As we step into the season of renewal, we are reminded of the beauty and resilience of the natural world. The transition from winter to spring is always a time of wonder—birds are beginning to return from their wintering grounds, and the landscape around us begins to shift as the earth stirs with new life. You might already notice the sturdy skunk cabbage jutting from the snow, or perhaps bright buds appearing on trees, signaling that warmer days are just around the corner.
Yet, as much as we celebrate these signs of spring, we also know that nature’s rhythms are unpredictable. Weather shifts, sudden storms, and the ebb and flow of seasons all remind us of the delicate balance that sustains life. These changes bring both challenges and opportunities, encouraging us to stay adaptable and aware of our shared responsibility to protect the habitats that so many species—ourselves included—depend on.
While we face unpredictable times in the conservation world, with regulations being relaxed and protections removed, I want all of us to take heart in the knowledge that every action, no matter how small, contributes to the collective effort to preserve the places we love. I want us to remember the resilience that occurs in nature occurs also in ourselves. That is why our commitment to birdwatching, habitat restoration, and simple acts of environmental stewardship makes a massive difference sending ripples through our community. The smallest bird song, the fluttering of wings, and the bright splash of new green are constant reminders that nature is resilient—and so are we. And so, now more than ever we should share our stories, photographs, artwork and experiences in the wild wonders of nature. In using our combined talents to communicate this wonderful world to others, we might just be able to embolden or educate people who otherwise haven’t a clue of how important conservation issues are. It is my belief, and I’m sure most of you will agree that these issues are more important now than they’ve ever been.
As the days grow longer and the weather grows warmer, let us take joy in a season of renewal. Let us make an unwavering promise for a future where our efforts, united, can help ensure that our natural world continues to thrive. The spring season is a time to embrace possibility, to gather hope, and to know that, together, we will continue to make a difference.
May the road rise to meet your every step in the coming season.
All my best,
Michael Kensinger
President, Juniata Valley Audubon Society
Attention bird lovers and conservation champions! The Earth Week Birding Classic 2025 is just around the corner, and we’d love for you to be part of this exciting, nature-filled challenge. Whether you’re an experienced birder or simply enjoy the thrill of spotting feathered friends in the wild, this event is a fantastic way to celebrate birds while supporting conservation efforts.
What’s the Birding Classic All About?
From April 11 to April 19, teams across central Pennsylvania will take on the challenge of identifying as many bird species as possible within a 24-hour period. With multiple team categories, there’s a place for everyone—from students and families to seasoned experts and those who prefer a relaxed “Big Sit” style count. And for the truly competitive, the Ruffed Grouse category crowns the team that tallies the most species overall!
Why Should You Join?
Beyond the fun and friendly competition, this event fosters a deeper appreciation for birds and their habitats. It’s a perfect opportunity to connect with fellow birders, sharpen your identification skills, and contribute valuable data to conservation efforts. Plus, teams can gather pledges to support bird conservation and education programs in central Pennsylvania.
How to Get Involved
Registration is free and open until April 9. The competition wraps up with a celebration at U.S. Hotel Tavern on April 19 at 5:30 PM, where we’ll announce the winners and swap stories from the field.
Whether you aim to break records or just enjoy a peaceful day with binoculars in hand, we welcome you to join us for this unforgettable birding adventure. Let’s celebrate Earth Week with the joy of birds—sign up today!
As we approach the close of another year, I am filled with gratitude and inspiration for the shared commitment of the Juniata Audubon Society to the protection and appreciation of the natural world. Our love for birds and wildlife is not just a hobby or pastime—it is a shared responsibility, a passion that unites us in our collective goal of ensuring a healthier planet for future generations.
This year, I’ve been reminded time and time again of the importance of our work—whether it’s advocating for habitat preservation, promoting sustainable practices, or simply witnessing the joy that a bird sighting can bring. Every step we take as a community, every action to protect and conserve, makes a difference. The beauty of nature is a gift, and it is our privilege to protect it.
