CHUCK'S BIRD PROFILE: KINGLET During the cold winter months here at Peace Valley Park, when all appears bleak and white, you may look forward to the spring with its colorful warblers and songbirds. But there is one species here now which is a thrill to behold, can warm your heart and put a smile on your face. It is the tiny Golden-crowned Kinglet (Regulus satrapa). This kinglet is only about 4 inches in length, no bigger than an average hummingbird. It's scientific name comes from the Latin and Greek meaning "little king--ruler', referring to the fact that most rulers wore yellow crowns. Both species plumage is similar, except the female's crown is yellow bordered in black, while the male has a large orange patch in the center of the yellow crown. Otherwise, they have a whitish eyebrow, a black line through the eye and whitish cheeks. The back is olive-green and the underparts gray. There are two white wing bars, the first very small, the second larger followed by a black bar. The wings and tail have yellow highlights. The short bill and legs are black and the feet are yellow, but I confess to never having seen the yellow on the feet. Despite it's size, it is the smallest North American bird able to endure sub-freezing temperatures, often as low as 25 degrees below zero, while maintaining a normal body temperature of 103-107 degrees F. They do not enter a state of torpor, but survive by other means. Golden-crowned kinglets are in constant motion, eating, foraging for small insects, insect eggs and larvae. They roost together to retain body heat, usually in tree cavities or even bluebird boxes. We all know that feathers are excellent insulators, but birds will still shiver certain muscles in their shoulders and legs to increase metabolism and generate heat. These kinglets can constrict the flow of blood to exposed unfeathered areas, reducing heat loss. Lastly, each nostril is covered by a single feather, trapping heat trying to escape the body. The Golden-crowned Kinglet nests coast to coast in middle Canada, and in the higher mountains of the U.S. It's range is decreasing in the west but expanding in the east, as far south as spruce plantings in Pa. The nest is typically cup-shaped, suspended under the branch of an evergreen tree about 50ft. high. It is composed of moss, lichen, leaves and spider webs. They usually raise two broods of young despite the short nesting season of the boreal forest, about 8-9 eggs per brood. After hatching, the female continues to feed her young only until the first day after they leave the nest, then begins laying a second set of eggs. The male then takes over the household duties, managing to feed himself, the young and the incubating female. These birds are often hard to see despite being so active, because of their small size. In winter here, look for them in pine and spruce trees and other conifers, often with wintering flocks of chickadees, titmice and Yellow-rumped Warblers. Listen for the thin, high-pitched 'tsee-tsee-tsee' call. Once you see these active dynamos, and can admire their splendid plumage, and be amazed at their survival abilities, you might just warm up to these tiny kinglets, even on a winter day. Chuck Crunkleton leads bird walks and field trips at PVNC. NATURE CENTER NOTES RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP All membership renewals are due in January. For your convenience a remittance envelope has been enclosed. (If you joined as a new member after September 1, 2006 your membership applies to 2007). Please consider returning it now to save us the paper & expense of a reminder letter. ANNUAL MEMBERS MEETING Saturday, February 3, 1 - 3 pm. The 2007 Friends of PVNC annual members meeting will be held at the nature center. Invitations will be mailed in January to our members. REMEMBER -- MEMBERSHIP SUPPORTS OUR ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS. E-MAIL UPDATES LIST If you are a member and would like to receive updated information about PVNC and its activities via e-mail, send your e-mail address to: peacevalleynaturecenter @co.bucks.pa.us. WELCOME DENISE AND HEATHER! The nature center has undergone numerous staff changes within the last few months. Towards the end of summer, Denise Glick, a Doylestown resident, was hired as the new Office Manager. Denise is no stranger to PVNC, having been a frequent visitor. Whether walking the trails to recuperate after a hectic day, or