Date: 8/21/26 4:54 pm From: Hawkcount.Org Reports <reports...> Subject: Waggoner's Gap (21 Aug 2026) 75 Raptors
Waggoner's Gap 40 km W of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Aug 21, 2026 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- BV 0 0 0 TV 0 0 0 OS 3 22 22 BE 8 61 61 NH 0 2 2 SS 1 8 8 CH 2 11 11 AG 0 0 0 RS 1 4 4 BW 48 292 292 RT 11 69 69 RL 0 0 0 GE 0 0 0 AK 1 13 13 ML 0 0 0 PG 0 1 1 UA 0 1 1 UB 0 1 1 UF 0 0 0 UE 0 0 0 UR 0 0 0
Observation start time: 06:45:00 Observation end time: 17:15:00 Total observation time: 10.5 hours
Official Counter: Tom Filip
Observers: Dave Grove, Gene Wagner, Pete Biasucci
Visitors: 20
Weather: 19-14 mph NW wind in the morning, shifting to 8-12 mph NE winds by noon and 4-7 mph NNW winds at the end of the day. Low fog in the north valley, sunny in the morning, partly cloudy in the afternoon.
Date: 8/21/26 4:30 pm From: Hawkcount.Org Reports <reports...> Subject: Second Mountain (21 Aug 2026) 33 Raptors
Second Mountain Ft. Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Aug 21, 2026 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 07:30:00 Observation end time: 14:15:00 Total observation time: 6.75 hours
Official Counter: Gary LaBelle
Observers: Joe Meloney, Rosemary Spreha, Sue Dibble
Visitors: six visitors for view and 1 military
Weather: Clear sky, hazy to South so start. Increasing clouds and wind decreased and shifted from Northwest to South.
Raptor Observations:
Non-raptor Observations:
Predictions: Similar temperature with higher chance of rain. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Ed Chubb (<edwe3g...>) Second Mountain information may be found at: Facebook. Second Mountain Hawk Watch
Bake Oven Knob 2 miles North of Germansville, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Aug 21, 2026 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 07:30:00 Observation end time: 15:45:00 Total observation time: 8.25 hours
Official Counter: Andre Vu
Observers:
Visitors: 2 visitors at the south lookout who I did not interact with. 0 visitors at the north lookout other than a pilot waving at me.
Weather: 68-80 degrees F. Transition from clear skies to about 40% cover - very picturesque cumulus clouds. A steady north wind at 4 mph with gusts to 12 to start the day, and greatly slowed by noon.
Raptor Observations: Bald eagle (2): 0807a, 1409i
Today was my first time counting from the north lookout. I almost slipped on a lichen-y boulder getting there, but as the infamous Morrissey once said, "to die in a rockslide is such a heavenly way to die." Something like that.
I figured the persistent north wind this morning would create updrafts along that slope of the ridge. For the first hour, I feared I had braved the trek for nothing, but my efforts were soon rewarded. Broad-wingeds and osprey began streaming by, incredibly low and close. One adult broadie even swooped right in front of my face before perching on a snag at the center of the lookout, not 10 yards from me. It kept me company for a couple minutes before going down the ridge with the rest of the kettle - not sure if it was a curious local or a tired migrant, but a very cool encounter in any case.
Once the wind died around noon, movement became more sparse and shifted to thermals on the south side of the ridge. To my knowledge, I was still able to fully observe it all from the north lookout - which I may actually prefer. Some sky-high raptors that would have been head-on from the south lookout were instead wing-on to my right, both easing identification and alleviating neck pain.
Non-raptor Observations: I had a singing yellow-billed cuckoo early in the morning. More neotropical migrants would soon join it - a female redstart, along with males of Blackburnian warbler, black-throated green warbler, and scarlet tanager. Swallows, swifts, and a hummingbird came by downridge throughout the day.
Predictions: A slight chance of showers before 3pm, then a chance of showers after 4pm. Cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 77. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Lehigh Gap Nature Center (<mail...>) Bake Oven Knob information may be found at: www.lgnc.org
Observation start time: 05:15:00 Observation end time: 16:30:00 Total observation time: 11.25 hours
Compiler: David Barber
Counters: Laura Berry
Visitors: 156
Weather: WNW and NW winds 5-10 mph in the morning becoming light and variable in the afternoon. Clear turning mostly cloudy in the afternoon
Raptor Observations: Several broad-winged and red-tailed hawks hunting dragonflies over the valley
Non-raptor Observations: 10 common nighthawks, great-crested flycatcher, eastern wood pewee, tree and barn swallow, purple martin, Cape May warbler, black-and-white warbler, ovenbird, scarlet tanager, rose-breasted grosbeak, dickcissel
Predictions: A chance of showers, mainly after 5pm. Cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 78. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Laurie Goodrich (<goodrich...>) Hawk Mountain Sanctuary information may be found at: http://www.hawkmountain.org/
Date: 8/20/26 5:39 pm From: Hawkcount.Org Reports <reports...> Subject: Second Mountain (20 Aug 2026) Raptors
Second Mountain Ft. Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Aug 20, 2026 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 12:00:00 Total observation time: 5 hours
Official Counter: Ed Chubb
Observers:
Visitors: The Motus antenna crew was there all morning and into the afternoon setting up a new receiving antenna in the southeast corner of the public parking/car area of the hawk watch site. Appreciated the watch help by Lee and Audrey Wells of Pine Grove for the morning.
Weather: Overcast for the entire count period. Rain predicted from late morning on. Temp's in the 70's to near 80.
Raptor Observations: Zero/zilch/nada!
Non-raptor Observations:
Predictions: All weather conditions for the day should provide suitable hawk watch conditions-comfortable temperatures, appropriate winds and good skies. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Ed Chubb (<edwe3g...>) Second Mountain information may be found at: Facebook. Second Mountain Hawk Watch
Date: 8/20/26 3:41 pm From: Hawkcount.Org Reports <reports...> Subject: Waggoner's Gap (20 Aug 2026) 4 Raptors
Waggoner's Gap 40 km W of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Aug 20, 2026 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- BV 0 0 0 TV 0 0 0 OS 1 19 19 BE 2 53 53 NH 0 2 2 SS 0 7 7 CH 0 9 9 AG 0 0 0 RS 0 3 3 BW 1 244 244 RT 0 58 58 RL 0 0 0 GE 0 0 0 AK 0 12 12 ML 0 0 0 PG 0 1 1 UA 0 1 1 UB 0 1 1 UF 0 0 0 UE 0 0 0 UR 0 0 0
Predictions: 3-5 mph NNE/NE wind, possible fog before 8 and then mostly sunny later. ======================================================================== Report submitted by WG Counter ()
Bake Oven Knob 2 miles North of Germansville, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Aug 20, 2026 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 07:30:00 Observation end time: 11:45:00 Total observation time: 4.25 hours
Official Counter: Andre Vu
Observers:
Visitors: 4 visitors today, interacted with 3.
Weather: 76-80 degrees, on and off rain all day with light 2mph winds ahead of each spell.
Raptor Observations: No raptor activity today. It was bound to happen eventually!
Non-raptor Observations: One large flock of ~20 waxwings was interesting. Some folks I know in Illinois recently counted 3115 southbound waxwings along the Lake Michigan shore.
Swallows and swifts were more present just before and after rain. I think they were working the edges of the rain, which I've seen before during larger fronts.
Predictions: Sunny to partly cloudy, with a high of 79. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Lehigh Gap Nature Center (<mail...>) Bake Oven Knob information may be found at: www.lgnc.org
Observation start time: 05:45:00 Observation end time: 11:30:00 Total observation time: 5.67 hours
Compiler: Laurie Goodrich
Counters:
Visitors: 28
Weather: Cldy with rain steady by midday
Raptor Observations: Nice low birds
Non-raptor Observations: Chimney swift, cedar waxwings, barn swallow, purple Martin, olive sided flycatcher, Am goldfinch, scarlet tanagers, b and white warbler, ruby thr. Hummingbird ======================================================================== Report submitted by Laurie Goodrich (<goodrich...>) Hawk Mountain Sanctuary information may be found at: http://www.hawkmountain.org/
Date: 8/20/26 8:16 am From: Amy Taracido <amytaracido...> Subject: RBA western Pennsylvania, 4 August 2026
RBA
*Pennsylvania
*Pittsburgh and western Pennsylvania
*PAWE08.04.26
Highlights:
WILLOW PTARMIGAN (Erie County)
EASTERN WHIP-POOR-WILL (Clarion County)
LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER (Erie County)
LITTLE BLUE HERON (Butler County)
ALDER FLYCATCHER
HENSLOW'S SPARROW (Clarion County)
LAWRENCE'S WARBLER (Crawford County)
SWAINSON'S WARBLER (Fayette County)
BLUE GROSBEAK (Allegheny, Butler, and Lawrence Counties)
Contributors: David Arrow, Brendyn Baptiste, Mary Birdsong, Margaret Brewster, Dave Brooke, Thomas Frank, Brian Gallagher, Michelle Hanko, Walt Jones, Deborah Kalbfleisch, Brian Kaldorf, Dave Keith, Hayley Kile, Meg Kolodick, Ed McKaveney, Dan Mendenhall, Jim Nieusma, Owen Rick, Shawn Sowers, Mark Vass, Dana Williams, Carole Winslow, David Yeany II.
Compiler: Amy Taracido
Tuesday, 28 July 2026 through Tuesday, 4 August 2026
**This report is distributed by e-mail only. Compiler is not responsible for errors on websites who reproduce/reprint these reports. If you would like to receive western PA RBAs, contact AMYTARACIDO@ YAHOO.COM
Transcript-
NOTE: CANVASBACK, PINE SISKIN, BAY-BREASTED WARBLER continue to be reported.
