Date: 6/3/26 10:27 am From: Naomi Lloyd via groups.io <naomi_kestrel...> Subject: [hmbirds] Destination this week: 6/4
Hey Thursday birders! Looks like the Sedge Wren in Niskayuna is this week's celebrity. Let's meet at 8:00 at the west parking lot of the M-H Bike Trail off Lock 7 Rd and walk east.
Date: 6/1/26 4:34 pm From: jhershey2 via groups.io <hersheyj...> Subject: Re: [hmbirds] Western Grebe at Round Lake, Saratoga County
I saw Lindsey's Western Grebe at Round Lake around 6:00 pm this evening from the Rt. 9 boat launch. This species is noteworthy to us because it does not usually go further east than Minnesota, according to All About Birds. Besides that I remember that it is famous for its "mating ballet". Of course we are not likely to see this unless another one shows up. If you've never seen the mating dance it's well worth checking out a video anywhere online. I have a distant photo from Round Lake.
Date: 5/30/26 4:45 am From: trwdsd via groups.io <trwdsd...> Subject: [hmbirds] Western Grebe at Round Lake, Saratoga County
Lindsay D. found a WESTERN GREBE at Round Lake yesterday evening. The bird is still present this morning as of 7:35am. We viewed it from the boat launch parking lot off Rt. 9. The grebe was very distant, a scope is required for viewing. Many birders arriving now.
Date: 5/29/26 7:58 pm From: scottjstoner via groups.io <ScottJStoner...> Subject: Fw: [hmbirds] FW: HMBC -- June Program Invite
reminder - program Monday June 1; details below - Scott
----- Forwarded Message ----- From: scottjstoner via groups.io <scottjstoner...>To: HMBirds <hmbirds...>Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2026 at 01:23:11 PM EDTSubject: [hmbirds] FW: HMBC -- June Program Invite
This is our Club's last program until fall. Hope you can join us, in person or online. Scott Stoner, Program Chair, Hudson-Mohawk Bird Club
-------- Original message --------From: Hudson-Mohawk Bird Club <admin...> Date: 5/28/26 13:07 (GMT-05:00) To: Scott Stoner <scottjstoner...> Subject: HMBC -- June Program Invite
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hudson-Mohawk Bird Club
|
|
|
|
|
|
HMBC June Program Notice
-
Monday, June 1st 2026, 6:30PM,
In person at Five Rivers EEC and Remotely via Zoom
Hello HMBC Members:
On Monday, June 1st, 2026 at 6:30PM EDT, the Hudson-Mohawk Bird Club's June Program meeting will be held in person at Five Rivers EEC and remotely via a Zoom meeting. Use the link below to join the Zoom meeting.
NOTE: The first time you use Zoom on a device, you will be prompted to download the Zoom app when you click on the meeting link below. Follow the prompts to download the app and then launch the meeting using the meeting ID from the invite. (The app is recommended, but if you prefer, there is also an option when you open the link below to join the meeting via a web browser window, but with limited capabilities.) Audio connections can be through the app on your device or through a separate dial-in phone number given below.
The program topic is: Birding Botswana
Speaker: Chris Edwardson
Last year from November 16-26 Chris and Cindy Edwardson, and friends from Minnesota, toured the Okavango Delta region of Botswana with Letaka Wildlife Safari’s. The trip covered a variety of habitats. In addition to amazing mammal sightings they observed 214 bird species. In this program, Chris will present an overview of the birds and mammals seen on an 11 night Botswana tent safari.
Chris has been retired since 2019 and has embarked with Cindy on numerous birding trips to Costa Rica, Ecuador, Columbia, Peru, and most recently Botswana and Namibia in Southern Africa. He is currently the HMBC Treasurer.
Date: 5/29/26 12:55 pm From: Naomi Lloyd via groups.io <naomi_kestrel...> Subject: [hmbirds] Schodack Island SP club trip, May 17
Twenty-one birders met at SISP for our annual Quest for Ceruleans. While still assembling in the parking lot, some of us heard a Yellow-billed Cuckoo softly calling. We set out along the Yellow trail where our ears were assaulted by all the usual suspects - Red-eyed Vireo, Wood Thrush, Ovenbird, Redstart, and other local breeders. The Bald Eagle nest, although active, had no visible occupants though we saw both adult and immature birds fly over. Not sure where the Ospreys are nesting this year, but one perched on the channel marker with a few sad sticks below. Baltimore Orioles and Rose-breasted Grosbeaks were our constant musical accompaniment while Scrlet Tanagers and Great-crested Flycatchers rasped along.
We tallied eleven warblers before people got restless and wanted to look for our target. Over in the Riverside campground, we heard one Cerulean and watched another sing and move through the treetops, often pausing long enough for neck-straining looks. As often happens on this walk, this was a life bird for some of us!
Several of us hung around chatting for a while and were treated to the sight of four Brant shooting upriver, then circling back a few minutes later. Not quite the huge flocks seen on several evenings, but good enough for a year bird.
We totaled 54 species and twelve different Warblers - about average for this trip. But I've seen a steady decline in numbers of individuals in the 15 years I've been birding here, and some species that just aren't seen any more - I attribute that in part to explosive growth of invasive plants, particularly Oriental Bittersweet which is strangling everything.
Thanks to all who turned out - I hope to see you again next year!
Date: 5/28/26 10:23 am From: scottjstoner via groups.io <ScottJStoner...> Subject: [hmbirds] FW: HMBC -- June Program Invite
This is our Club's last program until fall. Hope you can join us, in person or online. Scott Stoner, Program Chair, Hudson-Mohawk Bird Club Sent from my Galaxy -------- Original message --------From: Hudson-Mohawk Bird Club <admin...> Date: 5/28/26 13:07 (GMT-05:00) To: Scott Stoner <scottjstoner...> Subject: HMBC -- June Program Invite Hudson-Mohawk Bird Club HMBC June Program Notice Monday, June 1st 2026, 6:30PM, In person at Five Rivers EEC and Remotely via Zoom Hello HMBC Members: On Monday, June 1st, 2026 at 6:30PM EDT, the Hudson-Mohawk Bird Club's June Program meeting will be held in person at Five Rivers EEC and remotely via a Zoom meeting. Use the link below to join the Zoom meeting. NOTE: The first time you use Zoom on a device, you will be prompted to download the Zoom app when you click on the meeting link below. Follow the prompts to download the app and then launch the meeting using the meeting ID from the invite. (The app is recommended, but if you prefer, there is also an option when you open the link below to join the meeting via a web browser window, but with limited capabilities.) Audio connections can be through the app on your device or through a separate dial-in phone number given below. The program topic is: Birding Botswana Speaker: Chris Edwardson Last year from November 16-26 Chris and Cindy Edwardson, and friends from Minnesota, toured the Okavango Delta region of Botswana with Letaka Wildlife Safari’s. The trip covered a variety of habitats. In addition to amazing mammal sightings they observed 214 bird species. In this program, Chris will present an overview of the birds and mammals seen on an 11 night Botswana tent safari. Chris has been retired since 2019 and has embarked with Cindy on numerous birding trips to Costa Rica, Ecuador, Columbia, Peru, and most recently Botswana and Namibia in Southern Africa. He is currently the HMBC Treasurer. Full Details: https://www.hmbc.net/event-6496610 Topic: HMBC June Program Meeting Time: Jun 1, 2026 06:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84987026883 Meeting chat link https://us02web.zoom.us/launch/jc/84987026883 Meeting ID: 849 8702 6883 --- One tap mobile +16469313860,,84987026883# US +16465588656,,84987026883# US (New York) --- Join by SIP • <84987026883...> Join instructions https://us02web.zoom.us/meetings/84987026883/invitations?signature=qfpdWH8shC6PYH5Zq07giWTxfh6AbZmmSB37cpwC9Bg Scott Stoner, Program Chair Gregg Recer, Membership Chair Unsubscribe
Date: 5/27/26 8:30 am From: Naomi Lloyd via groups.io <naomi_kestrel...> Subject: [hmbirds] Destination this week: 5/28
Hey Thursday birders! The Upland Sandpipers are back on West Ames Rd! Let's meet at the Duanesburg Park & Ride on Western Ave/Turnpike (Rt 20), exit 24 from Rt 88 at 8:00am. From there it's about 45 minutes up to Ames.
