The 16th BIG SIT at Rose Tree Park was held on Sunday, October 12, 2025, ending with 31 species in nearly 7 hours of counting birds for conservation. John Zygmunt led the effort, starting at 6:30 am. He birded several hours solo before handing it off to Margaret Bue, Frank Steinmiller, Bob Suter, Karen Serwatka, Mariana and Andy Pesthy, hawk watch counters Chris Pugliese and Chuck Root, and other visitors.
Big Sitters endured tough conditions – temps were in the low 60’s with strong NE winds, gusting more than 20mph. The final tally of 31 species was predictably below the average of 50. Sightings included Black and Turkey Vultures, Red-tailed and Red-shouldered Hawks, Cooper’s and Sharp-shinned Hawks, Merlin, American Kestrel, Cedar Waxwings, Pileated Woodpecker, a Common Raven, and more.
Many thanks to all who joined the Big Sit at Rose Tree Park for great birding camaraderie and counting birds for conservation.
The BCDC Big Sit at Rose Tree Park premiered in 2006, led by Holly Merker. Holly organized the “Rose Tree Redtails” to join many other teams participating in the day-long event to count bird species from one location. Many of the ‘Big Sitters’ were regular counters at the Rose Tree Park Hawk Watch – Dave and Sandy Washabaugh, Janet Crawford, Skip Conant, Jim Lockyer, and many more. Stationed alongside official hawkwatchers at the gazebo, the enthusiastic group tallied 50 species in their first year, setting a solid bar for future efforts.
BIG SITS are part of the fall Global Bird Weekend and World Migratory Bird Day, held annually on the second Sunday – and preceding Saturday – in October. The initiatives aim to raise awareness of migratory birds and issues related to their conservation. People are encouraged to go birding and submit an eBird checklist to contribute to the world’s largest wildlife database, documenting avian activity for conservation. On the October Big Day (October 11, 2025), 75 species were recorded in Delaware county – great effort by birders in Delco!
The Big Sit at Rose Tree Park is one of many scheduled Big Sit events in Pennsylvania each October. BCDC supports the tradition with friends gathering at the Rose Tree Park gazebo to count as many birds as possible from dawn to dusk. The cumulative total stands at 92 species – an impressive number for this expansive county park. All are welcome to join us at the Big Sit!
