Pennsylvania
Scarlet tanagers could earn official status in Pennsylvania
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New Jersey flaunts the bright yellow goldfinch as its state bird. Delaware has its Blue Hen.
The red cardinal, the overachiever of all state birds, is claimed by Virginia and six other states.
And Pennsylvania? Well, it’s the only U.S. state without a designated state bird. But that could soon change.
About 100 years after the General Federation of Women’s Clubs petitioned states to designate state birds — and flowers — the Keystone state could finally get its own designated bird — or, sort of.
State lawmakers have introduced legislation to assign the scarlet tanager as the state’s official “migratory bird.”
The colorful songbird makes its way from South America to Pennsylvania to breed in the state’s forests.
“Does that mean we’re in a situation where we still don’t have a state bird?” said David Toews, a biology professor at Pennsylvania State University who has researched song birds.
Pennsylvanians claimed the ruffed grouse as the state’s official “game bird.” Bird enthusiasts say they are happy about adding a “migratory bird.”
“There’s a lot of love for the grouse. There’s a long history of conservation and hunting culture in Pennsylvania. It’s the sort of logo of the Game Commission,” Toews said. “I don’t think anyone wants to knock the grouse off its pedestal, but if there’s room for two, I would say the scarlet tanager is an absolutely wonderful bird, deserving to be a pair for Pennsylvania.”
What is a scarlet tanager?
Each spring, scarlet tanagers travel from South America to the eastern United States and parts of Canada to breed, before migrating back in early fall.
An estimated 13% of the breeding population of scarlet tanagers is found in Pennsylvania, mostly in the state’s large forests. In the Philadelphia region, they can be found in Wissahickon Valley Park and Pennypack Park.
Pennsylvania
Mother, 6 children die in Central Pennsylvania house explosion, state police say
A mother and her six children died when their Central Pennsylvania home exploded and caught on fire Sunday morning, state police said.
The explosion and fire happened at around 8:30 a.m. at a home on Long Run Road in Lamar Township, Clinton County, which is roughly 35 miles from State College. Crews arrived on the scene and found the home fully engulfed in flames, with the mother and her six children trapped.
State police identified the 34-year-old woman who died in the fire as Sarah B. Stolzfus. Her 11-year-old son, 10-year-old son, 8-year-old daughter, 6-year-old daughter, 5-year-old son and 3-year-old son also died in the blaze, according to state police.
A propane leak inside the house might’ve caused the explosion and fire, state police said. Propane tanks outside the home did not explode or contribute to the fire, according to state police.
The explosion and fire are under investigation by state police.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania utilities appreciate market signals — but not market prices
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania State Police investigating incident in Salisbury Township
LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. (WHP) — Pennsylvania State Police is investigating an incident in Salisbury Township on Saturday.
Lancaster County dispatch confirmed that troopers were called to the 4900 block of Strasburg Road for an incident that was reported around 11 a.m.
Fire and EMS was called to the area but have since been cleared, dispatch said.
This is a developing story. CBS 21 is working to learn more.
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