June 2011 Volume 73 No. 3

Bi-monthly publication of the Hudson-Mohawk Bird Club, Inc. The Scarce, the Plentiful, and the Probable on our “Photobirding” Trip to Florida by Larry King e recently returned from a couple weeks Win early/mid April “photobirding” in Florida. While our observations in the Titusville- Merritt Island area are too limited in time and number of locations visited to draw any meaningful conclusions about any overall bird population changes, our observations may be helpful to other birders visiting that area. First, let me advise you that we are not typical birders. We go there to photograph water birds and raptors (Ospreys and Eagles) in the wetlands. Maryde shoots stills, for making prints, while I shoot movies. We are not into “twitter birds” (passerines). We are saving them for when we get the tide changed.) This year we did too old to go out for waterbirds. the drive twice, finding only a few Inside This Issue… Most of our effort was in the herons and ibises, probably in part Titusville/Merritt Island National because some of the fresh water Field Trip Reports...... 33 Wildlife Refuge area (which ponds had largely dried up. partially surrounds the Cape Next we did the Bio Lab Road, which Upcoming HMBC Programs....35 Canaveral Kennedy Space Center), last year was very productive. First the Titusville “Blue Heron Water thing we found was an Osprey in a A Birding Milestone on the Reclamation Plant,” and the “Viera tree with a very no nonsense “don’t Continental Divide...... 36 Wetlands,” a similar plant 20 miles mess with me” look. (If a bluebird further south. can have an angry look why can’t HMBC Annual Meeting In the past years, the Black Point an osprey have a “don’t mess with and Banquet...... 38 Wildlife Drive in the Merritt Islands me” look?) This road had a number NWR has been very productive, of birds of interest including some Fifty Years of Colored Wings....39 although even then there have tricolors and a reddish egret. In past been times when we found very years, the Bio Lab Road has had Poetry Selections...... 40 few birds the first time around and some Roseate Spoonbills, but none many birds a few hours later (after this year. Later we got to talking to Upcoming Field Trips...... 41 – article continues on Page 31 HMBC BOARD Officers President’s Corner President: Bernie Grossman 7 Nott Rd. Rexford, NY 12148 hris and I had a busy spring that included two long 399-9159 [email protected] birding trips to Costa Rica and Bhutan. Both countries Vice-President: offer spectacular scenery and a strong commitment to Tom Williams C 153A Consaul Road conserving their unique ecosystems, flora, fauna, and cultures. Albany, NY12205 While I haven’t made a definitive count, I estimate that we saw 857-2176 [email protected] over 725 new bird species. Secretary: While we were traveling, I was elected to another term as HMBC John Hershey 15 Carriage Road President. I offer my thanks to Gary Goodness for his service Clifton Park , NY 12065 371-3114 the past two years as president. Changes have also occurred on the Board of Directors and [email protected] with committee chairs. I thank all the incumbents for their hard work, too. The departure of Treasurer: committee chairs leaves some important positions to fill. In particular, we need new heads of Ellen Pemrick 298 Vly Rd. the Social, Field Trips, Junior Programs, Sam Madison Award, and Reist Sanctuary Committees. Niskayuna, NY 12309 At this time, I know that Field Trips has a new leader, but I need to confirm this. If anyone is 452-4384 [email protected] willing to serve in any of these positions, please let me know. Directors For most volunteer organizations, identifying and growing new leaders for the future is a Carol Blackwell 238-3086 critical problem. While HMBC is financially strong and has vibrant program offerings, it is not immune to the personnel issue. Much of the Board’s efforts this year will involve dealing John Kent 426-7919 [email protected] with this. Please join me (and the Board) in assuring the Club’s future by offering to serve in Jory Lagner 439-0604 one of these open spots. [email protected] – Bernie Grossman Patti Packer 399-4843 [email protected] President, HMBC Elayne Ryba 312-7384 [email protected]

Committee Chairs Birdline: Phil Whitney 477-9050 [email protected] Conservation: Patti Packer 399-4843 HMBC Contact Information [email protected] BIRDLINE of EASTERN : (518) 439-8080 Field Trips: Donna Zimmerman 869-6624 E-mail: [email protected] [email protected] Jr. Activities: Steve Mesick HMBC website: http://hmbc.net [email protected] HMBC Board Meetings Membership: Dan Welch 477-2980 [email protected] HMBC Board meetings are open to all Club members. Meetings are held at Five Rivers Center or other Programs: Scott Stoner local venues at 7:00 p.m., usually on the second Monday of odd-numbered months. 785-6760 [email protected] Newsletter Contributions Desired Publications: Chris Grossman 399-9159 • Have anything you think other birders would be interested in? [email protected] Publicity: Ann B’Rells • Have a favorite birding spot you want to share? 355-5615 [email protected] • Are there any stories or photos that would inspire others? Raptor Migration: Gary Goodness Share them with the HMBC membership by submitting them to the addresses below: 862-9260 [email protected] Please send all electronic submissions via e-mail to: Chris Grossman at [email protected] Records: (vacant) Send all paper submissions to: Reist Sanctuary: Michael Gann 377-2560 Chris Grossman [email protected] Social: Denise Hackert-Stoner 7 Nott Rd. 785-6760 Rexford, NY 12148 The Scarce, the Plentiful, and the Probable — continued 31