ALLEGHENY COUNTY:
On 7/29-7/31 and 8/4 in Cedarhurst, 2 MERLINS (WJ et. al.).
At Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve on 7/30, 1 YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER (DM).
On 8/1 at Wingfield Pines, 1 NORTHERN HARRIER (OR).
At Hoover Elementary on 8/1, 1 MERLIN (EM).
At the Imperial grasslands on 8/1, 1 BLUE GROSBEAK (BK); on 8/2, 4 BLUE GROSBEAKS (MV); on 8/3, 1 BLUE GROSBEAK (BG).
On 8/2 in Wilkinsburg, 1 MERLIN (HK).
ARMSTRONG COUNTY:
Near Adams on 7/31, 6 RED-HEADED WOODPECKERS (DB).
BUTLER COUNTY:
On 7/31-8/1 at Lake Arthur, 1 LITTLE BLUE HERON (DW, MB).
Along Stoughton Road on 8/1, 1 BLUE GROSBEAK (DK).
CLARION COUNTY:
In the Piney Tract area on 7/28, 2 EASTERN WHIP-POOR-WILLS (CW).
This week in Sligo, HENSLOW'S SPARROWS (CW).
CRAWFORD COUNTY:
At Erie National Wildlife Refuge on 7/29, 1 LAWRENCE'S WARBLER (BB).
On 7/31 in Pymatuning, 2 MERLINS (SS).
At State Gamelands #214 on 8/3, 1 ALDER FLYCATCHER (BB).
ERIE COUNTY:
At Presque Isle State Park on 8/1, 1 WILLOW PTARMIGAN (MB); on 8/3, 1 LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER (TF).
FAYETTE COUNTY:
On 7/30 at Bear Run Nature Reserve, 2 SWAINSON'S WARBLERS (DY).
JEFFERSON COUNTY:
On 8/3 west of Brockway at Bond Road wetlands, 2 ALDER FLYCATCHERS (DK).
Along Five Bridges Trail on 8/3, 2 ALDER FLYCATCHERS (DK).
LAWRENCE COUNTY:
In Volant on 7/31, 1 BLUE GROSBEAK (DA); on 8/1, 1 MERLIN (MH).
VENANGO COUNTY:
From last week: at Kahle Lake on 7/24, 3 RED-HEADED WOODPECKERS (MK).
WESTMORELAND COUNTY:
Near Ligonier on 7/30, possible RED CROSSBILL (JN).
Date: 8/19/26 5:35 pm From: Hawkcount.Org Reports <reports...> Subject: Second Mountain (19 Aug 2026) 3 Raptors
Second Mountain Ft. Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Aug 19, 2026 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Ed Chubb
Observers: Jarrod Derr, Larry Coble, Steve Rannels
Weather: Warm and very sunny! Temp's in the 70's early but getting to the mid 80"s till the afternoon. Not many clouds to start the day but cloud increase made for better later viewing conditions.
Raptor Observations: One high flying Bald Eagle going south thru the Gap.
Non-raptor Observations:
Predictions: A new piece of "hardware" at the watch site will be delivered on Thursday the 20th. Come out and see the new scientific addition to hawk watch. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Frederick Wilcox (<Ftw539...>) Second Mountain information may be found at: Facebook. Second Mountain Hawk Watch
Bake Oven Knob 2 miles North of Germansville, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Aug 19, 2026 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 07:30:00 Observation end time: 15:30:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Andre Vu
Observers: Mark Boyd
Visitors: 42 visitors today, including one large summer camp group of 23. Interacted with 33 total. Was joined by longtime visitor Mark Boyd from about 11-12:30. Nice to meet you Mark!
Weather: 78-89 degrees F. Low wind early in the morning, picked up to light gusts of 4.8 mph in afternoon. Gradual transition from clear blue skies early to about 35% cloud cover in afternoon.
Raptor Observations: Raptors today were almost all incredibly high, making viewing and identification difficult in some cases. Mark and I watched many specks disappear overhead to leave us scratching our heads.
To compensate, though, I was treated to very nice views of an osprey overhead, an adult bald eagle in a blazingly fast glide downridge, our first kestrel of the season (it's a girl!) and a personal favorite of a sharpie zipping very close by while I taught a preteen how to use binoculars. All later in the day once there was more cloud cover.
Non-raptor Observations: Some continued swallow and swift movement, plus 2 southbound hummingbirds. The same 4 cedar waxwings bounced around all day.
The standout was LOTS of green darner dragonflies early in the morning, especially when wind was low. A black saddlebags and 3 twelve-spotted skimmers were highlights in the afternoon.
A couple found a "huge" rat snake right on the trail just before reaching the Knob.
Also, in between scans I decided to have fun catching grasshoppers. With help from iNaturalist I've now seen 6 types of grasshopper/cricket on the ridgetop.
Predictions: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 75. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Lehigh Gap Nature Center (<mail...>) Bake Oven Knob information may be found at: www.lgnc.org
Date: 8/19/26 3:56 pm From: Hawkcount.Org Reports <reports...> Subject: Waggoner's Gap (19 Aug 2026) 57 Raptors
Waggoner's Gap 40 km W of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Aug 19, 2026 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- BV 0 0 0 TV 0 0 0 OS 4 18 18 BE 13 51 51 NH 0 2 2 SS 2 7 7 CH 0 9 9 AG 0 0 0 RS 0 3 3 BW 23 243 243 RT 12 58 58 RL 0 0 0 GE 0 0 0 AK 2 12 12 ML 0 0 0 PG 0 1 1 UA 0 1 1 UB 1 1 1 UF 0 0 0 UE 0 0 0 UR 0 0 0
2 Red Crossbills flew low over our heads in the afternoon.
Predictions: 3-6 mph NE wind, rain likely for most of the day. ======================================================================== Report submitted by WG Counter ()
Observation start time: 06:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 10 hours
Compiler: Matt Wlasniewski
Counters:
Visitors: 46
Weather: Sunny to overcast with light NNW winds
Raptor Observations: Local black and turkey vultures
Non-raptor Observations: ruby-throated hummingbird, great-crested flycatcher, tree and barn swallows, purple martin, cedar waxwing, scarlet tanager, Baltimore oriole ======================================================================== Report submitted by Laurie Goodrich (<goodrich...>) Hawk Mountain Sanctuary information may be found at: http://www.hawkmountain.org/
Observation start time: 07:30:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 6.5 hours
Official Counter: Rosemary McGlynn
Observers:
Visitors: Judy Johns,Ed Paluch,Bob & Gayle Johns
Weather: some form of light W wind all day;light valley haze;sun & clouds yielded to 100% cloud cover by 12EST; 68-77F
Raptor Observations: 4 BWs & 1 subadult BE @ 10:23EST. Also several non-migrating TVs & RTs
Non-raptor Observations: A crow,chimney swift,c waxwing,bc chickadee,b swallow,N flicker
Predictions: S/SE winds;rain likely throughout the count day with chance of t-storms in PM;55F-70F ======================================================================== Report submitted by Rosemary McGlynn (<denali...>)
Date: 8/18/26 4:51 pm From: Hawkcount.Org Reports <reports...> Subject: Waggoner's Gap (18 Aug 2026) 105 Raptors
Waggoner's Gap 40 km W of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Aug 18, 2026 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- BV 0 0 0 TV 0 0 0 OS 2 14 14 BE 7 38 38 NH 0 2 2 SS 2 5 5 CH 1 9 9 AG 0 0 0 RS 0 3 3 BW 80 220 220 RT 11 46 46 RL 0 0 0 GE 0 0 0 AK 2 10 10 ML 0 0 0 PG 0 1 1 UA 0 1 1 UB 0 0 0 UF 0 0 0 UE 0 0 0 UR 0 0 0
Observation start time: 05:15:00 Observation end time: 18:00:00 Total observation time: 12.75 hours
Compiler: Bracken Brown
Counters:
Visitors: 107
Weather: Partly clo0udy and light northwest winds0-10 in the morning, becoming calm and overcast for early afternoon, before wind picked up and pushed clouds out of the region.
Raptor Observations: Good flight mainly on thermals during late morning, end of afternoon had a small push of osprey while an adult peregrine falcon hung around the lookout.
Non-raptor Observations: Common nighthawk, ruby-throated hummingbird, black-billed cuckoo, prairie, chestnut-sided, black-throated green, blackburnian, and black-and-white warbler. Horned lark, song sparrow
Predictions: Sunny high of 84, calm wind in the am becoming west 5mph in pm. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Laurie Goodrich (<goodrich...>) Hawk Mountain Sanctuary information may be found at: http://www.hawkmountain.org/
Bake Oven Knob 2 miles North of Germansville, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Aug 18, 2026 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 07:30:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7.5 hours
Official Counter: Andre Vu
Observers:
Visitors: 33 visitors today, interacted with 27.
Weather: 77.8-88.5 degrees. 0-0.6 mph light NNW wind, 50-100 percent cloud cover throughout the day.
Raptor Observations: Some nice broad-winged movement, biggest kettle was 6 birds. They used both the north and south side of the ridge pretty evenly. Not really any other species. Couldn't decide between broadie vs red-shouldered on one tricky bird. Consistent movement throughout the day before dropping off hard around 12:30 - not even any more local vultures!
Non-raptor Observations: Swallow and swift movement continues, mostly barn and tree, with 2 purple martins being my personal favorite. A large distant flock I thought was a buteo kettle revealed itself to be a group of 6 playful ravens as I watched them somersault around each other. It turns out a group of ravens is called an unkindness. While unfortunately named, I got nice views of the unkindness once they got close.
