This is a work in progess (9/25/09)
Order Anseriformes
Family Anatidae – Swans, Geese and Ducks
Greater White Fronted Goose: Rare migrant, individual birds often associate with large flocks of Canada Goose. All large flocks of Canada Geese should be carefully scanned for this species, but observers are also urged caution because the similar looking escaped domestic Graylag Goose (some who can fly) will also associate with Canada Geese.
Snow Goose: Regular, but uncommon Spring and Fall migrant and occassionally during mild winters. Often seen in small numbers of a dozen or less birds and often in the company of Canada Geese, however large flocks of Snow Geese numbering in the thousands have occured.
Ross’s Goose: Very Rare. This species often travels with its larger cousin the Snow Goose and any large flocks of Snow Geese should be carefully checked for this species.
Brant: Uncommon Migrant, rarely stops in the region. Most Brant are sighted in Spring in large flocks heading north, although a few may be found in both migrations on area ponds and lakes, prefering somewhat larger, more open water than Canada Goose, but is often found associating with large flocks of Canada Geese.
Barnacle Goose: The status of Barnacle Goose in New York State is one open for debate. Frequently kept in captivity and frequently escaped, this species has become regular in winter along the coast in winter, leading to many to believe that these are wild birds from Greenland traveling with flocks of Canada Geese. Until their situation is better defined, all observers are encourage to carefully document any sightings of Barnacle Goose. Although very rare to the region, one bird was observed in Rensselaer County in 2005.
Cackling Goose: Once considered one species with its large and similar looking cousin, Canada Goose, Cackling Goose remains a very rare migrant in Eastern New York. It often accompanies large flocks of Canada Geese and can be seperated by its much smaller size. Because it now has full species status, birders will likely be more vigilant in searching for this species and I expect to see reports of this species to increase as time goes on.
Canada Goose*: Abundant breeder across the entire region, super abundant migrant, least common in the region in mid winter, but still common. Canada Goose is a relatively new breeder to the state, formerly it bred like many Geese in the high arctic (hence the name), but with the encouragement of man, Canada Goose discovered that there was no need to fly all the way north to breed and now nearly every pond, lake, river has at least one pair of Geese. With few predators, the population of Canada Geese have exploded and they have become a pest in many areas. In Spring, Fall and Winter the local population is joined with migrants from further north, daily totals of Canada Geese can often exceed 10,000 individuals. Observers are encouraged to carefully examine an large flocks of Canada Geese for one of the rarer Geese listed above.
Mute Swan*: Introduced, the Mute Swan is only locally established in the region, although escaped or released individuals may occur anywhere. Breeding strongholds are along the Hudson River from Coxsackie in Greene County south, Nassau Lake in Rensselaer County, Basic Creek Reservoir in Albany County. At this time it does not appear that the Swans are expanding much and in fact may be losing popualtion.
Tundra Swan: Rare migrant. These large graceful birds are rather rare to region, occuring often in late spring and fall, often individuals are spotted although a few small groups have been reported. Most Tundra Swans only spend a day or two in the region before continuing further north and west, although there are a few records of individuals staying in an area for sevearl weeks.
Wood Duck*: A common breeder in swamps, wooded ponds and marshes. may be found on any body of water in migration, although usually close to shore. Largely migratory, although a few winter in the region, especially in mild winters. Can often be found in moderate runing creeks/streams in winter, often in the company of Mallards. Migrants usually return in March and depart by mid November.
Gadwall: Uncommon Migrant and rare summer visitor. Another duck of ponds and open marshes, Gadwall are a regular migrant in both spring and fall. In recent years, a few Gadwall have been present all summer on Stanton Pond, in Southern Albany County, despite several years of returning and suitable habitat, no nesting attemp has been made there or anywhere in Region 8.
Eurasian Wigeon: Rare Sping and Fall vagrant from Europe. There are sevearl records from our area, and for awhile Eurasian Wigeon was almost annual each fall. There are sevearl fall records from Stanton Pond in Albany County and some spring and fall records from Vosburgh’s Marsh in Greene County. This species is often in the company of its cousin the American Wigeon and birders should be aware that hybrids do exist.
