge is in danger of being opened up to drilling for oil and gas. The refuge supports millions of birds from all states and six continents. Also, about 8 million acres out of 19 million acres of the refuge are off limits to drilling. However, the coastal plain of about 1million acres is being targeted by Congress to open up to drilling. This area is home to more than 150 species of birds, about 200,000 cari-bou and the largest polar bear den sites. If any of these stories ruffle your feathers, then write, text, e-mail or call your representatives and senators. It only takes a few minutes to contact them and they will respond to your

effort.

Be A Director! What’s Involved?

Directors vote on all policy changes related to Conoco-cheague Audubon and approve the budget. The Directors appoint an audit committee to function upon change of Treasurer or any other time deemed necessary. Directors serve a three-year term. In each year, they meet in five joint meetings with the officers. Directors help to arrange pro-grams for our general meetings. It’s not too hard a job, and your efforts will be greatly appreciated. Please contact Valerie Barnes (BarnesVa4@comcast.net; 717-352-4397) to volunteer.

Report from Conservation Chairperson — Marguerite L. Fries

Val Barnes and Donna Hocker sighted four Short-eared Owls

from the Virginia Monument on Confederate Avenue, Gettysburg

Battlefield, on December 9. They also saw two Northern Harriers

and a small group of White-throated Sparrows. Bill Oyler also saw the owls a few days ear-

lier.

Doing our part with the Native Plant Garden at Norlo Park.

On the Record — Donna Hocker

5

Many of us have gone chasing after a young Snowy Owl seen in our area. These beautiful owls come down from the Artic to our neck of the woods, usually in search of easy prey. Venturing south to virtually unknown territory and new dangers is a desperate act on their part. Many do not make it back to the Artic, where they normally go to mate, nest and bring forth their young. Though we are truly blessed to see these majestic creatures here, it’s quite anoth-er experience to view them in their natural Artic habitat. Our next nature film, shown on January 18, 2018, takes us to the Artic where we follow a pair of Snowy Owls. As you watch this film, you’ll be moved with compassion, seeing for yourself the enormous difficulty for Snowy Owl

pairs to propagate and care for their hatchlings in the over-whelmingly harsh conditions of the Artic. As we follow one

faithful pair striving to fulfill its natural duty as parents, you’ll be highly impressed with their determination, dili-

gence, instincts and great survival skills. This film may be

the first time a Snowy Owl pair has been caught on film from nesting to fledglings. The photographers have done an

outstanding job in capturing this pair on film. The photog-raphers needed to be mobile and had to endure the same

harsh weather conditions as the “Snowies.” Due to the pho-tographers’ fortitude, we have a glimpse into the life of a Snowy Owl. No, it’s not “magic” that Snowy Owls survive

the harsh elements, the scarcity of food, and the perpetual danger of predators. It’s pure tenacity! Stand amazed at the

photography and at the tenacity of the Snowy Owl.

Magic of the Snowy Owl — Terri Kochert

Male Snowy Owl Credit: Commons Wikimedia.org

Female Snowy Owl Credit: Wisconsin DNR

Conococheague Covered Dish Dinner —Terri Kochert Please come and enjoy a good time of food and fellowship with fellow CAS members on Jan. 8, 2018 at 6. Remember to bring your own place setting. For couples and parties of two or more, please bring one main (hot) dish and one side dish to share with others. Single individuals, please bring one item to share with others. We want to be sure to have enough for all.

Drinks will be provided. In addition, bring your photos of birds or wildlife on a flash drive (or printed photos) to share. If you have any questions, please call Terri at 717-263-3692. We hope to see you all at Norlo Park that even-ing!

MEETINGS – Free, held in the Community Center at Norlo Park, 3050 Lincoln Way East, Fayetteville. FIELD TRIPS – Free, most take place on Saturdays. Contact the leader in advance if you plan to go. Times listed are departure times; please arrive early. If you cannot go on a scheduled trip, con-tact leader for a potential mid-week option on his/her scouting trip. FILMS – Free, all begin at 7:30 PM in Chambersburg Area Middle School South, 1151 E. McKinley St., Chambersburg, PA. Pre-show musical entertainment begins at 7 PM.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018

Jan. 8, 2018, Monday MEETING 6:00 PM. Covered dish dinner and members’ photo show. All are welcome.

Jan. 18, Thursday FILM 7:30 PM. Magic of the Snowy Owl. In the Snowy Owl’s tun-dra home on the North Slope of Alaska, filmmakers observe daily struggles in raising a family of owlets until they’re able to fly. (59 min.)

January/February FIELD TRIP Sign up by Dec. 15, 2017, for possible visit to Gettysburg Battlefield for SHORT-EARED OWLS (name, contact infor-mation). Bob Kochert, 717-263-3692, will advise upon sightings. Meet at Norlo Park Community Center.

Feb. 12, Monday MEETING 7:00 PM. Birds of Costa Rica, by Bob Keener.

March 2-4, Fri.-Sun. FIELD TRIP Departure time TBD. Blackwater NWR, Maryland, auto tour for WATERFOWL. Leave from Martins’ home Fri-day, return Sunday. Bring scopes, binoculars, and CBs. Make own motel arrangements. Eric and Rhetta Martin, 717-597-8675.

March 6, Tuesday FIELD TRIP 6:00 PM. Tentative outing for WOODCOCKS. If trip takes place at Heisey Road orchard, meet at Chambers-burg Mall, Black Gap Rd., (north side near BonTon wall). Bring CBs and flashlights. For update, Bob Kochert, 717-263-3692.

March 10, Saturday FIELD TRIP 6:30 AM. Middle Creek WMA, Lancaster County auto tour for WATERFOWL. Meet in parking lot at Scotland exit, I-81 northbound. Bring scopes, binoculars, CBs, and lunch. Eric and Rhetta Martin, 717-597-8675.

March 12, Monday MEETING 7:00 PM. Creating Native Landscaping and Pollinator Habitat, by Ryan Davis, Forests Program Coordinator, Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay. Arranged by Linda Kai-ser.

CAS WEBSITE: www.conococheagueaudubon.org

Newsletter Editor - Jane Bussard (717-401-3210) janenbussard47@gmail.com Send all newsletter articles and photos to the editor. Send all mailing changes to the ConAudubon@outlook.com

Copy Deadline February 15 for March 2018 newsletter.

CONOCOCHEAGUE AUDUBON OFFICERS: President Valerie B. Barnes

Vice President Debby Hook

Recording Secretary Rhetta Martin

Corresponding Secretary Bobbie Stewart

Treasurer Emmie White

Immediate Past President Conway Bushey

DIRECTORS: Jim Hook, Janet Tice, Earl Nollenberger, Eric Martin, Linda Kaiser

Conococheague Audubon P.O. Box 20 Fayetteville, PA 17222 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED