Birders can follow the incoming bird migrations via BirdCast's real-time site

Avid birders may be interested in the recent The Birding Wire press release regarding bird migration into the U.S. and, in particular, our area through the BirdCast website. 

BirdCast provides real-time analysis maps that show bird migration intensities of actual nocturnal movement into the United States and into our area with approximate dates of arrival. 
The migration is detected by the US weather radar network from sunset to sunrise. It’s produced by Cornell Lab of Ornithology and provides birders and scientists with insight into ongoing migrations, including an estimated the number of  birds moving into the states. 

BirdCast also provides local live bird migration alerts throughout the continental U.S. by employing real-time notices of bird migration as detected by radar. It’s a tool to determine whether birds are migrating into our area tonight – or any night – in low, medium or high densities. 

The site also serves to employ effective conservation efforts such as turning off lights when birds are flying at night to avoid attracting them to artificial light and a potential collision with buildings, windows and other structures. 

For more information check www.birdcast.info/migration-tools/live -migration-maps.

BLUE MOUNTAIN RESORT RE-OPENS OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

With the snow sports season over, Blue Mountain Resort in Palmerton has re-opened its Outdoor Adventures Park for summer and fall adventures. 

The park includes hiking, canoeing, zip lining, rock climbing, high ropes course, outdoor fitness classes and glamping, the latter has been expanded according to Ashley Seier, Blue Mountain Marketing Director.  

“Glampers will now be able to choose from basic or deluxe glamping experiences within Blue’s 25 glamping sites. Each has  their own unique view and settings on the mountain,” Seier explained.  

Seier went on to say sites are set along ski trails and require a UTV ride out to the site. Basic sites are located in the Valley below and provide a flatter surface that may be easier for families with small children. 

Also new at Blue is a beginner high ropes course that’s perfect for children and adults who need a little practice before upgrading to the more challenging course. “The beginner course is fully enclosed with netting, removing the need for guests to wear a harness,” said Seier. 

For added information check www.skibluemt.com.

TROUT STOCKINGS

Trout stockings are winding down for the year with Northampton County receiving none unless local fish and game associations buy and stock streams for children fishing contests. 

As for Lehigh County, the following streams will receive their final stockings for the year unless fish are stocked by sportsmen’s clubs and with some fish from the Lil-Le-Hi trout nursery. 
They are as follows: 

Little Lehigh: 5-6, 10-18; Switzer Creek: 5-6; Cedar Creek: 5-6; Coplay Creek: 5-5; Jordan Creek: 5-7. Note, not all portions of the aforementioned streams may receive fish as a lot is  dependent on water levels at the time and the amount of fish available. 
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