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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

Introduction 3

Methods 3

Results and Discussion 4

A. Birds 4

B. Priority Habitats 4 Priority Habitat Site Descriptions 5

1. South Bay boat Launch 5 2. The Diameter 6 3. Pike Brook 8 4. Military Road 9 5. B Lane 10 6. Belden Road 11 7. Clemons 13 8. Cat Den Road 15 Conclusions 16

Acknowledgments 17

Literature Cited 17

Figure 1 Site Localities of Priority Bird Habitats in the Town of Dresden 18

Appendix A Birds observed in the Town of Dresden in 2015 19

Appendix B Dates and Localities of Birds observed in the Town of Dresden in 2015 25

Appendix C Priority Habitat Photos 32

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Priority Bird Habitats in the Town of Dresden, Washington County, New York

Introduction

The preservation of habitat connectivity is fundamental to the conservation of birds. In 2015,

avian habitat assessment in the southern Lake Champlain Valley region continued in the Town of

Dresden, Washington County, New York, in order to identify habitats of highest priority. The town is

located south of the Town of Putnam in the northeastern section of the New York State Ornithological

Association (NYSOA) Hudson-Mohawk region and the Bird Conservation Region’s (BCR) Atlantic

Northern Forest. It is part of the Northern Appalachian – Boreal Forest Ecoregion.

Like the adjacent Town of Putnam, the Town of Dresden is part of the Lake Champlain

watershed. When comparing habitats in the two towns, it immediately becomes apparent that the

Town of Dresden lacks the large expanse of grasslands that are found in the Town of Putnam. Instead,

Dresden contains large tracts of relatively undisturbed coniferous and deciduous forests. Abundant

emergent and scrub-shrub wetlands on the islands and along Lake Champlain and its southernmost bay,

South Bay, are also prime habitat in the town. These forests and wetlands are contiguous with Lake

George and its adjacent forested habitats and are all a part of the Eastern Adirondack Foothills of the

Adirondack Ecozone. The management and protection of this connectivity is not only essential to many

birds for breeding, foraging, and migrating, but also to other groups of wildlife during various phases of

their life cycles.

Methods

Methodology closely follows Tuttle (2014): Habitat descriptions were taken from field

observations, topographic map interpretation, and aerial photos on the Washington County website.

Although habitat sites were prioritized based on habitat type, quality, size, diversity, continuity and

proximity to other habitats, and disturbance factors, their final prioritization was also contingent upon

bird communities observed at each site.

Bird surveys were both visual and auditory. Observation equipment consisted of a pair of 10 x

42 binoculars and a spotting scope with a 20-60-power zoom eyepiece. Surveys were conducted along

roads, woodland trails, and open water from a kayak.

In 2015, habitat evaluations took place on 29 April and 3 May. Each site was visited again in

May and/or June in order to conduct bird surveys. Most surveys took place during May (5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11,

13, 15, 18, 24, 25, 30 May). Three additional surveys were conducted (7, 29 June; 12 July). Surveys

began at 0500 h. Birds were also recorded during habitat evaluation visits and visits to record GPS

readings (23 August). GPS data were plotted by M. Simon who also provided a map of the study area

(Figure 1).

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Results and Discussion

A. Birds

As in 2014, most bird specis were likely breeders in the habitats surveyed. Although

determining confirmed breeding status was beyond the scope of this project, a designation of “possible

breeder” (classification taken from the New York State Breeding Bird Atlas) could be assumed for most

birds because of the time of year and habitat type in which surveys were conducted. One observed

species in particular (White-crowned Sparrow) was likely a migrant, as this species has not been

documented to breed in New York State. Other boreal species such as Tennessee Warbler and

Philadephia Vireo have not been recorded to breed as far south as the study area. Boreal Yellow-bellied

Flycatchers are not reported breeders in Dresden, although they have been confirmed to breed farther

south in Greene County. The Great Black-backed Gull, a relatively rare observation in upstate New York,

has been reported as a possible breeder on the Lake George side of Dresden but not on the Lake

Champlain side (McGowan and Corwin 2008). Because the South Bay observation of this species was of

a dead specimen that was in an advanced state of decomposition, it is not known where the bird

actually came from. Also of interest was the number of Red-bellied Woodpeckers observed in 2015.

Although the species has been reported to breed in Washington County, only one Atlas record exists as

far north in the county as the Town of Dresden. The nine observations in 2015 may represent a

northward extension of the range of this species due to climate warming.

A total of 120 species of birds were observed during the 2015 survey (Appendix A). Nineteen

more species were observed in the Town of Dresden than in Putnam. This difference was primarily the

result of habitat differences in the two towns. Extensive marsh habitats and the accessibility to Maple

Bend Island provided observations of reticent wetland species such as Virginia Rail and Least Bittern. In

the open water habitat surrounding Maple Bend Island and at South Bay, new observations included

Double-crested Cormorant, Spotted Sandpiper, Hooded Merganser, Common Merganser, Herring Gull,

and Ring-billed Gull. Easily accessible open water areas also provided more opportunities to see Bald

Eagles (South Bay, Maple Bend Island). But noticeably lacking in 2015 were grassland species and other

species which nest in the open, e.g., Eastern Meadowlark and Northern Harrier. Some species that likely

occur in the study area such as the Whippoorwill, which was recorded during the previous breeding bird

atlas, may not have been observed during the current Dresden or Putnam surveys due to the time of day

surveys took place.

Bird species observed in 2015 are listed in Appendix A and localities and observation dates are

shown in Appendix B. Lists of birds observed at individual sites are presented in each priority habitat

account listed below.

B. Priority habitats

A total of eight priority habitat sites and three major habitat types (wetland, forest, grassland)

were identified (see Figure 1 for localities). Significant expanses of two other habitat types (cliff, shrub)

were included in some of the priority sites. Some priority sites contained more than two major habitat

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types (e.g., Military Road contains two major habitat types although forested habitat is dominant). The

Diameter is the most remarkably diverse site, consisting of various wetland, forested, and cliff habitats.

Some aquatic areas thought to contain priority habitats, based on map-work, could not be

surveyed because they were not easily accessible with a kayak during this study (e.g., the approximately

10 miles of emergent and scrub-shrub wetland on the west side of Lake Champlain, north of South Bay).

However, an approximate 1.75 mile-stretch of wetland that was representative of this 10-mile stretch

could be safely accessed at Chubbs Dock. This area and a zone about one mile south of the hamlet of

Clemons is the most extensive section of wetland in the Town of Dresden on the New York side of the

lake.

Four sites were chosen primarily due to their wetland habitats (Pike Brook, B Lane, Clemons,

South Bay), two sites were selected primarily for their forested habitats (Military Road, Cat Den Lane),

one site for its grassland and shrub habitats (Belden Road), and one site was chosen for its habitat

diversity (The Diameter). Photos showing habitat types in these regions of Dresden are presented in

Appendix C.

