Honey Creek Bill & Beak

This young Cooper's Hawk (please feel free to correct if you disagree with ID) was waiting for me to put out the feeder in front of the shop this morning. My usual morning crew know he's there so they're staying under cover until the all clear sign has been given.

Both of us were on lunch break.

This looks like it was just fun to do.

Just a heads up, psa, the shop currently has a good supply of black oil sunflower seed on hand, but all other seeds, mixes, and blends are in short supply these days and the shelves are starting to look more than a bit bare. Suppliers are telling me that things should start looking a bit more normal in the next couple of weeks. We'll just have to wait and see, and I apologize in advance for any inconvenience.

It was a beautiful morning at Kish Park for this Bluebird to be out bug hunting.

Honey Creek Bill & Beak might be the only shop in PA right now to have all 3 models, 8x42, 10x42, and 12x42, of Swarovski Optik's newest line, the NL Pure Binoculars in stock. They're very hard to come by right now, so if you'd like to take a look, come in sooner than later. The 10s and 12s probably won't be here for very long at all.

Now, I'm not saying that heating your birdbath will guarantee Evening Grosbeaks in your backyard, but it was pretty frosty this morning and here he is, so it certainly couldn't hurt. Actually, all of your backyard birds will appreciate fresh, available water during the winter. Honey Creek Bill & Beak has a nice selection of heated birdbaths and heaters. All thermostatically controlled, so they only kick in when needed.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!! The shop will be open until 3:00 today, closed New Year's Day, and be open regular hours on Saturday.HAPPY NEW YEAR!! The shop will be open until 3:00 today, closed New Year's Day, and be open regular hours on Saturday.

Whoo doesn't think owls are just the coolest? Well, now is the perfect time of year to put up an owl nest box. This is when they start scouting for new nest sites. Honey Creek Bill & Beak has boxes for Barn, Barred, and Screech Owls. (And in case you're wondering, Great Horned Owls don't use nest boxes.) It wouldn't hurt to put out the Wood Duck box now either. Whoo knows, you just might get an owl in that one also.

Most importantly, get out there and vote today!! Then, get out there and support your local veteran owned small business.

There are a lot more Woodpeckers in North America than this, but these are the ones you can find in the backyards and woods of PA. All of them will visit suet and/or peanut feeders.

The shop will be open until 3:00 this afternoon, close over the Christmas Holiday, and reopen Tues morning at 9:00. If I don't see you today, have the merriest Christmas you can this year. And thank you for shopping small this season.

Be on the lookout for Evening Grosbeaks at your feeders. They have come south in great numbers this fall in what's known as an immersion. Immersions are migrations of birds from the north that will tend to stay there during the winter if there's a good food supply. But, if there's a bad seed crop, they'll come south. Also look for Pine Siskins, who have also made the journey south.

Thank you M.A. for sharing a great picture of this little cutie (Titmouse) at their new Bird's Choice Window Feeder. Available in this slate/blue or light green with metal mesh tray for good drainage - $26.95.

Also just in, for you board game enthusiasts (and recommended by my son). Wingspan - a competitive, medium-weight, card-driven, engine-building board game from Stonemaier Games. You are bird enthusiastsresearchers, bird watchers, ornithologists, and collectorsseeking to discover and attract the best birds to your network of wildlife preserves. Each bird extends a chain of powerful combinations in one of your habitats (actions). These habitats focus on several key aspects of... growth: Gain food tokens via custom dice in a birdfeeder dice tower Lay eggs using egg miniatures in a variety of colors Draw from hundreds of unique bird cards and play them The winner is the player with the most points accumulated from birds, bonus cards, end-of-round goals, eggs, cached food, and tucked birds. Featured Components: 170 uniquely illustrated and designed bird cards 75 egg miniatures 1 birdfeeder dice tower 5 huge player mats 5 large custom dice 2-piece Game Trayz custom insert and much, much more! $60

The tree out front is doing its job and looking festive.

