VOL. *J8 WINTER No. 1 1986
PUBLISHED QUARTERLY BY HUDSON-MOHAWK BIRD CLUB. INC.
CHRISTMAS COUNTS IN THIS ISSUE:
PAGES
Green County 2 Schenectady 3 - 6 Southern Rensselaer 11 - 12 X Troy 7-9
**ft*ftft*it******ft***fttttt«PE]) MEETING ALERT**********************
JOIN US AT THE FEDERATION MEETING
Be sure to keep the weekend of October 31st through November 2nd open for a really exciting chance to meet birders from all over the state and enjoy field trips and workshops at the Gideon Putnam Hotel on the grounds of the Saratoga Spa State Park!
From Friday to Sunday, the only problem will be in choosing the event. Watch your mail for more information about the Federation of New York State Bird Clubs' Annual Meeting, sponsored this year by HMBC.
Better yet, come and be part of it all. Callor write Bill Lee at 2171 Grand Blvd., Schenectady 12309 (phone 374-3126) and tell him you want to help out.
Help is needed in all areas including field trips, hospitality, registration, and so on. Getting involved is fun, and the best way to get to know birders from around the state.
WORK AT THE FEDERATION MEETING
ft*ft*ft**«ft**ftftffft*«ft*ftftffFEE) MEETING ALERT********************** FEATHERS WINTER 1986'
' GREEN COUNTY CBC HITS RECORD HIGH — AGAIN
Dick Guthrie
Below zero temperatures at dawn did not cool the enthusiasm of 37 chilly chickadee checkers on the Greene County count held December 19, 1985. In the warm friendly surroundings of HagersHarbor Restaurant, the ten congenial groups compared notes as a record high number of 82 species was recorded for the day.
Five new species brought the 25 year composite total to 112 species. Highlights for the day were: Great BlueHeron (2), Mute Swan (2), Green- winged Teal (2), Hooded Merganser (5), Red-brsted Merganser (4), Northern Harrier (7), Sharp-shinned Hawk (11), Cooperfs Hawk (7), Northern Goshawk (1), Red-shouldered Hawk (1), Red-tailed Hawk (84), Rough-legged Hawk (27), American Kestrel (14), Wild Turkey (4), American Coot (1), Killdeer (2), Iceland Gull (3), Glaucous Gull (1), Eastern Screech-Owl (9), Great Horned Owl (8), Short-eared Owl (2), Belted Kingfisher (10), Yellow-bel Sapsucker (1), Northern Flicker (40), Tufted Titmouse (158), Carolina Wren (7), Winter Wren (5), Marsh Wren (1), Eastern Bluebird (30), Hermit Thrush (1), Northern Shrike (1), Yellow-rump Warbler (16). Six other species were seen in the count period but cound not be located on the count day. These were ruddy duck, bald eagle, barn owl, red-headed and red-bellied woodpecker and rusty blackbird.
One of the participants was a reporter for the Associated Press! An article she wrote shared notable quotes of our able observers with newspaper readers all around the nation including Boston, Philadelphia, Miami and San Francisco. Count participants were: Ken Able, LindaArmstrong, Al Brayton, Bob Budliger, Paul Connor, Bill Cook, Scott Crocoll, Mary Esch, Brian and Donna Foster, Dick Guthrie (compiler), Dan Hitchcock, Becky Holberton, Irene Irwin, Cris Ketcham, Jim Kuethe, Bill Lee, Frank Murphy, Bill Robinson, Alice Ross, Dina Ross, Dan Rubino, Walt Sabin, George Steele, Jim Suozzo, Scott Terrill, Natale Tice, Elaina Tuttle, Jim Warren, Tom Williams.
After looking at this count list and the composite list, I canrt help but wonder if a Greene County count with 100 species can be realized in the near future.Just think - a Century Run Christnas Bird Count!
/ To 3iRp COUNT J> 1/7 FEATHEHS WINTER 10-86
1985 SCHENECTADY CHRISTMAS COUNT - UNDISTINGUISHED?
William J. Lee
Perhaps the many highs of the past five Counts havemade the Count Compiler blase, but the 56th Annual Schenectady Christmas Count seemed undistinguished - an average count with no really outstanding features. Although two field parties described the Count as the poorest they had participated in, one field party - Bob Yunick's - had a new record species countof 41, one higher than last year's record, and their second highest number of individual birds.
Much to the Compiler's surprise, when the results of the efforts of 27 field observers and 12 feeder watchers were in, sixty (60) species had been recorded, exactly the same as last year, and a tie for the second highest number of species, surpassed only by '83's record of 6-U- Even the tally of individuals was respectable. At just over 11,000, it was the fifth highest, surpassed only by the Counts of the past four years. One's impression of the Count is highly dependent on where you were afield and how well you did!
In any Count, there are always some highs. Schenectady's had at least- eight - new highs were set for Great Blue Heron, Cooper's Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Rock Dove, Mourning Dove, Tufted Titmouse, Dark-eyed Junco, and House Finch. Most of the records which were toppled this year were set very recently. The earlier records - Great Elue Keron, 2 in f5^; Cooper's Hawk, 2 in '77; Red-tailed Hawk, 80 in '81; Rock Dove, 752 in '82; Mourning Dove, 75^ in '83; Tufted Titmouse, 126 in both '82 and '79; Dark-eyed Junco, 261 in '82; and House Finch,510 in '83.
There were lows as well - the 1*1 Robins were the lowest since 5 were seen in '76 and the numbers of Song Sparrow and American Goldfinch were the lowest in nine years. Some record highs came very close to beingupset - 3 additional Downy woodpeckers and White-breastedNuthatches would have meant newhighs surpassing the 12H Downies in '80 and the 116 and 115 White-breasted Nuthatches in '82 and '79. We've all got to work just a bit harder next year, gang!
In addition to Downy Woodpecker, two other species set new seconds - White-throated Sparrow, exceeded only by '80's 162, and Pine Grosbeak, second to '68's 132. The four Eastern Screech Owl tied an earlier 2nd. Blue Jay and Cardinal, in addition to White-breasted Nuthatches mentioned earlier, were.- the third highest numbers recorded - both xvere higher in number in '80 and '81. Fourths were set for American Crow, with the highest tally since '39, and tied for Eastern Bluebird when 8 were also seen in 'JJ*l. Black-capped Chickadee numbers were the fifth highest, behind '83 and T79-T81.
Enough (maybe too much?) of records; on to the birds not seen often. While nothing new was added to the Count's cumulative record of 116 species and 2 hybrids the Fish Crow, first seen in '83, and Virginia Rail, recorded only in '64, made their second appearance? in the Count. The third record of Horned Grebe, fourth of Yellow-bellied Sapsucker and fifth of Great Black- backed Gull round out the list of infrequently seen species. It was nice to again see Common Redpoll, absent forthe last two years, and Northern Shrike, not seen in the past three years. (continued on next page) FEATHERS WINTER 1Q.86
1985 SCHENECTADY CHRISTMAS COUNT - UNDISTINGUISHED? continued
The Report: December 21, 1985, Schenectady, N.Y. ( 42° 45r N, 73° 55' W ); 15 mile circle centered at Lydius and Lone Pine Road in Guilderland; 5:45 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., AM completely overcast, snow flurries with little or no accumulation; PM partly cloudy to clear, with light winds. Temperature 10° - 2*1° F, Wind N to NW, 0-7 MPH; Little open water. Mohawk River mostly frozen. Wild food - crop fair to poor. Thirty-nine participants, twenty-seven in eight parties, twelve at feeders. Total party hours, 92 (37 1/4 afoot, 54 3/4 by car, plus 1 1/2 owling, 32 1/2 hours at feeders). Total party miles, 3983/4 (44 afoot, 3 on skis, 351 3/4 by car, plus 15 owling).
KEY TO GROUPS
GROUP A: Robert P. Yunick and David Gibson. South shore of Mohawk River from Rexford to Colonie, including Lock 7, Niskayuna Landfill and Railroad Station, Bikepath and Southshore marshes, portions of River and Rosendale Roads. 6:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. 10 miles afoot, 39 by car. 8 1/4 hours afoct, 2 by car. 41 species, 2497 individuals. Horned grebe, Canada goose, Great black-backed gull, Northern shrike, red-winged blackbird.
GROUP B: Bob Budliger, and James Keuthe. AnnLee Pond area, Albany Airport, Shaker Ridge, Colonie Golf Course. 7:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. 2 miles afoot, 50 by car. 2 hours afoot, 8 by car. 27 species, 1229 individuals. Horned lark, swamp sparrow.
GROUP C: Kenneth Able, Rebecca Holberton, and Scott Terrill. Pine Bush bounded by Routes 5 and 20, SUNY Campus and Willow Street - Old State Road. 7:00 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. 4 miles afoot, 46 by car. 2 1/2 hours afoot, 3 3/4 by car. 35 species, 1168 individuals. Fish crow.
GROUP D: Walt Sabin, Sam Madison, and Eric Molho. Black Creek Marsh, Meadowdale, Krumkill and area between Voorheesville and Altamont. 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 2 miles afoot, 56 3/4 by car. 1 hour afoot, 8 by car. 28 species, 1251 individuals. Virginia rail, white- crowned sparrow.
GROUP E: Tom Palmer, Michael Crevier and Peter Hunt. Area bounded by N.Y. Routes 406,158, 146 and U.S. Route 20. Altamont, Settles HilJ, Dunnsville, and Watervleit Reservoir. 5:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. 5 miles afoot, 35 by car (plus 15 owling). 6 hours afoot, 4 1/2 by car (includes 1 1/2 hours owling). 35 species, 602 individuals. Winter wren, Eastern bluebird.
GROUP F: Douglass and Judith Allen; Carol and James D'Aleo, and Mike DiGiorgio. Vale Cemetary and Park, south side of Mohawk River from Community College to Lock 8. Campbell, Putnam, Schemerhorn and Gordon Roads area of Rotterdam, Mohawk Golf Course. 6:00 a.m. to (continued on next page) FEATHERS WINTER 1986
1985 SCHENECTADY CHRISTMAS COUNT - UNDISTINGUISHED? continued
KEY TO GROUPS
GROUP F: 4:30 p.m. (3 participants to 2:00 p.m. only.) 16 miles afoot, 71 by car.12 hours afoot, 18 1/2 by car. 35 species. 1009 individuals. Yellow-bellied sapsucker.
GROUP G: William Lee, Linda Armstrong, Bruce Goodale, Ro Lin Chu, Elizabeth Moon. Reist Sanctuary (full party), St. Davidfs Lane and Central Park (Lee, Armstrong, and Goodale), North side of Mohawk River opposite Lock 8 to Western Gateway Bridge, Collins Lake, Village of Scotia, and Town of Glenville west of Route 50 (Lee and Armstrong). 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 4 miles afoot, 30 by car. 4 hours afoot, 5 by car. 20 species, 580 individuals.
GROUP H: Bernard, Christine, Joshua and Zachary Grossman. Scotia east of Route 50 and north of Conrail line. Maple Avenue to Schenectady County Airport. Alplaus, Rexford and portion of Clifton Park. 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 1 mile afoot, 3 onskis,49 by car. 1 1/2 hours afoot, 6 1/2 by car. 25 species, 1400 individuals. Common Merganser.
GROUP 0: Miscellaneous reports to compiler from Charles Alheim at Schenectady Museum Preserve, Ken Able from Altamont.
GROUP X: Feeder Watchers. Ann BfRells, Dawn Force, C. William Huntley, Adelaide Jaquay, Art Newkirk, Doris Plant, Shirley Redington, Charlotte Ronish, Ann Sklar, Lennie Thomas, Ann Thompson, Beverly Waite. Approximately 32 1/2 hours.25 species, 1318 individuals. Brown-headed cowbird.
SCHENECTADY CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT
DECEMBER 21, 1985
if ft * « G R 0 U SPECIES A B C D E F G H 0 X TOTAL
Horned Grebe 1 1 Great Blue Heron 1 1 4 Canada Goose * 8 8 Mallard 1 62 23 35 1 2 124 American Black Duck 4 1 5 8 2 20 Common Merganser 1 1 Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 1 2 CooperTs Hawk 1 1 1 1 4 Red-tailed Hawk 20 12 14 5 8 4 3 16 1 83 Rough-legged Hawk 2 1 1 4 American Kestrel 1 1 1 3 Accipiter(sp?) 1 1 2 Ruffed Grouse 1 1 5 7 Virginia Rail 1 1 Great Black-bkd Gull 3 3 Herring Gull 25 1 4 38 68 Ring-billed Gull 10 2 1 1 1 15 FEATHERS WINTER 1Q86
SCHENECTADY CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT continued
• G R 0 U P S { SPECIES A B C D E F G H 0 X TOTAL
GulKsp?) 200 2 8 210 Rock Dove 398 195 86 30 35 77 20 47 888 Mourning Dove 139 74 12 189 23 33 40 140 128 778 Eastern Screech-Owl 1 2 1 4 Great Horned Owl 1 1 2 Belted Kingfisher 1 1 1 3 Northern Flicker 1 2 1 2 2 8 Pileated Woodpecker 1 1 1 1 4 Yellow-bel Sapsucker* 1 1 Hairy Woodpecker 3 1 2 8 2 7 5 3 31 Downy Woodpecker 24 8 11 12 13 9 21 8 16 122 Horned Lark 2 2 Blue Jay 36 24 52 63 22 35 44 58 38 372 American Crow 693 70 280 33 22 176 165 327 471 2237 Fish Crow * 1 1 Black-cap. Chickadee 95 42 94 61 61 66 110 62 77 668 Tufted Titmouse 6 7 15 20 10 9 38 5 24 134 White-brstd Nuthatch 11 8 11 9 11 10 34 3 17 114 Red-breastd Nuthatch 3 1 1 5 Brown Creeper 3 3 6 Winter Wren 2 2 Northern Mockingbird 2 2 11 n 5 1 2 2 29 American Robin 2 1 11 14 Eastern Bluebird 8 8 Golden-crwnd Kinglet 1 4 2 3 10 Cedar Waxwing 11 125 8 144 Northern Shrike 1 1 European Starling 544 330 358 466 60 202 45 226 95 2326 House Sparrow 35 80 10 71 26 26 168 44 460 Red-winged Blackbird 8 8 Brown-headed Cowbird 37 37 Northern Cardinal 31 20 2 16 17 27 12 18 31 174 Evening Grosbeak 1 1 1 8 11CvJ Purple Finch 1 3 4 House Finch 93 110 52 37 11 179 8 220 83 793 Pine Grosbeak 13 39 35 2 5 94 Common Redpoll 4 24 24 1 53 Pine Siskin 1 25 26 American Goldfinch 25 8 8 5 14 25 80 165 Dark-eyed Junco 14 60 26 20 20 35 2 17 80 274 Aroer. Tree Sparrow 13 80 23 88 23 29 24 25 15 320 White-crowned Sparrow 1 1 White-throat Sparrow 12 1 33 42 28 6 23 145 Swamp Sparrow 1 1 Song Sparrow 5 3 1 3 1 2 8 23 Sparrow (sp?) 1 1
TOTALCOUNT i2497 1229 1168 1251 602 1009 580 1400 10 1318 11065
TOTAL SPECIES 41 27 35 28 35 35 20 25 3 25 60 FEATHERS WINTER 1Q86
LARGE NUMBERS OF BIRDS SEEN ON TROY CHRISTMAS COUNT
William W. Shuster
Record high numbers of Canada geese, rock doves, crows, starlings and chickadees highlighted the Troy Christmas Count, held on January 4, 1986. A totalof 63 species were seen during the day. The total number of birds recorded was 18,624, the highest total seen on this count.
