American Avocets at Bennett Beach -
photo by Sue Barth ©
Scoping July
Many of our WNY breeding species have fledged their young by now. Your feeders are probably being visited by young Black-capped Chickadees, Tufted Titmice, woodpeckers, Baltimore Orioles, Mourning Doves, and more! The American Goldfinch, however, is just beginning!
Shorebirds are beginning to arrive as they slowly meander south. You may find them at mud flats or along the shores of lakes and ponds. Dunkirk Harbor is a great spot to spend time at if you are hoping to see Western Willets or American Avocets. These two species are rare but occur here annually and most reliably after a thunderstorm which can ground these birds. You have to arrive at the beach early to beat the dog walkers and runners!
Some common species that we could see would include: Sanderling, Least Sandpiper, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Pectoral Sandpiper, Lesser and Greater Yellowlegs, and Solitary Sandpiper. On drier years, the marshes at Tifft Nature Preserve dry up and provide excellent mud flats which attract shorebirds to our generally shorebird-habitat-starved side of Lake Erie. The north end of Woodlawn Beach SP also provides a suitable stopover site for species which prefer sandy beaches. Check in the vicinity of the creek outlet into Lake Erie.
The Buffalo Ornithological Society, Inc. (BOS) was established in 1929 to promote the study of the birds of the Niagara Frontier Region. Annual grants are awarded by the BOS to fund member-sponsored avian research projects. We are proud of our extensive scientific research databases, our continuing involvement in environmental and conservation activities that impact birds, and our promotion of the enjoyment of ornithology.
The BOS coverage area includes Western New York and parts of nearby Ontario, Canada. This region is rich in bird life with over 380 species and 25 recognizable subspecies of birds recorded. Explore our site to learn more about where to report and find birds, both regional specialties and rare visitors.
The Buffalo Ornithological Society has something to offer to anyone passionate about birds: from the backyard feeder- watcher, the avid lister or the environmental activist, to the dedicated citizen scientist or the professional ornithologist. Society activities include regular programs, field trips, intensive long-term bird counts, checklist and date guide development, varied research activities, and involvement in local conservation efforts. We invite you to join in the activities of the society!
JOIN the BOS
Reflections on "What the BOS Means to . . . "
. . . Joe Fell
What the BOS means to me...
It means trips along the Lake Ontario Plain led by Willie.
It means spring at Forest Lawn.
It means Bill Watson’s defense of the Double-crested Cormorant, and his impish cackle.
It means absconding from a gull trip in Queenston to see a beautiful King Eider with Pamela in St. Catherine’s.
It means counts, April, May, and October, with Jim and HM, and never having enough people help, but the Farnans always coming through.
It means pitching in at the Hamburg Hawkwatch for Jim. If I was really lucky, I might have Fran stop by.
It means wondering who will figure out where David Gordon is.
It means visiting the Adirondacks, hoping to see Canada Jays, Boreal Chickadees, Crossbills, And Alan’s “chicken-like bird”, and a frightening encounter with a Moose!
It means “This is a message from the Buffalo Ornithological Society. Hi, this is Mike Galas with a report of . . .”
It means Sue working on a website that gets better and better.
It means being sick on the floor of a hotel in Massachusetts, wondering if I will make it to Maine.
It means looking at wonderful photos and stories from friends traveling to wonderful places to see wonderful birds.
It means Marcie picking me up at 1:30 am to drive for hours (and hours and hours) to see a fantastic thrush from far away.
Finally, the BOS means community. It is.
Joe Fell
Upcoming Field Trips and Events
For a full list of our upcoming field trips, meetings, and events, visit our calendar page. You don't have to be a member to join our field trips or meetings! (Note that meetings run from September through June.)
Sep 10, 2025 (Wednesday)
Meeting - Spark Bird Project, Jennifer Lodi- Smith
Buffalo Museum of Science
Meet at 7 pm in the Cummings Room.
Jennifer Lodi -Smith will be presenting on the Spark Bird Project
Our first meeting back after summer break. Members...please bring photos from your summer travels to share with the rest of us. Load your photos onto a thumb drive and bring with you.
Also looking to sign members up for the October bird count; whether as compilers or volunteers within the sections. Please help us improve our coverage from last year.
See Our Full List of Events