the highlight of your adirondack adventure

Species lists from September 2016 tours are below. Many photos from the trips are posted at https://www.facebook.com/adirondackavian

September 24, 2016
Field Trip on the Low’s Ridge – Upper Dam Trail sponsored by the Long Lake Parks and Recreation Department and Northern NY Audubon Society. Here is our list of 33 species (including some migrants):

Canada Goose
American Black Duck
Hooded Merganser – 2
Common Merganser – 2
Common Loon – 2 (one juvenile)
Great Blue Heron – on the drive
Bald Eagle – 4 (3 adults and 1 sub-adult)
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Hairy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Pileated Woodpecker
Eastern Phoebe
Blue-headed Vireo
Red-eyed Vireo
Gray Jay – 3
Blue Jay
Common Raven
Black-capped Chickadee
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Ruby-crowned Kinglet (migrant)
Hermit Thrush – several
American Robin
Black-and-white Warbler
Blackpoll Warbler (migrant)
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Palm Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Black-throated Green Warbler
Song Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
American Goldfinch

*****

September 16, 2016
Fishing Brook paddle for a ROOST (Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism) blog. Here are the 25 species found along the brook:

Wood Duck
Pied-billed Grebe
Great Blue Heron
Hairy Woodpecker
Black-backed Woodpecker – 2 (1 female observed)
Northern Flicker
Pileated Woodpecker
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Eastern Phoebe
Blue-headed Vireo
Blue Jay
Black-capped Chickadee
Red-breasted Nuthatch
White-breasted Nuthatch
Brown Creeper
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Hermit Thrush
Gray Catbird
Cedar Waxwing
Common Yellowthroat
Song Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Rusty Blackbird – 4 (1 and 3)
Amer. Goldfinch

I also spent a long time with the largest Snapping Turtle I have ever encountered! There were many Moose paths along the brook. (This is also the location where I took all the Bull Moose photos posted to my Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/adirondackavian.)

*****

September 12, 2016
A half-day tour at Massawepie Mire with a mother and her remarkable 6 year-old daughter (a very serious birder and artist!) from Georgia. Here is our list of 44 species found:

Canada Goose
Wood Duck
American Black Duck
Mallard
Ruffed Grouse – on the dirt road on our drive out of Massawepie
Common Loon – in flight over Massawepie
Great Blue Heron – marsh in Tupper Lake along the causeway
Great Egret – marsh in Tupper Lake along the causeway
Turkey Vulture
Broad-winged Hawk
Belted Kingfisher – outside the Long Lake Diner at lunch!
Hairy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Pileated Woodpecker
American Kestrel – scope views of a perched bird at Massawepie
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher
Blue-headed Vireo
Gray Jay – 5 at Massawepie!
Blue Jay
American Crow
Common Raven
Black-capped Chickadee
Red-breasted Nuthatch
White-breasted Nuthatch
Winter Wren – brief view at Massawepie
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Hermit Thrush – nice views through the scope of 2 birds!
American Robin
Cedar Waxwing
Ovenbird
Nashville Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
Northern Parula
Black-throated Blue Warbler – singing
Palm Warbler – many; including singing birds
Pine Warbler – singing
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Black-throated Green Warbler – viewed along the drive out of Massawepie
Chipping Sparrow
Song Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Red-winged Blackbird – 1
American Goldfinch

We also found an American Toad, Painted Turtle, and Black Bear scat!

*****

September 5, 2016
A tour with 3 birders (2 from East Hampton, NY and 1 from Colorado) in the boreal areas of the central Adirondacks including Massawepie Mire. Here is our list of 50 species:

Canada Goose
Wood Duck
American Black Duck
Ring-necked Duck
Wild Turkey
Common Loon
Pied-billed Grebe – Shaw Pond
Great Egret – at the Tupper Lake marsh; an unusual bird in our central Adirondack region!
Bald Eagle – 1 adult
Cooper’s Hawk – 1
Broad-winged Hawk – 2 different birds
Ring-billed Gull
Barred Owl – 4! (3 along Tarbell Hill Lane in Long Lake and 1 at Massawepie)
Belted Kingfisher – Shaw Pond
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker – juvenile
Hairy Woodpecker
Black-backed Woodpecker – 2 different birds (1 female and 1 male)
Northern Flicker
Pileated Woodpecker
American Kestrel – 2
Merlin – 2
Blue-headed Vireo
Red-eyed Vireo
Gray Jay – 10! (two groups of 3 at Massawepie, 3 at Sabattis Bog, and 1 flyover along Sabattis Circle Road)
Blue Jay
American Crow
Common Raven
Black-capped Chickadee
Boreal Chickadee – 4
Red-breasted Nuthatch
White-breasted Nuthatch
Winter Wren
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Hermit Thrush
American Robin
Gray Catbird
Cedar Waxwing
Ovenbird
Common Yellowthroat
Magnolia Warbler
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Palm Warbler – many!
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Song Sparrow
Lincoln’s Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Purple Finch
Pine Siskin
American Goldfinch

We also found an Ermine, Fox (too far away to determine Red or Gray), and a lot of Black Bear scat!

Species lists from August 2016 tours are below. Many photos from the trips are posted at https://www.facebook.com/adirondackavian

August 25 & 26, 2016
Two early morning walks with guests at a privately rented Great Camp. Here is our list of 33 species by day:

Thursday, August 25, 2016 (24 species)

Common Loon – 3 adults
Great Blue Heron
Osprey – at least 2
Belted Kingfisher
Eastern Phoebe – singing
Blue-headed Vireo – singing
Blue Jay
American Crow
Common Raven
Black-capped Chickadee
Boreal Chickadee – at least 2!
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Brown Creeper
Winter Wren
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Cedar Waxwing
Common Yellowthroat
Northern Parula
Magnolia Warbler
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Black-throated Green Warbler
Song Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow

Amphibian: American Toad

Mammals: Red Squirrel and a couple of Black Bear scats!

Wildflowers:

Labrador Tea
Pearly Everlasting
Yarrow
Goldenrod
Meadowsweet
Spatulate-leaved Sundew

Friday, August 26, 2016 (28 species)

Common Loon – 2 adults with a chick!
Osprey – calling
Belted Kingfisher
Hairy Woodpecker – family group
Northern Flicker
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher – 2 (one singing)
Blue-headed Vireo – singing
Red-eyed Vireo – singing
Blue Jay
American Crow
Common Raven
Black-capped Chickadee
Boreal Chickadee – at least 2!
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Brown Creeper
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Black-and-white Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
Magnolia Warbler
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Pine Warbler – several singing
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Black-throated Green Warbler
Chipping Sparrow
Song Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
American Goldfinch

Amphibian: American Toad

Reptile: Red-bellied Snake

Mammals: Red Squirrel and a couple of Black Bear scats!

