AAS Programs, Events & Field Trips

September Program -
Thursday, Sept 19, 2019

Join director and rehabilitator Tracie Young of Raven Ridge Wildlife Rehabilitation Center as she introduces us to some of the mammals, birds, and reptiles that share our backyards! Learn to live in harmony with, and build appreciation for some of these amazing creatures. Discover how they benefit our environment and get an up-close look at these backyard neighbors!
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Join us at 6:30pm for refreshments and socializing.
The meeting starts at 7:00pm, followed by the program.
Meeting is at
Christ Presbyterian Church, 421 Deerfield Road, Camp Hill, PA 17001

September Program -
Saturday, Sept 21, 2019

See details on the Plant Sale Flyer.

Click on 'Our Online Inventory' to see a list of Plants Available

If you can volunteer some time to help with this sale,
please contact Chris Kemmerer
([email protected])

Field Trip -
Sunday, Sept 22, 2019

Noel Dorwart Park is located near the city of Lancaster and has a history of attracting warblers during spring and fall migration. Recently fall vagrants like the Black-throated Gray and Orange-crowned Warbler have lingered in the park into the winter. The park offers a nice mix of habitats including field, stream, and woodland trails to accommodate observation of various species. Contact Rick Price at 717-657- 1950 or [email protected] to register.

Program -
Thursday, Oct 17, 2019

In 1997, an odd bird was discovered in the cloud forest of the Andes Mountains of Ecuador. Scientists rushed to learn more about the bird and found themselves in a race to save it. Cascading events led to the establishment of a chain of bird reserves and conservation action across the globe. Join Doug Wechsler as he recounts this fascinating history and will talk about bird conservation in Ecuador today. He will also discuss some perplexing management problems that arose and how the foundation solved them. His beautiful images focus on the biodiversity of the Ecuador reserves run by the Jocotoco Conservation Foundation.
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Join us at 6:30pm for refreshments and socializing.
The meeting starts at 7:00pm, followed by the program.
Meeting is at
Christ Presbyterian Church, 421 Deerfield Road, Camp Hill, PA 17001

Field Trip -
Saturday, Oct 19, 2019

Bring the whole family to this fun program of raptor identification at one of the best hawk watches in PA. At a time when you can expect to see anything from a tiny American Kestrel to a hulking Golden Eagle, we will take time to talk about raptor ID, ecology and the basics of birding. This field trip will be great for the beginner birder or anyone who appreciates the majesty of migration. The terrain around the hawk watch is rocky and uneven so wearing sturdy shoes is a must.
The program will start at 8:00am.
Directions to the parking lot can be found here: (directions)
Contact Tony Arnold at 2tonyarnold@ gmail.com to register.
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(One of our Beginner's Bird Walks programs.)

Event -
Sunday, Oct 27, 2019

Once again we will have the opportunity to observe a Northern Saw-whet Owl being banded, assuming an owl is caught. Last year 10 owls were caught and banded, a record for this field trip. Most years we have seen an owl banded, but there are no guarantees. Participation is limited to 10 and carpooling is required and limited to three vehicles. No children under six please. The group will meet near Harrisburg at 6:30pm. The demonstration should be over before midnight. Dress warm as the cabin is not heated. Contact Rick Price at 717-657- 1950 or [email protected].

Field Trip -
Sunday, Nov 10, 2019

It�s been over a decade since AAS made a field trip to the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge adjacent to Philadelphia Airport. This wetland area draws many migrants from the Delaware Valley flyway and is a good place to find common shore birds, waterfowl, and raptors as well as occasional vagrants. Dress warm as the breeze off the lower river can be brisk in late autumn. Contact Rick Price at 717-657-1950 or rprice210@ comcast.net to register.