Just in, the brand new 7th Edition of the Peterson Field Guide to Birds of Eastern and Central North America. Of all the field guides, this one is still considered the standard. I don't know if they're issued every 10 years but the 6th Edition came out in 2010. The new ones are $19.99 and the few 6th Editions I have left will be half price, $10.00.

This is the top of my shed door, and also the storage space for someone's peanut stash. This has been going on for years but I've never spotted the culprit in the act. I've always assumed it's a Blue Jay.

Yes, we have the purrfect stocking stuffer for every member of the family. Thank you S.H. for sharing.

Cleaning out nest boxes can be a nasty chore but it has to be done. I try to clean between broods but the House Wrens caught me off guard at this box and built on top of the Tree Swallow nest before I got a chance to pull it and give it a scrubbing. So you can see the neat and tidy grass Swallow nest compared to the pile of twigs Wren nest. It's clean now but if it becomes a popular nighttime roosting spot over the winter, it might need to be cleaned again before nesting season.

Until they're gone, a free 5lb bag of Critter Crunch with the purchase of a JC's Wildlife ground feeder w/ lift out tray. Made in the USA. $39.95

Capturing 2 Titmouses at the same time is unusual here at the shop.

Just in today. These compact spotting scopes really pack a punch optically and if so inclined, you can even use them hand held. It would be a challenge to find a better set-up than this for the Honey Creek Bill & Beak price of $315, especially with a lifetime warranty. And they've officially been approved by Santa himself. :) MM3 50 GA/45 Travelscope + HR.MM2 13-39x Eyepiece The MM3 50 GA/45 is an evolution of the travelscope concept pioneered by Opticron. Constructed from po...lycarbonate and lightweight alloys, the super-compact optical system creates a body just 205mm/8.1" long weighing about the same as pair of 32mm binoculars. They can be hand held for crystal clear flat field observation at magnifications below 15x but unlike binoculars deliver magnifications up to 36x for close-up accurate observations at distance. Features 50mm HDF lens design Fully multi-coated optical system Lightweight polycarbonate and alloy body Fully protected in soft touch textured rubber armor Nitrogen waterproof Wide wheel focuser with 8:1 ratio accurate focusing adjuster Rubber objective lens cover Large footprint +/- 90 rotating tripod sleeve Supplied with Opticron HR.MM2 13-39x eyepiece Telephoto option for SLR photography Supplied Accessories MM3 50 GA Travelscope kits are supplied complete with eyepiece and removable objective lens cover Warranty Limited Lifetime Product Code 41275 Price $365.00

Spent the morning at the Jack's Mountain Hawk Watch. There was a nice group of folks there that know more than I do, so I tried to soak some of that up. The brighter shot is Big Valley, the darker one Ferguson Valley. For the morning, 2 Northern Harriers, 2 Peregrine Falcons, a Sharp-shinned Hawk, and a Turkey Vulture. Bonus, got a shot of this Red-breasted Nuthatch, which I don't see very often.

Say the secret word while here and win this beautiful 2021 nature calendar released annually by Swarovski Optik.

Proceeds from this Ebay sale will be forwarded to Centre Wildlife Care. If you purchase this set at the shop and cut out the middleman fees, Centre Wildlife Care will make out even better. So, get yourself a great spotting scope and help out a great local wild animal rehab facility. https://www.ebay.com/itm/203126202496

He knows if you've been bad. But if you come in to give him a treat, he'll overlook it.

This is a caterpillar that you can find in this neck of the woods. Something to look for next spring.

This is awesome. She doesn't look a day over 50.

Brought the 5 Kish Park nest boxes home today for their end of the season scrubbing. This years park results, 8 fledged clutches of Tree Swallows, and 2 fledged clutches of Bluebirds. And the big bonus, NO House Sparrows. They'll be back at the park tomorrow and ready for nighttime roosting over the winter.