Wildflowers:

Labrador Tea
Pearly Everlasting
Dewdrop
Goldenrod
Spatulate-leaved Sundew

*****

August 12, 2016
Early morning walk with guests at a privately rented Great Camp. Here is our list of species:

Birds:

Osprey – 3 (2 juveniles (one in the nest and one out) and an adult)
Belted Kingfisher
Black-backed Woodpecker – 1 heard calling
Eastern Phoebe
Red-eyed Vireo – singing
Blue Jay
Common Raven
Black-capped Chickadee
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Brown Creeper
Winter Wren – singing
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Hermit Thrush
Cedar Waxwing
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Canada Warbler – singing
Chipping Sparrow
Song Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow – singing
Dark-eyed Junco
Purple Finch
American Goldfinch

Amphibians:

American Toad
Wood Frog

Reptiles:

Common Gartersnake
Red-bellied Snake

Wildflowers:

Bunchberry – already in berry mode!
Spatulate-leaved Sundew – carnivorous bog plant
Yarrow
Wintergreen
Turtlehead
Pearly Everlasting
Meadowsweet
Spotted Joe-Pye Weed
Steeplebush
Common St. Johnswort
Goldenrod
Cow Vetch
New England Aster
Dewdrop
Labrador Tea

Arachnid:

Fishing Spider

*****

August 9, 2016
Roosevelt Truck Trail Field Trip sponsored by the Long Lake Parks and Recreation Department and Northern NY Audubon Society. Here is our list of 22 species:

Ruffed Grouse
Broad-winged Hawk
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Hairy Woodpecker
Black-backed Woodpecker – 2 heard calling
Blue-headed Vireo
Red-eyed Vireo
Blue Jay
Black-capped Chickadee
Boreal Chickadee – 6 (groups of 3, 1, and 2)
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Winter Wren – several
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Hermit Thrush
American Robin
Cedar Waxwing
Black-and-white Warbler
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Dark-eyed Junco
Purple Finch
Amer. Goldfinch

Species lists from July 2016 tours are below. Many photos from the trips are posted at https://www.facebook.com/adirondackavian

July 28, 2016
A half-day tour with a family from Maryland in the Moose River Plains complex. Here are the 30 species found:

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Hairy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker – views
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher – singing
Alder Flycatcher – singing; nice view!
Blue-headed Vireo – views
Red-eyed Vireo
Blue Jay
Common Raven
Black-capped Chickadee
Boreal Chickadee – at least 5! Nice views of this flock!
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Brown Creeper
Golden-crowned Kinglet – views
Hermit Thrush – views
American Robin
Cedar Waxwing – nice views!
Black-and-white Warbler – views
Common Yellowthroat
Magnolia Warbler
Chestnut-sided Warbler – nice views!
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Black-throated Green Warbler – views
Chipping Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow – views
Purple Finch
American Goldfinch

*****

July 24, 2016
A Dawn Tour up Whiteface Mountain followed by lowland boreal birding with 2 people from Westchester, NY. Here is our list of 53 species:

Canada Goose
Wood Duck – young at the marshes
American Black Duck – at the marshes
Osprey – nest in Long Lake
Bald Eagle – perched in a White Pine over Tupper Lake
Broad-winged Hawk – several heard and observed
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Downy Woodpecker – on the summit of Whiteface! (unusual!)
Hairy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Pileated Woodpecker
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher – several heard with views of 2 (Whiteface Mountain and Route 30 in Long Lake)
Alder Flycatcher – many heard with views of one
Least Flycatcher – one heard singing
Eastern Kingbird – views in Tupper Lake at the marshes
Blue-head Vireo – including one on Whiteface’s summit!
Red-eyed Vireo
Gray Jay – 3 at Sabattis Bog including a juvenile
Blue Jay
American Crow
Common Raven – including a curious juvenile on the summit of Whiteface!
Tree Swallow
Barn Swallow
Black-capped Chickadee
Boreal Chickadee – 16!!! On the summit area of Whiteface – a new record for me (both for numbers found in one day and number found on the summit of Whiteface!)
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Brown Creeper
Winter Wren – many
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Ruby-crowned Kinglet – several heard on Whiteface with views of one
Eastern Bluebird – adults with young
Bicknell’s Thrush – many heard calling in the fog at dawn! (A beautiful moment!) One nice perched view and several flying views. A couple of distant songs heard, but the birds were mostly calling at dawn.
Swainson’s Thrush – many
Hermit Thrush – several
American Robin
Cedar Waxwing
Nashville Warbler – on Whiteface and in lowland habitat
Common Yellowthroat
Northern Parula
Magnolia Warbler – on Whiteface and in lowland habitat
Blackpoll Warbler – many with views of a few on Whiteface
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Palm Warbler – view at Sabattis Bog
Yellow-rumped Warbler – on Whiteface and in lowland habitat
Black-throated Green Warbler – on Whiteface and in lowland habitat
Chipping Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Lincoln’s Sparrow – singing at Sabattis Bog!
Swamp Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow – many; on Whiteface and in lowland habitat
Dark-eyed Junco – many
Red-winged Blackbird
American Goldfinch

We also saw a Snowshoe Hare on the summit area of Whiteface!

*****

July 20, 2016
A half-day tour in the central Adirondack boreal habitats with a couple from Ohio. Here is our list of 44 species:

Wood Duck – Shaw Pond
American Black Duck – Shaw Pond
Ruffed Grouse – female with at least 3 young in Minerva
Wild Turkey
Pied-billed Grebe – 1 at Shaw Pond
American Bittern – flyover along Route 30 in Long Lake
Great Blue Heron – Shaw Pond
Turkey Vulture
Osprey – adult soaring over its nest area (Minnow Pond along Route 30) and at least 2 young in the nest
Ruby-throated Hummingbird – marsh in Newcomb
Merlin – flyover
Alder Flycatcher – singing/calling – several at the marshes
Least Flycatcher – singing/calling at the intersection of Blue Ridge Road and Route 28N
Blue-headed Vireo
Red-eyed Vireo
Gray Jay – 2 along Route 30 near a marsh
Blue Jay
American Crow
Common Raven
Black-capped Chickadee
Boreal Chickadee – 2 birds heard
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Brown Creeper
Winter Wren – several singing birds
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Swainson’s Thrush – several singing and calling birds
Hermit Thrush – several singing and calling birds
American Robin
Cedar Waxwing
Black-and-white Warbler
Nashville Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
Northern Parula
Magnolia Warbler
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Chipping Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Lincoln’s Sparrow – singing bird at Sabattis Bog – it had a very unusual vocalization!
Swamp Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow – many
Purple Finch
Red Crossbill – calling as they flew over Sabattis Bog!
American Goldfinch

*****

July 17, 2016
A birding tour in the central Adirondack boreal and marsh habitats with a birder from Rochester, NY. Here is our list of 64 species:

Canada Goose
Wood Duck – with babies!
American Black Duck
Mallard
Pied-billed Grebe – Shaw Pond
Great Blue Heron
Turkey Vulture
Ring-billed Gull
Belted Kingfisher
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Hairy Woodpecker
Black-backed Woodpecker – 1 male observed with another heard nearby
Northern Flicker – 3
Pileated Woodpecker
Merlin – likely nest site at the entrance to Massawepie
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher – Sabattis Bog
Alder Flycatcher – inlet of Little Tupper Lake
Eastern Phoebe
Eastern Kingbird
Blue-headed Vireo
Red-eyed Vireo
Gray Jay – 5 (2 along Route 30 and 3 at Sabattis Bog including a juvenile)
Blue Jay
American Crow
Common Raven
Tree Swallow
Barn Swallow
Black-capped Chickadee
Boreal Chickadee – 4
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Winter Wren
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Eastern Bluebird
Swainson’s Thrush
Hermit Thrush
American Robin
Gray Catbird
European Starling
Cedar Waxwing – many; views
Black-and-white Warbler
Nashville Warbler
Common Yellowthroat – nice view!
American Redstart
Northern Parula
Magnolia Warbler
Blackburnian Warbler
Yellow Warbler – views at the inlet of Little Tupper Lake
Chestnut-sided Warbler – views of a juvenile
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Palm Warbler – Sabattis Bog; nice view!
Pine Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Black-throated Green Warbler
Canada Warbler – nice view!
Chipping Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Lincoln’s Sparrow – Sabattis Bog
Swamp Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Scarlet Tanager
Indigo Bunting – several along Massawepie Rd.
Red-winged Blackbird
Purple Finch – nice view!

