Pardon my turkey...

We've seen a number of Wild Turkey flocks out and about over the last six weeks, it's good to see that their population is doing well locally.

At Saratoga Lake, on a very windy morning, we spotted two Common Loons, and a lone Bonaparte's Gull.

Bonaparte's Gull, Saratoga Lake

Purple Martins have returned to the colony that they inhabit at the Saratoga Raceway. The houses look to be in good shape for them.

Purple Martin pair, Saratoga Raceway

male Purple Martin, Saratoga Raceway

Pair of Northern Rough-winged Swallows east of Ferry Dr., Vischer Ferry

drake Northern Shoveler, Vischer Ferry NHP

drake Northern Shoveler, Vischer Ferry NHP

On April 19th we traveled out to Ames, in Montgomery County, to search for birds that prefer an agricultural habitat, such as managed grasslands or pastureland. We were fortunate to come across three Upland Sandpipers foraging in short grass along a creek.

Upland Sandpiper, Ames

Upland Sandpipers, Ames

What's Next:

April 19-25: Spotted Sandpiper and Upland Sandpiper will return to their local breeding grounds this week, and Lesser Yellowlegs can be seen in migration, in flooded areas and along shallow shorelines and banks. Green Heron will arrive, and a few Black-crowned Night-Herons may be detected as they pass through the area to breeding areas north and west of the region. Broad-winged Hawks will be seen and heard this week, look for them soaring in fairly tight circles overhead. They emit a high pitched "tee-deee" call, which to me sounds like a truck braking to a stop. 

House Wren numbers should rapidly increase this week, and the first Yellow Warblers will be reported from their favored haunts. At the end of the period, Eastern Kingbird and Common Yellowthroat should arrive.

Next week: Attack of the neotropical migrants!

Capital Region Bird-Finding Calendar is here 

TW