Date: 9/3/26 12:21 pm From: KevinMcG via groups.io <kmcgrath...> Subject: [hmbirds] Help with Reist bird walk
Hey folks;
I was asked (yesterday) by Union College if HMBC could provide a brief talk (about 20 minutes) and a short field trip (about an hour) this Sunday September 6 from 3-5 pm. As part of our outreach program, I am happy to do it and have agreed to take it on. They are expecting 25-40 students and faculty to attend.
The talk will be a brief overview of the history of HMBC, the Reist Preserve, and the hobby of birding. Immediately aft6er the talk we will walk the perimeter trail in search of whatever local residents and migrants may present themselves. Due to the anticipated size of the group, it would be very helpful and appreciated if one or more other club members could join us and help me break up the group into manageable packets. As you know large groups are difficult to lesd, large groups with inexperienced birders are tough, and large groups with non-birders are nearly impossible.
If you are willing and available, text me or drop me an email.
Date: 9/3/26 12:01 pm From: Joan Dobert via groups.io <jhdobert...> Subject: Re: [hmbirds] Warblers at Five Rivers this morning
Ty
Get Outlook for iOS<https://aka.ms/o0ukef> ________________________________
From: <hmbirds...> <hmbirds...> on behalf of scottjstoner via groups.io <ScottJStoner...>
Sent: Thursday, 03 September 2026 12:23:46
To: Birds Group HM <hmbirds...>
Subject: [hmbirds] Warblers at Five Rivers this morning
On Five Rivers' weekly (in September) Thursday morning bird walk led by Drew Hopkins, we encountered two waves of warblers, the second included more birds than we could easily track down!
Warblers include Blackburnian, Cape May, Black-and-white, Black-throated Green, Redstart, and Chestnut-sided. Other species of note were Great Egret (continuing in beaver pond), Veery, Blue-winged Teal, and Scarlet Tanager. Collectively well over 40 species for the group! -Scott Stoner
Date: 9/3/26 9:23 am From: scottjstoner via groups.io <ScottJStoner...> Subject: [hmbirds] Warblers at Five Rivers this morning
On Five Rivers' weekly (in September) Thursday morning bird walk led by Drew Hopkins, we encountered two waves of warblers, the second included more birds than we could easily track down! Warblers include Blackburnian, Cape May, Black-and-white, Black-throated Green, Redstart, and Chestnut-sided. Other species of note were Great Egret (continuing in beaver pond), Veery, Blue-winged Teal, and Scarlet Tanager. Collectively well over 40 species for the group! -Scott Stoner Sent from my Galaxy
Date: 9/2/26 11:55 am From: Eve Waterman via groups.io <eve.m.waterman...> Subject: [hmbirds] Supporting birds in our own back yards
For anyone interested, the Life List crew hosted Doug Tallamy to discuss how important insects are to the local ecosystems including important tips to boosting our insect populations.
Date: 9/2/26 9:13 am From: Naomi Lloyd via groups.io <naomi_kestrel...> Subject: [hmbirds] No destination this week: 9/3
Hey Thursday birders! Showers and thunderstorms likely for tomorrow morning, so stay home and brush up on your Confusing Fall Warblers.
For the next two Thursdays, 9/10 and 9/17, we'll be participating in the Thacher Park Hawkwatch, meeting at the Overlook about 10am and possibly birding elsewhere for a while first (location TBA).
Date: 9/2/26 8:25 am From: Naomi Lloyd via groups.io <naomi_kestrel...> Subject: [hmbirds] Upcoming field trip: 9/6
Fall Migrants at Albany Pine Bush Preserve
When: 6 Sep 2026
8:00 AM
Location: Albany Pine Bush Preserve, Albany County
Coordinator: Naomi Lloyd <naomi_kestrel...>
Come explore the Karner Barrens East unit of Albany Pine Bush Preserve, via the "yellow" perimeter trail, and "blue" dune overlook trail. We will be looking for warblers, vireos, and flycatchers. The dune overlook trail has a moderate climb and descent. This is approximately a three-mile loop. Take proper precautions to avoid ticks.
Meet at 8:00 a.m. at the Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center parking lot, located at 195 New Karner Road (New York State Route 155) in Albany.
Date: 8/27/26 5:56 pm From: scottjstoner via groups.io <ScottJStoner...> Subject: Re: [hmbirds] Swallow-tailed Kite - Saratoga County
I don't recall the details but there was a report on Facebook with a photo of a (another, same?) Swallow-tailed Kite at least several days ago within the area, with an identifiable photo. These sightings bring back memories of the one Bob Budliger saw flying over Five Rivers probably 40 years ago! Scott StonerSent from my Galaxy -------- Original message --------From: "Richard Guthrie via groups.io" <richardpguthrie...> Date: 8/27/26 20:09 (GMT-05:00) To: Birds Group HM <hmbirds...> Subject: [hmbirds] Swallow-tailed Kite - Saratoga County A Vox Pop listener reported seeing a Swallow tailed Kite flying low over “Buckets Golf Club on Milton Road, Saratoga County yesterday afternoon. Rich Guthrie
Date: 8/27/26 5:21 pm From: Richard Guthrie via groups.io <richardpguthrie...> Subject: [hmbirds] Red-necked Grebes Babcock Lake, Grafton, Rensselaer County
A birder posted a photo on EBird of two Red necked Grebes in “breeding plumage “ on Babcock Lake in Grafton. This is a “private “ lake with limited viewing opportunities. One suggested spot might be Beach Road, the boat launch, or at the SW end of the lake - “Little Beach” across from 179 Keyler Ave.
