Date: 7/18/26 9:30 am From: Nick Bolgiano <nickbolgiano...> Subject: PA Breeding Bird Atlas Indicates Some Large Distributional Shifts Northward
The email summarizes personal observations and atlas maps and is the third
of three such summaries that I have been thinking of.
At nearly the halfway point in the six-year third PA Breeding Bird Atlas,
large changes are evident for several species since the second atlas two
decades ago. I discuss here northward shifts in distributions, either
northern species withdrawing to the north or southern species expanding to
the north. The expansion of southern species has been happening for many
decades, but the withdrawals of northern species is newer and especially
noticeable.
My on-the-ground atlas experience is from Sproul State Forest north of Snow
Shoe and the area in and around Black Moshannon State Park. There, I
covered 30 atlas blocks there during the second atlas and to date have 17
atlas blocks in the third atlas. Plus, I have run two Breeding Bird Survey
routes in Sproul State Forest since 2002.
Use the below-linked atlas species map website to view current PA atlas
distributions. For the four species that I concentrate on, I include a
picture of their distribution from the second atlas book.
The two species for which I have seen the most noticeable changes are
Purple Finch and Yellow-rumped Warbler. I have also seen retractions for
Winter Wren and Hermit Thrush. The Hermit Thrush changes may be more
dramatic in Rothrock State Forest, where they have inhabited the highest
elevations and so disappearances are particularly noticeable. I haven’t
seen much change for Magnolia and Blackburnian Warblers, which are more
abundant in the higher elevation areas in Sproul and Black Moshannon and
are closely connected to conifer patches.
*Purple Finch (PUFI)*. During the second atlas, Purple Finch was found
throughout the higher elevations of the Allegheny Plateau, with the point
count densities highest in the northwestern and northcentral parts of PA
(see attached map). There has been a shift in the third atlas, with Purple
Finch being found in more atlas blocks in northeastern PA. I have recorded
it 16 times in Sproul and Black Moshannon during the third atlas, thus not
many, but more frequently in my several blocks in NE PA.
In the last several decades, it has been discovered that Purple Finch is a
spruce budworm finch in the boreal forest, similar to Evening Grosbeaks.
There has been a spruce budworm infestation in eastern Quebec since 2013
and the highest concentrations of Purple Finches during the PA Christmas
Bird Count are in eastern PA, as if they are moving south from an area of
high concentration in boreal Canada. I wonder if someday we will find that
the distribution of breeding Purple Finches in the northeast U.S. is
related to the overall distribution of Purple Finches in boreal Canada.
*Yellow-rumped Warbler (YRWA)*. During the second atlas, Yellow-rumped
Warbler was found at higher elevations of the Allegheny Plateau across the
state (see attached map). But their third atlas distribution has changed
dramatically from the second. There has been a small cluster in Sproul, a
cluster at North Mt where Doug Gross and colleagues have been working, and
a loose cluster in the Poconos. A few have been found at Black Moshannon.
In Sproul, I find them mainly in white pine and tamarack groves, some of
which have been planted by the Bureau of Forestry. I have recorded it 28
times during this atlas at Sproul and Black Moshannon, so some degree of
success. But I have only had moderate success at going back to the same
place and recording again seven or more days apart.
*Hermit Thrush (HETH)*. In the second atlas, Hermit Thrush was also found
across the higher elevations of PA, including in Rothrock and Bald Eagle
SFs (see attached map). I still hear Hermit Thrushes fairly often in Sproul
and Black Moshannon, but less frequently in Rothrock. Andy Wilson and one
of his studies did a study of how more northern PA breeding birds have
changed in the Breeding Bird Survey and they found the largest change in
Hermit Thrushes, as they already tend to be found at the highest elevations
and so that is a logical place for them to vacate, especially where Eastern
hemlocks are affected by hemlock wooly adelgid. This was a topic for a
presentation at the State College Bird Club several years ago. Andy and his
students will also be working to seen how these more northern species
change between atlases.
