During the breeding season, a report of a Chipping Sparrow is generally not a cause for excitement.  However after September, these small sparrows largely disappear from Eastern New York, replaced in late October by their larger, arctic cousins the American Tree Sparrow.

On December 12, I was on my way to run some errands.  As I opened my back door, I noticed a small bird on the feeder.  Quickly realizing that it wasn’t one of the normal hoard of House Sparrows that are normally there, I quickly went back inside (hoping the bird didn’t fly off!), grabbed my binoculars and there on the feeder was of all things, a Chipping Sparrow in December!

Now I went through my list of other possibilities and quickly ruled them out.  The dark eye-line pretty much eliminated the even rarer possibility of Clay-Colored Sparrow and the ultra rare Brewer’s Sparrow.

The bird was present again on December 13, but appears to be in poor shape.  The bird spent nearly all day at feeder, hardly moving (but feeding the whole time).  I last saw it at dusk, when it flew off for the night with a small group of Dark-eyed Juncos.

Hi All,

Starting next week, hundreds of thousands of birders, across both North and South America, from the North Pole to South Pole, will be participating in the annual Christmas Bird Counts, organized by the National Audubon Society.  For 110 years now this program has been done, and we can now accurately research and study the changes to birds, their populations and distributions like we never have before.  But none of this is possible without volunteer help, so please check with your local Audubon Chapter, Bird Club, National Wildlife Refuge or other organization to see what counts are happening in your area.  This year I am doing 3, Catskill-Coxsackie on Tuesday, December 15, Southern Albany County on Sunday December 20 and Southern Rensselaer on Monday, December 28.  If you live within a count circle, keep track of the birds at your feeder that day, and if your able hook up with a group.  More eyes and ears = more birds!  Plus you never know what you might find!

For more information visit: http://www.audubon.org/Bird/cbc/

Happy Holiday’s and Good Birding!

We are very lucky to live in an age, where most birders carry a digital camera out into the field.  If a rare bird appears, it can be quickly and definitively photographed and the pictures shared across the internet in a matter of minutes.  Obviously in the old days, this wasn’t possible.  Birders didn’t commonly lug cameras into the field, the camera’s were not nearly as good as they are now and you still had to develop the picture, which if you didn’t do it yourself, could take a couple of days.  This often meant the bird was gone before anyone knew what it was.

Recently I’ve been reading old reports from The Kingbird (www.nybirds.org) from 1950 on, about my home region (Region in Eastern New York.  While it has been fascinating to learn about certain species which used to occur in certain places (but certainly don’t anymore), every now and then a report makes the list (Which implies confirmation) which makes you just go huh?

remember there were no Avian Bird Record committees then.  If it made it to the Kingbird it was likely discussed by the editor of the region and the person who made the sighting.  In many cases, no details were given, but phrases such as “Convincingly described” or “Almost certainly this species” were used.  There are species reported and “Convincingly described” which would never be accepted by a records committee today. 

 With that in mind, how do we treat these historical records with little or no details?  Your thoughts?

I joined… How about you?

Now some people have trouble bird watching in Cemetaries.  I guess the thought of thousands of dead people, slowly decomposing beneath your feet, can give some people the willies.  But, many Cemetary’s, especially in urban settings are oasis for birds.

Albany Rural Cemetary is located just north of the City of Albany in Menands, New York.  There are actually 3 Cemetaries which make up the complex, Albany Rural, St. Agnes and the Jewish Cemetary.  All 3 offer good birding, especially in Spring migration, but winter is also a good time to visit as well.

St. Agnes Cemetary, which is owned by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany, is also an Audubon partner for conservation, and efforts are made to maintain the grounds in an environmentally friendly way.  Albany Rural cemetary is more famous for the people who are buried there including at least 1 U.S. President (Chester A. Arthur if you are wondering).  Interestingly scattered around the grounds are many bird feeders, and a drive around the plots in mid winter can easily yield some interesting birds, including flocks of Dark-Eyed Junco, Common Redpoll, American Goldfinch and Pine Siskin as well as more common suburban feeder birds.  In some years, the ornamental evergreens are particularly attractive to species such as White-winged Crossbill.  Red-tailed Hawk is a year round resident, and likely nests in the wooded areas of the Cemetaries.  Accipiters and Merlin can often be seen flying by during migration.

