On the Birch Trail
photo by Hope Batcheller
On March 21 John Haas and I led a field trip for the New
York State Young Birders Club. We began our trip at 8:00 A.M.
on Haven Road in the Bashakill looking primarily for waterfowl. We
were not disappointed as most of the expected species were present
including Wood Duck, Ring-necked Duck, Northern Shoveler, American
Wigeon, Green-winged Teal just to name a few. While on Haven Road
Jacob Drucker, one of the members of the NYS Young Birders Club,
spotted a Northern Harrier over the ridge. We were off to a good
start. We left Haven Road and walked the Birch Trail. More waterfowl
were spotted as well as flyover Great Blue Herons and two Wilson’s
Snipe.
After walking the Birch Trail we went back to the main parking lot on Haven
Road and took a break for lunch. An immature Red-shouldered Hawk flew over
our group and briefly interrupted our lunch break. Prior to the trip, I had
asked the kids for a list of the five birds they were most hopeful of seeing.
The one bird that everyone wanted to see was the White-winged Crossbills. After
lunch we headed up county to the spruce and pine grove at the Neversink Reservoir
in hopes of seeing crossbills but none could be found. Our next stop was the
fields on Hunter Road where we were looking for Rough-legged Hawk, Snow Buntings,
Horned Larks or any other open habitat species, but again there were no birds
to be found other than a Red-tailed Hawk.
Spotting White-winged Crossbills
photo by Mary Batcheller
Our final stop was to the “Bog” on
Parksville/Cooley Road which has been the most reliable site to view
the crossbills since they arrived in the county in August. Shortly
after getting out of our vehicles John shouted “Crossbills!” as
a few flew right over our group. One male perched in a tree close to
the road for all to see. During the 30-40 minutes we were at
this site a couple of flocks were present numbering approximately 30-35
birds. This was the last stop on our field trip and I think it is safe
to say a good time was had by all.
The New York State Young Birders Club membership is open to all young
people ages 12-19. If you are an adult and would like to become involved,
or just support the group, you may join as a supporting adult member.
We had a group of six members on our trip and they are a terrific group
of kids who are very enthusiastic and knowledgeable about birds. The
skill level ranges from beginners to some members who are already performing
field studies. The group was founded by club member Hope Batcheller
with the help of the New York State Ornithological Society. For
more information, give me a call. I will be happy to answer
any questions you may have. Visit the NYSYBC website – www.nysyoungbirders.org – where a full gallery
of photos taken on this field trip is posted.
— Lance
Verderame
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