*Southern Species Expanding Northward*
I have encountered more Red-bellied Woodpeckers and Tufted Titmice in
Sproul during this atlas than during the second atlas, but these trends
have been gradual. Tufted Titmice have been more noticeable in the Beech
Creek drainage; elsewhere I don’t find many in Sproul.
*Hooded Warbler (HOWA)*. During the second atlas, Hooded Warbler was common
much of western PA and in large patches of central and eastern PA (see
attached map). In the third atlas, they have spread into parts of northern
and northeastern PA. The Pennsylvania Game News recently included an
article about Hooded Warbler by Ronald Mumme from Allegheny College in NW
PA, who has studied this species over a long time and is lead author of the
Birds of the World account for Hooded Warblers. In his Game News article,
Ralph thought that the Hooded Warbler expansion in PA was near an end, but
that is not true in Sproul.
This is the one species that I find especially interesting because they
didn’t occur in Sproul during the second atlas except at lower elevations
along the West Branch of the Susquehanna. Now, it is especially noticeable
when I hear one singing. I have recorded it 26 times during the third atlas
in Sproul, mostly finding in or near valleys that logically lead from
places where they have been established at lower elevations. One aspect
that I find interesting is that I only occasionally find them singing at
the same place in Sproul seven or more days apart, as if the male cannot
quickly find a mate and so moves around prospecting. When I first started
birding in the Rothrock area during the 1980s, Hooded Warblers were already
established in areas with lots of mountain laurel and they have multiplied
several-fold since then. Because of abundant mountain laurel, I expect that
Hooded Warbler expansion in Sproul and Black Moshannon will be similar to
what has happened in Rothrock and Bald Eagle SFs over many decades.
Date: 7/18/26 8:56 am From: Jeff Gallo <psugallo...> Subject: American Barn Owl
Good morning. Wondering if anyone is aware of a known Barn Owl location in Maryland (or southern PA) that they would be willing to share privately via an individual email?
Attempting to photograph (from a safe distance) during an upcoming trip. Will be discreet and respectfully remain at a distance.
Date: 7/14/26 4:34 pm From: Ann Wilken <abwilken0451...> Subject: Re: Dreibelbis Birding Area access
It is not obvious how/where to donate...but I did finally find it:
wildlifeforeveryone.org > Get Involved > Cart > Donations (or Memberships)
Thanks for your work at the wetlands!
Ann
On Tue, Jul 14, 2026 at 4:34 PM Mark Nale <
<00008ff0c316580d-dmarc-request...> wrote:
> Hello users of the Dreibelbis Birding Area north of Port Matilda:
>
> After about 16 man-hours of work and lots of wheelbarrow loads of fill,
> the access to the platform at the northeastern wetland pool is now finally
> open for viewing without the use of boots. The level of water in the
> wetland was also lowered a few inches by ripping out a small section of
> beaver dam. The trail has also been trimmed and mowed.
>
> A bench is in place on the platform and a roof is planned to cover part of
> the platform.
>
> If you enjoy birding on this property please consider joining Wildlife for
> Everyone - the organization that owns the property. We are a small
> non-profit with big plans centered around birding and access for people of
> all ability levels.
>
> Thanks for your consideration.
>
> Mark Nale
>
A reminder that our annual Sweets and Swifts is scheduled for tomorrow , Wednesday, July 15. If we need to cancel due to the weather, I will send an email as soon as possible. Hope to see many of you there. Wednesday, July 15, 2026 (8:15 pm – 9:15pm or until the last swift disappears) Sweets and Swifts at Ferguson Township Elementary School, Pine Grove Mills Rain Date: Thursday, July 16, 2026
Trip Leader: Jon Kauffman
Come enjoy an amazing evening flight of Chimney Swifts as they circle above Ferguson Township Elementary before they dive one by one into the chimney to roost for the night. The town of Pine Grove Mills and the nearby elementary school can observe dozens of circling swifts during the day. During dusk, one may gain a better understanding how many swifts are actually utilizing the school's chimney during this unique time where swifts finally come to rest. Historical counts range from 97 to 197 individuals!