Waterfowl were concentrated forthe most part on open parts of the large streams. Hawks were fairly common, particularly red-tailed hawks. Three groups reported seeing a Goshawk. A bald eagle was sighted feeding on a fish in the vicinity of the Hudson River. Coverage of the area in the vicinity of Waterford - Halfmoon, not covered thoroughly in previous years, proved highly productive and yielded some 42 species. The weather on the count day was mostly sunny but cold, and small streams and ponds were frozen for the most part.
The Troy Christmas Count covered a 15 mile diameter circle centered at River and Turner Roads in Melrose ( 42° 501 N, 73° ^0f W) and includes portions of Center Brunswick,Clifton Park, Cohoes, the Hudson River from Troy to near Stillwater, Melrose, Schaghticoke, Valley Falls, Speigletown, Tomhannock Reservoir, Waterford-Half Moon, and parts of Troy.
Seven field groups tookpart in the count that included 18 participants. The count this year was held from 6:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. About 3 to 5 inches of snow covered the ground and wind was practically non-existent. The total party-hours were 61 1/2 of which 21 were on footand 40 1/2 were by car. Total party miles were 422 1/2 of which 23 1/2 were on foot and 399 were by car. The efforts of field observers and feeding station reporters were much appreciated.
KEY TO GROUPS
GROUP A: Tomhannock area. William Gorman, Monte Gruett, Michael Kuhrt, Chester Vanderbilt. 5:45 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. 5 1/2 hours afoot, 4 hours by car. 4 miles afoot, 30 miles by car. Screech owl, belted kingfisher, golden-crowned kinglet, brown-headed cowbird.
GROUP B: Melrose to Schaghticoke, Speigletown. William and Nancy Shuster. 6:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. 1 hours afoot, 8 hours by car. 1 mile afoot, 85 miles by car. Northern goshawk, ruffed grouse, pileated woodpecker.
GROUP C: East and west sides of Hudson River. Samuel Madison, Richard Guthrie. 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 6 hours afoot, 3 1/2 hours by car. 7 1/2 miles afoot, 59 miles by car. Bald eagle, Cooper's hawk, Northern flicker, pileated woodpecker, cedar waxwing.
GROUP D: Mohawk River, Cohoes, Green Island. Richard Philion, Kenneth Able, Rebecca Holberton, Scott Terrill. 7:00 a,m. to 4:00 p.m. 2 hours afoot, 7 hours by car.2 miles afoot, 80 miles by car. Iceland gull, glaucous gull, fish crow, swamp sparrow, snow bunting, (continued on next page) FEATHERS WINTER 1986
LARGE NUMBERS OF BIRDS SEEN ON TROY CHRISTMAS COUNT continued
KEY TO GROUPS
GROUP E: Waterford, Halfmoon. Robert Budliger, William Lee. 7:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. 2 hours afoot, 7 1/2 hours by car. 2 miles afoot, 90 miles by car. Rough-legged hawk, great horned owl, American robin, pine siskin, red crossbill.
GROUP F: Lower Saratoga County. Walton Sabin, Thomas Palmer. 7:15 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. 1 hour afoot, 8 hours by car. 2 miles afoot, 61 miles by car. Ruffed grouse, golden-crowned kinglet, song sparrow, red- winged blackbird, common redpoll.
GROUP G: Center Brunswick and Eagle Mills. Marilyn and Norman Fancher. 6:50 a.m. to 3:50 p.m. 5 hours afoot, 4 hours by car. 6 miles afoot, 54 miles by car. Ruffed grouse, Northern flicker, red- breasted nuthatch, cedar waxwing.
GROUP X: Feeder Report. Paula Auclair, Pat Canavan. Canada geese, snow bunting, red-breasted nuthatch.
TROY CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT
JANUARY 4, 1986
SPECIES B TOTALS
■ «* mm m Canada Goose * 2500 555 85 15 65 65 3285 American Black Duck 10 150 200 11 371 Mallard 30 10 530 70 640 Northern Pintail 3 3 Common Goldeneye 10 4 2 16 Bufflehead « 3 2 5 Hooded Merganser 2 2 Common Merganser 100 124 65 289 Red-brsted Merganser 1 2 3 Bald Eagle 1 1 Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 4 Cooper's Hawk 2 3 Northern Goshawk 1 3 Red-tailed Hawk 4 18 33 15 86 Rough-legged Hawk 1 2 3 American Kestrel 3 3 2 9 RuffedGrouse 1 13 Ring-billed Gull 6 1 7 Herring Gull 332 12 15 361 Iceland Gull • 1 1 Glaucous Gull * 1 1
(continued on next page) FEATHERS WINTER 1986
TROY CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT continued
GR 0 UPS
SPECIES A B C D E F G X TOTALS
GreatBlack-bkd Gull 4 114 11 6 135 Rock Dove 17 55 76 490 110 360 474 1582 Mourning Dove 40 59 20 32 28 30 18 10 237 Eastern Screech-Owl 1 1 Great Horned Owl 1 1 2 Belted Kingfisher 1 1 1 3 Downy Woodpecker 16 5 7 9 22 13 25 2 99 Hairy Woodpecker 6 5 1 2 3 1 1 19 Northern Flicker 4 5 1 2 12 Pileated Woodpecker 1 2 3 Horned Lark 6 54 138 198 Blue Jay 77 36 31 17 41 113 40 11 366 American Crow 71 41 24 137 130 55 97 555 Fish Crow * 1 1 Black-cap. Chickadee 93 73 40 53 60 125 68 13 525 Tufted Titmouse 3 5 7 12 6 17 6 1 57 Red-breastd Nuthatch 3 1 1 2 1 1 9 White-brstd Nuthatch 11 7 2 7 13 8 11 1 60 Brown Creeper 3 1 2 6 Golden-crwnd Kinglet 1 3 2 6 American Robin 3 5 1 30 39 Northern Mockingbird 1 2 1 9 3 16 Cedar Waxwing 58 107 16 181 European Starling 38 110 123 5600 450 210 93 2 6626 Northern Cardinal 9 4 11 9 38 27 15 7 120 Amer. Tree Sparrow 91 29 35 7 100 23 74 30 392 Song Sparrow 7 1 10 8 6 5 37 Swamp Sparrow 1 1 White-throat Sparrow 4 1 6 17 14 3 2 47 Dark-eyed Junco 71 6 31 23 17 42 48 3 241 Snow Bunting 210 12 222 Red-winged Blackbird 1 1 Brown-headed Cowbird 1 1 Pine Grosbeak 15 6 8 59 Purple Finch 2 2 House Finch 15 5 30 14 120 195 60 33 472 Red Crossbill 1 1 2 Common Redpoll 400 75 e 52 1 536 Pine Siskin 1 1 American Goldfinch 17 1 20 6 66 14 17 16 157 Evening Grosbeak 20 13 15 48 House Sparrow 50 26 70 21 50 185 14 25 441
TOTAL COUNT 3652 1057 1066 5927 1581 1734 1213 235 18624
TOTAL SPECIES 35 27 37 42 42 34 28 18 63
9 FEATHERS WINTER 1Q86
FROM YOUR EDITOR...
LOOKING FOR NESTS:
Area professional wildlife photographer Gerry Lemmo, whose warblerswere on the cover of Adirondack Life recently, is looking for colorful and/or unusual birds nesting in our area. He especially wants Cardinals, Indigo Buntings, Rose-breasted grosbeaks, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Scarlet Tanager, American Goldfinch, Eastern Meadowlark, Cedar Waxwings, and all warblers except yellow - the nests should have no man-made materials obvious. Please call him at (518)-793-3058 if you have nesting birds to photograph.
FIELD TRIP LEADERS:
As a field trip leader, you should have a packet of information which now includes about 20 small field checklists for handing out to people who attend your field trip. These act as small advertisements for the club.
PLEASE!!!! NO MORE OLD (1975) SMALL CHECKLISTS FOR FIELD TRIP REPORTS!!U!
DEADLINES:
Here are the deadlines in 1986for materials in FEATHERS:
For VOL 48 #2 Which is marked Spring 1986 June 15, 1986 (Century Run issue -held for results butall else due in)
For VOL 48 #3 Which is marked Summer 1986 August 1, 1986
For VOL 48 #4 Which is marked Fall 1986 October 15, 1986
For VOL 48 #1 Which is marked Winter 1986 February 1, 1986 (Christmas count issue)
DIAL-A-BIRD NEEDS YOUR SIGHTINGS:
Chairman Bill Lee requests your bird sightings for DIAL-A-EIRD! It is only as good as the information youprovide. BobYunick is now compiling the messages left on the tape each day. However, you are reminded that this is not a Rare Bird Alert, since it cannotact quickly enough for that purpose.
HMBC RECORDS COMMITTEE NEEDS YOUR RECORDS:
BOB BUDLIGER will chair a more active records committee including Ken Able, Dick Guthrie, Bill Lee, Alan Mapes, Alice Ross and Walt Sabin, which will meet as far as possible once a month on the fourth Thursday of the month to review records. Please send your records to Bob Budliger, Chairman, HMBC Records Committee, 36 Groesbeck Place, Delmar, NY 12054. — Ann E. B'Rells
10 - FEATHERS WINTER 1Q86
Twentieth Annual Southern Rensselaer County Christmas Bird Count
Winter. Ah. yes winter—a real one-the kind of weather we're supposed to have for Christinas counts. What a difference a few degrees can stake. Instead of frantic studies of the record books and substantiations of exotic rarities, the report of the twentieth annual Southern Rensselaer County Christmas Bird Count, conducted on December 28. 1985, calls only for calta remarks about a real 1v typical year. Eight field parties and 13 feeder watchersreported sightings of 30914 individual birds ccapristng 57 species. No first-time sightings were reported and the all-tine composite list forthe count remains at 107 species. Theweather for the dav started somewhat windy and overcast but skies gradually cleared and temperatures climbed into the high twenties in most of the count area. Theground was snow-covered, with depths ranging from an inch near the river to nearly a foot in the mountains. All standing bodies of water were ice-covered as were riversand creeks except in very rapidly flowing areas. The natural food crop was adequate, but certainly not abundant. The ice conditions were of course responsible for the relative lack of waterfowl sightings. A handful I of ducks from onlv three canon species were reported. Canada geesehad been reported flying over the count area, but none were seen on count dav or during the official count week. A very impressive raptor list was recorded however. It was especially heartening to see the number of kestrels double in one year. Numbers of thelarger hawks seemed to be typical for years withcold weather, ice and snow cover. In vet another example of the dynamic nature of bird populations over the history of the count, the wild turkey appears to be establishing a very visible presence in our territory. From scattered reports at the fringes of the count area just a few years ago. tne population has increased to the point that a flock of 6 of the birds has been regularlyvisiting the suburbanbackyard of Bill Gorman. In somewhat the same vein, populations of mockingbirds, housefinches and tufted titmice seem to be bothincreasing in number and spreading in distribution throughout the area. A curious obsevation regarding winter finches is that evening grosbeaks wereobserved in ouch of the count area as earlv as October,but became scarcer as the season wore on. Very few were seen on count day, and this observation appears consistant vitn other area counts. In fact, pine groseoeaks. normally less coraon than evening grosbeaks, seem toactually be more numerous in many areas this year. Onlv 30 connon recpolls were reported on count day, but other nearby observers have observed flocks cf several hundred in tne area recently. Relatively unusal observations included a savannah sparrow (first observation since 1968) and a soaIIflock of rusty blackbirds (fifth sighting). A Carolina wren was seen at one of the count feeders twice during the countweek, but could not be included in the species total because it did not appear during the count day. Again this vear the increasing deveicosent of a substantial cortion of the southern sectors of the count area forced the reelassification of approximately 5* of the land area free 'open area"or 'open fans fields' to 'suburban' in our evaluation ot the land usage within the area reported to Audubon along with the final tabulation of the results. These additional data aid in the explanation cf many of the trends and changes in bird populations observed over the years. Field parties included: 1. Paul Connor. Hichael and Matthew luhrt (Schodack andHudson River); 2, Monte Grueu. Viiljac Shuster and Chester Vanderbilt (East Greenbush); 3. James Covert III and Don Bermas (Poestenkill): 4. Robert Budhger. Alice Ross and Richard Vaugh (North Aloany. North Greenbush); 5. Richard Phil ion and John DoIan (Averill Park); 6. William Lee. Eric Kolhc. and Linda Armstrong (Schodack. Nassau); 7. William and David Gorman (Renssealer and North Greenbush); and B. Richard Guthrie anc Sarnie! Madison (Glenmont). Feeder watchers included: Noel Albertson. Marilyn Bermas, Chris Carabateas, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Christiansen. Mr. and Mrs. Robert Don. Frank DuFour. Eana Gorman, Donna Gruett. Dave Messer, Mr. and Mrs. Weslev Miller. Richard Pearce. Robert and Lillian Strong, and Ruth VanderDilt
Southern Rensselaer Christmas Count Composite List - 1985 Soecies Go 1 Gp 2 Gp3 Gp 4 Gp5 Go 6 Gp7 Gp8 Feeders Total
American Black Duck 52 4 1 57 Ma Hard 2 7 9 Cannon Merganser 3 ■3 SharD-shinned Hawk ! 1 2 4 Cooper's Hawk 2 1 Northern Goshawk 1 1 1 3 Red-tailed Hawk 20 6 6 12 1 4 17 15 2 83
11 feather; WINTER 1Q86.
Species Gp! Go 2 6p3 Gp 4 Gp 5 6p6 Gp7 Gp6 Feeders Total
Rough-Iegged Hawk 4 1 1 1 7 American Kestrel 1 1 2 3 3 10 Ring-necked Pheasant 6 6 Ruffed Grouse 1 1 1 3 Wild Turkey 6 6 Ring-billed Gull 6 9 2 17 Herring Gull 4 6 3 35 48 Great Black-Wed GUI I 1 3 8 12 Rock Dove 284 100 313 450 45 27 200 371 13 1803 Kourning Dove 102 29 10 22 21 61 90 70 124 529 Eastern Screech-(VI 1 2 3 Great Horned Owl 1 2 3 Belted lingfisher 1 1 Dovnv taxpecker 15 16 1 10 19 11 6 8 14 102 Hairy Woodpecker 1 10 1 6 3 5 5 35 Northern Flicker J 1 1 1 4 Horned Lark 150 17 73 46 286 Blue Jav 66 51 52 44 72 82 50 19 74 512 American Crow 71 45 121 110 78 275 60 i 10 777 Black-caD. Chickadee 82 84 41 48 95 110 45 46 112 663 TuftedTitmouse 13 4 2 6 10 14 6 22 77 Red-breastd Nuthatch 2 1 2 6 White-brstd Nuthatch 8 6 2 18 12 13 16 8 18 101 Brown Creeper 1 1 1 1 4 Winter Wren 1 1 2 Goiden-crvnd Kinglet 2 1 1 4 Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1 ! Eastern Bluebird 6 6 Hermit Thmsh 1 1 Aaencan Robin 1 2 55 58 Northern Mockingbird 5 2 11 2 3 6 3 32 Cedar Waxvin? 8 60 68 European Starling 650 118 28 360 70 850 20000 510 231 22817 Northern Cardinal 10 5 4 13 15 2 18 7 13 102 Aner. Tree Sparrow 120 68 19 100 66 78 35 31 32 569 Savannah Sparrow 1 1 Song Sparrow 2 3 11 6 1 5 28 ftttSB Sparrow 1 1 White-throat Harrow 1 1 5 8 4 19 Dark-eyed Junco 40 6 15 30 43 7 35 15 60 251 Snow Bunting 75 75 Rustv Blackbird 8 6 Brown-headed Cowbird 1 1 Pine Grosbeak 42 1 43 Purple Finch 2 15 I? House Finch 48 46 38 66 33 22 110 7 42 432 Cannon Reaool I 30 30 American Goldfinch 14 11 60 4 4 30 4 71 198 Evening Grosbeak 4 59 14 36 113 House Sparrow 52 188 40 60 36 32 40 372 42 862
TOTALS 1789 621 855 1470 801 1681 20852 1631 1014 30914 (32) (27) (19) (28) (24) (24) (37) (35) (26) (57)
12 FEATHERS WINTER 10-86
HUDSON-MOHAWK BIRD CLUB
1986 FIELD TRIPS
RESPONSIBILITY:
While we encourage anyone interested to attend these trips, your attendence is on your own responsibility. The Hudson-Mohawk Bird club offers these trips under the expressed condition that they and the field trip coordinators shall not be in any way responsible for any injury, damage, loss, accident or irregularity occasioned from any cause whatsoever. Likewise, children under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian with responsibility for their actions and well being.
