The Fledgling Newsletter of the Southern Adirondack Audubon Society, Inc. (SAAS) Vol. 35 No. 3, March 2018 - May 2018 Visit SAAS at: http://www.southernadirondackaudubon.org

Spring programs: moths, waterways and green roofs

Naturalist Catherine Klatt will present “The Night Shift: The Unexpected Links between Moths, Birds, and Landscap- ing” on Wednesday, March 28, at the Saratoga Springs Public Library in downtown Saratoga Springs at 7:00 p.m.

Klatt’s photographs will il- lustrate the diversity and beauty of moths. Her talk will explore the tight links between moths and birds, and unexpected ways that our home landscaping choic- es affect bird and insect pop- ulations. Far from being just little brown nuisances, moths play a key role in the Audubon photography functioning of our plant and show at Kelly Adirondack animal communities.

Center this spring Klatt is a lifelong amateur botanist and birder. She dis- SAAS is bringing the 2017 National Audu- covered the beauty of moths bon Society Awards Exhibit to the Kelly about five years ago, and Adirondack Center (KAC) of Union College since then has been fascinat- in Niskayuna, from April 12 to May 2. ed by their diversity and by Catherine Klatt photographed this Twelve photographs will be displayed in the their interactions with plants caterpillar of the Spiny Oak-Slug restored 1935 home of conservationist Paul and other animals. She lives Moth in Knox, Albany County. Schaefer and attached modern research li- in Knox, in the hill towns brary. The free exhibit will feature two full- west of Albany and documents the moths on her property. She has size prints of Audubon’s The Birds of Ameri- counted about 600 species so far, out of more than 1,000 expected ca. Union College owns an original copy. species. On Thursday, April 26, State Museum Curator of Birds Dr. Jeremy Kirch- On Wednesday, April 25, at Crandall Library in downtown man will offer a free talk at 7:00 p.m.: “The Glens Falls, Dan Kelting of Paul Smith’s Adirondack Watershed Adirondack Archipelago: Bird Evolu- Institute will speak about “Modern Threats to Age-Old Adi- tion at the Edge of the Boreal Forest,” rondack Waterways” at 7:00 p.m. in the Old Chapel at the end of Liberty Lane, Kelting will discuss the outside threats that affect waterways of the Union College, Schenectady. It is hosted , from acidic precipitation to invasive plants and by our chapter and the KAC. SAAS hopes to animals arriving on boats and trailers. He will talk about the latest share this unique resource of Adirondack quickly-moving invasion that may change the region’s waterways natural and cultural history as a place for forever. research and reflection. See the SAAS Face- book page for more information. Continued on page 3

Monthly Programs New SAAS Office Field Trips Page 1-3 Page 7 Page 8

Page 1 - The Fledgling, March - May, 2018

Southern Adirondack Meet our volunteers Audubon Society Don and Nan Polunci P.O. Box 4076 Queensbury, NY 12804 Nan and Don Polunci were awarded National Audubon Society Meritorius http://www.southernadirondack Service Award by SAAS President John Loz at the November SAAS pro-

audubon.org gram for their many years of volunteer service.

Email: The award certificate states that it is presented “in grateful recognition of [email protected] outstanding contributions to the Audubon cause, spearheading robust

Board and Committees growth and continued development of the Southern Adirondack Society through new initiatives in education, conservation and advocacy.” Officers: President: John Loz Don Polunci served as (president@southern president of the SAAS adirondackaudubon.org) Board of Directors for Vice-President: Lori Barber four years, starting in Secretary: OPEN 2005. Nan Polunci Treasurer: Sharon Charbonneau joined the board in 2007, and chaired both Board of Directors: program and fundrais- 2016-2018 Joyce Miller ing committees for sev- Rob Snell eral years. “We are Pat Demko pleased to be affiliated 2018-2020 Jody Schleicher with an environmental Kim Arnold organization dedicated to conservation,” they Board meetings are held monthly said. As they learned except July, August and December. more about SAAS, they were amazed at the SAAS President John Loz presented the National Members are invited to attend. depth and scope of the Audubon Society’s Meritorious Service Award to Contact John Loz for details. organization. Nan and Don Polunci at the SAAS monthly program

