Host:
Baltimore Bird Club
Leader: Libby Errickson, elizabeth.errickson@gmail.com.
Description:
Located about 5 miles over the Maryland-Pennsylvania border in York County, PA, Hopewell Area Recreation Complex is located at the site of the old York County Sanitary Landfill. Since 2006, the site has been managed through a partnership between the York County Solid Waste Authority and the PA Game Commission as an expansive and impressive tract of grassland wildlife habitat. In the winter, it is one of very few reliable locations for Short-eared Owls near Baltimore County. On this late afternoon walk, expect to start by birding the grasslands for wintering diurnal species such as Eastern Meadowlark, Horned Lark, and wintering sparrows. Raptors such as American Kestrel, Red-tailed Hawk, and Northern Harrier are regularly seen hunting over the open habitat. A small patch of forest near the park’s ball fields hosts a variety of woodland species, including a family of Red-headed Woodpeckers that has made the park their year-round home for over a decade. At sunset, we will watch for Short-eared Owls to emerge from their daytime grassland roosts and begin their evening hunting.
Expect to do 1-2 miles or less of walking through relatively flat, open terrain, with some slightly wet areas possible. The open landscape can be windy and we’ll be there as it gets dark so be sure to dress warmly. Port-a-potties are available in the main parking lot. Meet at 4:30 pm in the park’s main parking lot on the west side of Althouse School Rd near the ball fields. Walk will be rescheduled or canceled in the event of inclement weather.