Date: 5/26/26 6:38 pm From: kernscot via groups.io <kernscot...> Subject: Re: [hmbirds] Crossed paths with Virginia Rail at Bog Meadow
Nice!
Nancy Kern
________________________________
From: <hmbirds...> <hmbirds...> on behalf of Neil Manning via groups.io <nfmanning...>
Sent: Tuesday, May 26, 2026 7:53 PM
To: HM Birds <hmbirds...>
Subject: [hmbirds] Crossed paths with Virginia Rail at Bog Meadow
Date: 5/26/26 8:04 am From: gregg_recer via groups.io <gregg_recer...> Subject: [hmbirds] one more CR report
We did our usual somewhat leisurely (no getting out way before dawn for us) attempt for 100+ around central Saratoga County on 5/16. Starting at just before 6:00a, We covered several locations in Malta (our house, Zim Smith trail at a couple of stops, Round Lake Preserve, RL boat Launch, Malta Tech Park), Archer Vly and the Muleyville Trail along Lake Desolation Rd, Saratoga County Airport, Saratoga Spa SP, a bit of Saratoga Lake, Saratoga Battlefield, and the Stillwater School nature trail. We ended up with 112 species, which is pretty average for us on this route. Some highlights included a brief view of least bittern flying across the marsh at Round Lake Preserve early, and then Common Gallinule calling there when we went back later in the day; eventually getting all three specialty sparrows (savannah, grasshopper, vesper) at the airport after an extended lunch there where we heard nothing for about the first 25 minutes; multiple orchard orioles at stop 6 at the battlefield; wilson's warbler at Zim Smith Coons Crossing and Canada Warbler at Muleyville. The list of forehead-smacking misses is at least as long - white-throated sparrow and junco, broad-winged hawk, eastern wood-peewee; hermit thrush, winter wren, any shorebirds (except killdeer), and eastern whip-poor-will which we've never not gotten at the end of the day at the Tech Park. The 16th happened to be a new moon this year and that may have put the whips in to silent mode. At least we picked up a barred owl -- as well as the expected displaying woodcock -- there. Credit to the Hall, Mesick et al group for pointing out a male ring-necked duck they had found way out in the marsh at the Stillwater trail that we probably would have never seen as it hid behind pond lillies and never moved the whole time we were there.
Date: 5/25/26 4:16 pm From: Naomi Lloyd via groups.io <naomi_kestrel...> Subject: [hmbirds] Century Run aka the Rensselaer Ramble
This was my annual attempt at a solo Century Run specifically in RensCo and my best effort so far. I'm amazed at how well I did, considering it was my usual chaotic impulse-driven roaming. I set out at 5:15, an hour later than I had intended. Having been uniformly unsuccessful with marsh birds over the years, I decided to ditch a run up to Tamarack School marsh and did a cursory check of some local wetlands which yielded only Marsh Wren. More successful was a stop at Cobb Hill Rd, a reliable spot for Prairie and Blue-winged Warblers and a bonus gobbling Turkey.
A stop at Schodack Town Park got me several Louisiana Waterthrushes in a few minutes, and then it was down to the river. Cerulean Warblers sang in the SISP campground and from there I hit both ends of Papscannee where I picked up a number of warblers (including 5! Northern Waterthrushes in one spot) and shorebirds in a wet field - Spotted, Solitary, Least, and Lesser Yellowlegs. Up to the Dunn Bridge for Peregrines at the nest box and a flyby Osprey.
From there I moved inland, creeping along Knickerbocker Rd and picking up a Kestrel, Orchard Oriole, and Green Heron. From there I rounded the Tomhannock which was almost devoid of birds, and headed up to Cherry Plain to pick up a few higher-elevation birds including Purple Finch and Yellow-rumped Warblers, and a late-day surprise of a calling Black-billed Cuckoo. From there I headed home, hoping to pick up some more at my feeders but luck was not with me.
I officially wrapped up at 5:25, after 12 hours and 10 minutes of birding and about 163 miles driving and 3 miles on foot. I tried some owl calls after dark, but nobody was talking back. My total for the day was 103 species - a reflection of my poor hearing as Merlin picked up a dozen or so species I wasn't able to get visual confirmation on. Still, I think I did well with the equipment I have, and maybe next year I'll actually start out with a plan!
Date: 5/25/26 3:04 pm From: Naomi Lloyd via groups.io <naomi_kestrel...> Subject: [hmbirds] Upcoming field trips: 5/30, 5/31
As migration slows to a crawl, focus turns to breeding birds:
===========
Cherry Plain State Park
When: 30 May 2026
7:00 AM
Location: Cherry Plain State Park, Rensselaer County
Coordinator: Naomi Lloyd <naomi_kestrel...>
Cherry Plain State Park is situated on the Rensselaer Plateau of the Capital District. The relatively high elevation, cool climate and a variety of forested and wetland habitats make this a good area for northern species. Nesting species include Least Flycatcher, Dark-eyed Junco, White-throated Sparrow, Scarlet Tanager, Common Raven, Broad- winged Hawk, Black-throated Blue, Black-throated Green, Magnolia, Blackburnian, Chestnut-sided, Black-and-White and Yellow-rumped Warblers. Ovenbird, Northern Waterthrush, Veery, Hermit Thrush and Winter Wren also nest here.
Meet at 7:00 a.m. at the Hannaford parking lot on the right side of New York State Route 43, just past the intersection of New York State Route 150 in West Sand Lake, to carpool to the park.
============
Strawberry Fields Nature Preserve
When
31 May 2026
8:00 AM
Location
Strawberry Fields Nature Preserve, Montgomery County
Coordinator: Ellen Pemrick 518-366-5360 <lnmp...>
Strawberry Fields is located on Cranes Hollow Road in the Town of Amsterdam. It includes a nature preserve protected under a conservation easement with Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy, a family home, and a working farm, and features 2.5 miles of trails through fields and forest. Birds found here include Bobolink, Eastern Bluebird, Baltimore Oriole, Common Yellowthroat and Ovenbird. We’ll walk the trails and see what turns up. Be prepared for possible wet or muddy conditions and tall grass.
Meet at 8:00 a.m. in the designated parking area at the preserve. Directions can be found at
Date: 5/25/26 5:57 am From: David M via groups.io <davidpmassa...> Subject: Re: [hmbirds] HMBC Field Trip - Garnsey Park (5/23)
Rich!
Thanks for the report and recap. Sounds like a phenomenal walk and an impressive turnout with 18 people. Really cool that people were picking up lifer birds too.
The Baltimore Oriole sighting is a great one. I’ve seen a few nesting over at Vischer Ferry, and their hanging nests are always incredible to see.
If I hadn’t come down with what appears to be Schenectady’s most virulent respiratory plague, I would’ve been out there with all of you.
Thanks for sharing,
David
> On May 23, 2026, at 8:09 PM, Rich White via groups.io <richard.cw12...> wrote:
>
> It was a brisk 53 degrees this morning when 18 of us began our walk at Garnsey Park. Though we didn't have much in the way of migrants, we still had a nice showing of breeding birds.