Priority Habitat Site Descriptions:

1. South Bay Boat Launch:

Approximately 4.5 miles northeast of The Diameter is the South Bay Boat Launch, a New York

State Department of Environmental Conservation operated facility. One of the most critical avian

habitat characteristics of the bay is that it provides stopover areas for migrating waterfowl and

overwintering areas for Bald Eagles. Hundreds of waterfowl have been observed in early spring and fall

on the bay. In 2007, during a Midwinter Bald Eagle survey, over 20 adult and 15 immature eagles were

counted along the stretch of bay from the boat launch to The Diameter (pers. obs.). During most years

when the bay has frozen, it is not uncommon to see wintering Bald Eagles feeding on dead fish left by

anglers who frequent the bay.

The bay is bordered by sloping deciduous woods and grassland habitat. Typical edge species

such as Indigo Buntings and Chipping Sparrows called from the woodland, and Bobolinks, Field

Sparrows, and Prairie Warblers were heard in the fields. In the bay itself, several embayments with

islands of scrub-shrub/emergent wetland vegetation were found between the boat launch and the

railroad bridge. A pair of Wood Ducks was observed flying into one of the embayments, the female

calling as they landed on the water. Numerous snags on the islands provided potential nesting habitat

for the pair.

A central focal point at the boat launch was an active Osprey nest built high atop an electrical

tower. On 13 May an adult female Osprey was seen bending into the nest, tail up in the air, feeding her

chicks. The male flew from a perch on the tower. The Osprey were observed five times at South Bay

during the survey period and the species was observed at three additional survey sites.

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Table 1. Birds observed at the South Bay Boat Launch, Town of Dresden, in April, May, and June 2015. Canada Goose Wood Duck American Black Duck Common Merganser Hooded Merganser Mallard Double-crested Cormorant Green Heron Osprey Spotted Sandpiper Ring-billed Gull Herring Gull Great Black-backed Gull Belted Kingfisher Downy Woodpecker Northern Flicker Pileated Woodpecker Least Flycatcher Great Crested Flycatcher Eastern Kingbird Warbling Vireo Blue Jay American Crow Tree Swallow Barn Swallow

Black-capped Chickadee American Robin European Starling Yellow Warbler Chestnut-sided Warbler Prairie Warbler Black and White Warbler Common Yellowthroat Scarlet Tanager Eastern Towhee Chipping Sparrow Field Sparrow Song Sparrow Northern Cardinal Indigo Bunting Bobolink Red-winged Blackbird Common Grackle Brown-headed Cowbird Baltimore Oriole House Finch American Goldfinch House Sparrow

2. The Diameter:

The Diameter site includes two mountains (The Diameter, Little Diameter). Although the town

line between Dresden and Fort Ann bisects the summit of The Diameter, the eyrie of an endangered

species, the Peregrine Falcon, is found in the Town of Dresden. It is located on one of the largest cliffs to

presently support peregrines in the southern Adirondacks (pers. obs.).

The Diameter is significant in that it was one of the earliest sites to be occupied by a pair of

peregrines in New York State after the extinction of the species in the early 1960s. In the first year the

species was observed at the cliffs (1986), the Diameter pair fledged three young. The site has since

fledged over 50 additional chicks, producing more fledglings than any other site in upstate New York.

Now, in 2015, 29 years after the species was noted to have returned to the Adirondacks

(Nadareski and Loucks 1992), four fledglings were observed at The Diameter cliffs (Tuttle 2015). On the

first visit to the site (25 May), an adult Peregrine Falcon was seen flying low over the survey kayak and

carrying a Red-winged Blackbird in its talons while heading north toward the cliffs. On 12 July, two

juveniles were observed soaring and wheeling, chasing, and talon-grasping. Concurrently, two more

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took to the wing, flying in tandem and calling incessantly before landing back on the cliffs. One adult

simultaneously circled up and out of sight.

The cliff habitat also provides nesting ledges for Common Ravens, often observed to construct

their nests on large cliffs occupied by Peregrines in the Southern Adirondacks, although the view of the

raven nest is usually obstructed from the falcon’s nest, being and located a considerable distance away

(pers. obs.). Common Juniper and Red Cedar were rooted on the shallow ledge substrate, with an

occasional snag that had hung on since the last high wind. The rock face was indented with scattered

deep horizontal crevices, shelfs, and overhangs for cover for both peregrines and ravens.

During the survey, on 12 July, the stillness of the bay was abruptly interrupted by the low

roaring flight of a small airplane. The disruption elicited the flight of two fledgling Bald Eagles who

immediately took to the wing from some undetected eastern sector of the cliffs, flying up and in front of

the rock face before turning south across the bay. Adding to the excitement was the wailing call of a

Peregrine.

In the middle of the bay, a dead tree and scrub-shrub swamp supported a high level of bird

activity. A Northern Flicker was seen entering its nest hole in one of the numerous snags, also used by

nesting Tree Swallows. A pair of Yellow Warblers flitted amidst the flowering Buttonbush which was

filled with the sound of bees. Wood Ducks swam behind the Royal Fern mounds amidst the water lilies

and aquatic grasses while a Red-winged Blackbird relentlessly followed a Great Blue Heron to various

locations within the stands of Pickerel Weed and Three-way Sedge.

The dawn chorus on 25 May heard from the oak-hickory mixed hardwood forest bordering the

bay yielded 30 or more species of birdsong (see Table 2 below for species that includes these birds).

Habitat diversity at The Diameter also included scattered white pine and hemlock and cover that

contained abundant dense woody debris near the sandy shore. Here, two Spotted Sandpipers giving the

“weetweetweet” call flitted back and forth between the shore and the bay.

Table 2. Birds observed at The Diameter, Town of Dresden, in May, June, and July 2015.

Canada Goose Wood Duck American Black Duck Mallard Great Blue Heron Turkey Vulture Osprey Bald Eagle Red-tailed Hawk Peregrine Falcon Spotted sandpiper Mourning Dove Belted Kingfisher Red-bellied Woodpecker Downy Woodpecker

Northern Flicker Pileated Woodpecker Wood-Pewee Yellow-bellied Flycatcher Least Flycatcher Eastern Phoebe Great Crested Flycatcher Eastern Kingbird Blue-headed Vireo Philadelphia Vireo Warbling Vireo Red-eyed Vireo Blue Jay American Crow Common Raven

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Table 2, continued: Tree Swallow Black-capped Chickadee Tufted Titmouse White-breasted Nuthatch Hermit Thrush Wood Thrush American Robin Cedar Waxwing Chestnut-sided Warbler Black-throated Blue Warbler Black-throated Green Warbler Blackburnian Warbler Pine Warbler Black and White Warbler American Redstart

Ovenbird Common Yellowthroat Scarlet Tanager Chipping Sparrow Song Sparrow Swamp Sparrow Northern Cardinal Rose-breasted Grosbeak Indigo Bunting Red-winged Blackbird Common Grackle Brown-headed Cowbird Baltimore Oriole American Goldfinch

3. Pike Brook

Directly north of The Diameter (3.5 miles straight-line distance) is prime emergent/open water

wetland habitat surrounded by a large expanse of relatively undisturbed forest that was literally alive

with birdsong. Together with its connectivity to large tracts of forest with high-quality streams such as

Pike Brook (both A - drinking water, and CT - trout stream classifications), it is the juxtaposition of

wetland and forested habitat that prioritizes this site. The wetland system extends north to nearby

Sheltered Lakes and the Black Mountain trailhead, and south to a pond where one could always count

on seeing a pair of Wood Ducks. The sedge and grass-dominated wetland is scattered with cattails and

rimmed with White Pine on the north, south, and east. Pike Brook Road borders it on the west where

shrub habitat dominated by willow, honeysuckle, and viburnum was teeming with birds.