a local birder who told us the cold they take the effluent from a regular the Blue Heron plant, but had even spell last winter had been very hard treatment plant and run it through more birds, including sandhills. In on the spoonbills, freezing up the a series of large lagoons. Plant life addition, you don’t have to sign in. shallows where they feed. removes the excess nutrients from At one location there were some Still hoping to find Spoonbills, the water. These lagoons are rich herons and anhingas nesting in we dropped in at the refuge in plant life and the creepy crawly the broken out tops of some palm headquarters and asked the ranger things birds feed on. And the trees. Vern was lucky enough to get at the desk for any idea where we lagoons will always have adequate a photo of a young anhinga (they might find spoonbills. He suggested water as long as people keep flushing are white) getting fed by a parent. the Peacock Pocket Road, which in Titusville. Here we found a good Maryde got a shot of a sandhill with goes through some great waterbird collection of birds, several herons, its chick. habitat. We found a few birds, but egrets and ibises, anhinga and Things were quite different at the no spoonbills. cormorants and a few grebes. The last place visited: the St. Augustine On another day, we teamed up plant is open to the public during Alligator Farm. My fascination with with our friends Vern and Janet, working hours. You just have to alligators was satisfied many years who winter in Titusville. They sign in at the office. ago, but the alligator farm is a great took us into the Blue Heron Water But this year there were no wood place to see waterbirds. In the south, Reclamation Plant, a great place for storks or sand hill cranes at the Blue these birds have always chosen birds. The part of the plant where Heron so Vern took us down to trees over alligator infested ponds we find the birds is really at the end the Viera Wetlands, about 20 miles because the gators block land based of a sewage treatment facility where south of Titusville. This is similar to predators from raiding their nests. ➤ 32 The Scarce, the Plentiful, and the Probable — continued

That, plus a plentiful food supply so acclimated to people that you see on the beaches, at marinas and in makes the farm very attractive to the egrets nesting within 10 feet of the roadside wet places and ponds. Could birds. Unlike Merritt Island, there boardwalk over the alligator ponds. be because we were a couple of weeks seemed to be even more birds there Overall, we came back with the later this year, or just a local effect. than in previous years, including feeling that there were not as many Anyhow, we throw our observation the only wood storks and spoonbills waterbirds as usual in Florida this out for what it is worth. we saw this year. And the birds are year, not only at Merritt Island, but Field Trip Reports 33

Vischer Ferry Nature and Peebles Island State Park Vischer Ferry Nature and Historic Preserve Field Trip Historic Preserve April 17, 2011 Sunday, May 1, 2011 May 8, 2011 Nineteen enthusiastic birders showed Sunday morning, May 1st was a perfect Mother’s Day morning featured partly up on a Sunday evening at the main day for a birding walk. 33 birders sunny skies, cool temperatures and light entrance of Vischer Ferry Preserve for assembled in the parking area under a winds as eighteen birders took to the this HMBC field trip, despite very sunny sky as a Baltimore Oriole and trails at the Vischer Ferry Nature and windy conditions and predictions of Warbling Vireo sang their morning Historic Preserve. Due to lingering scattered showers. Most of the group song. The 80-foot American Sycamore flooding conditions in the back areas persevered until we finished around tree that guards the entrance to Peebles away from the towpath, we were unable 8:30 pm despite rain and a dark, welcomed us as we began the 3-mile trip to do a complete western loop, but our overcast sky even before dusk. The around the island. The flood conditions results were still favorable. The tally large numbers of ducks seen earlier in of the removed the for the trip, I believe, was an even fifty the month had already moved on from normal placid water for many of the species. the Preserve but we did manage to find birds common to the island. In spite of A pair of Canada Geese with six goslings a few Wood Ducks, Blue-winged that loss, 40 species of birds were seen or seemed to be an appropriate way to Teal, Green-winged Teal, Gadwall, heard. There were wonderful views of start off this holiday trek. TwoYellow- American Wigeon, and Ring-necked the Yellow-Rumped Warbler, the most throated Vireos vocalized and gave Duck. Other highlights of the evening abundant bird. The Brown Thrasher, splendid views just past the Whipple included an Osprey, Great Blue Great Crested Flycatcher and the Bridge. Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, Gray Heron, and a Bank Swallow. Before Pileated Woodpecker competed to Catbirds and the omnipresent Yellow the entire group arrived three of us got see who could make the most noise. Warblers were all seen on the way to see a Yellow-rumped Warbler near The event of the day was trying to out back towards the Mohawk River. the parking lot. accurately identify the raptor building a A Northern Waterthrush was heard By far the best bird of the evening for nest. From glimpses of the bird in dense as well. A skyward look caught sixteen most of us, though, was the American forest, the Cooper’s Hawk was the best Double-crested Cormorants flying Woodcock and his Sky Dance. conclusion. A short summary of the westbound, in two loose formations. Fortunately for us, the rain stopped birds: Solitary Sandpiper was seen in the several minutes before the Woodcock Canada Goose, Mallard, Spotted back left pond, as well as later in the began his amazing display at dusk. The Sandpiper, Solitary Sandpiper, flooded areas just inland from the river. Sky Dance is a term that was first used Red-bellied Woodpecker, Pileated As the group made the turn to the by Aldo Leopold in his Sand County Woodpecker, Eastern Phoebe, west, a tight group of five Great Blue Almanac. During the Sky Dance we Warbling Vireo, Fish Crow, Northern Herons flew overhead going southward heard another nearby Woodcock on Rough-winged Swallow, Ruby- across the river. Baltimore Orioles the ground “peent-ing” while our crowned Kinglet, Cedar Waxwing, were a popular sighting out back, as performer was in the air, and when the Yellow Warbler, Yellow-rumped were Rose-breasted Grosbeaks. An performer landed he would “peent” Warbler, Baltimore Oriole and Osprey was working the north side of back and forth with the other Woodcock American Goldfinch. the Mohawk, and a Veery flew in low that was clearly in his territory but not – Gary Goodness right through the middle of the group, engaging in a flight display. No one was giving fine looks. Other birds observed sure what this was about but one theory were Chimney Swift, Warbling Vireo, is that the other “peent-er” was a female Brown Creeper, and for some in the admirer. An alternative theory might be group, a vibrant male Scarlet Tanager. that it was a competing male or perhaps Warblers. Everyone wants to know about a male helper of some kind. the warblers. Rather slow on the warbler Altogether we had a total of 27 species front today. Yellow, Black-throated and a wonderful time was had by all! Blue,Yellow-rumped, Black-throated – John Hershey Green, Black-and-White, American Redstart, Northern Waterthrush, Common Yellowthroat. ➤ 34 Field Trip Reports — continued