Committees: in November. A favorite endeavor for Conservation: OPEN Nan and Don was initiating the fishing line container project. After discov- Education: Mona Bearor ering a Common Loon on an Adirondack lake with discarded fishing line (education@southern wrapped around its beak, they implemented a program constructing bins adirondackaudubon.org ) for used fishing line. The bins were placed and monitored at popular fish- Membership: Lori Barber ing spots within our chapter. Other chapters in the state, as well as the Adi- (membership@southern rondack Center for Loon Conservation, adopted the program. adirondackaudubon.org) Newsletter: Joyce Miller Don has built and repaired boxes for the Eastern Bluebird Nest Box Moni- (editor@southern toring Project. He has donated many of his photos for fundraising appeals, adirondackaudubon.org ) and was instrumental in building the Osprey platform that was recently Programs: John Loz (Interim chair) erected at Moreau Lake . Nan created raffle baskets as chapter (programs@southern fundraisers, and volunteers at SAAS events. adirondackaudubon.org) Publicity: Laurel Male Ten years ago, Don retired as an art teacher and Nan retired as a dental hygienist. Both volunteer for various organizations and share a love of (publicity@southern nature and a passion for travel. They have traveled nationally and interna- adirondackaudubon.org ) tionally, and recently hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon. Nan enjoys Southern Adirondack Audubon Society hiking and biking and is learning how to cross country ski. (SAAS) is a certified local chapter of the National Audubon Society. SAAS’s prima- Don continues to pursue his hobby of nature photography. His photo- ry goal is to protect the environment by graphs have won several awards, and have been published in Adirondack preserving natural habitats and promot- Life and National Wildlife magazines, as well as LARAC’s calendars. His ing environmental education. The group photos are regularly featured in SAAS’s newsletter and website and in area has about 400 members in Warren, photography shows. He builds rustic birdhouses in his basement workshop Washington, northern Saratoga and and enjoys selling them at craft fairs. He occasionally teaches classes at the southern Hamilton counties in New York Adirondack Folk School. State. Contact a board member to learn about SAAS volunteer opportunities. See President’s Message about new SAAS office on page 7!

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Spring programs Continued from page 1

Dan Kelting joined the faculty at Paul Smith’s College (PSC) in 2003 as Ex- ecutive Director of the Adirondack Watershed Institute (AWI). From 1999 to 2003, he was a faculty mem- ber at North Carolina State Universi- ty (NCSU). He served as Co-Director of the Forest Nutrition Cooperative and Assistant Professor in the De- partment of Forestry.

He received his Ph.D. in Forest Soils from Virginia Tech. He also holds an A.A.S. in Forest Technology, a B.S. in Resource Management, and an M.S. in Forestry. Through his graduate work and activities at NCSU, Kelting developed a range of expertise in nat- ural resources science and manage- ment with particular emphasis on forest productivity, soils, and nutri- ent cycling. While at NCSU, he con- ducted forestry research and out- reach activities throughout the southeastern U.S. and in Columbia and Chile.

Under his leadership, the AWI has developed the largest water quality Tom Mowatt will talk about green roof technology in May. This photo, shared monitoring and aquatic invasive spe- with permission from Michigan State University (MSU), shows drought- cies programs in the Adirondacks. resistant plant life on MSU’s Green Roof research building. Kelting uses data from these pro- Mowatt is an experienced environ- Winter Raptor Fest grams to support and leverage his mental educator, Adirondack hiking research and that of the Institute. He set for May 19-20 and camping guide, naturalist-artist, also teaches upper level courses in and traditional craftsman, living in a The Friends of the Washington Forest Soils and Laboratory Meth- historic 1910 log cabin overlooking County Grasslands IBA will hold ods, and mentors students for their southern Lake Champlain. Mowatt Winter Raptor Fest 2018 on May 19- undergraduate capstone projects. was adopted into the Great Lakes 20 at the Washington County Fair- Ojibwa tribe and is respected in the grounds in Greenwich. Plans include On Wednesday, May 23 at Cran- First Nations culture as a traditional raptors in flight, live bird of prey pro- dall Library in downtown Glens craftsman and researcher- grams, horse-drawn wagon rides, Falls, Thomas A. Mowatt will pre- practitioner of medicinal plant use. food vendors, children’s activities sent an illustrated talk, “Green and other events. SAAS plans to offer Roof Technology: Natural Func- Mowatt has worked for the U.S. For- an activity table and take photos of tion” at 7 p.m. Mowatt is an Assis- est Service in wildland firefighting visitors with custom-made masks of tant Professor of Science at SUNY and arson investigation, and with local bird species. Adirondack in Queensbury. search dogs to assist law enforce- Winter Raptor Fest supports Friends ment in various capacities. At SUNY of the IBA’s work to conserve habitat “Green Roof (‘living roof’) technolo- Adirondack, Professor Mowatt teach- for endangered Short-eared Owls gy in general provides a unique ar- es courses on chemistry-based envi- chitectural landmark statement,” ronmental science, forensic science, and other threatened and at-risk said Mowatt. He will show how green medicinal ethnobotany, cellular biol- birds of the Washington County Grasslands Important Bird Area roof technology is a practical model ogy and environmental stewardship. (IBA). For details, see http:// for supporting place-based aware- www.winterraptorfest.com/ or call ness, human obligations to the envi- Please avoid wearing fragranced (518) 499-0012. Friends of the IBA ronment, reflects a community’s en- products, to avoid triggering aller- vironmental values and offers many gies, asthma and migraines in others (FIBA) is the only nonprofit group advantages to regional environmen- attending the program. acquiring and protecting critical habitat for New York’s endangered tal quality. and at-risk grassland birds. Page 3 - The Fledgling, March - May, 2018