Bring a lawn chair or blanket and a favorite baked or non-baked sweet dish to share with others while enjoying the evening sunset. Who will bring the best-looking and tasting Chimney Swift themed cookie?
The field trip is open to members and non-members.
Date: 7/14/26 1:34 pm From: Mark Nale <00008ff0c316580d-dmarc-request...> Subject: Dreibelbis Birding Area access
Hello users of the Dreibelbis Birding Area north of Port Matilda:
After about 16 man-hours of work and lots of wheelbarrow loads of fill, the access to the platform at the northeastern wetland pool is now finally open for viewing without the use of boots. The level of water in the wetland was also lowered a few inches by ripping out a small section of beaver dam. The trail has also been trimmed and mowed.
A bench is in place on the platform and a roof is planned to cover part of the platform.
If you enjoy birding on this property please consider joining Wildlife for Everyone - the organization that owns the property. We are a small non-profit with big plans centered around birding and access for people of all ability levels.
Thanks for your consideration.
Mark Nale
Date: 7/13/26 3:35 pm From: Judy Sinn <junebugg1910...> Subject: Fwd: Seeking newspaper for Centre Wildlife Care
*Sweets and Swifts is Wednesday, not tomorrow.
Sorry for so many emails
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Judy Sinn <junebugg1910...>
Date: Mon, Jul 13, 2026, 5:42 PM
Subject: Fwd: Seeking newspaper for Centre Wildlife Care
To: <SCBIRDCL...>
Kathy Bechdel had a great suggestion: if you do have paper I could get it
tomorrow if you're at Sweets and Swifts.
Thanks
Judy Sinn
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Kathy Bechdel <kmbechdel...>
Date: Mon, Jul 13, 2026, 4:55 PM
Subject: Re: Seeking newspaper for Centre Wildlife Care
To: Judy Sinn <junebugg1910...>
Hi, Judy,
Just a suggestion... If you are going to Sweets and Swifts Wednesday
night, you could ask people to bring the newspaper there.
Sorry, but we don't have any newspaper. Haven't had a paper delivered in
years
Kathy
On Jul 13, 2026 1:16 PM, Judy Sinn <junebugg1910...> wrote:
Hello Bird Club members,
Centre Wildlife Care is in dire need of newspaper for lining animal cages.
If you have any, I will gladly pick it up from you and deliver it to them.
They also need shredded paper.
Date: 7/13/26 2:43 pm From: Judy Sinn <junebugg1910...> Subject: Fwd: Seeking newspaper for Centre Wildlife Care
Kathy Bechdel had a great suggestion: if you do have paper I could get it
tomorrow if you're at Sweets and Swifts.
Thanks
Judy Sinn
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Kathy Bechdel <kmbechdel...>
Date: Mon, Jul 13, 2026, 4:55 PM
Subject: Re: Seeking newspaper for Centre Wildlife Care
To: Judy Sinn <junebugg1910...>
Hi, Judy,
Just a suggestion... If you are going to Sweets and Swifts Wednesday
night, you could ask people to bring the newspaper there.
Sorry, but we don't have any newspaper. Haven't had a paper delivered in
years
Kathy
On Jul 13, 2026 1:16 PM, Judy Sinn <junebugg1910...> wrote:
Hello Bird Club members,
Centre Wildlife Care is in dire need of newspaper for lining animal cages.
If you have any, I will gladly pick it up from you and deliver it to them.
They also need shredded paper.
This message contains information from a law firm, The Mazza Law Group, P.C. which may be confidential or protected. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by reply email and delete the original message.
From: State College (PA) Bird Club <SCBIRDCL...> On Behalf Of Judy Sinn
Sent: Monday, July 13, 2026 1:16 PM
To: <SCBIRDCL...>
Subject: Seeking newspaper for Centre Wildlife Care
Hello Bird Club members,
Centre Wildlife Care is in dire need of newspaper for lining animal cages. If you have any, I will gladly pick it up from you and deliver it to them.