poking around the Pooh Tree with her granddaughter, the nature center has always been an important part of life for her and her family. She is especially pleased of the nature center's influence on her son Jason. He volunteered at PVNC when he was in high school, and his experiences inspired him to run an organic farm in Maine. Denise has years of office experience and is knowledgeable about the operations of a non-profit. She has been an asset to the Friends of PVNC! Heather Mueller has been a long time volunteer at the nature center. She has been a storekeeper and has helped with the 10K Run and Family Campfires. The nature center is one of here favorite places to indulge in her hobby of photography. Heather was hired as a Naturalist Aide and is working in the store on Sunday afternoons. Say "hello" when you see her at the desk! CONGRATULATIONS GAIL AND LOUISE! Congratulations are extended to Gail Hill and Louise Lehman! Gail was hired as the Assistant Naturalist in July. She is still in charge of our education and intern programs, but is adding the newsletter and publicity to her responsibilities. She is now a County employee. Our programs continue to thrive under Gail's leadership! Louise recently started her new position as the Store Manager. She was looking forward to a change after being the Office Manager for 20 years. Louise had worked closely with the former Store Manager Joan Wonsidler, who passed away in February. This experience made her an ideal choice for this position. Our store is in good hands! WE PROFIT FROM YOUR GROCERY SHOPPING! Peace Valley Nature Center receives a percentage of purchases you make at these two stores: Acme- Save your register tapes and put them in the bluebird box in the building foyer. Thank you Marianna Hoffman for adding and preparing these tapes for redemption. Genuardi's- register your Genuardi's Club Card - Call us or register online at www.escrip.com, or in the store. Designate the Friends of Peace Valley Nature Center, Group ID # 150301483. We'll receive a donation automatically each time you shop and use your card. If you've registered in the past a renewal is now necessary to keep it active. Call Denise for information. INKJET CARTRIDGE RECYCLING The nature center is continuing its ongoing project to recycle inkjet cartridges. Deposit your used cartridges from home or work in the foyer of the solar building. Make sure you check the list for acceptable brands. Thank you Chris Minnich for overseeing this earth friendly fundraiser! VOLUNTEER RECEPTIONIST/ STOREKEEPERS NEEDED 9 am - 1 pm or 1 - 5 pm. Greet visitors & provide information, sell store items answer phone & take messages, helping with assorted tasks. We'll fit your schedule to ours, from once a week to once a month. If you are interested in this important job, call the nature center at 215-345-7860 and ask for Louise. WELCOME NEW MEMBERS Petro Family Pwoers Family Michael Loeper Catherine Grygiel Sondra B. Gulian Criag Hackett Vincent DeAntoniis VISIT THE SUNFLOWER SHOP FOR YOUR HOLIDAY SHOPPING You'll find many unusual gifts. Your purchases support our Environmental Education. New items include: Salt Crystal votive candleholders - a natural ionizer and air purifier, audubon Kid's binoculars 4 x 30, a new selection of Wild Bryde earrings, nature playing cards, games and puzzles, stained glass boxes, sun catchers and votive holders, stocking stuffers for the naturalist in your family. VOLUNTEER EXTRAORDINAIRE! Dave Horne 28 years teaching Biology at Central Buck West High School, Dave Horne, now retired is fulfilling his life's passions, horticulture, community and ecological stewardship, as well as continuing to educate. Dave is a tireless worker and spends many hours planting and caring for our gardens, especially the newly enclosed woodland garden. He is a steward volunteer for the National Habitat Program, for garden certification as well as a long-time volunteer at Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve, has participated in the Christmas Bird Count, worked as professional propagator, participates in the CROP walk through Salem United Church of Christ, and helps out with the food pantry. Dave was a Friends of Peace Valley Nature Center board member and recalls the meetings held in Corey's kitchen. He and his "secretary & receptionist" wife, Barbara, spend many hours of "retirement" volunteering and making a community a better place.