* RESERVATIONS NEEDED IN ADVANCE «* RESERVATIONS NEEDED WAY IN ADVANCE
SUMMER 1986
June 1 PINE BUSH: A morning trip in search of Pine Bush specialties. Meet Sun at 7:00 a.m. at the Key Bank, Star Plaza Shopping Center at the intersection of Rtes 20 and 155. Coordinator: Alan Mapes, 439-4086
June 8 SARATOGA NATIONAL HISTORIC PARK: A day trip to thislocal park. Sun Bring a lunch and meet at 7:30 a.m. at the north end of the Latham Corners Shopping Centerparking lot. Coordinator: Richard Waugh, 482-4164
June * PLYMOUTH BEACH AND WHALE WATCH: A new club tripinsearch of nesting 21-22 terns and Hump-backed Whales. Make reservations by MAY 25 with the Sat-Sun coordinator. Coordinator: Alan Mapes, 439-4086
July 19 * FERD'S BOG: A daytrip to this Adirondack bog insearch of nesting Sat three-toed woodpeckers, Gray Jays, and Boreal Chickadees. Make reservations by July 13 with the coordinators. Coordinators: Norman and Marilyn Fancher, 439-6385
Aug 16 * JAMAICA BAY: A day trip to this exceptional area on Long Island in Sat search of migrating shore birds. Make reservations by AUG. 10 with the coordinator. Coordinator: Linda Armstrong, 355-1256
Aug ** M0N0M0Y, MASSACHUSETTS: A new club trip to this remote area of Cape 30-31 Cod in search of uncommon shore birds that might be found in this Sat-Sun area this time of year. Limited accommodations are available so make reservations early, butnot later than JUNE 1 with the coordinator. Coordinator: Bob Kirker, 587-1460
Sept 6 * ORANGE COUNTY: A day trip to this southern county in search of hawks Sat or shore birds. Make reservations by SEP. 1 with the coordinator. Coordinator: Bob Budliger, 439-0006
13 FEATHERS WINTER 1Q.86 f
HUDSON-MOHAWK BIRDCLUB
1986 FIELD TRIPS
SUMMER 1986
Sept 13 HELDERBERGS: A day trip to see migrating hawks. Meet at 8:30 a.m. Sat at the Key Bank, Star Plaza Shopping Center at the intersection of Routes 20 and 155. Coordinator: Sam Madison, 439-4753
Sept 20 FIVERIVERS ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER: A morning trip in Sat search of fallmigrants. Meet at 8:00 a.m. at Five Rivers on Game Farm Road in Delmar. Coordinator: Alan Mapes, ^39—^086
AUTUMN 1986
Sept 27** PELAGIC TRIP FROM BARNEGAT, NEW JERSEY: A new club trip in search of Sat shearwaters, jaegers, gulls, etc. Make reservations by JULY 13 with the coordinator. Coordinator: Bill Lee, 37M-3426
Oct U ALCOVE AND BASIC RESERVOIRS: A morning trip to these local Sat reservoirs in search of shore birds, hawks, and eagles. Meet at 8:30 a.m. at Routes 32 and 143 near Alcove Reservoir. Coordinators: Norman and Marilyn Fancher, ^39-6385
Oct 25 TOMHANNOCK RESERVOIR: A day trip around the reservoir in search of Sat ducks, geese, hawks, etc. Meet at 8:30 a.m. at the junction of Route 7 and Valley Falls Road just eastof the reservoir. Coordinator: Bill Gorman, 477-4921
Nov 15 SARATOGA AND ROUND LAKES: A morning trip to these local lakes in Sat search of ducks,geese, loons, etc. Meet at 8:30 a.m. at Round Lake on Route 9. Coordinator: Bernard Grossman, 882-9837
Dec 6 COLON IE AND MOHAWK RIVER: A new trip to see local gulls and ducks Sat along the Mohawk River. Meet at 8:30 a.m. at the Colonie LandFill just off Route 9. Coordinator: Alice Ross, 1-658-3407
SCHENECTADY CHRISTMAS COUNT 1986
SOUTHERN RENSSELAER COUNTY CHRISTMAS COUNT 1986
TROY CHRISTMAS COUNT 1986 FEATHERS WINTER 1Q.86
A NEW FORM HITS BIRDING
by Ann BfRells
Recently, there arrived in the mail an issue of "WINGTIPS", a new quarterly published in Lansing, N. Y. What made this unusual was what it wasn't. It wasn't a newsletter of a bird club or conservation organization or museum or nature sanctuary. It wasn't a professionally-published slick magazine serving birders with authoritative articles. It wasn't a publication of a school of ornithology.
A quick glance and a perusal of its avowed purpose told all. It was a FANZINE! FANZINES (from £an Magazine) are familiar to those inScience Fiction fandom, as well as to ham radio buffs, and so on. The form allows amateurs to publish, argue, and generally participate as if they were Pro's. But for free, of course.
Apparently the editor, Helen Lapham, and supporters, believe that the professional magazines are too professional, and that newsletters are too limited, perhaps.
This issue (Vol. 2, Number 1) started with a review of three "dictionaries or encyclopedias" of birds, which ran to 9 pages. There are classified, lists of conservation assistants wanted, grants, and pages of very diverse miscellanea.
An article on endangered species was followed by ^1 more book reviews, all very enthusiastic, unfortunately. Perhaps criticism will come later. In other fields, controversy has been at the heart of good Fanzine sales!
Lists of meeting dates, atlasing addresses, and a request for articles about bird behavior finished up the magazine. A glossary was an interesting note. All in all, a typical, if fairly bland, Fanzine.
Is there a need? desire? for a birding Fanzine? Time alone will tell. Annual subscription (quarterly) costs $10, and one issue is $3. Write to Helen Lapham, Box 226, Lansing, New York 1^882.
NOTES ON SUBMISSIONS
For any long (over 5!) list of birds, such as are used in Field Trip Reports, please use the new small checklist provided by the club if possible, rather than listing the 20 to 50 birds involved by name. The computer has a list of the commonly found birds as listed on the checklist, and your editor need only reduce it to your list of birds.
This will not apply to certain situations such as the century runs and the Christmas counts, which are on lists anyway. Thisalso does not preclude the general field trip description which contains the birds that highlighted the trip.
15 FEATHERS WINTER 1Q86..T
HUDSON-MOHAWK BIRD CLUB, INC.
SUPPORT THE FEDERATION MEETING!
OFFICERS
PRESIDENT: Alan Mapes RD 1, Box UO9B Delmar 1205* ^39-^066
VICE-PRESIDENT:Daniel Ruge 128 Chestnut St. Albany 12210 4*9-1087
SECRETARY: Linda Armstrong RD 1 box 159 Feura Bush 1206? 766-207^
TREASURER: William Shuster Box 76, Avenue A Kelrose 12121 235-2^79
Vol. 48, No. 1 WINTER 1986
FEATHERS EDITOR: Ann fc'Rells, 3 Okara Dr. Apt 7, Schenectady 12303 355-5615
Published Quarterly by the Hudson-Mohawk Bird Club, Inc.
MEMBERSHIP: Life - $150; Sustaining - $15; Active - $10; Student - $5; Each per year with an additional charge of $2 per additional family raensber. Membership Chairman: Daniel Ruge, 128 Chestnut St., Albany, N.Y. 12210 Write or call 518/-4^9-1O87 (evenings).
DIAL-A-BIRD 377-9600
ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED BULK RATE PLEASE RETURN TO SENDER NON-PROFIT RETURN POSTAGE GUARANTEED
HUDSON-MOHAWK BIRD CLUB, INC. U.S. POSTAGE c/o M&M Mail Processing Co., Inc. PAID 2910 Campbell Avenue Permit #195 Schenectady, NY 12306 Schenectady, NY
16 VOL. 48 SPRING No. 2 1986
PUBLISHED QUARTERLY BY HUDSON-MOHAWK BIRD CLUB. INC.
WINTER AND SPRING FIELD TRIP REPORTS THROUGHOUT THIS ISSUE
MANY SPECTACULAR RECORDS SET ON CENTURY RUM
\ by Robert P. Yunick
The Club's 41st Guy Bartlett Century Run, held on May 17, 1986, produced some spectacular records! After 40 years of competition, one would think that the advance of the record would be incrementally small - and in most recent years, it has been just that. However, due to very favorable weather this year, the list made a quantum leap forward.
Sevengroups of 24 observers went afield from midnight to 22:30 to add three new species to the composite list, set a new individual group total of 156 species, recorded 19 species for the 10th or lesser time in count history, and most of all advanced the Century Run record count to 188 species from a previous record of 180 set in 1980!
By all accounts it was a great day. The weather set the scene forthe records to follow. On Friday, May 16, a high-pressure system off the coast of North Carolina set in motion to the north a strong flow of moist, warm air. Our bandingstation at Vischer Ferry closed on Friday beforedusk due to the threat of rain. During the night, rainof varying intensity fell at various times.
There was a time years ago when birding began at dawn, and nightime rain was of no concern. However, when groups begin this insane competition at 00:00 and 02:00, etc., nightime weatherbecomes a factor - to them at least. By dawn, the sky had improved to threatening and grey. The air was humid and began to clear by mid-morning. By afternoon thesky was a clear, bright blue under a gentle flow of air from the NW. Temperatures ranged 62-75°F, but more importantly at no time was there much wind, thereby creating optimum listening conditions throughout the day. The morning overcast kept birds singing to well into the morning.
Migrants that took advantage of Friday's airflow from the south were grounded by clouds and rain during the night, setting the stage for the record count on Saturday. Near-drought conditions that built over many weeks prior to the count created favorable shorebird habitat, and may have contributed to concentrating waterfowl on large bodies of water. Both groups were well- represented with 12 and 15 species, respectively. In the week following the count, however, about five inches of rain changed matters substantially.
(Century Run continued on next 5 pages)
17 FEATHERS SPRING 1986
41ST GUY BARTLETT CENTURY RUN Cont.
The three new species were a pair of Common Ravens that appeared to be nesting at Thacher Park, Caspian Tern with one on the Hudson River near Catskill at about noon and two six hours later at Crescent on the.Mohawk River, and a Yellow-throated Warbler at Athens. They became species number 242, 243, and 244 plus two hybrids on the composite list. ( At this point I must correct an error I made last year in naming Rough-legged Hawk as species 242. Blame it on the new checklist. When I transferred old records to the revised list, I failed to record the five previous records of this species, so while not new in 1985, it was nevertheless a rare 6th-time occurrence. ) The last timethat as many as three new species were added was in 1962.
While the Caspian Tern is new to the recent, formal composite list kept as of 1946, it is not entirelynew to this kind of May counting. On May 14, 1933 it was recorded on a predecessor Century Run on the Mohawk River in Nlskayuna, and at that time was the first local record of the species.
The 19 rare species encountered for the 10th or less time included the three new additions and the following: (4th time) Common Barn-owl one each in Greene Co. & New Baltimore NorthernSaw-whet Owl Norton Hill, Greene Co. (5th time) Wild Turkey twoat Meadowdale Black-bellied Plover one at Coxsackie (6th time) Merlin one in Green Co. Alder Flycatcher two at Meadowdale Fish Crow at Embough Bay (7th time) Bald Eagle two at Alcove Reservoir (8th time) Red-throated Loon one each at Embough Bay and Alcove Resv. White-rumped Sandpiper one at Lower Rotterdam Junction (9th time) Red-necked Grebe " one at Catskill Brant at Lock 7 and Knox White-winged Scoter at several locations (see text below) Willow Flycatcher at several locations Carolina Wren two at Berne and one at Delmar < (10th time) Olive-sided Flycatcher oneeach at Vosburgh and Vischer Ferry.
The five scoters seenby four groups at three locations may havebeen the same birds. At about 6:30 they were passing Catskill on the Hudson River. They left the Mohawk River at Crescent at about 18:00, and two hourslater were seen by two groups at Round Lake, about 53 miles north of their point of first sighting.
There were 45 species recorded by all groups and 35 more recorded by all but one group. Each group added from one to seven species not seen by any other group. Thislist totaled 28 species. Group A was not afield seeking the hundred mark, as were the other groups, andif their list is momentarily discounted, all other groups achieved the mark with from 105 to 156 species. The newrecord of 156 for a single group exceeds 150 set in 1984. As further testimony to the impact of favorable weather and migration, this single-group count of 156 species stands two short of the total CenturyRun of last year when chilling rain had its impact. Last year's peak group count of 110 species was exceeded this year by five groups.
(Continued on next page)
18 FEATHERS SPRING 1Q86
41ST GUY BARTLETT CENTURY RUN Cont.
The 188 species for the day stands as an extraordinary achievement. For years maximum counts in the 150's were the norm. That record inched up year by year to 168 in 1971, then returned to the 150's range until 1980 when the record was advanced by 12 species to 180. This year's 188 does not include three additional, second-handreports of Snowy Egret, Northern Pintail, and Red-bellied Woodpecker, that were not officially submitted as part of the Century Run, but whichwere seenon Century Run day.
Despite the records, some misses still occurred. Yellow-billed Cuckoo went untallied for the 3rd consecutive year. Also lacking were Pied-billed Grebe, Northern Harrier, American Coot, Upland Sandpiper, and Ruby-crowned Kinglet.
In looking to the future of the Century Run, it seems fair to say that records beget records. Despite the presentlyperceived enormity of the accomplishment of one year's or one group's list, continued competitive zeal, improved bird-identification skills, greater familiarity with favorable birding haunts, and improved communication among birders will set the stage for yet again a breaking of these newly formed records. The only boundary that we cannot break, and within which we must operate, is that there are only 24 hoursin the Century Run day.
(Continued on next page)
FROM YOUR EDITOR... APOLOGIES:
This FEATHERS andthe next are extraordinarily late due to your editor's efforts being directed at the Federation meeting. Look for the next issue in the near future, and perhaps even the club directory, with a return to normalcy expected by early next year.
FIELD TRIP LEADERS:
Please... SIGH your field trip reports - if you'd rather not have* your name appear in Feathers just say so under the signature. Some reports are done by people other than the trip leader...