As we enter the holiday season, one of my favorite highlights is our annual Christmas Bird Count. This event not only strengthens our connection to nature, but it also brings our community together in the spirit of collaboration and shared purpose. There is something truly special about spending time outdoors, counting the birds, and knowing that the data we gather contributes to vital conservation efforts across the continent. It’s a beautiful reminder of the critical role each of us plays in preserving the creatures we hold dear.
Looking ahead, we know that the work is far from finished. The challenges facing our environment are complex and ongoing, but I take heart in knowing that, together, we are making meaningful strides. With each project we undertake and every educational effort we champion, we are leaving a lasting legacy for future generations to enjoy the same natural wonders we cherish today.
This holiday season, I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on the impact we’ve made and the work still ahead of us. Whether it’s a quiet walk through the woods or a birdwatching adventure in your backyard, let us continue to find inspiration in the natural world around us. And, as we gather for the Christmas Bird Count, let’s remember that every bird we count, every tree we protect, and every effort we make—no matter how small—has the power to change the world.
Thank you for your continued dedication to our mission. Together, we will keep the spirit of conservation alive and ensure that the beauty of the wild will always have a place in our hearts.
Wishing you all a joyful and peaceful holiday season, filled with the sounds of nature and the hope of a brighter future for all creatures great and small.
Warm regards,
Michael Kensinger
President, Juniata Valley Audubon Society
Black-throated Green Warbler during fall migration at Prince Gallitzin
As the warmth of summer fades, the Juniata Valley has been transformed into a kaleidoscope of autumn colors. The migrating birds that visited our region to reproduce have begun their journey south, while year-round residents prepare for the changing seasons. This transition invites us to reflect on the beauty and resilience of nature. This also marks the perfect time of year to get out and see new species as we are in the direct pathway of birds only “passing through.” While fleeting, there is seldom a more exciting time to bird (in my opinion) than the spring and autumn migration periods.
As we look ahead to winter, mark your calendars for our annual Christmas Bird Count on Saturday, December 21st! This beloved tradition brings us together, fostering camaraderie and citizen science, topped with a festive “Tally Dinner” which will take place at 6 PM at the US Hotel Tavern’s “Gold Room” on the day of the count. This annual event has become one of my favorite holiday traditions, as we unite over a lovely meal to discuss exciting finds for the day. Last year, JVAS bested our previous year’s record by tallying 81 species! Rare bird highlights included Saw-whet Owl, Short-eared Owl, Double-crested Cormorant (which required a rare bird report), Eastern Meadowlark, 2 Merlin, and the American Pipit! Can we top 81 species this year? Well, you never know! But with your help, we just might! One target species in particular we are hoping to find within our circle is the Ruffed Grouse.
If you are eager to start a team of your own, or perhaps join a participating team, please reach out to us and we will direct you to our coordinator, former JVAS President Mark Bonta. Your participation helps contribute valuable data to the National Audubon Society’s longest-running community science project.
As winter approaches, please remember to prioritize bird health at your feeders. Regular cleaning prevents the spread of disease among our feathered friends. Take a few minutes each week to scrub and refill feeders, ensuring a safe haven for birds seeking sustenance. For several years, conjunctivitis has spread through the House Finch population, putting other species at risk. I personally observed this disease not only in House Finches, but also in American Goldfinch. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, so let’s look ahead and put some more effort in cleaning feeders this year.
This season let’s extend an invitation to friends, family, and neighbors to join our JVAS community. It has done my heart so much good to see new members joining, and to see new people joining our board and making what we do possible. Without you, our supporters and volunteers, there would be no JVAS. Share your passion for birding and conservation and encourage others to explore the natural wonders of our region. Together, we’ll continue to promote environmental stewardship, education, and advocacy.
