Saturday, May 8, 2010 PENNSYLVANIA MIGRATION COUNT: MAY 9, 2009 The second Saturday of every May is the annual Pennsylvania Migration count. Count birds within the bounds of any county in the state. Keep track of the species and numbers of each. Contact Russ States pabirder@verizon.net for more information.

ECO-EXPEDITION – EASTERN SHORE Sunday 16 May through Saturday 22 May 2010 The Eastern Shore of Maryland and Virginia is among the richest and most beautiful estuarine ecosystems remaining on the entire Atlantic Seaboard, perhaps best exemplified by the lovely Delmarva Peninsula. Our leaders-guides, Joanne and Gene Wilhelm, will lead you on an exploration of the beauty, biodiversity and absolute wonder of this truly marvelous ecosystem. No previous natural history or ecological experience is necessary and the activities are not demanding. The sojourn is perfect for the beginner or amateur nature enthusiast. If you are interested in the sea, beachcombing, birds, plants, outdoor photography or simply nature as a whole, this is the sojourn for you. Usually Wednesday afternoon is free time for personal interests and recreation. Specific places to visit and things to do will be recommended. The Eco-Expedition Our spring experience starts by meeting at the Marine Science Consortium facilities at Wallops Island, Virginia, between 5:00 – 5:30 PM, with accommodations and fifteen meals provided. After quickly getting settled, we depart the facility to test nearby fresh seafood in Atlantic, Virginia, and preview the week’s extraordinary itinerary. Our daily schedule remains flexible to take advantage of local tides and weather conditions. Our first stop is at the extensive saltwater marshes on the way to Chincoteague Island. Here, You are guaranteed to see your first major concentration of water birds, scores of waders, gulls and terns. After a quick jaunt across the island, we enter Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge on Assateague Island where we spend much of our time along the sandy beaches of the mighty Atlantic Ocean. Likewise, we visit the north end of the refuge where our group gets eyeball close to the semi-wild horses as well as water birds galore. Another day, we explore the north end of Wallops Island, managed by NASA, that protects some of the least disturbed beaches on the entire Delmarva Peninsula. Finally, a boat trip at low tide through the vast saltwater marshes to exposed mudflats, sand bars and barrier islands challenges us in identity- ing scores of water birds and other avian species. However, this eco-expedition emphasizes the fragile nature of this important land-sea interface and, in particular, the environmental issues that exist here. In sum, in just six days we explore the rich biodiversity of natural communities, including sandy beaches and dunes, tidal marshes, saltwater bays and inlets, loblolly pine stands and freshwater ponds on Assateague Island that contrast sharply with the heavy human impact of Chincoteague Island. Other added wildlife attractions include the Sika and White-tailed Deer, River Otter, Beaver, Muskrat and the endangered Delmarva Peninsula Fox Squirrel. Beachcombers are always delighted with the sandy beaches of the Atlantic shore and avid birders record at least 100 species during the week, including male birds in their brilliant breeding plumages showing off their peculiar courting behaviors. Wait until you see the strange antics of the Willet. The Eastern Shore is a special place. Although thousands of tourists come here annually, few experience the fecundity of life. This eco-expedition guarantees that you will. In fact, once you have been there, you will want to return again and again as scores of people before you have done. Please join us for this rare opportunity of ‘behind the scenes,’ up-close and personal wildlife experiences. Let’s enjoy the explosion of spring together in this magically place. Please register now because spaces are limited and filled on a first-registered, first-served basis only. The Eco-Expedition includes: · Six nights (Sunday to Friday inclusive) lodging based on two persons, two beds per room at the Marine Science Consortium facility, Wallops Island, with shared bath. · Fifteen meals at the MSC facility. Only two dinners (Sunday and Friday nights) are excluded to allow us to sample the freshest local seafood or other entrees. Saturday breakfast is the last meal provided by MSC. · Daily morning and afternoon field excursions in three federal natural areas with an ecologist-ornithologist leader-guide + an MSC special guide for Wallops Island. · A nearly half-day boat cruise that explores the vast saltwater marshes, mudflats and barrier islands in the local estuarine ecosystem. · All entrance fees and special permits allowing only our group access to restricted natural areas where the public is not permitted. The Eco-Expedition DOES NOT include: · Bedding, washcloths, towels, pillow and toiletries like soap and shampoo. · Transportation to/from the Eastern Shore. Participants must meet at the Marine Science Consortium on Sunday 16 May 2010 between 5:00 – 5:30 PM. Once at the MSC, our group will combine and rotate vehicles for daily use with the least number of vehicles possible. The Eco-Expedition Fee: · $759 per person based on two persons, two beds. Please mail your signed and dated Registration Form and Responsibility Agreement immediately with your $199 per person deposit. The $560 balance is due no later than April 30, 2010. The sojourn is based on a minimum of fifteen participants. Fee may increase if fewer participants register. · Please mail both checks made payable to Gene Wilhelm, 513 Kelly Blvd., Slippery Rock, PA 16057-1145. If you have any questions about the eco-expedition, please email Gene Wilhelm at genewilhelm@aol.com or telephone 724-794-2434 in the evenings. · Please invite family and friends to join us in this spectacular natural history experience. Thank you.