American Wigeon: A common Fall and Spring migrant, rare in Summer and winter. This species occurs in solid numbers in both spring and fall, but is much more abundant in the fall, with birds often lingering (depending on Ice conditions) into early winter. Stanton Pond in Albany County often holds hundreds of American Wigeon (and remember to look them all over carefully for Eurasian Wigeon!), other locations such as Vischer Ferry also often have large numbers of Wigeon.
American Black Duck*: A declining species, but still common in many areas. American Black Duck is yet another bird of ponds and marshes, tending to shy away from larger bodies of water except in winter and migration. Present year round, they are much more abundant spring through fall, than winter. Due to close similarities with Mallard, American Black Duck has declined at the Mallard’s gain. The two species readily hybridize complicating the matters more, although in recent years this decline seems to have stablized somewhat. American Black Duck in general prefers habitat further removed from human habitation than Mallard does.
Mallard*: Common to Abundant year round resident May be found anywhere from flooded lawns in downtown Albany after a rain storm to the areas largest lakes and rivers. Mallards have no trouble with humans and often nest in close proximity to parks, where they often hunt for hand outs. Perhaps not originally native to our area, Mallards needed very little encouragement to colonize the region. This also puts them in direct competion with American Black Duck, which can be found in similar habitat. Mallards can also be found well away from water, often in the company of Geese in corn fields and can even be found at people’s bird feeders, eating spilled seed. Mallard is also a common domesticated duck, and there are a lot of funky color variations out there, which sometimes find their way into the wild population. Mallards also hybridize with several other duck species, but espeically American Black Duck, leading at times to interesting and complex ID issue. However, there is not another species of duck more common or better known in our region than Mallard.
Blue-winged Teal*: The Blue-winged Teal is one of the prettiest ducks in our area, easily ID’d in flight by the almost sky blue patches on their wings, the males also have a crescent moon shaped white patch on the head which is just striking. For a long time Teal were uncommon nesters in the largest marshes of our area, such as Black Creek Marsh in Albany County. However this species underwent an unexpalined declined, but in recent years has shown a later summer/fall resurgance, although I think its still unclear if they still nest in our area. Teal like most dabblers prefer shallow water, but can frequently be found at the Cohoes Flats, where the Mohawk and Hudson Rivers come together and they seem to tolerate the faster moving water. They can also be found in both Spring and Fall migrations in marshes and farm ponds, such as Vosburgh’s Marsh, Stanton Pond and Vischer Ferry. Otherwise the species is rare in Summer and very rare in winter.
Northern Shoveler: Despite this species being abundant in locations to the west of our region and closer to the coast, Northern Shoveler is uncommon spring and fall migrant in our region. While they can be found 0n any body of water in migration, they prefer shallow marshes and ponds. Stanton Pond and Vischer Ferry are good locations for this species. Also keep in mind, often in fall male Shoveler’s are in eclipse plumage, which make them look very different from their normal plumage and can create some confusing ID challenges.
Northern Pintail: Uncommon to locally common migrant. More common in Fall than Spring, rare in mild winters. Like most dabblers prefers ponds/marshes to larger or fast flowing waters. Stanton Pond (Albany County), Papscanee Island in Spring (Rensselaer County) and Vischer Ferry (Saratoga County) are all good spots for this attractive duck species. This duck is also still commonly hunted.
Green-winged Teal: A common to abundant migrant, rare in summer, often arrives in March before Ice out. This small attractive duck can be found on almost any body of water, usally only absent from the Region during mid Summer and Mid winter. Another popular game bird.
Canvasback: Rare to uncommon Migrant and winter visitor, may congregate in large numbers some years. This very attractive duck is fairly rare on most of our lakes, with numbers rarely exceeding a dozen. The exception is on the Hudson River in Spring, especially Between Coxsackie and Germantown, where hundreds, if not thousands sometimes breifly gather before heading north. Often associates with other diving ducks such as Scaup, Redheads and Ring-necked Ducks.
Redhead: Similar in many ways to Canvasback, Redhead appears a bit more regularly in fall than Canvasback and often prefers larger lakes such as Saratoga Lake and Lake George, but like Canvasback it often assocaites with other diving species such as Scaup.