*****

July 12, 2016
Spring Pond Bog Field Trip sponsored by the Long Lake Parks and Recreation Department and Northern NY Audubon Society. Here is our list of 36 species:

Ruffed Grouse
Spruce Grouse – observed by some!
Wild Turkey
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Hairy Woodpecker
Merlin
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher
Blue-headed Vireo
Red-eyed Vireo
Gray Jay – 2 (one juvenile)
Blue Jay
Common Raven
Black-capped Chickadee
Boreal Chickadee – 1
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Brown Creeper
Winter Wren
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Hermit Thrush
American Robin
Cedar Waxwing
Ovenbird
Nashville Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
Northern Parula
Magnolia Warbler
Blackburnian Warbler
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Palm Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Canada Warbler – male and female with food for young!
Savannah Sparrow – 2
Song Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Red-winged Blackbird

We also found a Red-bellied Snake!

*****

July 11, 2016
A Dawn Tour up Whiteface Mountain followed by lowland boreal birding with a couple from North Carolina. Here is our list of 74 species found:

Canada Goose
Wild Turkey – with young
Common Loon – 2 observed on Simon Pond in Tupper Lake, and some heard during the night
Great Blue Heron
Turkey Vulture
Osprey – at its nest
Broad-winged Hawk – nice view!
Virginia Rail – heard vocalizing at the Tupper Lake marsh during the night
Wilson’s Snipe – several calling and winnowing
American Woodcock – 1 heard vocalizing
Ring-billed Gull
Mourning Dove
Black-billed Cuckoo – 2! One heard at night by the Little Tupper Lake inlet and one observed foraging along River Road.
Chimney Swift
Belted Kingfisher – Route 30 marsh in Long Lake
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Hairy Woodpecker
Black-backed Woodpecker – 4! (2 observed – a male and a juvenile, with 2 more heard calling)
Northern Flicker
Olive-sided Flycatcher – at Sabattis Bog in Long Lake
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher
Alder Flycatcher – one heard at night at the Little Tupper Lake inlet
Least Flycatcher
Eastern Phoebe
Eastern Kingbird – near its nest on the Raquette River
Blue-headed Vireo
Red-eyed Vireo
Gray Jay – 14! (2 along Route 30 in Long Lake, 3 at Sabattis Bog, 3 off the Round Lake Trail, 5 at Bloomingdale Bog – 3 adults and 2 juveniles, and 1 observed on Bigelow Rd.)
Blue Jay
American Crow
Common Raven
Tree Swallow
Cliff Swallow
Barn Swallow
Black-capped Chickadee
Boreal Chickadee – 6!
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Winter Wren
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Bicknell’s Thrush – many! It was one of the best mornings on Whiteface all season!
Swainson’s Thrush
Hermit Thrush
American Robin
Gray Catbird
European Starling
Cedar Waxwing
Ovenbird
Black-and-white Warbler
Nashville Warbler
Mourning Warbler – lovely views!
Common Yellowthroat
American Redstart
Northern Parula
Magnolia Warbler
Blackburnian Warbler
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Blackpoll Warbler – many on Whiteface
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Palm Warbler
Pine Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Black-throated Green Warbler
Chipping Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Lincoln’s Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Indigo Bunting – Sabattis Circle Road
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Purple Finch
American Goldfinch

*****

July 8, 2016
A tour in the boreal habitat of the central Adirondacks with a birder from Washington, DC. Here is our list of 73 species:

Canada Goose
Wood Duck – Shaw Pond and Tupper Lake (with young)
Amer. Black Duck – with young on Tupper Lake
Ring-necked Duck – 2 on Tupper Lake
Hooded Merganser – 2 females on Upper Cat Pond
Ruffed Grouse – 5 young!
Wild Turkey – with young
Pied-billed Grebe – feeding 4 young on Shaw Pond
Amer. Bittern – heard at the marsh along Route 30 in Long Lake (location with 2 Grays Jays, and 1 Boreal Chickadee heard)
Turkey Vulture
Osprey – young in nest
Sharp-shinned Hawk – 1 carrying prey at Sabattis Bog
Broad-winged Hawk – 1 carrying prey
Sandhill Crane – 4 (Pair with 2 young)
Wilson’s Snipe – several calling and winnowing along Raquette River Drive
Mourning Dove
Belted Kingfisher
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Hairy Woodpecker
Black-backed Woodpecker – 2 drumming back and forth (1 called) at Sabattis Bog
Northern Flicker
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher
Least Flycatcher
Eastern Phoebe
Eastern Kingbird – including one at its nest along Raquette River Drive
Blue-headed Vireo
Philadelphia Vireo – heard singing in the Spring Pond Bog complex
Red-eyed Vireo
Gray Jay – 8
Blue Jay
American Crow
Common Raven
Tree Swallow
Barn Swallow
Black-capped Chickadee
Boreal Chickadee – 5
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Brown Creeper
Winter Wren
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Swainson’s Thrush
Hermit Thrush
Amer. Robin
Gray Catbird
Cedar Waxwing
Ovenbird
Black-and-white Warbler
Nashville Warbler
Mourning Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
American Redstart
Northern Parula
Magnolia Warbler
Blackburnian Warbler
Yellow Warbler
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Palm Warbler
Pine Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Black-throated Green Warbler
Canada Warbler
Chipping Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Lincoln’s Sparrow – Sabattis Bog
Swamp Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Scarlet Tanager
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Indigo Bunting
Red-winged Blackbird
Purple Finch
Amer. Goldfinch

*****

July 5, 2016
A half-day walk at a privately rented Great Camp. Here is our species list:

Birds:
Common Loon – 2
Osprey – 2 adults w/young in a nest
Broad-winged Hawk
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Black-backed Woodpecker – heard (& observed by a couple people)
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher
Least Flycatcher
Blue-headed Vireo
Red-eyed Vireo
Blue Jay
Common Raven
Black-capped Chickadee
Brown Creeper
Winter Wren
Golden-crowned Kinglet
American Robin
Cedar Waxwing
Ovenbird
Black-and-White Warbler
Nashville Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
Northern Parula
Magnolia Warbler
Blackburnian Warbler
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Black-throated Green Warbler
Canada Warbler
Chipping Sparrow
Song Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco

Also:

Amphibians:
American Toad
Wood Frog

Reptiles:
Common Garter Snake

Wildflowers:
Spatulate-leaved Sundew
Bunchberry
Blue Flag (also known as Wild Iris)
Common Fleabane
Common Wood Sorrel
Sheep Laurel
Yellow Pond Lily
Orange Hawkweed
Cow Vetch

*****

July 2, 3, & 4, 2016
A 3-day tour with a group from NYC Audubon in many different Adirondack habitats (bogs, boreal forest, marshes, etc.) including a Dawn Tour up Whiteface Mountain. Here is our list of 86 species (by day):

July 2, 2016 (65 species):