>
> Our first highlights were a Chestnut-sided Warbler and Blue-winged Warbler singing simultaneously on either side of the trail. The next trail bordering the wooded area of the park had singing Red-eyed Vireos and Eastern Wood-Pewees. We also had a silent Black-throated Green Warbler working the treeline bordering the forest, which was a lifer for several. A Baltimore Oriole making what appeared to be the finishing touches on a nest was a remarkable sighting. Alder Flycatcher and Northern Waterthrush toward the end of our walk were also lifers for a few people. And finally, a pair of Common Yellowthroats putting on a courtship display near the parking lot was a nice conclusion to the trip.
>
> Thanks to everyone who came out. We ended up with 47 species in total. Here's a link to the ebird checklist:
>
> https://ebird.org/checklist/S344588371 >
> Good birding,
> Rich White
>
Date: 5/25/26 5:51 am From: David M via groups.io <davidpmassa...> Subject: Re: [hmbirds] HMBC Battlefield field trip this morning
Thanks Gregg, you’re a trooper 🫡
> On May 25, 2026, at 6:58 AM, gregg_recer via groups.io <gregg_recer...> wrote:
>
> Raining right now (6:57a), but might be tapering off by 8:00a. It will be quite wet regardless, but I will be there.
>
> --
> gregg recer
> malta NY
>
Date: 5/23/26 5:09 pm From: Rich White via groups.io <richard.cw12...> Subject: [hmbirds] HMBC Field Trip - Garnsey Park (5/23)
It was a brisk 53 degrees this morning when 18 of us began our walk at Garnsey Park. Though we didn't have much in the way of migrants, we still had a nice showing of breeding birds.
Our first highlights were a Chestnut-sided Warbler and Blue-winged Warbler singing simultaneously on either side of the trail. The next trail bordering the wooded area of the park had singing Red-eyed Vireos and Eastern Wood-Pewees. We also had a silent Black-throated Green Warbler working the treeline bordering the forest, which was a lifer for several. A Baltimore Oriole making what appeared to be the finishing touches on a nest was a remarkable sighting. Alder Flycatcher and Northern Waterthrush toward the end of our walk were also lifers for a few people. And finally, a pair of Common Yellowthroats putting on a courtship display near the parking lot was a nice conclusion to the trip.
Thanks to everyone who came out. We ended up with 47 species in total. Here's a link to the ebird checklist:
Date: 5/23/26 2:09 pm From: Cynthia Edwardson via groups.io <Cjredwardson...> Subject: [hmbirds] Saratoga County Airport birds
Thanks to Naomi Lloyd for leading the Thursday birders to the Saratoga County Airport on May 21st. Chris and I added Grasshopper Sparrow to our NYState Bird list (#249). We only had distant views of this species as it perched on an airport taxiway light. A Vesper and Savannah Sparrow were more cooperative as they were foraging closeby. Chris was able to get photos. [image: 76ceb005-8208-440e-b9d0-574df965dc92.jpg][image: Savannah Sparrow.jpg][image: 98caa5d2-ac37-404e-af1b-2c51ca1c42e7.jpg] Happy Memorial Day, Cindy and Chris Edwardson
Date: 5/22/26 5:55 pm From: Tristan Lowery via groups.io <tristanlowery...> Subject: Re: [hmbirds] Century Run Report for Edwardsons
I was remiss in failing to mention running into the Edwardsons at Alcove, who were the only other Century Run team I encountered in the field that day (and though I didn't admit it at the time, a welcome sight as the first human beings I actually spoke with after eight hours of a solo Century Run that began two hours before sunrise!). I think Cindy deserves credit for first spotting the trio of Greater Scaup as well, a pretty tough bird to get around here this time of year. And thanks for sharing your photos, Chris.
Good birding -
Tristan Lowery Albany
On Fri, May 22, 2026, 16:19 Cynthia Edwardson via groups.io <Cjredwardson= <gmail.com...> wrote:
> *Chris and Cindy Edwardson teamed up (technically 50 years ago, June 12th) > to attempt to find 100 bird species in Albany County. We left our house at > 5:30 am and on our way to Deer Mountain, we spotted a flock of Wild > Turkeys. As we travelled along Deer Mountain Village Road, we heard at > least three Worm-eating Warblers. There was a chorus of bird songs at 6 am > on this cool morning so we were hopeful for a successful day. Our next stop > was Five Rivers EEC via Mead Road and then on to** Basic Creek Reservoir > where we had a Bald Eagle on its nest among other species. By 11:00 am, we > were at Alcove Reservoir where we ran into Tristan Lowery who helped us > spot Greater Scaup and Cliff Swallows. It was slightly discouraging to > learn that he had already found over 100 species for the day, by himself! > The temperatures were heating up so we kept removing clothing layers at > each stop. By the time we started walking at the Albany Pine Bush Karner > Barrens East, it was just after noon and we were hot, tired and discouraged > adding only Orchard Oriole, Fish Crow, Cooper's Hawk and Red-breasted > Nuthatch to our species total. The Run was no longer Fun so after adding > Black Vultures in Voorheesville and finally Carolina Wren at the Pine > Hollow Arboretum we gave up at 94 species, 18,000 steps and returned to > air-conditioning (and a House Finch at last)! Highlights included 16 > warbler species, a Willow Flycatcher, a Yellow-throated Vireo, and a > singing Savannah Sparrow (sadly no hummingbird). * > > Enjoy a few of Chris' favorite photos from the day! > [image: 20b8b878-3261-458d-812f-5c4d00af6bbf.jpg] > > > [image: ad784799-b1e4-4bdf-9f40-1b9d5957b372.jpg] > [image: Eastern Kingbird 5-16-26.jpg][image: Indigo Bunting 5-16-26.jpg][image: > Wild Turkeys display 5-16-26.jpg] > > >
Date: 5/22/26 4:39 pm From: adir46er via groups.io <rita.reed2819...> Subject: [hmbirds] Western cattle egrets Eleanor Drive, Rensselaer Co.
Two western cattle egrets continue this evening. Reported this afternoon by the Swartz farm property owners. See Megan’s eBird checklist https://ebird.org/checklist/S344173145 for viewing instructions.
Date: 5/22/26 1:19 pm From: Cynthia Edwardson via groups.io <Cjredwardson...> Subject: [hmbirds] Century Run Report for Edwardsons
*Chris and Cindy Edwardson teamed up (technically 50 years ago, June 12th) to attempt to find 100 bird species in Albany County. We left our house at 5:30 am and on our way to Deer Mountain, we spotted a flock of Wild Turkeys. As we travelled along Deer Mountain Village Road, we heard at least three Worm-eating Warblers. There was a chorus of bird songs at 6 am on this cool morning so we were hopeful for a successful day. Our next stop was Five Rivers EEC via Mead Road and then on to** Basic Creek Reservoir where we had a Bald Eagle on its nest among other species. By 11:00 am, we were at Alcove Reservoir where we ran into Tristan Lowery who helped us spot Greater Scaup and Cliff Swallows. It was slightly discouraging to learn that he had already found over 100 species for the day, by himself! The temperatures were heating up so we kept removing clothing layers at each stop. By the time we started walking at the Albany Pine Bush Karner Barrens East, it was just after noon and we were hot, tired and discouraged adding only Orchard Oriole, Fish Crow, Cooper's Hawk and Red-breasted Nuthatch to our species total. The Run was no longer Fun so after adding Black Vultures in Voorheesville and finally Carolina Wren at the Pine Hollow Arboretum we gave up at 94 species, 18,000 steps and returned to air-conditioning (and a House Finch at last)! Highlights included 16 warbler species, a Willow Flycatcher, a Yellow-throated Vireo, and a singing Savannah Sparrow (sadly no hummingbird). *
Enjoy a few of Chris' favorite photos from the day! [image: 20b8b878-3261-458d-812f-5c4d00af6bbf.jpg]
Date: 5/21/26 9:05 pm From: Tristan Lowery via groups.io <tristanlowery...> Subject: [hmbirds] HMBC Century Run (5/16)
I did a solo, Albany County-only, Century Run last Saturday (5/16), which
was my twelfth time in the Century Run participating overall (beginning in
2014) and my ninth home county effort in Albany (excluding the 2020 plague
year and my first solo effort last year in 2025 that I quit early after
thinking that I ran over a cat that darted in front of my car, which
thoroughly rattled me and threw me off the rest of the day — though I’ve
since convinced myself I did not take this particular cat’s ninth life).