Three Pileated Woodpeckers were major sources of bird mortality from seen in the 2017 Christmas Bird industrial activities. This change Count. These dramatic crow-sized would represent the most significant birds are always a treat to see. (Photo: Gary Mueller, Audubon digital roll back of the MBTA in its 100-year photo archive) history. It would dramatically reduce the incentive for industries to imple- Canada Goose - 120, American Black Duck ment best practices that save birds, - 24, Mallard - 187, Common Goldeneye - and would limit the accountability 97, Hooded Merganser - 10, Common Mer- and recovery from events and activi- ganser - 25, Ruffed Grouse - 1, Wild Tur- key - 1, Black Vulture - 1, Northern Harri- ties that kill substantial numbers of er - 3, Sharp-shinned Hawk - 3, Cooper's birds. Hawk - 3, Bald Eagle -2, Red-tailed Hawk - 36, Rough-legged Hawk -3, Great black- For example, after the Gulf of Mexico backed Gull - 1, Rock Pigeon - 555, Mourning Dove - 282, Great Horned Owl, - oil spill, which killed more than one 1, Red-bellied Woodpecker - 10, Downy million birds, BP pled guilty to viola- Woodpecker - 19, Hairy Woodpecker - 4, tions of the MBTA, paying $100 mil- Northern Flicker - 1, Pileated Woodpecker - 3, American Kestrel -3, Peregrine Falcon lion to recover damages to birds im- - 1, Blue Jay - 139, American Crow - pacted by the spill. These funds are 1,636, Common Raven - 6, Horned Lark - being distributed through the North 187, Black-capped Chickadee - 106, Tufted Titmouse - 38, White-breasted Nuthatch - American Wetlands Conservation Act SAAS Christmas 14, Carolina Wren - 8, Golden-crowned to restore habitat for waterfowl and Kinglet - 5, Eastern Bluebird - 8, American other birds. Bird Count recap Robin - 44, Northern Mockingbird - 2, Eu- ropean Starling - 1,613, Snow Bunting - 2, By Linda White, Christmas Bird Count American Tree Sparrow - 72, Dark-eyed As we celebrate the 100th anniver- Coordinator Junco - 267, White-throated Sparrow - 24, sary of the law and the incredible Song Sparrow - 1, Eastern Towhee - 1, gains that have been made to help Audubon celebrated its 118th Christ- Northern Cardinal - 61, Brown-headed Cowbird - 50, House Finch - 36, American protect our nation’s birdlife, mem- mas Bird Count this winter. The Goldfinch - 21, House Sparrow - 197. bers of Congress are being urged to SAAS count was held on Saturday, oppose any effort that would gut the Dec. 16. The count circle includes Migratory Bird Treaty MBTA and turn back the clock dec- most of Queensbury, Hudson Falls, Act under threat ades on bird conservation. South Glens Falls and Fort Edward. A group of our loyal and dedicated By Pat Fitzgerald, SAAS Conservation Committee Year of the Bird birders participated in the Hudson To celebrate the centennial of the Falls count. They birded for a total of Recently SAAS endorsed a letter to Migratory Bird Treaty Act, 2018 has 36 hours and drove 353 miles. With- members of Congress, strongly urg- been declared The Year of the Bird by out their effort this citizen science ing them to defend the Migratory more than 100 organizations, includ- project would not be possible. We Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), one of our ing the National Audubon Society, thank them for their time and exper- nation’s oldest and most important National Geographic and the Cornell tise: Russ Hilliard, Joyce Miller, Eric wildlife conservation laws. The letter Lab of Ornithology. The groups will Potter (new to the area), Jacquie urged them to oppose any effort that offer a year of information and arti- would undermine the ability to ad- Tinker, Helen Crawshaw, Beth and cles on the impact of climate change dress the accidental killing of birds on birds. Brad Bidwell, Terry Hall, Ann under the MBTA. Reames, and Linda White. • This National Geographic site suggests actions that one can do A total of 50 species and 5,949 indi- The MBTA is now under serious threat. In December, the Trump ad- throughout the year: https:// vidual birds were counted, compara- ministration issued a controversial www.nationalgeographic.org/ ble to many of the 30 previous times legal opinion providing an interpre- projects/year-of-the-bird/ this count has been done. Two high- tation that the law does not apply lights and first time observations • National Audubon Soiety offers to the incidental or accidental this information: http:// were a Black Vulture and an Eastern deaths of migratory birds, re- www.audubon.org/yearofthebird Towhee. Once the count data is certi- versing decades of precedent. fied, usually by the end of Febru- Conservation biologist and author ary, all count results will be on the The opinion means that the admin- Thomas Lovejoy coined the term Audubon Christmas Bird Count web- istration will not hold industries ac- “biological diversity.” His observa- countable for preventable bird tion is being used as a motto by the site (http://www.audubon.org/ deaths. In Congress, H.R. 4239 – the Year of the Bird efforts: “If you take conservation/science/christmas-bird “SECURE American Energy Act” – care of birds, you take care of most of -count). The following species were would change the law to cement this the environmental problems in the observed: interpretation and permanently end world.” the government’s ability to address

