Around Saratoga County...

We traveled to Vischer Ferry Nature and Historic Park this morning, in part to attempt to relocate a Common Gallinule that had been reported there yesterday. After an unsuccessful search westbound along the towpath, we were able to find it on our return leg. There was also an American Coot present, and four Pied-billed Grebes.

Common Gallinule at Vischer Ferry NHP (click to enlarge)

Common Gallinule (click to enlarge)

Common Gallinule, you can see the yellow-tipped bill and red face shield (click to enlarge)

At the Saratoga County Airport, we found two Vesper Sparrows. One was foraging on the ground. The other was singing, first from on top of a chain link fence, then from atop a tall aviation sign. There were Savannah Sparrows, Horned Larks, an American Kestrel, and a Chipping Sparrow on the property also. The short grass is marked as a federal endangered species area, referring to the Karner Blue Butterfly in this case.

This means you...

Excellent foraging area for short grass sparrows

At Shenentaha Creek Park in Malta, we found numerous Ruby-crowned Kinglets, a couple of Golden-crowned Kinglets, and heard two Blue-headed Vireos singing.

TW