NATURE CENTER FEEDERS FEATURED ON WEBCAM Peace Valley Nature Center's bird blind is one of the most popular places for visitors to enjoy viewing wildlife. A diverse variety of bird species flit to and fro among the shrubs and trees, waiting for a turn at the feeders. Even through it is a "bird" blind, other animals take advantage of the smorgasbord of seed. Squirrels are the most common non-feathered critters to devour this bounty, but raccoons and deer also make their presence known. You never know what might appear! Birders, photographers and other nature enthusiasts have always had to be present at the blind to view the animals that visit. Now, thanks to the efforts of the Bucks County Conference and Visitors Bureau, interested persons can monitor the wildlife activity at PVNC's bird blind from their home. The Conference and Visitors Bureau is the host of the Bucks County Web TV and wished to add something unique to this site. The placing of a video camera at Peace Valley Nature Center's bird blind was suggested to PVNC staff who enthusiastically embraced the idea. During the summer, the Bureau worked with the Bucks County Department of Parks and Recreation to hammer out the details of the project. A key detail was who would pay for the project. The Bureau graciously accepted to incur the costs. They were also a liaison between with the company who placed the camera, New Century TV, and the County of Bucks Information Services whom helped in the preparations. Once the details were ironed out and the preparations complete, the camera was installed at the end of September by New Century TV. It is pointed at the large tube feeder by the pond that contains black oil sunflower. House Finches, Chickadees, Titmice, Cardinals and Downy Woodpeckers were seen on screen shortly after the camera started running. It is great to see the activity! In addition to the visuals, the sounds of the birds can be heard. Please note that when you are in the bird blind, speak softly, otherwise your conversation will be picked up by the cameras audio and web visitors will hear you!! As the seasons change, the camera will be pointed at other feeders to see what they bring in. Craig Olsen, Director Naturalist The live feed may be viewed by clicking [HERE], or by clicking on the "Watch the Show" button on the home page of this website. EDUCATOR PROFILE Ellen Boucher A nurse by profession, a naturalist at heart. Ellen Boucher is a teacher naturalist extraordinaire! She has been guiding and shaping young minds at Peace Valley Nature Center for more than 17 years. The passions of her life are as diverse as her expertise. With a great love of nature Ellen is the "go to" identifier of flowers on trips and walks. Wow, what a beautiful flower, then the call "Ellen, what's this?" rings across the area. She quietly and deliberately comes upon the plant in question, immediately becomes immersed by its beauty, points out the unique qualities and then answers immediately or searches her Newcombs to ensure perfect identification. She has a knack for making even the most novice of botanists feel their discovery is special and wonderful. She has enlightened many of us with her extensive knowledge and good humor. She has led our fall family flower walk and generously donates her time at PVNC functions. Her career as a naturalist has benefited many nature centers in the area. She has taught programs at Robbins Park and Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education. Another of her amazing talents and passions is pottery. Her beautiful work has benefited our Silent Auction, other fundraising functions and is occasionally sold at craft shows. Ellen continues to further her knowledge of nature by attending many continuing education courses. Ellen and husband Paul reside in Maple Glen where Ellen tends to a gorgeous garden, which she is always willing to share cuts of with friends. They are often out and about visiting their three children and six grandchildren. Ellen's perspective of environmental education at Peace Valley Nature Center: "Being a teacher at Peace Valley Nature Center is a great bonus in my life. The kids are open to enjoying and discovering nature's secrets. Walking the woods and fields with them is a most pleasant way to spend two hours on a spring or fall day." SOLATUBES BRIGHTEN BATHROOMS The next time you use one of the flush toilet restrooms at the nature center, you'll notice the unusual lighting. The light comes from a solatube, a unique type of skylight. These skylights bend sunlight through a dome on our roof and send it down a tube to the bathroom ceiling. The resulting light is reminiscent of bright moonlight, or a florescent light. On sunny days the bathrooms glow! Since the installation of the solatubes, the standard incandescent bulbs have rarely been turned on in these bathrooms. It has been another example of the ingenuity of solar technology featured at the nature center, and will help with our electric bill