I’ve had a lot of fun doing the Century Run over the years, even if most
attempts follow a familiar pattern: the thrill of reaching 100 species
early on, followed by the agony of barely scraping into the high 110s or
low 120s several exhausting hours later. But after hitting 124 species in
2019 and 127 in 2021, I had my sights firmly set on breaking the
130-species mark for the first time in 2026.
So, on Saturday morning, I left my house in Albany at 3:07 a.m. and
recorded a few singing American Robins on the way to the Albany Pine Bush
Preserve as my first species of the day. I made a few stops around the
preserve hoping for owls and whip-poor-wills, but only came up with two
American Woodcocks, a singing Field Sparrow, and a few more robins on what
I knew would be a moonless night. While it was still very dark, I visited
Vly Creek Marsh and Black Creek Marsh next, where I picked up Barred Owl
and Marsh Wren – along with my first Willow Flycatcher of the year - but
nothing else as far as marsh specialties go. Knox Wetland wasn’t much
better in this regard, though I did finally get a Virginia Rail there.
Next, I birded the higher elevations of Berne and Westerlo over the next
few hours, getting a good number of mountain breeding species at Partridge
Run Wildlife Management Area and Rensselaerville State Forest, including a
good assortment of wood-warblers on Cheese Hill Road and flyover Red
Crossbills in several locations. Some more productive marsh birding later
in the morning (Common Gallinule and American Bittern) got me to 99 species
before hitting the big reservoirs in southern Albany County.
I reached the “century mark” of 100 species at 10:41 a.m. with a Bald Eagle
at Basic Creek Reservoir. A half dozen Common Mergansers got me to 101, but
there wasn’t much else on the water at Basic Creek. A bit later, three
Greater Scaup at Alcove Reservoir might have been the most unexpected birds
of the day, a species I’ve had on the Century Run only once before. I
picked up another 15 species in the next hour and a half of birding
southeastern Albany County, including Worm-eating Warbler and my only
Ruby-throated Hummingbird of the day at Deer Mountain.
The afternoon brought the predictable slump upon me, turning the next few
hours into a hot, heavy, slow-motion crawl. Falcons in particular were a
disappointment at my next stops, as I dipped both on Peregrine Falcon at
the Dunn Memorial Bridge and Merlin at Washington Park in downtown Albany
(though I did see my only Cedar Waxwings of the day here). Like Rich
White’s group, I didn’t do very well with shorebirds, with the rocks of
Cohoes Flats mostly covered with water and devoid of sandpipers and
plovers. I did pick out one flyover American Herring Gull among dozens of
Ring-billed Gulls along the Mohawk near Cohoes, a minor bright spot in the
afternoon – before going on to dip on Grasshopper Sparrow at Albany
International Airport.
At this point, I needed some better luck with some easy stakeouts to lift
my spirits, so I returned to the Albany Pine Bush (about twelve hours after
my initial visit that morning) to add the continuing Red-headed Woodpeckers
at the Kings Highway Barrens, as well as a bonus Pileated Woodpecker and
Orchard Oriole. The very vocal Soras at the Crossings were next, bringing
me to 125 species around 6:00 p.m. At this point, 130 seemed to be within
easy reach numerically, but I knew all too well how easily birds can just
fail to materialize on a Century Run, especially in those desperate later
hours as the sun begins to drop in the sky. But after 13 hours of running
around the county by myself and keeping myself conscious on a steady stream
of Mountain Dew, I figured I could use some company, so I called my wife
Susannah and asked if she wanted to join me for the final push of the day
(she agreed).
Of course, my flagging luck turned around almost immediately after picking
her up (and she was all too happy to take credit for this swing in my
fortunes). When I mentioned I still needed Black Vulture for the day, we
both agreed it was worth making our next stop the NYSDOT residency in
Voorheesville, where both local vulture species are reliably seen feasting
on the highway roadkill dump there. On the way out there, as we sped past a
farm field opposite Bender Melon Farm in the diminishing light, I saw
something out of the corners of my sleep-deprived eyes and asked aloud,
“Were those turkeys or just big clumps of dirt in that field?” Before she
could answer, I swerved into the next available driveway for us to have a
quick look back – they were indeed turkeys for species #126! And after
getting those Black Vultures a few moments later for #127, we headed to
Five Rivers.
As well as I’d done in the higher terrain of Albany County that morning, I
was still missing Hermit Thrush and White-throated Sparrow for the day (not
to mention White-crowned Sparrow), so a quick evening hike around Five
Rivers seemed like my best last-ditch chance for a few new species. We
certainly weren’t expecting the next one to be Brant, but a migrating flock
of about 200 geese flew over us low by the visitor center a few minutes
after our arrival. I got to #129 species when we finally came across at
least one White-throated Sparrow in the brush along the Old Field Trail. We
wandered around a bit more after that without any new species for the day,
though we did see an American Bittern flying high overhead and Susannah got
her first really good looks at an American Woodcock that was performing a
distraction display a few feet in front of us on Foresman’s Loop.
So, it took a bit of work and some luck, but I finally got to 130 species
with our next stop on Biers Road in Coeymans Hollow, where we heard at
least two Eastern Whip-poor-wills singing as soon as we got out of the car
at this well-known location. For extra measure, we stopped to listen for
Great Horned Owls off Meads Lane at 9:15 p.m. After hearing a few flocks of
Brant go over in the dark, but no owls, I suggested we call it quits at
9:30, pick up the takeout order we had placed online, and then head home
for the rest of the night. All too predictably, as we climbed back into the
car at 9:31, we heard at least one Great Horned Owl hooting in the distance
for species #131.
Not sure what’s next for me, Century Run-wise, but I will say that after
such an absolutely draining day, reading the accounts of the other teams as
they trickle in every year is almost as much fun as one’s own experience
(and thanks to Rich and his team for providing such an entertaining
narrative). Personally, I’m just happy to have topped 130 species for the
first time — though even after a few days’ rest, I’m still here mentally
waffling between swearing “never again!” and looking up the date for next
year's big day....
Date: 5/21/26 4:55 am From: David Halm via groups.io <davidhalm...> Subject: [hmbirds] Yellow-crowned Night Heron [Glenville]
On Monday, Tom Collins found a Yellow-crowned Night Heron in the Indian Kill at the intersection of Droms and Onderdonk roads in Glenville. He re-found it yesterday, and I managed to see it around 7:30 am, but later attempts in the day were apparently unsuccessful. Here is my checklist with the precise location it was seen: https://ebird.org/checklist/S342856094
Date: 5/20/26 6:12 pm From: KevinMcG via groups.io <kmcgrath...> Subject: [hmbirds] Another member to remember
Hey all,
On Sunday May 18 while heading to Michigan with an Ad Hoc club group I received an email informing us that long time member, Ms Ann D’Attilio, had passed away. I did not know Ann but some of you may so we acknowledge your loss and extend our sincere sympathy to you all and her family.
In respect we dedicated the first Kirtland Warbler of our trip to Ann May she soar.