They also need shredded paper.
Date: 7/13/26 11:28 am From: Judy Sinn <junebugg1910...> Subject: Seeking newspaper for Centre Wildlife Care
Hello Bird Club members,
Centre Wildlife Care is in dire need of newspaper for lining animal cages. If you have any, I will gladly pick it up from you and deliver it to them. They also need shredded paper.
Date: 7/8/26 5:01 am From: KATHLEEN BECHDEL <0000d165c6a818d5-dmarc-request...> Subject: Sweets and Swifts next Wednesday
A reminder that our annual Sweets and Swifts is scheduled for next Wednesday. If we need to cancel due to the weather, I will send an email as soon as possible. Hope to see many of you there.
Wednesday, July 15, 2026 (8:15 pm – 9:15pm or until the last swift disappears)
Sweets and Swifts at Ferguson Township Elementary School, Pine Grove Mills
Rain Date: Thursday, July 16, 2026
Trip Leader: Jon Kauffman
Come enjoy an amazing evening flight of Chimney Swifts as they circle above Ferguson Township Elementary before they dive one by one into the chimney to roost for the night. The town of Pine Grove Mills and the nearby elementary school can observe dozens of circling swifts during the day. During dusk, one may gain a better understanding how many swifts are actually utilizing the school's chimney during this unique time where swifts finally come to rest. Historical counts range from 97 to 197 individuals!
Bring a lawn chair or blanket and a favorite baked or non-baked sweet dish to share with others while enjoying the evening sunset. Who will bring the best-looking and tasting Chimney Swift themed cookie?
The field trip is open to members and non-members.
Date: 7/7/26 10:42 am From: Mark Bonta <000025b3dbf0d3fd-dmarc-request...> Subject: Blair Dickcissel
Hi everyone - the Sinking Valley farmer/birder, Eli Swarey, who has had a singing male Dickcissel in his field the last couple of weeks, just reached out to me to spread the word that they would love to have more people stop by and see it. Please email or text me if you would like to see it/get directions.
-Mark
Dr. Mark Bonta
Chief Editor, Pennsylvania Birds Birding and Geography @ Bird Mountain
Date: 7/6/26 8:45 am From: Wentzel, Doug <djw105...> Subject: Bellefonte Art Museum exhibit
Greetings all,
I trust everyone is enjoying the summer and your neighborhood birds. Shaver’s Creek staff finished installing a special exhibit on the “Awe of Birds” at the Bellefonte Art Museum and it will be on display until the end of August. When you visit, see if you can discover the connections to some of our Bird Club members!
Date: 7/6/26 6:56 am From: Rob Dickerson <radickerson...> Subject: Call for Photos - Spring
Do you have some great photos of any birds taken in Pennsylvania from March 1, 2026 - May 31, 2026? Or a picture of a notable/significant sighting from that period?
I am currently accepting photo submissions through end of day July 20 to be considered for publication as space permits in the Pennsylvania Society for Ornithology (PSO) Spring 2026 issue of Pennsylvania Birds.
**Important Note** Images submitted must be high-res and are preferred to be horizontal shots. Submitted images must be able to be cropped to 1050px x 700px with a resolution of 300 px/in for horizontal images. If space allows high-quality vertical portrait shots may be used, but they take up the space of 2 photos in the layout used by the journal. Vertical photos submitted must be able to be cropped to 1050px x 1313px at 300 px/in.
Some further instructions... If your submission does not follow the instructions below or contain the info requested below, it will not be processed!
- Submissions for consideration **must** be taken during the above date range and emailed to <radickerson...>, please make mention of the word SPRING in the subject line to simplify processing.
- Please do not submit dozens of images for consideration, please do some initial limiting/judging of selections on your end that reflect the best of your work. However, if you have 15 different images of truly notable sightings in the state from this period, I'll gladly accept them for consideration!
