Search For Snow-Covered Eagles

DINGMANS FERRY — The seventh Dr. S. Marie Kuhnen Memorial Field Trip, Search for Eagles took place in the Delaware Valley Sunday, February 28 from 8 a.m. through 4:30 p.m. The field trip’s participants included birders interested in seeing eagles following a record snowfall.

The day began with watching feeder birds that included Downy Woodpecker, American Robin, House Finch, American Goldfinch, Dark-eyed Junco, Black-capped Chickadee, White-breasted Nuthatch, Wild Turkey, Blue Jay, Cardinal, and a Red-shouldered Hawk at the Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC).

We logged 140 miles in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and Upper Delaware Scenic River beginning at the Bushkill Access. The trip concluded at 4:30 p.m. along the headwaters of the Lackawaxen River with a great look at a perched mature Bald Eagle.

Jack Padalino, president emeritus of PEEC and the Brandwein Institute, a partner with the National Park Service, led the search that included seeing 33 species of birds with twenty Bald Eagles (BE): sixteen adults, one sub-adult and three immature eagles.

We traveled south on Route 209 to the Toms Creek nest site where we saw no BE. The nest was covered with a mound of snow in excess of 18 inches. Common Mergansers, Canada Goose, Black Duck and Mallard were on the water. A Pileated Woodpecker was drumming from atop the ridge.

The first Red-tailed Hawk (RT) probably eating a vole was spotted on the ground in a cornfield at Heller’s farm. A second RT was perched at Heller’s.

No eagles were spotted at the Dingmans Ferry Access. The deep snow hampered our access to the river’s edge.

An adult BE was seen 9:45 a.m. in the Raymondskill nest.

At the National Park Service historic Callahan House we watched feeder birds. We saw Black-capped Chickadees, Downy Woodpecker, Carolina Wren, Juncos, White-breasted Nuthatch, Tufted Titmouse, Northern Cardinal, Tree, Song, and White-throated Sparrows, as well as Finches.

Two BE were present at the Milford nest. A group of photographers with very large lenses on their cameras were mulling around below the nest. From a distance I was able to watch the pair of BE rearranging nest material. I trust that the presence of photographers below the nest site will not stress the BE to the extent that they won’t be able to successfully breed.

The search continued and an adult BE was spotted sitting in the nest at the westbound lane on I 84 opposite the Kittatinny Camp Ground. Twenty yards north of the nest an adult BE was perched. A RT was perched in the top of a White Pine tree west of Route 6 at mile marker 390.

No eagles were seen from the Eddy Farms Resort overlook.

At the Hawks Nest historical marker 11:25 a.m. it was difficult to pull over because of the deep snow as well as minimal plowed area and scope the area. No birds observed.

At the Pond Eddy nest site two adult BE were perched on the same limb above the snow covered nest.

About 20 minutes later at the Mongaup Reservoir Observation Blind no BE. It was difficult to navigate in the Blind area due to the deep snow. No BE was seen along Plank Road or at the Rio Reservoir Dam. Hence, the loop from Pond Eddy to Mougaup and back to the Delaware no BE were seen. Returning to the Delaware and traveling upriver to Minisink Ford observation blind, still no BE to be seen.

A visit to the Eagle Institute, open weekends is where eagle videos are screened and brochures, newsletters, information about eagles is made available, is a plus.

From the confluence of the Lackawaxen and Delaware Rivers one adult BE flew upriver and away from the nest. An adult BE perched above the nest on the ridge north of the Lackawaxen.

Along the Lackawaxen during the first search for eagles we saw no eagles, on the second two were sighted, and on subsequent searches as many as five. Thirteen were seen on this trip. Two adult BE at the Lackawaxen-Delaware confluence, an adult BE perched near Church Road proximal to a snow covered nest. This was the first time I saw this nest. At 2:00 p.m. an adult BE was seen perched opposite the Tree Farm and soon after a sub-adult BE was spotted perched down stream from Appert Road where four BE – one adult and 3 immature were flying. The immature BE were courting. I watched them for about ten minutes during a light snowfall. Two of the immature BE locked talons and tumbled through the falling snow. An adult BE flew above them. Further upriver, at approximately 2:15 p.m. three adult BE were perched. They were quite a sight through the snowfall. The last BE observed was perched downriver from the bridge near the headwater of the Lackawaxen.

