Life List

Sportsmen who spend a great deal of time along rivers and creeks or in forests and along fields observe many things the average person never sees. Even the average person spots deer, groundhogs, rabbits, and squirrels regularly while driving. However, most non-sportsmen have probably never seen a coyote, yet many sportsmen have caught a glimpse or two of one of these wild canines. Fishermen and hunters also run into other wild creatures on an occasional basis. Among these are bears and bobcats. Sportsmen also run into many different species of birds while in the outdoors; and without thinking much about it, the sportsmen learn to identify many of these birds.

While sportsmen may not aggressively pursue birds to identify for a life list as modern-day birdwatchers, now known as "birders," do, most sportsmen probably could jot down a list of 30 or more species of birds that they can identify.

Some of these birds are ones that many people encounter on a regular basis in their backyards or even along streets where they live. Among these are robins, cardinals, doves, and various species of sparrows. Vultures and crows are common along highways. Birds that are common in more rural areas include red-winged blackbirds, bluebirds and swallows, which walkers encounter regularly while strolling along the heavily used Lower Biking and Hiking Trail. Birds such as tufted titmice, chickadees, nuthatches, and juncos are regular visitors at winter bird feeders. A new-to-me bird, one that birders tell me is common, is a rose-breasted grosbeak that I saw at my son and daughter-in-law's bird feeder this spring.

However, there are other birds that most average people do not see that sportsmen recognize. Included among these are gamebirds that sportsmen value, especially ruffed grouse and wild turkeys. Both grouse and turkeys have experienced population declines recently, especially grouse, which have been decimated by West Nile Virus. Other gamebirds are also experiencing population declines, including woodcock and various species of ducks; and they probably need some extra protection. Perhaps the only gamebird in our area that is flourishing is the Canada goose. Geese have overpopulated some areas, and they have created noxious messes in these places.

Except for the previously noted birders, it is unlikely that many people other than sportsmen encounter some of Pennsylvania's most beautiful birds. Sportsmen sometimes spot scarlet tanagers flying through mature forests. Equally colorful are Baltimore orioles and indigo buntings. Sportsmen also occasionally hear the repetitive calls of whippoorwills.

Charismatic raptors, such as eagles, ospreys, and various hawk species, are familiar to sportsmen as well.