Date: 5/18/26 6:30 pm From: Rich White via groups.io <richard.cw12...> Subject: [hmbirds] Saratoga County Century Run
Jackson Mesick, Steve Mesick, Christina McLaughlin, Keith Cronin, and I
completed a Saratoga County century run on Saturday (5/16). We plan to do
century runs in all 11 counties in Region 8, and so far have done Albany
(2018 - 128 species), Rensselaer (2019 - 124 species), and Greene (2023 -
118 species). We took time off work last week for scouting. We didn't
necessarily have a species goal in mind, but knowing that Saratoga is
generally the best county in the region, I think we all had our eyes set on
130 whether we admitted it out loud or not.
We met at 1:30 a.m. at Crescent Park in Halfmoon and headed to Vischer
Ferry from there, where we heard Sora and Virginia Rail (we didn't go in at
that time—we could hear them from the road/parking area). Our next stop was
the Zim Smith Trail at Coons Crossing for a Great-horned Owl that Steve had
in scouting. Unfortunately, walking and checking his phone at the same time
is not a skill Steve has, and he fell off the path and hurt his ankle. And
what's even worse is we didn't get the owl. We continued to Round Lake
Preserve (where we had received permission to enter at that hour), now with
one team member limping but birding through the pain, and picked up Common
Gallinule and American Woodcock. We then made a short stop at Saratoga NHP
that yielded duetting Great Horned Owls (so Steve sprained his ankle for
nothing since we got the bird we were trying for when he fell). We then
dipped on the Eastern whip-poor-wills that have been reported around Malta
Tech Park. Overall, a pretty solid start.
Day birding started at Saratoga County Airport at 5:17, where we got the
expected sparrows (Grasshopper, Savannah, and a silent Vesper), as well as
an unexpected flyover Common Loon. We then went to Lake Desolation/Fox Hill
Road for higher elevation breeders that the Mesicks had scouted. We picked
up Winter Wren, Blue-headed Vireo, Purple Finch, Hermit Thrush, a drumming
Ruffed Grouse, and tons of warblers, including Nashville, Yellow-rumped,
Magnolia, Blackburnian, Black-and-white, Black-throated blue and green,
Canada, and bonus migrant Bay-breasted and Blackpoll. We dipped on the
Hooded Mergansers found in scouting, but a silent Dark-eyed Junco responded
to Jackson's pishing exactly where it had been singing in scouting. That
feeling when a scouted bird shows up on the day!
We then made our way south, picking up Louisiana Waterthrush, a scouted
Ruby-throated Hummingbird, and the Purple Martins at Waterfront Park (we
commented at that time how Saratoga County feels like easy mode compared to
other counties in the region). Next stop was Saratoga NHP, where the
"bee-buzz" of a Blue-winged Warbler marked 100 species on the day just
after 10 a.m. (Congratulations to Christina on her first century run). We
added Yellow-throated Vireo, Orchard Oriole, Alder Flycatcher, Indigo
Bunting, Prairie Warbler, and Eastern Meadowlark.
From there, we went back to Round Lake Preserve and added Great Egret and
White-crowned Sparrow, and then headed to Vischer Ferry and the spots
nearby along the Mohawk that Keith and the Mesicks had scouted. VF was
productive, yielding Fish Crow and a fluffy baby Eastern-screech Owl
present in a hole we found in scouting. Spots along the Mohawk added
American Kestrel, Double-crested Cormorant, and Cedar Waxwing.
At this point in the day, every new species feels like a miracle. We had a
flyover flock of Brant near Mechanicville, putting our total to 127. We
arrived to Lock 2 and immediately added Bank Swallow. 128. So close. Then,
in scanning the river, I saw two small ducks, and my heart started racing
as I realized they were Green-winged Teals. As I was getting everyone on
them, Jackson shouted "Belted Kingfishers," and after a few moments of pure
chaos, we all got on both species, bringing our total to 130.
With some combination of luck and prep (probably mostly luck), we continued
to add birds. Ring-necked Duck and Green Heron at Stillwater School Nature
Trail, Killdeer at Wright's Loop (long story on why we didn't have one
earlier, but classic big day mishap there), and Willow Flycatcher. We went
back to Vischer Ferry to conclude our day, where we had two Least Bitterns
calling back and forth, bringing our total to 135. Then a male Blue-winged
Teal flew over the marsh briefly, and that was our final species of the
day. 136 total species on the day.
We are obviously thrilled at how the day went. We are excited to do the
other counties in the region, but we are now left wondering what is
possible in Saratoga County. We didn't have many passerine migrants or
shorebirds. Despite Jackson's perfect Barred Owl imitations, we also missed
that. On a good day, it feels like 140+ could be done (I don't know the
record for Saratoga County—perhaps Larry knows). And for anyone wondering,
Steve's ankle is doing fine now.
Date: 5/18/26 2:47 pm From: Naomi Lloyd via groups.io <naomi_kestrel...> Subject: [hmbirds] Destination this week: 5/21
Hey Thursday birders! An early heads-up - let's meet at 8AM at Saratoga County Airport to look for grassland sparrows, then head up along Lake Desolation/Fox Hill Road for elevation breeders. If anyone has been up that way recently we'd love to have you along!
Date: 5/18/26 2:40 pm From: Naomi Lloyd via groups.io <naomi_kestrel...> Subject: [hmbirds] Upcoming field trips: 5/23, 5/24, 5/25
A big Memorial Day weekend of birding, as we begin to transition from migrating birds to local breeders.
===============
Garnsey Park
When: 23 May 2026
7:30 AM
Location: Garnsey Park, Saratoga County
Coordinator: Rich White <richard.cw12...>
We’ll bird some of this lovely 151-acre town park of mixed, mostly moderately graded terrain. It will be wet in places, so plan footwear accordingly. There are several short loops that we’ll stitch together in pursuit of spring migrants and locals.
Meet in the parking lot of Garnsey Park at 1481 New York State Route 146, Rexford 12065 -- the dirt access drive for the park is on the north side of New York State Route 146 just east of Garnsey Road. Meet at 7:30 a.m.
==============
Hidden Lake Girl Scout Camp
When: 24 May 2026
7:30 AM
Location: Hidden Lake Girl Scout Camp
Coordinator: Kate Schnurr 518-253-6158 <thekatwho...>
Hidden Lake is on 400 acres in the southern Adirondack Park, approximately three miles from Lake George Village. The camp has trails through wooded areas: around the main pond, campsites and by a stream that empties into a small pond. We can expect to encounter higher elevation nesting birds. In the past Mourning, Blackburnian, Black-throated Green, and Black-and-white Warblers, Blue-headed Vireo, Red-eyed Vireo, Cedar Waxwing, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, and Scarlet Tanagers have been observed.
Meet at 7:30 a.m. at the Exit 8 Park & Ride to carpool.
If you wish to drive to camp it is 1799 NY-9N Scenic, Lake Luzerne, NY 12846
Beginning Birder Workshop - Saratoga National Historical Park and Battlefield
When: 25 May 2026
8:00 AM
Location: Saratoga National Historical Park and Battlefield, Saratoga County
Coordinators: Gregg Recer and Cathy Graichen <gregg.recer...> 518-330-4552 (GR)
Saratoga Battlefield is a great location to learn many of the common grassland and open-country breeding species of the region such as Bobolink, Eastern Meadowlark, Savannah and Field Sparrows, American Kestrel, Eastern Towhee, and several wood-warbler species. We will cover some of the park trails on foot and can expect to spend the entire morning. This trip will be geared toward novice birders, but all are welcome.
Meet at 8:00 a.m. in the parking lot near the park’s visitor center off New York State Route 32.
===============
And don't forget - this Wednesday at The Crossings, 7:00 AM!
Date: 5/16/26 4:37 pm From: Larry Alden via groups.io <overlook...> Subject: Re: [hmbirds] Brant!
And yet a third flock just now. Maybe 300 birds.
> On May 16, 2026, at 7:03 PM, Larry Alden <overlook...> wrote:
>
> And another flock just now. Maybe 600 individuals?