To engage with a wider and often younger audience, I have created an JVAS account on the social media platform Instagram as I attempt to reach new audiences as our Publicity Chair. Instagram focuses heavily on photos and short descriptions, and is used a lot more by younger birders. Now you can follow @JuniataValleyAudubonSociety there.
As we embrace the crisp air, vibrant foliage, and birding opportunities, let’s make this season one to remember!
As summer’s warmth begins to fade, I hope you’ve had a chance to relax, recharge, and reconnect with nature’s splendor. Perhaps you’ve spotted a few fledglings taking their first flights or marveled at the vibrant blooms in our beautiful Pennsylvania landscape. Aren’t we lucky to live here? Sure, not everyone appreciates the phenology of our ever changing seasons, but if you are reading this, chances are you do. In this short life we live, it is my belief that every day, and every season is a gift to be enjoyed.
Brown-belted bumble bee on swamp milkweed – Photo by Michael Kensinger
As we resume our regular monthly meetings and field trips, I’m excited to share the promise of a new season with all of you! Autumn, winter, and spring will bring fresh opportunities to explore, learn, and make a difference in our community Remember that by participating in field trips and events, you help seal a bond of fellowship with like-minded people who care about our planet and will fight to protect it.
Together, let’s:
Delight in the fall migration’s spectacle!
Discover winter’s serene landscapes and secret spots.
Welcome spring’s vibrant renewal and new life.
As per usual, one can expect our field trips, meetings, and conservation efforts will be filled with camaraderie, education, and inspiration. (Not to mention a bit of humor!) I invite you to join us, share your ideas, and help shape our chapter’s impact. Without you, there is no Juniata Valley Audubon Society.
As we move forward, expect updates regularly on our Facebook page, including pop-up field trips that may not be mentioned in this newsletter. If you do not use Facebook, check our website for updates!
Here’s to a wonderful year ahead, filled with wonder, growth, and a deeper connection to the natural world around us! Please enjoy the newsletter, and thank you for your support.
Warm regards,
Michael Kensinger
President, Juniata Valley Audubon Society
Our annual picnic, moved from the usual June date due to the heat, has been rescheduled for August 20 at Canoe Creek State Park Pavilion #2. It’s a covered dish with fried chicken provided by the chapter. Please RSVP BY Friday, August 16, so we have enough chicken for everyone. Email Catie at catiegk5059 [at] gmail [dot] com and her know what dish you will bring.
Regrettably, I am writing to inform you that tomorrow’s picnic has been cancelled due to the heat advisory issued for our area.
The safety and well-being of our members are our top priority, and extreme heat poses significant health risks, especially for outdoor activities. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures and humidity can lead to heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. These conditions can be severe and even life-threatening, especially for vulnerable individuals, including the elderly, young children, and those with pre-existing medical conditions. In light of this, we have made the decision to cancel the picnic to ensure everyone’s safety.
We will reschedule the event for a later date when the weather is more favorable. Thank you for your understanding, and please stay cool and hydrated during this heatwave! We will be in touch with a new date in due time.
Best regards,
Michael Kensinger
President, Juniata Valley Audubon Society
I am thrilled and honored to have been installed as the new President of the Juniata Valley Audubon Society. As a passionate advocate for wildlife conservation, I want you to know that I am motivated to lead our organization in making a positive impact in our community. Above all, I am excited to work with our dedicated members and volunteers to protect and preserve the natural beauty of our region for future generations. To do that, I also intend on bringing younger membership into the group to ensure JVAS longevity into the future.
As your President, I plan to increase our presence as an organization on social media to engage with a wider, more diverse community. I think regularly posting JVAS content online will attract a wider audience to our cause. By leveraging platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, we can share our mission, events, and conservation efforts with a broader (and at times, younger) audience. It is my belief that this will enable us to strengthen our group with a diverse, inclusive community of nature enthusiasts and conservationists.
I would like to also welcome my friends as newly elected Officers for JVAS.
