Category Archives: Birders Watch Columns

When the ice melts, the birds visit

For birders “ice out” is an exciting time. As the icebound lakes thaw and open water fissures form, usually in late March and early April, the early waterfowl migration is awaited, the promise of winter’s end. Locally the premier location … Continue reading →

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Woodpeckers let you know when they’re available for watching

Bangity-bang-bang-bang! When I heard this persistent noise I knew my old friend the yellow-bellied sapsucker was back in town for another season of courtship and to raise a new brood of baby sapsuckers. He announced his arrival to his territory … Continue reading →

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Birdwatching can occur when you least expect it

Those who know Naturalists Club members often share birding experiences with us. Recently an observer watching three American wigeon ducks on the Chenango River saw a peregrine falcon stoop for a duck a few feet off the water’s surface and … Continue reading →

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With weather like this, what’s a person to do?

Winter, spring; spring, winter. When is it going to make up its mind? A couple of weeks ago milder weather forced the issue. Our tulip, hyacinth, even iris are showing lots of green leaves with the majority of the crocus … Continue reading →

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Turkey vultures don’t deserve their ugly reputation

March is cruel – one day spring, the next back to winter. March is fickle – she can’t make up her mind, Spring? Winter? March is an adolescent, leaping forward and at the same time being pulled back to winter. … Continue reading →

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Where chickadees are, other birds follow

Looking for birds this time of year can sometimes require determination. One method of “striking it rich” can be simple …follow the chickadees. I recently found myself amid a flock of about 10 black-capped chickadees; some flew in for a … Continue reading →

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Invasive plants can change habitats, forcing birds to leave

Over the years, people have acquired plants with the intention of attracting wildlife, particularly birds. Often these have been shrubs purchased as part of a “Wildlife Package” from their local Conservation Department. A number of these plants – multiflora rose … Continue reading →

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It’s hard to see when your hat’s in your eyes

It’s tough, but I’ll admit it. While participating in a recent birding event, I made several blunders that an intermediate birder shouldn’t make. Blunder No. 1: too many layers of clothing. Thinking that I was well prepared for the cold, … Continue reading →

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Christmas Bird Count reveals high numbers in Broome County

The annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count was held on Dec. 30 in Broome and Tioga counties. Participating groups have done a census of the same 15-mile-wide circles each year since 1900, with thousands of birders counting every bird seen on … Continue reading →

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