Of particular interest to the surveyor was the elusive Virginia Rail heard giving its “kid-ick, kid-

ick, kid-ick” call from the tall emergent vegetation. Although not seen in 2015, previously (in 2004) two

very active downy black chicks were seen in the sedges on the west side of the open water. On 13 May

2015 the observed adult rail was heard from a location farther out into the wetland than the 2004

observations. The succeeding wetland microhabitat suitable for nesting rails has likely shifted over the

past 11 years. Although Virginia Rails are the most common species of rail in New York State (McGowan

and Corwin 2008), it is critical to protect their declining habitat such as the wetland on Pike Brook Road.

Table 3. Birds observed at the Pike Brook site, Town of Dresden, in May 2015.

Canada Goose Mallard Wood Duck Turkey Vulture Red-shouldered Hawk

Red-tailed Hawk Virginia Rail Mourning Dove Belted Kingfisher Northern Flicker

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Table 3, continued: Pileated Woodpecker Least Flycatcher Great Crested Flycatcher Eastern Kingbird Yellow-throated Vireo Warbling Vireo Red-eyed Vireo Blue Jay American Crow Common Raven Tree Swallow Black-capped Chickadee Tufted Titmouse Red-breasted Nuthatch White-breasted Nuthatch Golden-crowned Kinglet American Robin Gray Catbird Yellow Warbler Chestnut-sided Warbler Black-throated Blue Warbler

Yellow-rumped Warbler Black-throated Green Warbler Pine Warbler Black and White Warbler American Redstart Ovenbird Common Yellowthroat Scarlet Tanager Eastern Towhee Chipping Sparrow Song Sparrow Swamp Sparrow White-throated Sparrow Rose-breasted Grosbeak Indigo Bunting Red-winged Blackbird Common Grackle Brown-headed Cowbird Baltimore Oriole American Goldfinch

4. Military Road The approximately 3.5-mile stretch of Military Road that was surveyed during the study in 2015 passes through a large expanse of forest and wetlands along both the east and west sides of the road. The road is well-known in the town due to its history regarding General John Burgoyne’s 1777 southward march. Presently, several hunt clubs utilize the private property on both sides of the road for hunting and trapping. Motorized vehicles using the road include logging trucks, ATVs, and snowmobiles. But it is still a remarkable locality for bird watching, due to its easy access through suitable habitat. The habitat is primarily deciduous, mixed, and wetland forest which includes Sugar Maple, Red Maple, Red Oak, Hickory, Yellow Birch, White Birch, Beech, Eastern Hemlock, and White Pine. Fast-flowing and slow meandering streams (including high quality trout streams) with either cobble or silt substrates traverse back and forth across the road, with some emptying into emergent, dead tree or open water wetlands. Some forested areas contain rocky outcrops, vernal pools, dense shrub and fern understories, and dense woody debris, much of it moss-covered from age. Sixty-three bird species (Table 4) were observed along the Military Road habitats, too many to describe individually. Notable observations included the following: While walking down to a wetland, a noisy flock of White-throated Sparrows kicked up the leaves as they foraged in the shrubs along the side of the road. The melodic song of the species echoed throughout the survey period. When approaching the wetland, a quiet Veery flew low onto the damp, mossy substrate beneath a hemlock. Upon leaving, the bird vocalized its characteristically echoing song. One of the most notable observations during the

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survey period was the striking coloration of a male Golden-winged Warbler seen in forested wetland habitat on the edge of the road. Table 4. Birds observed on Military Road, Town of Dresden, in May 2015. Wood Duck Mallard Ruffed Grouse Wild Turkey Red-tailed Hawk Mourning Dove Barred Owl Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Downy Woodpecker Hairy Woodpecker Northern Flicker Pileated Woodpecker Yellow-bellied Flycatcher Least Flycatcher Eastern Phoebe Great Crested Flycatcher Eastern Kingbird Yellow-throated Vireo Blue-headed Vireo Red-eyed Vireo Blue Jay American Crow Black-capped Chickadee Tufted Titmouse White-breasted Nuthatch Red-breasted Nuthatch Brown Creeper Winter Wren Veery Hermit Thrush Wood Thrush American Robin

Gray Catbird Cedar Waxwing Golden-winged Warbler Tennessee Warbler Nashville Warbler Yellow Warbler Chestnut-sided Warbler Magnolia Warbler Black-throated Blue Warbler Yellow-rumped Warbler Black-throated Green Warbler Blackburnian Warbler Pine Warbler Black and White Warbler American Redstart Ovenbird Common Yellowthroat Scarlet Tanager Eastern Towhee Chipping Sparrow Song Sparrow White-throated Sparrow White-crowned Sparrow Dark-eyed Junco Rose-breasted Grosbeak Indigo Bunting Red-winged Blackbird Common Grackle House Finch Pine Siskin American Goldfinch

5. B Lane The channel of a high quality emergent wetland flows west under B Lane at the south end of the road. The wetland is also fed by a brook flowing out of a large wetland adjacent to Mt. Tom. As late as 2004 the author observed that the Mt. Tom wetland included a large body of open water habitat, but since then a beaver dam has been breached, draining the wetland. However, the remaining habitat still provides excellent nesting areas and foraging haunts for birds.

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The emergent wetland along B Lane includes extensive cattail swamp, much of it at the north end of the lane, actually located in the adjoining Town of Putnam. Numerous snags in pools of shallow open water dot the habitat and mature shrubs line the road where the water flows underneath. Here, a flurry of Gray Catbird activity was observed at each site visit. Busy Common Grackles carried nesting material and noisy Red-winged Blackbirds brought the marsh back alive in late April. The B Lane wetland is contiguous with the large expanse of forest on the west side of Route 22 and with the forested habitat of Mt. Tom. The Mt. Tom Hunt Club utilizes the property, which likely explains shots heard on 15 May that probably kicked up a Barred Owl. Game birds such as Wild Turkey and Ruffed Grouse were observed in the deciduous woodland. The oak-hickory mixed hardwood forest also contained tree species such as Sugar Maple, Slippery Elm, Eastern Hemlock, Red Cedar, White Pine, Yellow Birch, White Birch, and ash. The mixed forest could be characterized as good Bobcat territory with high rock ledges and outcrops. Wetlands and steep ravines with fast-flowing streams added to the habitat quality and offered foraging areas for birds such as the Northern Waterthrush seen on 7 June walking along the edge of a stream. Table 5. Birds observed on B Lane, Town of Dresden, in April, May, and June 2015. Canada Goose Wood Duck Ruffed Grouse Wild Turkey Mourning Dove Black-billed Cuckoo Barred Owl Red-bellied Woodpecker Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Downy Woodpecker Hairy Woodpecker Northern Flicker Wood-Pewee 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 Black-capped Chickadee Tufted Titmouse White-breasted Nuthatch Brown Creeper Winter Wren