To find out about participating in Searches for Eagles field trips in memory of Dr. S. Marie Kuhnen send an email message: jack@brandwein.org. There is no charge for these searches.

In addition to the 20 Bald Eagles observed were:  Canada Goose, Mallard, Black Duck, Common Goldeneye, Hooded Merganser, Common Merganser, Red-shouldered Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Wild Turkeym, Rock Pigeon, Mourning Dove, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker              , Northern Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker, Blue Jay, American Crow, Tufted Titmouse, Black-capped Chickadee, White-breasted Nuthatch, Carolina Wren, American Robin, Eastern Bluebird, European Starling, Tree Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Northern Cardinal, Purple Finch, House Finch, and American Goldfinch.

Sammie J. Kamphefner

Sammie J. Kamphefner age 74, of Huguenot, NY passed away Tuesday February 23, 2010 at her home.  She was born on December 10, 1935 in Wallace, Idaho, the daughter of the late  Willie  Rex Barber and  Lena Ferguson Barber.  Sammie was a retired Assembler for Kolmar Labs,Inc., Port Jervis.  She  celebrated 56 years of marriage to Ernest W. Kamphefner, who pre-deceased her on October 9, 2009.  Sammie was an active member  with the  Town of Deerpark Democratic Committee,  a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of The Sparrowbush  Fire Dept.,  and a former Girl   Scout  leader, Cub Scout leader and  Brownie  leader.   Sammie strongly supported  the Port Jervis  High School Wrestling and Football Teams and the Drama Club.  She was a talented and creative artist and a “Mom” and friend to many.

Sammie is survived by  her three sons, Rex Kamphefner and his wife  Grace of Granite Bay, Calif., Grey Kamphefner  at home,  and Chance Kamphefner and his wife Cheryl of Lake Forest, California; 3 daughters,  Kricket (Erin) Evans and her husband Joseph of Colorado Springs, Colo., Paige Yeager and her husband Scott of Pasadena, Maryland,  and Diane Freije and her husband Gary of  Binghamton, N.Y., 11 grandchildren and her  best friend Sue Morgan of Port Jervis,  and several nieces and nephews.   She was pre-deceased by her daughter  Brandi Kamphefner , her brother John and her sister Mary.

Funeral Services were held February 26 at 3:30 pm at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home. Private Interment will take place  at Rural Valley Cemetery, Cuddebackville, NY. Memorial donations may be made to the Port Jervis-Deerpark Humane Society, Route 209, Port Jervis, NY  12771 or to the American Cancer Society,  419 E. Main St., Middletown, NY  10940.  Arrangements are by the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Inc., 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY.  for information,directions or to send a condolence note to the family visit knight-auchmoody.com

Margaret “Marge” E. Pichert

GLEN SPEY, NY- Margaret ”Marge” E. Pichert 89  formerly life-long resident of Glen Spey, NY passed away Sunday February 28, 2010 at St. Paul, Minnesota.   She was born on January 5, 1921 in Glen Spey, NY the daughter of the late Matthew T. and Elizabeth O’Sullivan Smith.  Marge worked for Machlett Laboratories,Inc., in Springdale, Conn. and   as a beautician in New Cannan, Conn.  She married Jerome “Jerry” Pichert, who pre-deceased her.  She is survived by her son, Jerome Pichert and his wife, Laurie of St. Paul, Minnesota, 3 grandchildren, Alexandra, Mathew and Christian, 1 nephew and 1 niece.  She was pre-deceased by her daughter Cheryl Belmonte, her sister, Nora Weed and her brother John Smith.  Marge was a member of the Sacred Heart R.C. Church, Pond Eddy, NY.  Memorial services will be held in the  Spring at  the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Inc., 154 E.. Main St., Port Jervis, NY and will be announced at a later date.  Interment will take place Friday March 5, at 2pm at Glen Spey Cemetery, Glen Spey, NY  with Rev. Nancy Vonderhorst officiating.  Memorial donations may be made to a  charity of donor’s choice.  Arrangements are by the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Inc., 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY  for information, directions or to send a condolence note to the family visit knight-auchmoody.com

Mrs. Jean Padgett

Mrs. Jean Padgett of Cornwall, NY and formerly of Mill Rift, PA and a longtime resident of the area died Wednesday, February 24, 2010 in Elant at Newburgh.  She was 76.

