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On
June first, over one hundred forty people (ranging in
age from two to sixty +) participated in the annual
"Pathways to Fishing Day" at the John Heinz
National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum. This special once-a-year
program provides an opportunity for the general public
to try their hand (for free, no license required) at
fishing. Lessons were provided for those who wished,
(over sixty people had never fished before) on the use
of tackle and various fishing techniques. Participants
also had the opportunity to learn from the pro's about
various types of fish that could be found locally.
The
largest fish of the day was caught by 10 year old Stephanie
Heindockel of Swarthmore, who landed an 18 inch catfish
out of Darby Creek. Even those who did not bring in
a "big catch" enjoyed themselves. There were
plenty of smiles going around as moms, dads, grandparents
and kids alike enjoyed a beautiful day at the nation's
most "urban" wildlife refuge. Everyone who
caught a fish was given a complimentary photo to document
their efforts. In another highlight of the day, Friends
volunteers helped children create their own "fish
T-shirts" designs, utilizing the Japanese art of
Gyotaku.
Congressman
Curt Weldon spoke on the status of funding for the next
phase of the CEEC, and indicated that he was working
on obtaining “Land and Water Conservation Fund”
monies for projects on the Refuge.
Co-coordinator for this year's event, Refuge Officer,
Chris Kelly, said, "It looked as though everyone
had a good time, with many people catching their first
fish ever." Kelly noted that most of the fish caught
were Sunnys, Catfish, and some small Stripers.
After
all business items were taken care of, the group retired
to the all-purpose room for a video on international
efforts of teachers and their students to track and
record bird migrations, communicating through the internet.
Along
with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service staff, additional
sponsors of the event included the Friends of the Heinz
Refuge, the PA. Fish and Boat Commission, Taylor's Bait
and Tackle, Southeast Archery and Sports Center, and
Wal-Mart.
It
was a day to remember!
Stephanie holds up her very large Catfish caught in
Darby Creek during the day's festivities.
Photo
by: Ron Holmes
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Marsh Talk
By Ray Miller
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AHello
everyone. Ray Miller here with news of Refuge
sightings . . .
Early
Fall migration has started with many shore birds
feeding on the mud flats at low tide. The best
place to view them is at the blind in the area
of the old rifle range. Many of this year's Tree
and Barn Swallow babies can be seen perching all
along the dike road. There are many warblers and
sparrows in this area also.
The
Horned Owl babies have fledged and can be heard
begging for food along the pipeline trail at the
vault valve box. You should listen for them at
sunset. A Common Night-Hawk has paid us a visit
and can easily be seen in the willows at the bar
gate leading to the Darby Creek dike trail.
Two
pairs of Common Moorhens nested again in the dike's
horseshoe curve, along with two American Bitterns
(see story on page 9). Our Catbirds, Common Grackles,
and Red-Wing Blackbirds had a great nesting year,
as did the Least Bitterns.
Many
Great Blues, Snowy and American Egrets are starting
to pass through. A pair of Kingfishers are hunting
Darby Creek at the canoe launch.
 Many
species of turtles can be seen sunning themselves
in both the impoundment and on fallen tree branches
in and along the edges of Darby Creek.
Ospreys
are still hunting the impoundment and the Sunoco
tank farm, which is located across Darby Creek
from the Refuge.
On
Tuesday, August thirteenth, a Bald Eagle flew
over the marsh at 7 am, and a pair of Kestrels
are hunting the five acre field (observation area)
behind the CEEC.
Well
. . . That’s all for now . . . See you next
quarter . . Remember, Come on in, and enjoy the
Refuge.
But
remember to leave only
footprints . . .
Page 11
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P.O. Box 333 Folcroft, PA 19032-0333