Program -
Thursday, Nov 21, 2019

Education is an important part of the Appalachian Audubon mission. This past summer, several youth received AAS scholarships to attend two different camps with ornithological, natural history, and environmental themes. This evening, a few of the campers will share their favorite experiences and some of what they learned. In addition, we�ll hear from an adult scholarship recipient who was selected to attend an international women in the outdoors leadership institute. During the evening, there will be opportunities to make donations in support of scholarships. Join us for this inspiring program and consider bringing young relatives and friends to learn about the scholarships the chapter has available.
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Join us at 6:30pm for refreshments and socializing.
The meeting starts at 7:00pm, followed by the program.
Meeting is at
Christ Presbyterian Church, 421 Deerfield Road, Camp Hill, PA 17001

Program -
Thursday, Dec 12, 2019

Please note: This month�s meeting is on the second Thursday.
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During his presentation, Ron Rohrbaugh will talk about how birds serve as bioindicators, species that help identify the health of an ecosystem, to help guide global and regional conservation priorities, including adaptation to climate change; and how birds truly are �canaries in the coal mine� when it comes to protecting human health. In this context, he will describe how the needs of birds are guiding landscape-scale forest management practices in Pennsylvania.
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Join us at 6:30pm for refreshments and socializing.
The meeting starts at 7:00pm, followed by the program.
Meeting is at
Christ Presbyterian Church, 421 Deerfield Road, Camp Hill, PA 17001

Events -
Friday, Dec 13, 2019
Saturday, Dec 14, 2019
Saturday, Dec 21, 2019
Monday, Dec 30, 2019
Saturday, Jan 4, 2020

December for Audubon chapters means participation in local Christmas Bird Counts (CBCs.) Beginners and experienced birders are all encouraged to get involved with this �citizen scientist� activity. Members and other interested parties are encouraged to contact the following individuals to participate in a local count:

Friday, December 13, 2019 - Upper Dauphin County CBC
Contact Terry Neumyer, 717 439-3382 (cell), [email protected]

Saturday, December 14, 2019 - Harrisburg CBC
Contact Deuane Hoffman
at [email protected]

Saturday, December 21, 2019 - New Bloomfield CBC
Contact Annette Mathes
at [email protected] or 717-514-4512.

Monday, December 30, 2019 - York Springs CBC
Saturday, January 4, 2020 - Newville CBC
Contact Vern Gauthier at
[email protected] or 717-385-9526
for both the York Springs and Newville CBCs.

Field Trip -
Saturday, Jan 11, 2020

This morning trip features birding with local birders Chad Kauffman and Aden Troyer and will be based on recent sightings including raptors, songbirds, and waterfowl. Past years have produced eagles, hawks, owls, Wilson�s Snipe, Red-headed Woodpeckers, a �Gray Ghost� N. Harrier, and even a vagrant Evening Grosbeak. Some years multiple foxes are seen as we peruse the fields. What will 2020 bring?
This trip may be limited to 20 participants and five vehicles. A snow date is planned for Saturday, January 18th. Additional details to follow.
Contact Chad Kauffman at [email protected] or 717-436-8257/717-994-6715 or Aden Troyer at 717-463-3117.

Program -
Thursday, Jan 16, 2020

Long term research is critical to reliably assess and understand the status of plant and animal populations in the wild. These sorts of studies are essential to address present and future conservation concerns. Since 2003, Dr. Pablo Delis of Shippensburg University has been studying the amphibian and reptile populations of south-central Pennsylvania. Utilizing Letterkenny Army Depot in Chambersburg, Dr. Delis has been documenting the presence of species, relative abundances, sex ratios, and other demographic characteristics. His research has included, among others, the relatively common Eastern Racer, the popular Box Turtle, the ubiquitous American Toad and the relatively rare Marbled Salamander. Join us as he shares his research findings and stories.
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Join us at 6:30pm for refreshments and socializing.
The meeting starts at 7:00pm, followed by the program.
Meeting is at
Christ Presbyterian Church, 421 Deerfield Road, Camp Hill, PA 17001

Field Trip -
Saturday, Feb 1, 2020

(a joint partnership between Dauphin County�s Wildwood Park
and the Appalachian Audubon Society)

This program is a great opportunity for novice birders of all ages to learn about finding and enjoying birds on an easy beginners� bird walk lasting approximately one hour. Following the walk participants will also have an opportunity to see birds at the feeders from inside Dauphin County�s Wildwood Park Nature Center.
Veteran birders from ages 16 through adulthood are encouraged to help the new birders. The program details will be announced to the public as the date grows nearer. Children below the age of 16 should be accompanied by an adult.
Stop by Wildwood�s Nature Center at 10:00am to participate. This program is a good opportunity to cure �cabin fever� without over exposure to the cold.
For more information, call the Nature Center at Wildwood Park at 717-221-0292 after the holidays.
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(One of our Beginner's Bird Walks programs.)

