Immature Little Blue Heron - photo by Alec Humann
Scoping August
Shorebird migration is in full swing this month. Juvenile shorebirds are arriving in the region and some of the better locations to look include Tifft Nature Preserve, Gallagher Beach, Times Beach, Wilkeson Pointe, Dunkirk Harbor, Tonawanda WMA and Modern Wetlands.
Neotropical migrants are also moving in decent numbers - check Forest Lawn Cemetery, Tifft Nature Preserve and other migrant traps. Late August is the best time to find a Golden-winged Warbler. Yellow Warblers are moving in huge numbers this month.
At the end of the month, Purple Martins are amassing in the thousands off the north end of Buckhorn Island SP in their communal roost. It's recommended to arrive an hour before sunset to observe the massive flock of birds as they congregate above the cattail island. Blackbirds also roost here this time of year and Common Nighthawks patrol the late summer skies.
This is also the time of year for southern wading birds to occasionally disperse north so keep an eye out for southern herons, egrets and ibis.
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 09, 2020 (Wednesday)
Meeting - Member’s Night!
Details: (click for more info)
Meet at 7 pm in the Cummings Room.
This is our first meeting back after summer break. Members, please bring photos from your summer travels to share with the rest of us.!
|
Sep 12, 2020 (Saturday)
Field Trip - Woodlawn Beach SP
Details: (click for more info)
Leader - Seaghan Coleman (seaghanc@gmail.com) 716-435-7753
Meet at 730am in the main parking lot.
Join Seaghan this morning as our group seeks out migrants during the busy month of September. Even without a good cold front, migrants are moving through the region nightly and you never know what the day might bring.
With its range of diverse habitats, Woodlawn offers respite to weary winged travelers in the form of sand beach, riparian woods, open lake, grassy dunes and a creek! Neotropical migrants may entertain us in the woods while various sandpipers use the beach to pick through the high water mark for food. Gull flocks that loaf on the beach may offer up more unusual species such as Franklin's or Little.
Woodlawn regularly supplies the BOS statisticians with review species. Among them are gems such as Piping Plover, American Avocet, Blue Grosbeak, White-eyed Vireo and Cave Swallow.
This will be a half day trip wrapping up around 1130. Wear footwear appropriate for walking through grassy trails and loose sand.
|
Sep 19, 2020 (Saturday)
Field Trip - Tifft Nature Preserve for Migrants
Details: (click for more info)
Leader - Jajean Rose-Burney (jajean.rose@gmail.com; 716-247-1255)
Meet at 730am at the first bridge past the visitor center. From here Jajean will decide which trails we will wander. Plan on this being a 1/2 day trip, wrapping up around 1130.
Tifft is one of Buffalo's premier birding hotspots. With over 250 species recorded at this urban preserve, we are sure to end up with a great checklist for the day. Tifft includes ponds, cattail marsh, riparian areas and a grassland. The trails are level and easily walk-able and there are also short boardwalk sections.
At this time of year we will be focusing on Neotropical migrants and there's always a chance at Virginia Rail or Least Bittern along the boardwalk. If water levels are low in the marsh, we will hope to cross paths with shorebirds.
|
Sep 20, 2020 (Sunday)
Field Trip - Beaver Island SP
Details: (click for more info)
Leader - Joshua Ketry (jketry@pearlstreetgrill.com) 716-563-0720
Location - Beaver Island SP, Grand Island, NY 14072; meet at 3:30 pm in the parking lot OUTSIDE THE PARK on the east side - see map link above.
This trip is two-fold:
1. Migrants at Beaver Island SP
2. Dinner at Say Cheese Pizza Company (only restaurant nearby open on Sunday).
Please join Josh as he leads our group through the quiet wooded path leading into Beaver Island SP from the east. The path parallels the Niagara River where we can view the heron rookery on Motor Island. This rookery is used by Great Blue Herons, Great Egrets, Black-crowned Night-Herons and Double-crested Cormorants. Pockets of marsh habitat dot this trail as well and we will try to find species such as Marsh Wren and Pied-billed Grebe as we meander.
After our walk through Beaver Island, those interested will meet for dinner at Say Cheese pizzeria (www.saycheesepizza.com).
A reservation at the restaurant will be made so make sure to email Alec to secure your dinner chair - alechumann@msn.com.
|
See all Events