Meetings

Unless indicated otherwise, all SMAS Programs are held at the Adams County Agricultural Resource Center, 670 Old Harrisburg Road, Gettysburg, PA at 7:30 pm (social time starting at 7 pm). A room number for the SMAS meeting will be posted on the front lobby entry inner door.

Field Trips

FIELD TRIPS - Field trips will be planned on an annual basis and a tentative list will be sent in late December to those on our email list. Details for day trips will be announced in the monthly email blasts, and details for overnight trips will be announced a few months in advance. Also, information can be found on this website. Each monthly email will list a contact person and a meeting place and time for the upcoming events. If you are not on our email list, you can contact Mike Bertram at the2nomads@gmail.com or call 717-809-3911 (please leave a voicemail) if you have questions or need other details. Field trip cancellations will be announced by email as soon as possible and also on this website.

Local Bird Sightings in 2024

One new species was seen in Adams County in 2024, an American White Pelican. Other rare species observed included: Black-bellied Whistling Duck, Greater White-fronted Goose, Ross's Goose, Mississippi Kite, White-rumped Sandpiper, Log-billed Dowitcher. Species that were expected, but not found, were Bank Swallow and Dickcissel.

In the grasslands IBA (Important Bird Area), as well as many of the sightings mentioned under the Adams County list, there was a sighting of a rare Barn Owl in the IBA.

In the South Mountain IBA was the first sighting of a Trumpter Swan. Also there were sightings of probable escapees, Northern Bobwhite and Chukar.

Meetings and other Activities

Friday, June 13, Field Trip 7 am, Devil's Den and surrounding areas, GNMP. We will meet at 7:00 AM in the small parking area at the intersection of Sedgwick and Wheatfield Roads, just west of Route 134, Taneytown Road. (Map below) We can do some carpooling from there to get closer to the Devil's Den area if some participants are in need of that. Our permit to bird that area does NOT allow for us to park numerous cars in the Devil's Den area.

We will be walking along paved roads and following a trail. One small stream crossing MIGHT be required. Hiking shoes and insect repellent are recommended. No restroom facilities are available. Cy Deitz will lead the walk.

A final decision on the date will be posted by Thursday, the 12th.

Monday, June 16, Meeting - “Ryan the Bug Man” - LIVE ANIMALS!!!

The Bug Man will use LIVE insects and other arthropods in this presentation. Anatomy, defensive characteristics, and importance to the environment are some of the highlights of the presentation. All the bugs are real and many of them are the largest species in the world! The audience will eventually be encouraged to touch or pet the mini-beasts! This program is suitable for all ages. Bring the kids and the grandkids!

https://ryanthebugman.com/

Each year, South Mountain Audubon Society holds a fundraiser to provide educational experiences and opportunities for our schools and community. This program will be funded by those donations.

Monday, September 15, Meeting Karen Kaslow - Watersheds

The South Mountain Audubon Society aims are to conserve and restore natural ecosystems, focusing on birds, other wildlife, and their habitats for the benefit of humanity and the earth's biological diversity focusing on Adams County, PA.

The Society works towards those aims with meetings, birding trips, and conservation activities.

There are 2 Important Bird Areas locally:

• South Mountain
  
• South Adams County Grasslands

Click here to join National Audubon and the South Mountain Audubon Society. Please select U17 as the Chapter code from the drop down menu on the form.

If you want to join the South Mountain Audubon Society but not National Audubon then sign up at the next event you attend. The annual membership is $15.

The Society can be contacted in the following ways:

email: the2nomads@gmail.com

Tel.: 717-809-3911

Mail: SMAS, P.O. Box 3671, Gettysburg, PA 17325.

Educational Initiatives

South Mountain Audubon sponsors educational efforts on natural history in the local schools. This year it financed the purchase of books by the Bermudian Middle School.

Taneytown Road Area

On Friday, 25th April, a SMAS group walked around the trails in the area of Gettysburg Park HQ. 50 species were observed.

Eastern Kingbird

Catbird

Photos by Linette Mansberger

Oakside Park

On the 3rd of May South Mountain Audubon visited Oakside Park, outside Biglerville; 56 species were observed (link to eBird report). These sightings bring the total species observed at Oakside Park over the years to 102.

male Scarlet Tanager

female Scarlet Tanager

Photos by Linette Mansberger

State Game Lands #230

On the 4th May SMAS explored the State Gamelands #230, near Carlisle, observing 73 species.

Indigo Bunting

Magnolia Warbler

Photos by Evan Vaeth

Spangler's Spring, Gettysburg NMP

On Saturday, 10th May, International Migratory Bird Day, SMAS members took their annual walk around the Spangler's Spring area in Gettysburg NMP. 86 species were observed, which must be a record.

Blackburnian Warbler

Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher on nest

Photos by Jamie Noble

State Game Lands #249 North

On Saturday, the 19th April, SMAS members visited State Game Lands #249 North - near Heidlersburg. 48 species were observed.

Great Crested Flycatcher

Willow Flycatcher

Photos by Linette Mansberger