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SAAS bluebirds boxes fledged 78 chicks

By Pat Fitzgerald, SAAS Conservation Committee

SAAS volunteers monitored and maintained six Eastern Bluebird nesting box sites this year, with a grand total of 78 bluebird fledglings: • Union Cemetery, Hudson Falls – Eight boxes are monitored by Mary Lou Munger, Pat Fitzgerald and Russell Guard. The boxes con- tinue to have House Sparrow prob- lems, but fewer than in years past. Fledged 14 bluebirds. • Park, Queens- bury – Three boxes monitored by Susan Jacobs; fledged eight blue- birds and several Tree Swallows. • Hudson Pointe, Queensbury –

Four boxes monitored by Chris Ger- main; fledged eight bluebirds, 14 About Wildflowers This plant has glossy heart-shaped Black-capped Chickadees, and eight Marsh Marigolds leaves and a thick hollow stalk sup- Tree Swallows. Two boxes need porting five to nine bright yellow maintenance and will be repaired By Diane Collins sepals. The flower actually has no over the winter months. petals. The origin of the common Walking in Glens Falls/Queensbury's name is likely its use in medieval • Pineview Cemetery, Queens- Cole’s Woods in mid-April, you’ll church festivals honoring the Virgin bury – Four boxes monitored by notice bright yellow flowers in the Mary; hence “Mary-gold.” This wild- Barbara Beatty had bluebirds for the swampy areas. These are Marsh flower is native to both America and first time, with two broods with a Marigolds, also called Cowslip or Europe. total of five fledglings. The boxes King’s Cup. John Burroughs wrote also attracted Tree Swallows. that they give “a golden lining to Wildflower photographer Diane Collins is the author of “Trailside Wildflowers in Cole’s • many a dark marshy place.” Their Woods,” available through http:// (SSSP), Saratoga Springs – Six scientific name is Caltha (Greek for www.wildflowersinyourownbackyard.com. Diane will be selling her booklet at SAAS boxes monitored by Lori McCarron, goblet) palustris (Latin for swamp). monthly meetings for $10: $5 will go to The Margo Flewelling and Leo Demers, They are in the Buttercup family. Friends of Cole’s Woods, and $5 will be do- SSSP Intern. This was the most pro- nated to Audubon. ductive site - 35 bluebirds fledged nest on Route 4 south of Fort Ed- and 18 Tree Swallows. Two boxes Spring arrivals By Mona Bearor, Education Chair ward - but don't get too close! will be repaired over the winter and · American Woodcock will be dis- reinstalled for next spring. Watch for these bird activities in up- playing at dusk. The well- • SUNY Adirondack, Queens- coming months: camouflaged Wilson’s Snipe can be bury – Three boxes monitored by March found in wet areas of open fields. Joyce Miller continue to be taken · Waterfowl are on the move. Check · The first warbler species return: over by aggressive, invasive House open water for unusual species - in- Yellow, Yellow-rumped, Palm, Pine Sparrows. Approximately seven cluding that elusive Cackling Goose. and Louisiana Waterthrush. bluebirds fledged. If House Spar- · Red-winged Blackbirds are every- May row problems persist, these boxes where. Enjoy watching their behav- · The spring chorus is at its peak. might be removed for a couple of ior as the males fight for the best ter- Take time to listen to the incredible years. ritory and show off for the females. variety of birdsong at dawn. • The Glen at Hiland Meadows, · Wintering birds will leave our area · Many species of flycatchers and Queensbury – Mary Lou Munger soon. Travel the