Predictions: Mostly sunny, with a high near 80. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Lehigh Gap Nature Center (<mail...>) Bake Oven Knob information may be found at: www.lgnc.org
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 14:30:00 Total observation time: 6.5 hours
Official Counter: Jim Rocco
Observers: Nancy Ott, Terry Suder
Visitors: 3 visitors
Weather: Early morning fog and haze. Winds 3 to 9 mph. from the NW. Average temperature was 20 degrees (C) cloud cover 50 to 75% with high cumulus clouds. Visibility went from 17 to 40 (km)
Raptor Observations: 25 raptors counted for the day, including 2 bald eagles 22 broad wings and 1 red tail.
Non-raptor Observations: Small flock of turkeys in lower parking lot, 1 humming bird, local tv's, flicker , northern cardinal, Baltimore oriole, cedar waxwings, Black and tiger swallowtails, mourning cloak cabbage whites, red spotted purples,common sulphers. 15 monarchs
Predictions: Clear but partly cloudy ======================================================================== Report submitted by Jim Rocco (<jd.jh.rocco...>)
Date: 8/18/26 1:42 pm From: Hawkcount.Org Reports <reports...> Subject: Second Mountain (18 Aug 2026) 47 Raptors
Second Mountain Ft. Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Aug 18, 2026 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 06:30:00 Observation end time: 14:30:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Rosemary Spreha
Observers: Joe Meloney, Sue Dibble
Visitors: Kevin Shannon, Mike and Leslie Shaak, Glenn Mitzel
Weather: Mostly cloudy all day, light wind from the NW. Temperature ranged from 68 to 80 degrees.
Raptor Observations: Local TV and Raven not counted.
Non-raptor Observations: Common Nighthawk, YB Cuckoo, Scarlet Tanager, RTHU, Hooded, Black and White, Black-throated Green, Blackburnian Warblers, Am Redstart, Baltimore Oriole, Swifts and Swallows active for a couple hours before the Broadwing Hawks started flying.
Predictions: Cloudy with winds from the west. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Frederick Wilcox (<Ftw539...>) Second Mountain information may be found at: Facebook. Second Mountain Hawk Watch
Date: 8/18/26 9:02 am From: Amy Taracido <amytaracido...> Subject: RBA western Pennsylvania, 28 July 2026 (two weeks)
RBA
*Pennsylvania
*Pittsburgh and western Pennsylvania
*PAWE07.28.26twoweeks
Highlights:
WILLOW PTARMIGAN (Erie County)
BAIRD'S SANDPIPER (Erie County)
STILT SANDPIPER (Erie and Mercer Counties)
WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER (Mercer County)
WILLET
LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER (Erie County)
SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER
AMERICAN AVOCET (Erie County)
BROWN PELICAN (Butler and Mercer Counties)
OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER
ALDER FLYCATCHER
SWAINSON'S WARBLER (Fayette County)
BLUE GROSBEAK (Allegheny and Butler Counties)
Contributors: KM Andersen, Kerry Bell, Kimberly Berry, Bill Blauvelt, Jeff Brinker, Jeff Cieslak, Donna Collett, JoAnn Dalley, Lacey Daugherty, Brittany Davis, Martin Dellwo, Natalie Donofrio, Channing Ehlert, Thomas Frank, Rohan Ganguli, Steve Gosser, Lorenzo Kleine, Nicholas Liadis, Michele Mannella, Doug Massey, Brian Miller, Ron Mumme, Dean Newhouse, Shane Ross, David Rothrock, James Saracco, Barry Saylor, Kelly Shattler-Foster, Amanda Sloan, Shawn Sowers, Kim Springer, Brian Stauffer, Brad Steger, Zach Vasey, Michael Williams, Bill Winkler, David Yeany II.
Compiler: Amy Taracido
Tuesday, 14 July 2026 through Tuesday, 28 July 2026 (two weeks)
**This report is distributed by e-mail only. Compiler is not responsible for errors on websites who reproduce/reprint these reports. If you would like to receive western PA RBAs, contact AMYTARACIDO@ YAHOO.COM
Transcript-
NOTE: LONG-TAILED DUCK, LESSER YELLOWLEGS, PECTORAL SANDPIPER, VIRGINIA RAIL continue to be reported.
ALLEGHENY COUNTY:
On 7/19 and 7/26-7/27 at the Imperial grasslands, 1 BLUE GROSBEAK (SG, DN, DC).
In Cedarhurst on 7/26, 1 MERLIN; on 7/27, 2 MERLINS; on 7/28, 4 MERLINS (JS).
On 7/28 near Point Breeze, 1 MERLIN (RG).
BUTLER COUNTY:
On 7/16 and 7/26 along Stoughton Road, 2 BLUE GROSBEAKS (MM et. al.); on 7/17 and 7/20, 1 BLUE GROSBEAK (KBer, ZV).
At Moraine State Park on 7/23-7/26, 1 BROWN PELICAN (KB et. al.).
CLARION COUNTY:
On 7/25-7/26 in Cook Forest State Park, 1 YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER (JD).
CRAWFORD COUNTY:
At Pymatuning on 7/18, 1 MERLIN (SS).
On 7/24 in Meadville, 1 MERLIN (BM).
ERIE COUNTY:
At Presque Isle State Park on 7/14-7/15 and 7/17-7/18, 1 WILLOW PTARMIGAN continued (MD et. al.); on 7/19-7/20, 1 BAIRD'S SANDPIPER (JC et. al.); on 7/21, 2 AMERICAN AVOCETS (DM); on 7/22, 1 AMERICAN AVOCET (CE); on 7/24, 1 STILT SANDPIPER (ND et. al.), 2 BAIRD'S SANDPIPERS (BSt); on 7/25, 1 WINTER WREN (BSt), 1 LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER (LD); on 7/26, 2 WILLETS (KMA et. al.); on 7/27, 1 LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER (TF).
On 7/20 at Union City Reservoir, 1 OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER (BD).
FAYETTE COUNTY:
On 7/14 and 7/20 at Bear Run Nature Reserve, 4 SWAINSON'S WARBLERS (NL, DY et. al.); on 7/25, 1 SWAINSON'S WARBLER (DR).
Near Connellsville on 7/18-7/19, 1 SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER (BSte, KBel).
At Fort Necessity on 7/21, 1 MERLIN (KS).
JEFFERSON COUNTY:
On 7/27 southwest of Brockway, 4 ALDER FLYCATCHERS (BSa).
MERCER COUNTY:
At Shenango Reservoir on 7/14, 1 BROWN PELICAN (KS); on 7/16, 2 BROWN PELICANS (BW); on 7/18-7/19, 1 BROWN PELICAN (JB et. al.).
At Shenango Wildlife Area on 7/18, 1 WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER (MW); on 7/19-7/21, 1 STILT SANDPIPER (AS et. al.), 3 WILLOW FLYCATCHERS, 90 CLIFF SWALLOWS (AS), 1 YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO, 10 BANK SWALLOWS (LK).
SOMERSET COUNTY:
On 7/21 along Sheep Ridge Road, 1 NORTHERN HARRIER (BB).
Near Friedens on 7/27, 1 NORTHERN HARRIER (SR).
VENANGO COUNTY:
In Hill City on 7/24, 4 RED-HEADED WOODPECKERS (RM).
Bake Oven Knob 2 miles North of Germansville, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Aug 17, 2026 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 10:15:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 5 hours
Official Counter: Andre Vu
Observers: Brett White, Chad Schwartz
Visitors: Joined by Brett White, our weekend counter, for a bit, as well as Chad Schwartz who stuck around the rest of the day. Friendly hikers and families stopped by totaling 16 people.
Weather: 73-86 degrees F. Generally no wind with some short breezes measured between 0.30-4.78 mph. Very little visibility upon arrival at 8 am, count started when it rapidly cleared up to 30 miles at 10:10 am.
Raptor Observations: 1 Bald Eagle 1247a
Unknown raptor was likely a female/immature harrier
Scattered movement throughout the day, with most raptors (especially broad-winged) choosing a flight line following the ridge before breaking off to the distant SSW.
Non-raptor Observations: Non-raptor visiting birds included a 1st winter F scarlet tanager, Eastern kingbird, blue-gray gnatcatcher, wood thrush, and seemingly migrating chimney swifts.
Predictions: Sunny, with a high near 83. North wind around 5 mph. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Lehigh Gap Nature Center (<mail...>) Bake Oven Knob information may be found at: www.lgnc.org
Date: 8/17/26 5:01 pm From: Hawkcount.Org Reports <reports...> Subject: Waggoner's Gap (17 Aug 2026) 38 Raptors
Waggoner's Gap 40 km W of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Aug 17, 2026 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- BV 0 0 0 TV 0 0 0 OS 0 12 12 BE 4 31 31 NH 2 2 2 SS 0 3 3 CH 1 8 8 AG 0 0 0 RS 0 3 3 BW 28 140 140 RT 1 35 35 RL 0 0 0 GE 0 0 0 AK 0 8 8 ML 0 0 0 PG 1 1 1 UA 1 1 1 UB 0 0 0 UF 0 0 0 UE 0 0 0 UR 0 0 0
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 17:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Tom Filip
Observers: Dave Grove, Gary LaBelle
Visitors: 13 Heather, Jay, Wheeler, Michael
Weather: South side was completely obscured by fog this morning, north side was patchy but offered some visibility. Low SE wind in the morning, N/NNE wind later. Fog cleared when the wind shifted. Some light brief showers in the afternoon.