too! Thank you Solar Reflections Inc.of Chalfont for donating the solatubes and installing them free of charge! Information is available in the restrooms. Our Winter Stars The stars in the sky have likely provided fascination from the time humans first looked up at night. So many beautiful twinkling lights that move across the sky, who would not want to learn more? Before delving into the various stars in our winter sky, a few tips on star watching. A star chart or guidebook can be very helpful in any star watching expedition. It can also be helpful if you have some form of magnification, while not necessary, even a pair of binoculars can make the difference. You need to let your eyes adjust to the darkness and it can take up to 30 minutes. Then, to keep your eyes adjusted, avoid looking at any bright lights. If you need a flashlight to get around or check your star chart, covering it with some form of red filter helps reduce the effect of the light on your eyes. What might you be able to see this winter when you gander upward after our closest star has set? There is of course the North Star, Polaris, which stays at approximately 40° above the horizon to the North. Another notable star is Sirius, the Dog Star; it is the bright star in the sky, and its part of the Canis Major constellation. Canis Major indeed has the shape of a dog, and is Orion's Big Dog, with Canis Minor his small dog. Orion is the most notable constellation in the winter sky; it is bright as it dominates the southern horizon. The two brightest stars in the constellation are Rigel and Betelgeuse, which is distinguishable by its red tint. Orion is said to be a hunter, hunting the bull Taurus. Taurus, a member of the Zodiac, is another constellation visible in our winter sky, west of its hunter Orion. Two famous "stars" are visible in the constellation of Taurus, neither of which is actually a star. There is the Crab Nebula, which is an expanding gas cloud that used to be bright star, so bright in fact that it is said to be seen in the day, but that was in 1054 AD. The other interesting object in the Taurus constellation is the Pleiades Cluster, which is a bright cluster of young stars, which are located on the shoulder of the bull. Another constellation of our winter sky is Auriga; know as a charioteer or a wagon driver, this constellation looks more like an odd shaped box. Auriga is north of Taurus, and contains the star Capella, the second brightest star in the northern sky. Sound interesting? Why not bundle up, grab your red flashlight, a star chart, and some hot cocoa and enjoy the stars this winter. Matthew Yeargey, Intern summer 2006 LIONS AND TIGERS AND BEARS? On nearly all my excursions on the trails of Peace Valley, at least one young naturalist asks, "Are there bears here?" This is a fair question given the great diversity of environments that American black bears live in; they can be found from Mexico to Northern Canada as well as in most of the United States. Black bears are the most common bears in Pennsylvania but they are not seen in Bucks County or in most of Southern Pennsylvania. Why not? Weighing anywhere from 130-350 pounds, bears are special mammals with special needs. Firstly, these bears live in wooded areas, particularly places with high underbrush. The stilt grass underbrush of Peace Valley may just not appeal to these large creatures. Secondly, bears need quite a bit of food, especially when preparing for hibernation; they need to gain about 30 pounds per week! Their diet consists mainly of vegetables and berries, but they also indulge in amphibians, reptiles, small animals, and even carrion (dead animals). Apart from a lack of high underbrush and food supply, black bears probably aren't seen around these parts because of the limited places to hibernate. Given that hibernation is key for their survival, they need to find a safe place to carry it out. Bears find caves, hollowed out trees, rock crevices, or burrows to make their dens. Lining it with plant materials, they usually make their dens only big enough for one. Bear hibernation is extremely fascinating. Their body temperature does not decline as other hibernators' do, but their metabolic rate is cut in half and their heartbeat slows five times its normal rate. They can hibernate up to seven months, and all the while their fat tissues break down to provide water and about 4,000 calories per day. Though special body chemicals actually help produce proteins, male bears can lose 15 to 30 percent of body weight and lactating female bears can lose about 40 percent. Unlike other hibernators, bears do not need to wake up to eat or defecate! The only time a bear might wake up is in January, if she's a female bear who will give birth to a litter of cubs. She then returns to hibernation after the delivery and the cubs will suckle and keep warm against her body. The fur of hibernating bears, which doubles in insulation value over the fall, will provide a warm, safe place