The lake was wind blown with white caps this evening and the birds were not seen.
Date: 8/27/26 11:57 am From: scottjstoner via groups.io <ScottJStoner...> Subject: [hmbirds] TONIGHT'S NIGHTHAWK WATCH CANCELED
Because of the Severe Thunderstorm Watch (thru 9 PM) and the forecast of rain and storms this evening, we are CANCELING tonight's HMBC Nighthawk Watch. Nighthawk migration is expected to continue for the next few weeks; please report sightings on ebird and via HMBirds. Wishing all of you, and the passing Nighthawks, a safe evening! Scott Stoner and Denise Hackert-Stoner. Hudson-Mohawk Bird Club Sent from my Galaxy
Date: 8/26/26 6:29 pm From: scottjstoner via groups.io <ScottJStoner...> Subject: [hmbirds] Nighthawk Watch - this evening Aug 26
Only one Common Nighthawk this evening on the HMBC's Nighthawk Watch at the Albany Pine Bush, but a lovely sunset and rising near-full moon made the many mosquitoes almost bearable! Weather permitting, we're out there again tomorrow evening at 6 pm for the final night of this year's Nighthawk Watch! We'll be there tomorrow, Aug 27, unless there's steady or heavy rain. Hope to see you out there! Scott Stoner and Denise Hackert-Stoner Sent from my Galaxy
Date: 8/25/26 6:13 pm From: scottjstoner via groups.io <ScottJStoner...> Subject: [hmbirds] Nighthawk Watch tonight and tomorrow
This evening at the Albany Pine Bush in the Discovery Center parking lot, in a joint event between the HMBC and the Albany Pine Bush, about 75 Nighthawk enthusiasts counted a collective total of 24 Common Nighthawks between 5:59 pm and 7:50 pm. Nighthawks appeared singly and in groups of up to 6. The Nighthawk Watch continues tomorrow (Wednesday August 26) at 6 pm at the Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center parking lot. Weather forecast looks good. This is a public event and we hope to see everyone there! Scott Stoner and Denise Hackert-Stoner, Hudson-Mohawk Bird Club Sent from my Galaxy
Date: 8/24/26 11:47 am From: Naomi Lloyd via groups.io <naomi_kestrel...> Subject: [hmbirds] Upcoming field trips: 8/25-26-27, 8/29, 8/30
Join us as the fall migration season starts!
Counting Common Nighthawks
When: 25, 26, 27 Aug 2026
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Location: Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, Albany County
Coordinators: Scott Stoner and Denise Hackert-Stoner <scottjstoner...>
The Common Nighthawk is perhaps best referred to as the "Uncommon Nighthawk" as this dusk- and dawn-feeding aerial insectivore sadly is in decline. Although it breeds throughout much of North America, it is no longer observed during the summer in many urban and suburban areas. A long-distance migrant, Common Nighthawks travel in large flocks, on one of the longest migration routes of any North American bird. Most travel over land through Mexico and Central America to reach their wintering grounds in southern South America. Although numbers on individual nights are unpredictable, the bulk of southbound migration occurs from mid-August until early September. Once again, HMBC will be viewing and counting any nighthawks that pass overhead. Tuesday 8/25 is a joint program with Albany Pine Bush.
Meet at the parking lot at the Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, located at 195 New Karner Road (New York State Route 155) in Albany. Bring a chair and binoculars. We will begin each night at 6:00 p.m. and count until 7:30 p.m.
=================
Saratoga Spa State Park
When: 29 Aug 2026
8:00 AM
Location: Saratoga Springs State Park, Saratoga County
Coordinator: Ron Harrower <ronharrower14...>
Picnic table graveyard? Hardly! Explore this very productive area at the south end of Saratoga Spa Park. From weedy brush lot to capped landfill and through woods, this spot has earned attention as a haven for migrants in its many edge habitats. Expect warblers, sparrows, flycatchers, and vireos. The path is level and mostly gravel.
Meet at 8:00 a.m. at the Carlsbad parking area. From New York State Route 50 or U.S. Route 9, take East-West Road through the south end of the park. Carlsbad parking lot is just west of the Peerless Pool lot. Admission is charged after 8:30 a.m. so please be prompt.
================
Hand Hollow Conservation Area
When: 30 Aug 2026
8:00 AM
Location: Hand Hollow Conservation Area, Columbia County
Coordinator: Joanie Scheu 845-702-7564
Columbia Land Conservancy owns and manages 433 acres at Hand Hollow Conservation Area for the protection of wildlife and open space. The property has an active beaver pond and two lakes, and trails that pass by ponds, creeks, wet meadows and a hemlock ravine. We will be looking for migrant songbirds as well as lingering residents.