Ring-necked Duck*: Common Migrant, uncommon in Winter, rare and local breeder. Along with Green-winged Teal and Wood Duck, Ring-necked Ducks are often one of the first duck species to return to our area, often before the Ice is out. It is not uncommon to find several of these ducks in a small opening in the ice. Ring-necked Ducks can often be found on smaller bodies of water, ponds and marshes, but also on larger bodies as well. The often associated with other diving species, in particular Scaup. Like Wood Duck, Ring-necked Duck nests in tree cavities and will often take to man made boxes, although they are more common further north in the Adirondacks and Boreal Forests of Canada, a few no doubt nest in the higher elevations of the Catskills, Helderbergs and Taconics.
Tufted Duck: A very rare visitor from Europe, but several regional records. Tufted Duck almost always appear in the company of large concentrations of diving ducks, usually dominated by Scaup, although they can associate with Ring-necked Ducks as well. These birds are almost always found on large bodies of water such as Reservoirs, the Hudson River, Saratoga Lake and Lake George. They are not found annually, but are often found every couple of years.
Greater Scaup: An uncommon to locally abundant migrant and winter visitor. Usually found on large bodies of water. Often appears in large flocks up to 1000 individuals, though most are smaller. Also often found in the company of Lesser Scaup and other diving ducks.
Lesser Scaup: Very similar to Greater Scaup with which it often associated with. Lesser Scaup may be found on smaller bodies of water and often associates with other diving duck species.
King Eider: A rare vagrant to the region, at least one record on the Mohawk River near Vischer Ferry and others on the Hudson River, discovered often after being shot by hunters.
Common Eider: This strictly costal species is another rare vagrant to the region, especially along the Hudson River. Along with King Eider, often sightings of these birds are confirmed after being shot by Hunters.
Harlequin Duck: Rare vagrant in winter to the region.
Surf Scoter: Rare to uncommon, often found on larger bodies of water and the Hudson River. Generally low numbers.
White-winged Scoter: Uncommon Migrant and winter visitor, but likely the most common Scoter in our region. Can be found on a variety of Medium and large bodies of water, often in small groups. May also associated with other Scoter species and diving ducks.
Black Scoter: Like Surf Scoter, rare to in some years uncommon in the region. Often found on large bodies of water and often in the company of other Scoter and diving duck species.
Long-tailed Duck: Uncommon Migrant and rare winter visitor. This attractive duck from the north is a welcome sight whenever found. Often prefers large bodies of water, but can be found on the Hudson River, especially during early ice overs. Individual birds may linger in an area for extended periods of time.
Bufflehead: Common to Abundant Migrant, uncommon in winter. This small brightly colored diving duck is found all across our region during migration on almost any body of water. In mild winters with open water, this species will stay in abundance, but in harsh winters will migrate further south, but will quickly return with the 1st thaw.
Common Goldeneye: Common to Abundant Migrant and winter visitor. This species like Bufflehead, can be found on almost any open body of water, although they tend to prefer larger bodies of water. In some years groups of hundreds, if not thousands of birds can be found. May very rarely attempt nesting in our region, especially in Northern Warren, Northwest Saratoga and Northern Fulton Counties.
Barrow’s Goldeneye: Rare visitor, becoming increasingly more common. Often associated with large concentrations of Common Goldeneye.
Hooded Merganser*: Common Permanent resident across much of the region, least common in mid-summer and mid-winter. Although they can be found on any body of water, Hooded Mergansers, like still waters such as ponds, marshes and small lakes. In general they can be found nesting in the higher elevations surrounding the Hudson and Mohawk River Valley’s and more widespread closer to the Adirondack Park.
Common Merganser*: A common to abundant year round residnet. Less common in Mid summer and during harsh winters. This large attractive diver, can be found on any body of water. In migration and winter, look for them on the Hudson River and other large bodies, but in summer look for females and young quickly bobbing along a mountain stream in the Catskills, Taconics or Adirondacks.
Red-breasted Merganser: Uncommon Migrant, largely overlooked. While the Common Merganser is almost strictly fresh water, the Red-breasted Merganser if more often found in costal sections. In our region, they tend to favor large bodies of water and the Hudson River.