That’s all, folks. A persistent call that photo ops! Adjacent Ottawa NWR Schodack Island State Park sounded very much like a Chestnut- yielded Golden-winged Warbler. May 15, 2011 sided turned out to belong to a Yellow A trumpeting Trumpeter Swan flew Participants: ...... 7 Warbler doing an alternate song. overhead while at Maumee State Species seen: ...... 34 Perhaps the most interesting sighting of Park, and Oak Openings Park south Weather: ...... Rain/60F the day was a small, drab bird fairly high of Toledo produced Summer Tanager, Park entrance fee: ...... $6.00 Birding at a hotspot up, exhibiting flycatcher behavior. It was Red-headed Woodpecker, and Lark during spring migration: ...... priceless seen well by many; comments included Sparrow. “eye-ring”, “lower bill yellowish”, – Scott Stoner and Denise Hackert-Stoner “faint wingbars”, and “yellow wash Seven soggy stalwarts slogged around underneath”. As the minutes passed Schodack Island State Park for three and we were about to leave this bird hours this morning. As usual, the Pachaquack Preserve, Valatie most common species was American as “empidonax sp.” it belied its oath of May 14, 2011 silence and pronounced, “che-bek”. The Redstart, of which we observed at Ten birders rendezvoused at Pachaquack group smiled and decided it had never least a dozen or more. Other species Preserve in Valatie this morning, under worked harder for a Least Flycatcher. of interest included Yellow-throated cloudy skies with a moderate breeze. Vireo, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Thank you to all of the participants for Our walk along Kinderhook Creek, making for a very enjoyable outing. Veery (many), Wood Thrush, Cedar and return through an open woodland Waxwing, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Special thanks to Gregg and Cathy, our trail, took a little over two hours. We trip leaders. Hope to see you all on and Baltimore Oriole. tallied 39 species, with one additional The warblers detected were: Blue- future trips. Good birding! unidentified “empidonax species” – Tom Williams winged (4), Yellow (4), Chestnut- (UFO flycatcher.) sided (2), Cerulean, Black-and-white, The highlight along the creek, which American Redstart (12+), Ovenbird Magee Marsh is quite wide at this location, was at (6), and Common Yellowthroat (3). May 9 - 11, 2011 least two Spotted Sandpipers, who A big thank you to everyone who We, and several friends (Gregg Recer, vocalized for the group too. A sharp- persevered through unfavorable John Kent, and Tim Colborn), spent eyed birder also got us onto three conditions. Please give the park a second several days in early May birding Magee Common Mergansers as well. Two shot in a week or so, under sunny, dry Marsh and nearby areas of Ohio. While Chimney Swifts flitted overhead, and a conditions. It will reward your efforts. the famed boardwalk at Magee (through Northern Rough-winged Swallow (Post-trip note: Colleen and I stopped only 7 acres of land) was crowded at perched on a telephone wire for all at Staats Island Rd. on the way back times (think VERY crowded in spots to examine. An adult Bald Eagle was from SISP. The Dunlin were still there, - like the “bear jams” at Yellowstone briefly in view for some of the group. along with Solitary, Least and Spotted National Park - where row after row of Woodland birds included Great Crested birders lined up to see Connecticut Sandpipers. A Willow Flycatcher Flycatcher, Red-eyed Vireo, Wood was heard along the creek. Savannah and Mourning Warblers), the birding Thrush, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, and was excellent and for the most part, the Sparrows were foraging in the recently Baltimore Oriole. Warblers detected turned over field as well. weather was good. were Yellow, Black-throated Green, – Tom Williams Highlights among the 27 warbler several American Redstart, and species we encountered included: Common Yellowthroat. Connecticut, Mourning, Tennessee, A very pleasant morning walk. Thanks and Nashville; Prothonotory was to everyone who participated. Several seen going in and out of a nest hole. group members commented, after Philadelphia Vireo was among the seeing the creek, that next time we many species in that group; Thrushes should bring fishing poles and coolers. included many Swainson’s and at least Who am I to argue? one Gray-cheeked, plus Veery and – Tom Williams Wood. We had an American. Woodcock that appeared to be on a nest, and many Upcoming HMBC Programs 35

