2026-27 Programs
Programs are presented at AAS Chapter Meetings (monthly on 3rd Thursday evening from 6:30 to 9:30)
Meeting location: Christ Presbyterian Church
421 Deerfield Road
Camp Hill, PA 17011
Park in the lot at the far end of the church.
September 17, 2026 – Red Creek Wildlife Center
Lylee Leonard
Live Animals with Red Creek Wildlife Center
Red Creek Wildlife Center is a non-profit wildlife rehabilitation facility based in Schuylkill Haven, PA. Taking in roughly 4,000 sick, injured, and orphaned native wild animals every year the goal is always to rehabilitate and release. This program will include four of our non-releasable education ambassadors live and up close in person! In the 50-minute long program, you will get to learn about these raptors and reptiles and their traits, tendencies, adaptations, and individual stories on why they live full-time at Red Creek.
October 15, 2026 – Strawberry Hill Preserve – Barred Owl Presentation
Anne Gageby, Director of Environmental Education
All parts of the natural world are connected, and birds of prey help us better understand the ecosystems we share. In this engaging program, you'll meet Strawberry Hill's animal ambassador, Strix, the barred owl, and discover how owls survive, what makes them unique, and why protecting their habitats benefits wildlife and people alike.
November 19, 2026 – Getting Started with Bluebirds
Philip Durgin
Interested in attracting Eastern Bluebirds to your yard? Learn how to become a successful bluebird landlord in this informative presentation covering bluebird biology, how to properly set up and monitor a bluebird trail, and the common challenges you may encounter during the nesting season. You'll also learn practical solutions to help bluebirds successfully nest and fledge their young.
Before the presentation, attendees will have the opportunity to build a bluebird nest box beginning at 6:00 p.m. Nest box kits are available for $7, and fully assembled nest boxes may also be purchased for $7 while supplies last.
Whether you're just getting started or looking to improve your success, this program will provide the knowledge and confidence to help bluebirds thrive.
December 10, 2026 – Finding Inspiration in Birds and Nature
Marjorie Taylor - Artist
Description
Birds have always been symbols of freedom and happiness in Marjorie Taylor’s work. Recurring themes of nature, birds, pollinators, and mammals reflect the life she wishes for all of us – joy, peace, and freedom, and deep connections to the natural world.
January 21, 2027 – Ornitherapy: The Power of Birding
Holly Merker
Description
In today’s fast-paced world, slowing down by noticing birds offers many rewards, especially by supporting our mental and physical well-being. Research shows that time spent in bird-rich biodiverse ecosystems actively reduces stress, depression, and anxiety, while supporting heart health and a stronger immune system.
Within the program we’ll delve into our personal connections to birds, learn how to maximize the wellness benefits while noticing birds, and cover the latest research surrounding the positive impact of wild birds on human wellbeing.
February 18, 2027 – Nature’s Fireworks
Speaker: Peggy S. Butler
Abstract:
Fireflies (aka lightning bugs) are some of the most beloved and revered insects in the natural world. Since 2013, the PA Firefly Festival has been celebrating our State’s Insect with an annual festival and raising awareness with environmental educational programs and presentations. This presentation will cover basic firefly facts, but also reveal some lesser known secrets. Peggy will share tips for protecting fireflies in your own backyards.
March 18, 2027 - ACCIDENTALS, VAGRANTS and OTHER AVIAN GUESTS
Jon Dale
Description
Flamingos, Wood Storks, Tropical Kingbirds, Snowy Owls! What are these birds doing in central Pennsylvania? Join Jon Dale, long-time AAS member and avid birder as he shares definitions of, and highlights factors that cause vagrancy in birds. Jon and his brother Steve have chased, observed and photographed many vagrants appearing in central PA and elsewhere over the years. Other birders and photographers have also captured the appearance of some of these “strangers.”
The presentation will first showcase “northern species” such as Purple Finches, Crossbills, Evening Grosbeaks and Short-eared Owls that visit us each winter. Then, photos and information about numerous “vagrants” from different avian families will be shared: wandering waterfowl (e.g. Western Grebe, White Pelican, Limpkin, Roseate Spoonbill, Cinnamon Teal), invasive raptors (e.g. Snowy and Northern Hawk Owls, Swallow-tailed and Mississippi Kites), errant flycatchers (e.g. Say’s Phoebe, Ash-throated and Scissor-tailed Flycatchers), wayward hummingbirds (e.g. Rufus, Allen’s and Black-chinned Hummers), lost warblers (e.g. Towsend’s, MacGillivray’s and Black-throated Warblers) and more. Lastly, documentation of a few rare “Accidental” or “Mega” birds that have visited our area and beyond will be presented, including Yellow-billed Loon, Flamingos, Yellow-headed Caracara, Ivory Gull and Northern Lapwings.
Photo credit: Steve Dale Picture of a Purple Gallinule
April 15, 2027 – It’s for the Birds: Habitat and Recovery in Pennsylvania
Sean Murphy
Recovery is complex, and proactive conservation is the most effective way to protect wildlife. Success depends on prioritizing the most urgent needs, continually improving management practices, reducing known threats, and building strong partnerships with land stewards, organizations, and the public. With more than 200 bird species nesting in Pennsylvania, including 21 state-listed species and many experiencing long-term declines, strategic prioritization is essential. We will explore how the Pennsylvania Game Commission and its partners identifies and implements conservation priorities to maximize recovery efforts and make Pennsylvania better for the birds.