- Why go birding in Northern New York?
- Does Adirondack Avian Expeditions work with target birders?
- When is the best time of year to go birding in Northern New York?
- When is the best time to visit if I want to find Bicknell’s Thrush?
- Is winter a good time to visit?
- Can I see boreal birds without a lot of hiking?
- What owl species would I find in Northern New York?
- Is there a wide variety of accommodations in the Adirondack Park?
- Are there wheelchair accessible areas?
- What is it like to camp out in the Adirondacks?
- What are the different options to reach camping locations?
- Are the roads passable in winter?
- What is the best airport to use for traveling to the Adirondack Park?
- What is the maximum group size for an outing with Adirondack Avian Expeditions?
- Do I need an SUV?
- Are Black Flies annoying in the spring?
- Are there Black Bears in the Adirondacks?
Question: Why go birding in Northern New York?
Answer:
Fantastic birds and spectacular scenery immediately come to mind! Birders are drawn to the boreal habitat areas of northern New York, where you can find species typical of locations found much farther to the north in Canada. The diversity of habitats is another attraction – grasslands; shrublands; deciduous, coniferous, and mixed forests; lowland and high elevation boreal areas; marshes; swamps; bogs; lakes, rivers, and brooks; etc. With such a diversity of habitats, thirty warbler species can be found nesting in northern New York. Grassland species such as Henslow’s Sparrow, Sedge Wren, and Bobolink, can be found in the valley areas, all the way to Bicknell’s Thrush and Blackpoll Warbler on the mountain summits. And of course the 6 million acre Adirondack Park is well known for its spectacular scenery. Visitors find the peace and quiet of the Adirondack wilderness rejuvenating and often proclaim, “It’s paradise”!
Question: Does Adirondack Avian Expeditions work with target birders?
Answer:
AAEW works with all levels of birders. Your guide is a very intense ear-birder and will work with clients that are interested in finding particular species. AAEW can create a personalized trip based on a list of targeted species. There are also clients that want to bird at a more relaxed pace and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Adirondack wilderness or take photographs. Beginning birders are also welcome and AAEW can help you get started. Some birders also like to bring their children, which is wonderful! Parents best know the attention span of their children, and AAEW can plan a trip with both the parents’ and children’s interests in mind.
Question: When is the best time of year to go birding in Northern New York?
Answer:
It depends on the species you would like to see. Give a list of species you seek to AAEW for advice on when to visit. There are many year-round boreal species and irruptive birds from the north that visitors can observe in winter. Winter finches bring many birders to the North Country. Warblers begin arriving the second week of April (also a great time to find Rusty Blackbirds) and continue arriving until the second week of May (with species that breed to our north continuing to move through the area into June). June is the height of singing for many species that breed in spring/summer. July continues to be a great time to hear singing birds. July and August are wonderful months for observing adults with young. As we head into fall, “warbler waves” (mixed species flocks of warblers) move through the North Country. Raptor migration and waterfowl in the St. Lawrence and Lake Champlain valleys are great reasons to visit in the fall.
Question: When is the best time to visit if I want to find Bicknell’s Thrush?
Answer:
The earliest arrival dates recorded for Bicknell’s Thrush fall in the 3rd week of May. Surveys for the species are conducted beginning on June 1st. The height of singing for Bicknell’s Thrush is the first two weeks of June. Singing continues through June into early July. In September, birders often hear (& see!) Bicknell’s Thrush as the young are learning to sing. The birds depart for the Caribbean in early October.
Question: Is winter a good time to visit?
Answer:
Birders often visit northern New York in winter. Many of the boreal species (Black-backed Woodpecker, Gray Jay, Boreal Chickadee, etc.) are year-round birds. There are often winter finch irruptions in our area (Red Crossbill, White-winged Crossbill, Pine Siskin, Evening Grosbeak – all breeders also, and Hoary Redpoll, Common Redpoll, and Pine Grosbeak). In addition, species such as Rough-legged Hawk, Northern Shrike, and Bohemian Waxwing can be found every winter. Owl species to our north often irrupt to our area – Snowy Owl, Great Gray Owl, Northern Hawk Owl, and Boreal Owl. There are lots of reasons to visit in winter!
Question: Can I see boreal birds without a lot of hiking?
Answer:
Yes, there are many options to drive to boreal habitat locations (both lowland and high elevation boreal areas).
Question: What owl species would I find in Northern New York?
Answer:
In the Adirondack Park, Barred Owls are most common. Northern Saw-whet Owl is also a common species. Great Horned Owls can also be found, but are more common in the valley areas surrounding the Adirondack Park.
Question: Is there a wide variety of accommodations in the Adirondack Park?
Answer:
Yes, from 5-star, world famous resorts all the way to rustic camping areas! Birders flock to the Adirondacks in May and June – months that still feature lower, off-season hotel/motel rates! There are many options for where to stay – AAEW can offer advice on where to stay depending on what type of accommodations you would like.
Question: Are there wheelchair accessible areas?
Answer:
Yes, there are many wheelchair accessible areas – both for daytime use and camping areas too. There are many options in boreal habitat. In 2006, the John Dillon Park in Long Lake opened with 200 acres of woods and waters accessible to wheelchairs – lean-tos, canoes, trails, fishing dock, pontoon boat tours, etc.
Question: What is it like to camp out in the Adirondacks?
Answer:
Captivating! There are many beautiful nocturnal wildlife sounds heard when camping in the Adirondacks. Owls vocalize, coyotes howl, foxes scream, songbirds often belt out a song (the White-throated Sparrow is fond of singing at night), and the haunting call of the Common Loon is enchanting. Camping on a summit with nesting Bicknell’s Thrushes is particularly exciting since the species sings into the evening (until around 9:45 p.m.) and begins singing before dawn at 4 a.m.! The stars are brilliant with no city lights to obscure them. The Milky Way band stands out and is breathtaking to behold.
Question: What are the different options to reach camping locations?
Answer:
There are camping areas that can be reached by car (easiest option), motorboat, canoe, and by backpacking (more strenuous option).
Question: Are the roads passable in winter?
Answer:
All of the main roads are plowed in winter. There are some back roads that are left unplowed, and some are groomed for snowmobiles.
Question: What is the best airport to use for traveling to the Adirondack Park?
Answer:
There are a several different options. Some people fly to Albany, NY, which is about a two hour drive from the heart of the Adirondack Park. There is also a small airport in Saranac Lake (within the Adirondack Park) that has flights to and from Boston (often a less expensive solution than flying to Albany). There are also flight options to Plattsburgh (north of the Park).
Question: What is the maximum group size for an outing with Adirondack Avian Expeditions?
Answer:
Group sizes of six and under are preferred. If you have a party larger than six, contact AAEW to discuss.
Answer:
There are a few rough road locations where it helps to have a high clearance vehicle. AAEW has a high clearance SUV, so it is not necessary for a client to drive one.
Question: Are Black Flies annoying in the spring?
Answer:
Black Flies thrive as a result of cold spring conditions. They were a huge annoyance up until about a decade ago, but the springs have been warming (as a result of global climate change) and many folks are finding they no longer need insect spray.
Question: Are there Black Bears in the Adirondacks?
Answer:
Yes, there are Black Bears in the Adirondacks. For the most part, they are fearful of people and run away when encountered. Occasionally, they lose their fear of people when they find reliable food sources due to human carelessness. It is best to avoid busy camping areas.