Wet Feet: The Wild Life of A Year with Nature in Western America’s Wetlands New York Scott Stoner and Denise Hackert- Tim Baird Stoner Monday September 12, 2011 Monday June 6, 2011 7:00 p.m. at the Colonie Library 7:00 p.m. at the Colonie Library Before the main speaker: Laurie LaFond of the Friends of the Washington County In this program of slides and poetry Grasslands IBA, a brief presentation on we explore the birds and plants of our the Washington County Grasslands IBA wild, diverse and exciting wetlands. and the new organization to protect it. From northern bogs (where plants eat animals) to coastal marshes, from Franklin Mountain Hawk streams and lakes to great wooded Watch swamps, each type is unique and Andy Mason beautiful. Home to orchids, sawgrass, Monday October 3, 2011 and cypress; moose, herons, bitterns, 7:00 p.m. at the Colonie Library and storks; we celebrate these vital places and the plants and animals that depend on them. Short-eared Owls John Polunci Scott is past president of both the Monday November 7, 2011 Hudson-Mohawk Bird Club and 7:00 p.m. at the Colonie Library the Audubon Society of the Capital Region. Denise is a past officer and director of the Hudson-Mohawk Holiday Party and Wintering Bird Club. Scott’s photography has Raptor Program been published in Birder’s World Monday December 5, 2011 Magazine and both Scott’s and 7:00 p.m. at the Five Rivers Denise’s photos have appeared in the Environmental Education Center NYS Conservationist. Their photos Learn about wintering raptors in have also been exhibited in local art the grasslands of the greater Capital shows. Denise’s poetry and essays Region; speakers will be from DEC have appeared in local publications. and will cover results of surveys Both Denise’s and Scott’s poems and volunteer opportunities for have been published in the Capital the upcoming winter. Speakers will Region Poet’s Magazine. Denise and include Theresa Swenson and Jenny Scott wrote a nature column for the Murtaugh of DEC. Chatham Courier for several years, and have authored a feature article in the New York State Conservationist. Scott teaches continuing education bird courses for two local school districts. Together they have birded, explored, and photographed North America from Hawaii to Labrador. 36 A Birding Milestone on the Continental Divide

n a birding tour to Colorado west of Denver. The road to the Pass pure white, up in the snow and Oin April, Denise Hackert- was open, but there was deep snow grass on the rocky mountainside. Stoner tallied her 600th ABA-area all around. Catching our breath Only its bill, and a tiny mark on life bird: a White-tailed Ptarmigan at 11,990 feet, we encountered its neck, was dark. Denise climbed at Loveland Pass. some birders from Pittsburgh up higher than I did, and was able After spending several days viewing that already had the Ptarmigan in to get the photo shown here. That Lesser and Greater Prairie their scope. After everyone got a evening we had a special celebration Chickens in the windy and look, some of us climbed higher, for this great milestone, achieved in relatively low grasslands of eastern stopping frequently to rest, to get an incredibly scenic place with such Colorado, we ascended the Rockies a better view. The bird was nearly an impressive bird! Congratulations, Denise! – Scott Stoner 37 38 HMBC Annual Meeting and Banquet

he 2011 HMBC Annual however, it was noted that he was a President ...... Bernie Grossman TMeeting and Banquet was former president of HMBC and the Vice-president ...... Tom Williams held on Wednesday evening, April original editor of Feathers beginning Secretary ...... John Hershey 27, 2011 at the Century House in in 1961. He has been the Century Treasurer ...... Ellen Pemrick. Latham. A total of 73 members and Run compiler for 41 consecutive In addition, three Directors were guests were in attendance. At the years beginning in 1969. Bob has nominated for first or second terms: Business Meeting a total of 11 new also been a leader in the field of Elayne Ryba, Carol Blackwell, and members representing 7 households bird banding, having co-authored Jory Langner. No other nominations were officially inducted. The Sam The Identification Guide to North were introduced from the floor. The Madison Award was not given this American Passerines, a guide for bird Officers and Directors were then year. However, President Gary banding. He is a past president of elected in the meeting. In addition, Goodness presented a Certificate of the Northeastern Bird-Banding two Directors will continue with Recognition to Don Gresens for his Association and the Eastern Bird their present terms: John Kent and “many contributions to the officers Banding Association. Gary also Patti Packer. and members of HMBC”. noted the amazing fact that in his Following dinner and the Business In addition, Gary Goodness long career Bob has banded over Meeting, Mark Garland presented presented the President’s Award to 200,000 birds of 203 species. Bob a very informative and entertaining Bob Yunick, noting that Bob “is in was present to accept the award and program, “Tropical Birds Do the a category by himself”. Bob joined make a few comments. Coolest Things”. Mark is a free- the Schenectady Bird Club, the Gary Goodness, representing the lance naturalist and former Senior forerunner of HMBC, in 1950. His Nominations Committee, presented Naturalist for the Cape May Bird contributions to HMBC are too the Committee’s new slate of HMBC Observatory. numerous to fully describe here, officers: – John Hershey Fifty Years of Colored Wings 39