Raptor Observations: First bird: BAEA 9:44 Last bird: PEFA 16:42
Non-raptor Observations: Hummingbirds: 1 Monarchs: 7 Zebra Swallowtail: 1 LFE: 16 1 Skink 2 Fence Lizards 2 wasps making nests, one dragging litter into a crevice to cover a paralyzed caterpillar, another dragging a paralyzed caterpillar away.
Predictions: 5-7mph NW/NNW winds, partly cloudy. ======================================================================== Report submitted by WG Counter ()
Date: 8/17/26 2:51 pm From: Hawkcount.Org Reports <reports...> Subject: Second Mountain (17 Aug 2026) 42 Raptors
Second Mountain Ft. Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Aug 17, 2026 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 15:15:00 Total observation time: 8.25 hours
Official Counter: Sue Dibble
Observers: Rosemary Spreha
Visitors: 2 birders and 3 for the view
Weather: Thick fog until 10am, then mostly cloudy, hot and humid the rest of the day with a light breeze from the northwest.
Raptor Observations: The first Broad-winged hawks lifted from the valley south of the hawkwatch around 10:15am EDT. Local raptors not counted - 3 Redtails, 2 Osprey, 1 kestrel, 1 immature Bald Eagle, several turkey vultures and 2 Black vultures. A very dark juvenile broadwing circled the watch on and off in the afternoon before heading back to the northeast.
Non-raptor Observations: Black and white warbler, indigo buntings. Monarchs - 5
Predictions: Mostly sunny and hot ======================================================================== Report submitted by Frederick Wilcox (<Ftw539...>) Second Mountain information may be found at: Facebook. Second Mountain Hawk Watch
Observation start time: 07:15:00 Observation end time: 17:00:00 Total observation time: 8.75 hours
Compiler: Bracken Brown
Counters: Mitchell pruitt
Visitors: 47
Weather: Fog persisted in the morning until 1100. The rest of the day was good visibility and a mix of partly cloudy to cloudy. A thunderstorm ended the count an hour early.
Raptor Observations: First bird of the day was a low and close Broad-winged Hawk. This species dominated the count, but didn't overshadow a nice silhouette of a Peregrine Falcon streaming south!
Non-raptor Observations: Today was a good day for aerial insectivores, with a nice flight of swallows, including Barn, Tree, N. Rough-winged, and Purple Martin. Both cuckoos--Black-billed and Yellow-billed--were nice observations. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Laurie Goodrich (<goodrich...>) Hawk Mountain Sanctuary information may be found at: http://www.hawkmountain.org/
Observation start time: 08:15:00 Observation end time: 23:00:00 Total observation time: 2.75 hours
Official Counter: Nancy Ott
Observers:
Visitors: 0
Weather: WNW winds with heavy darker clouds in west up to edge of front and valley partly sunny cumulous clouds. Temps in 70's and no rain but hazy. Rain started around 10:50 and weather app showed rain till evening.
Raptor Observations: Osprey around 8:30 started out over valley towards east but flew over towards front, close look. Rest of hawks high and last 7 BW's out over valley in and out of view in clouds just before rain.
Non-raptor Observations: 2 monarchs and other varieties of butterflies. Chickadees, nuthatches, crows, 1 raven, 4 wild turkeys on the lane.
Predictions: Partly cloudy, temp in 70's, winds NW. No precipitation expected. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Nancy Ott (<ednancy.ott...>)
Observation start time: 08:30:00 Observation end time: 10:30:00 Total observation time: 2 hours
Official Counter: Rosemary McGlynn
Observers:
Visitors: none
Weather: light WSW winds with rain clouds above & patchy fog in the valley below; dry then misty then drizzle by 10:00 EST. 70-75F Due to decreased visibility the count ended after 2 hrs.
Raptor Observations: none
Non-raptor Observations: bc chickadee,A crow,wb nuthatch,blue jay,turkeys on cemetery lane
Predictions: lt to mod W/WNW winds;chance of rain showers throughout the day;high 75F ======================================================================== Report submitted by Rosemary McGlynn (<denali...>)
Date: 8/16/26 10:30 am From: Hawkcount.Org Reports <reports...> Subject: Bake Oven Knob (16 Aug 2026) 3 Raptors
Bake Oven Knob 2 miles North of Germansville, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Aug 16, 2026 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 06:30:00 Observation end time: 09:00:00 Total observation time: 2.5 hours
Official Counter: Rick Morrissey
Observers: Brett White
Visitors: We had 10 visitors during this two and a half hour hawk count. Technically I was the second 'non-migrating' visitor today as I was greeted by Corey, ironically who is from my home town of Nazareth, Pa. As there was an exchange of 'credentials', he learned that I have two young grandchildren (boys), one who is starting soccer this month. I learned that Corey has two young boys, one who has been excelling in soccer for a number of years (Daymian), currently excited at being an offensive midfielder. My daughter Caitlin, who is the same age Corey, was a midfielder turned 'striker' for Freedom High School. Corey graduated from Freedom High School, the same year as my daughter.
I learned today that our LGNC weekend intern Brett White who I will work with the rest of this season, he is a Phillies fan. I am a Phillies fan. Brett was a catcher in High School, I was a pitcher in high school. We both agreed that the catcher 'calls the pitches', they run the game, and once pitchers accept that fact they become better pitchers.
On the drive home today, I realized that making a statement like "I was shut out today' as a counter is flat out ridiculous. Yes, the migration interns and volunteers count raptors, and that data is shared on this web-site to monitor the health of raptor species which not too long ago were considered vermin and shot out of the sky on this very same lookout.
Yet it is a only community of like minded nature enthusiasts like us who will work to protect the environment which supports these species who are all part of the Planet's Food Web. Our Food web, a conglomerate of food chains which supports us!
Pretty sure we will see Corey again, and at some point Daymian I suspect, and we will talk about soccer, and hawks, and if we talk long enough, Daymian will get a close up look at a Bald Eagle.
So as a final post script, my daughter and Corey both graduated from Freedom High School in 2009. Do you think I told him my favorite soccer story? The one where Caitlin scores her final goal, in the 'top 90', to knock Liberty High School out of the playoffs that year. Damn straight I did!
Weather: The count began at the South Lookout with low fog hugging the bowl, although visibility was 15-20 miles. The sun peaked through the high clouds for about a minute, otherwise it was 100% cloud cover. The low temperature was 68F at 0630EST, and the high temperature was 69F at 0900EST when a steady drizzle turned into a fairly heavy rain which chased us down the mountain. The long range forecast for the rest of the day was 80% rain so we called it a day, ready for better days ahead.
Raptor Observations: For observations raptor related, let me find the right word.....NONE. It has been a very long time since I was 'shut out', but hold that thought for a further observation and reflection of this second day of the BOK Hawk Watch.
Non-raptor Observations: Four Tree Swallows strafed the South lookout for over an hour to give us something to follow in our binoculars other there than the three Turkey Vultures who gracefully patrolled the bowl and Southern valley below. It was a short lived feeling of hope
Predictions: Partly sunny with a chance of showers in the afternoon. Warmer with highs in the mid 80's. Northwest winds around 5 mph. Chance of rain 50 percent. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Lehigh Gap Nature Center (<mail...>) Bake Oven Knob information may be found at: www.lgnc.org
Observation start time: 05:15:00 Observation end time: 10:45:00 Total observation time: 5.42 hours
Compiler: David Barber
Counters:
Visitors: 29
Weather: Overcast with scattered showers with heavier rain starting at 1030. Low clouds with zero visibility after 0730. South winds 5-10 mph
Raptor Observations:
Non-raptor Observations: chimney swift, eastern wood-pewee, great-crested flycatcher, purple martin, tree swallow, barn swallow, cedar waxwing, black-and-white warbler, American redstart, black-billed cuckoo ======================================================================== Report submitted by Laurie Goodrich (<goodrich...>) Hawk Mountain Sanctuary information may be found at: http://www.hawkmountain.org/
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 1 hours
Official Counter: Wayne Sierer
Observers:
Weather: Light to moderate wind out of the East early then SE. Partly cloudy, high cumulous clouds. Very Nice day.
Today was the opening day of the hawk watch which also corresponded to our work day.
Raptor Observations: This report shows the number of each species to constitute a "temporary" report. A more detailed report will be available in the near future.
Osprey-4 Sharp-shinned hawk-2 Cooper's Hawk - 1 Red-shouldered Hawk- 1 Broad-winged Hawk- 11 Red-tailed Hawk- 8 American Kestrel-2 (1 male and 1 female) Bald Eagle-18 all but about 2 were adults, 2 immature mostly under 100 feet of hieght. TOTALS (ALL RAPTORS): 53
Non-raptor Observations:
======================================================================== Report submitted by Robert Stewart (<bstewart...>)
Date: 8/16/26 4:21 am From: Hawkcount.Org Reports <reports...> Subject: Second Mountain (15 Aug 2026) Raptors
Second Mountain Ft. Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Aug 15, 2026 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Chip Templin
Observers: Ed Chubb, Rosemary Spreha, Steve Rannels
Visitors: 15 Vista Viewers, 2 Interested Birders, Mike Dale, Eric Witmer and Tom Garner
Weather: Sunny and hot. Winds shifted from Northeast to Northwest 3-5 mph.
Raptor Observations: No migrating Raptors. Local Turkey Vultures, 1 local Kestrel and 1 local Red Tailed Hawk.
Non-raptor Observations: Many Tree Swallows and Cedar Waxwings. At least one Indigo Buntings chirping. Several Tiger Swallowtails and one Red Spotted Purple Butterfly.
