Dear Friends of Juniata Valley Audubon Society,
As the warmth of summer fades, the Juniata Valley has been transformed into a kaleidoscope of autumn colors. The migrating birds that visited our region to reproduce have begun their journey south, while year-round residents prepare for the changing seasons. This transition invites us to reflect on the beauty and resilience of nature. This also marks the perfect time of year to get out and see new species as we are in the direct pathway of birds only “passing through.” While fleeting, there is seldom a more exciting time to bird (in my opinion) than the spring and autumn migration periods.
As we look ahead to winter, mark your calendars for our annual Christmas Bird Count on Saturday, December 21st! This beloved tradition brings us together, fostering camaraderie and citizen science, topped with a festive “Tally Dinner” which will take place at 6 PM at the US Hotel Tavern’s “Gold Room” on the day of the count. This annual event has become one of my favorite holiday traditions, as we unite over a lovely meal to discuss exciting finds for the day. Last year, JVAS bested our previous year’s record by tallying 81 species! Rare bird highlights included Saw-whet Owl, Short-eared Owl, Double-crested Cormorant (which required a rare bird report), Eastern Meadowlark, 2 Merlin, and the American Pipit! Can we top 81 species this year? Well, you never know! But with your help, we just might! One target species in particular we are hoping to find within our circle is the Ruffed Grouse.
If you are eager to start a team of your own, or perhaps join a participating team, please reach out to us and we will direct you to our coordinator, former JVAS President Mark Bonta. Your participation helps contribute valuable data to the National Audubon Society's longest-running community science project.
As winter approaches, please remember to prioritize bird health at your feeders. Regular cleaning prevents the spread of disease among our feathered friends. Take a few minutes each week to scrub and refill feeders, ensuring a safe haven for birds seeking sustenance. For several years, conjunctivitis has spread through the House Finch population, putting other species at risk. I personally observed this disease not only in House Finches, but also in American Goldfinch. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, so let’s look ahead and put some more effort in cleaning feeders this year.
This season let's extend an invitation to friends, family, and neighbors to join our JVAS community. It has done my heart so much good to see new members joining, and to see new people joining our board and making what we do possible. Without you, our supporters and volunteers, there would be no JVAS. Share your passion for birding and conservation and encourage others to explore the natural wonders of our region. Together, we'll continue to promote environmental stewardship, education, and advocacy.
To engage with a wider and often younger audience, I have created an JVAS account on the social media platform Instagram as I attempt to reach new audiences as our Publicity Chair. Instagram focuses heavily on photos and short descriptions, and is used a lot more by younger birders. Now you can follow @JuniataValleyAudubonSociety there.
As we embrace the crisp air, vibrant foliage, and birding opportunities, let's make this season one to remember!