The softly-warbled song During spring, 1962, I was astonished to I was looking around when an odd noise Comes through the pleasant woods, and discover warblers - to me, surprisingly right in front of me drew my attention, colored wings colorful, often elusive little birds that and there, brilliant in the sun, was a Glance quick in the bright sun, that flitted about in the brush and treetops male Ruby-throated Hummingbird, moves along in huge variety. My friend Millie and hovering about five feet away, appearing The forest openings. I would lie on my parents’ garage curious about me. One of many magical – Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, roof scanning the tops of the oak moments with birds that lingers in my An April Day, 1839 trees, perfectly aligned for rooftop mind. viewing. I spent the afternoons after know I was watching birds by the In 1963 I joined a Keene YMCA trip school scouring the woodlands for time I reached Junior High, and camp to the southwest, and added new I new warblers, excitedly checking off probably earlier. My mother was a casual friends to the notations in Peterson’s. each new discovery. Yellow, Black- birdwatcher, and it caught my fancy In Garner State Park, Texas, I heard throated Blue, Myrtle (Yellow- too. Barney Fowler wrote a weekly bird Chuck-will’s-widow and Whip-poor- rumped), Black-throated Green, and column in the Knickerbocker News, and will. Bottomless Lakes, New Mexico, Blackburnian - each was welcomed as he passed along reports of local bird produced my first Western Kingbird, a new friend. sightings. I became a regular reader and and Texas and Oklahoma featured sometimes contributor. My favorite warbler discovery was many Scissor-tailed Flycatchers and the Black-and-white Warbler, first Mockingbirds. A Western Tanager My parent’s house backed up to a encountered in Robin Hood Park on was seen on the north rim of the mature woodland, so even the backyard the hill above my grandmother’s second Grand Canyon, a Painted Bunting was a good place for birding. My apartment in Keene, New Hampshire. in White River, New Mexico, and a earliest recollection is of the Pileated He was hopping around low down Lark Sparrow in Springville, Utah. My Woodpeckers that often appeared on a large pine, and his gentle call was search was hampered by a busy schedule among the large oaks out back. Their unmistakable. Not long ago I enjoyed and only having an eastern guidebook, visits were always exciting, and they a wonderful few minutes following a but it was still fun. remain one of my favorite birds. Black-and-white Warbler around My old Peterson’s evokes many I started my collection of bird guides a leaning birch tree with my spotting memories, and shows the value of with the 1962 printing of Peterson’s scope. Alas, his gentle call does not taking notes, something I was never A Field Guide to the Birds. It is the register to my aging ears. good at in later years. Until I looked, I only guide I owned for a long time. Another exciting discovery in Keene would have said I’d never seen a Red- My parents to hear Roger Tory was Nighthawks. My grandmother’s headed Woodpecker, but there is a big Peterson speak – I’m not sure why I first apartment was not far from check by it. Alas, unlike most of the was not included - and had my guide downtown Keene, and I walked around check marks, no location is given. The autographed. It is still here, a bit tattered the city a lot. In the evening the air was notation by Eastern Phoebe made me and with a broken binding, and with alive with their “peents.” Nighthawks smile, “Swanzey, NH, ’62.” The Phoebe jotted notes that bring back memories. still remind me of warm nights and the was my mom’s favorite bird, and my One of my early quests was thrushes. sounds of the city. Chimney Swifts were first record was made at her childhood The forest behind our house was home another Keene discovery. home. It is on the one list I found from to numerous Wood Thrushes, Hermit I don’t travel to see new birds, but have her childhood. One entry on that list Thrushes, and Veeries. I loved the always taken advantage of trips to keep an puzzled me for a while, a Chebec, an musical call of the Wood Thrush, and eye open for them. My parents liked to old name for a Least Flycatcher. the eerie, ethereal Veery. Reports were vacation in Maine, so I added some birds Enjoying birds has always been an dutifully sent to Mr. Fowler. to my very informal list there - Least engaging pursuit, produced many fond In those days I briefly recorded bird Flycatcher, Red-breasted Nuthatch, memories, and been a relaxing diversion songs. My father had a tape recorder and Cedar Waxwing, Nashville Warbler, from a busy life. microphone. I placed the microphone and Northern Waterthrush. My most – Alan French roughly at the focal point of a large vivid memory of Maine, however, does aluminum bowl, and recorded thrushes not appear in my notes. I was walking and other birds. I thought it worked from the woods into a small, sunlit field. quite well. 40 Poetry Selections