As newly elected Vice President, we have Catie Farr – who is also our Hospitality Chair. Catie’s dedication to bringing delicious meals to our JVAS meetings extends beyond what is expected. I’ve had in-depth conversations about how much happiness that brings her, which speaks of her character. I know I, as well as many other members, appreciate all of her efforts and bringing top-notch meals to our meetings. Catie is also responsible for the fun and exciting Earth Week Birding Classic, which we are working on together, to ensure growth for 2025.
Our Treasurer, with 17 years of service to JVAS, is George Mahon. George is on my team for the Christmas Bird Count, and I always enjoy spending time with him. We are lucky to have such a kind, and trustworthy person managing the books for JVAS.
I’m very excited about our newly elected Secretary Conner Schmitt. Conner is young, enthusiastic, and a new member to JVAS as of this year. Conner has stepped up to bat to fill in for field trips and is eager to help whenever needed. Having him officiated as Secretary is exciting, because I know he is reliable, and passionate about birding and bird conservation. Most recently Conner has joined me in the Louisiana Waterthrush Survey which we do to help Moshannon Creek Watershed Association to gain eligibility for various grants to fight acid mine drainage in this waterway. This survey requires a 4 AM rise, almost 80 minutes drive (round trip) and four miles of hiking to survey birds. And yet, Conner shows up on time, with a smile, ready to work.
Red-winged BlackbirdAs your Field Trip Chair, I have recognized that some of our members may have physical limitations that prevent them from attending field trips or hikes. When leading field trips, it always saddens me to hear someone can’t participate despite wanting to enjoy nature. So, one of my goals is to remedy this situation so that people do not feel left out. And so, to ensure inclusivity, I plan to create videos and photo essays that will showcase our events, conservation efforts, local wildlife appearances, and share them online with members who want to be outdoors but cannot be. By bringing a summary of these events to your computer screen, everyone can experience and appreciate our wild Pennsylvania, regardless of physical abilities. As the new Publicity Chair, I have already begun this process on our Facebook page. If you enjoy simply reading about JVAS, and the outdoor experiences in our area, you can simply go to: facebook.com/juniatavalleyaudubon. If you do not have a Facebook account, I do not believe you will be able to interact with the posts, but you should be able to scroll down our page and enjoy local photos, writing, events, and perhaps learn a thing or two along the way. I try to post new content daily, so feel free to enjoy it while enjoying your coffee or tea.
Once we begin making videos, we will upload them to YouTube, and they can simply be emailed to members and posted to the website for you all to view. In this scenario, there is no need to leave the comfort of your home to enjoy a bit of nature.
The future is bright for the Juniata Valley Audubon Society. In conclusion, I’d like to say this new position as President is not one I take lightly. My dedication to birds, wildlife, and their habitats will remain unwavering for the duration of my tenure for this amazing group. I look forward to building on the strong foundation our previous Presidents, board members, and long-time members have created as we move forward into this next phase.
May the road rise to meet our every step in this next chapter together.
We would like to thank everyone who attended the 2024 JVAS Banquet on April 16th. Thank you to Hospitality Chair and new Vice President Catie Farr, as well as Laura and Mike Jackson for the work they put into organizing this event. We would also like to thank everyone who donated an item to our raffle. We ended up raising $525, which is much more than in previous years. There was a myriad of unique items to bid on, including original artworks, crafts, games, foods, and even a bird-themed Lego set!
Amber Weiwel, organizer of the Third Pennsylvania Bird Atlas, was our banquet speaker. Amber presented ways in which we could all get involved with the next PA Breeding Bird Atlas and spoke a bit about a new Winter Bird Atlas that would be coming soon. Attendees were shown imagery and given instructions on the process involved with making accurate decisions on bird breeding behaviors and when to record them. Additionally, we were able to view range variations in a species such as the Carolina Wren, and how Pennsylvania’s ground-breaking atlas has reflected the spread of Carolina Wrens since the first atlas in the late 80’s.
