Seasonal Report - Fall 2025

By Bobby Brown

Lycoming County Fall 2025 Summary

In total, 189 species were reported in Lycoming County during the fall.

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Notable Observations

Observer abbreviations include: Bobby Brown (BB — county compiler), Dan Brauning (DB), Bob Brown (BoB), Deb Brown (DeB), Rebecca Brown (RB), Jean Dalton (JD), Dave Ferry (DF), Evan Houston (EH), Sandy Lockerman (SL), Steve Pinkerton (SP)
m. obs. = many observers

Waterfowl

Ross's Geese - 11/30/25, Rose Valley Lake © Bobby Brown
Ross's Geese - 11/30/25, Rose Valley Lake © Bobby Brown

An incredible 75+ Ross's Geese flew by Rose Valley Lake during the late afternoon on 11/30 (BB), mixed in with flocks of Snow Geese. In addition to representing the fourth Lycoming County record of this species, this also appears to represent an all-time high count for Pennsylvania and perhaps even the entire Northeast and Mid-Atlantic region. Additionally, six Greater White-fronted Geese were mixed into the aforementioned flocks on 11/30 (BB).

A Surf Scoter was at the Williamsport Dam on 11/11 (BB). Two White-winged Scoters were at the at the Williamsport Dam on 11/21 (BB).

Hummingbirds

Rufous Hummingbird - 10/18/25, Warrensville © Bobby Brown
Rufous Hummingbird - 10/18/25, Warrensville © Bobby Brown

An adult female Rufous Hummingbird arrived at a home in Warrensville in early October, was first confirmed by birders on 10/15 (SP, et al.), was banded on 10/17 (SL), and was present through the end of the fall season.

Shorebirds

A Red-necked Phalarope was feeding on Rose Valley Lake on 9/12 (BB, et al.). A Pectoral Sandpiper was at the Williamsport Dam on 9/23 (EH)

Loons

Red-throated Loon - 11/12/25, Rose Valley Lake © Bobby Brown
Red-throated Loon - 11/12/25, Rose Valley Lake © Bobby Brown

A Red-throated Loon was first seen on Rose Valley Lake on 11/11 (DB), and continued until being seen flying away from the lake on 11/15 (BB).

Shrikes

A Northern Shrike arrived at Rose Valley Lake on 10/25 (BB), and continued to be seen through the end of the fall season. The location has hosted one for a number of consecutive winters.

Wrens

Marsh Wren - 9/21/25, Rose Valley Lake © Bobby Brown
Marsh Wren - 9/21/25, Rose Valley Lake © Bobby Brown

A Marsh Wren was at Rose Valley Lake between 9/8 (BB) and 9/27 (BB, DeB, BoB)

Finches

Small groups of Evening Grosbeaks were seen in Montoursville on 11/15 (BB, RB, DeB), South Williamsport on 11/16 (JD), and Jersey Shore Cemetery on 11/29 (SP).

Longspurs & Snow Buntings

A Snow Bunting flew by Rose Valley Lake on 11/30 (BB, DF)

Sparrows

A Vesper Sparrow was at the Robert Porter Allen Natural Area on 10/11 (BB).

Tennessee Warbler - 11/30/25, Rose Valley Lake © Bobby Brown
Tennessee Warbler - 11/30/25, Rose Valley Lake © Bobby Brown

Warblers

A Golden-winged Warbler was at Rose Valley Lake on 9/8 (BB). A Blue-winged Warbler was at the Williamsport Water Authority on 8/17 (BB). A very late Tennessee Warbler was at Rose Valley Lake on 11/30 (DF, et al.)

Cardinals, Grosbeaks, and Allies

Dickcissel - 10/7/25, Robert Porter Allen N.A. © Bobby Brown
Dickcissel - 10/7/25, Robert Porter Allen N.A. © Bobby Brown

A Dickcissel was at the Robert Porter Allen Natural Area 10/5-7 (BB, et al.), which represents the second known sight record of the species in Lycoming County.

The Fall 2025 report was compiled and written by Bobby Brown. Our seasonal reports cover March-May (Spring), June and July (Summer), August-November (Fall) and December-February (Winter) to better line up with migration, breeding and wintering timings.

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