Predictions: 100% cloud cover, chance of rain all day. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Frederick Wilcox (<Ftw539...>) Second Mountain information may be found at: Facebook. Second Mountain Hawk Watch
Date: 8/15/26 5:09 pm From: Hawkcount.Org Reports <reports...> Subject: Waggoner's Gap (15 Aug 2026) 110 Raptors
Waggoner's Gap 40 km W of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Aug 15, 2026 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- BV 0 0 0 TV 0 0 0 OS 6 12 12 BE 6 27 27 NH 0 0 0 SS 0 3 3 CH 4 7 7 AG 0 0 0 RS 2 3 3 BW 83 112 112 RT 7 34 34 RL 0 0 0 GE 0 0 0 AK 2 8 8 ML 0 0 0 PG 0 0 0 UA 0 0 0 UB 0 0 0 UF 0 0 0 UE 0 0 0 UR 0 0 0
Predictions: 7-9 mph SE/SSE wind. Good chance of rain after 9. ======================================================================== Report submitted by WG Counter ()
Observation start time: 05:15:00 Observation end time: 18:00:00 Total observation time: 12.58 hours
Compiler: Bracken Brown
Counters: Andy Wlasniewski, Elizabeth weed, Jeremy Scheivert
Visitors: 106
Weather: Clear with some haze in the morning clearing by the afternoon. Winds light to calm out of the NE 0-5mph.
Raptor Observations: First migrant of the 2026 season was a broad-winged hawk that passed the lookout 9:21. Great flight for the day with thermals keeping many of the looks distant.
Non-raptor Observations: Black-billed cuckoos calling throughout the morning, purple martin, barn swallow, tree swallow, northern rough-winged swallow, blackburnian warbler, black-and-white warbler, scarlet tanager
Predictions: Light east to southeast winds and increasing clouds through the morning could keep the flight short before rain is expected to move in. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Laurie Goodrich (<goodrich...>) Hawk Mountain Sanctuary information may be found at: http://www.hawkmountain.org/
Bake Oven Knob 2 miles North of Germansville, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Aug 15, 2026 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 15:30:00 Total observation time: 8.5 hours
Official Counter: Brett White
Observers: Chad Schwartz, Ed Wanamaker
Visitors: 61 total visitors to BOK today.
Weather: 76-96 degrees F. Light wind 0-6 mph S. Visibility about 30 miles.
Raptor Observations: Kettle of 13 Broad Winged Hawks at 10:15 am was largest kettle of the day. Non migratory red shoulder hawk and non migratory red tailed hawk also observed. Very light activity after 12:00 am.
Predictions: Showers, mainly after 1pm. High near 78. Light and variable wind becoming southeast 5 to 10 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Lehigh Gap Nature Center (<mail...>) Bake Oven Knob information may be found at: www.lgnc.org
Date: 8/14/26 12:43 pm From: Hawkcount.Org Reports <reports...> Subject: Waggoner's Gap (14 Aug 2026) 3 Raptors
Waggoner's Gap 40 km W of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Aug 14, 2026 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- BV 0 0 0 TV 0 0 0 OS 0 6 6 BE 1 21 21 NH 0 0 0 SS 0 3 3 CH 0 3 3 AG 0 0 0 RS 1 1 1 BW 0 29 29 RT 0 27 27 RL 0 0 0 GE 0 0 0 AK 1 6 6 ML 0 0 0 PG 0 0 0 UA 0 0 0 UB 0 0 0 UF 0 0 0 UE 0 0 0 UR 0 0 0
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 5 hours
Official Counter: Dave Grove
Observers:
Visitors: 15
Weather: Overcast with wildfire smoke creating haze. Light NW wind going SE. Some clearing late.
Raptor Observations: First bird AK 10:46 Last bird RS 11:58
Non-raptor Observations: Monarch 1 Hummer 1 LFE 7 ======================================================================== Report submitted by dave grove (<waggap...>)
Date: 8/13/26 4:49 pm From: Hawkcount.Org Reports <reports...> Subject: Waggoner's Gap (13 Aug 2026) 46 Raptors
Waggoner's Gap 40 km W of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Aug 13, 2026 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- BV 0 0 0 TV 0 0 0 OS 4 6 6 BE 4 20 20 NH 0 0 0 SS 0 3 3 CH 0 3 3 AG 0 0 0 RS 0 0 0 BW 26 29 29 RT 11 27 27 RL 0 0 0 GE 0 0 0 AK 1 5 5 ML 0 0 0 PG 0 0 0 UA 0 0 0 UB 0 0 0 UF 0 0 0 UE 0 0 0 UR 0 0 0
Date: 8/12/26 3:22 pm From: Hawkcount.Org Reports <reports...> Subject: Waggoner's Gap (12 Aug 2026) 11 Raptors
Waggoner's Gap 40 km W of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Aug 12, 2026 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- BV 0 0 0 TV 0 0 0 OS 0 2 2 BE 3 16 16 NH 0 0 0 SS 0 3 3 CH 1 3 3 AG 0 0 0 RS 0 0 0 BW 1 3 3 RT 5 16 16 RL 0 0 0 GE 0 0 0 AK 1 4 4 ML 0 0 0 PG 0 0 0 UA 0 0 0 UB 0 0 0 UF 0 0 0 UE 0 0 0 UR 0 0 0
Date: 8/11/26 12:54 pm From: Hawkcount.Org Reports <reports...> Subject: Waggoner's Gap (11 Aug 2026) 5 Raptors
Waggoner's Gap 40 km W of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Aug 11, 2026 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- BV 0 0 0 TV 0 0 0 OS 1 2 2 BE 1 13 13 NH 0 0 0 SS 0 3 3 CH 1 2 2 AG 0 0 0 RS 0 0 0 BW 1 2 2 RT 1 11 11 RL 0 0 0 GE 0 0 0 AK 0 3 3 ML 0 0 0 PG 0 0 0 UA 0 0 0 UB 0 0 0 UF 0 0 0 UE 0 0 0 UR 0 0 0
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 5 hours
Official Counter: Dave Grove
Observers: Pete Biasucci
Visitors: Bill Chambers
Weather: High clouds with a moderate NW wind.
Raptor Observations: First bird BE 10:19 Last bird RT 1:18
Non-raptor Observations: Monarch 1 LFE 6 ======================================================================== Report submitted by dave grove (<waggap...>)
Date: 8/10/26 11:56 am From: Hawkcount.Org Reports <reports...> Subject: Waggoner's Gap (10 Aug 2026) 7 Raptors
Waggoner's Gap 40 km W of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Aug 10, 2026 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- BV 0 0 0 TV 0 0 0 OS 0 1 1 BE 2 12 12 NH 0 0 0 SS 0 3 3 CH 1 1 1 AG 0 0 0 RS 0 0 0 BW 1 1 1 RT 3 10 10 RL 0 0 0 GE 0 0 0 AK 0 3 3 ML 0 0 0 PG 0 0 0 UA 0 0 0 UB 0 0 0 UF 0 0 0 UE 0 0 0 UR 0 0 0
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 13:00:00 Total observation time: 4 hours
Official Counter: Dave Grove
Observers:
Visitors: Shorty Lowe, 1
Weather: Rain and fog ended at 9. Mostly cloudy with a light S wind. Thunderstorm returned at 1.
Raptor Observations: First bird BE 10:27 Last bird BE 12:01
Non-raptor Observations: Hummer 1 LFE 4 ======================================================================== Report submitted by dave grove (<waggap...>)
Date: 8/9/26 4:27 pm From: Hawkcount.Org Reports <reports...> Subject: Waggoner's Gap (09 Aug 2026) 15 Raptors
Waggoner's Gap 40 km W of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Aug 09, 2026 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- BV 0 0 0 TV 0 0 0 OS 0 1 1 BE 6 10 10 NH 0 0 0 SS 2 3 3 CH 0 0 0 AG 0 0 0 RS 0 0 0 BW 0 0 0 RT 5 7 7 RL 0 0 0 GE 0 0 0 AK 2 3 3 ML 0 0 0 PG 0 0 0 UA 0 0 0 UB 0 0 0 UF 0 0 0 UE 0 0 0 UR 0 0 0
Date: 8/9/26 8:43 am From: DAVID KOCH <0000012d74227426-dmarc-request...> Subject: Koch property, Northampton County
As usual, not much going on or to say in early hot and humid August and (I probably shouldn't say this) I'm currently delegated to the house because my husband's recovering from a serious medical situation. So recently, but only in the yard, there's been several yellow warblers, an eastern wood pewee, and, because it's August, steady ruby-throated hummingbird activity that's keeping me sane. The rose-breasted grosbeak parade has ended, as is normal for this time of the summer, and I'm only seeing one here and there. However, common species are as regular as ever. Â
Arlene Koch Easton, PA Northampton County <davilene...>
Date: 8/8/26 11:42 am From: Hawkcount.Org Reports <reports...> Subject: Waggoner's Gap (08 Aug 2026) 1 Raptors
Waggoner's Gap 40 km W of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Aug 08, 2026 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- BV 0 0 0 TV 0 0 0 OS 0 1 1 BE 0 4 4 NH 0 0 0 SS 1 1 1 CH 0 0 0 AG 0 0 0 RS 0 0 0 BW 0 0 0 RT 0 2 2 RL 0 0 0 GE 0 0 0 AK 0 1 1 ML 0 0 0 PG 0 0 0 UA 0 0 0 UB 0 0 0 UF 0 0 0 UE 0 0 0 UR 0 0 0
Observation start time: 07:45:00 Observation end time: 10:15:00 Total observation time: 2.5 hours
Official Counter: Paul Fritz
Observers:
Visitors: 8 visitors
Weather: Weak SW winds, mostly cloudy, temps stayed around 22 C. Good visibility until rain occurred at 10:15.
Raptor Observations: 1st (and last bird) was a Sharp-shinned hawk at 8:48.
