Hudson River North

The Hudson-Mohawk Bird Club and Southern Adirondack Audubon Society had a joint field trip on Sunday morning, covering the Hudson River from Schuylerville north to Ft. Miller. It was sunny but quite cold, with temperatures in the mid 20s, and gusty west winds. The river was ice-free, but the shallow backwaters and inlets were frozen over.

The first stop was Champlain Canal Lock 5/ Hudson Crossing Park. If first impressions are any indication, this is a great place to bird. It was very active on the river, in the trees and brush, and along the field edges. Common Goldeneye, Common Merganser, Great Blue Heron and a pair of Pileated Woodpeckers were along the water. In the wooded section was a singing Winter Wren. Around the edges a pair of Eastern Bluebirds warmed up in the sun, and a Northern Mockingbird entertained with quite a repertoire of imitations. 

Hudson Crossing Park

Along the Hudson up to Fort Miller were Wood Duck, American Wigeon, Ring-necked Duck, Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye, Hooded Merganser, and Common Merganser. There were at least four Killdeer in a grassy field just east of River Rd. Flyovers included Turkey Vulture, a sub-adult Bald Eagle, and most surprisingly, a croaking Common Raven. 

Hudson River in Fort Miller

Thanks to the trip leaders Joyce and Lindsey we had a terrific day of late winter birding!

TW