As a chapter of National Audubon Society, our purpose is to conduct education, science, and charitable activities to conserve and restore natural ecosystems, focusing on birds, other wildlife, and their habitats.

 
 

Current News

Volunteer Opportunity

Appalachian Audubon’s collision monitoring program under Bird Safe Harrisburg will be taking place from August 15-November 15 for fall migration. We need volunteers to either be monitors or transporters (or both!). Please find more information here.

Help Make your municipality a bird town

We would like to ask our members to reach out if they are familiar with anyone on their township board who might be interested in pursuing Bird Town status.  They can get in touch with Marla Miller or AAS President.

UPCOMING EVENTS & DEADLINES

2025 Youth Events

Youth Events DETAILS listed at AAS Youth Events.

June TBD - Falcon Watch

2025-26 MONTHLY Presentations will be listed in august 2025

Please check out our programs page for more details.

2025 Field Trips

Please check out our field trips page for more details.

BIRD-FRIENDLY COFFEE AVAILABLE BY SPECIAL REQUEST

Choose from Regular OR Swiss Decaf, as well as Ground OR Whole Bean.  Send orders to Lorrie at Coffee@appalachianaudubon.org.   

Please check the most recent Kingfisher Courier for the next deadline for ordering.

FALCON WATCH

Every year Peregrine Falcon’s nest on the top of the Rachel Carson building in Harrisburg. Volunteers help watch and rescue any birds that fledge to ensure their safety.

Learn More and Watch the babies grow: PA Falcon Info

Harrisburg Falcon Cam

It is an exciting time at the Rachel Carson State Office Building (RCSOB) as the three young peregrine falcons on the 15th floor nest ledge prepare to take flight!
 
The RCSOB hosts one of the most productive Peregrine Falcon nest sites in the Commonwealth.  This is largely due to the volunteer efforts that occur during Watch & Rescue.  Each year volunteers gather on the lawn across from the RCSOB, and are given assigned locations to observe and track the fledglings as they take flight.  In an urban environment, like downtown Harrisburg, the first few flights can expose falcon fledglings to hazards such as traffic, tall buildings, and other vulnerable situations. Young falcons may also have difficulties achieving safe landings as they try to master the finer points of flight. Fledglings that become “grounded” are rescued and, barring signs of injury, returned to the roof of the RCSOB for the adults to take over and coax them back to the nest site.  Birds that have suspected injuries are transported to Red Creek Wildlife Center for treatment and further observation, before being returned to the RCSOB ledge.
 
Watch & Rescue has begun for 2025 and we anticipate operating until June 18. Volunteers are still needed!
 
Typically, the Volunteer Watch & Rescue schedule consists of four shifts:
5:30 am – 9:00 am
9:00 am – 1:00 pm
1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
 
Volunteers are needed daily (including weekends) to monitor the fledglings and assist, as directed, by the assigned Volunteer Shift Coordinator. 
  
Are you interested in volunteering as either a Volunteer or a Volunteer Shift Coordinator?
 
If so, please contact Sue Hannon: hbgfalconwatch@gmail.com as soon as possible.
 

Thanks so much!

Sue Hannon
Falcon Program Coordinator
hbgfalconwatch@gmail.com
sbhannon@gmail.com
717-736-1035

Creating a Pollinator Garden

Due to your interest in environmental topics, you may be interested in coming to the following Creating a Pollinator Garden program. This program hosted by the Penn State Master Gardeners of Cumberland County will be held on Saturday, June 14, 9:30am-12pm, at the Penn State Extension office in Carlisle. Create your own pollinator container garden of nectar and larval host plants to take home, tour the Allen Road Pollinator Garden for inspiration, learn about pollinator-friendly native plants, and more. Register for $15 by June 12at https://extension.psu.edu/creating-a-pollinator-garden or call Penn State Extension Registration Services at 1-877-345-0691. All supplies are included in the registration fee. Please consider sharing with organizations and individuals you know via email, phone, word of mouth, Facebook/social media, Nextdoor, online calendars, and additional platforms.

 

 

We would love to have more native plants and pollinators in our communities to help our birds. 

Thanks. 

 
Group of people birding

Birding in SouthCentral PA

New to birding or new to the area?

Find tips on bird identification, recommendations on where to find birds and learn more about birdability.

