Upland Plover - Nov Dec 2015

7/24/2019 Upland Plover - Nov Dec 2015

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Publication of the North Country Bird Club Inc. Since 1948

November / December 2015 Volume 56 No. 6

The

Upland

Plover

FINAL FALL MEETING

Wednesday, November 18 -7:00 pm

Stone Presbyterian Church,140 Chestnut St, Watertown

Program: WMAs of Northern New York

A representative from our region of the DEC will discusspublic use of and future plans for Perch River WMA and

other WMAs in our area, as well as birds and other wildlifethat can be seen in these refuges.

MEMBERS ARE REMINDED THAT2016 MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS

ARE DUE BY JANUARY 1st

PLEASE REMEMBER TO FILL OUT

THEFORMONTHELASTPAGESOONAND FORWARD IT WITH YOUR DUES

ForinfoonOnondagaAudubonfieldtrips&programs: http://onondagaaudubon.com/

CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT

This years Christmas Bird Count for the Watertown Circle,sponsored by Onondaga Audubon and alwaysenthusiastically supported by North Country Bird Club, willbe held on Saturday, December 19. 2015 marks theAudubon Societys 116th Christmas Bird Count. Thisyear, Bill Haller will serve as Compiler for the WatertownCircle (NYWA). If you would like to participate, pleasecontact Bill for information and an assigned sector(contact info is on the last page). Report forms and sectormaps will be distributed directly to participants. Join us forthis years Christmas Bird Count!

Please note: Our November meetingis not on the second Wednesday,which is Veterans Day this year,

but on Wednesday, November 18th

.

SPRING MEETINGS

Please note the dates of our spring meetings on your calendar. Meetings are held at Stone Presbyterian Church (140 Chestnut St,Watertown) and begin at 7:00 pm. Spring meeting dates are:

Wednesday, March 9

Wednesday, April 13

Wednesday, May 11

PURPLE FINCH, possibly thinkingThis is the skinniest bird Ive ever seen

TheresaJuly 11, 2015 Photo by Kathy Killeen


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INFORMATION SOURCES FOR REGIONAL SIGHTINGS

A list of birding organizations and list serves for New York (and other states) is available at http://www.virtualbirder.com/vbirder/Northern New York Birds List Serve: Subscribe at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Northern_NY_Birds .

Click on theJoin This Groupbutton and follow the on-screen instructions. (You will need to have or to set up a Y ahooaccount.Oneida Birds List Serve (sightings in Central New York): Subscribe at http://groups.yahoo.com/groups/Oneidabirds .Click on theJoin This Groupbutton and follow the on-screen instructions. (You will need to have or to set up a Y ahooaccount.

Cayuga Birds List Serve: Sightings of birds in the Finger Lakes Region with a focus on the Cayuga Lake Basin.E-mail [email protected]. In the message body put JOIN Your name (first and last name in quotes).

For detailed info about birds,visit the website of

the Cornell Ornithology Laband of Cornells renowned

Sapsucker Woods Sanctuaryat http://www.birds.cornell.edu

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OFFICERS

President

Corky Marlowe 782-4705

Vice-President

Bill Haller 639-6848

Treasurer

Kathleen Killeen 628-5874

Secretary

Christine Bourquin 649-5403

DIRECTORSRichard Brouse To 5/2017

David Prosser To 5/2016

Mike Shepard To 5/2016

June Walker To 5/2017

Robert Walker To 5/2016

Field Trip Coordinator

Richard Brouse

788-6778

Census Coordinator


Historian

Robert Walker 649-2161

Newsletter Editor


A beautiful set of bird-themed notecards is given by random selection, each time the Ploveis issued, to a member of our Club whose dues are current. This is intended to provide extrincentive for members to keep memberships in good standing. We would like tocongratulate Mrs. Irene Stackel of Black River, selected as this issues recipient.