But Spring is when the Cemetaries really shine.  Look for Baltimore Oriole, Rose-breasted Grosbeak and Scarlet Tanager flying around in all their glorious colors.  Wood Thrush and Veery, and their flute like songs from the wooded patches.  American Robins tending nests and Red-eyed and Warbling Vireos singing non-stop from almost every tree.  Check the wood edges and brushier areas for migrant warblers.

Summer time can be slow, but in late August look for Common Nighthawks winging their way south.  In fall, look for migrant sparrows along the edges of the plots.

(Birding at Albany Rural and other Cemetaries is actually quite good.  The roads through the plots are paved and level.  The grassy areas are also fairly level.  There are some steep sections and small hills scattered about, but can be traversed by taking vehical to the lower and upper portions.  At Albany Rural there are also many bird feeders scattered about, it is possible to stake out a feeder to watch.  In the older sections, some of the plots are pretty narrow and you also run the risk of tripping over a partially sunken headstone, but none of these risks out weigh the birding potential of the place.)

Rating:

*** Spring, * Summer, ** Fall, ** Winter

*Note this post will be permanently linked in the Where to Bird in Eastern New York and Handicapped Birding Pages.

The Albany Pine Bush is a series of Pine Dunes (part of a larger group of Pine Bush which runs down the Coast into New Jersey), nestled along an extension of the City of Albany and parts of the Towns of Guilderland and Colonie.  It is also conveniently located next to the Albany dump.  While many species of animal call the Preserve home, the Albany Pine Bush is most famous for a small, blue butterfly, The Karner Blue, which is endangered.  This was also once the historical home of Heath Hen, a now extinct sub-species of Lesser Prairie Chicken, which occurred in the Northeast.

A good place to start your visit to the Albany Pine Bush is at the Discovery Center (located off Rt. 155, between Rt. 5 and Washington Avenues).  Here you can learn more about the uniqueness of the Pine Bush as well as get maps and directions to other parcel of lands. (Keep in mind they do controlled burning in some years and access to the trails may be limited).  The easiest way to start exploring the Pine Bush is to follow the trails from the Discovery Center.  These trails go through typical Pine Bush habitat.  Within moments in the warmer months you should be greeted with the “Chewink” call of Eastern Towhee, which is abundant in the Pine Bush.  Prairie Warbler is common here, along with Field Sparrow.  Flycatchers are also abundant, with Eastern Phoebe, Eastern Kingbird, Willow, Least and Great Crested Flycatchers.  Eastern Pewee may be heard in some of the woodier sections.  Common Yellothroat, Yellow Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Pine Warbler and American Redstart are the common warbler species, with others such as Blackburnian, Bay-breasted and Cape May Warblers are found in the dense pines in migration.  Red-breasted Nuthatch and Northern Flicker are often found as well.  Wild Turkey is abundant, along with Gray Catbird and Indigo Bunting.  In winter, Northern Shrike frequents the area.

As one follows the trails east, the preserve runs along the Albany dump.  In summer months the smell can be wretched, but expect good looks at Turkey Vulture, Black Vulture is a recent arrival but can often be found here as well.  All 3 of the main gull species can be found wheeling above the garbage and a gull enthusiast might be able to pick out a white-winged or better gull from the swirling flocks.

In late summer Common Nighthawk can be abundant flying over or even found quietly snoozing on a branch.  Recent survey’s have shown Whip-poor-will to be present in the park, a welcomed sign.  Red-tailed Hawk is a common resident and both Sharp-shinned and Cooper’s Hawks are often found.  Merlin can be found in migration.  Barred, Screech and Great Horned Owls frequent the surrounding woods, and with more effort or searching in winter Northern Saw-Whet and Long Eared Owls are a good bet.  In winter also keep your eyes our for both Red and White-winged Crossbills, Pine Siskin and Common Redpoll.