Ruffed Grouse – 2 different adults and chicks (1 with 1 chick, and 1 with 3 chicks)
Wild Turkey
Common Loon – on Deer Pond along Massawepie Rd.
Turkey Vulture
Ring-billed Gull
Mourning Dove
Chimney Swift
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Belted Kingfisher
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Down Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Black-backed Woodpecker – male
Northern Flicker
Least Flycatcher
Eastern Phoebe
Blue-headed Vireo
Philadelphia Vireo – singing; observed by a couple
Red-eyed Vireo
Blue Jay
American Crow
Common Raven
Tree Swallow
Barn Swallow
Black-capped Chickadee
Red-breasted Nuthatch
White-breasted Nuthatch
Brown Creeper
Winter Wren
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Veery
Hermit Thrush
Wood Thrush
American Robin
Gray Catbird
European Starling
Cedar Waxwing
Ovenbird
Northern Waterthrush – observed
Black-and-white Warbler
Nashville Warbler
Mourning Warbler – nice views!
Common Yellowthroat
American Redstart
Northern Parula
Magnolia Warbler
Blackburnian Warbler
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Palm Warbler
Pine Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Black-throated Green Warbler
Chipping Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Lincoln’s Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Indigo Bunting
Common Grackle
Purple Finch
Red Crossbill – 4! (calling and observed flying over us during a stop to view a Ruffed Grouse with young)
Amer. Goldfinch

July 3, 2016 (70 species):

Canada Goose
Ruffed Grouse – with young!
Wild Turkey
Common Loon – 7 (4 on Simon Pond, 1 flyover at the Tupper Lake causeway, 1 on Tupper Lake, and 1 on Long Lake)
Great Blue Heron
Turkey Vulture
Bald Eagle
Broad-winged Hawk
Sandhill Crane – 4 (including 2 juveniles)! (First confirmed breeding record in the Adirondacks!)
Wilson’s Snipe
Herring Gull
Mourning Dove
Chimney Swift
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker – at a nest along Sabattis Circle Road
Hairy Woodpecker
Black-backed Woodpecker – 1 male along Route 30 (where we stopped to feed Gray Jays and heard & observed Boreal Chickadees) and 1 flyover at the marsh in Newcomb (near a nest area where the young recently fledged)
Olive-sided Flycatcher – heard calling at Sabattis Bog
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher
Least Flycatcher
Eastern Phoebe
Eastern Kingbird – several, including one at a nest location
Blue-headed Vireo
Red-eyed Vireo
Gray Jay – 5 (3 at Sabattis Bog and 2 along Route 30)
Blue Jay
American Crow
Common Raven
Tree Swallow – with young!
Barn Swallow
Black-capped Chickadee
Boreal Chickadee – 6
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Winter Wren
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Swainson’s Thrush
Hermit Thrush
American Robin
Gray Catbird
European Starling
Cedar Waxwing
Ovenbird
Black-and-white Warbler
Nashville Warbler
Mourning Warbler – at least 2 heard singing along Sabattis Circle Road in Long Lake
Common Yellowthroat
American Redstart
Northern Parula
Magnolia Warbler
Blackburnian Warbler
Yellow Warbler
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Palm Warbler
Pine Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Black-throated Green Warbler
Canada Warbler – several at Sabattis Bog
Chipping Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Lincoln’s Sparrow – views at Sabattis Bog
Swamp Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Indigo Bunting
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Purple Finch
White-winged Crossbill – heard calling at Sabattis Bog (where they nested this winter)
Amer. Goldfinch

July 4, 2016 (51 species):

Broad-winged Hawk
Mourning Dove
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Black-backed Woodpecker – 1
Northern Flicker
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher
Least Flycatcher
Blue-headed Vireo
Red-eyed Vireo
Gray Jay – 6
Blue Jay
American Crow
Common Raven
Tree Swallow
Cliff Swallow – at their nests!
Barn Swallow – including fledglings!
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Winter Wren
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Eastern Bluebird
Bicknell’s Thrush – nice views, including a bird collecting food; lots of calling birds and a few songs
Swainson’s Thrush
Hermit Thrush
American Robin
European Starling
Cedar Waxwing
Ovenbird
Black-and-white Warbler
Nashville Warbler
Mourning Warbler – singing
American Redstart
Northern Parula
Magnolia Warbler
Blackburnian Warbler
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Blackpoll Warbler – several views
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Palm Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Black-throated Green Warbler
Chipping Sparrow
Savannah Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Lincoln’s Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Red-winged Blackbird
Purple Finch
American Goldfinch

Species lists from June 2016 tours are below. Many photos from the trips are posted at https://www.facebook.com/adirondackavian

June 25, 26, & 27, 2016
A 3-day tour with a group of 5 people from NYC, including a Dawn Tour up Whiteface Mountain followed by lowland boreal birding, a second day in boreal habitat, and the third day in the St. Lawrence Valley. We found a total of 126 species! Here are our species lists by day:

Saturday, June 25, 2016 (73 species)

Canada Goose
Common Merganser
Ruffed Grouse – adult with 4 babies!
Common Loon
Turkey Vulture
Osprey
Red-shouldered Hawk
Broad-winged Hawk
Wilson’s Snipe
Mourning Dove
Barred Owl
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker – several including a nest site
Hairy Woodpecker
Black-backed Woodpecker – 3; pair at nest hole feeding female baby
Northern Flicker
American Kestrel
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher
Alder Flycatcher
Least Flycatcher
Eastern Phoebe
Great Crested Flycatcher
Blue-headed Vireo
Red-eyed Vireo
Gray Jay – 6
Blue Jay
American Crow
Common Raven
Tree Swallow
Cliff Swallow – adorable birds at their nest!
Barn Swallow
Black-capped Chickadee
Boreal Chickadee – foraging bird on the summit of Whiteface Mt.!
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Brown Creeper
House Wren
Winter Wren
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Eastern Bluebird
Bicknell’s Thrush – wonderful views of several!
Swainson’s Thrush
Hermit Thrush
American Robin
European Starling
Cedar Waxwing
Ovenbird
Black-and-white Warbler
Nashville Warbler
Mourning Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
American Redstart
Northern Parula
Magnolia Warbler
Blackburnian Warbler
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Blackpoll Warbler
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Palm Warbler
Pine Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Black-throated Green Warbler
Canada Warbler
Chipping Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Lincoln’s Sparrow – nice views!
Swamp Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Purple Finch
Pine Siskin
American Goldfinch

And a Black Bear at Bloomingdale Bog!!!

Sunday, June 26, 2016 (76 species * additional species from Saturday)

Canada Goose
*Ring-necked Duck
Ruffed Grouse – several with young!
Common Loon
*Great Blue Heron
Turkey Vulture
Osprey
Broad-winged Hawk
*Spotted Sandpiper – by the causeway in Tupper Lake
*American Woodcock
*Belted Kingfisher
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker – several including a nest site
Hairy Woodpecker
Black-backed Woodpecker – adult heard calling and seen flying from a nest site across Rock Pond – babies were also heard
Northern Flicker
*Pileated Woodpecker
*Merlin
*Eastern Wood-Pewee
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher
Least Flycatcher
*Eastern Kingbird
Blue-headed Vireo
*Philadelphia Vireo – male singing in its nest tree (no activity noted at the nest)
Red-eyed Vireo – many, including a bird working on a nest
Gray Jay – 5
Blue Jay
American Crow
Common Raven
Tree Swallow
Black-capped Chickadee
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Brown Creeper
Winter Wren
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Eastern Bluebird
*Veery
Swainson’s Thrush
Hermit Thrush
*Wood Thrush
American Robin
*Gray Catbird
European Starling
Cedar Waxwing
Ovenbird
*Northern Waterthrush
Black-and-white Warbler
Nashville Warbler
Mourning Warbler – many heard singing; nice views of a singing male!; views of a female along the short trail to the bog boardwalk at Massawepie
Common Yellowthroat
American Redstart
Northern Parula
Magnolia Warbler
Blackburnian Warbler
*Yellow Warbler
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Palm Warbler
Pine Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Black-throated Green Warbler
Canada Warbler
Chipping Sparrow
*Savannah Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Lincoln’s Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
*Scarlet Tanager
*Rose-breasted Grosbeak
*Indigo Bunting
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Purple Finch
Pine Siskin
American Goldfinch