Hermit Thrush Wood Thrush American Robin Gray Catbird Cedar Waxwing Yellow Warbler Black-throated Blue Warbler Black-throated Green Warbler Blackburnian Warbler Black and White Warbler American Redstart Ovenbird Northern Waterthrush Common Yellowthroat Scarlet Tanager Eastern Towhee Chipping Sparrow Song Sparrow Swamp Sparrow Dark-eyed Junco Northern Cardinal Rose-breasted Grosbeak Indigo Bunting Red-winged Blackbird Common Grackle Brown-headed Cowbird Baltimore Oriole American Goldfinch

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6. Belden Road

The Belden Road habitat also consists of several habitat types: wetland, grassland, shrub, and

deciduous woodland. Near the junction of NY State Route 22 and Belden Road, an unnamed stream

originating on the west side of Route 22 flows through a dead tree/emergent swamp dominated by

cattails. It eventually empties into an embayment on the west side of the Hudson and Delaware

Railroad. The wetland on Belden Road is surrounded by deciduous woodland. More wetlands and the

same mixed forest found throughout the Town of Dresden provide quality habitat along Belden Road.

Belden Road is also the site of some of the best grassland habitat in the town; here Prairie Warblers

were heard on three occasions (May 11, 15, 24).

Adding to the habitat diversity of Belden Road is a utility right-of-way that provides suitable

habitat for many shrub-loving species such as Brown Thrasher, Eastern Towhee, and Blue-winged

Warbler. Most notably was a Golden-winged Warbler heard on two occasions (May 11, 15). Golden-

winged Warblers, a Species of Special Concern in New York State and a species on the Partners in Flight

watch list, has shown a significant decline between breeding bird atlases (1985 -2005). Others have

reported the availability of suitable habitat - such as that found on Belden Road - on utility rights-of-way

(Confer and Pascoe 2003 in McGowan and Corwin 2008). Also, as observed in other areas during this

survey (on the edge of forested wetland on Military Road), researchers in NYSOA Region 9 have

reported the species in wetland habitat (E. McGowan, pers. com.). Therefore, the significance of these

habitat types cannot be overly stressed.

On 15 May, on the edge of Lake Champlain near Pulpit Point, an Osprey chick was observed in a

nest and on 24 May an adult female was seen flying into the nest to feed it. Although not seen in 2015,

this area of the lake was the site of an active Bald Eagle nest in previous years (O. Townsend, Wildlife

Technician, NYSDEC, pers. com.). In 2015, less than a mile north, a recently-used eagle nest was found

in the Town of Putnam and three subadults were seen in the immediate area (J. Buck, Wildlife Biologist,

VT Fish and Wildlife, pers. com.). Therefore, based on these and previous observations, this area should

be considered important for possible nesting eagles. Bald Eagles actually documented during the 2015

survey were on the south end of Maple Bend Island, approximately four miles south of Pulpit Point, and

on South Bay.

Table 6. Birds observed on Belden Road, Town of Dresden, in April, May and June 2015.

Canada Goose Turkey Vulture Osprey Common Moorhen Mourning Dove Red-bellied Woodpecker Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Pileated Woodpecker Wood-Pewee

Great Crested Flycatcher Eastern Kingbird Blue-headed Vireo Warbling Vireo Red-eyed Vireo Blue Jay American Crow Common Raven Black-capped Chickadee

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Table 6, continued: Tufted Titmouse White-breasted Nuthatch Brown Creeper Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Wood Thrush American Robin Gray Catbird Brown Thrasher Cedar Waxwing Blue-winged Warbler Golden-winged Warbler Yellow Warbler Black-throated Blue Warbler Pine Warbler Prairie Warbler Black and White Warbler American Redstart

Ovenbird Common Yellowthroat Scarlet Tanager Eastern Towhee Chipping Sparrow Field Sparrow Song Sparrow White-throated Sparrow Dark-eyed Junco Northern Cardinal Rose-breasted Grosbeak Indigo Bunting Red-winged Blackbird Brown-headed Cowbird Baltimore Oriole Purple Finch American Goldfinch

7. Clemons The hamlet of Clemons is an exceptional site due to the inclusion of Maple Bend Island near

Chubb’s Dock. The habitat at Chubb’s Dock is presently owned by New York State and protected with a

designation of “Forever Wild.” Even though this site is already protected, reporting birds here during

2015 is nevertheless important due to its representation of the numerous areas (inaccessible during this

survey) that contain the same habitat type. Many of the more common species are likely to be found in

these other areas, and these areas provide additional habitat for populaton expansion of the less

common species.

Less common species observed on Maple Bend Island included the reticent Least Bittern, a

threatened species in New York State. Prior to the protection of the Chubb’s Dock wetlands, in 2004 this

author reported a Least Bittern to the ongoing New York State Breeding Bird Atlas Project. The bird,

spooked by an angler who had just started his motor, flew across the channel between Chubb’s Dock

and Maple Bend Island. The startled flight provided a good look at the bittern’s bright orange-buff base

color and black back, characteristic of an adult male. It is significant that in 2015, 11 years later, the

species is still resident in the wetland. A male, giving his soft “coo-coo-coo” advertisement call was

heard three times on Maple Bend Island (11, 18, 30 May 2015).

Over 70 species of birds were observed between the island and the shrub and woodland habitat

surveyed along Lake Road. Many of the species reported in 2004 were observed in 2015 including a pair

of Eastern Kingbirds that nested in the same tree on the edge of the wetland that the kingbirds had

nested in previously. On 18 May 2015, during a brief observation period, the female twice flew back

and forth to the nest carrying grassy nesting material.

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The extensive emergent wetland habitat contained numerous active territories of Red-winged

Blackbirds. The cattails and other emergent vegetation were also home to wetland species such as

American Bittern, Virginia Rail, Common Moorhen, and Marsh Wren, the latter heard calling from every

direction, individuals at times darting up from the grasses. It was noted that the Common Moorhens

were utilizing areas farther east during this survey than they had in 2004, although this was not

surprising, due to the changing nature of wetland habitats.

Maple Bend Island, dominated by cattails and other emergent vegetation, also supports

numerous snags and other dead and living trees such as Black Willow and Silver Maple. Twice, an adult

Bald Eagle was observed perched on one of these prominent trees. On 11 May, at 0630 hours, one adult

flew south from its island perch, circled, and then continued farther south. At the same time another

adult eagle chittered from the same prominent perch tree on the island.

On the last visit to the site while taking GPS locality data (23 August), two juvenile Ospreys were

seen hunting over the channel on the west side of the island and over the embayment on the west side

of the railroad, north of Lake Road. Earlier, on 18 and 30 May, an adult male was seen circling overhead.

Many of the embayments cut off by the railroad continue to provide excellent breeding and foraging

habitat for numerous other birds (e.g., Bald Eagles have been seen perched in other embayments along

the lake in most years since 2004).