Other areas of the preserve have a variety of habitat, ranging from mixed woodlands, ponds and marsh areas.  Rensselaer Lake off Fuller Road is part of the preserve, but is often crowded and has an unsavory reputation for use.  Some further exploration of the area, might lead to some new finds, especially during migration.

Beyond birds, the preserve has an amazing array of unique plants, insects and mammals as well.  The preserve can be busy with mountain bikers and joggers in the warmer months and cross-country skiers in winter, making visiting the preserve early in the day your best bet.

(The Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center is an excellent stop for someone with disabilities.  As a former bank, the building is handicapped accessable and has plenty of restrooms.  It also provides an opportunity to for those with disabilities to experience the Pine Bush, through displays and other information.  However birding the Pine Bush with someone who is disabled is poor at best.  The trails are sandy and uneven, prone to washouts in heavy rain and stairs are used throughout the trail system.  A wheelchair is impossible here and others with mobility problems, may find the sandy trails, which can be steep a challenge.  The preserve is also surrounded by major roads, including the New York State Thruway, there is significant noise pollution, even someone with slight hearing loss may have issues trying to hear birds in the preserve due to traffic.  The good news is there are areas in which you can’t hear the traffic as much, but in other areas, especially late in the afternoon it can be deafening.)

Rating:

****Spring, * Summer, ** Fall, * Winter

* Note this post will be permanently linked in the “Where to Bird in Eastern New York Section”

These two small preserves, located down the road from each other are two of my favorite locations to bird in Eastern Greene County, New York.  Both are located along the shores of the Hudson River and as such, provide above average birding in all seasons.  Both are located on 4-mile Point Road in the Town of Athens in Greene County and both are owned by Scenic Hudson.  The entrance to 4- Mile Point is about 1/4 mile once you turn onto 4-Mile Point Road, by the 1st curve.  There is a small parking lot.

After checking out the information Kiosk, take the short path to your right, which leads down to a small pond.  This pond doesn’t usually hold anything too exciting, but Wood Duck, Mallard and American Black Duck can be found and rarely Blue or Green Winged Teal.  In Spring and Fall check the surrounding tree’s and listen for the squeeky-gate closing calls of Rusty Blackbirds.  You may also find a Great-Blue Heron or Green Heron patiently hunting along the edges.

Returning to the main trail, you will notice that the woods are alive with birds.  In Spring and Summer, birds such as Red-eyed and Warbling Vireos, American Redstart, Yellow Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Baltimore Oriole and Great-Crested Flycatcher can be abundant.  Catbirds can often be heard mewing from the thickets.  Because of its location to nearby nesting areas, Cerulean Warbler is a rare, but regular migrant.  In fall, Dark-eyed Junco, White-Throated Sparrow and Golden-Crowned Kinglet, join the ever-present Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, Cedar Waxwing, Northern Cardinal and nearly all the regular occurring Woodpecker species.

Continuing down the trail a few hundred feet, the trail splits.  One goes up, the other down.  Going down, leads you to a picnic area, which is popular in the warmer months.  Heading up, leads you through some short Cedar tree’s, where in fall, winter and early spring, one should look closely for a snoozing Northern Saw-Whet Owl or Long-Eared Owl.  Kinglets and Warblers can often be found flitting through the trees.  The path splits again, leading to two bluffs which provide spectacular views of the Hudson River.  Whether on the upper bluffs or in the lower picnic area, keep an eye to the sky, for one of the numerous Bald Eagles in the area.  Osprey are fairly common in migration, in colder months scan the River for waterfowl, Geese and Gulls.