Fort Edward IBA vireos are heard in all types of habi- and Pat Fitzgerald observed that (Important Bird Area) for a last look tat. Learn their songs so you can perhaps six boxes were taken over at Rough-legged Hawks, Short-eared identify them when they are hidden by House Sparrows. They will likely Owls, Snowy Owls and Northern by leaves later in the spring. be moved to a new location that Shrikes. · May is warbler heaven. Thirty-two would be more likely to attract April warbler species have been recorded bluebirds. · Osprey return; keep an eye on the in our chapter area.

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Species Spotlight

Chimney Swifts

By Joyce Miller, Newsletter Editor

The energetic high-pitched twitter of Chimney Swifts (Chaetura pelagica) is a welcomed sound of spring. With small sleek bodies and rapidly flitter- ing sickle-shaped wings, these birds are typically described as “flying cigars.”

Chimney Swifts return to our upstate region in late April, according to rec- ords in Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s online checklist eBird.org.

Swifts fly quickly and constantly all Above: We don’t usually get a close look like this at high-flying Chimney day, often over downtowns, snapping Swifts. Several years ago, Don Polunci was able to take this photo of a Chim- up flying insects. They land only to ney Swift after it was rescued from a silo which had been torn down. Below: sleep and nest. Their tiny feet, well- a more familiar flying view of these swifts. (Photo courtesy of Wikimedia seen in Don Polunci’s photo to the Commons, Chimney_swift_overhead.jpg.) right, can only latch on to vertical surfaces. They cannot perch on flat tions have declined 72% since surfaces. 1966, primarily due to loss of habitat. They are considered a They nest in open-topped chimneys, “Common Bird in Steep De- caves, cliff faces, sheds, hollow trees cline” by the State of the Birds and other dark tower-like structures. Report. They use saliva to glue small twigs to the walls of the vertical surfaces to The group Chimney Swift Con- create their nests. servation Association (http:// www.chimneyswifts.org/) Most Chimney Swifts are gone from offers information on building the Southern Adirondack region by chimney-like towers for nesting October. They migrate south by the sites, to help compensate for thousands to spend the winter in the the lack of natural nesting Amazon region of northwestern spots. South America. thology’s All About Birds page: For more information about Chim- https://www.allaboutbirds.org/ The North American Breeding Bird ney Swifts, see Cornell Lab of Orni- guide/Chimney_Swift/id. Survey estimates that their popula-

Bird cognition book: The Genius of Birds

Science writer Jennifer Ackerman focuses on bird cognition in her book, The Genius of Birds. The Wall Street Journal named it one of the 10 best nonfiction books of 2016.

“Some birds rival primates and even humans in their remarkable forms of intelligence,” states the publisher, Pen- guin Press. “Ackerman discusses birds’ many evolutionary adaptations allowing them to fly and make decisions at high speed, adapt to change, have exceptional memories, participate in social learning, remember a migration path of thousands of miles, problem-solve and even use tools.”

The author’s website offers an excerpt, interviews and book reviews: http://www.jenniferackermanauthor.com/ genius-ofbirds/. The book may be borrowed from area public libraries as well as the SUNY Adirondack Library in Queensbury.

