WALLKILL, NY — The Pine Island area of Orange County, with its fields and wetlands, provides great winter birding opportunities. Species such as rough-legged hawks, Northern harriers, horned larks, snow buntings, tree sparrows and short-eared owls can be observed in these habitats. The short-eared owls are observed at dusk in the marshes at the Liberty Loop Trail off Oil City Road.

The Gifford Pinchot Audubon Society will hold a winter field trip on Sunday, January 22 to Pine Island and the Wallkill Refuge in New York State. Participants should meet at the PA Department of Transportation Welcome Center off Route 209/6 near Interstate 84 at 2:30 p.m. We will car pool to Pine Island and complete the trip at the Liberty Loop Trail. Peter Wulfhorst, former Gifford Pinchot Audubon Society president and seasoned birdwatcher, will be leading the field trip. RSVP requested at 570/618-2491 between 7 and 8 p.m., or 570/296-8470.