Wall to wall sunshine and cold, blustery conditions were the order of the day
for the 25 participants at this morning's HMBC Field Trip along the Mohawk River
in Niskayuna. Starting at the "railroad station" building at Lions Park, the
group headed northwestward to Lock 7, scanning the river, wetlands, woods, and
fields on a two mile trek.
A Red-shouldered Hawk glided overhead; the black border outlining the wings, and the translucent crescents at the base of the primaries were backlit very nicely. (image by Bill Hubick at www.billhubick.com)
A group of two dozen Green-winged Teal were foraging in the backwater near the
Ferry Rd. bridge, with two Killdeer on the exposed mudflats nearby. There were
still quite a few American Tree Sparrows present, feeding in the grass next to
the bike path, along with numerous Song Sparrows.
The best concentration of birds was at the wetlands formed where Lishakill Creek
winds through on its way to the river at Ferry Rd. Wood Duck, American Black
Duck, Green-winged Teal, Hooded Merganser and two Great Blue Herons were seen
there. Tree Swallow numbers are increasing, and a half dozen or so swirled
overhead making their twittering call. On the short return leg from the lock, we
heard an Eastern Phoebe and a Carolina Wren.
At Lock 7, the winds were quite strong, making for substantial wave action out
on the river, and less than ideal (or comfortable) viewing conditions.
Bufflehead, Ring-necked Duck, Hooded and Common Merganser, and some distant
Scaup sp. were present. A single Double-crested Cormorant flew by giving good
looks, and some 50-75 Tree Swallows braved the winds as they slowly pushed
upriver, nearly skimmimg the surface of the water.
There should be clear skies and southerly winds overnight, let's see what the morning brings.
TW
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