Monday, June 27, 2016 (90 species, * for additional 33 species from Sat.-Sun.):

Canada Goose
*Trumpeter Swan – 4 (including 2 at a nest site!)
*Wood Duck
*Blue-winged Teal
Ring-necked Duck
*Hooded Merganser – family
*Wild Turkey – families!
*Pied-billed Grebe
Great Blue Heron
*Black-crowned Night-Heron
Turkey Vulture – 26 in one spot!
Osprey – active nests
*Sharp-shinned Hawk
*Killdeer – active nest
*Ring-billed Gull
*Caspian Tern
*Black Tern
*Common Tern
*Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Barred Owl
*Downy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
American Kestrel
*Olive-sided Flycatcher – heard singing at Wanakena
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Alder Flycatcher
*Willow Flycatcher
Least Flycatcher
Eastern Phoebe
Great Crested Flycatcher
Eastern Kingbird
*Yellow-throated Vireo
Blue-headed Vireo
*Warbling Vireo
Red-eyed Vireo
Blue Jay
American Crow
Common Raven
*Horned Lark – 2
Tree Swallow
Barn Swallow
Black-capped Chickadee
*White-breasted Nuthatch
House Wren
Winter Wren
*Marsh Wren
Eastern Bluebird
Veery
Hermit Thrush
Wood Thrush
American Robin
Gray Catbird
*Brown Thrasher
European Starling
Cedar Waxwing
Ovenbird
Northern Waterthrush
*Golden-winged Warbler
*Blue-winged Warbler
Black-and-white Warbler
Nashville Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
American Redstart
*Cerulean Warbler
Magnolia Warbler
Blackburnian Warbler
Yellow Warbler
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Canada Warbler
*Eastern Towhee
Chipping Sparrow
*Clay-colored Sparrow
Savannah Sparrow
*Grasshopper Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Scarlet Tanager
*Northern Cardinal
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Indigo Bunting
*Bobolink
Red-winged Blackbird
*Eastern Meadowlark
Common Grackle
*Baltimore Oriole
American Goldfinch
*House Sparrow

*****

June 20, 2016
A Dawn Tour up Whiteface Mountain followed by lowland boreal birding with a couple from Texas. Here is our list of 55 species:

Canada Goose
Common Loon – family!
Turkey Vulture
Sharp-shinned Hawk
Broad-winged Hawk
Wilson’s Snipe
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Black-backed Woodpecker – male and female feeding young at their nest site!
Pileated Woodpecker
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher
Least Flycatcher
Blue-headed Vireo
Red-eyed Vireo
Gray Jay – 5
Blue Jay
American Crow
Common Raven
Tree Swallow
Barn Swallow
Black-capped Chickadee
Boreal Chickadee – 6!
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Brown Creeper
Winter Wren
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Eastern Bluebird
Bicknell’s Thrush – a couple nice views and lots of early singing!
Swainson’s Thrush
Hermit Thrush
American Robin
Cedar Waxwing
Ovenbird
Black-and-white Warbler
Nashville Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
American Redstart
Northern Parula
Magnolia Warbler
Blackburnian Warbler
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Blackpoll Warbler
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Black-throated Green Warbler
Chipping Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Purple Finch
Pine Siskin
American Goldfinch

*****

June 18, 2016
A Dawn Tour up Whiteface Mountain followed by lowland boreal birding with a birder from Schenectady, NY. Here is our list of 62 species:

Mallard
Common Loon – family
Turkey Vulture
Broad-winged Hawk
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Hairy Woodpecker
Black-backed Woodpecker – 3 (pair at their nest site feeding young, and another adult female at a bog)
Pileated Woodpecker
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher – nice views!
Alder Flycatcher
Least Flycatcher
Blue-headed Vireo
Red-eyed Vireo
Gray Jay – 6 friendly birds!
Blue Jay
American Crow
Common Raven
Tree Swallow
Cliff Swallow
Barn Swallow
Black-capped Chickadee
Boreal Chickadee – 5!
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Brown Creeper
Winter Wren
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Eastern Bluebird
Bicknell’s Thrush – many!
Swainson’s Thrush
Hermit Thrush
American Robin
European Starling
Cedar Waxwing
Ovenbird
Black-and-white Warbler
Nashville Warbler
Mourning Warbler – several heard
Common Yellowthroat
Northern Parula
Magnolia Warbler
Blackburnian Warbler
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Blackpoll Warbler
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Palm Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Black-throated Green Warbler
Chipping Sparrow
Savannah Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Lincoln’s Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Purple Finch
Pine Siskin
American Goldfinch

*****

June 16 & 17, 2016
A two-day tour with a couple from Pennsylvania that included a Dawn Tour up Whiteface Mountain and birding in lowland boreal habitats. We found 79 species. Species lists by day:

June 16, 2016 (64 species)

Ruffed Grouse – family!
Broad-winged Hawk
Mourning Dove
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Hairy Woodpecker
Black-backed Woodpecker – male and female feeding young at their nest site!
Northern Flicker
Pileated Woodpecker
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher
Alder Flycatcher
Least Flycatcher
Eastern Phoebe
Blue-headed Vireo – nice views!
Red-eyed Vireo
Gray Jay – 4 friendly birds!
Blue Jay
American Crow
Common Raven
Tree Swallow
Cliff Swallow
Barn Swallow
Black-capped Chickadee
Boreal Chickadee – 2; nice views!
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Brown Creeper
Winter Wren
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Eastern Bluebird
Bicknell’s Thrush – fantastic views!
Swainson’s Thrush
Hermit Thrush
American Robin
European Starling
Cedar Waxwing
Ovenbird
Black-and-white Warbler
Nashville Warbler
Mourning Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
American Redstart
Northern Parula
Magnolia Warbler
Blackburnian Warbler
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Blackpoll Warbler
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Palm Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Black-throated Green Warbler
Chipping Sparrow
Savannah Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Lincoln’s Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Scarlet Tanager
Bobolink
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Purple Finch
Pine Siskin – nice views!
American Goldfinch

June 17, 2016 (65 species)

Canada Goose
Wood Duck
American Black Duck
Ring-necked Duck
Ruffed Grouse – with 8 young!
Wild Turkey – with 8 young!
Common Loon
Broad-winged Hawk
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Hairy Woodpecker
Black-backed Woodpecker – calling
Northern Flicker
Pileated Woodpecker
Olive-sided Flycatcher – singing! We also had a view through my scope.
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher
Alder Flycatcher
Least Flycatcher
Eastern Phoebe
Eastern Kingbird – 2 birds at a nest site on a dead snag in the Raquette River
Blue-headed Vireo
Philadelphia Vireo – 2 birds at their nest site (one on eggs)
Red-eyed Vireo
Gray Jay – 2 different birds heard
Blue Jay
American Crow
Common Raven
Tree Swallow
Black-capped Chickadee
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Brown Creeper
Winter Wren
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Swainson’s Thrush
Hermit Thrush
American Robin
Gray Catbird
Cedar Waxwing
Ovenbird
Northern Waterthrush
Black-and-white Warbler
Nashville Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
American Redstart
Northern Parula
Magnolia Warbler
Blackburnian Warbler
Yellow Warbler
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Palm Warbler
Pine Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Black-throated Green Warbler
Canada Warbler – nice views!
Chipping Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Lincoln’s Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Scarlet Tanager
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Purple Finch