- VERY important! For each image attached to the e-mail, you must include a description in the body of the e-mail for that image. Best format to follow: Species Name - Location, County, DD Month. Sentence about significance if known/applicable. (Photographer Name) Example: Antillean Nighthawk - Presque Isle SP, Erie, 12 June. This bird represented a first state record and was observed through 1 July. (John Doe)
- Please also submit your photos for consideration in full resolution or as close to full resolution as possible as these will be printed. Your photo also may be considered for a cover shot and a 250KB image just won't work for that! I need to be able to crop your photo to fit the space as it permits in the journal and a precropped / low-resolution image is problematic for that. It's safe to say that if you're sending me an image under a megabyte in size, it isn't going to be the resolution I need to work with. I also need room to crop the image to the specs used for the newsletter (exact specs posted above) and an extremely tight crop may not allow me to do that.
- Photos selected for printing in the issue will be credited to the photographer, please DO NOT submit watermarked/signatured images or they will not be considered. The image should be clean of any add-ons.
Thanks for considering submitting your photos for consideration for our statewide ornithology journal!
Date: 6/27/26 7:31 am From: Robert Snyder <birdphotoginpa...> Subject: Re: Third Breeding Bird Atlas update: continued low numbers of cuckoos
This is an unscientific remark, but this year seems to be ‘fewer birds’
than usual. Next week will likely be very stressful for fledglings with
temperatures predicted in the mid to high 90’s, even reaching 102° on
Thursday.
Bob Snyder
Do the best you can, where you are, with what you have.
Theodore Roosevelt
On Fri, Jun 26, 2026 at 8:07 PM David Facey <dcf2005...> wrote:
> Here is the latest drought information for Pennsylvania:
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> In May 2008 I saw both a yellow-billed and black-billed cuckoo one day
> apart during an outbreak of spongy (Gypsy) moth caterpillars. That was the
> last time I can remember an outbreak and it coincided with a particularly
> dry spell of weather. I have seen a yellow-billed once more and have not
> seen a black-billed since. Spongy moth outbreaks coincide with substantial
> dry weather.
>
>
>
> It would be interesting to know if there are any spongy moth outbreaks
> currently in southeastern PA.
>
>
>
> David Facey
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> *From:* State College (PA) Bird Club <SCBIRDCL...> *On Behalf
> Of *Debra Rittelmann
> *Sent:* Friday, June 26, 2026 4:21 PM
> *To:* <SCBIRDCL...>
> *Subject:* Re: Third Breeding Bird Atlas update: continued low numbers of
> cuckoos
>
>
>
> Ironically, my neighbor and I were just talking about this this past week;
> we both noticed the lack of Cuckoo calls and we've had them in the yard in
> the past. Also on my neighbor's farm. Hope it's not a forever thing.
>
>
>
> Deb Rittelmann
>
>
>
> On Fri, Jun 26, 2026 at 1:54 PM Gyekis, Joseph Peter <jpg186...>
> wrote:
>
> Statewide breeding bird survey analyses over the past 30 years show
> significant declines for both cuckoo species.
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> *From:* State College (PA) Bird Club <SCBIRDCL...> on behalf
> of Nick Bolgiano <nickbolgiano...>
> *Sent:* Friday, 26 June 2026 07:53:46
> *To:* <SCBIRDCL...> <SCBIRDCL...>
> *Subject:* Third Breeding Bird Atlas update: continued low numbers of
> cuckoos
>
>
>
> After year one of this breeding bird atlas, I sent out an email on this
> topic, but now we are into the third season and not much has changed. Both
> Yellow-billed Cuckoo and Black-billed Cuckoo continue to be reported in low
> numbers.
>
>
>
> During the second Breeding Bird Atlas, in 2004-2009, Yellow-billed Cuckoo
> was reported in 66% of blocks while Black-billed Cuckoo was reported in 34%
> of blocks. In my two Breeding Bird Surveys, regular cycles have occurred,
> with periodic higher numbers coinciding with caterpillar outbreaks, such as
> spongy (formerly gypsy) moths and webworms. But, no cuckoos in my two
> routes during the three years of this atlas, which is unprecedented. During
> the atlas, I have recorded 9 Yellow-billeds and 1 Black-billeds, where I
> would normally have expected to record many more. (Around here,
> Yellow-billeds usually outnumber Black-billeds by roughly 10:1.)
