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Reflections in Nature: Birds will recognize their own species by colors

During the month of March, I made many diary entries about birds that I had seen returning from their migrations. In the morning when I step outside, I hear the singing of robins, cardinals, doves, crows and more, and all are singing to attract a mate. Have you ever wondered why species of birds do not interbreed in the wild? Generally, there’s enough of the same species to allow for the same species breeding. However, two birds of similar but different species, in captivity, where there is only one option to satisfy their mating urge, could mate. If there is an offspring of ...

DCNR encourages residents to explore camping and more

HARRISBURG — The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is reminding Pennsylvanians and visitors that state parks and forests remain open and ready to welcome campers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts. With some federally-operated campgrounds closing due to staffing shortages, DCNR encourages everyone to explore the Commonwealth’s extensive network of parks and forests for year-round outdoor recreation opportunities. In response to the closures, DCNR is reviewing nearby camping facilities at state parks and forests to ensure opportunities are available to all ...

Community Outdoor calendar for week of April 8

AUDUBON EVENT: BIRD WALK at RPANA WHERE: Meet at the barn at 1722 Sylvan Dell Road WHEN: Saturday, April 12 from 8-10 a.m. NOTES: Join the Lycoming Audubon Society for a bird walk at the Robert Porter Allen Natural Area. Volunteer opportunity to follow for those who are interested. The program is free and open to the public. More details can be found at www.lycomingaudubon.org. AUDUBON EVENT: Community Work Day at RPANA WHERE: Meet at the barn at 1722 Sylvan Dell Road WHEN: Saturday, April 12 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. NOTES: Volunteers are needed for a habitat ...

Pennsylvania’s outdoor recreation economy has been growing

Outdoor recreation enthusiasts and businesses that cater to the industry recently gathered inside New Trail Brewing in Williamsport to share ideas on how to elevate their game. “It is important to us,” said David Hertwig, co-founder and sales director at New Trail Brewing, which is a ...

Does color really matter when it comes to fishing lures?

Growing up, fishing lines, like the channels on TV, came in very few colors. Most were clear. Others were tinted with sublime blue or green hues but were also primarily clear. There were no reds, browns, yellows, or camouflage. It was a fishing line, not clothing. Now fishing line comes in almost any color of the spectrum. You can even get a multi-colored line, changing colors every foot. So the question is does color matter? The quick answer is no, at least not to the fish. If your setup includes a main line and a leader, the line’s color is irrelevant. This fish will see the ...

PGC releases deer harvesting estimates for 2024-25

HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania hunters harvested about 11% more deer in the 2024-25 hunting seasons than they did the year before, according to Pennsylvania Game Commission estimates released today. The statewide 2024-25 harvest is estimated at 476,880 deer, 175,280 of them antlered deer and 301,600 antlerless. By comparison, the statewide 2023-24 harvest was estimated at 430,010 deer. Most of that year-over-year increase is attributable to the antlerless deer harvest. The 2024-25 buck take was up 2% over the year before, and 9% over the most recent three-year average. The 2024-25 ...