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Volunteers needed to count state’s birds

HARRISBURG — Those birds you see in the backyard, around camp, while hiking or otherwise outside? They’re more important than you think. Reporting your observations of them is, too. The Game Commission, together with Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, is conducting the third Pennsylvania Bird Atlas in state history. Between now and February 2029, it will document what birds live in Pennsylvania, where and in what numbers. “The atlas will provide a snapshot of the population status and distribution of birds in the Commonwealth,” said Game Commission Ornithologist Sean Murphy. “No ...

Reflections in Nature: A closer look at the frog in nature

While walking along the water’s edge, I watched as frogs, one after another, jumped into the water and disappeared. I wondered how long a frog could stay underwater, so I sat down and waited. About five minutes later a frog appeared. Scientists tell us that the frog’s ancestors were the first creatures to survive the drying up of the ancient oceans. They survived by crawling out onto the land and in doing this, they developed the ability to breathe through their lungs. Our word frog comes from the days of King Arthur. The small men of the forest were called frogga, which was ...

Outdoors community calendar for week of June 26

HIKE THE NATURE TRAIL WHERE: Hyner Run State Park WHEN: Friday, June 28 at 3:30 p.m. NOTES: Join the naturalist to hike the nature trail at Hyner Run State Park. There will be a discussion about the flora and fauna seen along the trail as well as the history of the area. There will also be a lookinto trail information and etiquette. 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 should meet at the amphitheater by the ...

Reflections in Nature: Determining the sex of a bird isn’t as difficult as you may think

Recently while at rehab, several of us were looking out the window when six pigeons landed on the grass. Someone mentioned that pigeons are pretty birds, with their many colors. One man commented that the birds were four females and two males. I asked how he could tell the sex but he never answered. Later, I checked online and found that even experts have issues when identifying the gender of a pigeon based on coloration alone. I also learned that male pigeons are larger, fluffier, with thicker necks, larger heads and heavier bills; while females will appear sleeker, thinner bills and ...

Loyalsock couple traps local bees for honey production

Rewind just a few years ago, and Loyalsock resident Al Sever didn’t know there was such a thing as trapping bees. It was only a couple years ago he went to buy a few bees from a man in Bloomsburg and was given some traps. Perplexed, Sever asked the guy what they were for. “To catch ...

Reflections in Nature: Wildlife as pets? It’s illegal, and a really bad idea

Young wildlife are beginning to make their appearance. Without a doubt, these young birds and animals are cute and so much fun to watch. It is a great temptation for people to pick up a young bird, bunny, or even a fawn to take home and have as a pet. Not only is taking wildlife home illegal, it is also dangerous and these animals and birds from the wild can carry diseases. Through the years as a wildlife officer, I encountered many incidents, in which people picked up young wildlife that turned into disasters. I received a call from a schoolteacher, saying she had a student bring in ...