The Dovekie The Catbird

Elusive for many years Denise got cold Small and gray it was my nemesis bird and returned to the car hidden in brush A tiny auk I could never see I got cold, but stayed out there the Catbird mews Six inches at most watching, scoping no neck, black top, white bottom hoping against hope “Are you a bird”? It breeds in Greenland and winters far at “or are you a cat”? sea. Then the glare ended a cloud blocked the sun They came in the summer Occasionally blown to shore, and a new area was viewable and ate raisins from our deck reports from the coast not worth chasing farther to the south. Easily tamed, as it does not stay long they also ate from our hands. I looked down there and saw birds. Then, a week before Christmas, It was like something told me to check If the larder was bare a Dovekie was sighted along the New there they complained loudly Hampshire coast A few dark birds in the waves until we went out and fed them Amazingly it stayed... not far from the shore but they were too big. On an outstretched hand We learned of it after four days I was skunked once more they took several raisins And began checking the reports before heading off - as we were headed up on Then, in the froth of the waves to share with young? Christmas the white foamy surf close to shore A tiny bird, black and white The trust of this creature Would it stay long enough? Could it be? Could it truly be? on one’s hand is precious Was that even possible? Almost certainly - a tiny Dovekie! this small catbird a feathered friend

Thursday still there Calling to Denise – Scott Stoner Friday still there... Running for the scope Saturday we traveled. then heading for a closer look A friend had it at 11; we got there at 2 A squeal of joy As my long quest was fulfilled! We parked in the “right” spot and checked every bird along the seawall. Like a cork it bobbed in the sea Some close, some far Again and again it dove for food loons, grebes, scoters, more Down 15 seconds, up for only three but no Dovekie among them all Only yards away now Were we too late once again? A check off the list, true To miss this tiny seabird by a few hours? But for me, far far more How could that be when this time we An hour I watched it were so close learning its markings, to seeing this elusive seabird observing its habits that did not exist for me getting to know our new friend A special Christmas present This tiny Dovekie!

– Scott Stoner Upcoming Field Trips 41

JUNE DOODLETOWN ROAD EMMA TREADWELL THACHER DYKEN POND Saturday, June 11 NATURE CENTER Saturday, June 4 Rockland County; morning –early Sunday, June 19 Rensselaer County; morning afternoon Albany County; morning Coordinator: Tom Williams Coordinator: Tom Williams Coordinator: Ellen Pemrick 857-2176 857-2176 452-4384 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Dyken Pond Environmental Center is Reservations by June 8 The Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature located on the near Doodletown was an isolated hamlet in the Center is located near Thompson’s Lake Cropseyville. It is an elevated wet woodlands town of Stony Point, NY. Purchased by the State Park in Albany County. The property with a system of loop trails. It can be quite Palisades Interstate Park Commission during offers trails through diverse habitats wet and buggy, so wear appropriate footwear the 1960s, it is now part of Bear Mountain including woodlands, meadows and fields. and bring bug protection. Our hike will take State Park. For birders, it is renowned for Nesting Tree Swallows and House Wrens are us down to the edge of the pond, through the diversity and abundance of its species, usually among the first birds we see. We also thick woodlands, across the boardwalk of especially warblers. Cerulean, Hooded, have found Scarlet Tanager, Indigo Bunting bog-like Dustin Swamp and back to the Blue-winged and Worm-eating are all and Bobolink in past years. Depending on entrance road. Higher elevation warblers present here along with the more common weather conditions, we will walk multiple and songbirds can be expected here, along warblers. You might also expect both Black- trails in search of warblers, flycatchers, with the omnipresent Ovenbird. billed and Yellow-billed Cuckoos, Indigo thrushes and other species. Meet at 7:30 a.m. at the Walmart Plaza on Bunting, Scarlet Tanager, Wood Thrush and Meet at 8:00 a.m. in the larger parking area Route 7 (760 Hoosick Road) in Troy at the several species each of vireos, flycatchers to the right of the main building. plaza entrance directly across the road from and swallows. Dunkin’ Donuts. We should be at Doodletown between 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 25 WINIFRED MATTHEWS HOLT We will meet at 5:30 a.m. at Colonie Rensselaer County; morning PRESERVE Center in Colonie with a return time of Coordinators: Phil & Marge Whitney Sunday, June 5 approximately 2:00 p.m. Registration is 477-9050 Albany County; morning required by Wednesday June 8 for this philandmarjwhitney@ Coordinators: David & Sandy Martin trip. earthlink.net 765-4982 Cherry Plain State Park is situated on the [email protected] PAPSCANEE ISLAND PRESERVE Rensselaer Plateau of the Capital District. The Holt Preserve is a small wooded Sunday, June 12 The relatively high elevation, cool climate preserve in the southern part of the town Rensselaer County; morning and a variety of forested and wetland habitats of New Scotland. We will be searching for Coordinator: Don Gresens make this a good area for northern species. breeding woodland birds in the preserve and 370-3923 Nesting species include Least Flycatcher, for open-country birds in the surrounding [email protected] Dark-eyed Junco, White-throated Sparrow, fields. Hooded Warbler and Worm-eating This field trip will take us to the different Scarlet Tanager, Common Raven, Broad- Warbler have been found there in recent habitats of Papscanee Island Preserve winged Hawk, Black-throated Blue, Black- years. Trails may be muddy and one mail consisting of deciduous forest, cultivated throated Green, Magnolia, Blackburnian, trail is steep. Meet at 7 a.m. at the CDTA farmland and freshwater marshes where we Chestnut-sided, Black and White and Park & Ride at the corner of Elm Avenue will see a variety of bird species. Swallows, Yellow-rumped Warblers. Ovenbird, and State Route 32 (Delmar By-pass) in herons and Wood Ducks can be observed Northern Waterthrush, Veery, Hermit Delmar. We will carpool to the preserve in the wetland areas. Titmice, nuthatches Thrush and Winter Wren also nest here. from there. and woodpeckers are found in the forest as Meet at 7:00 a.m. at the Hannaford parking well as Eastern Wood –Peewee and Great- lot on the right side of Route 43 just past RESERVATIONS FOR crested Flycatcher. Veery, wood Thrush and the intersection of Route 150 in West Sand DOODLETOWN RD. American Redstarts are common. Other Lake to carpool to the park. ➤ Wednesday, June 8 summer birds include Yellow, Chestnut- sided, Black and White and Blue-winged Warblers, Warbling and Red-eyed Vireos and Rose-breasted Grosbeak. Meet at 7:00 a.m. in the Kmart parking lot on Routes 9 and 20 in East Greenbush to carpool, since parking at the preserve is limited. 42 Upcoming Field Trips — continued

