Meetings

Unless indicated otherwise, all SMAS Programs are held at the Adams County Agricultural Resource Center, 670 Old Harrisburg Road, Gettysburg, PA at 7:30 pm (social time starting at 7 pm). A room number for the SMAS meeting will be posted on the front lobby entry inner door.

Field Trips

FIELD TRIPS - Field trips will be planned on an annual basis and a tentative list will be sent in late December to those on our email list. Details for day trips will be announced in the monthly email blasts, and details for overnight trips will be announced a few months in advance. Also, information can be found on this website. Each monthly email will list a contact person and a meeting place and time for the upcoming events. If you are not on our email list, you can contact Mike Bertram at the2nomads@gmail.com or call 717-809-3911 (please leave a voicemail) if you have questions or need other details. Field trip cancellations will be announced by email as soon as possible and also on this website.

Local Bird Sightings in 2025

The Adams County list for 2025 had 3 species that are not regularly seen: Common Gallinule, Little Blue Heron, and Alder Flycatcher.

The South Adams Grasslands Important Bird Area (IBA) had 5 species that are not not regularly observed: Black-bellied Whistling Duck, Common Gallinule, Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, Cerulean Warbler, and Clay-colored Sparrow. The regularly seen Bonaparte's Gull was missing.

The South Mountain IBA list was missing 9 species that are normally observed: Long-tailed Duck, Common Goldeneye, Red-breasted Merganser, Kestrel, Bonaparte's Gull, Horned Lark, American Pipit, Prairie Warbler, and Rusty Blackbird.

There were no observations of new species on any of the lists.

Meetings and other Activities

Meeting: 7:30 pm Tuesday, February 17th, Chris Davis, Biologist, will talk about the beavers living in Gettysburg National Military Park.

Meeting: 7:00 pm Monday, March 16th, Birds of Prey - presented by Patrick Miller of Miller’s Wildlife and Conservation Specialists

This program will feature LIVE ANIMALS and is being funded by donations to our education budget.

Have you ever wondered what it takes to be a bird of prey? These mighty hunters, also known as raptors, are specialized to catch their own meals–but the way each species does it is unique! During our Birds of Prey program, we will take you under our wing and teach you about the distinct characteristics of a variety of raptors. From “feathered missiles” to “wolves of the sky,” this program will take your understanding of raptors to new heights!

Miller’s Wildlife was founded in 2019 by Maggie and Patrick Miller. Our mission is to foster an appreciation for all things wild by bringing the “wild” to you! Our program features a selection of ambassador animals who help us share the story of their wild counterparts. Join us to discuss the unique ecology of each animal—that is, the way each animal interacts with their ecosystem—and discover ways that YOU can help them in the wild! By using knowledge, humor, and ecological enthusiasm, we hope to inspire others to protect the natural world!

Prior to the presentation there will be a brief business meeting.

Annual Banquet: 5:30 pm, April 2nd, at Inn94 Details to follow.

The South Mountain Audubon Society aims are to conserve and restore natural ecosystems, focusing on birds, other wildlife, and their habitats for the benefit of humanity and the earth's biological diversity focusing on Adams County, PA.

The Society works towards those aims with meetings, birding trips, and conservation activities.

There are 2 Important Bird Areas locally:

• South Mountain
  
• South Adams County Grasslands

Click here to join National Audubon and the South Mountain Audubon Society. Please select U17 as the Chapter code from the drop down menu on the form.

If you want to join the South Mountain Audubon Society but not National Audubon then sign up at the next event you attend. The annual membership is $15.

The Society can be contacted in the following ways:

email: the2nomads@gmail.com

Tel.: 717-809-3911

Mail: SMAS, P.O. Box 3671, Gettysburg, PA 17325.

Educational Initiatives

Each year, South Mountain Audubon chooses a school to be the recipient of new library books chosen by the school’s librarian, approved by our board, and funded with members’ donations to our education budget. Recently the Alloway Creek Elementary School in the Littlestown Area School District received their donation. Pictured below is the school’s librarian, Linda Fink, with the new collection.

Slyder Farm, Gettysburg NMP

On the 27th September SMAS explored the Slyder farm area of Gettysburg NMP, observing 50 species.

Blackpoll Warbler

Palm Warbler

Photos by Evan Vaeth

East Berlin Community Park

On Saturday, 4th October, SMAS members walked around East Berlin Community Park; 41 species were observed.

Northern Flicker

Great Blue Heron

Photos by Linette Mansberger

Oakside Park

On Saturday, 25th October, a SMAS group walked around the perimeter of Oakside Park. 33 species were observed including one new species for the Park, a Golden-Crowned Kinglet, and 2 species that had not been previously seen in October.

Northern Mockingbird

Photo by Kevin Hall

Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker

Photo by Jamie Noble

Battlefield Bed and Breakfast

On the 15th November South Mountain Audubon hiked on trails around the Battlefield B&B; 22 species were observed.

Brown Creeper

Northern Mockingbird

Photos by Jamie Noble and Linette Mansberger