Get started
 

Bird with us

Find out about our open-to-the-public meetings, events, and field trips.

Upcoming Events
 

Conservation

Learn how to create bird-friendly habitat and about our local conservation projects.

Learn more
 
Volunteers at booth

Volunteer with us

Ready to join a great group of people? Tell us what you’re interested in and we’ll share a list of volunteer opportunities; even an hour of your time is helpful!

Sign Up
 

Social Feed

Want to know what we are up to? Keep tabs by following us on social media. All of our accounts are available at the bottom of our webpages, or click the button below to see all our links.

Linktree
It is an exciting time at the Rachel Carson State Office Building (RCSOB) as the three young peregrine falcons on the 15th floor nest ledge prepare to take flight! The RCSOB hosts one of the most productive Peregrine Falcon nest sites in the Common
It is an exciting time at the Rachel Carson State Office Building (RCSOB) as the three young peregrine falcons on the 15th floor nest ledge prepare to take flight! The RCSOB hosts one of the most productive Peregrine Falcon nest sites in the Commonwealth. This is largely due to the volunteer efforts that occur during Watch & Rescue. Each year volunteers gather on the lawn across from the RCSOB, and are given assigned locations to observe and track the fledglings as they take flight. In an urban environment, like downtown Harrisburg, the first few flights can expose falcon fledglings to hazards such as traffic, tall buildings, and other vulnerable situations. Young falcons may also have difficulties achieving safe landings as they try to master the finer points of flight. Fledglings that become “grounded” are rescued and, barring signs of injury, returned to the roof of the RCSOB for the adults to take over and coax them back to the nest site. Birds that have suspected injuries are transported to Red Creek Wildlife Center for treatment and further observation, before being returned to the RCSOB ledge. Watch & Rescue has begun for 2025 and we anticipate operating until June 18. Volunteers are still needed! Typically, the Volunteer Watch & Rescue schedule consists of four shifts: 5:30 am – 9:00 am 9:00 am – 1:00 pm 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm Volunteers are needed daily (including weekends) to monitor the fledglings and assist, as directed, by the assigned Volunteer Shift Coordinator. Are you interested in volunteering as either a Volunteer or a Volunteer Shift Coordinator? If so, please contact Sue Hannon: hbgfalconwatch@gmail.com as soon as possible. Thanks so much! #volunteer #peregrinefalcon #birdconservation Image by birdsaspoetry/Flickr CC0 1.0
The federal Bird Banding Lab (BBL) and USGS Ecosystems Mission Area may be at risk. Join the virtual rally at noon on Thursday, May 22nd. The link can be found in our Linktree. Contact your state representatives to voice your concern. From Scott We
The federal Bird Banding Lab (BBL) and USGS Ecosystems Mission Area may be at risk. Join the virtual rally at noon on Thursday, May 22nd. The link can be found in our Linktree. Contact your state representatives to voice your concern. From Scott Weidensaul: "As some of you may be aware, there are reports that the federal BBL, which runs the entire U.S. bird banding program, has been slated by DOGE for elimination as soon as this week, along with the rest of the vital Ecosystems Mission Area at USGS. The consequences of such a move on birds and bird conservation would be incalculable. The BBL is the only source for bands and the federal permits that allow us to do the work we do; the loss of the banding lab would mean, frankly, an end to nearly 30 years of Northern Saw-whet Owl (NSWO) research. But the ramifications go far beyond one species of small owl. For example, most of the birds banded in North America are waterfowl, and banding and band return data are central to properly managing our waterfowl populations by setting scientifically defensible hunting seasons and bag limits. No data, and wildlife managers are working half-blind." #birdconservation #standupforscience
Bidding is taking flight! Our featured piece, “Peacemaker” by Marjorie Taylor, is already turning heads—and bids are coming in fast. This original acrylic painting bursts with movement and color. Inspired by Audubon, it was crowned
