Jeffrey Hall presented “Great Texas Birding Trail: the Rio Grande Valley.
The Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas teems with unique birds like green jays, chachalacas, Altamira orioles, and kiskadees. It is full of iconic birding spots like Santa Ana and Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuges, South Padre Island, Bentsen-‐Rio Grande State Park…so many, in fact, that they have now been linked into the “World Birding Center.” This program introduced us to many of the natural wonders of a very special part of our country .
Author Archives: Dianne Machesney
October 13, 2016 Meeting
Allegheny County Park Ranger, Braden Meiter, talked about reasons amphibians are in decline. With a special emphasis on frogs, he explained how different our world would be without them. Frogs are important for insect control and also as bio-indicators of problems in the environment. They are a food source for bats, snakes, and other animals, including humans. He ended on an encouraging note, showing a short film about frogs on the verge of extinction being bred for reentry into their environment.
Joan Tague Remembers Chuck
While Hurricane Michael threatened her house in Florida,Joan arrived in Pittsburgh to give a wonderful presentation on Chuck’s life.
An owl box will be installed on one of the trails in the Raccoon State Park Wildflower Preserve in Chuck’s honor.
Afterwards, some of the guests gathered for a picnic lunch, and then Joan led a walk on the Valley Trail.
Special Event October 7, 2016
Wissahickon Special Event
October 7, Friday, 10:00 a.m. Tribute to Chuck Tague at Raccoon Creek State Park, Wildflower Reserve Nature Center. Joan Tague will be there to present her personal memories of Chuck.
Brittanie from the Wildflower Reserve staff will unveil an owl box to be installed in Chuck’s honor. Afterwards we will caravan to a picnic area for lunch, then off to the Valley Picnic Trail for a bird walk. Bring a lunch, beverages, field guides and binoculars.
Please RSVP to mywintermoon@verizon.net
Meeting September 29, 2016 Paw Paws
Andrew Moore presented
Pawpaws. We joined Andrew Moore as he spoke of the
past, present, and future of this unique fruit, which
is described as a cross between a mango and a
banana. We enjoyed a presentation about
pawpaw lore and knowledge, not only from the
plant breeders and horticulturists working to bring
the fruit into the mainstream, but also regular folks
Andrew met through his travels and research. In
addition, Andrew dug a little deeper, looking into
American foodways and how economic, biologic,
and cultural forces combine, leading us to eat what
we eat, and sometimes to ignore the incredible,
delicious food growing all around us.
Since September is pawpaw season, Andrew
brought some fresh fruit for tasting! He also had copies of his award winning book for sale.
Trip Report: Jennings Prairie August 6, 2016
Whiskerville Trip Report
Even though the day started off cloudy and threatening rain in Pittsburgh, by the time we arrived in Butler County the sky cleared and the sun came out. The temperature was in the mid-70’s perfect for finding dragonflies and butterflies.
Four club members braved the muddy path to the various ponds and were rewarded with 22 species of dragonflies, 18 species of butterflies and 34 species of wildflowers. Click here to see the list. Thanks to Dick Nugent for submitting the bird species seen. Click here to see his list.
![whiskerville gamelands](http://www.wissahickonnatureclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/IMG_3295.jpg)
whiskerville gamelands
![Painted skimmer](http://www.wissahickonnatureclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/IMG_3297.jpg)
Painted skimmer
![12 spotted skimmer](http://www.wissahickonnatureclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/IMG_3298.jpg)
12 spotted skimmer
Large Cranberry
After eating our bag lunches in the gravel parking lot, we headed to Jennings Prairie where we found 48 wildflowers in bloom and two more species of butterflies.
![Common Whitetail](http://www.wissahickonnatureclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/IMG_3319.jpg)
Common Whitetail
![Variable Dancer](http://www.wissahickonnatureclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/IMG_3318.jpg)
Variable Dancer
![Painted skimmer](http://www.wissahickonnatureclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/IMG_3299.jpg)
Painted skimmer
Sad News
It is with deep sorrow that the Wissahickon Nature Club announces the death, on Friday June 17, 2016, of our Past President, Chuck Tague. View the obituary from the Daytona Beach News: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/news-journalonline/obituary.aspx?n=charles-r-tague-chuck&pid=180427639
Sympathy cards may be mailed to his wife, Joan, at their home address:
22 Creek Bluff Way, Ormand Beach, FL 32174
75th Anniversary Picnic Enjoyed by All
Thanks to all who attended our anniversary picnic and to those who submitted photos.
Read the report submitted by Monica Miller here.
Trip Report: Buzzard Swamp June 3, 2016
Even though it was raining in Pittsburgh, the weather in Marionville was warm and dry with a slight breeze. Very pleasant. Five club members walked the 4.6 mile loop around the swamp and saw a nice variety of butterflies and dragonflies. Click here for the list of species found today.
Pepper and Salt Skipper
Green Frog
![Pink Lady Slipper](http://www.wissahickonnatureclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/IMG_3135.jpg)
Pink Lady Slipper
![Tree Swallow](http://www.wissahickonnatureclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/IMG_3129.jpg)
Tree Swallow
Cinnamon Ferns
Some photos submitted by Don Weiss:
Snapping Turtle
12 spotted skimmer
Purple Finch
Hobomok Skipper
Arctic Skipper
Bluet damselfly species
And some photos from Monica Miller:
Arched Hooktip Moth
Arctic Skipper