JULY NOBLEWOOD PARK / AUSABLE SEPTEMBER BIRDING SCHOHARIE COUNTY MARSH RESERVATIONS FOR Sunday, July 2 Saturday, August 6 MONTEZUMA WETLANDS morning Essex and Clinton Counties; all day COMPLEX Coordinator: Tom Williams Coordinator: Tom Williams Saturday, September 4 857-2176 857-2176 [email protected] [email protected] HAWK WATCHING AND We will spend the morning visiting sites Reservations by August 1 SONGBIRDS IN THE that will introduce participants to a variety Noblewood Park is located in Willsboro HELDERBERG ESCARPMENT of habitats and the resident birds of these on the shores of Lake Champlain. Habitats #1 PINNACLE Schoharie County sites. Corbin Hill Road include thick hemlock dominated woods, Saturday, September 10 Marsh is home to rails, herons and flycatchers. sandy soils and pitch pines and a sand spit Coordinator: Gary Goodness Max V. Shaul State Park hosts a diverse at the mouth of the Boquet River. Some 862-9260 group of woodland birds including several woodland birds should still be present, but [email protected] warbler species. Burnt-Rossman Hills State the real focus is to observe the species that We’ll first explore the trails of Camp Forest has stands of pure evergreen species collect along and at the river/lake junction. Pinnacle for fall migrants, then head out to along with the higher elevation summer Swallows, Bald Eagles and Osprey are likely “Sunset” the hawk watching site to search birds including thrushes and warblers. We here. Migrant shorebirds on their southward the skies for Broad-winged Hawks and will also stop at the NY Power Authority journeys may stop here. Colonial such as other migrating raptors. Meet in front of site visitor center observation area in North Bonaparte’s Gull, Caspian Tern and Double- the bank at the southwest corner of Routes Blenheim before continuing on to the crested Cormorants congregate here as well. 20 and 155 in Guilderland at 8:00 a.m. nature trail there. Time permitting, we will bird along the Meet at 6:30 a.m. in the Colonie Center entrance road to the campground at Ausable parking lot near Sears Auto Center on the Marsh Wildlife Management Area in Peru. Wolf Road side Osprey nesting towers here have been MONTEZUMA WETLANDS utilized successfully each year and herons and COMPLEX marsh wrens also favor this area. Sunday, September 11 H. G. REIST SANCTUARY Out of area; all day We will meet at 6:30 a.m. in the Colonie Sunday, July 10 Coordinator: John Hershey Center parking lot near Sears Auto Center Schenectady County: morning 371-3114 on the Wolf Road side. Coordinator: Don Gresens [email protected] 370-3923 Local Leader: Matt Medler [email protected] PEEBLES ISLAND STATE PARK / Reservations by September 4. Limit Join us at the club’s sanctuary to look and COHOES FLATS 14 people Sunday, August 28 listen for summer and year-round resident This day trip to the Montezuma Wetlands Saratoga/Albany Counties; morning species and to try to add new species to Complex located between Syracuse and Coordinator: John Hershey the sanctuary’s bird list. The sanctuary is a Rochester is a great opportunity to find a 371-3114 woodland habitat, so woodland species are variety of species that are rare or hard to [email protected] species are the highlight of this trip. Several find in our own region. Shorebirds will be species of thrushes, flycatchers, vireos and The wooded areas of Peebles Island are good a major attraction with the possibility of warblers as well as woodpeckers, wrens, for a variety of songbirds including some up to 30 different species including Buff- Scarlet Tanager, tufted Titmouse and Black- of the migrant warblers. The river area and breasted Sandpiper and American Golden capped Chickadees have been observed rocky flats around the island are usually good Plover. We can also expect to see a large here. The walk is on easy, level trails. for Peregrine Falcon, Osprey, Bald Eagle as number of herons, waterfowl and raptors. Meet at the parking lot at the Hummingbird well as sandpipers, yellowlegs, herons, egrets, This trip is limited to 14 participants Manor entrance on Oakmont Street in Chimney Swifts and ducks. because of the need for a vehicle caravan Niskayuna at 8 a.m. From the meeting place, we will check through the area. Contact the coordinator out the Cohoes Flats and then consolidate to make reservations and for further details AUGUST vehicles before proceeding to Peebles Island about carpooling. RESERVATIONS FOR since there is a $6 fee for each car there. NOBLEWOOD PARK / AUSABLE Meet at the NY State Dam Recreation area MARSH WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT behind the U-haul Rental in Cohoes at 8 a.m. AREA From I-787 going north, turn right onto Route Monday, August 1 470 (Ontario Street) in Cohoes. Then turn left onto Clark Avenue and proceed to the end. Upcoming Field Trips — continued 43