Your editordoes NOT use numbers of birds except in rare instances, such as the duck count. The Records copy DOES needthenumbers. It is perfectly ok to send me a copy with numbers, but if you are doing it by hand please don't bother.
DEADLINES:
Here are the deadlines for materials in FEATHERS: For VOL 48 #4 Which is marked Fall 1986 January 1, 1987 For VOL 49 #1 Which is marked Winter 1987 February 1, 1987 (Christmas count issue)
19 FEATHERS SPRING 1Q86
41STGUY BARTLETT CENTURY RUN Cont.
KEY TO GROUPS:
GROUP A: Robert P. Yunick* and Robert J. Pantle. 05:00 to 17:00. Banding at Vischer Ferry and Schenectady, and en route. 68 species. Yellow- bellied Flycatcher, Gray-cheeked Thrush, Mourning Warbler, Wilson's Warbler, and Lincoln's Sparrow.
GROUP B: Bob McCullough, Hank Stebbins, Bill Huntley, Carl George, and Nancy Slack*. 05:00 to 19:30. Thacher Park, Indian Ladder Trail, Lock 7, Glenville Hills, Rotterdam Jet., and Saratoga Lake. 105 species. Lesser Scaup, White-rumped Sandpiper, and Pectoral Sandpiper.
GROUP C: Mike Kuhrt, Monte Gruett, and Jory Langner*. 03:00 to 22:30. Tomhannock reservoir, Cherry Plain, Rensselaer and Columbia counties, Hudson and Mohawk rivers, and Saratoga and Round lakes. 116 species. Common Goldeneye.
GROUP D: Ken Able*, Rebecca Holberton, and Scott and Linda Terrill. 00:00 to 22:30. Berne, Partridge Run, Knox, Altamont, Black Creek Marsh, Meadowdale, Thacher Park, Basic Creek and Alcove reservoirs, Coxsackie, Four-Mile Point, Enbough Bay, Cohoes, Halfmoon, Vischer Ferry, Luther Forest, and Round and Saratoga lakes. 156 species. Merlin, Common Tern, AlderFlycatcher, Fish Crow, Yellow-breasted Chat, Grasshopper Sparrow, and Henslowfs Sparrow.
GROUP E: Mike Crevier, Jim Keuthe, Sam Madison, and Walt Sabin*. 04:00 to 22:30. Alcove and Basic Creek reservoirs, Black Creek, Cplonie Landfill, Indian Ladder, Luther's Forest, Saratoga Lake, Saratoga Springs, and Thacher Park. 112 species. Bufflehead and Bald Eagle.
GROUP F: W. Lee, J. Suozzo, A. Ross, and R. Budliger*. 04:00 to 22:00. Black Creek, Thacher Park, Bear Swamp, BasicCreek and Alcove reservoirs, Coeyman's, Delmar, Cohoes, and Saratoga and Round lakes. 132 species. Hooded Merganser, Semi pal mated Plover, and Pine Siskin.
GROUP G: R. Guthrie* and B. Cook. 02:00 to 22:30. Greene County, Alcove reservoir, and Coeyman's Hollow. 134 species. Red-necked Grebe, Black-crowned Night-heron, Black-bellied Plover, Northern Saw-whet Owl, Philadelphia Vireo, Yellow-throated Warbler, and Cerulean Warbler.
* Designates the group compiler. Species listed above are those recorded by only one group.
20 FEATHERS SPRING 1Q86
1986 GUY BARTLETT CENTURY RUN
May 17, 1986
Red-throatedLoon d fg Pectoral Sandpiper b Common Loon bcdefg Dunlin b d Red-necked Grebe g Common Snipe def Double-crested Cormorant cd fg American Woodcock bcdefg American Bittern a def Bonaparte's Gull cd f g Least Bittern d g Ring-billed Gull abcdefg Great Blue Heron bcdefg Herring Gull bcdefg Green-backed Heron abodefg Great Black-backed Gull bcdefg Black-crowned Night-Heron g Caspian Tern d f g Brant b d CommonTern d Canada Goose abcdefg Black Tern def Wood Duck abcdefg RockDove abcdefg Green-winged Teal d f Mourning Dove abcdefg American Black Duck bcdefg Black-billed Cuckoo cd fg Mallard abcdefg Common Barn-Owl d g Blue-winged Teal b ef Eastern Screech-Owl defg Greater Scaup def Great Horned Owl bcdefg Lesser Scaup b Barred Owl b d g White-winged Scoter defg Northern Saw-whet Owl S Common Goldeneye c Common Nighthawk bode
Bufflehead e Whip-poor-will cd g Hooded Merganser f Chimney Swift abcdefg Common Merganser bed Ruby-throated Hummingbird a cdefg Red-breasted Merganser de g Belted Kingfisher abcdefg Turkey Vulture bcdefg Red-headed Woodpecker cd Osprey bede g Yellow-bellied Sapsucker c e g Bald Eagle e Downy Woodpecker abcdefg Sharp-shinned Hawk b d HairyWoodpecker a od fg Cooper's Hawk b d Northern Flicker abcdefg Red-shouldered Hawk cd Pileated Woodpecker bedef Broad-winged Hawk a d fg Olive-sided Flycatcher a d Red-tailed Hawk abcdefg Eastern Wood-Pewee ab defg American Kestrel bcdefg Yellow-bellied Flycatcher a Merlin d Alder Flycatcher d ' Ring-necked Pheasant be g Willow Flycatcher b defg Ruffed Grouse c g Least Flycatcher abcdefg Wild Turkey d g Eastern Phoebe bcdefg Northern Bobwhite c g Great Crested Flycatcher abcdefg Virginia Rail bcdefg Eastern Kingbird abcdefg Sora b defg Horned Lark d f Common Moorhen ab defg Purple Martin cdef Black-bellied Plover g Tree Swallow abcdefg Semipalmated Plover f Northern Rough-wng Swallow b defg FCilldeer bcdefg Bank Swallow abcdefg Greater Yellowlegs c g Cliff Swallow cdefg Solitary Sandpiper d f g Barn Swallow abcdefg Spotted Sandpiper b defg Blue Jay abcdefg Semipalmated Sandpiper d f American Crow abcdefg Least Sandpiper cd fg Fish Crow d White-rumped Sandpiper b Common Raven def
21 FEATHERS SPRING 1Q86
1986 GUY BARTLETT CENTURY RUN
May 17, 1986
Black-capped Chickadee abcdefg Prairie Warbler bcdefg Tufted Titmouse abcdefg Bay-breasted Warbler cdefg Red-breasted Nuthatch de Blackpoll Warbler d g White-breasted Nuthatch bcdefg Cerulean Warbler g Brown Creeper cdefg Black-and-white Warbler abcdefg Carolina Wren d f American Redstart abcdefg House Wren abcdefg Worm-eating Warbler ef Winter Wren b def Ovenbird abcdefg Marsh VJren bcdefg Northern Waterthrush a cd fg Golden-crowned Kinglet cd Louisiana Waterthrush be ef Blue-gray Gnatcatcher a cdefg Mourning Warbler a Eastern Bluebird bcdefg CommonYellowthroat abcdefg Veery abcdefg Wilson's Warbler a
Gray-cheeked Thrush a Canada Warbler abed fg Swainson's Thrush d fg Yellow-breasted Chat d Hermit Thrush bcdefg Scarlet Tanager bcdefg Wood Thrush abcdefg Northern Cardinal abcdefg American Robin abcdefg Rose-breasted Grosbeak abcdefg Gray Catbird abcdefg Indigo Bunting c efg Northern Mockingbird bcdefg Rufous-sided Towhee bcdefg Erown Thrasher ab defg Chipping Sparrow bcdefg Water Pipit d g Field Sparrow bcdefg Cedar Waxwing a cd fg Vesper Sparrow cd g EuropeanStarling abcdefg Savannah Sparrow d fg Solitary Vireo cde Grasshopper Sparrow d Yellow-throated Vireo abcdefg Henslow's Sparrow d Warbling Vireo abcdefg Song Sparrow abcdefg Philadelphia Vireo g Lincoln's Sparrow a Red-eyed Vireo bcdefg Swamp Sparrow bcdefg Blue-winged Warbler bcdefg White-throatedSparrow abc fg Golden-winged Warbler bcde g White-crowned Sparrow de Tennessee Warbler ab d fg Dark-eyed Junco bcdefg Nashville Warbler bed f Bobolink bcdefg Northern Parula a d Red-winged Blackbird abcdefg Yellow Warbler abcdefg Eastern Meadowlark bcdefg Chestnut-sided Warbler bcdefg CommonGrackle abcdefg Magnolia Warbler a cd fg Brown-headed Cowbird abcdefg Cape May Warbler d fg Northern Oriole abcdefg Black-throated Blue Warbler cd fg Purple Finch bed Yellow-rumped Warbler bcdefg HouseFinch abcdefg Black-throated Green Warbler abed fg Pine Siskin f Blackburnian Warbler a cd fg American Goldfinch abcdefg
Yellow-throated Warbler g Evening Grosbeak c f Pine Warbler def House Sparrow abcdefg
22 FEATHERS SPRING 1Q86
SARATOGA AND ROUND LAKES
November 16, 1985
A largeraftof Hooded Mergansers were seen on Lake Lonely, and a lone Brant was seen on the shore of Saratoga Lake, A good cross-section of waterfowl were seen, including 12 Common Loon, 20 Scaup, 17 Common Goldeneye, and many Hooded and Common Merganser, This is a really dependable trip for waterfowl.
SPECIES SEEN: Red-throated Loon, Common Loon, Horned Grebe, Red-necked Grebe, Great Blue Heron, Snow Goose, Brant, American Black Duck, Mallard, Canvasback, Greater Scaup, Common Goldeneye, Hooded Merganser, Common Merganser, Red- tailed Hawk, American Coot, Killdeer, Ring-billed Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Belted Kingfisher, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Blue Jay, American Crow, Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, European Starling, American Tree Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White- throated Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, House Finch, American Goldfinch, Evening Grosbeak, House Sparrow. — Bernard Grossman
NEW YORK STATE WATERFOWL COUNT - REGION 8
January 12, 1986
Mild, windy day followed a week of severe cold. The region was covered by five groups. The announced HMBC group went along the east shore of the Hudson beginning inTroy at the Waterford bridge to the Hoosick River, along the south shore of the Hoosick to Schaghticoke, then back to Stillwater and on up to Hudson Falls, with stops at Schuylerville, Ft. Miller, and Ft. Edward.
In the morning with the very strong winds, waterfowl were scarce. Common Mergansers, Blacks and Mallards were the most prevalent. Canada Geese, Hooded Merganser, Common Goldeneye, Scaup were identified in smaller numbers.
Of special interest was a lone female Wood Duck on the ice in the Hoosick River, and one American Wigeon seen in the Hudson at the south end of Stillwater village.
Kate Dunham and other Alan Devoe BirdClub members did Columbia County, Paul Grattan, Walt Sabin and HMBC did as described above, Dick Guthrie did the Hudson in Green County, BillLee did the Mohawk from Green Island to Crescent, and TomPalmer did the Mohawk in the Amsterdam area.
Mute Swan 2 Snow Goose 1 Canada Goose 1476 Wood Duck 1 (f) American Black Duck 1438 * Mallard 1695 American Wigeon 1 Canvasback 170 Redhead 2 Greaterflneafen ScaupRr»niin 24P2l •* Common Goldeneye 75 Hooded Merganser 3 Common Merganser 356 Red-Breasted Merganser 3
* In addition, approximately 100 in Hudson identified as Black and/or Mallard •* Two identified simply "Scaup", — Paul Grattan
23 FEATHERS ; SPRING 1Q86
CAPE ANN - PLUM ISLAND
January 25 and 26, 1986
It was a coldand snowy morning as we set out on the 25th of January. Dovekie had been reported recently near Bass Rocks so we started our trip there. Poor visibility hampered observations, but we managed to find Common Loons, Horned and Red-necked Grebes, and Great and Double-crested Cormorants. As we moved south, we added Iceland and Glaucous Gulls to our list.
At Eastern Point we found Common Goldeneye, Bonepartefs Gull and Black- legged Kittiwake. We then moved north to the Rockport jetty where we had nice looks at a Thick-billed Murre. At Andrew's Point we found several Black Guillemots, two Northern Gannets and more thick-billed Murres. At Halibut Point we added a few land birds to our list, some Purple Sandpipers and a Yellow-rumped V/arbler. We finished the day at Glouster Harbor and Hammond's Castle with a total of 41 species.
The next morning we joined Walter Charsky and Hartford Audubon to look for owls nearHamilton, Mass. A light rain was falling, but we finally located a Long-eared Owl. We moved on to PlumIsland where Northern Harrier, Red-tailed Hawk, and Rough-legged Hawk were added to our list. Continued rain in Massachusetts plus snow and freezing rainin the Albany area prompted most of our drivers to head for home. Two cars did remain and picked upabout a dozen new species including Black-bellied Plover, Sanderling, and Dunlin for a triptotal of 56 species.
SPECIES SEEN: Red-throated Loon, Common Loon, Horned Grebe, Red-necked Grebe, Northern Gannet, Great Cormorant, Double-crested Cormorant, Canada Goose, American Black Duck, Mallard,Gadwall, Common Eider, Oldsquaw, Black Scoter, Surf Scoter, White-winged Scoter, Common Goldeneye, Barrow's Goldeneye, Bufflehead, Common Merganser, Red-breasted Merganser, Northern Harrier, Red- tailed Hawk, Rough-legged Hawk, Black-bellied Plover, Sanderling, Purple Sandpiper, Dunlin, Bonaparte's Gull, Ring-billed Gull, Herring Gull, Iceland Gull, Glaucous Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Black-legged Kittiwake, Thick- billed Murre, Black Guillemot, Rock Dove, Mourning Dove, Long-eared Owl, Belted Kingfisher, Horned Lark, Gray Jay, American Crow, Black-capped Chickadee, White-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, Northern Mockingbird, Northern Shrike, European Starling, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Northern Cardinal, American Tree Sparrow, Song Sparrow, House Finch, House Sparrow. — Bill Gorman
LOWER HUDSON
April 5, 1986
It was a nice spring morning as we headed south on Route 9J. We found a few Mallards and Green-winged Teal along with several Common Snipe. SomeSong Sparrows and Swamp Sparrows were singing and a few Tree Swallows circled around. By the time we reached Castleton it was obvious that most ofthe ducks had already passed through.
We did find a few raptors including Turkey Vulture, Osprey, Northern Harrier, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, and American Kestrel.
24 FEATHERS SPRING 19,86
LOWER HUDSON continued Red-winged Blackbirds and Common Grackles were seen in low numbers, as were Gulls and most other birds. At Stockport we had nice looks at several Horned Grebes and found a few Pintails and Canvasbacks. We ended the trip with an uninspiring total of 46 species.
SPECIES SEEN: Horned Grebe, Wood Duck, Green-winged Teal, American Black Duck, Mallard, Northern Pintail, Canvasback, Scaup (sp), Hooded Merganser, Common Merganser, Turkey Vulture, Osprey, Northern Harrier, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, American Kestrel, Ruffed Grouse, Killdeer, Least Sandpiper, Pectoral Sandpiper, Common Snipe, Ring-billed Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Rock Dove, Mourning Dove, Belted Kingfisher, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Eastern Phoebe, Tree Swallow, Blue Jay, American Crow, Fish Crow, Black-capped Chickadee, White-breasted Nuthatch, American Robin, Northern Mockingbird, European Starling, Northern Cardinal, Song Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow, Red-winged Blackbird, Common Grackle, House Finch. — Bill Gorman
WOODCOCK AND OWLS
May 4, 1986
Twenty-one birders, many of them non-members ofHMBC, toured prime woodcock habitat at Five Riversin search of courting males. Several locations on the property have been used as singing grounds over the past seven years, and with the recent aspen regeneration program begun on the grounds, it is expected that woodcock will thrive for many more years in perhaps larger numbers.
