I’m pleased to introduce a new blog on our website called Chris’s Wildlife Corner that endeavors to educate and answer any questions you may have about wildlife and nature. Our gracious mentor, Chris Grecco, is a long-time resident of Curwensville, PA. Chris graduated from the Curwensville Area Schools in 1984 and is currently employed by Clearfield County and the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Chris is the son of Carolyn and Gary Grecco, brother of Jennie Grecco Martyn.
Chris’s ornithological interests developed at the tender age of seven. Noting their son’s fascination, the Grecco’s gave their son his first pair of binoculars for his ninth birthday. Chris is also an avid hunter and fisherman.
Chris is an active member of National Audubon Society, Pennsylvania Society for Ornithology, Purple Martin Conservation Association, of Ornithology, New Jersey Audubon Society, Cape May Bird Observatory, and American Bird Conservancy.
So let’s begin with an interview with Chris hosted by our very own Della Selner….
Hi Chris! Excited to see you blogging here! Can you tell me about the types of birds I might see in the bird feeder at the Selner Farm? I am sure other people would love to know about some of the birds they watch in their feeders. What are some of the more common birds in Curwensville?
Della,
The species of birds you would attract would depend on the seed mixes you’d use.Standard seed mixes with milo,safflower, and black oil sunflower seed will attract everything from Blue Jays to chickadees,suet will attract woodpeckers and nuthatches. Nyjer and finch seed will attract goldfinches, purple finches, house finches, pine siskins and common redpolls.
Chris
Wow Chris, I never had a clue there were that many. Are all of those songbirds?
With the exception of blue jays, nuthatches and woodpeckers, yes,they are all songbirds. Some species are seasonal, you will see them at certain times of the year and not others because they are migratory.
Chris I know that lots of folks in Curwensville love to go up to the lake and see the geese as they migrate through Curwensville, can you tell me when is the best time to expect them, how long will they stay? Where the heck are they going? What draws them to the Lake?
Della, most of the swans, geese and ducks are migrating to their breeding grounds in Canada. The best time to view waterfowl during spring migration is around late February to early April. The amount of ice left on the lake will dictate the number of birds that stop there. Late winter through spring is the best time to view waterfowl. They will utilize local food sources to refuel to continue their trip north.
Thanks Chris! I have learned so much, and as always I am sure I will call on you with 9 zillion more bird questions, but I am sure I am not the only person who has bird questions, I hope everyone takes advantage of this opportunity to contact you with questions.