Opticron 8x25 and 10x25 T4 Trailfinder monoculars make wonderful gifts. At $59 for either one, you'll be surprised at how nice the optics are. And they come with case and wrist strap. Come on in and take a look.

Good things come in small packages. Honey Creek Bill & Beak stocks 130 different birds, critters, and plants, in the Jabebo Studio of Bellefonte line of earrings. Regularly $14.00, take $1.00 off each for more than one pair, plus free gift boxes.

This is how a Titmouse (and others) holds its seed while it whacks out the meat.

First customer of the day. Knew exactly what he wanted and left happy. Have a great day, hope to see you.

Fri & Sat at Honey Creek Bill & Beak Purchase any feeder $50 or more and get a free 5 lb bag of black oil sunflower seed. Purchase a $100 gift certificate and receive a 1 lb Claxton Bakery Fruit Cake for yourself.... Purchase any in stock SLC, EL, or NL Pure Swarovski Optik Binocular ($1979-$3099) and receive your choice of Swarovski Binocular Harness ($58.95), Floating Shoulder Strap ($74.95), or Winged Eyecup Set (38.95). Purchase any in stock Swarovski Optik ATX/STX Spotting Scope Set ($3398-$4428) and receive free Stay-On Case ($320) Purchase any in stock Swarovski ATS/STS Spotting Scope Set ($2268-$3128) and receive a free Stay-On Lens Cap ($78.95)

Nothing says luvin like 300 lbs of granite. And granite birdbaths can be left outside all winter, so you can put it out right on Christmas Day. This one went out the door this evening but there is still a nice selection to choose from. Some of the bigger ones run 500 lbs so you might want to bring some extra muscle to help me get it out the door. Have a very happy Thanksgiving.

Just for general informational purposes, Honey Creek Bill & Beak has always offered curbside service. Feel free to call ahead or right from the parking lot (717-247-7944). Heck, if you get one of the spots right in front, you can honk.

I'm not normally one to name drop, but Woodstock picked out a very nice binocular for Snoopy at Honey Creek Bill & Beak.

From the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, here's a great gift for the birder of any age. Flashcards of Backyard Birds / Eastern & Central North America. With 110 cards, the set actually covers way more than just your backyard. The cards are 5" x 6.5" with complete bio and range map on the backside. With the lab's free app, you can also learn their sounds with the QR code on each card. Lots of fun, $16.95.

Bonus points for best answer. Happy Friday.

There's the right way, and the Blue Jay way.

Been thinking about getting a Woodpecker Feeder? Of course you have. Mention that you saw this new billboard ad that went up today on Valley Street and take $5.00 off the feeder shown. Regularly $45.45. Pictured is a Red-headed Woodpecker in our backyard, Reedsville. BIRD'S CHOICE RECYCLED WOODPECKER FEEDER DESCRIPTION Same great design as our wooden woodpecker feeder only made with poly-lumber made from recycled plastic and milk jugs. Lifetime guarantee to never crack, spli...t or fade, aluminum hinges, stainless steel screws, thick acrylic panels. Holds 1 1/4 Quarts DETAILS SIZE 6 3/4"L x 6"w x 18"H WEIGHT (LBS) 4 CAPACITY 1.25 Quart MATERIAL Recycled Poly-Lumber BRAND Birds Choice BIRD TYPE Chickadees, Jays, Nuthatches, Titmice, Towhees, Woodpeckers FEEDER TYPE Peanut FEED TYPE Peanuts MOUNT TYPE Hanging See more

Here's the classic Nuthatch pose on the side of the shop this morning.

Yes, you may take my picture if you promise to share me. This Cardinal was keeping an eye on me while I was breaking down boxes in back of the shop this afternoon.