Non-raptor Observations: Hummingbirds 3, LFE 9 ======================================================================== Report submitted by Paul Fritz (<p67fritz...>)
Date: 8/7/26 4:39 pm From: Hawkcount.Org Reports <reports...> Subject: Waggoner's Gap (07 Aug 2026) 2 Raptors
Waggoner's Gap 40 km W of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Aug 07, 2026 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- BV 0 0 0 TV 0 0 0 OS 0 1 1 BE 0 4 4 NH 0 0 0 SS 0 0 0 CH 0 0 0 AG 0 0 0 RS 0 0 0 BW 0 0 0 RT 1 2 2 RL 0 0 0 GE 0 0 0 AK 1 1 1 ML 0 0 0 PG 0 0 0 UA 0 0 0 UB 0 0 0 UF 0 0 0 UE 0 0 0 UR 0 0 0
Date: 8/7/26 5:08 am From: Grove, Deborah Shuey <dsg4...> Subject: Re: PABIRDS Digest - 4 Aug 2026 to 6 Aug 2026 (#2026-154)
You’re on!
Deb
From: Bird discussion list for Pennsylvania <PABIRDS...> on behalf of <clarek...> <000002247ffc569b-dmarc-request...>
Date: Friday, August 7, 2026 at 7:49 AM
To: <PABIRDS...> <PABIRDS...>
Subject: Re: [PABIRDS] PABIRDS Digest - 4 Aug 2026 to 6 Aug 2026 (#2026-154)
[Some people who received this message don't often get email from <000002247ffc569b-dmarc-request...> Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ]
Would you kindly add the following email to the discussion list?
<Jeepingirl01...>
Thanks!
Clare J Kaczmarek
1825 Bethel Church Road
Latrobe, PA 15650
724.219.7587
________________________________
From: Bird discussion list for Pennsylvania <PABIRDS...> on behalf of PABIRDS automatic digest system <LISTSERV...>
Sent: Thursday, August 6, 2026 9:00 PM
To: <PABIRDS...> <PABIRDS...>
Subject: PABIRDS Digest - 4 Aug 2026 to 6 Aug 2026 (#2026-154)
There is 1 message totaling 71 lines in this issue.
Date: Thu, 6 Aug 2026 18:45:54 +0000
From: "Hawkcount.Org Reports" <reports...>
Subject: Waggoner's Gap (06 Aug 2026) Raptors
Waggoner's Gap
40 km W of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Aug 06, 2026
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
BV 0 0 0
TV 0 0 0
OS 0 1 1
BE 0 4 4
NH 0 0 0
SS 0 0 0
CH 0 0 0
AG 0 0 0
RS 0 0 0
BW 0 0 0
RT 0 1 1
RL 0 0 0
GE 0 0 0
AK 0 0 0
ML 0 0 0
PG 0 0 0
UA 0 0 0
UB 0 0 0
UF 0 0 0
UE 0 0 0
UR 0 0 0
Date: 8/7/26 4:49 am From: <clarek...> <000002247ffc569b-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: PABIRDS Digest - 4 Aug 2026 to 6 Aug 2026 (#2026-154)
Would you kindly add the following email to the discussion list?
<Jeepingirl01...>
Thanks!
Clare J Kaczmarek
1825 Bethel Church Road
Latrobe, PA 15650
724.219.7587
________________________________
From: Bird discussion list for Pennsylvania <PABIRDS...> on behalf of PABIRDS automatic digest system <LISTSERV...>
Sent: Thursday, August 6, 2026 9:00 PM
To: <PABIRDS...> <PABIRDS...>
Subject: PABIRDS Digest - 4 Aug 2026 to 6 Aug 2026 (#2026-154)
There is 1 message totaling 71 lines in this issue.
Date: Thu, 6 Aug 2026 18:45:54 +0000
From: "Hawkcount.Org Reports" <reports...>
Subject: Waggoner's Gap (06 Aug 2026) Raptors
Waggoner's Gap
40 km W of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Aug 06, 2026
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
BV 0 0 0
TV 0 0 0
OS 0 1 1
BE 0 4 4
NH 0 0 0
SS 0 0 0
CH 0 0 0
AG 0 0 0
RS 0 0 0
BW 0 0 0
RT 0 1 1
RL 0 0 0
GE 0 0 0
AK 0 0 0
ML 0 0 0
PG 0 0 0
UA 0 0 0
UB 0 0 0
UF 0 0 0
UE 0 0 0
UR 0 0 0
Date: 8/6/26 11:46 am From: Hawkcount.Org Reports <reports...> Subject: Waggoner's Gap (06 Aug 2026) Raptors
Waggoner's Gap 40 km W of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Aug 06, 2026 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- BV 0 0 0 TV 0 0 0 OS 0 1 1 BE 0 4 4 NH 0 0 0 SS 0 0 0 CH 0 0 0 AG 0 0 0 RS 0 0 0 BW 0 0 0 RT 0 1 1 RL 0 0 0 GE 0 0 0 AK 0 0 0 ML 0 0 0 PG 0 0 0 UA 0 0 0 UB 0 0 0 UF 0 0 0 UE 0 0 0 UR 0 0 0
Date: 8/4/26 2:02 pm From: Hawkcount.Org Reports <reports...> Subject: Waggoner's Gap (04 Aug 2026) 3 Raptors
Waggoner's Gap 40 km W of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Aug 04, 2026 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- BV 0 0 0 TV 0 0 0 OS 1 1 1 BE 1 4 4 NH 0 0 0 SS 0 0 0 CH 0 0 0 AG 0 0 0 RS 0 0 0 BW 0 0 0 RT 1 1 1 RL 0 0 0 GE 0 0 0 AK 0 0 0 ML 0 0 0 PG 0 0 0 UA 0 0 0 UB 0 0 0 UF 0 0 0 UE 0 0 0 UR 0 0 0
Date: 8/3/26 9:13 am From: jerry Kruth <00000005ead0dac6-dmarc-request...> Subject: window decals
A warm and hearty "Thanks," to everyone who made suggestions about preventing window strikes!  It' s one of the many nice things about this List!!!
We ended up installing white translucent leaf-shaped decals every 8 - 10 inches on the glass panels.  We haven't had a strike (that we have encountered), so let's hope this works!!!
On the larger scale, we just drove through Philly on the way back from NJ shore, and it is tragic to see the number of shy-blue glass buildings, looking exactly like the sky!!!! Beautiful but HORRIBLE!Â
It s estimated a BILLION (with a "B") birds tragically die in collisions of this kind!!!! Add to that, the lights at night during migration disorienting them, and it;s a wonder anything survives the annual migration these days.
Woe be to nature.. We'll soon be left with nothing but Norway rats, cockroaches and Starlings!
Date: 8/3/26 3:49 am From: H2Ofowl2 <000001f862a9bc86-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Warren- Swainson's thrush, yellow-rumps at suet
That’s great information. Thanks for sharing!
>
> On Aug 3, 2026 at 1:33 AM, <Carole Winslow (mailto:<cjwinslow94...>)> wrote:
>
>
>
> Late summer greetings from the north woods, After I posted earlier this summer about not finding Swainson's thrush in my normal areas near Hearts Content, I spent some more time searching the surrounding area. I did finally find one singing near the road at the start of the Tanbark down the road from Hearts Content at the end of June. In July, Don and I hiked in on the North Country trail from Mayburg Rd/FR 116 towards the Minister Valley. We made this trip three times and each time I found Swainson's, total for the month in five different places, all with some countersinging. Despite this I couldn't get a breeding code above territorial, but every time I walked the trail, it was still such a beautiful thing to hear that song spiraling up through the trees. On July 16, on the worst day of the wildfire smoke, we backpacked into the head of the Minister Creek watershed, and spent the night. I walked back up the trail during the day to where I had heard Swainson's and spent some time sitting beneath a singing male, trying to find other signs of breeding. Again, no luck but just the most magical thing to sit there quietly hearing the music above me in the little sunlit clearing where they sing. I listened for at least 20 minutes as it sang nonstop. There were no Swainson's unfortunately at our campsite but there were hermits galore down there, and at dusk they serenaded and popped out into view around us, along with veery up in the thicker hillside rhodo and a winter wren beside us along the creek. During the night and in the early morning a family of barred owls hooted and hollered right around us. Two days ago on the 31st I went in one last time, just about a mile and a half, and found two more spots with two singing birds each, which surprised me this late but they definitely seemed to be still on territory. All in all, I'd believe I had at least 10 total singing males in here for the season, so I was quite happy to be able to document this for the atlas. Up until last week, there was still a good bit of warbler song in the forest, and even two days ago, I had magnolia, hooded, and black-throated greens and blues still singing, as well as many scarlet tanagers, and Acadian flycatchers, including one carrying food for young. At camp near Tidioute, yesterday I was thrilled to see a pair of yellow-rumped warblers at the suet feeder of all things, something I have never seen before. They had been singing earlier in the summer but not recently so I believe they did nest somewhere near and are probably still feeding young. I also had the male purple finch still present at the feeders, along with a fledgling. A good way to end the summer atlasing, Carole Winslow Sligo, Clarion Co.
>
>
Date: 8/2/26 12:07 pm From: Carole Winslow <cjwinslow94...> Subject: Clarion Co- Whip-poor-wills at Piney Tract, Henslow's at home
I have been lax at posting all my atlasing work for the summer, and it's too much to list here now unfortunately, but I did think I'd share a few things for my home county, after posting for Warren.