HAWK WATCHING AND OCTOBER FIVE RIVERS ENVIRONMENTAL SONGBIRDS IN THE PINE BUSH PRESERVE – WILLOW CENTER HELDERBERG ESCARPMENT ST. ENTRANCE Sunday, October 9 #2 HIGH POINT Saturday, October 1 Albany County; morning Saturday, September 17 Albany County; morning Coordinator: John Kent Coordinator: Gary Goodness Coordinator: Don Gresens 426-7919 862-9260 370-3923 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] We’ll walk about 2 miles over generally We will bird our way out to the hawk We will explore some of the trails in the flat terrain with some small hills, passing watching area, looking for migrating “Great Dune” area of the Pine Bush. This through a variety of habitats. Previous trips passerines along the 1.5 mile trail out to section of the pine barrens is southwest of have come up with 6 species of sparrows High Point. There, we will look for Broad- the Discovery Center and north of Route and 5 species of woodpeckers as well as winged Hawks and other migrating raptors. 20. This area is more forested than the area both species of kinglets. Great Blue Heron, Meet in front of the bank at the southwest around the Discovery Center and has a stream Green Heron, Wood Duck and perhaps corner of Routes 20 and 155 in Guilderland running through it. We should see some late other waterfowl may be present. Wet grass at 8:00 a.m. migrating songbirds of both wooded and and muddy spots may be encountered. scrub barrens. Prairie Warbler and Eastern Meet at 8:00 a.m. in the parking lot by the HUYCK PRESERVE/MYOSOTIS Towhees are common if they haven’t left for visitor center. LAKE warmer climes. Sparrows are common with Saturday, September 24 Field Sparrows in abundance. WOODLAWN PRESERVE Albany County; morning Meet at 8 a.m. in front of the Bank at the Saturday, October 15 Coordinators: David & Sandy Martin southwest corner of Routes 20 and 155 in Schenectady County; morning 765-4982 Guilderland. Coordinator: Don Gresens [email protected] 370-3923 Join us to search for migrant shorebirds SARATOGA NATIONAL [email protected] and songbirds at the Huyck Preserve near HISTORICAL PARK AND The Woodlawn Preserve is located in the the hamlet of Rensselaerville. The main BATTLEFIELD Southeast corner of Schenectady County attraction in the fall is Myosotis Lake. The Sunday, October 2 abutting the western edge of the Pine lake’s level usually drops in late summer Saratoga County: morning Bush. The area contains a flood control exposing the mudflats that attract migrant Coordinators: Ellen Pemrick pond, forested sand dunes and general shorebirds and, in many years, American 452-4384 wetland habitat. Previous trips have come Pipits. We may have to walk on the mudflats [email protected] up with 6 species of sparrows and 5 species to get good looks at the birds, so come Marne Onderdonk of woodpeckers as well as both species of prepared to walk in soft mud. After searching 583-8841 kinglets. Great Blue and Green Herons, the shoreline, we will walk some of the [email protected] Wood Duck and perhaps other waterfowl trails through the surrounding hardwood- This popular trip features beautiful foliage can be found on the pond. Hopefully, hemlock forest looking for migrants and and a good chance of hawks, woodpeckers, weather could provide us with some late other woodland birds. Aside from one steep sparrows, bluebirds and late migrants as migrating warblers along with some sparrow section, the trails are fairly level, but they are we walk the woods and grasslands of the family birds. uneven in places and may be muddy. battlefield. You never know what will turn Meet at 8:00 am in front of Barnes & Meet at 8 a.m. at the New Scotland Town up. Please note that a fee is charged to walk Noble in Mohawk Commons on the Hall on State Route 85 in New Scotland. the Wilkinson Trail, payable at the visitor corner of State Street and Balltown Road We will carpool to the preserve from center. in Niskayuna. We will carpool the short there. Email the coordinator if you plan to Meet at 9 a.m. in the parking lot near the distance to the preserve. attend. park’s visitor center off State Route 32. Feathers NON-PROFIT ORG Hudson-Mohawk Bird Club c/o Five Rivers EEC US POSTAGE PAID Game Farm Road PERMIT 186 Delmar, NY 12054 SCHDY NY 12305

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