She was born July 9, 1933 in Cornwall, NY the daughter of the Louis Nucci and the late Kathryn Sullivan Nucci.

Jean was married for 50 years to the late Lawrence ‘’Larry’’ Padgett; he died August 22, 2000.

She worked as a sewing machine operator for VSD Coat Factory in Newburgh and later retired from Andmore Sportswear in Port Jervis.

Jean was a past member of Munger Cottage senior group.

A family statement read:  ‘’She loved life and laughter…the simplest things brought her the most joy.  She was hardworking and honest, and had more energy than all of us combined.  A mother of five children, she worked full time but always made time to play a board game.  Her favorite past times were playing cards, Scrabble, Parcheesi and the occasional trip to Monticello or Atlantic City.  She loved spending time with her family and always had time for each and every one of us.  We are all truly blessed to have loved and laughed with her.  Her love of life, family and friends kept us smiling and warm.’’

Surviving are: son William Padgett and his companion Robin Knight of Bullville, NY; son Thomas Padgett and his wife Rose of Chester, NY; daughter Kathryn Gagliardi of Cornwall, NY; daughter Jean Marie Hruscik and her husband Peter of Newburgh, NY; sister Margaraet Mains and her husband Robert of Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY; 17 Grandchildren ,13 Great Grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her son Louis Padgett and her brother Robert Sullivan.

Burial was at Mill Rift Cemetery, Mill Rift, PA.

Funeral arrangements are by the GRAY-PARKER FUNERAL HOME, 100 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY 12771  845.856.5191  For additional information, directions or to send a condolence note to the family visit www.grayparkerfuneralhome.com

Carmella L. Talmadge

PORT JERVIS, NY- Carmella L. Talmadge age 73, of Port Jervis, NY passed away, Wednesday February 24, 2010 at Bon Secours Community Hospital, Port Jervis, NY.  She was born on  May 16, 1936, at Port Jervis, NY, the daughter  of the late  Vito and Evelyn Clark Andriack. Carmella married Howard Talmadge, who pre-deceased her.  She was a retired cook for the Pike County Correctional Facility, in Milford, Pennsylvania.  Carmella is survived by her daughter, Cindy Talmadge and her companion Jeff Hulse of Port Jervis, 2 grandchildren, John Bullock and  his fiance Melissa Hargadon, Jeffry Hulse  and his companion Laura Ulrich and 2 great grandchildren,  Camden and Donovan and seveal nieces and nephews.  She was pre-deceased by her son Howard Talmadge.   The Talmadge will receive friends for a celebration of Carmella’s life at the home of Cindy Talmadge, 13 Thompson St., Port Jervis on Saturday March 6, at 6 PM.  Interment will be private.  Arrangements are by the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Inc. 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY.

Mark Turner

Mark Turner, age 42, of Paupack died Tuesday, February 23, at Mercy Hospice, Scranton, following a courageous 2-month battle with cancer.  He is survived by his wife, Kristi, whom he married on May 4, 1991.

Born December 6, 1967, in Union City, PA, he was the son of Charles K. Turner of Meadville, PA, and Margaret Shearer Francis of Lake Havasu City, AZ.  He was a graduate of Cranberry High School. He obtained his undergraduate and M.B.A. from Clarion University.  In addition, he obtained his teaching credential from East Stroudsburg and was currently completing his Principal Certificate at Wilkes University.

Mr. Turner taught pre-algebra at Dingman-Delaware Middle School in Dingmans Ferry, where he was loved and adored by his students and colleagues and fondly known as “Superman.”  He was Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of Paupack United Methodist Church, a member of Paupack Parks and Recreation, and coached Babe Ruth Baseball and Dingman Delaware Wrestling.  He also enjoyed hunting and fishing, but especially enjoyed spending time with his family and many friends.

