DOC Bird Hike At Wildwood

: Walking along Wildwood

: Looking for birds.

: Taking a break.

It was a lovely day for a hike, especially one for scouting birds. Our goal was to locate the migrating Red Winged Blackbirds, Bluebirds, and Wood Thrushes as they returned for breeding.

: Red Winged Blackbird

: Wood Thrush

The male Red Winged Blackbirds were everywhere. We did not see any females so they probably had yet to arrive. There were no Bluebirds evident around the bluebird houses, but we know they have arrived, since they have been viewed elsewhere. No sign of Wood Thrushes yet, but they have frequented Wildwood in past springs and summers.

: Those are turtles piled on a log,

: This Canada Goose refused to move!

: The huge sycamore!

We did see Egrets, Canada Geese, a snake, a dead raccoon that looked like it was sleeping, a Blue Jay, Red-Bellied Woodpecker, a Thrasher and many, many turtles! Then there was the huge sycamore that was estimated to be at least 100 years old!

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Free Food for Thru-Hikers in Duncannon

Salad, Spaghetti, Brownie & Ice Cream

2014, June 4, 11, 18, 25 and July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: If you’re thru-hiking the AT and you’d like some FREE food while in Duncannon during the months of June or July, be sure to stop by the Duncannon Christ Lutheran Church on Wednesdays between 5 and 7 PM for some great home cooking. Salad, spaghetti, brownies and ice cream are always on the menu but there’s a chance food made from one of these mouth-watering recipes might be available: Sauerkraut Soup, Party Mashed Potatoes, Easy Stir Fry, Pumpkin Cheese Tarts, Apple Dumpling Bake, Bread Custard Pudding, Orzo Dessert, or maybe even New York Cheesecake!

The Appalachian Trail runs along High Street and the church is conveniently located one block west off the trail near the intersection of High and Plum streets. Be sure to stop in even if you’re not hungry and say hello to the good people of Duncannon. They want to help lift your spirits and you can do the same for them just by taking a minute to share your time and trail experiences.

This generous outreach to thru-hikers is being lead by Pastor Beth Martini who is a strong supporter of the AT, the Duncannon Appalachian Trail Community and the residents of Duncannon. If you live in the Duncannon area and you would like to help thru-hikers enjoy a hearty meal, please contact the church at 834-3140 or pastor@clcduncannon.org.

March 23rd Haldeman Island Hike

: Getting Ready to Explore

: Setting Up to Scope the Waterfowl

: Scoping The Birds

On March 23rd the Duncannon Outdoor Club and Duncannon Appalachian Trail Community held another Haldeman Island hike with the great leadership of the knowledgeable Scott Bills, state games representative. We have received many emails commending Mr. Bills for his vast knowledge of waterfowl and other bird species. It was a great learning experience, viewing 16 of the 20 species of waterfowl found on the island.

We also were honored with the presence of a male and female bald eagle on their massive nest. Upon arrival we had a flock of Tundra Swan fly in formation overhead honking their way North to Canada. Scott pointed out how gracefully a swan lands in the water. There was hardly a ripple upon landing.

We hope to schedule another such event in the future, since we had such a great turnout and actually had to turn people away. If you wish to be notified of another such event email dtakach@duncannonatc.org and your email address will be added to the Duncannon Outdoor Club email list to received hike notifications.