ON THE WEB:

NORTHCOUNTRY

IRDCLU

ON FACEBOOK

FIEL TRIP REPORTS

Upper and Lower Lakes WMA - September 19:On Saturday, September 19, a sunny, windy daon which the temperature reached 80F, ten members of the Club visited Upper and Lower LakeWMA, near Rensselaer Falls in St. Lawrence County. The WMA is the location of Indian Creek NaturCenter, with a lengthy boardwalk through a marshland which was a highlight of our visit. Over thcourse of our time there, 17 species were observed.

We saw Canada Goose, Common Merganser, Pied-billed Grebe, Double-crested Cormorant, GreBlue Heron, Ring-billed Gull, Osprey, Red-tailed Hawk, female Northern Harrier, both mature animmature Bald Eagles, Belted Kingfisher, Cedar Waxwing, Blue Jay, and American Crow. In additiowe heard Gray Catbird, Black-capped Chickadee, and Red-winged Blackbird. The mature Bald Eagsighted was perched on a stump in one of the ponds, giving us a striking view.

After leaving the refuge, we stopped for an excellent lunch (and the usual fine conversation) at thOswegatchie Coffee House in Gouverneur, concluding a very enjoyable field trip.

Information about programs of the Department of Environmental Conservation, conservation news, and regulation updates are distributeto the public by a targeted e-mail system. Subscribers select topics from over 100 offered. To subscribe:

https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/NYSDEC/subscriber/new

Montezuma NWR - October 17:On Saturday, October 17, seven members of NCBC traveled to thMontezuma NWR and the Northern Montezuma DEC Center. It was a cool fall day, with temperaturein the lower 40s, partly sunny with occasional light showers. We observed 31 species during our visit

Highlights of our trip included sighting 27 Sandhill Cranes at Knox-Marcellus Marsh, as well awatching a circle of Great Egrets there flexintheir wings and legs, appearing to be engaginin some sort of ritual bonding dance. We we

also treated to the sight of two female NortherHarriers playing in the sky over the WildlifDrive. Other bird species seen includeCanada Goose, Northern ShoveleGreen-winged Teal, Blue-winged Teal, maCinnamon Teal, Ruddy Duck, Gadwa

American Wigeon, Mallard, Northern PintaRing-necked Duck, Lesser Scaup, AmericaCoot, Double-crested Cormorant, Ring-billeGull, immature Bald Eagle, Red-tailed HawGreat Blue Heron, Pied-billed Grebe, KilldeeDunlin, Greater Yellowlegs, Lesser Yellowleg

Short-billed Dowitcher, Long-billed DowitcheRed-winged Blackbird, American Robin, anAmerican Crow.

On our way home, we stopped at DGs FamiRestaurant in Brewerton for an excellent dinnewith the usual lively conversation. As alwayour annual fall visit to Montezuma was a mosrewarding experience.

The NYS Bluebird Society contacted us to requestthat we publicize the Societys need for volunteers inour area. The poster below provides details. For

more info, contact Sarah Hodder at the numbergiven below or at [email protected].


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SEVENBRIDGES BIRDING HOTSPOTLEEELLSWORTH

SevenBridgesname probably originated when bridges

were built over Perch River. It was a wide reachacross, and several (7?) small bridges were needed tocross the low swampy area surrounding Perch Riverflowing towards Black River Bay. Also, Spring meltsurely flooded and required several small bridges.

Over time, with road building and bridge replacement,2 bridges remain. NYS Department of EnvironmentalConservation maintains a parking area between the 2bridges. The parking area is part of the Perch RiverWildlife Management Area.

In the Birding world LOCATION is everything, and

Seven Bridges is such a location. Separating two largeareas of marshes, wetlands and swamps creates agreat spot to view many species of birds: Ducks,Herons, Egrets, Coots, Red-Winged Blackbirds, MarshWrens, Grackles, Terns (Black, Caspian, and

Common), and Gulls.

Timing is everything is another birder saying. Thiholds true for Seven Bridges. Spring and Fall migrationtime is always good, with early morning and eveningthe best. What I consider the best time is during Juneand July on quiet evenings. Black-Crowned NighHerons leave their roosts and fly west toward LakeOntario (one evening in June 2015 I counted 62). Alsomany Black Terns are coming and going, many withfish in their beaks returning to nest sites. GreenHerons, Great Blue Herons, Great Egrets, WoodDucks, and many other species of ducks are almosguaranteed, if you spend some time watching. I usuallyspend at least an hour. Some rarities seen are GlossIbis and Tri-Colored Heron.