*****

June 15, 2016
A Dawn Tour up Whiteface Mountain followed by lowland boreal birding with two birders, from Quogue and Saranac Lake. Here is our list of 67 species:

Canada Goose
Common Loon – heard
Broad-winged Hawk
American Woodcock
Black-billed Cuckoo – wonderful vocalizations and brief views!
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Hairy Woodpecker
Black-backed Woodpecker – male and female at their nest!
Northern Flicker
Pileated Woodpecker
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher
Alder Flycatcher
Least Flycatcher
Blue-headed Vireo
Philadelphia Vireo – on its nest and one singing nearby
Red-eyed Vireo
Gray Jay – 4 (2 adults and 2 juveniles)
Blue Jay
American Crow
Common Raven
Tree Swallow
Cliff Swallow
Barn Swallow
Black-capped Chickadee
Boreal Chickadee – 2
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Brown Creeper
Winter Wren
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Eastern Bluebird
Bicknell’s Thrush – nice views!
Swainson’s Thrush
Hermit Thrush
American Robin
European Starling
Cedar Waxwing
Ovenbird
Black-and-white Warbler
Nashville Warbler
Mourning Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
American Redstart
Northern Parula
Magnolia Warbler
Blackburnian Warbler
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Blackpoll Warbler
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Palm Warbler
Pine Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Black-throated Green Warbler
Chipping Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Lincoln’s Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Scarlet Tanager
Indigo Bunting
Bobolink
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Purple Finch
Pine Siskin
American Goldfinch

*****

June 10, 11, & 12, 2016
Adirondack Birding Festival weekend (June 10, 11, & 12) field trips. The dinner cruise Friday night on the WW Durant on Raquette Lake was fun as usual! Nina Schoch gave a fascinating presentation on Common Loons at the Adirondack Museum on Saturday. Friday’s weather was fine, but Saturday and Sunday were rainy – particularly on Saturday.

Mary Beth Warburton and I led a trip to Sabattis Circle Road, Sabattis Bog, and a hike on the Round Lake Trail on Friday. We found 54 species. Highlights included:

Ruffed Grouse – standing in the Round Lake Trail
Osprey – at its nest
Broad-winged Hawk – pair interacting over Sabattis Bog
Amer. Woodcock – flushed from the Round Lake Trail
Olive-sided Flycatcher – heard at Sabattis Bog (they appear to be nesting again at Bog Stream)
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher
Alder Flycatcher
Least Flycatcher
Gray Jay – pair that came out for food near the Round Lake Trail
Hermit Thrush – feeding young at its nest at the edge of the road!
16 warbler species including Palm and Canada
Pine Siskin

Mary Beth Warburton and I led a trip to Ferd’s Bog on Saturday in the rain (with temps in the mid 40s!). The rain was too heavy to be out on the boardwalk, so we stayed in the forest, but the trip was finally cut short by the weather. The trip on the rail bed along Brown’s Tract Inlet was canceled since it was pouring rain. We were still able to observe warblers and other species through the rain drops! Yellow-bellied Flycatchers were vocal, as were Brown Creepers, Winter Wrens, and a Swainson’s Thrush. Purple Finches and Pine Siskins were also heard.

I led a trip to Moose River Plains on Sunday. We stopped at the Red River, hiked a short distance on the Mitchell Pond’s Trail, hiked to Helldiver Pond, and hiked to Icehouse Pond. We had some rain and strong winds on this trip (with temps in the 40s again!), but not downpours. Highlights included:

American Woodcock – adult in the road and then we spotted a young bird with it!
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker – pair feeding young at a nest site
Northern Flicker
Merlin – heard by a likely nest location at camp site #74
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher
Alder Flycatcher
Least Flycatcher
Boreal Chickadee – 6! (We found at least 4 Boreal Chickadees as we pulled up to our first stop of the morning by the Red River. We had nice views of the birds who were in a mixed flock with Black-capped Chickadees. We also found at least 2 Boreal Chickadees near the entrance to the short drive to the Helldiver Pond Trailhead. They were also in a mixed flock with Black-capped Chickadees.)
Winter Wren
Veery
Hermit Thrush
13 warbler species including nice views of Canada Warblers
Scarlet Tanager
Purple Finch

It was nice to see familiar faces at the Festival! Hopefully, the weather will work out better next year!

*****

June 5, 2016
A Dawn Tour up Whiteface Mountain followed by lowland boreal birding with two birders from North Carolina. (Beautiful dawn weather, but heavy rain later in the day.) Here is our list of 61 species:

Canada Goose
Wood Duck
Ring-necked Duck
Wild Turkey
Common Loon – heard near the Mourning Warbler location
Osprey
Mourning Dove
Chimney Swift
Belted Kingfisher
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Pileated Woodpecker
Merlin – flying by the Whiteface toll road
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher
Alder Flycatcher
Least Flycatcher
Eastern Phoebe
Blue-headed Vireo
Red-eyed Vireo
Gray Jay – 5! (Family group with 3 juveniles at Sabattis Bog)
Blue Jay
American Crow
Common Raven
Tree Swallow
Black-capped Chickadee
Boreal Chickadee – 3
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Winter Wren
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Veery
Bicknell’s Thrush – many nice views of singing birds! Also, many singing and calling birds during our 2.5 hours on the summit.
Swainson’s Thrush
Hermit Thrush
American Robin
Gray Catbird
European Starling
Cedar Waxwing
Ovenbird
Black-and-white Warbler
Nashville Warbler
Mourning Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
American Redstart
Northern Parula
Magnolia Warbler
Blackburnian Warbler
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Blackpoll Warbler
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Palm Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Black-throated Green Warbler
Canada Warbler
Chipping Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Purple Finch

We observed 2 different Ermine! We also observed a Porcupine waddle past our car on the summit of Whiteface Mountain!

*****

June 4, 2016
A day spent in the central Adirondack boreal habitat areas with a couple from Vermontville, NY. Here is our list of 60 species found:

Canada Goose
Ruffed Grouse
Common Loon – heard
American Bittern
Great Blue Heron
Osprey
Broad-winged Hawk
Black-billed Cuckoo – vocalizing!
Chimney Swift – buzzing us at Sabattis Bog (likely for the insects we attracted!)
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Belted Kingfisher
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Black-backed Woodpecker – 4!
Pileated Woodpecker
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher
Alder Flycatcher
Least Flycatcher
Great Crested Flycatcher – a surprise at Sabattis Bog!
Blue-headed Vireo
Red-eyed Vireo
Gray Jay – 5! (2 adults and 3 juveniles at Sabattis Bog!)
Blue Jay
Common Raven
Black-capped Chickadee
Boreal Chickadee – 2
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Winter Wren
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Veery
Swainson’s Thrush
Hermit Thrush
American Robin
Gray Catbird
Cedar Waxwing
Ovenbird
Black-and-white Warbler
Nashville Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
American Redstart
Northern Parula
Magnolia Warbler
Blackburnian Warbler
Yellow Warbler
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Palm Warbler
Pine Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Black-throated Green Warbler
Canada Warbler
Chipping Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Scarlet Tanager – nice view!
Red-winged Blackbird
Purple Finch
American Goldfinch

We also found an Ermine and a brand new fawn!