Production of this issue of The Fledgling newsletter is provided by Edward Jones, 34 Congress Street, Suite 102, Saratoga Springs, N.Y.

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President’s Message tary, a volunteer position. A primary Wild birds often live at the edge of activity is taking board meeting survival in the winter, and these SAAS has a minutes and distributing them for stressed birds can be chased to the new office! each monthly board meeting. We can point of exhaustion. now offer a space where our new sec- retary can conduct some minimal SAAS encourages birders and wildlife By John Loz, SAAS photographers to abide by the Amer- President administrative duties, have a space to be creative, and work alongside fel- ican Birding Association (ABA) Code With the generosity of the Town of low board members to organize of Ethics: http://www.aba.org/ Lake George, we now have an Audu- chapter materials. about/ethics.html. bon office within the Adirondack Park. Our new office is located within The office has a window with beauti- Here are some ways the ABA recom- the beautiful Old Warren County ful sunsets, and the back of the build- mends to protect birds and their en- Courthouse on Canada Street in Lake ing is conveniently situated on a vironment: George, NY. We will eventually be small rise overlooking the lake. I’ve • Avoid stressing birds by exercising receiving all of our mail through this already spied Common Loons, Com- restraint and caution during obser- new office and receive guests to talk mon Mergansers, Great Blue Herons vation or photography, about the conservation needs of our and other birds from the shore be- • Stay back from nests, roosts and low. important feeding areas. Use a local birds and bird habitats. blind or natural cover if available. Within the same building are the As our organization name indicates, • Stay on roads, trails, and paths to Lake George Arts Project office and we cover the southern Adirondacks. reduce habitat disturbance. gallery and the Lake George Histori- Our chapter service area extends • Do not enter private property with- from Saratoga Springs to Blue Moun- cal Association & Museum. We en- courage you to check out their fine out the owner’s explicit permis- tain Lake, North Creek, and Hague. sion. With that, it only made sense to have exhibits. Using your car as a bird blind is a representation and establish our first We look forward to growing our office within the Adirondack Park great way to see birds with minimal home office in years to come and ex- disruption. A vehicle acts as a con- Blue Line. panding to better serve our chapter venient shelter so you don’t spook After 33 years of veteran board mem- supporters, conservation partners, birds with your motions or sounds. and most importantly: the birds! bers receiving mail and storing Partly-opened windows can be used Audubon materials at their homes, to steady binoculars, a scope or cam- we now have a central “Bird House” Ethical birding tips era lens. In chilly or wet weather, to work out of. Our chapter is grow- staying in your car is a warm, com- ing and initiating new projects, so we This past winter, local, state and na- fortable choice, and better for birds. needed space to store our outreach tional media covered stories about The SAAS website offers many ideas materials and have a central place for overenthusiastic birders and wildlife our volunteers and board. for area birding hotspots: http:// photographers chasing Snowy Owls www.southernadirondackaudubon.o and other raptors in efforts to get SAAS is looking for a board secre- rg/birding/birding.html. photos. Osprey platform dedicated at Moreau Lake State Park

Members of SAAS, the Friends of Moreau Lake State Park and the park staff attended the dedication of a new Osprey nest pole on December 7. It was installed in late October in the cove across the lake from the nature center. The Osprey platform, donated by SAAS, was built by Mark Cronin and Don Polunci. Vincent Petteys of Petteys Sawmill in Gansevoort donated a 22-foot hemlock pole. Ospreys return to breed in this area in late March and April.

(Photo courtesy of Moreau Lake State Park)

Page 7 - The Fledgling, March - May, 2018

Welcome to our new Spring field trips Canal. The habitat members! ranges from field

