Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Vischer Ferry Nature and Historic Preserve


Vischer Ferry Nature and Historic Preserve is located on Riverview Road, east of the hamlet of Vischer Ferry in the southern part of Clifton Park. It offers some of the best birding in the region, with diverse habitat and access to the Mohawk River. The trails are well maintained, and Clifton Park Water Authority personnel and Animal Control officers are frequently on the premises.



 Main pool at Vischer Ferry NHP (click to enlarge)


 Signage (click to enlarge)




I walked a clockwise western loop this morning, listening for marsh species, and hoping for some new arrivals. Virginia Rail and Sora both called briefly. A Hermit Thrush was seen along the southwest portion of the loop. I counted 21 Ruby-crowned Kinglets, and 8 Blue-gray Gnatcatchers. Neither one sits still for any length of time, but I was able to capture some fleeting images of a gnatcatcher.


 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (click to enlarge)




 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher in flight, notice the white outer-tail feathers (click to enlarge)




 Signage/Target


At home in Colonie yesterday afternoon, an adult Cooper's Hawk paid a visit, perching next door after terrorizing the feeder birds.




 Cooper's Hawk (click to enlarge)


TW

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