Sometimes mosquitoes and no-see-ums can be anannoyance if the wind is slight.

ANNUAL TREASURERS REPORT

May 1, 2014 through April 30, 2015

Checking account balance 5/1/14 .............. $800.06

Disbursements ..........................................$678.53Dues Deposits ......................................... + $1040.00Checking account balance 4/30/15 .......... $1161.53

Savings account balance 5/1/14 .............. $1768.14

No withdrawals ..............................................$0.00Interest .......................................................... +$3.38

Savings account balance 4/30/15 ............ $1771.52

Kathleen Killeen, Treasurer

TREASURERS REPORT

from the October 14th Meeting

Checking account balance ........... $1012.37Savings account balance ............. $1773.75

Kathleen Killeen, Treasurer

We continue our series on birding hotspots in our area with a second contribution from Lee Ellsworth. This is the third article in thseries, which we plan to develop into a birding guide for Northern New York. If you are interested in contributing an article for a futurissue, please contact the Editor. If you would like to see a favorite birding hotspot included, but prefer not to put together an articleforward information (as detailed as possible) about the location, and the Editor will prepare the article. For now, our thanks to Lee, anplease enjoy this excellent continuation of our series.

From the October 2015 issue of The Belted Kingfisher, the Delaware-Otsego Audubon Chapter newsletter:

Good News for EaglesWe have written here before regarding plans by the US Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) to provide wind energcompanies and other industries with 30year take permits that would allow for incidental killing of Bald and Golden Eagles at thefacilities. This was a 25year increase over the current permit timeframe. The companies had argued that 5year permits hamperetheir ability to finance long-term projects. However, in August, US District Judge Lucy H. Koh ruled that the FWS violated federal lawwhen OKing the 30year permits. The American Bird Conservancy filed a lawsuit in June 2014 alleging that the new rule was a violatioof the National Environmental Policy Act, the Endangered Species Act, and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. The cou

decision affirms that inappropriate shortcuts were taken in developing the 30year rule, and that laws meant to protect these eagles wer

not properly followed, putting Bald and Golden Eagles at risk. The court decision invalidates the 30year rule. Andy Mason

Lynn Chavoustie sent this charming reportalong with the photo at right in late October:I tried all last winter to get a Chickadee totake seed from my hand, with none comingin to take it. This morning I refilled a feeder,and this little guy landed while I hung it. SoI offered some in my hand, and he hoppedright on as if we were old friends.

ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAKTheresaJune 27, 2015

Photo by Kathy Killeen

I know of only one bird - the parrot - that talks,and it cant fly very high. -Wilbur Wright

BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEEFEEDING FROM LYNNS HANDThree Mile BayOctober 24, 2015

Photo by Lynn Chavoustie


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MEETING THE COMMUNITY

Our Club was a participating organization in three community events this year,with several members present at each to provide information on birding andClub activities to the general public. At each event, we staffed a table on whichwe put Club newsletters and membership forms, photos, and a display of birdnests. Discussions with those attending ranged over a wide variety ofbird-related topics and hopefully heightened the interest of many in birding andthe Club. On Saturday, April 11, we were a part of Arbor Day activities at SouthJefferson High School in Adams. On Saturday, August 8, we took part inHenderson Heritage Days at the Henderson Historical Society. This was ourfirst year at these two events. On Saturday, August 27, we participated inDANCs Rodman Landfill Open House, an event we have been a part of forseveral years. All three events saw attendance in the hundreds, and we hadthe opportunity to meet and talk with many people. We also establishedconnections with a number of other area organizations. We hope to continueour participation in all three events in the future. They provided an excellentopportunity to increase awareness in our area of birding and of our Clubsactivities. We would welcome involvement of any of our members who wouldlike to be a part of these events, sharing the joy of birding with our community.