Bidding is taking flight! Our featured piece, “Peacemaker” by Marjorie Taylor, is already turning heads—and bids are coming in fast. This original acrylic painting bursts with movement and color. Inspired by Audubon, it was crowned the official label art for Millworks’ seasonal beer. 🍻 Painted by hand. Brewed into legend. 🎯 Will YOU be the one to take this masterpiece home and own a piece of local culture? 📆 Don’t miss your chance—bidding closes this Saturday! 🔗 Click the link in bio or https://new.biddingowl.com/item/peacemaker-2024-by?AuctionItemId=457016eb-faac-4b72-b2fc-5bc3fd96df80&QueryAuctionId=c69dd7d5-0544-4b49-82b9-b2173431e473&QueryCategory=Art #BirdArt #PeacemakerPainting #HarrisburgArt #ArtAuction #BidToWin #MillworksHBG #SupportLocalArtists #BirdsInArt
Over one billion birds die in the United States each year due to window collisions. Bird Safe Harrisburg’s collision monitoring program is collecting deceased and injured birds that are window-strike victims in order to provide information on
Over one billion birds die in the United States each year due to window collisions. Bird Safe Harrisburg’s collision monitoring program is collecting deceased and injured birds that are window-strike victims in order to provide information on the timing of collision events, what species are most affected, and what buildings are most dangerous. We could use your help! If you find a deceased or injured bird in Harrisburg or the greater Harrisburg area, please record your observation in our public iNaturalist Project: https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/bird-strikes-community-science-project-bird-safe-harrisburg. If you are unable to collect or transport an injured bird for rehab to West Shore Wildlife Center, please contact birdsafeharrisburg@appalachianaudubon.org If you would like to be involved as an official volunteer for our collision monitoring program, or would like to learn more, please visit: https://www.appalachianaudubon.org/bird-safe-harrisburg-collision-monitoring We need monitors for weekends through the end of May during our spring monitoring season. Above is a sampling of window-strike victims recovered this past week, April 27th-May 3rd in Harrisburg. Clockwise from top left, species name – monitor name – location found: Red-bellied Woodpecker – Kevin Mock – Federal Building Gray Catbird – Stan LeQuire – Keystone Plaza Common Yellowthroat – Marilyn Glace – State Capitol Building White-breasted Nuthatch – Zach Richard – Rachel Carson State Office Building Blue Jay – Kevin Mock – Whitaker Center Swamp Sparrow – Tara Staub – State Capitol Building Northern Rough-winged Swallow – Molly Toth – Penn National Insurance Yellow-Rumped Warbler – Anna Reichenbach – Hall Technology Building/HACC #birdcollisionprevention #birdcollisions #volunteer #birdsafe #birdsafeglass
If you would like to learn the process behind "Creating a Pollinator Paradise," please join Heather Andrews on Thursday, May 8 from 7:00 – 8:30 PM at the Cleve J. Fredricksen Library in Camp Hill. The evening will begin with a welcom
If you would like to learn the process behind "Creating a Pollinator Paradise," please join Heather Andrews on Thursday, May 8 from 7:00 – 8:30 PM at the Cleve J. Fredricksen Library in Camp Hill. The evening will begin with a welcome introduction on the important topic of the Asian jumping worm, followed by Heather’s inspiring program on designing gardens that attract and support pollinators. There is a registration fee of $5. To register, please follow the link below: https://web.cvent.com/event/5837922a-c80a-4f3e-867d-95e3e098ba4d/summary #pollinators #bees #butterflies #asianjumpingworms #gardening
It is an exciting time at the Rachel Carson State Office Building (RCSOB) as the three young peregrine falcons on the 15th floor nest ledge prepare to take flight! The RCSOB hosts one of the most productive Peregrine Falcon nest sites in the Common The federal Bird Banding Lab (BBL) and USGS Ecosystems Mission Area may be at risk. Join the virtual rally at noon on Thursday, May 22nd. The link can be found in our Linktree. Contact your state representatives to voice your concern. From Scott We Bidding is taking flight! Our featured piece, “Peacemaker” by Marjorie Taylor, is already turning heads—and bids are coming in fast. This original acrylic painting bursts with movement and color. Inspired by Audubon, it was crowned Over one billion birds die in the United States each year due to window collisions. Bird Safe Harrisburg’s collision monitoring program is collecting deceased and injured birds that are window-strike victims in order to provide information on If you would like to learn the process behind "Creating a Pollinator Paradise," please join Heather Andrews on Thursday, May 8 from 7:00 – 8:30 PM at the Cleve J. Fredricksen Library in Camp Hill. The evening will begin with a welcom