>
>
>
> To see where they have been reported so far during this atlas, bring up
> the atlas species on-line map:
>
> https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Febird.org%2Fatlaspa%2Fmap&data=05%7C02%<7CSCBIRDCL...>%7C831da534c6c74250d30908ded458b134%7C7cf48d453ddb4389a9c1c115526eb52e%7C0%7C0%7C639181674556507066%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=h0Gr3tYAfmy97OB1v130zZ1iI6coug8DXTNOpvrkZwo%3D&reserved=0 > <https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Febird.org%2Fatlaspa%2Fmap&data=05%7C02%<7CSCBIRDCL...>%7C831da534c6c74250d30908ded458b134%7C7cf48d453ddb4389a9c1c115526eb52e%7C0%7C0%7C639181674556518257%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=YNOVtfQxmyptG%2Bh3%2FN7zsSjIZ%2FN%2B%2FwESzpoovDpAy0c%3D&reserved=0> >
> Enter YBCU or BBCU to see the atlas 3 maps.
>
>
>
> Not having many cuckoos means that PA has not experienced widespread
> caterpillar outbreaks, which is probably a good thing for the trees.
> However, the low cuckoo numbers are very atypical of what we usually find.
>
>
>
> Nick Bolgiano
>
>
Date: 6/26/26 5:07 pm From: David Facey <dcf2005...> Subject: Re: Third Breeding Bird Atlas update: continued low numbers of cuckoos
Here is the latest drought information for Pennsylvania:
[cid:<image001.png...>]
In May 2008 I saw both a yellow-billed and black-billed cuckoo one day apart during an outbreak of spongy (Gypsy) moth caterpillars. That was the last time I can remember an outbreak and it coincided with a particularly dry spell of weather. I have seen a yellow-billed once more and have not seen a black-billed since. Spongy moth outbreaks coincide with substantial dry weather.
It would be interesting to know if there are any spongy moth outbreaks currently in southeastern PA.
David Facey
From: State College (PA) Bird Club <SCBIRDCL...> On Behalf Of Debra Rittelmann
Sent: Friday, June 26, 2026 4:21 PM
To: <SCBIRDCL...>
Subject: Re: Third Breeding Bird Atlas update: continued low numbers of cuckoos
Ironically, my neighbor and I were just talking about this this past week; we both noticed the lack of Cuckoo calls and we've had them in the yard in the past. Also on my neighbor's farm. Hope it's not a forever thing.
Deb Rittelmann
On Fri, Jun 26, 2026 at 1:54 PM Gyekis, Joseph Peter <jpg186...><mailto:<jpg186...>> wrote:
Statewide breeding bird survey analyses over the past 30 years show significant declines for both cuckoo species.
________________________________
From: State College (PA) Bird Club <SCBIRDCL...><mailto:<SCBIRDCL...>> on behalf of Nick Bolgiano <nickbolgiano...><mailto:<nickbolgiano...>> Sent: Friday, 26 June 2026 07:53:46
To: <SCBIRDCL...><mailto:<SCBIRDCL...> <SCBIRDCL...><mailto:<SCBIRDCL...>> Subject: Third Breeding Bird Atlas update: continued low numbers of cuckoos
After year one of this breeding bird atlas, I sent out an email on this topic, but now we are into the third season and not much has changed. Both Yellow-billed Cuckoo and Black-billed Cuckoo continue to be reported in low numbers.
