Juvenile Red Knot by Alec Humann ©
Scoping September
September sees the largest number of southbound neotropical songbird migrants, including the warblers, which are in their more challenging to identify fall plumages. Hotspots like Tifft Nature Preserve, Amherst State Park, Goat Island, Fort Niagara State Park, and across the border in the Niagara Region, Morgan’s Point and Rock Point Provincial Park are some popular places to visit at this time. While fewer in number, shorebirds continue to push through the region. Dabbling ducks continue to build while diving ducks begin to trickle into the region at the end of the month.
Most pronounced movements will be following the passage of a cold front and fallouts are possible if storms usher in those fronts. Migrants can end up anywhere so all local hotspots hold possibilities.
A strong southwest blow down the stretch of Lake Erie can push in all sorts of birds, from rare small gulls accompanying Bonaparte’s Gulls to terns, phalaropes, jaegers, ducks, and a few raptors. Anywhere along the Buffalo waterfront can prove rewarding during these storms. One of the better locations is from the West Side Rowing Club at the foot of Porter Avenue. This location offers some cover if lake effect rain develops.
Buffalo's Outer Harbor is a great place to check for Black-bellied and American Golden-Plovers. The short grass areas near the Seaway Slip at the base of the Skyway are worth a scope. While here, you should also take a walk through Times Beach. Habitat restoration has been initiated here and birding will improve as native plants start maturing.
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
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 21, 2024 (Saturday)
Field Trip - Point Gratiot with Devin Banning and Katelyn Davis
Details: (click for more info)
Brooks Pavilion (Main Pavilion), Point Gratiot Park
UPDATE - Please note change in the start time - it is now a 9am start time for this bird walk.
Leader: Devin Banning
Devin.Banning@fredonia.edu
Meet at 9am at the Brooks Pavilion at Point Gratiot Park. See map link above for exact location. The Brooks Pavilion is the main pavilion inside the park.
Join Devin Banning and Katelyn Davis for a walk through Point Gratiot Park in Dunkirk! The target for this trip is the park's resident Red-headed Woodpeckers, but The Point also offers superb habitat for migratory songbirds, and the beaches frequently host migrant shorebirds. We should see the local Bald Eagles that frequent the lakeshore and we might catch a glimpse of the Peregrine Falcons that nest on the old NRG power plant.
Last year’s eBird list: https://ebird.org/checklist/S150023062
Photo of a Magnolia Warbler at Pt. Gratiot on 9/13/23 by Bruce Robinson.
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Oct 05, 2024 (Saturday)
Field Trip - A Big Sit at Silver Lake SP with Matt Nusstein
Details: (click for more info)
Silver Lake SP boat launch
Leader - Matt Nusstein
matthew.nusstein@parks.ny.gov
(716) 446-3376
The Big Sit: Saturday October 5th, 8:00am (8 hours, onsite)
Meeting location: Silver Lake State Park Boat Launch
Founded in 1992, The Big Sit is an annual, international birding event similar to a bird-a-thon. The catch is that all observations must be made from within a circle no more than 17 feet in diameter. Our count circle will overlook the southern portion of Silver Lake. You can stay for as little or long as you’d like to help with the count or to learn more about the birds of Silver Lake. Bring a picnic lunch if staying for the lunch hour. At the very least, you will have Matt's undivided attention for the duration! This is in Wyoming County for those of you looking to beef up your eBird list for Wyoming Co!
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Oct 09, 2024 (Wednesday)
Meeting-Dominic Sherony - Feathered Marvels-the story of the book
Details: (click for more info)
Buffalo Museum of Science
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Oct 12, 2024 (Saturday)
BOS October Bird Count
Details: (click for more info)
Throughout the BOS Study Area
Saturday, October 12th, 2024
BOS members are encouraged to participate. Please help us add to the decades of records that the BOS has collected reflecting population dynamics of the area birdlife. You can be part of a field team or simply count birds at your backyard feeder. All observations are important! If you don't know what section you live in, please contact Marcie Jacklin who will put you into contact with the correct section compiler. Thank you so much!
Compiler: Marcie Jacklin (mjacklin@brocku.ca or 905-871-2577)
More about the October Count: more info »
Photo of an Orange-crowned Warbler by Gale VerHague from the Town of Sheridan, Chautauqua County on October 12, 2021.
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See Our Full List of Events