>> On May 16, 2026, at 6:09 PM, Larry Alden <overlook...> wrote:
>>
>> A flock of Brant just flew over my house. I hope somebody doing a Century Run gets them!
>>
>> Larry Alden
>> Meadowdale
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>
>
>
>
>
>
Date: 5/16/26 4:03 pm From: Larry Alden via groups.io <overlook...> Subject: Re: [hmbirds] Brant!
And another flock just now. Maybe 600 individuals?
> On May 16, 2026, at 6:09 PM, Larry Alden <overlook...> wrote:
>
> A flock of Brant just flew over my house. I hope somebody doing a Century Run gets them!
>
> Larry Alden
> Meadowdale
>
>
>
>
>
Date: 5/16/26 4:05 am From: KevinMcG via groups.io <kmcgrath...> Subject: [hmbirds] Century Run
Best fortune too all the field teams participating in today’s century run. Huge flight night last night according to Birdcast. May gave some great numbers today.
Date: 5/15/26 1:34 pm From: David M via groups.io <davidpmassa...> Subject: Re: [hmbirds] Albany Pine Bush
Sounds like a really solid outing nice birding, Bob!
Dave
> On May 15, 2026, at 2:00 PM, Robert S Pastel via groups.io <rspastel...> wrote:
>
> It certainly was birdie on the trail near the center to the landfill ponds. Highlights include Wilson’s warbler (near the pond), bay breasted, black and white, black throated green, parula, chestnut sided, common yellow throat, prairie, Nashville, Tennessee, magnolia but heard but did not see blackburnian and yellow. Also blue headed vireo, solitary sandpiper, all the woodpeckers (sapsucker was brilliant) except the red headed, a close view of scarlet tanager, blue bird, and many, many lupine.
>
>
> Robert S. Pastel
>
>
>
>
>
>
Date: 5/15/26 11:00 am From: Robert S Pastel via groups.io <rspastel...> Subject: [hmbirds] Albany Pine Bush
It certainly was birdie on the trail near the center to the landfill ponds. Highlights include Wilson’s warbler (near the pond), bay breasted, black and white, black throated green, parula, chestnut sided, common yellow throat, prairie, Nashville, Tennessee, magnolia but heard but did not see blackburnian and yellow. Also blue headed vireo, solitary sandpiper, all the woodpeckers (sapsucker was brilliant) except the red headed, a close view of scarlet tanager, blue bird, and many, many lupine.
Date: 5/15/26 8:10 am From: jhershey2 via groups.io <hersheyj...> Subject: [hmbirds] Ferry Drive Migrants
This morning I tried walking from Ferry Drive to Lock 19 at Vischer Ferry hoping for more migrant songbirds, and I wasn't disappointed despite a little rain at first. I heard 13 different warbler species including: Yellow, Common Yellowthroat, Ovenbird, American Redstart, Black-throated Green, Magnolia, Black-throated Blue, Black-and-white, Nashville, Canada, Bay-breasted, Chestnut-sided, and Northern Parula. Other migrants include: Least Flycatcher, Great Crested Flycatcher, Red-eyed Vireo, Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Indigo Bunting, Scarlet Tanager, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Baltimore Oriole. The Canada Warblers were well-represented with about as many heard singing as you might find at Fox Hill Rd. on territory. The best spot was on the road/path that goes off to the left when you are walking toward Lock 19 from Ferry Drive. This path is about half-way to Lock 19.
Date: 5/14/26 3:01 pm From: Jeffrey Schoonmaker via groups.io <j.schoonmaker...> Subject: [hmbirds] Not a Veery
Thanks to corrections from Larry Alden and Steve Choras, I took a closer look at field guide paintings and online photos of both birds. I was wrong. The bird in my yard was a Swainson's Thrush. I apologize for my initial ID. I thought I was careful to research it before posting it, but I wasn't careful enough.
Hey, I still got the photos and am grateful to have that bird visit my yard and pose for me!
Date: 5/14/26 9:13 am From: scottjstoner via groups.io <ScottJStoner...> Subject: [hmbirds] FW: Black Birders Week walk-n-ride
FYI, all are welcome on this beginners level event. Please contact Five Rivers EEC with any questions. Scott Sent from my Galaxy -------- Original message --------From: "Hopkins, Drew T (DEC)" <Drew.Hopkins...> Date: 5/13/26 14:37 (GMT-06:00) To: "Hopkins, Drew T (DEC)" <Drew.Hopkins...>, "DiBetta, Laura L (DEC)" <Laura.DiBetta...> Cc: Paulette Doudoukjian <development...>, Nancy Conway <education...> Subject: Black Birders Week walk-n-ride
Fun, Free, & the Birds are Great!
Hi,
Back by popular demand: Five Rivers Environmental Education Center is celebrating Black Birders Week Saturday, May 30!
This free public program begins at 10:30 AM with a bird walk at Tivoli Lake Preserve in Albany. It then rides the CDTA Nature Bus (11:30 AM- 12:20 PM) to Five Rivers Envi. Education Center in Delmar for another short walk. Participants will then ride the CDTA Nature Bus ( 2:40 PM) back to Albany. Some binoculars will be available to borrow for the program.
We welcome any member of the public who has an interest in birds.
Attached is a program flyer. Please distribute and share information about this program with our community. We are hopeful to (re)connect as many folks with each other and nature as possible.
The program is hosted by NYSDEC’s educators and I Bird NY staff. If you have questions or concerns please call Five Rivers Environmental Education Center at (518) 475-0291
Take care, Drew Hopkins (he,him) Environmental Educator 2 Project WET and Project WILD NYS Co-coordinator
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Division of Communications, Education, and Engagement | Bureau of Environmental Education Five Rivers Environmental Education Center 56 Game Farm Road, Delmar, NY 12054 w: (518) 475-0291 | desk: (518) 292-1180 | <drew.hopkins...> dec.ny.gov | @NYSDEC on Social Media | Podcast
Date: 5/14/26 8:39 am From: Ron via groups.io <igolfnbird...> Subject: Re: [hmbirds] Veery Photos
Cool!
On Thu, May 14, 2026 at 11:15 AM Jeffrey Schoonmaker via groups.io
<j.schoonmaker...> wrote:
> Yeah, I know. Lots of you have seen one already. I was just excited to
> finally photograph one in my yard and wanted to share my joy.
>
> Jeff
>
>
>
Date: 5/14/26 7:41 am From: jhershey2 via groups.io <hersheyj...> Subject: [hmbirds] Vischer Ferry Preserve
The Preserve was very birdy this morning in spite of the forecast for showers which did not occur in the 1 1/2 hours I was there. I had a few new warblers for the year (and some old ones) including Magnolia, Canada, Northern Waterthrush, Wilson's (Clute's Dry Dock), Yellow-rumped, Yellow, Common Yellowthroat, American Redstart, Black-and-White, and Ovenbird. Merlin picked up Black-throated Green several times but I'm not counting it because I didn't hear it. White-crowned Sparrows and Lincoln's were present in at least 2 places. Least Flycatcher was vocalizing everywhere but still no Willow or Alder. Other species include Virginia Rail, Common Raven, Baltimore Oriole, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, and Wood Thrush.
Date: 5/13/26 7:01 am From: David M via groups.io <davidpmassa...> Subject: [hmbirds] Sunday Schenectady Green Market 10a-2p
Hi everyone,
We’re looking for a few volunteers to help staff the Hudson-Mohawk Bird Club outreach booth this Sunday, May 17, from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. at the Schenectady Greenmarket around City Hall/Jay Street. The weather is looking promising for Sunday, and it’s a great time of year to get outside and chat birds with the community.
Most folks have been helping in simple two-hour shifts like 10–12 or 12–2. There’s no heavy setup involved and the booth will already be set up by 10 a.m. You can come by after a morning bird walk, help out for a bit, grab some food or shopping at the market, and enjoy the day.