The wetland is not the only important habitat in the vicinity of Clemons. Dense shrubs and

deciduous woodlands with small open fields are found along Lake Road before reaching the railroad. On

18 May, a dozen warbler species were observed along the road including a single Golden-winged

Warbler, a striking pair of brightly-colored Yellow Warblers, and a Chestnut-sided Warbler that

momentarily showed its diagnostic chestnut sides as the singing bird moved between the branches of a

large dogwood. Two distinctive White-crowned Sparrows were seen early in the season (11 May) in the

same shrub habitat.

Table 7. Birds observed in Clemons, Town of Dresden, in April, May, and June, and August 2015.

Canada Goose Wood Duck American Black Duck Mallard Wild Turkey American Bittern Least Bittern Great Blue Heron Turkey Vulture Osprey Bald Eagle Red-tailed Hawk Virginia Rail Common Moorhen Spotted sandpiper

Herring Gull Ring-billed Gull Mourning Dove Yellow-billed Cuckoo Ruby-throated Hummingbird Red-bellied Woodpecker Downy Woodpecker Hairy Woodpecker Wood-Pewee Alder Flycatcher Willow Flycatcher Eastern Phoebe Great Crested Flycatcher Eastern Kingbird Yellow-throated Vireo

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Table 7, continued: Blue-headed Vireo Warbling Vireo Red-eyed Vireo Blue Jay American Crow Common Raven Tree Swallow Black-capped Chickadee Tufted Titmouse White-breased Nuthatch Winter Wren Marsh Wren American Robin Gray Catbird Brown Thrasher Cedar Waxwing Golden-winged Warbler Yellow Warbler Chestnut-sided Warbler Black-throated Blue Warbler Black-throated Green Warbler

Blackpoll Warbler Black and White Warbler American Redstart Ovenbird Mourning Warbler Common Yellowthroat Canada Warbler Scarlet Tanager Eastern Towhee Chipping Sparrow Song Sparrow White-throated Sparrow White-crowned Sparrow Northern Cardinal Indigo Bunting Red-winged Blackbird Common Grackle Brown-headed Cowbird Baltimore Oriole American Goldfinch

8. Cat Den Road

Cat Den Road runs through shrub, forested, and grassland habitat with the northeast end of the

road bordered by cut-over fields fringed by mixed woodlands extending down to the lake. The grassland

habitat is contiguous with the grasslands that continue north along Steele Lane, a private road. Wetland

habitat is found at the site as well. Between Cat Den Road and Steele Lane several embayments are

located on the west side of the railroad. Bald Eagles have been sighted previously by this author in the

bay/wetland between Steele Lane and the railroad. A large wetland east of Cat Den Bay and emergent

wetlands that become more extensive heading north toward Clemons may provide additional suitable

habitat for wetland-dependent species. (The wetlands were not surveyed, however, due to difficulty in

accessing the habitat.)

Although Steele Lane was not surveyed during this study, a resident bird enthusiast (L. Steele)

recorded yard bird in a decade prior to 2004, noting nesting American Robins, House Finches, Tree

Swallows, Barn Swallows, Eastern Bluebirds, and American Kestrels, to name a few. Since these species

were observed on the adjoining grasslands on Cat Den Road, it is likely that they still inhabit the

maintained high quality grassland habitat on Steele Lane.

On 8 May, at the top of Cat Den Road near its junction with Route 22, stands of cedar and

juniper on the north side of the road contained numerous warblers, including Tennessee, Northern

Parula, Nashville, Blackpoll, Chestnut-sided Warbler, American Redstart, Common Yellowthroat, Pine,

Black and White, Blackburnian, Black-throated Green, and Blue-winged Warbler. On the south side of

16

the road, deciduous forest with steep ravines and flowing water added to the high habitat value on Cat

Den Road.

Table 8. Birds observed Cat Den Road, Town of Dresden, in May 2015.

Canada Goose Mallard Wild Turkey American Bittern Turkey Vulture Red-tailed Hawk American Kestrel Downy Woodpecker Northern Flicker Pileated Woodpecker Eastern Phoebe Red-eyed Vireo Blue Jay American Crow Tree Swallow Barn Swallow Black-capped Chickadee Tufted Titmouse Eastern Bluebird Wood Thrush American Robin Gray Catbird Blue-winged Warbler Tennessee Warbler Nashville Warbler

Northern Parula Warbler Chestnut-sided Warbler Blackburnian Warbler Pine Warbler Blackpoll Warbler Black and White Warbler American Redstart Ovenbird Common Yellowthroat Scarlet Tanager Eastern Towhee Chipping Sparrow Field Sparrow Savannah Sparrow Song Sparrow White-throated Sparrow Dark –eyed Junco Northern Cardinal Rose-breasted Grosbeak Indigo Bunting Red-winged Blackbird Brown-headed Cowbird House Finch American Goldfinch

Conclusions

It is not enough to protect isolated wetlands or small forested tracts of land. Even though other

groups of vertebrates are more susceptible to the negative constraints of isolated habitats, birds still

need habitat connectivity to carry out their life histories. Some species, such as interior forest birds, are

particularly vulnerable to habitat fragmentation. Irreparable habitat fragmentation and the isolation of

critical ecosystem elements may still contribute to a decline in genetic variability in a number of species

reported in this survey.

Data such as those collected during this study are informative for developing objectives to

conserve local bird populations. Landscape-level management plans that include preserving a

connectivity of various habitat types with adequate buffers and connecting aquatic and/or terrestrial

corridors, are critical if we are to maintain a diversity of our native avifauna. Connectivity provides a

significant conduit for fledgling dispersal by providing suitable habitat for the young birds. A perfect

example is that of juvenile Peregrine Falcons needing foraging haunts far beyond the nesting cliff where

17

they can learn to hunt prior to embarking on their migratory journey. Future conservation efforts in the

Town of Dresden should include habitat protection through conservation easements or purchase, the

management of public lands (including periodic surveys at the selected study sites), and the education

of landowners, hunt club members, and the public.

All of the sites described herein are important for dozens of avian species, as each site is a

contiguous part of either a large expanse of forest or extensive wetland habitat, both critical for the

perpetuation of species observed during the 2015 survey. It must be emphasized that for each bird’s

progeny to return to their natal nest site, and, in turn, produce young that survive, its breeding habitat

must survive. Habitat preservation is the single most critical management consideration that we can

achieve for birds in the Town of Dresden.

Acknowledgements

Once again, I would like to thank Nancy Williams, former Director of the Lake George Land

Conservancy (LGLC), for the opportunity to initially work on this project, beginning with Phase I in the

Town of Putnam. I would like to thank Jamie Brown, present Director of the LGLC, for continuing this

very important effort in the Town of Dresden. I thank the Southern Adirondack Audubon Chapter of

New York Audubon and the Lake Champlain Land Trust for their support, and I wholeheartedly thank the

two of them and the LGLC for believing in the greatness of birds.

Literature Cited

McGowan, Kevin J. and Kimberley Corwin, Editors. 2008. The Second Atlas of Breeding Birds in New York

State. Cornell University Press, Ithaca, New York.

