Presque Isle Audubon Society

06/11/2026

JOIN US ON FRIDAY JUNE 19 AT 7 PM FOR THE PROGRAM "Improving the Housing Market: Conservation Initiative for Cavity Nesting Birds"
THIS EVENT IS ON FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 7PM AT Tom Ridge Environmental Center in Erie, AND ALSO VIA ZOOM
DOORS WILL OPEN AT TREC FOR SOCIALIZING AND REFRESHMENTS.
TO REGISTER: https://www.presqueisleaudubon.org/.../cavity-nesting-birds/
The PA Game Commission recently received funding to promote a new cavity nesting bird program, with a focus on purple martins and chimney swifts. Both species nest in man-made houses- similar to bluebirds- although on a much grander scale. Unfortunately, martins and swifts are declining. In an attempt to reverse these statewide declines, PGC is deploying purple martin structures and chimney swift towers statewide, along with signage to educate the public on martin and swift conservation. Because martins and swifts are so accustomed to nesting near humans, they present a unique opportunity to place nesting structures in highly visible public parks where conservation and education can be highly impactful. Come learn more about the life histories and conservation efforts for these unique Pennsylvania residents, and learn what you can do to get involved. Stefan grew up in Southcentral Pa, where he caught the birding bug as a young teenager. Following his passion for birds and the outdoors he went to Ithaca College for undergrad, and then to SUNY ESF in Syracuse for a Masters in Conservation Biology. During his formative years he was a field technician studying golden-winged warblers in southern new York and Seaside Sparrows on Long Island. After grad school, Stefan returned to central Pennsylvania as a Pheasants Forever biologist working with local farmers to create wildlife habitat on private lands, mainly converting cropland to grassland habitat. In 2022 he took a position with the Game Commission as the avian recovery biologist working on statewide initiatives to recover Pennsylvania’s declining bird species. He enjoys birding, hiking, camping, and planting wildflower meadows in his local area.

06/08/2026

We are so excited to share our next issue of Presque Isle Audubon's Tern of Events! In addition to our President's Perch, you'll hear from some of our youth scholarship recipients and their incredible experiences at this year's Festival of the Birds. We're also showcasing several ways YOU can get involved in the bird community and our conservation efforts through PA House Bill 2316 and the Harrier Hotline. We've got field trips, programs, and more, and of course, the Spring Bird Report from our very own Jerry McWilliams.

Check your email for a copy of the most recent TOE or by visiting
https://tinyurl.com/PIATOEJuneJuly2026

Share your pictures, stories, and experiences with PIA with our editor at editor@presqueisleaudubon. org. We'd love to hear from you!

Check out this US Letter designed by Stacey Dell.

06/08/2026

Presque Isle Audubon is now linked to Presque Isle State Park on ParksAndPets.com
Check it out!
https://parksandpets.com/pennsylvania/state-parks/presque-isle

06/08/2026

Heads up everyone!

Due to an exceptionally high patient caseload and a rehabilitator requiring a medical leave, TWC is temporarily closed to new admissions. We anticipate resuming admissions on Sunday, June 14th.

Closing to admissions is always a last resort. However, at this time, we must focus our resources on providing the highest level of care to the many wildlife patients currently in treatment while also supporting the well-being of our small staff.

Please remember that it is illegal to care for wildlife without the proper permits and licenses. If you encounter a wildlife emergency during this time, please contact the Pennsylvania Game Commission or visit www.pawr.com for a list of licensed wildlife rehabilitators and additional resources.

We appreciate your understanding and patience, and we apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. We look forward to reopening and serving our community again when we are able.

06/07/2026

Lisa Danko, who has for decades represented Presque Isle Audubon at the Allegany Nature Pilgrimage in New York state, wants everyone to know ANP 2026 was a great success! She welcomes PIAS member Katie Wickert, who joined her there, and is a new member on the Pilgrimage Committee! Thanks to both Lisa and Katie for all their work 🥰

Send a message to learn more

06/07/2026

Hey Nurture the Nature Lover fans and our new Junior Birder friends!! Check out this upcoming event with DCNR Presque Isle State Park!!

Join us for a series of fun history-themed adventures in the park this summer! Campers will develop a sense of place, discover the rich local history of the area, and learn how park educators interpret the park’s historical resources. Through this experience, students will gain an appreciation for...

06/07/2026

Thank you to everyone who came out today to Presque Isle State Park! What a super fun & educational day!

We recorded 51 species today at our first Junior Festival of the Birds!!!

Thank you to Erie Zoo,Lake Erie Lights of PA, SONS of Lake Erie, and the Natural History Museum at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center!!

06/01/2026

We had a great time yesterday evening at our annual membership picnic and meeting! Great food, weather and company 😊 Thanks to multiple people jumping in to help with set-up and clean-up: Joao, Delores, Frank, Cheryl, Liza, Liz, Dennis, Carolyn; I'm missing others, I'm sure. Also thanks to Jaimie and Stacey for the presentation about their experiences at the National Audubon Leadership Conference in Montreal last year. We honored two retiring Board members, Julie Dell and Jennifer Ferrick, for their 5 and 10 years of service, respectively. Presque Isle Audubon is filled with wonderful people; it's a pleasure to work with all of you!

05/30/2026

Announcing a Limited Mobility Bird Walk next week, Thursday June 4! Meet at 6 PM, at the Beach 1 parking lot at Presque Isle State Park. Lead by Laura Giles, soon-to-be Trustee on the Board of Directors of Presque Isle Audubon. We're aiming to find birds while moving on pavement or packed, flat surfaces. Questions? contact our Field Trips chair Lauren Winschel at [email protected]

(IMAGE BY FREEPIK)

05/30/2026

Isn't this the coolest idea!

A single bucket, buried flush with the ground, becomes a functioning wildlife pond. Not a birdbath — a complete food web that runs itself. Cost is zero. 🌿

What shows up on its own within weeks, without any stocking or intervention:

Dragonflies arrive within days. Their larvae spend one to two years hunting underwater before emerging — while adults patrol above and take significant numbers of mosquitoes on the wing.

Native tree frogs — green tree frogs in the Southeast, gray tree frogs across the East and Midwest, Pacific tree frogs in the West — locate standing water reliably. Once they find it, they return each season and feed heavily on garden insects through the night.

American robins and other ground-feeding birds use pond water at soil level in ways they will not use an elevated birdbath. Ground-level water mimics a natural puddle — exactly what most garden wildlife is actually looking for.

Native toads (American toad, Fowler's toad, depending on your region) will use the stone ramp and breed in still water. Note: if you are in Florida or Hawaii, cane toads are an invasive species — do not encourage them.

The four things that make this work:
- A stone ramp at one edge so frogs, toads, and birds can walk in and out
- A sturdy branch angled from the bottom to the rim as an escape route for anything that falls in
- A gravel or rock layer on the bottom for aquatic insect larvae to shelter in
- A native aquatic plant — dwarf cattail, blue flag iris, or pickerelweed — for oxygen and perching 🌱

Ground-level water is what most backyard wildlife needs and almost no garden provides.