Buffalo Ornithological Society
Birding Western New York and the Niagara Peninsula of Ontario

Evening Grosbeak - © Sue Barth

Scoping February

Depending on the winter's grip, Lake Erie has either frozen over or still has lots of open water. When the lake freezes over, hordes of waterfowl settle onto the Niagara River and the rafts of ducks can be spectacular. This is one of the reasons that the Niagara River corridor has been designated an IBA (Important Bird Area).

Some of the better viewing locations include Broderick Park at the foot of West Ferry street, the north end of Unity Island, Black Rock Canal Park and the many access points around the perimeter of Grand Island. Tundra Swans tend to cluster around Beaver Island State Park at the south end of Grand Island as well as off the north end at Buckhorn Island State Park. Canvasback rafts numbering in the thousands can also be found off Grand Island.

If temperatures are cold enough to limit one's desire to walk outdoors, driving the rural roads of Niagara and Orleans Counties can provide great birding opportunities while staying warm in your car. Annual visitors such as Northern Shrike, Lapland Longspur, Snow Bunting and Snowy Owl frequent the weedy fields along the Lake Ontario Plain. When driving these roads, look for Northern Harriers and Rough-legged Hawks. Where you find these species, you may also see Short-eared Owls using the same field in late afternoon.

The plentiful fruit orchards of Niagara County as well as the cluster of crabapple trees at the entrance to Fort Niagara State Park are worthy of a look-over for possible Bohemian Waxwings and Pine Grosbeaks. Of course these species are not annual, but it's always a pleasant possibility. Another favorite stop this time of year is along the lower Niagara River at Lewiston to watch the Long-tailed Ducks engaging in courtship display. Listening to their endearing vocalizations are an annual 'must'!

At the end of the month, the first warm fronts kick into gear waterfowl migration as well as the first hawk flights of the season. Resident birds start singing as well and nothing sounds sweeter than the first Cardinal song of the year! The shuffling of the deck begins.