Nadareski, Christopher A. and Barbara Allen Loucks. 1992. Watching the Wanderer. The

Conservationist, New York State Departmental of Environmental Conservation, September/October.

Tuttle, Sheila E. 2014. Priority bird habitats in the Town of Putnam, Washington County, New York.

Report submitted to: Lake George Land Conservancy, Bolton Landing, New York.

Tuttle, Sheila E. 2015. Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) eyries in the southern Adirondack region:

nest site monitoring in 2015. Report Submitted to: Division of Fish, Wildlife, and Marine Resources, New

York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Albany, New York.

18

Figure 1. Site localities of Priority Bird Habitats in the Town of Dresden.

South Bay Boat Launch - 1

The Diameter - 2

Pike Brook - 3

Military Road - 4, 5

B Lane - 6

Belden Road - 7, 8

Clemons - 9, 10

Cat Den Road - 11

19

APPENDIX A

BIRDS OBSERVED IN THE TOWN OF DRESDEN IN 2015.

COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME

Canada Goose Branta canadensis

Wood Duck Aix sponsa

American Black Duck Anas rubripes

Common Merganser Mergus merganser

Hooded Merganser Lophodytes cucullatus

Mallard Anas platyrhynchos

Ruffed Grouse Bonasa umbellus

Wild Turkey Meleagris gallopavo

Double-crested Cormorant Phalacrocorax auritus

American Bittern Botaurus lentiginosus

Least Bittern Ixobrychus exilis

Great Blue Heron Ardea herodias

Green Heron Butoroides virescens

American Kestrel Falco sparverius

Osprey Pandion haliaetus

Bald Eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus

Red-shouldered Hawk Buteo lineatus

Northern Harrier Circus cyaneus

Red-tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis

Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus

Virginia Rail rallus limicola

Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus

20

APPENDIX A CONTINUED

COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME

Spotted sandpiper Actitis macularius

American Woodcock Scolopax minor

Ring-billed Gull Larus delawarensis

Herring Gull Larus argentatus

Great Black-backed Gull Larus marinus

Mourning Dove Zenaida macroura

Yellow-billed Cuckoo Coccyzus americanus

Black-billed Cuckoo Coccyzus erythropthalmus

Barred Owl Strix varia

Ruby-throated Hummingbird Archilochus colubris

Belted Kingfisher Megaceryle alcyon

Red-bellied Woodpecker Melanerpes carolinus

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Sphyrapicus varius

Downy Woodpecker Picoides pubescens

Hairy Woodpecker Picoides villosus

Northern Flicker Colaptes auratus

Pileated Woodpecker Dryocopus pileatus

Wood-Pewee Contopus virens

Yellow-bellied Flycatcher Empidonax flaviventris

Alder Flycatcher Empidonax alnorum

Willow Flycatcher Empidonax traillii

Least Flycatcher Empidonax minimus

Eastern Phoebe Sayornis phoebe

21

APPENDIX A CONTINUED

COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME

Great Crested Flycatcher Myiarchus crinitus

Eastern Kingbird Tyrannus tyrannus

Yellow-throated Vireo Vireo flavifrons

Blue-headed Vireo Vireo solitaries

Philadelphia Vireo Vireo philadelphicus

Warbling Vireo Vireo gilvus

Red-eyed Vireo Vireo olivaceus

Blue Jay Cyanocitta cristata

American Crow Corvus brachyrhynchos

Common Raven Corvus corax

Tree Swallow Tachycineta bicolor

Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica

Black-capped Chickadee Poecilea tricapillus

Tufted Titmouse Baeolophus bicolor

Red-breasted Nuthatch Sitta canadensis

White-breasted Nuthatch Sitta carolinensis

Brown Creeper Certhia americana

Winter Wren Troglodytes troglodytes

Marsh Wren Cistothorus palustris

Golden-crowned Kinglet Regulus satrapa

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Polioptila caerulea

Eastern Bluebird Sialia sialis

Veery Catharus fuscescens

22

APPENDIX A CONTINUED

COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME

Hermit Thrush Catharus guttatus

Wood Thrush Hylocichla mustelina

American Robin Turdus migratorius

Gray Catbird Dumtella carolinensis

Brown Thrasher Toxostoma rufum

European Starling Sturnus vulgaris

Cedar Waxwing Bombycilla cedrorum

Blue-winged Warbler Vermivora pinus

Golden-winged Warbler Vermivora chrysoptera

Tennessee Warbler Vermivora peregrina

Nashville Warbler Vermivora ruficapilla

Northern Parula Warbler Parula americana

Yellow Warbler Dendroica petechia

Chestnut-sided Warbler Dendroica pensylvanica

Magnolia Warbler Dendroica magnolia

Black-throated Blue Warbler Dendroica caerulescens

Yellow-rumped Warbler Dendroica coronata

Black-throated Green Warbler Dendroica virens

Blackburnian Warbler Dendroica fusca

Pine Warbler Dendroica pinus

Prairie Warbler Dendroica discolor

Blackpoll Warbler Dendroica striata

Black and White Warbler Mniotilta varia

23

APPENDIX A CONTINUED

COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME

American Redstart Setophaga ruticilla

Ovenbird Seiurus aurocapilla

Northern Waterthrush Seiurus noveboracensis

Mourning Warbler Oporornis philadelphia

Common Yellowthroat Geothlypis trichas

Canada Warbler Wilsonia canadensis

Scarlet Tanager Piranga olivacea

Eastern Towhee Pipilo erythrophthalmus

Chipping Sparrow Spizella passerina

Field Sparrow Spizella pusilla

Savannah Sparrow Passerculus sandwichensis

Song Sparrow Melospiza melodia

Swamp Sparrow Melospiza georgiana

White-throated Sparrow Zonotrichia albicollis

White-crowned Sparrow Zonotrichia leucophrys

Dark-eyed Junco Junco hyemalis

Northern Cardinal Cardinalis cardinalis

Rose-breasted Grosbeak Pheucticus ludovicianus

Indigo Bunting Passerina cyanea

Bobolink Dolichonyx oryzivorus

Red-winged Blackbird Aeglaius phoeniceus

Common Grackle Quiscalus quiscula

Brown-headed Cowbird Molothrus ater

24

APPENDIX A.CONTINUED

COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME

Baltimore Oriole Icterus galbula

Purple Finch Carpodacus purpureus

House Finch Carpodacus mexicanus

Pine Siskin Carduelis pinus

American Goldfinch Carduelis tristas

House Sparrow Passer domesticus

25

APPENDIX B

DATES AND LOCALITIES OF BIRDS OBSERVED IN THE TOWN OF DRESDEN IN 2015. Codes for localities

are the following: The Diameter (DI); South Bay Boat Launch (BL); Military Road (MR); B Lane (BL); Cat

Den Lane (CD); Clemons Wetland and Road(CW); Belden Road (BR); Pike Brook (PB).

