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the habitat, food supply and cover are the basis of wildlife population and birds,
one can expect to see squirrels, rabbits, raccoons, and opossums here. While you
may not actually spot these animals in Allegheny, it is both interesting and fun
to learn of their presence from tracks, droppings, feathers, hair or other clues.
Seasonal Changes Bird populations vary with the seasons. Winter species
include the cardinal, chickadee, junco, nuthatch, crow and blue jay. Migrating
species of warblers, finches and many others move through in spring and fall.
One can frequently spot the various woodpeckers, downy, hairy and flicker, kingfishers.
The Red-headed Woodpecker is a threatened species because of competition from
European Starling and loss of habitat. It relies on most bearing trees such as
oaks and beech trees for food and dead trees and/or dead limbs for excavating
nesting cavities. It was reported that this unique bird found a home at the site
of the Allegheny Cemetery Ponds. Observation of this bird will put Lawrenceville
on the map in bird watching circles. (Source: Al and Carole Borek, Lawrenceville
residents and members of the local Bird Watching Society) The ever-present English
sparrow, the common pigeon or rock dove, the starling, and grackle, were introduced
at various times over the last two centuries. Watch for the hawks, usually redtails
that sail above the trees, but remember that the peregrine falcon has been successfully
nesting at the Gulf Building and could provide a rare and rewarding sight, for
it is one of our swiftest and most beautiful raptors. Ducks and geese move up
and down the Allegheny River and provide another glorious sight, especially the
spring and fall migrating flocks. There are some local flocks as well. The
Great Blue Heron is seen occasionally as is the Great Horned Owl and various species
of gulls which have moved down from Lake Erie and now feed along the river valley,
especially in recent years as fish populations have increased in the rivers of
Pittsburgh due to improved waste treatment processes along the watershed. Deer
are seen with increasing frequency in the areas of the city, representing the
largest native animal remaining here. Look for tracks, droppings, hair that has
been rubbed off or small trees that have been “rubbed” by male deer
testing their antlers. None of these animals pose any danger to visitors, but
it is simply good judgment to leave wildlife alone. Do not feed any animals or
birds or attempt to approach them. Simply enjoy them from a distance. Use basic
field guides such as Peterson’s or the Audubon Guides to verify your sightings.
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