Ruddy Duck: Uncommon, but locally abundant in some areas. This small stiff-tailed duck is uncommon in much of our region, but tends to concentrate on certain lakes, such as the Tomhannock and Coxsackie Reservoirs. Small groups are more the norm, but flocks up to several hundred can be observed some years.
Order GALLIFORMES
Family: Odontophoridae – New World Quails
Northern Bobwhite*: EXTRIPATED. Formerly a bird of fields and hedgerows, this bird has succumbed to modern farming practices, development and reforestation of farmland and I wouldn’t rule out the use of pesticides on farms either. This species was once fairly common in the region, and while birds are continued to be reported they are likely the result of introduced captive birds from hunting clubs and bird enthusists. There is currently no known stable wild population.
Family Phasianidae – Partridges, Grouse and Turkeys
Gray Partridge: This introduced species from Europe is commonly held in captivity and often escapes. Escaped birds are generally very tame. There is no known wild population.
Ring-necked Pheasant*: Yet another introduced species, this bird was once fairly common in our region. Like Northern Bobwhite, Pheasant numbers have decreased drastically over the last 20 years. State efforts to boost Pheasant populations for hunting, have not had any major long term impacts and Pheasant is extripated from many parts of the region, although small populations of wild birds likely still occur in the predominately agricultural parts of our region.
Ruffed Grouse*: Common in woodlands all across the region, more common in higher elevations than in the Hudson and Mohawk Valley’s. Males are best known for their elaborate courtship displays, which are rarely seen, but often heard (Drumming) from the woods.
Wild Turkey*: A bit of a success story, Wild Turkey was largely extripated from much of the region, but conservation efforts and hunters helped to bring this species back into its former range and beyond. Turkey also got a boost, when the Rabies epidemic hit Raccoon and other mammals very hard, with few mammals to eat Turkey eggs, there was a Turkey boom. Some have even called them annoying now. Largely these birds stay individuals or small groups, but in winter especially in freshly manured fields, flocks of several hundred birds can be found.
Order GAVIIFORMES
Family Gaviidae – Loons
Red-throated Loon: Rare, but regular on larger bodies of water. Rare to very rare in mild winters. This attractive Loon is a rare but regular fall migrant, often found in November. Compared to Common Loon it is smaller, paler and has a more distictive “upturned” bill profile. Some birds may linger during mild winters. Much more rare in Spring, when its distictive breeding plumage, for which the bird gets its name can be seen, often near the Hudson River.
Pacific Loon: Very rare vagrant. At least one record from the Tomhannock Reservoir.
Common Loon*: Uncommon to common migrant, less common summer and winter, non breeding birds present year round. Common Loon also nests from Northern Fulton County, NW Saratoga County, Warren County into Northern Washington County. The most regularly encountered Loon in our Region. Prefers Medium to large bodies of water, but can be found on smaller ponds and lakes during migration and breeding season. Often lands on wet pavement at night, mistaking it for water, often with disaterous results. Can barely walk on land and requires signifcant open water to take flight. The presence of breeding plumage birds in summer across the region, raises the hope of some isolated nesting attempts south of their normal range.
Order Podicipediformes
Family Popicipedidae – Grebes
Pied-billed Grebe*: This is a small Grebe of marshes and ponds, where it likes heavy cover. It can be found on more open water during migration and winter. Formerly this species bred more widley across the region, but nesting seems to be local at best now. An unommon migrant, its shy habitats make it difficult to spot even in places it normally occurs.
Horned Grebe: Uncommon migrant, more common in fall than spring. This small Grebe prefers larger open bodies of water, unlike the Pied-billed Grebe. Most birds are in drab winter plumage, but a few Spring migrants are in full breeding plumage, with the classic feathered “horns” which gives this species its name.
Red-necked Grebe: Rare to uncommon migrant, very rare in winter. This large, attractive Grebe can be found on large bodies of water and in the vicinity of the confluence of the Hudson and Mohawk Rivers. Most birds in our area are in drab, non breeding plumage, but Spring migrants and one individual bird which lingered into the Summer 2009, have the very disticitve coloring which gives the species its name.