During the second Breeding Bird Atlas, in 2004-2009, Yellow-billed Cuckoo was reported in 66% of blocks while Black-billed Cuckoo was reported in 34% of blocks. In my two Breeding Bird Surveys, regular cycles have occurred, with periodic higher numbers coinciding with caterpillar outbreaks, such as spongy (formerly gypsy) moths and webworms. But, no cuckoos in my two routes during the three years of this atlas, which is unprecedented. During the atlas, I have recorded 9 Yellow-billeds and 1 Black-billeds, where I would normally have expected to record many more. (Around here, Yellow-billeds usually outnumber Black-billeds by roughly 10:1.)
Not having many cuckoos means that PA has not experienced widespread caterpillar outbreaks, which is probably a good thing for the trees. However, the low cuckoo numbers are very atypical of what we usually find.
Date: 6/26/26 5:05 pm From: Ramsey, Lawrence William <lwr...> Subject: Re: Third Breeding Bird Atlas update: continued low numbers of cuckoos
Interesting! Since the pandemic stated at the end of the first quarter of 2020, I have not traveled much and have submitted an e-bird list for our property almost every day. I looked at my e-bid records for the number of days Yellow-billed Cuckoo were seen or heard from 2020 though today and got the below. Was really surprised by 2025.
Year
# of days
2026
1
2025
1
2024
24
2023
23
2022
34
2021
17
2020
17
________________________________
From: State College (PA) Bird Club <SCBIRDCL...> on behalf of Debra Rittelmann <dlrittelmann...>
Sent: Friday, June 26, 2026 4:20 PM
To: <SCBIRDCL...> <SCBIRDCL...>
Subject: Re: Third Breeding Bird Atlas update: continued low numbers of cuckoos
Ironically, my neighbor and I were just talking about this this past week; we both noticed the lack of Cuckoo calls and we've had them in the yard in the past. Also on my neighbor's farm. Hope it's not a forever thing.
Deb Rittelmann
On Fri, Jun 26, 2026 at 1:54 PM Gyekis, Joseph Peter <jpg186...><mailto:<jpg186...>> wrote:
Statewide breeding bird survey analyses over the past 30 years show significant declines for both cuckoo species.
________________________________
From: State College (PA) Bird Club <SCBIRDCL...><mailto:<SCBIRDCL...>> on behalf of Nick Bolgiano <nickbolgiano...><mailto:<nickbolgiano...>> Sent: Friday, 26 June 2026 07:53:46
To: <SCBIRDCL...><mailto:<SCBIRDCL...> <SCBIRDCL...><mailto:<SCBIRDCL...>> Subject: Third Breeding Bird Atlas update: continued low numbers of cuckoos
After year one of this breeding bird atlas, I sent out an email on this topic, but now we are into the third season and not much has changed. Both Yellow-billed Cuckoo and Black-billed Cuckoo continue to be reported in low numbers.
During the second Breeding Bird Atlas, in 2004-2009, Yellow-billed Cuckoo was reported in 66% of blocks while Black-billed Cuckoo was reported in 34% of blocks. In my two Breeding Bird Surveys, regular cycles have occurred, with periodic higher numbers coinciding with caterpillar outbreaks, such as spongy (formerly gypsy) moths and webworms. But, no cuckoos in my two routes during the three years of this atlas, which is unprecedented. During the atlas, I have recorded 9 Yellow-billeds and 1 Black-billeds, where I would normally have expected to record many more. (Around here, Yellow-billeds usually outnumber Black-billeds by roughly 10:1.)
Not having many cuckoos means that PA has not experienced widespread caterpillar outbreaks, which is probably a good thing for the trees. However, the low cuckoo numbers are very atypical of what we usually find.
Date: 6/26/26 1:21 pm From: Debra Rittelmann <dlrittelmann...> Subject: Re: Third Breeding Bird Atlas update: continued low numbers of cuckoos
Ironically, my neighbor and I were just talking about this this past week;
we both noticed the lack of Cuckoo calls and we've had them in the yard in
the past. Also on my neighbor's farm. Hope it's not a forever thing.
