Breaking News

Outdoors

Reflections in Nature: A sign fall is near? The yellow-shafted flicker

During this month of September, I saw my first yellow-shafted flicker. Along with the leaves changing colors, a yellow-shafted flicker sighting is an indication that fall is near. The yellow-shafted flicker is referred to as the northern flicker. Its scientific name is Colaptes auratus. Colaptes comes from the Latin word kolapter, which means a hammer or a chisel and from the Greek word kolapto, which means to peck with a bill. The species name auratus is Latin and means gilded, ornamented with gold, in reference to the yellow linings of the bird’s wings and tail. Auratus is now ...

PFBC to hold fisheries and hatcheries virtual meeting on Oct. 2

HARRISBURG — The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission will conduct a meeting of the Fisheries and Hatcheries Committee on Wednesday, Oct. 2, beginning at 10 a.m. This meeting will be held online with committee members participating remotely. Because this meeting is being held in a virtual format, the process for accepting public comment will be different than an in-person gathering. Public comments pertaining to the agenda can be submitted by calling (717) 705-7846 beginning on Monday, September 23 at 8 a.m. until Tuesday, September 24 at 12 p.m. This meeting may be viewed ...

Outdoor community calendar for week of Sept. 24

FALL BIRDING WHERE: Hyner Run State Park and Little Pine State Park WHEN: Friday, Sept. 20 at 2 p.m. (Little Pine) and 6 p.m. (Hyner Run). NOTES: Join the naturalist for some fall birding at Hyner Run and/or Little Pine State Park. Topics will include the different birds that live at Hyner Run and also how to identify them. Please bring your own binoculars and other birding gear. All children must be accompanied by an adult in order to participate. The program may be modified or canceled in the event of severe weather or new state or community guidelines. Those interested in the ...

Local experts all agree hellbenders need better protections

There is a huge amount of therapy for me, at least, on super stressful days – when it feels like the whole world is falling apart and the sky is falling with work projects and other major situations – to lay down in bed at night and zero in my thoughts and prayers of thankfulness on a ...

A look at five hikes that are perfect in the fall for families

Hiking with kids is a beautiful way to experience the fall season and promote life-long ecological awareness. With a little bit of prep and a lot of enthusiasm, kids from preschool through teenhood can enjoy these long walks. Choose hikes that match your emerging rambler. A half-mile hike with limited elevation is ideal for preschool age and those uncomfortable in nature. A mile with some elevation would match elementary-aged abilities. Trails should be clearly marked with blazes and well-mapped. Always check weather and the site’s visitor use policies before hiking. No need to ...

Deer season is almost here in PA

HARRISBURG — It’s probably safe to say that most people, given the chance to trade their cellphone for a landline, swap out their vehicle for a horse and buggy or replace their washing machine with a bucket, a bar of rough homemade soap and a 100-yard walk to the nearest river, would opt to keep their modern conveniences. Tools offering efficiency, ease and comfort are hard to forgo. There are exceptions, though. Bowhunters — who represent one of every two deer hunters in Pennsylvania overall — each year willingly go afield with stick and string, albeit often modernized, ...