Black-throated Blue Warbler photographed by David Brown in the group
Recently a friend who owns a lodge near R.B. Winter State Park in Central PA, invited me to lead a bird walk and do a photo presentation at her beautiful place in Sugar Valley. Nineteen people showed up for the walk, and a few more for the brunch and presentation. Spring has been slow to come to the mountains, and we had to work hard for the few birds we saw and heard; but it was still fun. We had Black-throated Blue, Black-throated Green, Black and White Warbler, Louisiana Waterthrush, Hermit Thrush, Blue-headed Vireo, as well as other more common birds.
It was fun to have my family there, at least part of it including son Daniel, the co-administrator of my blog and group photographer for the day. We enjoyed staying in the lodge for the weekend with its spacious great room, wonderful kitchen, and several bathrooms! Birding habitat began right out the back door with woodcock displaying in nearby fields, the state park just down the road, and feeders at the lodge. If anyone may be interested in a visit, information can be found at www.vrbo.com/358962.
Welcome to the Dancing Bear Lodge for Birds and Brunch!
Gathering for our walk on the back porch of the lodge
Still-molting Goldfinch at Lucy’s feeder
Even though there were more people than birds, we still had fun!
“Aha! There it is!”
“Now it’s over here!”
“Look, there it is–over there!”
Our happy group of birders
Black and White Warbler
Lucy Heggenstaller, owner of the Dancing Bear Lodge and hostess of our event. (Also a gourmet cook!)
Enjoying an incredible brunch made by Lucy, then a slide show by Lauri
Burton And Sharon Patrick
My wife and I are looking for two or three days of birding. It would be nice to have guides. My wife can walk the shoes off most people I have a hip problem but love being around people with similar interests. We want to be there for spring migration.
Lauren Shaffer
Hi, Burton! If you’re hoping to stay at the B&B, you’ll have to contact them directly. The owner is a good birder who could probably guide you as well! Let me know if you have any trouble contacting her, and I’ll help you out.