Angie Spagnoli, JVAS Conservation Awardee (left) accepts her Conservation Certificate from out-going JVAS President Mark Bonta and Conservation Chair Laura Jackson (right).
As per tradition, we give a JVAS Conservation Award to a deserving person, decided on by our board. This year’s awardee was Angie Spagnoli, who was nominated due to her tireless efforts to protect wetland habitats and the wildlife that call them home. While birds are an interest of Angie, her passion for amphibians, vernal pools, native wetland fauna and the like have earned her a reputation in our local community. She educates, inspires, and includes volunteers from a variety of backgrounds to get involved with hands-on activities such as tree plantings and invasive plant removal. Such activities do well to inspire new generations of conservationists and offer new perspectives for older generations who have not taken part in such activities before. It is important to note that such efforts are far from glamorous, but special people like Angie are willing to lead the charge.
Wetlands are important habitats for many creatures, including the spotted salamander
In a world where many people are willing to talk about conservation, Angie ‘walks the walk’. Where many people will share newsbytes on social media, Angie is out there in the mud and in the dirt working to make our planet a better place. As a woman of science, she serves also as the only woman on the board of Directors of the Little Juniata River Association. An advocate for protecting wild spaces, Spagnoli has helped lead the charge in the Coalition to Save old Crow Wetland. Currently, Angie is leading the charge as the battle ensues against Rutter’s senseless development up against this vital Huntingdon habitat.
Angie’s work resonates through many conservation groups including The Little Juniata River Association, The Coalition to Save Old Crow Wetland, Friends of Tipton Wetlands, and more. Aside from her talents as a scientist and conservationist, Angie involves people of all backgrounds in her projects spreading awareness of native habitats and ecosystems, and why we must protect them. Congratulations Angie! And thank you for all you have done and will continue to do!
A caravan of refugees leaving Honduras in 2018 (photo by boitchy licensed to the public domain)
Why migrants? Think twice!
Buried in popular coverage of the climate crisis a few years back was this piece at Futurity, ‘Is climate change driving migration from Central America?’ Around 2019, there were a flurry of reports claiming climate change in countries such as Honduras, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and El Salvador were responsible for a massive outflow of people northward.
The article discusses a National Science Foundation-funded study by geographers at the University of Arizona and elsewhere that reached a conclusion similar to mine: Hogwash! “Migration is complicated and there are many reasons that people migrate…[this] doesn’t mean that an individual climate event can’t have an impact, but there are other driving forces…such as limited land and resources, violence, and corruption,” the leader researcher explained.
As a geographer myself, and a life-long student of Central America, I find that this study resonates with my own experience. I’ve been engaged with Honduras since 1991, and climate change was a primary reason I first worked in Honduran national parks while I was a Peace Corps Volunteer. Climate change brought together impoverished rural communities to save the environment and protect their water sources, fomenting—there and across Latin America—a veritable local-grown environmental revolution that has received scant coverage in US media. Why, then, am I agreeing with the study?
Microclimate change
Because the climate change that communities were concerned about was (and remains) microclimate alteration. Decades of deforestation funded by North American and European agricultural and forestry development projects had reduced rainforests and pine forests to grasslands during the Green Revolution. Tiny mountaintop water reserves called “cloud forests” were among the last hope for communities in surrounding lowlands, where deforestation had otherwise wrecked watersheds. USAID, the World Bank, and numerous other aid and lending agencies had transferred billions of dollars into the pockets of “entrepreneurs” who rotated between political office and ownership of logging companies, agro-export corporations, and other rapacious ventures. In living memory, places had become hotter and dried as forests turned into deserts.