CLUB PRESIDENT CORKY MARLOWECHECKS OUT APOSSIBLE VEHICLE FOR

BIRDING IN REMOTE AREAS

Rodman Landfill Open HouseAugust 27, 2015


LESSERYELLOWLEGSPerchRiverWMAAugust22,2015


GREATERYELLOWLEGSPoint SalubriousOctober 23, 2015

Photo by Lynn Chavoustie

GREAT EGRETPerch River WMASept 2, 2015


CLUB ON THE STONE MILLS POOL BERMPerch River WMAAugust 22, 2015


EASTERN BLUEBIRDSacketsHarborJuly17,201

Photo by Dee Piiparinen

Never doubt that a small group othoughtful, committed citizens can changthe world. Indeed, its the only thing thaever has.

-Margaret Mead

NEWT(Yes, we realize it isnt a bird, but it wa

an interesting sighting nonetheless)

BeartownJuly 25, 2015Photo by Kathy Killeen

Become a part of Cornells Project FeederWatch. For information,

visit the FeederWatch website at http://www.birds.cornell.edu/pfw/.


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The fall migration is well under way, with many species having left our area, many more, especially waterfowl,moving through, and a few winter birds beginning to appear. On the evening of September 6, Corky Marloweand Bill Haller were at Dick and Marion Brouses home in Watertown, where Dick has created what isessentially a preserve, well known to Club members, along Kelsey Creek. The four sighted a number ofspecies, including Cedar Waxwings, a Northern Flicker, Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers, a pair of NorthernCardinals,and a female Ruby-throated Hummingbird,along with Wood Ducks flying over. We heard a CommonYellowthroat and an Eastern Wood Pewee. But the highlight of the evening was the sighting of two Common

Nighthawks flying over at dusk. Earlier that day, the four had birded in the Limerick Cedars and at the PerchRiver Refuge, sighting a female Northern Harrier, two American Kestrels, a Pied-billed Grebe, two CommonGallinules, and a Belted Kingfisher. They also sighted three Caspian Terns while rounding Point Salubrious.The four again sighted a female Northern Harrier flying over the marsh along the Allen Road on September 25.

Sheree Brosk reported that on September 6 she had sighted a Bald Eagle along the Black River in WestCarthage. Sheree noted that, while she has seen Bald Eagles on a number of occasions in the Carthage area,this was the first time she had sighted one within the villages. Bald Eagles also continue their presence atPerch River. On October 21, Bill sighted a mature Bald Eagle perched in a tree at the far end of the LowerPool berm. Corky and Bill again sighted one there on November 2. On October 22, Bill saw a juvenile BaldEagle flying over the marsh along the Allen Road, then sighted a male Bufflehead in the Lower Pool.

On September 8, Kathy Killeen sighted a juvenile male Yellow-bellied Sapsucker at her home in Theresa ( see photo above). Corky and Bill looked ufrom a parking lot in downtown Watertown on September 21 to see a flock of Snow Geese flying over. On October 4, a Ruffed Grouse visited KezSullivans yard in Sackets Harbor, the first one she has ever seen there. Jon Holcombe sighted an American Coot near his home on Wellesley Islanon October 21, the first one he has ever seen on the island. Gene and Pearl McGory reported sighting Bonaparte Gulls near their home at Rays Baon Stony Point in mid-August. Kezia sighted three Bonaparte Gulls in Sackets Harbor on October 17, then eight on October 21. Corky and Bill had aexcellent view of a beautiful male Ring-necked Pheasant along Vaadi Road on October 12. Bill saw one again along Allen Road on October 31.

Winter birds are moving into the area. Corky and Bill sighted 20+ Dark-eyed Juncos on Point Peninsula on October 8. (They saw a group of 10 WTurkeys there that day, also.) On October 28, Lynn Chavoustie sighted a group of about 25 Snow Buntings on Three Mile Point. Corky and Bill saw 1Snow Buntings on the Allen Road the same day, then saw the same number there again the next day, when they also spotted 10+ Dark-eyed Juncoon the Vaadi Road.