On Tuesday the 28th, after I had neglected it all summer, we finally made it out to Wyman Rd at Mt Zion/Piney tract area to check for whips. Even as late as it is, we did find two after 9:15, one didn't call but came right out on the road and dusted a while in front of us, then flew around us a short bit and went out of sight. Further down at the end of Stockdill Rd we did have one still singing. So I would imagine they were probably here in good numbers through the summer as the habitat on this road remains excellent for them.
We had great numbers of baltimore and orchard orioles also for the summer, and I was able to confirm both. Baltimores still remain, adults look to be molting now maybe, and young ones still evident. They continue to use the jelly feeder periodically and the suet as well. This morning when I made a quick run up to the hilltop field where we have a little garden, I had a Henslow's sparrow singing, perched up on a small honeysuckle. I was shocked to hear it though I have had them in this field off and on for years, none in the last two though. I've spent so much time away atlasing that it could have easily been here weeks and I just missed it. I have found that when they are present in smaller patches, they seem to sing less often than when they are in high density numbers like at Piney. Either way I still got to code it as an S for the farm, nice way to start the day !
Date: 8/2/26 11:40 am From: Hawkcount.Org Reports <reports...> Subject: Waggoner's Gap (02 Aug 2026) Raptors
Waggoner's Gap 40 km W of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Aug 02, 2026 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- BV 0 0 0 TV 0 0 0 OS 0 0 0 BE 0 3 3 NH 0 0 0 SS 0 0 0 CH 0 0 0 AG 0 0 0 RS 0 0 0 BW 0 0 0 RT 0 0 0 RL 0 0 0 GE 0 0 0 AK 0 0 0 ML 0 0 0 PG 0 0 0 UA 0 0 0 UB 0 0 0 UF 0 0 0 UE 0 0 0 UR 0 0 0
Date: 8/2/26 7:55 am From: Grove, Deborah Shuey <dsg4...> Subject: Re: Warren- Swainson's thrush, yellow-rumps at suet
Sounds so wonderful.
Deborah S. Grove
________________________________
From: Bird discussion list for Pennsylvania <PABIRDS...> on behalf of Carole Winslow <cjwinslow94...>
Sent: Sunday, 02 August 2026 10:22:50
To: <PABIRDS...> <PABIRDS...>
Subject: [PABIRDS] Warren- Swainson's thrush, yellow-rumps at suet
Late summer greetings from the north woods,
After I posted earlier this summer about not finding Swainson's thrush
in my normal areas near Hearts Content, I spent some more time searching
the surrounding area. I did finally find one singing near the road at the
start of the Tanbark down the road from Hearts Content at the end of June.
In July, Don and I hiked in on the North Country trail from Mayburg Rd/FR
116 towards the Minister Valley. We made this trip three times and each
time I found Swainson's, total for the month in five different places, all
with some countersinging. Despite this I couldn't get a breeding code
above territorial, but every time I walked the trail, it was still such a
beautiful thing to hear that song spiraling up through the trees. On July
16, on the worst day of the wildfire smoke, we backpacked into the head of
the Minister Creek watershed, and spent the night. I walked back up the
trail during the day to where I had heard Swainson's and spent some time
sitting beneath a singing male, trying to find other signs of breeding.
Again, no luck but just the most magical thing to sit there quietly hearing
the music above me in the little sunlit clearing where they sing. I
listened for at least 20 minutes as it sang nonstop. There were no
Swainson's unfortunately at our campsite but there were hermits galore down
there, and at dusk they serenaded and popped out into view around us, along
with veery up in the thicker hillside rhodo and a winter wren beside us
along the creek. During the night and in the early morning a family of
barred owls hooted and hollered right around us. Two days ago on the 31st I
went in one last time, just about a mile and a half, and found two more
spots with two singing birds each, which surprised me this late but they
definitely seemed to be still on territory. All in all, I'd believe I had
at least 10 total singing males in here for the season, so I was quite
happy to be able to document this for the atlas.
Up until last week, there was still a good bit of warbler song in the
forest, and even two days ago, I had magnolia, hooded, and black-throated
greens and blues still singing, as well as many scarlet tanagers, and
Acadian flycatchers, including one carrying food for young. At camp near
Tidioute, yesterday I was thrilled to see a pair of yellow-rumped warblers
at the suet feeder of all things, something I have never seen before. They
had been singing earlier in the summer but not recently so I believe they
did nest somewhere near and are probably still feeding young. I also had
the male purple finch still present at the feeders, along with a fledgling.
A good way to end the summer atlasing,
Date: 8/2/26 7:23 am From: Carole Winslow <cjwinslow94...> Subject: Warren- Swainson's thrush, yellow-rumps at suet
Late summer greetings from the north woods,
After I posted earlier this summer about not finding Swainson's thrush in my normal areas near Hearts Content, I spent some more time searching the surrounding area. I did finally find one singing near the road at the start of the Tanbark down the road from Hearts Content at the end of June. In July, Don and I hiked in on the North Country trail from Mayburg Rd/FR 116 towards the Minister Valley. We made this trip three times and each time I found Swainson's, total for the month in five different places, all with some countersinging. Despite this I couldn't get a breeding code above territorial, but every time I walked the trail, it was still such a beautiful thing to hear that song spiraling up through the trees. On July 16, on the worst day of the wildfire smoke, we backpacked into the head of the Minister Creek watershed, and spent the night. I walked back up the trail during the day to where I had heard Swainson's and spent some time sitting beneath a singing male, trying to find other signs of breeding. Again, no luck but just the most magical thing to sit there quietly hearing the music above me in the little sunlit clearing where they sing. I listened for at least 20 minutes as it sang nonstop. There were no Swainson's unfortunately at our campsite but there were hermits galore down there, and at dusk they serenaded and popped out into view around us, along with veery up in the thicker hillside rhodo and a winter wren beside us along the creek. During the night and in the early morning a family of barred owls hooted and hollered right around us. Two days ago on the 31st I went in one last time, just about a mile and a half, and found two more spots with two singing birds each, which surprised me this late but they definitely seemed to be still on territory. All in all, I'd believe I had at least 10 total singing males in here for the season, so I was quite happy to be able to document this for the atlas.
Up until last week, there was still a good bit of warbler song in the forest, and even two days ago, I had magnolia, hooded, and black-throated greens and blues still singing, as well as many scarlet tanagers, and Acadian flycatchers, including one carrying food for young. At camp near Tidioute, yesterday I was thrilled to see a pair of yellow-rumped warblers at the suet feeder of all things, something I have never seen before. They had been singing earlier in the summer but not recently so I believe they did nest somewhere near and are probably still feeding young. I also had the male purple finch still present at the feeders, along with a fledgling. A good way to end the summer atlasing,
Date: 8/1/26 12:52 pm From: Hawkcount.Org Reports <reports...> Subject: Waggoner's Gap (01 Aug 2026) 3 Raptors
Waggoner's Gap 40 km W of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Aug 01, 2026 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- BV 0 0 0 TV 0 0 0 OS 0 0 0 BE 3 3 3 NH 0 0 0 SS 0 0 0 CH 0 0 0 AG 0 0 0 RS 0 0 0 BW 0 0 0 RT 0 0 0 RL 0 0 0 GE 0 0 0 AK 0 0 0 ML 0 0 0 PG 0 0 0 UA 0 0 0 UB 0 0 0 UF 0 0 0 UE 0 0 0 UR 0 0 0
I am hearing a far off crying/trembling sound, very faint but I would guess it’s an Eastern screech owl. Last night amid the thunder and storms I thought I heard it as well.
The birds in my yard now bring much comfort. Those that have nested and are rearing young include catbird, robin, cardinal, house wren, chickadee, crows, bluebirds, tufted titmice. Song sparrows, indigo buntings, yellow throats fill the air with their song across the street. Last week I heard an unfamiliar call of a bird outside my front door. It sounded like the scold of a house wren or chickadee, but different. I also believe I saw young with it as they all quickly disappeared. I put on my Merlin app and a marsh wren came up. Although there is a stormwater detention basin with a lot of phragmites growing there I’m not so sure of
the ID…..keeping a sharp look out!
Lisa Dziuban
“ Humanity has won its battle. Liberty now has a country.â€
Marquis de Lafayette
1781 Battle of Yorktown
Date: 7/27/26 1:44 pm From: Amy Taracido <amytaracido...> Subject: RBA western Pennsylvania, 14 July 2026
RBA
*Pennsylvania
*Pittsburgh and western Pennsylvania
*PAWE07.14.26
Highlights:
TRUMPETER SWAN
WILLOW PTARMIGAN (Erie County)
STILT SANDPIPER (Erie County)
WILLET
SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER
WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER (Erie County)
CASPIAN TERN
COMMON TERN
BROWN PELICAN (Mercer County)
AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN (Crawford County)
LEAST BITTERN
ALDER FLYCATCHER
HENSLOW'S SPARROW
SAVANNAH SPARROW
DICKCISSEL (Clarion County)
YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT
SWAINSON'S WARBLER (Fayette County)
NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH
BLUE GROSBEAK (Butler and Lawrence Counties)
Contributors: Jennifer Balsiger, Kimberly Berry, Jeff Bogan, Helen Butts, Martin Carlin, Julia Ecklar, Adrian Fenton, Ron Graham, Eric Hall, Dave Keith, Taylor Knapp, Chris Lloyd, Christopher Luciano, Alejandra MacNeil, Ron Mumme, Tomas Nonnenmacher, Samuel Payne, Kyle Rambo, Stephen Repasky, Barry Saylor, Michael Saylor, Connor Schmitt, Shawn Sowers, Kim Springer, Kirk Szklenski, Carl Thomson, Mark Vass, Linda Wagner, Sara Wetzel, Michael Williams, Carole Winslow, David Yeany II.