Program -
Thursday, Feb 20, 2020

Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area is an important bird area, important mammal area, and home to 280 species of birds at some point throughout the year. Lauren Ferreri, manager of Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area, will discuss why Middle Creek�s creation and continued management is critical to the conservation of waterfowl and early successional species and their habitats.
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Join us at 6:30pm for refreshments and socializing.
The meeting starts at 7:00pm, followed by the program.
Meeting is at
Christ Presbyterian Church, 421 Deerfield Road, Camp Hill, PA 17001

Field Trip -
Sunday, Mar 1, 2020

It�s been several years since AAS made a field trip to Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area spanning Northern Lancaster and Lebanon counties. Each year in February through early March the refuge hosts up to 100,000 Snow Geese and Tundra Swans in a spectacle of floating and flying white masses over lake and field. While the sight itself is incredible, just the noise of thousands of geese taking off at one time is a memorable experience. Other species of waterfowl may also be seen and Bald Eagles and hawks are always a good possibility. Participants will also have the option of staying till dusk for an opportunity to look for Northern Harriers and Short-eared Owls and even a pheasant or two. Carpooling is recommended as the refuge can get crowded on weekends. Dress warm as cold winds are likely. Leaders to be announced and details to follow as the flocks begin to assemble in early February. We will plan to meet at an east shore location at 1:30pm.

Program -
Thursday, Mar 19, 2020

We are mesmerized by the sight of birds in flight, and this has sparked mankind�s quest to fly. How did birds gain such fluid movement? How do they become airborne, stay aloft, and land safely? What adaptations allow birds to specialize in speed, hovering and slow flight? How did the ingredients for flight evolve, allowing some dinosaurs to take wing? Is it true that dinosaurs are still with us? Tom Reider is retired from the aircraft flight simulation industry. He flew as a commercial pilot and learned aerodynamics during his U.S. Navy flight training. Tom has always been intrigued with flight on a personal level. Growing up a few miles from Hawk Mountain, he spent many happy hours upon the rocks with his binoculars. Later, he sketched, painted and sculpted birds to be used as training aids and as a form of art. He now substitute teaches at local high schools. Join Tom as he explores bird flight using pictures, models, charts, sculptures, feathers and bones. His presentation will include slow motion scenes and special effects from the BBC video The Mastery of Flight with David Attenborough.
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Join us at 6:30pm for refreshments and socializing.
The meeting starts at 7:00pm, followed by the program.
Meeting is at
Christ Presbyterian Church, 421 Deerfield Road, Camp Hill, PA 17001

Field Trip -
Saturday, Mar 21, 2020

After immigrating from France, the young John Audubon lived at Millgrove in what is now Montgomery County near the confluence of the Perkiomen Creek and the Schuylkill River. A new state of the art museum was opened in 2019 to celebrate the artist and the birds of America. Weather and time permitting, we may bird the grounds following a tour of the museum. There is a fee to enter the museum of $14 for an adult, $12 for a senior, and $10 for youth ages 6�17. Bring a drink and bagged lunch and money for an optional dinner stop on the way home. Drivers should also consider bringing an EZ pass to exit the PA Turnpike at the interchange closest to our destination. Contact Rick Price at 717-657-1950 or [email protected] to register

Program -
Thursday, Apr 16, 2020

Taking a look at the ecosystem function of our backyards, Manada Conservancy volunteer Nancy Cladel will discuss why native plants are important to the home landscape. Most home landscapes are devoid of native trees, shrubs and perennials and are thus relatively non-functional for birds and other wildlife. Nancy will discuss the connection between plants, insects, and birds. She will provide specific examples of useful native plants we can use in our own backyards.
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Join us at 6:30pm for refreshments and socializing.
The meeting starts at 7:00pm, followed by the program.
Meeting is at
Christ Presbyterian Church, 421 Deerfield Road, Camp Hill, PA 17001