*** "Happy Goose Day" *** Just in, a Honey Creek Bill & Beak exclusive, earrings from Jabebo Studio in Bellefonte. Aren't they awesome? One pair $14, more than one pair of any Jabebo Earrings, $13 each. Free gift boxes. JABEBO EARRINGS... 1) Hand-made in the USA (PA) 2) Contains post-consumer cereal box paperboard, a protective clear coat, and surgical steel hangers 3)Unique designs inspired by Science, Nature, and the World We Live In. Honey Creek Bill & Beak stocks over 100 different species of birds and critters in the Jabebo Earring line. See more

If it's been a while, it might be time to think about giving your birdbath a good scrubbing. It won't be too long before we start talking about birdbath de-icers for the winter.

Switched out a few feeders for the fall, winter season and it didn't take this Downy Woodpecker very long to find the Woodpecker Snak block.

Is she really silly, or is that just fake news? Find out for yourself. Regularly $8.99, now only $6.99 until Goose Day.

A little comparison shopping for black oil sunflower seed this morning. At a local big box store - 10 lbs - $11.48 Honey Creek Bill & Beak - 20 lbs - $10.99 Under normal circumstances I'd call this a no-brainer, but this is 2020.

It's here!! Released just this week, the much anticipated, Swarovski Optik NL PURE 8x42 Binocular. We are the first shop in central PA to have these in stock. The largest field of view to date, with barely perceptible edges, and without compromising on ergonomics and handling. In other words, the best optics packed in the smallest possible size. $2969.00 Also available in 10x and 12x models, I'll post again as soon as they arrive.

First change in 4 years and I still get no respect. But seriously, Michael came up for a few days to lend a hand after my surgery. Many thanks Mike.

For the past few years this has been mostly an Eagle perch over Honey Creek, but now it's mainly a Heron and Osprey perch. This morning, Reedsville

Mason Jar, 6 oz, Hummingbird feeders. $8.99 Our first batch of these went fast, and then the supply chain dried up. But we must have sweet talked the right person and got some more in this week.

I'm guessing these didn't get as tall and huge as they were supposed to because it's been so dry. But the Goldfinches should still like them none the less.

After checking out the menu from atop the nearest utility pole, this Nuthatch decided to visit the shop's breakfast bar this morning.

This morning's breakfast in the shop parking lot, nom, nom, nom.

Just in from Kitras Art Glass - Along with our regular hummingbird feeder order, we've brought in some beautiful hand blown Tree of Enchantment Oil Lamps. They're 6" in diameter, and come in Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter colors. Each one is different and unique. Oil Lamps - $53.95 Paraffin Oil (clear, smokeless, odorless) 16.4 oz - $7.95 Mention this post and take half off the paraffin oil with oil lamp purchase.

Just in, Erva Mfg 95" Double Arm Super Duty Shepherd Staffs. Made in the USA with 5/8" square iron, powder coated, and 16" arms that are removable. Heavy plants or bird feeders? Bring 'em on. $59.99 The single arm model should be in soon.

Open for business today. Yay!!!Open for business today. Yay!!!

It's been weeks since I've been able to get over to Kish Park, Lewistown, to check on the nest boxes. All 5 boxes fledged at least one brood of Tree Swallows and a couple of them 2 broods. Box 4 now has the first Bluebird nest of the season and the others are empty. Only one chick and I'm tempted to think that just might be because it's been so hot the last couple of weeks. Did catch one Bluebird youngster in the same area.

Right out of the fridge, nothing like a cool drink on a hot day.

Just a reminder, the shop will be open until 6:00 today, and then be closed until Aug 4th. Sorry for any inconvenience and see you then.

If birds had arms...

I guess my folks weren't so tough after all.

It seems my body's warranty has run out and needs a bit of surgery to keep it running smoothly. Routine stuff, but enough to slow me down for a bit. That being said, the shop will be closed next Friday, July 24th, then the following week, and reopen on Tuesday, August 4th. Unfortunately, even after that, I will not be able to help folks get the heavier stuff (like 40 lb bags of sunflower seed) out to their cars for about 3 weeks after that. In the great scheme of things, it's a small hurdle to jump, and am thankful it's not something worse.