Great Blue Herons are still being sighted in the area. While they have been seen, of course, at Perch River, they have also been a regular annumerous presence at the marsh by the Sherwins Bay bridge on Pillar Point. The most that have been reported there were the seven sighted by Corkand Bill on October 7, when they also saw a Green Heron standing on a mud flat near the bridge. Corky and Bill sighted five Great Blue Herons Sherwins on November 2. On that day, they also saw three pairs of Hooded Mergansers in a pond along Snell Road. Corky and Bill have also seeCommon Mergansers on Pillar Point regularly since sighting their first pair of the season there on October 5.

WILD TURKEY

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NORTH COUNTRY BIRD CLUB SIGHTINGS

Please forward notable sightings for the next issue by December 15, using the contact info on the last page.

F

UERTES

P

AINTING

Lynn Chavoustie forwarded the following report and the two photos above on July 26.Our thanks to Lynn for this intriguing report: One of the 2 baby Osprey fromthe nest near my house fledged today. He/she flew around the nestand nearby area a couple of times with mom or dad flying close by.The baby then landed on a nearby pole (on the other side of myhouse) [ left photo ] and sat there for about an hour and a half witheither mom or dad landing beside him a couple of times, just to checkon him. [ right photo: juvenile and dad ] Then he flew back to thenest . . . I read the young will lose the brown in a couple more weeks.I don't know how long they hang around the nest after they fly.

O

SPREY

J

UVENILE

F

LEDGING IN

T

HREE

M

ILE

B

Y

YELLOW-BELLIEDSAPSUCKER (Juvenile)

TheresaSeptember 8, 2015Photo by Kathy Killeen


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T

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U

PLAND

P

LOVER

P. O. Box 634Watertown, NY 13601

On FACEBOOK: North Country Bird Club

ITEMS FOR THE NEXT PLOVERARE DUE BY DECEMBER 15

If you have sightings, photos, or other items for the January/February edition,please forward them to the Editor by December 15.

Contact info: Bill Haller, Editor - Mail: P. O. Box 6, Dexter, NY 13634E-mail: [email protected] - Phone: (315) 639-6848 (9 am to 9 pm)

Meetings / Programs:September,October, November, March, April, May

(Second Wednesday of the month)Field Trips:Spring - Summer - Fall

SpringBirdCensus

Audubon Christmas Bird Count

Newsletter:The Upland Plover

Website:North Country Bird Clubon FACEBOOK

The North Country Bird Club Inc.

is a member of the New York State

Ornithological Association Inc.

HELP THE BIRD CLUB SAVE MONEY!

RECEIVE THE UPLAND PLOVER ONLINEReceive the Clubs newsletter via e-mail

(viewed with Adobe Reader -http://www.adobe.com/).The onlinePloveris the same as the printed, but in COLOR!

Contact the Editor, Bill Haller, to sign up.

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EMBERSHIP

Membership is for the calendar year. Dues are per individual.Renewals are due by January 1st. To ensure that you receive Clubmaterials, be sure to give your correct mailingaddress below.

Name(s): _____________________________________________

E-mail: ___________________________________

Address: ______________________________________________

City: _______________________ State: _____ Zip: __________

Regular at $10.00 Number _____ Total $______________

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North Country Bird ClubP.O. Box 634

Watertown, NY 13601

Please sendPloverby e-mail

On Saturday, November 28, ornithologist GerrSmith will lead an Onondaga Audubon field trip tthe Point Peninsula area to look for late migrantsincluding raptors, waterfowl, and sparrows. Foinfo or to sign up, call Gerry at 315-771-6902.

Consider joining the New York StatOrnithological Association, (our Club is amember organization). Membership includea quarterly journal (Kingbird) and newsletter (NewYorkBirders).

Details at www.nybirds.org.

MIGRATION FORECASTS

The Cornell Ornithology Lab now offerpredictions of bird migration patterns. Tracmigrations and determine what birds will bmoving through our area as the seasoprogresses at http://birdcast.info

REMEMBER TO RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP FOR 2016!

Documents

Upland Plover - Nov Dec 2015