Right now we don’t have many volunteers lined up, so a few people stepping up would really help out. If you think you may be able to help, please email me ( <davidpmassa...> ) as soon as possible. And if you know someone who may be interested, please help spread the word.
Hey folks, the weather is not looking great for the next few days.
Banding can't be done in the rain, so there's a chance it may be Friday instead. Eve will keep interested parties updated.
Ceruleans were seen today in the Riverside campground at Schodack Island and I'll be there too, at least for part of the morning. Don't think I'll be there at 7, though!
Naomi
On Sunday, May 10, 2026 at 10:52:11 PM EDT, naomi lloyd <naomi_kestrel...> wrote:
Hey Thursday birders! This week we have a choice of two destinations:
We have an opportunity to observe bird banding at Jug End State Reservation in southwest Mass, done by the Berkshire Bird Observatory. There is room for about 15 participants, so please let Eve Waterman know if you are interested by Wednesday morning. It is about a 45 minute trip to the banding station.
Contact: <eve.m.waterman...> 413-455-7785 for time, carpooling, etc
https://www.berkshirebirds.org/
In addition, I will be scouting for Sunday's Schodack Island SP trip, focusing on finding Cerulean Warblers. Anyone wanting to join me can meet in the main parking lot. I plan to be there by 7 at the latest, but I'll swing back to the lot at 8.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/YpS1wxjVs2QEn2MV7
Date: 5/11/26 4:37 pm From: Naomi Lloyd via groups.io <naomi_kestrel...> Subject: [hmbirds] Upcoming field trips: 5/16, 5/17, 5/20
We're in the thick of it now! Three trips this week:
=============
Century Run
When: 16 May 2026
Location: NYS Region 8
Compiler: Larry Alden 518-495-6535 <overlook...>
This is the Club’s 81st consecutive Century Run, where teams of birders try to find as many species of birds as possible on count day within the eleven-county NYS Region 8. Each group must stay together and jointly identify species reported. The Century Run is not so much a field trip, but a challenge where you or your group tries to identify as many birds as possible within a set 24-hour period. A good Century Run (so named for the goal of reaching a “century,” or at least 100 species) calls for proper planning to hit a wide variety of habitats at the best time. Some groups try to cover the whole HMBC area; others limit themselves to a smaller geographic area – a single county, town, etc. Also, there is nothing that says you can’t go out on your own and bird where you want and at your own pace to see what you can find. Groups informally compete for bragging rights, but the results do provide a good snapshot of what birds can be found in our area in a single day.
Reports should be emailed to the compiler by May 25 in order to be counted and published in “Feathers”, the Club newsletter. Reports should include the following: species identified, hours afield, team members, and geographical areas (counties) covered. Also, please send an email to the HMBirds group (groups.io/g/hmbirds/messages) with the total number of species observed, and highlights for your group.
=============
Schodack Island State Park
When: 17 May 2026
7:30 AM
Location: Schodack Island State Park, Rensselaer County
Coordinator: Naomi Lloyd <naomi_kestrel...>
Schodack Island State Park sits along the eastern shore of the Hudson River just south of Castleton-on-Hudson. Approximately seven miles of Hudson River and Schodack Creek shoreline bound the 1,052-acre site. A portion of the park shelters a Bird Conservation Area (BCA) that is home to Cerulean Warblers and a Great Blue Heron rookery. Resident songbirds are plentiful. Previous Club trips have seen about 50 species, including a dozen or more warbler species. Keep your windows open as you drive along the park entrance, it is a very “birdy” stretch of road. Depending upon where the Cerulean Warblers are nesting, we will walk about 3-4 miles along level paths.
Meet at 7:30 a.m. at the Schodack Island State Park main parking lot at its south end. There is no admission fee before 8:00 a.m.
=============
The Crossings of Colonie
When: 20 May 2026
7:00 AM
Location: The Crossings of Colonie, Albany County
The Crossings of Colonie is one of the more popular suburban parks in the Capital District and has become a favorite hotspot for birders as well. While most of the park consists of mowed lawns crisscrossed by paths for joggers and dogwalkers, and its most prominent feature for most visitors is a large man-made pond (albeit one that can host a surprising variety of waterbirds), there’s also enough woodland, meadow, and wetland habitat here to make it a productive location for birding during spring migration. And if we luck out with enough late spring rain – as we often do – the grassy areas of the park may become sufficiently sodden to generate temporary shorebird habitat in the form of lagoon-like puddles that can attract surprisingly large flocks of plovers and shorebirds. If they are present, this is a good opportunity to view shorebirds in our area relatively up close.
Meet at 7:00 a.m. at the South Pavilion parking lot on the west end of the park, accessed by driving through the park following its main drive from the main entrance on Albany Shaker Road all the way to the end. Feel free to bring a scope for viewing shorebirds if you have one; the shorebird puddles are located near this parking lot and scopes can easily be returned to your vehicle before we venture elsewhere around the park. This is a weekday tour and the leader will likely opt to leave for work after about two hours of birding, but other participants are free to continue as they see fit.
============
And don't forget, 7:00 AM this Wednesday at Buckingham Pond!
Date: 5/10/26 7:52 pm From: Naomi Lloyd via groups.io <naomi_kestrel...> Subject: [hmbirds] This week's destination: 5/14 - Birder's Choice!
Hey Thursday birders! This week we have a choice of two destinations:
We have an opportunity to observe bird banding at Jug End State Reservation in southwest Mass, done by the Berkshire Bird Observatory. There is room for about 15 participants, so please let Eve Waterman know if you are interested by Wednesday morning. It is about a 45 minute trip to the banding station.
Contact: <eve.m.waterman...> 413-455-7785 for time, carpooling, etc
https://www.berkshirebirds.org/
In addition, I will be scouting for Sunday's Schodack Island SP trip, focusing on finding Cerulean Warblers. Anyone wanting to join me can meet in the main parking lot. I plan to be there by 7 at the latest, but I'll swing back to the lot at 8.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/YpS1wxjVs2QEn2MV7
Date: 5/10/26 6:17 pm From: David M via groups.io <davidpmassa...> Subject: Re: [hmbirds] Garnsey Park
Was also at Garnsey this morning and enjoyed the wall to wall birdsong - the field in the far back with the new bird box was non stop. Ovenbird, Scarlet Tanager, Chestnut-sided, Yellowthroat, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Wood Thrush, Brown Thrasher, many other warblers heard but not seen etc etc. Enjoy.
Dave M
> On May 10, 2026, at 1:22 PM, jhershey2 via groups.io <hersheyj...> wrote:
>
> It was wall-to-wall birdsong this morning at Garnsey Park in Rexford. The aural space seemed to be dominated by Eastern Towhee, Wood Thrush, and Ovenbird. I had some other "good" birds including about 9 first-of-year species. These include Least Flycatcher, Yellow-throated Vireo, Chestnut-sided, Magnolia, Prairie, Northern Parula, Blue-winged, Yellow, Common Yellowthroat, American Redstart, and Yellow-rumped Warblers; White-crowned, Field, and Lincoln's Sparrows; Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Baltimore Oriole, Orchard Oriole, and Scarlet Tanager.
>
> John H.
>
Date: 5/10/26 10:22 am From: jhershey2 via groups.io <hersheyj...> Subject: [hmbirds] Garnsey Park
It was wall-to-wall birdsong this morning at Garnsey Park in Rexford. The aural space seemed to be dominated by Eastern Towhee, Wood Thrush, and Ovenbird. I had some other "good" birds including about 9 first-of-year species. These include Least Flycatcher, Yellow-throated Vireo, Chestnut-sided, Magnolia, Prairie, Northern Parula, Blue-winged, Yellow, Common Yellowthroat, American Redstart, and Yellow-rumped Warblers; White-crowned, Field, and Lincoln's Sparrows; Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Baltimore Oriole, Orchard Oriole, and Scarlet Tanager.
