Black-legged Kittiwake at Unity Island in 2013 © Sue Barth
Scoping November
Most people think of the month of November as being dark and gloomy, but not so for birders! We have exciting changes taking place in the BOS region - especially along the Niagara River, Lake Erie, and Lake Ontario.
Birds on the move include : ducks, brant, swans, gulls, and geese. Look for flocks of Brant along Lake Ontario, watch the skies for Snow Geese, and start scoping the river for building rafts of ducks and swans.
American Tree Sparrows will replace our Chipping Sparrows, Northern Shrikes, Rough-legged Hawks, Snowy and Short-eared Owls will be turning up along roadways, waterways, and in the countryside.
Flocks of gulls will be building and we should start seeing some of the white-winged gulls like Glaucous and Iceland. We hope the large flocks of Bonaparte's will visit us this year. They've been missed the last two years! The Little Gull is a regular visitor, so keep your eye out for that, our smallest gull too.
Strong weather systems could bring jaegers closer to shore and maybe gift us with rarities such as Franklin's Gull, Sabine's Gull, Black-legged Kittiwake, and Red or Red-necked Phalarope.
November can be a very exciting month: November 2013 brought the famous Elegant Tern to Buffalo and a Lark Sparrow to Fort Erie, November 2014 brought a Eurasian Tree Sparrow to Niagara on the Lake, an Evening Grosbeak to the town of Wilson, and a Tufted Duck to the Niagara River, and November 2015 brought a White-eyed Vireo to the Buffalo area, a Yellow-throated Warbler to Fort Erie, Cave Swallows to Lake Ontario, and a Black-headed Gull to the Niagara River. What will this year bring?!
The Buffalo Ornithological Society (BOS) 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!
BOS Membership
The Buffalo Ornithological Society, Inc. 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.
Upcoming Field Trips and Events
Several field trips, meetings, and events have recently been added to our calendar. Take a look and be sure to join us at a meeting or on one of our field trips!
Dec 02, 2018
Field Trip - Niagara River for Gulls with RBA
Details: (click for more info)
Joint Trip with the Rochester Birding Association (RBA) to look for gulls and waterfowl. The later date this year should increase our likelihood of seeing white-winged gulls as they have been arriving later in the fall. A spotting scope is helpful for viewing across long distances.
Meet at 9:00 AM in the parking lot just outside the old fort at Fort Niagara State Park. Because this trip will head across the border into Canada, make sure you have a passport, passport card, Nexus, or enhanced drivers license. Dress warmly!
Leaders:
RBA: Rick Stevens (585-689-1882)
BOS: Tom O'Donnell (716-284-5569) or tmodonnell@roadrunner.com
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Dec 12, 2018
Meeting - Annual Holiday Celebration with Elections
Details: (click for more info)
Annual Holiday Celebration at 7:00 PM in the Jaeger Room of the Buffalo Museum of Science. Please bring a treat to share and enjoy an evening of birding friendship. We will also elect officers for the year 2019.
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