In addition to his wife and parents, he is survived by a son and daughter,  Max (10) and Mackenzie (8); one sister, Roxann Brain of Kennerdell, PA; two brothers,  Chuck Turner of Chino Valley, AZ, and Mike Turner of Peoria, AZ; two uncles,  Jim Turner of Phoenix, AZ, and Charles Shearer of Cambridge Springs, PA; his mother- and father-in-law, Judie and Walt Flinchbaugh of Seneca, PA; a brother-in-law,  Mike Flinchbaugh of St. Johns, FL; an uncle, Edward Mazeika of Simi Valley, CA, and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Calling hours were Sunday, Feb. 28, from 2 to 5 p.m. at Paupack United Methodist Church, Rt. 507, Paupack, PA.  The funeral was held Monday, March 1, at 11 a.m. at Paupack United Methodist Church, with Rev. Susan M. Heafield, Pastor, officiating.  Burial was in Pine Grove Cemetery, Paupack.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Mark Turner Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Wayne Bank, 717 Main St., Honesdale, PA  18431.

Hedy Klein

Hedy Klein, 76, of Lords Valley, PA passed away Saturday February 20, 2010 at home. She was a Certified Public Accountant for Alblong Traugeg Sismann C.P.A., in Springfield, NJ. Mrs. Klein was a member of the Church at Hemlock Farms, Lords Valley, PA. The daughter of the late Otto and Maya (Albecker) Fischer she was born July 28, 1933 in Germany. She was married to Walter R. Klein

Survivors include her husband, son Robert E. Klein of Blooming Dale, NJ, daughter Suzanne Seymoure of Port Murray, NJ and 5 grandchildren.

Funeral services and cremation were private at the convenience of the family.

Memorial donations may be made to the Church at Hemlock Farms, 1493 Hemlock Farms, Lords Valley, PA 18428

Mr. Robert E. “Bob” Mackey

Bob Mackey

Mr. Robert E. “Bob” Mackey of Port Jervis, N.Y. and a lifetime resident of the area died Friday, February 19, 2010 at home. He was 72.

He was born April 22, 1937 in Port Jervis, N.Y. the son of the late Joseph and Mabel MacKechnie Mackey.

Bob married Jackilyn A. “Jackie” Cole 48 years ago on September 9, 1961.

He proudly served his country in several capacities including the U.S. Marines and as a trooper in the New York State Police in Kingston and Middletown. Bob worked as a security guard at West Point’s Bullion Depository Mint. He was a member of the N.Y.S. PBA and the New York State Trooper’s Association.

A family statement read: “The family would like to give special thanks to Dr. Alam, Dr. Pino and Dr. Dinsmore and the entire “Hospice” family for all the care and compassion shown to Bob throughout his illness.’’

Surviving are: his wife Jackilyn A. “Jackie” Mackey at home; daughter Melissa Muller and her husband Michael of Sparrowbush, N.Y.; mother Mabel Fox of Port Jervis, N.Y.; sister-in-law June Johnson and her husband Roy of State College, Pa.; uncle Russell MacKechnie and his wife Peggy of Highland Lake, N.Y.; grandson Michael Robert Muller of Sparrowbush, N.Y.; granddaughter: Amanda Jeanne Muller of Sparrowbush, N.Y. Also several Nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by a brother, Joseph Mackey, and step-father, Joseph ‘’Poppy’’ Fox.

Friends may call at Gray-Parker Funeral Home,100 E. Main St., Port Jervis on Saturday, February 27, 2010 10 a.m. to noon.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, February 27, 2010 at noon at the Gray-Parker Funeral Home with Rev. Nancy Vonderhorst officiating.

A burial of cremains will follow in the Glen Spey Cemetery, Glen Spey, N.Y.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Hospice of Orange & Sullivan Counties, 800 Stony Brook Ct, Newburgh, N.Y. 12550

For additional information, directions or to send a condolence note to the family visit www.grayparkerfuneralhome.com

Donald Nicholas Schields, Sr.

Donald Nicholas Schields, Sr.

Donald Nicholas Schields, Sr. died Sunday, February 21, 2010 in the comfort of his home surrounded by family. He was born to Nicholas Francis Schileds and Hazel Burrows Schields, February 23, 1933 in Port Jervis where he remained a lifelong resident. Donald began working with his father in the family tire business, later becoming President and co-owner of Schields Tire Service after proudly serving his country in the 35th Infantry Regiment, U. S. Army in Korea. While continuing his work in the business he served an additional eight years to his country as a reserve member. As a community member and local businessman he believed in giving back and supporting the community in his unassuming ways.