for the cubs to get stronger. Though a sighting of a black bear in Southern Pennsylvania is rare, if you happen to encounter one of these fascinating creatures, it's best to have an idea of how to get away safely. Given that black bears will eat dead animals, it is not a good idea to play dead as you might with other bear species. These bears can also outrun, out-climb and overpower humans. The best game plan is to retreat slowly, but noisily, avoid eye contact, but also avoid appearing weak. Finally, if you do find yourself seeing one of these great mammals, consider yourself lucky; then walk away slowly and noisily. Kate Stevens, Intern summer 2006 FRIENDS AND FAMILY FUN DAY FRIENDS, GREAT MUSIC, BUBBLES, FOOD, A CAVE, TILE CREATIONS, SILENT AUCTION, "TOO GOOD TO TOSS" STUFF TO BUY & ALIENS All contributed to the overwhelming success of the 2006 FRIENDS & FAMILY FUN DAY: A Special Gift, Doylestown Avalon Hair Designs, Doylestown B&B Beverages, Doylestown Bucks Co. Dept. of Parks & Recreation Cafe Alessio, Doylestown Carlow Cookery, Doylestown Chambers 19, Doylestown Cote' & Co., Doylestown County Theater, Doylestown Crossroads Bakery, Doylestown Dairy Queen, Doylestown Dave's Sporting Goods, Doylestown Doylestown Bookshop, Doylestown Dublin Agway El Cactus, Fountainville Genuardi's, Doylestown Health & Wellness Center, Warrington Herb's Hobbies & Crafts Italian Delight, Doylestown Jules Thin Crust, Doylestown Lilly's Gourmet, Doylestown Manhattan Bakery Cafe', Doylestown Mercer Museum, Doylestown Mesquito Grille, Doylestown Michelle's Hallmark, Doylestown Nat's Pizza, Doylestown OOKA, Doylestown Osbaldeston's Pets of the World, Gardenville Pane E Vino, Doylestown Pina's Pizza, Doylestown Planet Smoothie, Doylestown Raymer's Homemade Candies, Doylestown Regal Cinema, Doylestown Roman Delight, Doylestown Delaware Valley Planning Commission, Philadelphia Serenity, Doylestown Square One Futon Furniture, Doylestown Sweet Blossoms, Doylestown Tabora Farm & Orchard, New Britian The Larder, Doylestown The Night Kitchen Bakery, Doylestown Trac Records, Doylestown Thanks to the above community business that contributed to our Silent Auction and success. Please show your appreciation by patronizing these local businesses. Individual contributors to the Silent Auction: Joan Bitzer Ellen Boucher The Bowes Marie Colello Jack & Carol Connard Donna DiMella The Houtons Leonard Knapp The Longs Leda Manfre Jackie & Joe Mannino Heather Mueller The Nangeronis Debbie Risko Susan Sandberg Carolyn Schaupp Rena Thompson FRIENDS OF THE DOVE 10K RUN A threatening storm never materialized and a nice clear day prevailed for participants on the seventh annual Friends of the Dove 10K Run and 2 Mile Health Walk. The event is a fundraiser for the nature center's environmental education programs. He finished in 36:09 minutes. Julie Valent-Corbin from Mendham NJ won the women's race with a time of 43:54 minutes, edging out Jen Alderfer from Lansdale by three tenths of a second. SPONSORS: Osprey Sponsor $500: MARTIN ENTERPRISES USA, LLC Kingfisher Sponsor $250: CHI SYSTEMS INC. Hummingbird Sponsors $125: Advanced Avionics Inc. Joanna K. Chodorowska-Nutrition In Motion, Nutrition Swim Coach Stanley W. Cooper, Inc. Linda Gelcius, State Farm Agent Eugene Gladston Krempa Associates, Inc. Lin's Junction Mama Mia's Restaurant and Pizzeria MVP Interiors, LLC Navmar Applied Sciences Corp. Philadelphia Sports Club & Ignite Sports Performance Training Center Diane Szwajkowski, CMT/USUI Reiki Master Tedco Insulation Inc. Door Prizes Courtesy Of: 309 Barstool Dinette Alex's Fine Art Bucks County Outfitters Clemens Food Market Kelley Greaney Make It Unforgettable Hatfield Floral and Gift Polish Gourmet Southern Living at Home-Lori Mason Diane Szwajkowski Joseph Szwajkowski Training Zone Sports Annie's Water Ice Dan Houser/Dennis Burns Dunkin' Doughnuts Genaurdi's Markets Philly Soft Pretzel Factory Planet Smoothie Vermont Bread and Charter Baking Special Thanks To: Bucks County Department of Parks and Recreation Chalfont Fire Company EMS Constructing Solutions, Inc. North Wales Water Authority RDA, Inc. R F Hill Amateur Radio Club Inc. Smith Prints, Inc. MEMORIALS AND DONATIONS In Memory of Robert Capolino - John O'Brien, Robert Boeschl In Memory of Theodore R. Peter - Edward & Shelby Skillman, Edward & Madeline Reim, William & Debra Keller In honor of Richard & Barbara Brillhart's 50th Anniversary - Reba & Marty Brooks In honor of their marriage - Melissa K. Shannon & Jeffrey C. Pitchford Warrington Women's Club for Bucks Beautiful Booth State of PA Solar Grant - $11,000 Donation for Tables - Stee Berkson Taxidermy Wood Duck and Education materials - Lynn & Dale Gulla Award Flowers Donated by Bucks County Gardens Thanks To: New Mail Box Posts Crafty & Talented Mike Kozempel Eagle Scout Project: Michael Murphy-Rerouting Sunrise Trek, for erosion control Click [HERE] to view back issues of our newsletter.

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