Species lists from May 2016 tours are below. Many photos from the trips are posted at https://www.facebook.com/adirondackavian

May 31, 2016
A Dawn Tour up Whiteface (in high winds!) with two birders, one from Newcomb, NY and one from Arizona. We also visited lowland boreal habitat. Here is our list of 61 species:

Wild Turkey
Turkey Vulture
Osprey
Broad-winged Hawk
Mourning Dove
Belted Kingfisher
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Hairy Woodpecker
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher
Alder Flycatcher
Least Flycatcher
Eastern Phoebe
Blue-headed Vireo
Red-eyed Vireo
Gray Jay – 4 (2 adults and 2 adorable juveniles!) – They came to our hands for raisins and bread!
Blue Jay
American Crow
Common Raven
Tree Swallow
Cliff Swallow – adorable!
Barn Swallow
Black-capped Chickadee
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Brown Creeper
Winter Wren
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Bicknell’s Thrush – singing & calling; one view at dawn, and several flyby views
Swainson’s Thrush
Hermit Thrush
American Robin
European Starling
Cedar Waxwing
Ovenbird
Black-and-white Warbler
Nashville Warbler
Mourning Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
American Redstart
Cerulean Warbler
Northern Parula
Magnolia Warbler
Blackburnian Warbler
Yellow Warbler
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Blackpoll Warbler
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Palm Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Black-throated Green Warbler
Chipping Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Lincoln’s Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Scarlet Tanager
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Pine Siskin
American Goldfinch

(Mammals observed on my drive to meet clients: Gray Fox, 2 different Red Fox kits, and a Raccoon.)

*****

May 29, 2016
Young Birders Enjoy Bicknell’s Thrush and More!
by Eamon Freiburger, age 16

With great anticipation, eleven young birders and their parents made their way to Wilmington, the town at the base of Whiteface Mountain in the Adirondacks, on the Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend. Joan Collins, NYSOA president and professional birding guide, had set aside two days of her busy May calendar (in case the weather didn’t cooperate the first day) to offer the young birders a chance at seeing Bicknell’s Thrush and several hard-to-find boreal specialties of the area. The trip was a tremendous success! Here is a report written by 16-year-old Eamon Freiburger, who joined both NYSOA and NYSYBC at age 12 and has already served the young birders as club President and Records Chair. – Carena Pooth, NYSYBC Adult Chair

Early Sunday morning, the NYSYBC met at the tollhouse at Whiteface Mountain with Joan Collins, our trip leader and guide for the day. The toll road up the mountain normally opens at 9, but we were allowed to go up earlier for this trip because Joan has special access. Everyone was excited, because the target bird on Whiteface Mountain was Bicknell’s Thrush, a very rare and local bird that is increasingly endangered by climate change and many other threats.
As the sun started to rise, the caravan went up higher and higher until Joan heard a Bicknell’s Thrush singing at the Lake Placid overlook. It stopped singing as soon as we got out, but we also heard several Blackpoll Warblers, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, and a Yellow-bellied Flycatcher. Our next stop was just a little further up the road and this is where some lucky young birders were treated to a glimpse of a Bicknell’s Thrush perched on a dead snag! Unfortunately it only gave a fleeting look, but there were more to come as we drove higher. We pulled off at another turn, where we all enjoyed the morning sun rising over the Adirondacks. More Bicknell’s Thrushes sang around us, and it was a frustrating but exciting game to locate them. Sometimes they would be calling only about 10 feet away from us, but the forest was so thick that they remained hidden. Eventually, every young birder and most of the parents were able to get a glimpse at a Bicknell’s. Two Yellow-bellied Flycatchers gave us great looks, and many Blackpoll and Yellow-rumped Warblers were seen as well. We descended back to a spot where Boreal Chickadees were building their nest, but we got only a brief look at one of them.

Leaving the mountain around 8:45, we continued on to Bloomingdale Bog for more boreal specialties. We made several stops along the road that we traveled to reach the bog, and we got great looks at a Black-throated Blue Warbler, two Red-eyed Vireos, a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, and a Mourning Warbler that flew over. We also heard several Northern Waterthrushes, a Cerulean Warbler, Purple Finches, Pine Siskins, and a Common Loon! At another spot, we were lucky enough to see a female Black-backed Woodpecker peek out of a nest hole that Joan had previously discovered. Unfortunately, these woodpeckers have a very high nest predation rate, and Red Squirrels, one of the top culprits, were seen in the area. Hopefully this nest will be a success!

At Bloomingdale Bog, we heard three Lincoln’s Sparrows and a Palm Warbler, two of the special birds that nest in the bog. Another boreal specialty that everyone enjoyed watching (and feeding!) was Gray Jay. More than half a dozen of them followed us on the trail. Joan had brought some raisins and chunks of bread, and if you held these out in your hand and remained still, the Gray Jays would land on your hand and feed. The looks on everyone’s faces were priceless when the jays landed on them! It was also interesting to see the juvenile jays which had just fledged, because they are a very sooty gray and don’t look like their parents, which are a much lighter gray and white. Another treat was a female Black-backed Woodpecker that flew over us and landed on a dead snag, which everyone got great looks at. Some people also saw the male Black-backed foraging out in the bog. The thunder clouds rolled in at this point, so we headed back to our cars to escape the oncoming storms. The rain held off though, starting only about fifteen minutes after we left.

This was an incredible day of birding in some very cool and unique places. Joan Collins is a truly amazing trip leader and knowledgeable bird guide. A huge thanks from all who attended and enjoyed a wonderful day of birding!

*****

May 27 & May 28, 2016
Two days with a birder from Washington DC that featured a Dawn Tour up Whiteface and lowland boreal birding in forests and bogs. Here is our list of 84 species by day:

May 27, 2016 (71 species)

Canada Goose
Common Loon – 1
Turkey Vulture
Bald Eagle – 2 adults
Northern Harrier – male
Broad-winged Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
Mourning Dove
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Hairy Woodpecker
Black-backed Woodpecker – male at nest hole
Pileated Woodpecker
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher
Alder Flycatcher
Least Flycatcher
Eastern Phoebe
Eastern Kingbird
Blue-headed Vireo
Red-eyed Vireo
Gray Jay – 3 (2 juveniles!)
Blue Jay
American Crow
Common Raven
Tree Swallow
Cliff Swallow
Barn Swallow
Black-capped Chickadee
Boreal Chickadee – 4
Red-breasted Nuthatch
White-breasted Nuthatch
Brown Creeper
Winter Wren
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Veery
Bicknell’s Thrush
Swainson’s Thrush
Hermit Thrush
American Robin
Gray Catbird
European Starling
Cedar Waxwing
Ovenbird
Northern Waterthrush
Black-and-white Warbler
Nashville Warbler
Mourning Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
American Redstart
Cape May Warbler
Northern Parula
Magnolia Warbler
Blackburnian Warbler
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Blackpoll Warbler
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Pine Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Black-throated Green Warbler
Chipping Sparrow
Savannah Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Red-winged Blackbird
Purple Finch
White-winged Crossbill – 4 to 6
Pine Siskin
American Goldfinch

Also, a Porcupine and Snowshoe Hare on Whiteface!