Field Trip -
Saturday, Apr 18, 2020

Join naturalist Dan Welte on a trip to Gifford Pinchot State Park to search for early wild blooms. The program will begin at 10:00am at the Conewago Day Use Area at the south end of the park (off Alpine Road). There is a large parking lot there and we will gather at the northeastern end. Many of the early wildflowers should be in bloom by this time. Contact Dan directly at [email protected] for specifics.

Field Trip -
Sunday, Apr 19, 2020

During spring migration, we never know what will turn up at Trout Run, Appalachian Audubon Society�s own nature preserve. In the past we�ve seen Eastern Bluebirds, Belted Kingfishers, and Great Egrets. This short, easy walk will meander through meadow, forest, and wetland habitats. An experienced guide will help you build your bird identification and song recognition skills. Binoculars will be available to loan and we will cover the basics of binocular use. Bring a friend, bring a grandchild, bring yourself for a great time exploring a little-known treasure! Registration information details will be shared closer to the field trip date.
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(One of our Beginner's Bird Walks programs.)

Field Trip -
Saturday, May 2, 2020

Join warbler expert Tom Smith on this annual classic trip through the Stony Creek area to see, hear, and learn about the various species of warblers and other spring birds. Meet at the power line by the PPL substation along Stony Creek Road at 7:00am. Participants must register with Tom at 717-921-2461.

Field Trip -
Sunday, May 3, 2020

Pete Lusardi will lead a walk along the base of Blue Mountain near Carlisle Springs to look for migrating and summer resident warblers and other song birds. This trip has a history of uncommon birds showing up including Golden-winged Warbler, Mourning Warbler, Canada Warbler, Summer Tanager, and Bobolink. Participants will meet at the first parking lot on the right (coming from the east) at 7:30am. Contact Pete Lusardi at 717-243-6419 or [email protected] to register.

Event -
Saturday, May 9, 2020

Actively participate in counting as many birds as possible within the day in a specified area.
In Dauphin County contact Rick Price at 717-657-1950 or [email protected]
In Cumberland County or Perry County contact Vern Gauthier at 717-385- 9526 or [email protected] for more information.

Field Trip -
Friday May 15 - Sunday, May 17, 2020

When PA DCNR Secretary Cindy Dunn was our keynote speaker at the AAS Banquet in May 2019, she recommended Presque Isle State Park near Erie as one of the must-visit places to bird in Pennsylvania. A review of the bird checklist put together by Jerry McWilliams of Presque Isle Audubon indicates that mid-May is an excellent time to see migrating birds before they continue on their route across Lake Erie to Canada. These birds include warblers like the Chestnut-sided, Mourning, and Wilson�s. American Woodcock are common this time of year and the Eastern Whip-poorwill can often be heard. Rarities like Mississippi Kite and Sandhill Crane are occasionally reported. During our stay, we will also try to visit the Tom Ridge Environmental Center which offers an alternative in case of inclement weather. Due to the distance, we will plan to spend two nights at lodging close to the entrance of Presque Isle State Park. More details to follow later. Reserve the dates for now. Contact Rick Price at 717-657-1950 or [email protected] to register.

May Banquet -
Thursday, May 21, 2020

Our banquet is always a wonderful event.
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Put it on your calendar.
Look for details to be announced later.

Event -
Mid-May, 2020

Volunteers will have the opportunity to observe and help young Peregrine Falcons at the Rachel Carson State Office Building in downtown Harrisburg. As the young fledglings attempt their first flight, the Harrisburg Falcon Watch team is on the lookout for mishaps or injuries. For more information, contact Sue Hannon at hbgfalconwatch@gmail. com. Information on dates will become available after the eggs have hatched.

See details in our latest Newsletter
and in our Programs and Field Trips brochure.

Also find much more information about birding and outdoor activities
on our Birding Page and our Links Page.