Deb Rittelmann
On Fri, Jun 26, 2026 at 1:54 PM Gyekis, Joseph Peter <jpg186...> wrote:
Date: 6/26/26 10:54 am From: Gyekis, Joseph Peter <jpg186...> Subject: Re: Third Breeding Bird Atlas update: continued low numbers of cuckoos
Statewide breeding bird survey analyses over the past 30 years show significant declines for both cuckoo species.
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From: State College (PA) Bird Club <SCBIRDCL...> on behalf of Nick Bolgiano <nickbolgiano...>
Sent: Friday, 26 June 2026 07:53:46
To: <SCBIRDCL...> <SCBIRDCL...>
Subject: Third Breeding Bird Atlas update: continued low numbers of cuckoos
After year one of this breeding bird atlas, I sent out an email on this topic, but now we are into the third season and not much has changed. Both Yellow-billed Cuckoo and Black-billed Cuckoo continue to be reported in low numbers.
During the second Breeding Bird Atlas, in 2004-2009, Yellow-billed Cuckoo was reported in 66% of blocks while Black-billed Cuckoo was reported in 34% of blocks. In my two Breeding Bird Surveys, regular cycles have occurred, with periodic higher numbers coinciding with caterpillar outbreaks, such as spongy (formerly gypsy) moths and webworms. But, no cuckoos in my two routes during the three years of this atlas, which is unprecedented. During the atlas, I have recorded 9 Yellow-billeds and 1 Black-billeds, where I would normally have expected to record many more. (Around here, Yellow-billeds usually outnumber Black-billeds by roughly 10:1.)
Not having many cuckoos means that PA has not experienced widespread caterpillar outbreaks, which is probably a good thing for the trees. However, the low cuckoo numbers are very atypical of what we usually find.
Date: 6/26/26 4:54 am From: Nick Bolgiano <nickbolgiano...> Subject: Third Breeding Bird Atlas update: continued low numbers of cuckoos
After year one of this breeding bird atlas, I sent out an email on this topic, but now we are into the third season and not much has changed. Both Yellow-billed Cuckoo and Black-billed Cuckoo continue to be reported in low numbers.
During the second Breeding Bird Atlas, in 2004-2009, Yellow-billed Cuckoo was reported in 66% of blocks while Black-billed Cuckoo was reported in 34% of blocks. In my two Breeding Bird Surveys, regular cycles have occurred, with periodic higher numbers coinciding with caterpillar outbreaks, such as spongy (formerly gypsy) moths and webworms. But, no cuckoos in my two routes during the three years of this atlas, which is unprecedented. During the atlas, I have recorded 9 Yellow-billeds and 1 Black-billeds, where I would normally have expected to record many more. (Around here, Yellow-billeds usually outnumber Black-billeds by roughly 10:1.)
Not having many cuckoos means that PA has not experienced widespread caterpillar outbreaks, which is probably a good thing for the trees. However, the low cuckoo numbers are very atypical of what we usually find.
Date: 6/22/26 2:57 pm From: Nick Bolgiano <nickbolgiano...> Subject: Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers moving south
I have mainly been working on the third breeding bird atlas in Sproul State Forest between Snow Shoe and Renovo, where I also have done two Breeding Bird Surveys since 2002. A very interesting change in bird distributions there is how Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers have moved about 30 miles south into northern Centre Co and western Clinton Co since the second breeding bird atlas in 2004-2009.
I first started finding sapsuckers on one of my BBS routes about 15 years ago, but I would mainly find 1-2 . This number has increased rapidly the last few years and this year, I counted 10 on the main route where I typically find them. Where I find them is primarily in the northern part of the state forest south of Renovo - along Grugan Hollow Rd, Pete's Run Rd, and Dry Run Rd.
You can see the current atlas distribution of sapsuckers at this website:
In the second atlas, sapsuckers were previously present in parts of Clearfield Co, where they are now, but the southern movement has occurred in Lycoming, Clinton, and Centre Counties.
It is uncommon for northern birds to move south, but this is what is happening with sapsuckers. If they continue to move at the current pace, they could be in the Black Moshannon area within a few decades. The forest there is similar to the forest in Sproul SF.