SPECIES LOCALITY DATE

Canada Goose SB,CW,CD,DI,CW,PB,BR,BL,BL,CW, May 6,7,8,9,11,13,15,15,18,18,30,30 SB,CW Wood Duck MR,SB,MR,CW,DI,CW,BL,PB,DI,CW,DI May 5,6,7,8,9,11,18,24,25,30; July 12 American Black Duck SB,CW,DI May 6,11,25

Common Merganser SB May 6

Hooded Merganser SB May 6

Mallard PB,MR,SB,MR,CD,CW,CW,DI May 3,5,6,7,8,11,18,25

Ruffed Grouse MR,MR;BL May 5,7; June 7

Wild Turkey MR,MR,CD,CW,BL,BL,CW,BL May 5,7,8,11,15,18,18; June 7

Double-crested Cormorant SB May 6 American Bittern CD,CW,CW May 8,18,30

Least Bittern CW,CW,CW May 11,18,30

Great Blue Heron CW,CW,DI,CW,DI May 11,18,25,30; July 12

Green Heron SB May 13

Turkey Vulture PB,DI,BR,CD,DI,CW May 3,9,24,24,25,30

Osprey SB,SB,BR,CW,BR,SB,SB,CW,SB,DI, May 6,15,15,18,24,24,30,30; June 7,29;

DI,CW July 12; 23 August

Bald Eagle CW,CW,DI,DI May 11,18,25; July 12

Red-shouldered Hawk PB May 13

Red-tailed Hawk PB,MR,MR,CD,DI,CW May 3,5,7,8,9,30

Peregrine Falcon DI,DI,DI May 25; June 29; July 12

26

APPENDIX B. CONTINUED

SPECIES LOCALITY DATE

Virginia Rail CW,CW,PB,CW,CW May 11,18,24,24,30

Common Moorhen CW,BR,CW,CW,CW May 11,15,18,24,30

Spotted Sandpiper CW,CW,SB,DI May 11,18,30; July 12

American Woodcock MR May 5

Ring-billed Gull SB,SB,SB May 6,24,30

Herring Gull SB,CW,CW May 6,11,30

Great Black-backed Gull SB May 6 Mourning Dove MR,CW,BR,PB,BR,BL,CW,BL,BR,DI, May 7,11,11,13,15,15,18,24,24,25, CW,BL May 30; June 7 Yellow-billed Cuckoo CW May 18

Black-billed Cuckoo BL May 18

Barred Owl MR,BL,BL May 15,15,18

Ruby-throated

Hummingbird CW May 18

Belted Kingfisher PB,SB,DI,PB,DI May 3,6,11,13,25

Red-bellied Woodpecker CW,BR,BR,BL,CW,BR,DI,CW,BL May 11,11,15,15,18,24,25,30; June 7 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker MR,BR,BL,MR May 7,15,15,15 Downy Woodpecker MR,SB,MR,CD,DI,CW,CW,BL May 5,6,7,8,9,11,30; June 7

Hairy Woodpecker MR,MR,CW,MR,CW,CW ,BL May 5,7,11,18,18,3; June 70

Northern Flicker PB,MR,SB,MR,CD,DI,PB,DI,BL May 3,5,6,7,8,9,13,25; June 7

Pileated Woodpecker MR,SB,MR,CD,DI,PB,MR,BR,DI,BL May 5,6,7,8,9,13,18,24,25; June 7

Wood-Pewee BR,CW,BL,BR,CR,DI,CW,BL,DI May 15,18,24,24,24,25,30; June 7,12

27

APPENDIX B. CONTINUED

SPECIES LOCALITY DATE

Yellow-bellied Flycatcher MR,DI May 7,11 Alder Flycatcher CW May 30

Willow Flycatcher CW,BL May 8,18

Least Flycatcher MR,SB,MR,PB,MR,PB,BL,D,BL May 5,6,7,13,15,24,24,25; June 7

Eastern Phoebe DI,CD,DI,PB,MR,BL,CW,DI May 3,8,9,13,15,18,18; July 12

Great Crested Flycatcher SB,MR,CW,DI,CW,BR,PB,MR,BL,CW, May 6,7,7,8,9,11,11,13,15,18, PB,BL,CR,DI,CW,BL,DI May 18,24,24,24,25,30; June 7; July 12 Eastern Kingbird SB,MR,CW,PB,BR,CW,PB,DI,BL May 6,7,11,13,15,18,24,25; June 7

Yellow-throated Vireo MR,CW,CR,PB,BL May 7,18,24,24; June 7

Blue-headed Vireo MR,BR,MR,CR,DI,BL May 7,15,15,24,25; June 7

Philadelpia Vireo DI May 9

Warbling Vireo SB,SB,CW,PB,BR,BL,CW,BL,BR,CR, May 5,6,11,13,15,18,18,24,24,24, B,DI,SB,CW,BL,DI May 24,25,30,30; June 7; July 12 Red-eyed Vireo DI,PB,MR,BL,CW,BL,BR,CR,CD,DI,CW, May 9,13,18,18,18,24,24,24,24,25,30; BL,DI June 7; July 12 Blue Jay MR,SB,MR,DI,CW,BR,PB,BR,BL,MR,BL, May 5,6,7,9,11,11,13,15,15,15,18, BL,DI,CW,BL,SB May 24,25,30; June 7,7 American Crow DI,MR,SB,MR,CW,CD,CW,PB,BR,BL, May 3,5,6,7,7,8,11,13,15,18, CW,CR,DI,CW,BL,DI May 18,24,25,30; June 7; July 12 Common Raven DI,CW,PB,BR,CW,DI May 9,11,13,15,18,25

Tree Swallow SB,SB,CW,PB,CW,CR,DI,SB,CW,DI May 5,16,1,13,18,24,25,30,30; July 12

Barn Swallow SB,SB,SB May 9,13; June 7

Black-capped Chickadee MR,SB,MR,CD,DI,CW,BR,PB,BR,BL, May 5,6,7,8,9,11,11,13,15,15 MR,BL,CW,BR,CR,DI,BL,DI May 15,18,18,24,24,25; June 7; July 12

28

APPENDIX B. CONTINUED

SPECIES LOCALITY DATE

Tufted Titmouse MR,MR,CD,DI,CW,PB,BR,BL,MR,CW, May 5,7,8,9,11,13,15,15,15,18 BL,CW,BL,DI May 24,30; June 7; July 12 Red-breasted Nuthatch MR,MR,MR May 5,7,18 White-breasted Nuthatch MR,MR,DI,PB,BR,MR,DI,CWBL,DI May 5,7,9,13,15,18,25,30; June 7; July 12 Brown Creeper MR,BR,BL May 7,15; June 7

Winter Wren MR,MR,BL,MR,BL May 5,7,15,15,18

Marsh Wren CW,CW,CW May 11,18,30

Golden-crowned Kinglet PB May 13 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher BR May 15 Eastern Bluebird CD ugust 23

Veery MR May 7

Hermit Thrush MR,DI;BL,DI May 5,25; June 7; July 12

Wood Thrush MR,MR,CD,BR,BR,BL,BL,DI May 6,7,8,11,15,15,18,25

American Robin MR,SB,MR,CW,CD,CW,BR,BL,BL,CW, May 5,6,7,7,8,11,15,15,18,18, PB,BL,DI,BL May 24,24,25; June 7 Gray Catbird MR,CD,CW,BR,PB,BR,BL,MR,BL,CR, May 7,8,11,11,13,15,15,15,18,24, CW,BL May 30; June 7 Brown Thrasher CW,BR May 18,24

