For birders of Berks County, the past year yielded mixed results in birdwatching. Although the overall count for the year was below the 20-year average of 252 species seen, there were some unusual and exciting finds among the 247 species detected.
Some of these sightings occurred in the shorebird group. Most years, shorebird sightings depend on the water level of the local lakes and ponds. The lower the level, the more mud is exposed, which provides feeding areas for sandpipers, plovers and waders.
Two locations impacted this phenomenon this past year.
Near Hamburg, a holding pond for a warehouse complex yielded ideal conditions that attracted unusual birds. An American avocet was found in July by S. Marony, a short-billed dowitcher was seen by P. and J. Wolfe in August, a Baird’s sandpiper was found in August by R. Keller, a stilt sandpiper was a good find by A. Wlasneiwski in September and an American Golden Plover was found by Dr. T. Underwood In September. While these birds are not rare, they are not seen every year in Berks.
The Baird’s sandpiper is named for Spencer Fullerton Baird, who was born in Reading in 1823 and became the second secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. The local Baird Ornithological Club is also named after him.
Another event that took place that attracted shorebirds was the draining of Bernhart’s Dam. Again, this created an area that was a magnet for migrating birds both in spring and fall. Semi-palmated sandpipers and plovers were seen here, and an uncommon red-necked phalarope was found in September by R. Hoffman. In the spring, the uncommon little blue heron was noted by J. Beatrice.
The future for both of these productive birding locations is uncertain.
Two first-Berks County sightings occurred this year. In March in the western part of the county, a Western tanager showed up at the Bethel area feeders of C. Cravotta.
Due to Mr. Cravotta’s hospitality, Berks birders got to see this tanager, which is very rare in the eastern part of the country.
In mid-December, J. and L. Spildes’ backyard was found by another unusual visitor from the West. A Townsend’s warbler was seen in an evergreen tree from their kitchen window. This is a first record of this Western warbler in Berks.
The peregrine falcons that have been nesting in downtown Reading in recent years were successful in producing offspring again this year. Four young were born, and three fledged for sure. The presence of these birds in early summer is an awe-inspiring sight. To see six of these magnificent wild creatures creating havoc in a downtown setting is an unforgettable experience!
Other notable sightings in 2022 include the very unusual little gull found by an excited group of Baird club birders on a scheduled walk at Lake Ontelaunee in March, black-bellied whistling ducks seen by J. and L. Spilde in June, a short-eared owl found by L. Ingram and a northern goshawk reported by E. Barrell.
We birding enthusiasts have already begun the quest to see the wonders of the avian world in 2023. Come join us.
For more information on bird watching in Berks, go to the Baird Ornithological Club’s website at https://bairdornithological.club.
Russ Hoffman is a longtime member of the Baird Ornithological Club and has extensively photographed the birds of Berks County.
Source: Berkshire mont
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