Currently, 408 members of National Check the Southern Adirondack edges to wetland Audubon live in our chapter area. Audubon Society’s website for up- areas to stands of tall hardwood trees Many of our 150 chapter supporters dates about field trips and events. Visit the SAAS Facebook page and and should provide belong to National Audubon Society for great birding. and also financially support our local click “Follow” to get notices of up- coming events. Meet at the Five Combines Feeder Ca- efforts of conservation and educa- nal parking lot off Burgoyne Avenue. tion. Chapter supporter dues are the Directions: From Northway Exit 17 Saturday, April 21, 8 a.m. main support for our chapter activi- turn north on Rt. 9, travel about one Bog Meadow Trail, Saratoga ties. Gift memberships are available, mile to Rt. 197 (Reynolds Rd.), turn Springs and will be announced with an ap- right and travel five miles into Ft. Ed- Join Rich Speidel in search of spring propriate card at your request. Our ward. Turn left onto Rt. 4, drive one- birds and waterfowl on the Bog Mead- newest chapter supporters are: half mile, then take a right turn on Ma- ow trail, which includes an extensive ple Avenue just past Ft. Edward Ele- Walter Joyce, Tribes Hill boardwalk system through wetland mentary School. Bear left onto Bur- Frank Conte, Ballston Spa communities: open marsh, wet mead- goyne Avenue and travel about one Robert Powell, Hague ow and forested wetland. (For details and one-half miles to the parking lot, Noreen Marra, Putnam Station about the trail, see SAAS March 2016 Abigail Free, Glens Falls just past Jones Avenue, on the right. newsletter article). Group size is lim- Bernie Fabry, Saratoga Springs ited, so call Rich to register: 518-623- Dana Stimpson, Glens Falls Saturday, May 19, 9 a.m. to 2587. (Rain date is Sunday, April 22.) Bill Swartz, Glens Falls 12 p.m.

Grace Haynes, Fort Ann Wildflower Walk in Skidmore Tuesday, April 24, 6:30 p.m. Woods, Saratoga Springs Betar Byway Walking Path, Renewals Led by Jackie Donnelly. Rich woods South Glens Falls Renewal notices were sent out in De- and rare plants in Saratoga County. Join CDPHP and Southern Adiron- cember for 2018. We were amazed at Green Violet (Hybanthus concolor) dack Audubon for an evening Spring the return rate of renewals this year and other regional rare plants thrive in Migration Bird Walk through a beauti- and are grateful to all who renewed this limestone-underlined woodland ful natural setting along the Hudson their chapter supporter membership. with spring ephemerals like Yellow River searching for early migrants. All Lady's Slipper, Canada Violet, Tril- levels of fitness and birding skills wel- liums, Trout Lily, and both species of If you have not yet sent in your re- come. Please dress for the weather. Blue Cohosh. This is an easy hike on newal, it is never too late. We are al- Walking path starts at the S.G.F. His- preserve trails. Meet at the end of ways ready to accept your member- torical Park, 30 First St., South Glens North Broadway, after the paved street ship dues. Falls. Meet at the gazebo. has become a rutted dirt road. Space is

Several members included additional limited. To reserve a space, send an Thursday, May 10, 9 a.m. generous donations for our chapter's email with contact information (name, Saratoga National Historic address, email, best phone) to operating expenses and projects: Park and Battlefield [email protected] or phone 518- Elaine Angel Join leader Linda White walking the 584-6346. Barbara Beatty Wilkinson’s Trail through wooded are-

Tom & Denise Bennett as and grasslands in search of war- Saturday, May 19 & Sunday, Carol Blackwell blers, woodpeckers, and thrushes. May 20 John Caffry Meet by flagpole in visitor center park- Winter Raptor Fest Gerald Carruthers ing lot off State Route 32. Event sponsored by Friends of the Helen & Bill Crawshaw Washington County Grasslands IBA. Charlotte Demers Saturday, May 19, 8 a.m. Fest will be held at Washington Coun- Gordon Ellmers Five Combines Feeder Canal Paul Farhart ty Fairgrounds, Greenwich. See item Park, Hudson Falls Patricia Fitzgerald on page 3. Details available at http:// We will walk the bike trail for about 2 Alan & Elizabeth Gee www.winterraptorfest.com. Christine Germain miles along Five Combines and Feeder James Grinter Gregory & Faith Hamlin Doris Harrington Peter Miles Dana Stimpson Grace Haynes Joyce Miller John Strough Mariam Hayes Phyllis Miyauchi Bill Swartz Pamela Howard Helen L. Mohr Holly Vegas Edward & Margot Hyde John & Elise Olson Walter Joyce Don & Nan Polunci Additionally, generous donations Jeff & Candi Kilburn Rosemary Pusateri were received from James Under- Licia G. Mackey Barbara Putnam wood, Carol Fisher and Julia Dam- Noreen Marra Beth Saunders koehler. We also thank several Nancy Martinez Gene & Jane Sevi anonymous donors. Bernice Mennis Judy Staubo Page 8 - The Fledgling, March - May, 2018