European Starling SB,SB May 9,24

Cedar Waxwing MR,BR,DI,CW,BL May 7,15,25,30; June 7

Blue-winged Warbler CD,BR,BR,CW,CD May 8,11,15,18,24

Golden-winged Warbler MR,BR,BR,CW May 5,11,15,18

29

APPENDIX B. CONTINUED

SPECIES LOCALITY DATE

Tennessee Warbler MR,CD May 7,8

Nashville Warbler MR,CD May 7,8

Northern Parula Warbler CD May 8 Yellow Warbler SB,CW,SB,CW,BR,PB,BR,BL,MR,BL, May 6,7,9,11,11,13,15,15,15,18, CW,PB,BL,BR,CR,SB,CW,SB May 18,24,24,24,24,24,30; June 7 Chestnut-sided Warbler MR,CD,PB,CW,CR,CS,SB,CW May 7,8,13,18,24,24,24,25 Magnolia Warbler MR May 7

Black-throated Blue Warbler DI,MR,MR,CW,PB,BR,MR,DI,BL May 3,5,7,11,13,15,18,25; June 7 Yellow-rumped Warbler MR,MR May 5,7 Black-throated Green Warbler MR,MR,CD,CW,PB,MR,BL,DI,BL May 5,7,8,11,13,15,18,25; June 7 Blackburnian Warbler CD,DI,MR,BL May 8,9,15; June 7

Pine Warbler PB,MR,CD,DI,BR,MR,PB May 3,5,8,9,15,18,24

Prairie Warbler SB,BR,BR,BR May 9,11,15,24

Blackpoll Warbler CD,CW,CW May 8,18,24

Black and White Warbler PB,MR,SB,MR,CD,BR,BR,MR,BL,CW, May 3,5,6,8,11,15,15,18,18,24, CD,DI,CW,BL May 24,25,30; June 7 American Redstart MR,CD,DI,CW,CW,PB,BR,BL,BL,CW, May 7,8,9,11,11,13,15,15,18,18, BL,BR,CD,DI,CW,BL May 24,24,24,25,30; June 7 Ovenbird MR,MR,DI,PB,BR,BL,MR,BL,CW,CD, May 5,7,9,13,15,15,15,18,18,24, DI,CW,BL May 25,30; June 7 Northern Waterthrush MR,BL May 7; June 7

30

APPENDIX B. CONTINUED

SPECIES LOCALITY DATE

Mourning Warbler CW May 18

Common Yellowthroat MR,SB,MR,CW,CD,CW,BR,PB,BR,BL, May 5,6,7,7,8,11,11,13,15,15 MR,BL,CW,PB,BL,CD,SB,DI,CW,BL May 15,18,18,24,24,24,24,25,30; June 7 Canada Warbler CW May 18

Scarlet Tanager MR,SB,MR,CD,DI,BR,PB,BR,MR,BL, May 5,6,7,8,9,11,13,15,15,18 CW,DI,SB,BL May 18,25; June 7,7 Eastern Towhee MR,CD,BR,BL,SB,CW May 7,8,15,15,30,30

Chipping Sparrow DI,MR,SB,CD,PB,BR,BL,PB,CW,BL May 5,5,7,8,13,15,18,24,30; June 7

Field Sparrow SB,BR,CD May 6,15,24

Savannah Sparrow CD May 8

Song Sparrow MR,SB,MR,CD,PB,BR,BL,MR,BL,CW, May 5,6,7,8,13,15,15,15,18,18, PB,CR,SB,DI,SB,CW,BL May 24,24,24,25,30,30; June 7 Swamp Sparrow PB,BL,DI May 13,15,25

White-throated Sparrow MR,MR,CD,BR,PB,BR,CW May 5,7,8,11,13,15,18 White-crowned Sparrow CW May 11 Dark-eyed Junco MR,CD,BR,MR,BL,BL May 7,8,15,15,18; June 7

Northern Cardinal DI,SB,CW,CD,DI,CW,BR,BR,CW,CR, May 5,6,7,8,9,11,11,15,18,24 CW,BL,DI May 30; June 7; July 12 Rose-breasted Grosbeak MR,MR,CD,DI,BR,PB,BR,BL,MR,BL, May 5,7,8,9,11,13,15,15,15,18, PB,BR,DI,BL May 24,24,25; June 7 Indigo Bunting PB,DI,MR,SB,MR,DI,BR,BR,BL,MR, May 3,3,5,6,7,9,11,15,15,15, BL,CW,BL,BR,CR,CD,DI,BL May 18,18,24,24,24,24,25; June 7 Bobolink SB,SB May 24; June 7

31

APPENDIX B. CONTINUED

SPECIES LOCALITY DATE

Red-winged Blackbird PB,MR,SB,SB,MR,CW,DI,CW,BR,PB, May 3,5,5,6,7,7,9,11,11,13, BR,BL,MR,BL,CW,PB,BL,BR,CR,SB,DI, May 15,15,15,18,18,24,24,24,24,24, SB,CW,BL,SB,DI May 25,30,30; June 7,7,; July 12 Common Grackle MR,SB,SB,MR,PB,SB,DI,SB,CW,SB,BL May 5,5, 6,7,13,24,25,30,30; June 7,7

Brown-headed Cowbird SB,CD,DI,PB,BR,BL,CW,PB,CW May 7,8,9,13,15,18,18,24,30 Baltimore Oriole CW,BR,PB,BR,BL,BLCW,BL,BR,CR, May 11,11,13,15,15,18,18,24,24,24, DI,SB,CW,SB,BL May 25,30,30; June 7,7 Purple Finch BR May 24

House Finch MR,SB May 5,6

Pine Siskin MR May 7

American Goldfinch MR,SB,CW,CD,DI,PB,BR,BL,MR,BL, May 5,6,7,8,9,13,15,15,15,18, PB,DI,DI May 24,25; July 12 House Sparrow SB,SB May 6,24

32

APPENDIX C

Priority Habitat Photos

33

1. South Bay

South Bay looking northeast toward Galick Mountain, Vermont

34

2. The Diameter

View of The Diameter and shrub islands in South Bay

35

Shallow waters of Buttonbush islands at The Diameter

36

Dense shrubs and dead tree perches at The Diameter

37

3. Pike Brook

Pike Brook emergent/open water wetland bordered by mixed forest habitat

38

4. Military Road

Open water wetland along Military Road

39

5. B Lane

Emergent/dead tree wetland on B Lane

40

Mixed forest habitat at the east end of B Lane

41

6. Belden Road

Wetland habitat on Belden Road

42

Grassland habitat along Belden Road

43

7. Clemons

View of Maple Bend Island looking northeast toward Vermont

44

Emergent wetland between the railroad and Lake Road in Clemons

45

Water channels within the emergent vegetation on Maple Bend Island

46

8. Cat Den Road

Grassland habitat along Cat Den Road with emergent wetlands in background