May 28, 2016 (66 species; * for new species from prior day)

Canada Goose
*American Bittern
Turkey Vulture
Broad-winged Hawk
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Hairy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Pileated Woodpecker
*Olive-sided Flycatcher
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher
Alder Flycatcher
Least Flycatcher
Blue-headed Vireo
*Philadelphia Vireo – 2 (watched one building their nest!)
Red-eyed Vireo
Gray Jay – 4 (3 juveniles!)
Blue Jay
Common Raven
Tree Swallow
Black-capped Chickadee
Boreal Chickadee – 2
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Brown Creeper
Winter Wren
Golden-crowned Kinglet
*Eastern Bluebird
Veery
Swainson’s Thrush
Hermit Thrush
American Robin
Gray Catbird
*Brown Thrasher
Cedar Waxwing
Ovenbird
Northern Waterthrush
Black-and-white Warbler
Nashville Warbler
Mourning Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
American Redstart
Northern Parula
Magnolia Warbler
Blackburnian Warbler
*Yellow Warbler
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Black-throated Blue Warbler
*Palm Warbler
Pine Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Black-throated Green Warbler
*Canada Warbler
Chipping Sparrow
Savannah Sparrow
Song Sparrow
*Lincoln’s Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
*Scarlet Tanager
*Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Red-winged Blackbird
*Common Grackle
Purple Finch
*Red Crossbill 3 flyover flocks
Pine Siskin
American Goldfinch

*****

May 23, 2016
A Dawn Tour up Whiteface Mountain and lowland boreal birding with two birders from Arkansas. Here is our list of 60 species:

Canada Goose
American Black Duck – family group with 11 young
Ruffed Grouse – several including one dust-bathing
Wild Turkey
Turkey Vulture
Sharp-shinned Hawk
Broad-winged Hawk
Chimney Swift (first of the season for me)
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Hairy Woodpecker
Black-backed Woodpecker – 2 (foraging & calling female; and male at its nest site on eggs)
Northern Flicker
Merlin
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher
Least Flycatcher
Blue-headed Vireo
Red-eyed Vireo
Blue Jay
American Crow
Common Raven
Tree Swallow
Black-capped Chickadee
Boreal Chickadee – 2 on Whiteface – nice views!
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Brown Creeper
Winter Wren
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Eastern Bluebird
Bicknell’s Thrush – nearly 30! – nice views of 2
Swainson’s Thrush
Wood Thrush
Amer. Robin
European Starling
Ovenbird
Northern Waterthrush
Black-and-white Warbler
Nashville Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
American Redstart
Northern Parula
Magnolia Warbler
Blackburnian Warbler
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Blackpoll Warbler
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Pine Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Black-throated Green Warbler
Canada Warbler
Chipping Sparrow
Savannah Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Scarlet Tanager
Purple Finch
Pine Siskin
Amer. Goldfinch

Also – Snowshoe Hare and Moose tracks!

*****

May 22, 2016
A half-day tour at Massawepie Mire with a group of birders from Ogdensburg. Here is our list of 52 species:

American Bittern
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Hairy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Pileated Woodpecker
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher
Alder Flycatcher
Least Flycatcher
Eastern Phoebe
Blue-headed Vireo
Red-eyed Vireo
Gray Jay – 2
Blue Jay
Common Raven
Tree Swallow
Black-capped Chickadee
Red-breasted Nuthatch
White-breasted Nuthatch
Brown Creeper
Winter Wren
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Eastern Bluebird
Veery
Hermit Thrush
Wood Thrush – 2
American Robin
Ovenbird
Black-and-white Warbler
Nashville Warbler
Mourning Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
American Redstart
Northern Parula
Magnolia Warbler
Blackburnian Warbler
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Palm Warbler
Pine Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Black-throated Green Warbler
Canada Warbler
Chipping Sparrow
Savannah Sparrow
Lincoln’s Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Scarlet Tanager
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Purple Finch
American Goldfinch

We also saw Snowshoe Hares and found Moose tracks!

*****

May 21, 2016
Northern NY Audubon Field Trip to Massawepie Mire. Here is our list of 55 species:

Turkey Vulture
Broad-winged Hawk – 2
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Black-backed Woodpecker – 2 heard calling
Pileated Woodpecker
Merlin
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher – 2 (first-of-the-season)
Alder Flycatcher – 2 (first-of-the-season)
Least Flycatcher
Eastern Phoebe
Blue-headed Vireo
Red-eyed Vireo
Gray Jay – 2
Blue Jay
Common Raven
Tree Swallow
Black-capped Chickadee
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Brown Creeper
Winter Wren
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Veery – 2 (first-of-the-season)
Swainson’s Thrush – 1
Hermit Thrush
Wood Thrush – 1
American Robin
Ovenbird
Black-and-white Warbler
Nashville Warbler
Mourning Warbler – many (first-of-the-season)
Common Yellowthroat
American Redstart
Northern Parula
Magnolia Warbler
Blackburnian Warbler
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Palm Warbler
Pine Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Black-throated Green Warbler
Canada Warbler
Chipping Sparrow
Savannah Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Lincoln’s Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Scarlet Tanager
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Purple Finch
Pine Siskin
American Goldfinch

*****

May 11, 2016
A half-day tour at Massawepie Mire with two birders from Glens Falls. Here is our list of 54 species:

Ruffed Grouse – several drumming
Wild Turkey
Turkey Vulture
Broad-winged Hawk
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Northern Flicker
Pileated Woodpecker
Merlin – heard on our drive in (nesting near Deer Pond)
Least Flycatcher – many!
Eastern Phoebe
Blue-headed Vireo
Gray Jay – 4
Blue Jay
American Crow
Common Raven
Tree Swallow
Black-capped Chickadee
Red-breasted Nuthatch
White-breasted Nuthatch
Brown Creeper
Winter Wren
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Hermit Thrush – several
Wood Thrush – 1 singing!
American Robin
Ovenbird
Black-and-white Warbler
Nashville Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
American Redstart
Northern Parula
Magnolia Warbler
Blackburnian Warbler
Yellow Warbler
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Palm Warbler
Pine Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Black-throated Green Warbler
Chipping Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Lincoln’s Sparrow – many with nice views of several!
Swamp Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
White-crowned Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Rose-breasted Grosbeak – several
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Purple Finch
Pine Siskin
American Goldfinch

*****

May 10, 2016
Tour in the central Adirondacks in mostly boreal habitat with two birders – one from Syracuse and one from North Creek, NY. Here is our list of 62 species:

Canada Goose – with adorable young along the Raquette River in Tupper Lake!
Mallard
Ring-necked Duck – 8
Common Merganser
Ruffed Grouse
Wild Turkey
Common Loon – 2
American Bittern – 4
Green Heron
Turkey Vulture
Osprey – 3 (2 at a nest)
Bald Eagle
Northern Harrier
Broad-winged Hawk – several including mate feeding along Sabattis Circle Road in Long Lake!
Sandhill Crane
Mourning Dove
Belted Kingfisher
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Hairy Woodpecker
Black-backed Woodpecker – 5
Least Flycatcher – 4
Eastern Phoebe – several
Blue-headed Vireo
Gray Jay – 6 in Long Lake
Blue Jay
American Crow
Common Raven
Tree Swallow
Barn Swallow
Black-capped Chickadee
Boreal Chickadee – 2
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Brown Creeper
Winter Wren
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Hermit Thrush
American Robin
Black-and-white Warbler
Nashville Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
American Redstart
Magnolia Warbler
Blackburnian Warbler
Yellow Warbler
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Palm Warbler
Pine Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Black-throated Green Warbler
Chipping Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
White-crowned Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Purple Finch
Pine Siskin
American Goldfinch
Evening Grosbeak – at least 2 in Newcomb with nice views of a female!