Date: 5/5/26 6:16 pm From: Ron via groups.io <igolfnbird...> Subject: Re: [hmbirds] May 5th at Vischer Ferry
Great. Awesome report.
On Tue, May 5, 2026 at 5:25 PM Tim Stockwell via groups.io <t.stockwell=
<yahoo.com...> wrote:
> Hi all,
>
> First post here -- thanks for letting me join!
>
> I only started birding in April 2023, so I'm still learning the ropes for
> sure. But, I had a very successful outing at the Vischer Ferry Nature &
> Historic Preserve this morning. Last night was a High Migration night, and
> some early morning rain showers ended just in time for the beginning of my
> walk around 6:30 AM. My main goal was to find various different warblers
> to add to my Life List, so I camped out near the kayak launch area.
>
> I was able to get eyes on the following warblers, which Merlin confirmed:
>
> - Nashville Warbler
> - Chestnut-sided Warbler
> - Black-throated Blue Warbler
> - Cape May Warbler
> - Black-and-white Warbler
>
> Merlin also picked up the following Warblers, but I wasn't able to get
> eyes on them:
>
> - Northern Parula
> - Black-throated Green Warbler
> - Magnolia Warbler
> - Prairie Warbler
>
> There were, of course, plenty of Northern Yellow Warblers out there as
> well.
>
> On the way out, another birder tipped me off to an Orchard Oriole, which
> was the first time I had heard and seen one of those.
>
> All-in-all, a great morning where I added four new Lifers (the Cape May
> Warbler, the Black-throated Blue Warbler, the Black-and-white Warbler, and
> the Orchard Oriole).
>
> Full eBird Checklist here: https://ebird.org/checklist/S333025592 >
> -Tim
>
>
>
Date: 5/5/26 4:49 pm From: Naomi Lloyd via groups.io <naomi_kestrel...> Subject: [hmbirds] Upcoming field trips: 5/9, 5/10, 5/13
Three field trips in the thick of migration season!
============
Birds & Breakfast at Five Rivers EEC
When: 9 May 2026
6:00 AM
Location: Five Rivers EEC, Albany County
Coordinator: Sue Rokos <szrokos...> 518-535-0006
Our annual celebration of spring migrants will be held at Five Rivers Environmental Education Center, located along Game Farm Road in Delmar. The center has an excellent trail system through a variety of habitats. You can expect to see and hear many resident and migrant species, including warblers, thrushes, vireos, and orioles, along with a few waterfowl and herons. A typical year results in about 70 species; a good year for migrants can top 90!
An early group will meet in the parking lot at 6:00 a.m. Additional groups will leave at 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. You may join one of these groups or go out on your own as we try to find as many species as possible. We’ll rally at the Visitors Center at 10:30 a.m. for coffee, bagels, fresh fruit and a list compilation. The breakfast is free, but donations are welcomed!
==============
Vischer Ferry Nature and Historic Preserve (VFNHP) Migrants
When: 10 May 2026
7:30 AM
Location: Vischer Ferry Nature and Historic Preserve, Saratoga County
Coordinators: Gregg Recer and Cathy Graichen <gregg.recer...> 518-330-4552 (GR)
This is one of the club’s most popular spring trips. We will explore this varied site for warblers and other songbirds as well as marsh species including herons and rails.
Meet at 7:30 a.m. at the VFNHP main entrance, at the intersection of Riverview and Van Vranken Rds. in Clifton Park.
==============
Buckingham Pond
When: 13 May 2026
7:00 AM
Location: Buckingham Pond, Albany County
At first blush, Albany’s Buckingham Pond looks like an unremarkable urban duck pond, with a busy playground, picnic area, and usually a flock of Mallards of questionably wild credentials plying its calm waters or huddled on the closely mown shoreline. But this small, unassuming city park provides some much-needed habitat variety in an otherwise residential neighborhood – and in spring, Buckingham Pond can be a surprisingly effective migrant trap, making it a productive and convenient stop for area birders. We’ll spend the early morning in search of warblers, flycatchers, vireos, and other migrant songbirds in the wooded edges of the park, while keeping an eye out for waterfowl, shorebirds, and waders on the pond.
Meet at 7:00 a.m. at the Buckingham Lake Park parking lot on Berkshire Boulevard.
Date: 5/5/26 4:23 pm From: Heidi via groups.io <hocka1...> Subject: [hmbirds] FOS Catbirds in my yard 5/5/26
Hung out my Oriole feeder yesterday and this morning had a pair of Catbirds feasting on the grape jelly. No Orioles yet but 1 determined squirrel gets to it, the first squirrel that’s ever gotten past our baffles.
Date: 5/5/26 2:25 pm From: Tim Stockwell via groups.io <t.stockwell...> Subject: [hmbirds] May 5th at Vischer Ferry
Hi all,
First post here -- thanks for letting me join!
I only started birding in April 2023, so I'm still learning the ropes for sure. But, I had a very successful outing at the Vischer Ferry Nature & Historic Preserve this morning. Last night was a High Migration night, and some early morning rain showers ended just in time for the beginning of my walk around 6:30 AM. My main goal was to find various different warblers to add to my Life List, so I camped out near the kayak launch area.
I was able to get eyes on the following warblers, which Merlin confirmed:
- Nashville Warbler- Chestnut-sided Warbler- Black-throated Blue Warbler- Cape May Warbler- Black-and-white Warbler
Merlin also picked up the following Warblers, but I wasn't able to get eyes on them:
- Northern Parula- Black-throated Green Warbler- Magnolia Warbler- Prairie Warbler
There were, of course, plenty of Northern Yellow Warblers out there as well.
On the way out, another birder tipped me off to an Orchard Oriole, which was the first time I had heard and seen one of those.
All-in-all, a great morning where I added four new Lifers (the Cape May Warbler, the Black-throated Blue Warbler, the Black-and-white Warbler, and the Orchard Oriole).
Full eBird Checklist here: https://ebird.org/checklist/S333025592 -Tim
Date: 5/5/26 12:40 pm From: scottjstoner via groups.io <ScottJStoner...> Subject: [hmbirds] Dawn Chorus bird walk at Five Rivers - May 21
FYI - sharing this information from Five Rivers EEC. All are welcome! - Scott
Birdsong at Dawn, and Early Morning Bird Walk at Five Rivers EEC
Thursday, May 21, 5:30-9:30a.m. !!!!
Five Rivers’ May mornings begin with an eruption of bird song. As the dawn light brightens the landscape, birds of all kinds sing their hearts out. At no other time of the day or year do the birds sound like this, and you can be here to soak up every sound and sight! Join us at 5:30a.m. to catch the chorus. Not a morning person? Meet us at 7:30a.m. for our regular Early Morning Bird Walk. Both begin at the visitor center. A limited number of binoculars are available on a first-come first-serve basis. Questions? Call 518-475-0291 or write <5Rivers...>
Take care,
Drew Hopkins(he,him)
Environmental Educator 2
Project WET and Project WILD NYS Co-coordinator
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
Division of Communications, Education, and Engagement | Bureau of Environmental Education
Date: 5/5/26 11:47 am From: scottjstoner via groups.io <ScottJStoner...> Subject: [hmbirds] Orchard Oriole, other spring arrivals Five Rivers today
This morning, May 5, at Five Rivers EEC in Delmar: Wood Thrushes, American Redstart, Great Crested Flycatcher, American Bittern (Heron pond). Eastern Kingbird and Baltimore Orioles continue. Highlight was an adult male Orchard Oriole near Wood Duck Marsh. -Scott Stoner, Hudson-Mohawk Bird Club. Sent from my Galaxy