Donald remained an active member of Metauque Falls Sportsmen’s Club, Tri-State Rod and Gun Club, Veterans of Foreign War Post 161, St. Mary’s Church, and Lifetime member of the NRA. He also held honorary membership in the Sunnyside Rod and Gun Club (aka. Deer Call Hunting Club) and White Tail Hunting Club. He was an avid outdoorsman and NASCAR fan. His greatest passion and joy was to be Papa to his five grandchildren.

Donald leaves behind his devoted wife , celebrating 51 years of marriage on February 22, 2010, Janet Pepper Shields at home, his son and namesake Donald N. Shields Jr. and his wife Jeanmarie P. Schields of Port Jervis, his daughter Lynn Marie Schields Kozen and Mark Kozen of Manahawkin, N.J. His five beautiful grandchildren Kristen A. Kozen of Chester, VA, Maggie E. Schields and Nicholas R. Schields of Port Jervis, and Marc G. Kozen and Dylan N. Kozen of Manahawkin, NJ. He is further survived by one brother, Paul Schields of Matamoras, Pa, his cousin and business partner Robert Schields of Sparrowbush, NY, many nieces, nephews and a large extend family. In addition to his parents Donald was predeceased by his mother and father in law, Margaret (Sis) Worden Pepper and William George Pepper; sister-in law, Carol Wieker Schields; sister in law, Nancy Pepper Zabowski, and brother in law, G.William Pepper.

At the request of Donald, services are private and at the convenience of the family. In lieu of floral arrangements, kindly donate to VFW Post 161, 47-51 Owen Street, Port Jervis, NY or the Port Jervis Salvation Army, 99 Ball Street, Port Jervis, NY c/o Captain Kruger.

Arrangements are by the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Inc.,, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. For information, directions or to send a condolence note to the family,visit knight-auchmoody.com

Mrs. Joan M. Brink

Joan Brink

Mrs. Joan M. Brink of Greenville Township, N.Y. died Sunday, February 21, 2010 at Orange Regional Medical Center Arden Hill Campus. She was 72.

She was born January 29, 1938 in Middletown, N.Y. the daughter of the late Claude S. Sr. and the late Lillian A. Casterline Brodt.

Joan was married to the late James E. Brink, Sr. He died April 9, 1990.

She worked for over 30 years at Kolmar Industries in Port Jervis.

Joan was a proud supporter and active member of the Port Jervis Salvation Army.

A family statement read: “Mom was a loving mother, grandmother, sister and aunt who enjoyed making her beautiful handmade quilts for family and friends.’’

Surviving are: Son James E. Brink, Jr. of Greenville Township, N.Y.; son Joseph Brink and his wife Lorraine of Greenville Township, N.Y.; son Jeffrey Brink and his wife Lorraine of Greene, N.Y.; son Keith Brink and his wife Gina of Port Jervis, N.Y.; daughter Joyce Ann Brink and her husband Roger Bucksbee of Milford, Pa.; daughter Kimberly Herbert and her husband Earl of Greenville Township, N.Y.; brother Claude Brodt, Jr. of Greenville Township, N.Y.; a sister Mary Jane Brodt and her companion Ramone Rivera of Greenville Township, N.Y.; 12 grandchildren; four

great grandchildren; Also several nieces and nephews.

Predeceased by: Son: Kevin Brink; Sisters: Claudette Brodt and Betty McCarty; Sister-In-Law: Betty Brodt.

Friends may call at Gray-Parker Funeral Home,100 East Main Street, Port Jervis on Friday, February 26, 2010 10 a.m. to noon and 2-4 p.m.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 26, 2010 at 4 p.m. in Gray-Parker Funeral Home with Majors Steven and Debra Ashcraft and Captains Alan and Amanda Krueger of the Salvation Army officiating. Cremation will follow at H.G. Smith Crematory, Stroudsburg, PA.

A memorial service will be held Sunday, February 28^, 2010 at 2 p.m. in the Salvation Army Chapel, 99 Ball St., Port Jervis, N.Y.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Salvation Army, 99 Ball St., PO Box 125, Port Jervis, N.Y. 12771