As many in the group were apparently beginning birders, some interpretive effort was in order. No effort was made to include birds which flew by too quickly for a majority's view, but identification of about 21 common species were explained, with audience participation in the diagnosis. It is hoped that most of the attendees could reidentify these species by themselves afterward.
As nightfall approached, the group scoured the aspen regeneration site and heard 1 woodcock begin its Bronx cheer. It took flight after H peents and appeared to take up at a distant singing ground.
The group then visited a second known singing ground which did have a courting male which allowed close approach with good looks forall from about 10-15 yards. Several in the group had never witnessed the courting flight of this unusual bird.
As it was already two hours from the start of the trip, and the group was obviously satisfied with the woodcock's show, a half-hearted attempt to attract owls was abandoned at 8:15, which was too early for them, as well as anti-climactic. Perhaps in the future this trip should be started later.
SPECIES SEEN (21): Canada Goose, Wood Duck, Mallard, Ring-necked Pheasant, Killdeer, Mourning Dove, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Eastern Phoebe, Tree Swallow, White-breasted Nuthatch, American Robin, Northern Mockingbird, Yellow Warbler, Northern Cardinal, Song Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, Red- winged Blackbird, Common Grackle, House Finch, HouseSparrow. —Craig Thompson
25 FEATHERS SPRING 1Q.86
SARATOGA AND ROUND LAKES
April 19, 1986
A warm, sunny day welcomed over 20 birders who traveled around the lakes looking for ducks and early migrants. The best find was a pair of Virginia Rails in a wetlands alongStony Point Road. The early warm weather and the boats limited the variety and numbers of ducks and waterfowl, however. A totalof 1|2 species were seen.
SPECIES SEEN: Pied-billed Grebe, Great Blue Heron, Mallard, Ring-necked Duck, Bufflehead, Common Merganser, Red-breasted Merganser, Turkey Vulture, Red- tailed Hawk, American Kestrel, Virginia Rail, Killdeer, Ring-billed Gull, Herring Gull, Rock Dove, Mourning Dove, Belted Kingfisher, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Downy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker, Eastern Phoebe, Tree Swallow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Blue Jay, American Crow, Blacfc-capped Chickadee, White-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, American Robin, Northern Mockingbird, European Starling, Northern Cardinal, Chipping Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Red-winged Blackbird, Common Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, House Finch, House Sparrow. — Bernard Grossman
FIVE RIVERS ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER
May 7, 1986
The trip at Five Rivers on May 7th started out with a Northern oriole and stayed on a high noteall morning. Around the Beaver Treepond were a flock of cedar waxwings, rough-winged and barn swallows, a downy woodpecker, a spotted sandpiper, and song sparrows. The highlight on the pond were the two families of Canada geese with goslings. This was the first sighting of gosling this year. One female was still sitting on her nest while three goslings were active around her, the other family with four goslings were on the water. Threeother females were still incubating with no signs of young;
* In the Old Field were sighted Eastern phoebes, flickers, red-tailed hawks, American bluebirds, a common snipe,, tree swallows and American goldfinch. A brown thrasher and a ring-necked pheasant were heard.
In thespruce trees five warblers were sighted. An American bittern gave the group a start by flushing 10 feet fromthem and flying to the marsh were it disappeared. The walk ended at the bird feeders where white-throated and white-crowned sparrows were added. In all, 43 species were sighted.
SPECIES SEEN: American Bittern, Canada Goose, Mallard, Red-tailed Hawk, Ring- necked Pheasant, Spotted Sandpiper, Common Snipe, Mourning Dove, Downy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Eastern Phoebe, Tree Swallow, Northern Rough- winged Swallow, Barn Swallow, Blue Jay, American Crow, Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, House Wren, Eastern Bluebird, American Robin, Gray Catbird, Brown Thrasher, Cedar Waxwing, European Starling, Yellow Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Common Yellbwthroat, Wilson'sWarbler, Northern Cardinal, Chipping Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Red-winged Blackbird, Common Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, Northern Oriole, House Finch, American Goldfinch, House Sparrow, — Nancy M. Payne
26 FEATHERS SPRING 1Q86
RABE BIRD TRIP, ESSEX COUNTY
February 1, 1986
Unlike Hudson-Mohawks scheduled field trips, the Rare Bird Trip is set at the trip leader's discretion when a bird is deemed rare, and even more importantly, is likely to stay long enough to be seen by the trip's participants. Reports from High Peaks Audubon were that large numbers of Bohemian Waxwings near Port Douglass on Lake Cham plain and a Harlequin Duck at Essex on the Lake hadpersisted for several weeks. The Waxwingswere likely to remain as long as sumac, wild grape, and buckthorn, on which they were feeding, lasted. The Harlequin appeared happily ensconced at the ferry dock at Essex as long as some openwater remained.
With two rare birds to pursue, the chances of finding at least one were excellent, I reasoned. So fifteen club members who had signed up in advance were called and alerted. The RareBird Trip was to be on Saturday, February 1st, with Bohemian Waxwing and Harlequin Duck as the quarry.
Only eight of the fifteen were able to go, given the short notice, and were to meet at the Round Lake exit of the Northway the following morning. It was bright and sunny as we met, but three of the eight still hadn't arrived a half hour after the meeting time. Later, we learned that they had turned up only minutes after our departure. Delayed by car problems, they never did catch up with us, but while following the itinerary described the day before, they lagged a half hour behind us throughout the day and saw several species - Sharp-shinned Hawk, Northern Shrike, and Lapland Longspur - which we missed.
While driving up the Northway access ramp at Round Lake, one person in the second car spotted a small flock of Snow Buntings. Later, the lead car's two occupants sighted a Common Raven overhead, and saw a second Raven minutes later over the Northway in Warren County, making up for missing the Snow Buntings. Condensation and ice on the side windows of the second car obscured their view of the Ravens. We were even now!
After driving for two hours, we exited the Northway south of Keesville and began driving local roads slowly, searching trees and field hedgerows for feeding birds. Within minutes, near the intersection of two county roads,*we found a large flock of birds perched in the tops of trees. They were the right size, the right shape, and behaved like Waxwings - we stopped, jumped out, and focused ourbinoculars. Grayish birds with black masks and crests - they were waxwings! We could see cinnamon or rusty undertail coverts - Bohemian Waxwings I
The flock of about 150 made a constant low buzzy chattering sound as they swirled from tree to tree. Quickly, we set up spotting scopes and observed more diagnostic field marks - yellow, black, and white markings on the wings. We studied them for several minutes. From below, the rusty undertail coverts were obvious and an easily seen diagnostic field mark. Not one had the white undertail coverts of the Cedar Waxwing - they were all Bohemians! Then some of the Waxwings joined a half dozen Pine Grosbeaks we had missed in our excitement.
(more excitement on next page)
27 FEATHERS SPRING 1Q86
RARE BIRD TRIP, ESSEX COUNTY cont.
We had succeeded in locating one of our two rare birds within minutes - not only a rare bird, but a life bird for two of the group! Now on to the second rarity - Harlequin Buck!
Driving east and then south provided spectacular hilltop views of Lake Champlain and Vermont's Green Mountains. More Pine Grosbeaks and two flocks of Evening Grosbeaks were found before we turned south onto Route 22 towards Willsboro and Essex. We saw Pine Siskins and Common Redpolls, and as we neared Essex Harbor, large numbers of gulls and waterfowl became readily visible - the gulls on the ice at the edge of a large expanse of open water where most of the ducks sat.
We scoped the ducks from several vantage points around the harbor to no avail; a pair of Canvasback, a female Hooded Merganser, many Common Merganser, and Common Goldeneye - but no Harlequin Duck nor the Bufflehead with whom it had been associating. Even the gulls were a disappointment; not a white-winged, Bonaparte's, or Little Gullin the hundred or so Ring-billed, dozen Herring, and four Great Black-backed Gulls. Ah well, a fifty percent success ratefor a rare bird trip isn't bad.
Because two GoldenEagles had been reported earlier that week in the South Bay area of Lake Champlain, we decided to return home by way of Route 22 through Washington County, hoping to find a Golden Eagle. It would take a stroke of verygood luck, but most birders are incredible, even incurable, optimists. Besides, we rationalized, it wouldn't be very far out of theway. Several Red-tailed Hawks, a Rough-legged Hawk and a Wild Turkey were seen from the highway before Fort Ann.
Turningnorth from Fort Ann tbward South Bay, we spotted a large buteo perched in a tree. As we stopped to check it, Walt Sabin spotted coming toward us the D.E.C. wildlife biologist who hadseen the Eagles earlier in the week.He was also looking for the Goldens, which he hadseen Tuesday just up the road, but had had no luck today. All he had found were Snow Buntings and Horned Larks in a freshly manured field, and the Rough-legged we were all looking at. Alas we could not find the Buntings or the Larks, let alone the Golden Eagles!
Thwarted again, we headed home pleased with the Bohemian Waxwings we had seen. After all, one rare bird is better than none, andit might well be several years before any of us again see Bohemian Waxwings inNew York State!
SPECIES SEEN (38): American Black Duck, Mallard, Canvasback, Common Goldeneye, */**Hooded Merganser, Common Merganser, *Sharp-shinned Hawk, Red- tailed Hawk, **Rough-legged Hawk, **Wild Turkey, Ring-billed Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Rock Dove, Mourning Dove, Blue Jay, American Crow, Common Raven, Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, Bohemian Waxwing, *Northern Shrike, European Starling, Northern Cardinal, American TreeSparrow, Song Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, *Lapland Longspur, **Snow Bunting, *Brown-headed Cowbird, Pine Grosbeak, Purple Finch, House Finch, *Common Redpoll, */**Pine Siskin, Evening Grosbeak, House Sparrow. * Seen by Molho car only. ** Seen by Armstrong car only. — William Lee
28 FEATHERS SPRING 1Q86
MONTGOMERY COUNTY
May 31, 1986
A brief 8am shower on this 1/2 day field trip to Montgomery County didn't dampen the enthusiasm of its 19 participants. Close views of Eastern bluebirds with recently-fledged young, red-headed woodpeckers, tree swallows, ruby-throated hummingbirds, indigo bunting male, a pair of scarlet tanagers, a pairof Eastern wood-pewees nest building, a pair of blue-gray gnatcatchers, a male willow flycatcher and a male great-crested flycatcher were had by ALL. At the end of the trip, several upland sandpipers were heard or seen.A total of 60 species were tallied as a good time was had by all. The Eastern bluebird populations are on the increase in this area, happily.
SPECIES SEEN: Red-tailed Hawk, American Kestrel, Killdeer, Spotted Sandpiper, Upland Sandpiper, Rock Dove, Mourning Dove, Chimney Swift, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Belted Kingfisher, Red-headed Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Willow Flycatcher, Eastern Phoebe, Great Crested Flycatcher, Eastern Kingbird, Tree Swallow,BarnSwallow, Blue Jay, American Crow, Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch,House Wren, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Eastern Bluebird, Veery, Wood Thrush, American Robin, Gray Catbird, Cedar Waxwing, European Starling, Red-eyed Vireo, Yellow Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Black-and-white Warbler, American Redstart, Common Yellowthroat, Scarlet Tanager, Northern Cardinal, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting, Chipping Sparrow, Field Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Bobolink, Red-winged Blackbird, Eastern Meadowlark, Common Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, Northern Oriole, House Finch, American Goldfinch, House Sparrow. — Tom Palmer
DON'T FORGET TO ORDER YOUR HMBC PATCHES
It is the most stunning patch ever, a black and grey owl silhouette with golden eyes sitting placidly on his brown tree branch, with a shining golden moon illuminating him. The outer edge of the patch is evening blue-grey with the gold carried out in the letters of our club name and in the miniature outline of the State of New York!
Yougotthe flyer,but in case you forgot, to order your patch:
SEND a check or money order (no cash, coins,or stamps), FOR $4.00 per patch, MADE OUT to Hudson-Mohawk Bird Club, Inc. ALONG WITH a stamped self-addressed envelope and be sure to USE one stamp for eachpatch for multiple orders, to: MARGARET MARY KELLY PO BOX 584 ALBANY, NY 12201-0584
Number of Patches at $4.00 each = $ Total
29 FEATHERS . SPRING 10.86
HUDSON-MOHAWK BIRD CLUB, INC.
OFFICERS
PRESIDENT: Alan Mapes RD 1, Box 409B Delmar 12054 439-4086
VICE-PRESIDENT:Daniel Ruge 128 Chestnut St. Albany 12210 449-1087
SECRETARY: Bette Moon 907 St. David's Lane Sch'tdy 12309 372-8330
TREASURER: William Shuster Box 76, Avenue A Melr.ose 12121 235-2479
Vol. 48, No. 2 SPRING 1986 *?***»* «*«*«fttf«4ltt«Sftff ftIf *S«*
FEATHERS EDITOR: Ann B'Rells, 3 Ckara Dr. Apt 7, Schenectady 12303 355-5615
Published Quarterly by the Hudson-Mohawk Bird Club, Inc.
DIAL- A-EIBD 377-9600
ADOPT A BLUEBIRD HOUSE
HMBC's Sam Madison is expanding his bluebird trails, and needs your help.
Sam, whose 21 box bluebird trail last year at the Albany Country Club yielded an astonishing 69 fledglings (with only 2 deaths!) from 12 pairs (including 4 double nestings), will be expanding to include the Normanside Country Club. He will be doing about 20 boxesthere also, and besides the weekly inspections necessary to remove interlopers (though Sam admits that besides the bluebirds, tree swallows, house sparrows and wrens have been allowed to finish their families also),the boxes cost money.
To adopt a box, send $16 made out to Hudson-Mohawk Bird Club, Inc., to: William Shuster, Treasurer, Box 76, Avenue A, Melrose, NY 12121. Be sure to indicate that this is for the bluebirds.
If you can help inspect the trails, call Sam Madison at 439-4753. Right now only two people are trying to do it all, and it takes a bit of time each week.
30 , - t
*- • . VOL. us SUMMER No. 3 1986
PUBLISHED QUARTERLY BY HUDSON-MOHAWK BIRD CLUB. INC.
SPRING AND SUMMER FIELD TRIP REPORTS THROUGHOUT THIS ISSUE
PLYMOUTH BEACH AND WHALE WATCHING
June 21-22, 1986
by Alan Mapes
Our quarry for the trip were whales, pelagic birds, and terns. Twenty- one members and guests assembled at the Plymouth, Massachusetts town dock with tickets in hand ready to board the Capt. John and Son II on Saturday. Blue sky and sunshine were accompanied by strong northeast winds and seas running at 5 to 10 feet. The boat's crew decided to scrub the fourhour trip to Stellwagen Bank due to the rough conditions, and the club members put plan "B" into action.