Talking about a revolution…
The environmental revolution of 1990 to 2010 in Central America was not bloodless. Many environmentalists lost their lives; some were my close friends. The weather wasn’t kind, either, with hurricanes wrecking infrastructure as fast as it could be rebuilt. The US’s appetite for illicit substances didn’t help, as somewhere close to 90% of the world’s cocaine flowed through in the early 2010s, and the environment was hit hard as those who laundered the profits—moguls, politicians, billionaires—did so through mining conglomerates, timbering, real estate, dam building, and the expansion of cattle (see, for example, this paper in Land Use Policy).
Nevertheless, against incredible odds, many of the most at-risk forests and other precious habitats that had seemed doomed in the 1980s, in countries such as Honduras, were saved. Water sources were saved as well, so entire villages didn’t have to be abandoned. For most ordinary citizens, protection of the environment became a sacred duty, and in my experience, ideas such as animal rights, habitat protection, and the values of clean and safe natural resources such as water and air are much more popular and less contentious there than in the US. It is far from a perfect system, of course: great swaths of unprotectable rainforest are still being cut down, and the greenwashing practiced by domestic and foreign interests is too often given the stamp of approval by big environmental NGOs.
Why leave Central America?
You’d be hard pressed to find anyone in Central America who would tell you honestly that climate change at the macroscale is the principal driver of migration from the region. Indeed, even with changing microclimates due to deforestation, there is an incredible diversity of environmental conditions to choose from, and each little niche has distinct growing conditions that can theoretically support just about any crop or domestic animal known to humanity. On top of that, there are factors such as abundant natural resources that can be utilized sustainably, family and culture ties, and other positive reasons to keep people there.
However, negative push factors far outweigh the positives. The fact is that for the vast majority, it is nearly impossible to survive economically, thanks to, as the authors above point out, “limited land and resources, violence, and corruption.” Land isn’t limited, but access to capital and credit is, and few people control most capital and most land. The rule of law belongs to those who control the capital and the land. This means that if you are poor and you step out of line, you have few options.
(Note: where social and political conditions are much more stable, particularly in Costa Rica but also in Panama, out-migration is negligible.)
Teaching us a thing or two?
The crisis in Central America that drives people to choose to flee is a social and economic crisis, not an environmental crisis nor a climate crisis. I would go so far as to say that, in the environmental realm, Central Americans could teach Central Pennsylvanians a thing or two about how to protect the environment. After all, we share many of the same birds. I have to wonder what the birds coming north after nine months in a shaded coffee plantation think when they find yet another convenience store in place of where they nested last season, or when they have to choke their way through another Canadian burning season, or when yet another unnecessary suburban subdivision cuts down the elms and the maples to make way for Elm Street and Maple Street.
What’s an Auduboner to do?
Research your food, and pay more for it: because cheap coffee, bananas, and other tropical fare signify that people are paid little to produce it, perpetuating poverty. Find the food that economically benefits small farmers.
Work to preserve bird habitat here, so that Central American birds have decent places to breed.
Spend your ecotourism dollars in Central America, in ecologically sustainable places that benefit local and indigenous communities, not wealthy elites or corporations.
Think twice before letting profit-seeking, corporate media conglomerates convince you that the reason for the migrant crisis is the climate crisis rather than the same-old, same-old: greedy corporations, corrupt governments, entrenched power structures… Remember that it’s easier and safer for the media to invoke an all-powerful, impersonal foe such as climate change than to name and shame the actual powerful entities perpetuating the desperation that is driving millions northward.
Educate elected officials about the right policies for the US to pursue in Central America, environmental and otherwise, that will lead to sustainability.
In honor of the hundreds of environmental leaders who have lost their lives in this fight over the last decade, activists such as Aly Dominguez and Jairo Bonilla.
As we step into the season of renewal, we are reminded of the beauty and resilience of the natural world. The transition from winter to spring is always a time of wonder—birds are beginning to return from their wintering grounds, and the landscape around us begins to shift as the earth stirs with new life. You might already notice the sturdy skunk cabbage jutting from the snow, or perhaps bright buds appearing on trees, signaling that warmer days are just around the corner.