Continuing down the 4-Mile Point Road approximately another 3/4 of mile the road will curve through an extensive swampy area.  This land too is owned by Scenic Hudson, but access is limited, overgrown and unmarked.  Due to the amount of Deer Ticks and Lyme Disease, entering the woods in warmer months is not recommended.  If you look closely (and they are much easier to see in colder months) there are a number of foot paths which lead to areas of better visibility of the marsh.  Waterfowl can be good here, with Teal, Mallard, Wood Duck, American Wigeon and Eurasian Wigeon as well.  Hooded Merganser can be found in cooler months and Mute Swan, Pied-billed Grebe and Common Moorhen can be tough to find, but are likely residents of the marsh.  Even if you don’t go into the Marsh proper, look for Green and Great-Blue Heron, Wood Duck, Mallard, American Black Duck, Bufflehead, All Woodpecker Species, Baltimore Oriole and Eastern Kingbird in warmer months, Great Crested Flycatcher and they usual assortment of migrants and chickadees.  In the winter, check the Wood Duck boxes for snoozing Eastern Screech Owl.  Great Horned Owl can also be found in the larger tree’s surrounding the marsh or being chased by Crows.  Osprey can be found in migration, both flying over and in the marsh itself.

Just past where the road goes through the marsh, it runs along the river again, this spot is popular with fisherman in the summer and can be quite busy.  In colder months, check the island across the way (Stockport Station in Columbia County) for Bald Eagles, in winter you may find several.  Also check the River for Ducks, Geese, Loons and Grebes.  Pine Siskin is often heard here among the horde of seasonal flocks of American Goldfinch.  At low tide, be sure to check the edges of the river for Spotted Sandpiper, Killdeer and other interesting shorebirds.  Neither location is maintained in winter, although the road is plowed and so is the parking area to 4 Mile Point, however the parking area may be extremely icy.  To bird both 4-Mile Point and Vosburgh’s Marsh should take about 2.5 hours, making it perfect stop as part of a tour of other birding locations in Greene County!

(Both 4-Mile Point and Vosburgh’s Marsh I rate as OK for Handicapped birding.  The trails at 4-Mile Point are wide, short and fairly level, but are grass and thus difficult to move a wheelchair.  There are also a number of short, but steep sections, which would make a wheelchair impossible at times and others with limited mobility would have a difficult time.  However some of the best birding can be done in and near the parking area, which can be manageable even with a wheelchair.  As for Vosburgh’s Marsh, there is no way to safely enter the marsh, but birding from the road can be productive and there is little traffic.  The road is paved and even and someone with a wheelchair could easily navigate safely.  There is also excellent viewing of the river from the Road, including excellent chances at Bald Eagle and other waterfowl on the river.)

Rating:

4-Mile Point:  *** Spring, * Summer, *** Fall, * Winter

Vosburgh’s Marsh: *** Spring, ** Summer, *** Fall, *** Winter

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know that the economy stinks right now.  But what Governor Patterson is asking could put thousands of people at risk of losing their services.  He is proposing a $65 Million Dollar cut to OMRDD, which could threaten the very services disabled persons in New York State rely upon to live.  These people are being targeted because they can’t vote, so Governor Patterson feels it is ok to take money from them, because they won’t hurt him at the polls.  Guess again Governor.

Personally this affects my youngest daughter, who’s school could possibly face closing or a shorter school week because of the cuts. When she started there, she did little, could not walk, could not hold a bottle.  Now after 2 years at the Center, not only has she learned to walk on her own, she has grown in every way and has accomplished more than we had hoped for.  This happend in large part to her going to the Center 5 days a week for a full day for intensive therapies with qualified staff.  Cuts to staff means a cut to therapies and the potential that the progress my daughter has made could be lost.  In addition the Center for Disability Services is one of the LARGEST employers in the Capital District, and they have already suffered massive cuts, no raises, no cost of living increases at a time when people could really use them.

Times are tough, but that is no excuse to pull the services of New York State’s most vulnerable Citizens!

…you get a text message that reads like this:

6 CAGO x/ CAGO COx BL

And you know what it means.

Congratulations Danika.

Well maybe not.  But its sort of cool looking anyway.  For the last few days, what appears to be a Budgerigar has been visiting my feeder.  Now, Albany, New York is not a place you would typically expect to find any kind of Parrott, but this one has taken command of a flock of House Sparrows.  The Sparrows no doubt provide protection, while the Budgy gets to feed at the feeder.  Obviously there is a pecking order as ALL the House Sparrows feed on the ground.  I wonder how long it can survive.

Also, I have yet to personally see this bird.  EVERYONE else in my family has seen it, but me.  Go figure.

Click on the images for a larger view.