Switching our boat reservations to Sunday morning, we headed for Plymouth Beach, which is a narrow spit of sand projecting three miles out into the bay. Creatures moving on and near the beach as we walked out included common terns, least terns, horned larks, a piping plover, and a number of four wheeldrive trucks which have the run of the beach except for the dune areas where the terns nest. The longbreezy walk to the far tip of the beach rewarded the hardy birders with close views of arcticternsand several roseate terns. The birds were nested in the dunesalong with a large number of common terns. Nesting started latethis year, and we did not see any chicks yet hatched. Returning along the opposite shore of the beach, we came across three adult piping plovers who put on "broken wing" displays like a killdeer would, but kept it up longer. A small downy chick scampering along the beach was apparently the reason for the display.
A fine seafood dinner at a local eatery was followed by an early start the next morning, boarding the boat at 8:15 for the trip to Stellwagen. The sea had calmed to a light swell by then, although the wind was still brisk. Several Wilson's storm petrels were seen on the way out along with the numerous gulls and terns. Sand lances - the main food of the whales and pelagic birds usually found on the banks - were in a very low population cycle this year, and humpback whales havebeen relatively hard to locate this year. Wewere fortunate to see five of these magnificent mammals,more than half the length of our 85 foot boat. We had some nice displays of "lob-tailing" and "flipper waving" as the whales moved by only yards from the boat.
PLYMOUTH BEACH AND WHALE WATCHING continued on next page
31 FEATHERS SUMMER 1Q86
PLYMOUTH BEACH AND WHALE WATCHING continued
A number of Wilsons storm petrels at the bank were seen along with a single laughing gull. On the return trip an immature northern gannet flew by and a female blackburnian warbler followed the boat and eventually landed. Apparently exhausted from its overwater flight, the bird skittered under the upper deck seats and hopped over the passengers' feet. The bird left us shortly before our return to Plymouth Harbor.
Other goodbirds of the trip included black-crowned night-heron, common eider, and a family of Carolina wrens near themotel. According to naturalist Dave Wiley (a Latham native) of the Web of Life Outdoor Education Center who did commentary on the boat trip, late April is the best time of year for pelagic birds. Rough seas and cold temperatures can be expected at that season, but fortitude will be rewarded. No one seems to have a goodidea how long it will take for the sand lances to rebound in population, bringing better numbers of whales andbirds back to Stellwagen Bank.
Whale watching trips are also available out of Provincetown on Cape Cod. Starting closer to the banks, thesetrips may give more time in the prime area thantrips out of Plymouth. The Dolphin boats out of that port are good ships to sail with. They are involved in whale researchprojects as are the Capt. John boats. Trips are offered in the area from April to October, with finback, minke, and other whale species found at different seasons.
SPECIES SEEN (44): Wilsons Storm-Petrel, Northern Gannet, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, Snowy Egret, Black-crowned Night-Heron, Mute Swan, Mallard, Common Eider, American Kestrel, Piping Plover, Killdeer, Laughing Gull, Ring-billed Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Roseate Tern, Common Tern, Arctic Tern, Least Tern, Rock Dove, Mourning Dove, Chimney Swift, Northern Flicker, Eastern Kingbird, Horned Lark, Blue Jay, American Crow, Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, Carolina Wren, American Robin, Northern Mockingbird, European Starling, Yellow Warbler, Blackburnian Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Northern Cardinal, Song Sparrow, Red-winged Blackbird, Common Grackle, Northern Oriole, House Finch, House Sparrow.
CORRECTION:
The telephone number for Eric Molhogiven in the field trip list for the 1987 Amherst Island trip in February was incorrect. It should read 449-8764. I would like to apologize to anyone who was inconvenienced as a result. This number was also incorrect in the last directory. Sorry, Eric.
32 FEATHERS SUMMER 1986
HUDSON-MOHAWK BIRDCLUB FIELD TRIPS HUDSOB-MOHAWK BIRDCLUB FIELD TRIPS HUDSON-MOHAWK BIRDCLUB FIELD TRIPS
HENRY G. REIST WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
May 14, 1986
A fine Wednesday morning only to have a disappointing show of birdlife. Only twelve species were found by sight and sound. A "taped in" scarlet tanager that everyone could see well, made up forthe day.
SPECIES SEEN: Downy Woodpecker, Great Crested Flycatcher, Blue Jay, Black- capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, Wood Thrush, Ovenbird, Scarlet Tanager, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, White-throated Sparrow, Northern Oriole. — Robert McCullough
PINE BUSH
June 1, 1986
A night of rain and a continuing morning drizzle kept the field trip group small. But the six participants found that the overcast and dampness made for a comfortable walk through this area which can feel like the heat of the desert on a sunny day.
The birds were singing strongly despite the occassional sprinkles, and a number of Pine Bush specialties were found. Highlights included sharp-shinned and red-tailed hawks, alder and great-crested flycatchers, and fish crows that were coning and going from the Albany City landfill along with American crows. Among the better songsters of the day were an Easternbluebird and two mimics - gray catbird and brown thrasher.
Warblers included prairie, chestnut-sided, and common yellowthroat. Rufous-sided towhees sang a number of variations on the ndrink-your-tea" theme and indigo buntings were heardin two locations.
Along with the birds, members enjoyed studying Pine Bushplants and insects. Karner blue butterflies were seen at close range, landing right on our hands. The blue lupine plants that these endangered butterflies depend on were in full bloom. We practiced using a Newcombfs Guide to Wildflowers to identify unfamiliar blooms such as dwarf dandelion and yellow star grass. The trip proved to be a well-rounded look at this unique environment so close to our major cities, yet known by so few people.
SPECIES SEEN (32): Sharp-shinned Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Mourning Dove, Chimney Swift, Alder Flycatcher, Eastern Phoebe, Great Crested Flycatcher, Eastern Kingbird, Tree Swallow, Blue Jay, American Crow, Fish Crow, Black- capped Chickadee, House Wren, Eastern Bluebird, American Robin, Gray Catbird, Brown Thrasher, European Starling, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Prairie Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Northern Cardinal, Indigo Bunting, Rufous-sided Towhee, Field Sparrow, Red-winged Blackbird, Common Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, Northern Oriole, House Finch, House Sparrow. — Alan Mapes
33 FEATHERS SUMMER 1986
HUDSON-HOBAWK BIRD CLUB FIELDTRIPS HODSOH-MOHAVK BIRDCLUB FIELD TRIPS HUDSOB-MOHAUK BIRDCLUB FIELD TRIPS
FERD'S BOG
July 19, 1986
As the group approached the bog, Ranger Gary Lee along with a few early birders called us over to where they had spotted three-toed woodpeckers working over some trees. The birds kept busy while we all had a chance to see them through the scopes. In the bog we had a chance to see Nashville warblers,rusty blackbirds, Lincoln's sparrows, olive-sided flycatchers, nesting bluebirds and a broad-winged hawk.
After hearing ospreys several times, we were treated to the best sight of the day — adults carrying fish in their talons trying to entice young off the nestas they repeatedly circled around. The young made several short trips off the nest, and later in the day all four ospreys were circling high into the sky. Twelve birders saw a total of 38 species.
SPECIES SEEN: Osprey, Red-shouldered Hawk, Broad-winged Hawk, Ruffed Grouse, Belted Kingfisher, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Hairy Woodpecker, Three-toed Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, Gray Jay, Black-capped Chickadee, Boreal Chickadee, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, Winter Wren, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Eastern Bluebird, Hermit Thrush, American Robin, Cedar Waxwing, Solitary Vireo, Red-eyed Vireo, Nashville Warbler, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Yellow- rumped Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Canada Warbler, Scarlet Tanager, Lincoln's Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Rusty Blackbird, Evening Grosbeak. — Marilyn Fancher
FIVE RIVERS CENTER
September 20, 1986
A dozen members had a pleasant morning's walk at 5 Rivers. We had especially good looks at 20+ Wood Ducks in a variety of plumage stages at the Beaver Pond. Other birds in evidence near the pond were Green-backed Heron, Mallard, Blue-winged Teal and Cedar Waxwing. As members assembled to begin the walk, a pileated woodpecker called tantalizingly from the woods nearby. But would not show himself. Several people did get a quick look at the bird later as it flew away. A Prairie Warbler along the Old Field Trail provided a fitting finale for the walk.
SPECIES SEEN (31!): Green-backed Heron, Wood Duck, Mallard, Blue-winged Teal, Red-tailed Hawk, Killdeer, Mourning Dove, Belted Kingfisher, Downy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker, Eastern Phoebe, Blue Jay, American Crow, Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, Winter Wren, American Robin, Gray Catbird, Northern Mockingbird, Cedar Waxwing, European Starling, Prairie Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Northern Cardinal, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Chipping Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow, Purple Finch, House Finch, American Goldfinch, House Sparrow. — Alan Mapes FEATHERS SUMMER 1Q86
HUDSOH-MOBAWK BIRD CLUB FIELD TRIPS HUDS08-M0HAWK BIBDCLUB FIELD TRIPS HUDSOH-MOBAWK BIRD CLUB FIELD TRIPS
HELDERBERGS
September 13, 1986
On a typical fall day, approximately fifteenbirders met at the designated meeting place and proceeded to Camp Pinnacle in the Helderbergs. We arrived about 9 sum. and went directly up to Sunset Point, our vantage observation post to observe migrating hawks approaching from the north. One of the first comments heard was that the NW wind was a lot stronger than anticipated - it was blowing an estimated 20 mph and continued throughout the morning without let up.
At about 10 o'clock we sighted our first raptor - a red-tailed hawk. This was followed by many othr hawks throughout the rest of the morning. After the noon hour things slowed down, interest waned,and by 2:30 most of the birders had left. It should be noted that another dozen birders joined us before the morning was over.
Many of the hawks came in quite close and provided excellent viewing as they hurried by on the constant wind currents. Several times the broad-winged hawks were seen "kettling" with the largest kettle being 26 birds. An unusual feature, although not unexpected, was the appearance of common raven. Ravens had been seensince early springalong the escarpment in Thatcher Park, which is directly below Sunset Point. In addition to the hawks, 20 other species of birds were recorded, among which was a barred owl heard hooting below the point on the north side.
SPECIES SEEN (30) AND COUNT(335): TurkeyVulture (16) Osprey (3) Northern Harrier (1) Sharp-shinned Hawk (21) Cooper»s Hawk (3) Northern Goshawk (2) Red-shouldered Hawk (2) Broad-winged Hawk (121) Red-tailed Hawk (17) American Kestrel (1) Ruffed Grouse (1) Rock Dove (80) Barred Owl (1) Ruby-throated Hummingbird (1) Northern Flicker (2) Tree Swallow (3) Blue Jayy (5) American Crow (6) Common Raven (M) Black-capped Chickadee (2) White-brsted Nuthatch (DGolden-crwnd Kinglet (3) Cedar Waxwing (2) European Starling (8) Nashville Warbler (1) Yellow-rumped Warbler (1) Blck-&-white Warbler (1) Scarlet Tanager (2) Dark-eyed Junco (4) American Goldfinch (2). — Sam Madison «««««««*»«««*««««««***«*«««******«***««*•****««*«««««****«*«****************•«
DIAL-A-BIRD NEEDS YOUR SIGHTINGS
Chairman Bill Lee requests yourbird sightings for DIAL-A-BIRD! It is only as good as the information you provide. Bob Yunick is now compiling the messages left on the tape each day. However, you are reminded that this is not a RareBird Alert, since it cannot act quickly enough for that
purpose.
35 FEATHERS SUMMER 1Q86
RESOLUTION HONORS 16TH ANNIVERSARY OF REISTSANCTUARY
On March 2, 1971, the Town Board of Niskayuna passed a Resolution paying tribute to the memory of Margaret B. Reist for generously transferring as a gift 109 acres of land in Niskayuna to the Hudson-Mohawk Bird Club, Inc. for a bird and wildlife sanctuary. On April 1, 1986, the Niskayuna Town Board passed a Resolution recognizing the 16th Anniversary of the Henry G. Reist Wildlife Sanctuary - and commending the Hudson-Mohawk Bird Club for its contribution to the Town through maintaining of thearea.
THE RESOLUTION: WHEREAS, the Henry G. Reist Sanctuary of the Hudson Mohawk Bird Club was established as a wildlife sanctuary approximately sixteen years ago, and WHEREAS, the community is fortunate to have such a nature preserve located within the Town, and WHEREAS, the Sanctuary provides a safe haven for wildlife while at the same time providing the community an educational opportunity to study wildlife, and WHEREAS, the Sanctuary improves the quality of life in the community and adds to the character of the surrounding neighborhood,and WHEREAS, recent improvements sponsored by the Hudson Mohawk Bird Club have included the clearing of trails with assistance from the community including local club members and Niskayuna Boy Scout Troop No. 31 have enhanced the grounds, and WHEREAS, it is appropriate to recognize the contribution made to the community by the Sanctuary, NOW THEREFORE, be it hereby RESOLVED, thatthis Town Board does hereby salute the Hudson Mohawk Bird Club on the 16th anniversary of the Reist Bird Sanctuary.
REIST CONTRIBUTORS
Thanks to all who have contributed over the years to support the Henry G. Reist Sanctuary. The following is a partial list of last year's contributors:
David & Julie Blimkin Thomas & Chris Dittus Dr. & Mrs. Clifford Elson Eric Molho Mr.& Mrs. Gerald Mullaney Dr.& Mrs. Kirby Vosburgh Mr. & Mrs. Paul Jorgensen Robert Marx Dorothy Steede Dr. Andrea Worthington Mr. & Mrs. James Conwell William Shuster Dr. & Mrs. A. E. Newkirk Dr. Sung-Nien Lu Dr. & Mrs. James Strosberg Power Technologies, Inc.- matching Gustave Angst Dr. & Mrs. James Kuethe Mr. Thomas Palmer Dr. & Mrs. Robert Yunick Jeanne & LauraCirincione Edward & Rheta Curren James & Gloria Hunter Mr. & Mrs. Fred Beharriell Doris Copping Dr. & Mrs. Edward O'Keeffe Mr. & Mrs. A. J. Wood Dr.& Mrs. JohnMoon Paul Schaefer Ro Lin Chu Joanne Buyniski Terrill & Sharon Staley Rudi & Helen Korn Dr. & Mrs. Warren Sordill
Reist articles by Bette Moon, Co-Chairman, Sanctuary Committee
36 FEATHERS ] SUMMER 1Q86
FROM YOUR EDITOR...
HOPE FOR THE SEASICK:
If there are any ofyou who are extremely easily seasick and have missed pelagic and whale watches (or spent them over the edge) and who do not realize that there is MUCH BETTER medication available than in the not-so- distant past, your editor wants to share her great experience with the whale watch and behind-the-ear scopolamine. Every moment was a joy, nota sign of seasickness, and this from a person who can't ride in the back of a car. WARNING: this is prescription medication, and may cause some drowsiness. Since it has to be put on 4 hours before getting on the boat, your editor wore it for two days (see the field trip report on why) and no alcohol may be taken with it. This is serious medication andhas some contra-indications, so see your doctorbefore making your plans.
APOLOGIES:
This FEATHERS and the next are extraordinarily late due to your editor's efforts being directed at the Federation meeting* Look for the next issue with this one, with a return to normalcy expected by spring with any luck.
FIELD TBIP LEADERS:
Please... SIGN your field trip reports - if you'd rather not have your name appearin Feathers just say so under the signature. Some reports aredone by people other than thetrip leader...
Your editor does NOT use numbers of birds except in rare instances, such as the duck count. The copy of the checklist you send to the Records Chairperson DOES need the numbers. It is perfectly ok to send me a copy with numbers, but if you are doing it by hand please don't bother.