Compiler: Amy Taracido
Tuesday, 7 July 2026 through Tuesday, 14 July 2026
**This report is distributed by e-mail only. Compiler is not responsible for errors on websites who reproduce/reprint these reports. If you would like to receive western PA RBAs, contact AMYTARACIDO@ YAHOO.COM
Transcript-
NOTE: NORTHERN PINTAIL, LEAST SANDPIPER, SEMIPALMATED PLOVER, BLACK VULTURE, PINE SISKIN, PINE WARBLER continue to be reported.
ALLEGHENY COUNTY:
On 7/11 at Frick Environmental Center, 1 possible PAINTED BUNTING (CLu).
ARMSTRONG COUNTY:
Near Adams on 7/8, 2 RED-HEADED WOODPECKERS (KB).
BEAVER COUNTY:
In New Galilee on 7/12, 2 RED-HEADED WOODPECKERS (MV).
BUTLER COUNTY:
On 7/9 at Moraine State Park, 1 CASPIAN TERN, 1 COMMON TERN (EH); on 7/11, 1 BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (MC).
At the Stoughton Road ponds on 7/11, 1 WILLOW FLYCATCHER, 3 COMMON RAVENS, 4 SAVANNAH SPARROWS, 1 HENSLOW'S SPARROW, 1 BLUE GROSBEAK (RG); on 7/12, 1 BLUE GROSBEAK (JB).
CLARION COUNTY:
At the Curllsville Strips on 7/12, 1 DICKCISSEL (BS).
CRAWFORD COUNTY:
In Linesville on 7/9, 4 MERLINS (SP).
On 7/9 at Millers Ponds, 1 SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER (CS).
At Pymatuning on 7/9, 1 AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN (CS et. al.); on 7/11, 1 MERLIN (SS).
On 7/9 at Allegheny College, 1 MERLIN (TN).
On 7/11 in Adamsville, 1 TRUMPETER SWAN (HB).
ERIE COUNTY:
At Presque Isle State Park on 7/8-7/11 and 7/14, 1 WILLOW PTARMIGAN (CS et. al.), 3 WILLETS (KS et. al.); also on 7/9-7/10, 1 STILT SANDPIPER (SW, SP); also on 7/10, 3 WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPERS (CS); on 7/14, 2 WILLETS (KR).
On 7/10 at Erie Bluffs State Park, 1 YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT (MS).
FAYETTE COUNTY:
On 7/13 in Spring Valley, 1 MERLIN (CT).
At Bear Run Nature Reserve on 7/14, 4 SWAINSON'S WARBLERS (DY).
INDIANA COUNTY:
Outside of Saltsburg along West Penn Trail on 7/11, 2 YELLOW-BREASTED CHATS (TK).
JEFFERSON COUNTY:
West of Brockway on 7/8, 1 NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH (DK).
LAWRENCE COUNTY:
In Hillsville on 7/7, 1 BLUE GROSBEAK (LW).
Near Volant on 7/9, 1 SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER (AF).
MERCER COUNTY:
At Lake Latonka on 7/7, 1 BROWN PELICAN (via Ebird).
On 7/8 and 7/10 at Shenango River Lake/Shenango Reservoir, 1 BROWN PELICAN (SR, MW). On 7/10 at Shenango Wildlife Area ponds, 1 SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER (CLl).
In Transfer on 7/12, 1 BROWN PELICAN (KS).
VENANGO COUNTY:
On 7/11 and 7/13 near Kahle Lake, 1 RED-HEADED WOODPECKER (KB, CW).
On 7/13 east of Seneca, 2 RED-HEADED WOODPECKERS (RM).
WARREN COUNTY:
At Akeley Swamp on 7/12, 2 LEAST BITTERNS (AM).
WASHINGTON COUNTY:
On 7/11 at Peters Lake Park, 1 CASPIAN TERN (JB).
WESTMORELAND COUNTY:
On 7/9 in New Kensington, 1 PEREGRINE FALCON (TK).
Date: 7/27/26 11:47 am From: Amy Taracido <amytaracido...> Subject: RBA western Pennsylvania, 7 July 2026
RBA
*Pennsylvania
*Pittsburgh and western Pennsylvania
*PAWE07.07.26
Highlights:
WILLOW PTARMIGAN (Erie County)
UPLAND SANDPIPER
SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER
HUDSONIAN WHIMBREL (Erie County)
WILLET
AMERICAN AVOCET (Erie County)
CASPIAN TERN
COMMON TERN
LEAST BITTERN
ALDER FLYCATCHER
CLAY-COLORED SPARROW (Clarion County)
YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT
SWAINSON'S WARBLER (Fayette County)
BLUE GRSOBEAK (Allegheny County)
Contributors: Jeff Brinker, Montgomery Brown, Ron Burkert, Martin Carlin, Richard Chirichiello, Ezekiel Dobson, Adrian Fenton, Mike Fialkovich, Thomas Frank, Ray Fury, Michael Hartshorne, Jonathan Heller, Andy Keister, James Kerner, Alejandra MacNeil, Mark McConaughy, Samuel Payne, Connor Schmitt, Shawn Sowers, Samuel Trusty, David Yeany II, Joshua Zahniser.
Compiler: Amy Taracido
Tuesday, 30 June 2026 through Tuesday, 7 July 2026
**This report is distributed by e-mail only. Compiler is not responsible for errors on websites who reproduce/reprint these reports. If you would like to receive western PA RBAs, contact AMYTARACIDO@ YAHOO.COM
Transcript-
NOTE: VIRGINIA RAIL continue to be reported.
ALLEGHENY COUNTY:
On 7/3 at the Imperial grasslands, 1 UPLAND SANDPIPER (MF). In the Imperial area on 7/4 and 7/6, 1 BLUE GROSBEAK (AF, RB).
In Dormont on 7/3, 1 MERLIN (MB).
BUTLER COUNTY:
At Moraine State Park on 7/7, 1 CASPIAN TERN, 1 COMMON TERN (MC).
CLARION COUNTY:
On 7/6 at the Piney Tract, 7 CLAY-COLORED SPARROWS (SP).
CRAWFORD COUNTY:
On 7/4 at Millers Ponds, 1 LESSER YELLOWLEGS, 1 GREATER YELLOWLEGS (MH); on 7/6, 1 SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER (CS et. al.).
In Pymatuning on 7/4, 1 MERLIN (SS).
ERIE COUNTY:
At Presque Isle State Park on 6/30 and 7/3, 1 WILLET (JZ et. al.); on 7/1-7/7, 1 WILLOW PTARMIGAN (RF et. al.), 1 TRICOLORED HERON (ED et. al.); also on 7/1, 9 WILLETS (ST et. al.); also on 7/2, 6 AMERICAN AVOCETS (DM et. al.), 5 WILLETS (TF); on 7/3, 1 WILLET (JH et. al.); on 7/4, 1 WILSON'S WARBLER (MM); on 7/5, 1 HUDSONIAN WHIMBREL, 4 WILLETS (JK).
On 7/1, 7/3, and 7/6 at Erie Bluffs State Park, 1 YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT (ED, JB et. al.).
In Gerard on 7/7, 1 CERULEAN WARBLER (SP).
FAYETTE COUNTY:
At Bear Run Nature Reserve on 7/1, 1 SWAINSON'S WARBLER (DY).
JEFFERSON COUNTY:
West of Brockway on 7/3, 2 ALDER FLYCATCHERS (AK).
WARREN COUNTY:
On 7/5 at Akeley Swamp, 1 LEAST BITTERN (AM).
WESTMORELAND COUNTY:
On 7/3 east of Weltytown, 1 ALDER FLYCATCHER (RC).
Date: 7/24/26 7:17 am From: Dallas DiLeo <dileod...> Subject: Fwd: The vet connecting her military peers with nature
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: PA Local by Spotlight PA <newsletters...>
Date: Fri, Jul 24, 2026 at 10:03 AM
Subject: The vet connecting her military peers with nature
To: <dileod...>
[image: This is a Pennsylvania-themed trivia question.]
Christopher Nolan, the director of the new film adaptation of *The Odyssey*,
has cited Emily Wilson’s 2017 translation of the ancient epic poem as an
influence. At which Pennsylvania-based school is Wilson a professor of
classical studies?
Nurse and former Marine Aimee Morris draws on several careers and
experiences to run Glenn Hope Care Farm.
The 43-acre York County property, formerly her family’s farm, has become a
multipurpose refuge for veterans. Dubbed a “care farm†for its
health-focused services, Glenn Hope offers horticulture, woodcrafting,
yoga, and several forms of therapy all aimed at supporting veterans and
their families.
“That fresh air, that natural sunlight, the relationship between animals,
human beings, and the land … help facilitate and heal the physical and
mental well-being of veterans,†Morris told PA Local.
The farm has been operating for about 10 years, Morris said.
People find their way to Glenn Hope through several means. Referrals from
Veterans Affairs offices, or relatives and friends of service members, are
a typical way, according to Morris. But some vets also sign up through the
nonprofit’s website.
Morris, her family, and volunteers staff the organization, running various
programs and performing assorted farm chores.
[image: A view of the sky, mountains, trees, and power lines taken from
high ground.]
*Pennsylvania has no shortage of places worth visiting*, from parks to food
spots to roadside oddities, and more. We highlight one in this section
every week.
*Have any favorite Pa. haunts? Your suggestion could be featured here!
Email us
<newsletters...>?subject=An%20amazing%20place%20in%20PA%20(PA%20Local%20photo%20submission)>
with
a line or two about why you love it, and be sure to include an original
photo. Please also include how you want your name to appear.*
[image: An illustration of Pennsylvania landmarks, framed by the state's
silhouette]
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