Birders Identify Over 50 Species, Many Migrating

“It is a beautiful morning to be out,” exclaimed Joe Gyekis, our expert guide for the fall Bird Walk. Over 30 birders gathered at ChicoryLane to view and learn about both regional and migrating species, and their habits and survival tactics. As Joe led birders on mowed trails, over plank walkways through wetlands, along streams, and through restored groves, he shared, “The resident and migrating birds are enjoying this wonderful habitat today, but also being pretty sneaky! Only a few species, such as the Cedar Waxwing and Rose-breasted Grosbeak are sitting for satisfying views." Later, Joe added, "Seeing Blue Jays in active migration and the elusive migrant Mourning Warbler were highlights, if fleeting.” Joe shared his bird list for the day, many identified by sound or quick flybys. Being migration season, Joe explained how many species feast to store fat for the trip. He also described how bird populations can increase or decrease over the years, depending on food stocks and environmental factors. ChicoryLane's especially diverse ecotopes offer a variety of larvae and insects, fruits & berries, nuts.

Pictured Above:

Left & Center: A Cedar Waxwing was spotted regurgitating berries to feed her young. The first juvenile landed for the opportunity, then joined by a sibling. Photo credits: Jim Cassidy

Right: The birders had a great view of a Rose-breasted Grosbeak perched on a nearby limb. "Watch as it flies off," advised Joe. "If the underwing is red that will identify a male." Photo credit: Chad Kuny

Pictured Above:

Left: A Hairy Woodpecker at breakfast. Photo credit: John Mackin

Center: The group passing a previous Quaking Aspen grove, soon-to-become a rejuvenated thicket. Photo credit: ChicoryLane

Right: This Northern Parula's brief perch afforded the quick birders a great photo opp. Photo credit: John Mackin

Pictured Above:

Left: The ChicoryLane Walking Willow provides multiple vertical habitats: for example, ground-level for Woodcock, the middle levels for Green Herons, and the upper levels for Cedar Waxwings. Photo credit: Susan Haney

Center: A Nuthatch moves headfirst down a Crack Willow to find insects in the bark. They extend their backward toe hook (hallux) while the other three toes point forward, allowing it to hunt upside down. Photo credit: Chad Kuny

Right: Foundation board member Doug Bierly (left) talks with Ian Smith. Photo credit: ChicoryLane

Pictured Above:

Left: "Wanna Lift?" Host John Smith follows closely behind the group, offering a ride to those in need of such. Photo credit: ChicoryLane

Center: A Bird Walk tradition, the group gathers at tour's end to recap the species seen and share what each most enjoyed. Ian Smith (center, rose shirt) reflected on growing up on this land compared to the way visitors see it today. Photo credit: ChicoryLane

Right: Jasmine's list for the day. Photo credit: ChicoryLane

Exploring Birding Software

At the end of the September Bird Walk, the idea came up of having a Zoom workshop sometime over the winter to talk about birding software. Whereas most birders know and probably use eBird and Merlin, many may not be familiar with Hawkwatch, Sibley Birds, or INaturalist. And then there are research-oriented systems such as Wildlife Acoustics' professional-level analysis tools. The idea is to have one or more cooperative sessions where volunteers demonstrate different software and explain some of the particular ways they use them.

Would you be interested, either as a demonstrator or as a participant, in such a Zoom meeting? If so, we welcome any ideas or suggestions you might have regarding systems to be considered, approaches, etc. Sign up here and we'll keep you in the loop as these ideas take shape.

Note: This is an online educational and awareness event; we will not be promoting or selling any software.

Charcoal Sketch Class Relates to Nature and Vistas

Elody Gyekis, longtime visitor, painter and workshop leader at ChicoryLane, led a Plein-Air drawing class for nine attendees on grey, foggy September 28. Participants took up a variety of charcoal tools to sketch natural scenes. First, they explored soft vine charcoal and strategic smearing to build composition. Next, the process of creating atmosphere and light, shadow and developing shapes and tones was explained. Erasing to carve out more structure and texture was emphasized. Attentive, engaged participants applied the teaching on individual sketch pads. After a brief walk-around in the wet outdoors, participants chose locations from which to sketch the scene. It was a fine day in central Pennsylvania, after all.

Pictured Above:

Left: Elody explains the concept of depth and placement in composition to guide the viewer's eye around the image

Center: Jennifer Shuey explores the freedom of charcoal renderings using layering techniques

Right: John Smith shared Loanne Snavely's slide show of locales at ChicoryLane during lunch, which gave Elody opportunity to coach on textures and light values

Pictured Above:

Left: After exploring the property's vistas, Ashley Behrens Sifer chose a location and perspective to explore the Plein-Air techniques

Center: The open barn doors provided the class protected views on the rainy afternoon

Right: Lauren Smith, studying scene, ignores two cars. Editing is a must for Plein-Air work!

Pictured Above:

Left: Near day's end, the class displayed and discussed their images

Center: Example sketch produced during the day

Right: Class picture, with sketches

"Walking Willow" at ChicoryLane in Summer

ChicoryLane is an ecological reserve near Spring Mills, protected by a Conservation Easement held by Clearwater Conservancy. It is 68 acres of very diverse lands that we are actively enhancing ecologically. We hold outdoor events throughout the year.

The landscape is natural, but scenic. It includes wetlands and meadows, several streams, remnant and successional forests, and a grassland. This diversity of habitats is especially inviting to birds and butterflies. A system of mowed trails makes most of it accessible to walkers.

If you wish to visit ChicoryLane, email us a request including the time, date, and number in your group.

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