Meet 8:00 a.m. at the parking lot. From the intersection of New York State Route 22 and U.S. Route 20 in New Lebanon, take U.S. Route 20 4.5 miles to County Route 9. Take County Route 9 south 1.2 miles and turn west (right) into a parking lot across from the farmhouse just past the pond.
Date: 8/21/26 2:41 pm From: Larry Alden via groups.io <overlook...> Subject: [hmbirds] Nighthawks!
I just had a group of ten (!) nighthawks wing their way southward over my house. This was one of the largest groups I’ve seen in many years. They didn’t stop to feed.
Larry Alden
Meadowdale, on the New Scotland - Guilderland border
Date: 8/15/26 10:26 am From: gregg_recer via groups.io <gregg_recer...> Subject: [hmbirds] sandhill cranes, Charleton
4 sandhill cranes found earlier today continue in a meadowy field along (ironically?) Crane rd in the town of Charleton, Saratoga county. Just West of the Galway nature preserve. pin here:
Date: 8/14/26 12:22 pm From: Cassandra Davis via groups.io <daviscass33...> Subject: [hmbirds] Lost Parrot
Hi all,
I saw this flyer posted on social media today and thought some folks here may be interested in helping to keep an eye out. Lost Parrot Jasper Goodboy last seen at red roof inn/Albany airport. Contact Ron 917-974-7242.
Date: 8/12/26 1:17 pm From: Naomi Lloyd via groups.io <naomi_kestrel...> Subject: [hmbirds] This week's destination: 8/13
Hey Thursday birders! While waiting for shorebirds to pass through soon, let's walk the Electric Trail from the Niverville trailhead. Meet at 8:00 at the parking lot.
Date: 8/10/26 10:36 am From: KevinMcG via groups.io <kmcgrath...> Subject: [hmbirds] Reist Annual field Day
Hey folks,
Volunteers are needed to help out at Reist Preserve. A field day is planned for September 12. Karen and I will be at Cape Flattery on the Washington Olympic Peninsula on that day so the club Secretary (Dan Leonard) and trail steward ( John Gansfuss) will be organizing and coordinating the activities. we have 15 Union college students, several locals, and may have ECOS and MHLC support.
As the plan for the day materializes, more info will come out first those willing to help. Reach out to Dan and/ or John.
Date: 8/7/26 8:25 pm From: Eve Waterman via groups.io <eve.m.waterman...> Subject: [hmbirds] Albany Data Center
Hi, All -
For anyone interested, there is a petition circulating for the proposed
Kenwood Data Center and development of the mostly wooded 76 acre historic
Kenwood Convent and the former Doane Stuart School site in Albany:
Date: 8/7/26 5:13 pm From: Eve Waterman via groups.io <eve.m.waterman...> Subject: [hmbirds] NOW OPEN - Native Spring Ephemerals, Wildflowers, Ferns, Orchids, & Plugs (Fall 2026)
Hello, all - esp. those interested in planting native for the birds!
Just sharing the Rensselaer native plant coop info for Fall planting.
Thanks,
Eve W.
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: The Plant Buying Collective <no-reply...>
Date: Fri, Aug 7, 2026 at 7:23 PM
Subject: NOW OPEN - Native Spring Ephemerals, Wildflowers, Ferns, Orchids,
& Plugs (Fall 2026)
To: <eve.m.waterman...>
*(Keep scrolling to see the Plant List for Plugs)*
*Event open through Monday, September 7*
*~Some varieties are quite limited*
*~Pickup* and Shipping** available*
*PLEASE REMEMBER:** We place our final order with the grower **after the
sale ends**. It can take 10-14 days to receive the plants from the grower,
and then we must sort before we can begin shipping and arranging pickup
times.*
**Pickups will start the weekend of September 25, 26 & 27 - *
*which is also our **In-person event in Rensselaerville, NY*
***Shipping will begin week of September 28*
Nursery Open
By Appointment in Rensselaerville, NY
Existing Plug Orders:
Orders from the *Mid-Summer Plug Event* are currently shipping.
Schedule
We started earlier in 2026, spreading out some of our events so that we can
get you your trees, shrubs, plugs and bare-root plants faster.
Most events will be open for 4 weeks, giving you time to decide what your
garden/land/project needs.
Open Now
*81 Native Spring Ephemerals & Wildflowers, Ferns, Orchids and Plugs *
* - through September 7*
Ongoing
*Nursery*
*Open For the Season*
*Custom Durable Tags & Signs*
*Biodegradable Tree Guards*
Upcoming in 2026
*In-person in Rensselaerville, NY**September 25, 26, & 27*
*Pickups for Fall Wildflower & Spring Ephemerals*
*Potted Trees & Shrubs*
*Not yet sure of timing!*
*Other Events (if there are any!)**Open Mid to Late October — Shipping late
October*