As a field trip leader, you should have a packet of information which now includes about 20 small field checklists for handing out to people who attend your field trip. These act as small advertisements for the club.
MANY THANKS!!!! FOR USING THE 1984 SMALL CHECKLISTS FOR FIELD TRIP REPORTS. FOR SESDING IN THE REPORTS WITHOUTBEING NAGGED.
DEADLINES:
Here are the deadlines for materials in the next FEATHERS:
For VOL 49 #1 Which is markedWinter 1987 March 1, 1987 (Christmas count issue)
HMBC RECORDS COMMITTEE NEEDS YODR RECORDS:
LINDA ARMSTRONG IS NOW CHAIRING the records committee. Please send your records to Linda Armstrong, RD 1 Box 159, Feura Bush, New York 12067. — Ann E. B'Rells
37 FEATHERS SUMMER 1Q86 flOTHERS
HUDSON-MOHAWK BIRD CLUB, INC.
OFFICERS
PRESIDENT: Alan Mapes RD 1, Box HO9B Delmar 1205*1 1I39-JI086
VICE-PRESIDENT:Daniel Ruge 128 Chestnut St. Albany 12210 W-1087
SECRETARY: Bette Moon 907 St. David's Lane Sch'tdy 12309 372-8330
TREASURER: William Shuster Box 76, Avenue A Melrose 12121 235-21179
Vol. 48, No. 3 SUMMER 1986
FEATHERS EDITOR: Ann B'Rells, 3 Okara Dr. Apt 7, Schenectady 12303 355-5615
Published Quarterly by the Hudson-MohawkBird Club, Inc.
MEMBERSHIP: Life - $200; Sustaining - $18; Active - $12; Student - $5; Each per yearwith an additional charge of $2 per additional family member. Membership Chairman: Daniel Ruge, 128 Chestnut St., Albany, N.Y. 12210 Write or call 518/M9-1087 (evenings).
ADDRESS CORRECTIONS: please send name, address, or telephone corrections to the Treasurer. DIAL-A-BIRD 377-9600
ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED BULKRATE PLEASE RETURN TO SENDER NON-PROFIT RETURN POSTAGE GUARANTEED
HUDSON-MOHAWK BIRD CLUB, INC. U.S. POSTAGE c/o M&M Mail Processing Co., Inc. PAID 2910 Campbell Avenue Permit#195 Schenectady, NY 12306 Schenectady, NY
38 VOL. 148 FALL No. k 1986
PUBLISHED QUARTERLY BY HUDSON-MOHAWK BIRD CLUB. INC.
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HMBC has lots of changes going on, see:
"KEEPING HMBC GOING, SOME TRIBUTES" Pages M2 - MM "FROM THE PRESIDENT'S CHECKLIST" Page M1
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BLUEBIRDS AT OUR FEEDER byTom Palmer
When a family of six Eastern Bluebirds had not left our yard by late November, 1985, my wife, Carol, and I became concerned for their survival. Winters in New York's Mohawk River valley obviously are harsh, with zero degree temperatures and frequent snowfalls. Bluebird food sources such as insects are nearly impossible to find. Wild fruits and berries may be available but they are often covered by ice or snow. With this in mind, I decided to start a feeding program for them.
The third week of November, I began by digging through a compost pile in search of any foodsuch as insects, grubs, and small earthworms. Those that I found, I set out in small portions in the driveway. The bluebirds, who had been watching from nearby perches, waited for me to leave and then flew down to eat whatever food I had set outfor them. They must havebeen hungry because they ate everything. During this time, the two youngmales of the family were driven off by the adult male. Sadly, the two youngmales were not seen again through the remainder of the winter. However, the adult pair and their two female young remained. Apparently, the adult male had an established territory into the winter months as well.
From my past observations, I knew that bluebirds also fed on cluster flies which spend winter months hibernating in country dwellings. On warmer days, some of these flies would come outside and would be consumed by the hungry bluebirds. During the first week of December, I began collecting these flies from our attic and releasedthem from a window whenever the bluebirds appeared. It didn't take long for a behavior pattern to be established. I attached a feeding tray to the windowsill and placed the flies onto this tray. Soon the bluebirds were coming to the tray to feed on whatever flies I put out for them. When the flies were refrigerated, they became less active and were easier for the bluebirds to catch. This helped the bluebirds conserve energy during the cold weather.
Other foods that I found they liked, after a trial and error period, were peanut butter, small pieces of suet, cheese, cooked spagetti and canned grapes from our homemade grape juice.At winter's end when the cluster flies became harder for me to find, I substituted more peanut butter. This became their favorite food. (continued on next page)
39 FEATHERS FALL 1986
BLUEBIRDS AT OUR FEEDER continued
The four bluebirds made it through the winter quite well. Early in the spring of 1986, the two young females went their own way. Meanwhile, the adult pair nested nearby and during the first week of April, four young hatched. Almost at once, they were started on a diet of peanut butter fed to them by the adults. In another two weeks, the young fledged and it wasn't long before they, too, came to the window feeder for peanut butter. Toward the end of May, I discontinued the feeding program since their natural food sources were again readily available.
Feeding the bluebirds throughout the winterwas a learning experience for me and I look forward to the possibility that these adaptable birds may again choose to remain inour yard for the winter months. The Eastern Bluebird, once few in number, is making a comeback due in part to their ability to sur vive the winters in their range and thus lengthen their nesting season.
THEEND
DON'T FORGET TO ADOPT A BLUEBIRD HOUSE
HMBC's Sam Madison is expanding his bluebird trails, and needs your help.
Sam, whose 21 box bluebird trail last year at the Albany Country Club yielded an astonishing 69 fledglings (with only 2 deaths!) from 12 pairs (including 4 double nestings), will be expanding to include the Normanside Country Club. He will be doing about 20 boxesthere also, as well as putting in new ones at the Albany C. C, and besides the weekly inspections necessary to remove interlopers (though Sam admits that besides the bluebirds, tree swallows, house sparrows and wrens have been allowed to finish their families also), the boxes cost money.
To adopt a box, send $16 made out to Hudson-Mohawk Bird Club, Inc., to: William Shuster, Treasurer, Box 76, Avenue A, Melrose, NY 12121. Be sure to indicate that thisis for the bluebirds.
DIAL-A-EIRD NEEDS YOUR SIGHTINGS
Chairman Bill Lee requests your bird sightings for DIAL-A-BIRD! It is only as good as the information you provide. Bob Yunick is now compiling the messages left on the tape each day. However, you are reminded that this is not a Rare Bird Alert, since it cannot act quickly enough for that
purpose. FEATHERS FALL 1Q86
FROM THE PRESIDENT'S CHECKLIST
January 1987
THE BEST BIRD ofthe winter season has to be the gray phase gyrfalcon in northern Dutchess County. The clubTs rare bird trip on January 17, 1987, was successful in finding this powerful visitor from the northafter several hours of searching in cold temperatures - we paid our dues for this one! The bird had been first reported a week earlier, discovered by an English birder staying on a dairy farm near Pine Plain, New York. Mr. Neil Pell got word to Dial-A-Bird. Our hats off to Neil.
AN EXPERIMENT TO MODERNIZE our birding is underway. Two portable CB radios havebeen purchased by HMBC and will be testedon the Cape Ann trip in late January. We hopethat radios will give us good communications between cars when we bird in a caravan, allowing the car that first spots a bird to alert the others without resorting to waving, flashing lights, blowing horns and other gyrations. Since the units can also be carried in the field, they should be good for times when we have two parties which separate to cover a large area. Justsuch a situation took place on a trip to Jamaica Bay in search of a rufous-necked stint - one group found the bird and had a hard time alerting the other group, which came close to missing the bird. For any members who want to "get their own ears on" we are transmitting on channels 14, 30, and 35.
ON THE EDUCATIONAL FRONT, the club will sponsor two youngsters to attend Colby Environmental Education Camp this summer. The camp is run by the Department of Environmental Conservation and offers one week programs for young peopleages 12 to 14. If you know a youngster who is interested in conservation, please suggest him/her to the Board of Directors for possible sponsorship as soon as possible.
DIAL-A-BIRD has a new answering machine, which seems to be working quite well. This service is the best way for the club to communicate with members, and our main link to theour side public. If you call the tape and find it not working, please let someone know, either DIAL-A-BIRD chairman Bill Lee or myself. Keep those bird reports coming in!
A CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNTS working group has been established to discuss several problems and make recommendations tothe HMBC Board. In recent years, a number of new count circles have sprung up in the area. At the same time, participation in the club's three official counts, Schenectady, Troy, and southern Rensselaer County, has declined. If you have opinions or suggestions on the subject, please contact working group chairman William Gorman at 25 Old Troy Road, East Greenbush, New York 12061.
I hope to see youon a field trip or at a club meeting this year!
Alan Mapes
41 FEATHERS FALL 1Q86
KEEPING HMBC GOING
- TRIBUTES TO OUTGOING, INCOMING, AND STILL IN PLACE - - OFFICERS AND CHAIRPERSONS -
It takes a lot of work to keep HMBC going. Recently, there havebeen quite a few changes. The following people are mentioned in alphabetical order since all their contributions have been invaluable:
Thanks to LINDA ARMSTRONG, who has left the Secretary's job to become both the Chairperson of HMBCTs Records Committee andthe Region #8 editor for the Kingbird. This latter position was open for several issues, so we congratulate Linda for taking on this sizable responsibility. Linda is also this year's Pancake breakfast coordinator.
Thanks to ROBERT BUDLIGER, who left the chairmanship of the Records Committee to chair the Programs Committee. Bob also coordinated the Troy Christmas Count this year, and will lead a field trip to Connecticut.
Thanks to NATALIE DINSMORE who resigned chairing the Publicity Committee after many, many years of terrific service, during which she succeeded in getting many newspapers to carry news of our field trips and meetings. We will miss her presence on the Board, where her contribution was valued.
Thanks to MARILYN FANCHER who resigned chairing the Program Committee. Marilyn gave us many memorable programs, and we surely do appreciate her efforts. She is hardly leaving active status with HMBC, however, as this year she and Norman will lead two club field trips to Ferd's Bog, and to Alcove and Basic Reservoir.
Thanks to WILLIAM GORMANwho joins the Board as a director, taking over Bette's place on the Board (sorry, this does get a little complicated). Since Bill is, as ever, our intrepid Field Trip Committee Chairman, this just means that he can now vote I Seriously, Bill organizes from 30 to 40 trips a year, quite a stupendous task. He also will lead trips to hisfeeder for the turkeys, to Lower Hudson, and to Canada for Yellow Rail.
Thanks to DICK GUTHRIE who is exiting as our most recent, and very long- lasting, voice of DIAL-A-BIRD. Dick is of course a very active HMBCer, leading two trips this year, owling in Coxsackie, and on the Coxsackie Flats, as well as many other activities.
Thanks to MARGARET MARY KELLY, who will chair the Hospitality Committee, aswell as take care of the club's new patch. Welcome to the board.
Thanks to ALAN MAPES, who has taken over the club's directory from your beleaguered editor. Alan is President of the club, and leads a couple of field trips to Saratoga and Round Lakes, and to 5 Rivers.
Thanks to BETTE MOON, who has left a directorship to become Secretary of the club, as well as continuing as indefaticable co-chairperson of the Sanctuary Committee.
Thanks to the unknown HMBCer who will become Publicity Chairperson.
42 FEATHERS FALL 1986
KEEPING HMBC GOING continued
Some also serve by continuing in their work.Thus, the following is an acknowledgement of this continuation:
Thanks to CHARLES ALHEIM, who is the very, very active co-chairperson of the Sanctuary Committee.
Thanks to MARGARET KELLY, who chairs the Education Committee, making presentations about birding in schools andin nursing homes and other places. Due to Margaretfs perseverance, we now have a club patch.
Thanks to BOB KIRKER, as a club director, and leader to far shores (Monterey, California) and far hopes (Willow Ptarmigan trip to Quebec).
Thanks to MIKE KUHRT, coordinator of the clubfs Sourthern Rensselaer Christmas Count, and thisyear also a leader of a trip to Cherry Plain.
Thanks to BILL LEE, who for many years has been DIAL-A-BIRD chairman,as well as coordinator of the Schenectady Christmas Count. Thisyear he ran the Federation meeting, and soon will lead a rare bird trip and a trip to Massena.
Thanks to SAM MADISON, as a club director, and leader of the Cape Ann trip this year. He also does the very successful bluebird trail.
Thanks to ALICE ROSS, as a club director, and leader of the bird banding trip and a trip to Niskayuna Widewaters the next day - good planning, Alice! Alice has also been, with Dan Ruge and your editor, responsible for a push for a club brochure.
Thanks to DANIEL RUGE, for many years of service as Membership Chairman, as well as serving as our current Vice-President. He, along with AliceRoss and your editor, is currently pushing for the development of a club brochure.
Thanks to WALT SABIN, who as Conservation Chairman keeps us all informed on important Conservationlegislation issues,and who also will leadno less than threefield trips this year, to Black Creek,to watch the Peregrine hacking, and to Long Island.
Thanks to WILLIAM SHUSTER, who has kept us in the black for many years as our Treasurer. He has ably done the dunning each year for membership money, and kept our addresses current at M&M, He also has coordinated the Troy count for years, and will lead a field trip to Tomhannock.
Thanks to RICHARD WAUGH, as a club director and member of our merry board.
Thanks to PAUL GRATTAN, ERIC MOLHO, BERNARD GROSSMAN, CRAIG THOMPSON, BOB MC CULLOUGH, BOB YUNICK, TOM PALMER, JIM KUETHE, NORMAN FANCHER, NANCY PAYNE, and ARTHUR LONG, who will leadfield trips this year.
Modesty prevents me from mentioning my many other virtues, but thanks anyway to ANN B'RELLS, who edits this newsletter about M times per year, and who is not doing the directory this year after many years. I also do the checklists, meeting notices, Christmas count and field trip materials.
43 FEATHERS FALL 1Q86
KEEPING HMBC GOING continued
Thanks to all who helped the club in any way this year.
If your contribution has been left out, please forgive me and let me know and I'll issue an addendum in the next FEATHERS.
After all this, here's what the organization looks like:
PRESIDENT: Alan Mapes RD 1, Box 409B Delmar 12054 439-4086 VICE-PRESIDENT:Daniel Ruge 128 Chestnut St. Albany 12210 H2| 9-1087 SECRETARY: Bette Moon 907 St. David's Lane Sc'tdy 12309 372-8330 TREASURER: William Shuster Box 76, Avenue A Melrose 12121 235-2479
Directors 1986 Sam Madison 326 Wellington Rd. Delmar 12054 439-4753 1986 William Gorman 25 Old Troy Rd. East Greenbush 12061 477-4921 1986 Richard Waugh 15 Winthrop Ave. Albany 12203 482-4164 1987 Alice Ross RD#1 Box 135 Petersburg 12138 283-2732 1987 Robert Kirker 47 Nicklaus Dr. Gansevoort 12831 587-1460
COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS Conservation; Walton Sabin 652 Kenwood Ave Slingerlands 12159 439-7344 Dial-A-Bird: William Lee 2171 Grand Blvd. Schenectady 12309 374-3426 Field Trips: WilliamGorman 25 Old Troy Rd. East Greenbush 12061 477-4921 Hospitality: Margaret Mary Kelly PO Box 584 Albany 12201 Membership: Daniel Ruge 128 Chestnut St. Albany 12210 449-1087 Program: Robert Budliger 36 Groesbeck PI. Delmar 12054 439-0006 Publications: Ann B'Rells 3 Okara Dr. Apt 7 Schenectady 12303 355-5615 Publicity: Records: Linda Armstrong RD 1 Box 159 Feura Bush 12067 768-2074 Sanctuary: Bette Moon 907 St David's Lane Schenectady12309 372-8330 Charles Alheim 1462 Garner Ave. Schenectady 12309 372-4212 Education: Margaret Kelly 27 VanBuren Ave. E. Greenbush 12061 477-9016
HOW TO JOIN PROJECT BIRDWATCH
PROJECT BIRDWATCH is a Cooperative Research Project of the Federation of NY State Bird Clubs and the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology. The project is designed by Charles R. Smith to identify and describe, in a qualitative manner, seasonal patterns of distribution throughout the state.
Project Birdwatch is modeled after a similar effort initiated success fully in Wisconsin in 1982by Stanley Temple of the University of Wisconsin, in cooperation with the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology. Field observers use specially designed data forms to record their weekly sightings. Completed forms are "read" by an electronic optical scanning device which transfers the data to a magnetic computer tape, creating a computer readable file. This reduces transcription errors and eliminates costly manual data entry. Cooperators are asked for estimates of maximum weekly abundances forthe species they observe.
44 FEATHERS FALL 1Qflfi
HOW TO JOIN PROJECT BIRDWATCH continued
For more details, look to the next issue of "New York Birders", or contact your FEATHERS editor for a copy of the News Release. During the 1987 test period of this project, cooperators will be asked for a feeof $7.00 to defray the costs of printing, mailing, and processing the forms. The following is a copy of the registration form:
PROJECT BIRDWATCH REGISTRATION FORM
Yes, I would like to participate in Project BirdWatch in New York State during 1987. Enclosed is my $7 participant's fee. Please make checks payable to "Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology—Project BirdWatch". Mail your completed registration form, along with your participant's fee to: Project BirdWatch, c/o Charles R. Smith, Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology, Sapsucker Woods, Ithaca, NY 14850. NAME: ADDRESS: CITY: ZIP:
UP FROM THE EGG: THE CONFESSIONS OF A NUTHATCH AVOIDER by Ogden Nash Birdwatchers top my honour list. I aimed to be onebut I missed. Since I'm both myopic and astigmatic My aim turned out to be erratic, And I, bespectacled and binocular, Exposed myself to comment jocular. We don't need too much birdlore, do we, To tell a flamingo from a townee; Yet I cannot and never will, Unless the sillybirds stand still. And there's no enlightenment so obscure as ornithological literature. Is yon strange creature a common chickadee, Or a migrant allouette from Picardy? • You rush to consult your nature guide And inspect the gallery inside, But a bird in the open never looks Like its picture in the birdie books — Or if it once did, it has changed its plumage, And plunges you backinto ignorant gloomage. Thatis why I sit here growing old by inches, Watching the clock instead of finches, But I sometimes visualize in my gin The Audobon that I audubin.
•This reference is out of date I fear, Geographic and Master Guide made it all clear. Of course if the allouette isn't in there, It makes it a little bit hard to compare. A.B. FEATHERS FALL 1Q86
HUDSON-MOHAWK BIRDCLUB 1987 FIELD TRIPS
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC:
These field trips are open to the public, and we extend a cordial invitation to non-members to attend these trips to learn and enjoy a greater appreciation of our wildlife heritage. One need not be an expert or semi-expert to attend. Come along forfun or exercise. NON-CITIZENS: Remember to bring adequate ID for trips to Canada.
RESPONSIBILITY:
While we encourage anyone interested to attend these trips, your attendence is onyour own responsibility. The Hudson-Mohawk Bird club offers thesetrips under the expressed condition that they and the field trip coordinators shall not be in any way responsible for any injury, damage, loss, accident or irregularity occasioned from any cause whatsoever. Likewise, children under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian with responsibility for their actions and well being.
* RESERVATIONS NEEDED IN ADVANCE «* RESERVATIONS NEEDED WAY IN ADVANCE
WINTER 1987
Feb 7 RENSSELAER COUNTY FEEDER WATCH: A morning trip in search of Wild Sat Turkeys and other specialties that may be visiting local feeders. Meet at 6:00 a.m. at the Howard Johnson's at the intersection of Routes H and 1-90 in East Greenbush. Coordinator: Bill Gorman, 477-^921
Feb * AMHERST ISLAND ANDKINGSTON, ONTARIO, CANADA: If any owls are being 21-22 reported we plan to search for them. If interested makereservations Sat-Sun by JAN. 25 with the coordinator. Coordinator: Eric Molho, W-8764
Mar 7 OWL TRIP: A joint trip with the Alan Devoe Bird Club insearch of Sat owls. A similar tripin 1986 turned up 5 owl species. Meet at 3:00 p.m. at Red's Restaurant on Route 9W in Coxsackie. Coordinator: Dick Guthrie, 756-909^
SPRING 1987
Apr 11 LOWER HUDSON: A morning trip to see spring migrants along the Sat Hudson River between Rensselaer and Stockport. Meet at 8:00 a.m. at the Joy Department Store on Routes 9 and 20 in Rensselaer. Coordinator: Bill Gorman, 477-M921
Apr 19 SARATOGA AND ROUND LAKES: A morning trip to see ducks, geese, and Sun loons. Meet at 8:00 a.m. at Round Lake on Route 9. Coordinator: Bernard Grossman, 882-9837 FEATHERS ; FALL 1Q86
HUDSON-MOHAWK BIRDCLUB 1987 FIELD TRIPS continued
May 3 WOODCOCK AND OWLS: An evening trip In search of courting woodcock Sun and local owls. Meet at 7:00 p.m. at the Five Rivers Environmental Education Center on Game Farm Roadin Delmar. Coordinator: Craig Thompson, 756-3610
May 6 FIVE RIVERS ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER: A morning trip to see Wed migrants and local residents. Meet at 8:00 a.m. at Five Rivers on GameFarm Road in Delmar. Coordinator: Alan Mapes, 439-4086
May 9 * BLACK CREEK MARSH PANCAKE BREAKFAST: Our annual local trip to see Sat marsh birds and spring migrants. Meet at the Hennessey Road railroad crossing. Early risers at 6:00 a.m., late risers at 8:00 a.m. Make reservations for breakfast (at 10:30 a.m.) by MAT 2 with the coordinator. Coordinator: Linda Armstrong, 768-2074
May 13 SCHENECTADY MUSEUM NATURE PRESERVE: A morning trip in search of Wed residents and spring migrants. Meet at 8:00 a.m. at the Preserve entrance on Whitmyer Drive off River Road in Niskayuna. Coordinator: Bob McCullough, 399-9504
May 16 CENTURY RUN: See howmany birds youcan find in a day. Join a Sat group or form your own and cover your favorite spots in our 11 county area. Each group must stay together and jointly identify birds reported. Mail reports to the coordinator, Bob Yunick, 1527 Myron Street, Schenectady, NY 12309. Reports are due by May 23. Please use new checklists. Coordinator: Bob Yunick, 377-0146
May 20 BLACK CREEK MARSH: A morning trip to see marsh birds and migrants. Wed Meet at 7:30 a.m. at the Hennessey Road railroad crossing. Coordinator: Walt Sabin, 439-7344
May 23 MONTGOMERY COUNTY: A morning trip to this neighboring county in Sat search of Bluebirds, Red-headed Woodpeckers,Upland Sandpipers, etc. Meet at 7:00 a.m. at the Schenectady County Community College parking lot, Washington Ave. Schenectady. Coordinator: Tom Palmer, 1-843-1491
May 23 BIRD BANDING: A close look at birds in the hand. Banding will be Sat conducted by Bob Yunick. Meet at 7:00 a.m. at the Vischer Ferry Game Management Area entrance. Coordinator: Alice Ross, 1-658-3407
May 24 NISKAYUNA WIDEWATERS: A morning trip in search of migrants along Sat the Mohawk River. Meet at 8:00 a.m. at Lock 7 on the river. Coordinator: Alice Ross, 1-658-3407
May 30 CHERRY PLAIN: A morning trip to see warblers, vireos, sapsuckers, Sat etc. Meet at 7:00 a.m. at the Howard Johnson's at the intersection of Routes 4 and 1-90 in East Greenbush. Coordinator: Mike Kuhrt, 477-8450
47 FEATHERS FALL 1Q86
HUDSON-MOHAWKBIRD CLUB 1987 FIELD TRIPS continued fft««ft*«ft«««««ftft«ftft«*ftftftftft««i
June * PEREGRINE FALCON HACKING: We hope to be able to observe the local hacking of Peregrine Falcons. Date dependent on activity. If interested, make reservations by MAT 2*1 with the coordinator. Coordinator: Walt Sabin, H39-73W
June •• YELLOW RAIL TRIP: If we can confirm any sightings in nearby Canada, we plan to take a trip in search of this very elusive bird. For brave souls only who are willing to spend most of a night searching mosquito laden marshes forthis rail. Date dependent on activity. If interested, make reservations by MAY 10 with the coordinator. Coordinator: Bill Gorman, 2»77-l*921
SUMMER 1987
June ** MACHIAS SEAL ISLAND: See Puffins, Arctic Terns, Razorbills, etc. 27-28 off the coast of Maine. Sinceboat accomodations are limited make Sat-Sun your reservations early. Reservationswill be accepted on a FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE BASIS, BUT NOT AFTER MARCH 15. Coordinator: Jim Kuethe, 399-9630
July 11 * FERD»S BOG: A day trip to this Adirondack bog in search of nesting Sat three-toed woodpeckers, Gray Jays, and Boreal Chickadees. Make reservations by JULY 4 with the coordinators. Coordinators: Norman and Marilyn Fancher, 439-6385
Aug •• PELAGIC TRIP FROM NORTH CAROLINA: A day-long pelagic trip in search -Sept of Audubon's Shearwater and southern pelagios. Date to be set closer to event. Make reservations by APRIL 1 with the coordinator. Coordinator: Jim Kuethe, 399-9630
Sept 12 FIVE RIVERS ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER: A morning trip to see Sat fall migrants. Meet at 9:00 a.m. at Five Rivers on Game Farm Road in Delmar. Coordinator: Nancy Payne, 457-6092
Sept 13 HELDERBERGS: A day trip to watch migrating hawks. Meet at Sun 8:30 a.m. at the Key Bank, Star Plaza Shopping Center at the inter section of Routes 20 and 155. Coordinator: Arthur Long, 1-758-9283
Sept 19 * HAMMONASSET BEACH STATE PARK, CONNECTICUT: A day trip to this Sat neighboring park in search of shore birds, hawks, and other migrants. If interested, make reservations by SEPT. 12 with the coordinator. Coordinator: Bob Budliger,439-0006
Sept 27 ALCOVEAND BASIC RESERVOIRS: A morning trip to these local Sun reservoirs in search of shore birds, hawks, and eagles. Meet at 8:30 a.m. at Routes 32 and 143 near Alcove Reservoir. Coordinators: Norman and Marilyn Fancher, 439-6385
48 FEATHERS _^_^_ FALL 1Q86
BASIC AND ALCOVE RESERVOIRS October 4, 1986
Twelve people showed up on a morning that didn't look too promising at first. We all had a look at an osprey perched in a tree at Alcove, Not much was visible from the causeway so we went onto Basic where there were several species of waterfowl although none were really close up. Those of us who returned to Alcove were treated to a view of an immature bald eagle with a red wing tag and a Cooper's hawk dive-bombing a crow.
SPECIES SEEN (3*0: Common Loon, Pied-billed Grebe, Great Blue Heron, Canada Goose, Wood Duck, Green-winged Teal, American Black Duck, Mallard, Blue-winged Teal, Ring-necked Duck, Common Merganser, Ruddy Duck, Osprey, Bald Eagle, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Cooper's Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, American Coot , Killdeer, Ring-billed Gull, Mourning Dove, Belted Kingfisher, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Tree Swallow, Blue Jay, American Crow, Black- capped Chickadee, American Robin, European Starling, Rufous-sided Towhee, Chipping Sparrow, American Goldfinch. — Marilyn Fancher
COLONIE AND MOHAWK RIVER December 6, 1986
Justfive hardy souls showed up on this cold, 20 degree day with north west winds. There were the innumerable Herring and Ring-billed Gullsand Black-backed Gulls and we were able to pick out just one Iceland Gull. There were also countless Crows and Starlings at the landfill andone Red-tailed Hawk and one Kestrel.
We made several stops along the river as far as Van Schaick Islandand found virtually nothing except 2 Black Ducks. We observed that the river seemed unusually high and there were no exposed rocks, etc. where the Gulls usually collect in the river.
Sincethere was so little happening, we decided to take a look at Saratoga Lake and also made a quick stop at Round Lake. At Round Lake we found more Herring, Ring-billed and Greater Black-backed Gulls and a sizeable flock of Common Mergansers.
At Saratoga Lake we had nice looks at Greater Scaup, Hooded Mergansers, Common Goldeneye, Mallards, Blacks and thousands of Common Mergansers and Canada Geese. Also, we had good views of a Common Loon, American Coot and a beautiful male Oldsquaw. Again, there were many Herring, Ring-billed and Black-backed Gulls. Once again, enjoyed a crisp, sunny day ingood company searching for an elusive "find".
SPECIES SEEN (31): Common Loon, Red-necked Grebe, Canada Goose, American Black Duck, Mallard, Canvasback, Greater Scaup, Oldsquaw, Common Goldeneye, Hooded Merganser, Common Merganser, Red-tailed Hawk, American Kestrel, American Coot , Ring-billed Gull, Herring Gull, Iceland Gull, Great Black- backed Gull, Rock Dove, Mourning Dove, Blue Jay, American Crow, Black-capped Chickadee, White-breasted Nuthatch, Northern Mockingbird, European Starling, Northern Cardinal, Dark-eyed Junco, House Finch, American Goldfinch, House Sparrow. — Alice Ross FEATHERS FALL 1Q86
f ESTHERS
HUDSON-MOHAWK BIRD CLUB, INC.
OFFICERS
PRESIDENT: Alan Mapes RD 1, Box 4O9B Delmar 12054 439-4086
VICE-PRESIDENT:Daniel Ruge 128 Chestnut St. Albany 12210 449-1087
SECRETARY: Bette Moon 907 St. Davids Lane Sch'tdy 12309 372-8330
TREASURER: William Shuster Box 76, Avenue A Melrose 12121 235-2479
ft««««««««««ftft«ftft««ftftftft«ftft* Vol.48, No. 4 FALL 1986 ««*««««*****«**«*«««««*«««
FEATHERS EDITOR: Ann B'Rells, 3 Okara Dr. Apt 7, Schenectady 12303 355-5615
Published Quarterly by the Hudson-Mohawk Bird Club, Inc.
MEMBERSHIP: Life - $200; Sustaining - $18; Active - $12; Student - $5; Each per year with an additional charge of $2 per additional family member. Membership Chairman: Daniel Ruge, 128 Chestnut St., Albany, N.Y. 12210 Write or call 518/449-1087 (evenings).
ADDRESS CORRECTIONS: please send name, address, or telephone corrections to the Treasurer. DIAL-A-BIRD 377-9600
ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED BULK RATE PLEASERETURN TO SENDER NON-PROFIT RETURN POSTAGE GUARANTEED
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