Immature Little Blue Heron - photo by Alec Humann
Scoping August
Shorebird migration is in full swing this month. Juvenile shorebirds are arriving in the region and some of the better locations to look include Tifft Nature Preserve, Gallagher Beach, Times Beach, Wilkeson Pointe, Dunkirk Harbor, Tonawanda WMA and Modern Wetlands. Niagara County farm fields that have been recently plowed are also good places to scan for species such as Upland Sandpiper, Buff-breasted Sandpiper and Baird’s Sandpiper as well as American Golden and Black-bellied Plovers.
Neotropical migrants are also moving in decent numbers - check Forest Lawn Cemetery, Tifft Nature Preserve and other migrant traps. Late August is the best time to find a Golden-winged Warbler. Yellow Warblers are moving in huge numbers this month.
Swallows and martins are flocking up and can be found along local waterways as they leisurely make their way south. From mid- to late August, Common Nighthawks can be found patrolling the late summer skies.
This is also the time of year for southern wading birds to occasionally disperse north so keep an eye out for southern herons, Wood Storks, Snowy Egrets and White and Glossy Ibis. These birds, usually young of the year, ride warm fronts northward as they disperse away from their natal grounds. Another species known to engage in this type of behavior is Swallow-tailed Kite.
The Buffalo Ornithological Society, Inc. (BOS) was established in 1929 to promote the study of the birds of the Niagara Frontier Region. Annual grants are awarded by the BOS to fund member-sponsored avian research projects. We are proud of our extensive scientific research databases, our continuing involvement in environmental and conservation activities that impact birds, and our promotion of the enjoyment of ornithology.
The BOS coverage area includes Western New York and parts of nearby Ontario, Canada. This region is rich in bird life with over 380 species and 25 recognizable subspecies of birds recorded. Explore our site to learn more about where to report and find birds, both regional specialties and rare visitors.
The Buffalo Ornithological Society has something to offer to anyone passionate about birds: from the backyard feeder- watcher, the avid lister or the environmental activist, to the dedicated citizen scientist or the professional ornithologist. Society activities include regular programs, field trips, intensive long-term bird counts, checklist and date guide development, varied research activities, and involvement in local conservation efforts. We invite you to join in the activities of the society!
JOIN the BOS
Reflections on "What the BOS Means to . . . "
. . . Compiler, Bob DeLeon
I like the BOS… where else will you find others who like to hang out in garbage dumps and wastewater plants?
Upcoming Field Trips and Events
For a full list of our upcoming field trips, meetings, and events, visit our calendar page. You don't have to be a member to join our field trips or meetings! (Note that meetings run from September through June.)
Sep 06, 2025 (Saturday)
Field Trip - Birding by Bike with Joe Petre at Iroquois NWR
Details: (click for more info)
712 Lewiston Road, Basom, NY 14013 (Kanyoo Trail Parking Lot)
Saturday, September 6, 2025
Meet at 8:00am at the Kanyoo Trail Parking Lot - see Google map link above.
Leader: Joe Petre
[email protected]
(716) 207-9555
***This trip is by reservation only - please call/text Joe to let him know you would like to join this trip.
Please join BOS member, Joe Petre, on a casual birding by bike tour along the northern section of the Feeder Ditch Trail as well as the surrounding quiet roads of the Tonawanda WMA. This will be a great way to cover a good amount of ground while making stops to look and listen for various species. Hook up your bike rack and meet the group at 8am - don't forget your helmet!
|
Sep 10, 2025 (Wednesday)
Meeting - Spark Bird Project, Jennifer Lodi- Smith
Details: (click for more info)
Buffalo Museum of Science
Meet at 7 pm in the Cummings Room.
Jennifer Lodi -Smith will be presenting on the Spark Bird Project
Our first meeting back after summer break. Members...please bring photos from your summer travels to share with the rest of us. Load your photos onto a thumb drive and bring with you.
Also looking to sign members up for the October bird count; whether as compilers or volunteers within the sections. Please help us improve our coverage from last year.
|
Sep 13, 2025 (Saturday)
Field Trip - Point Gratiot with Katelyn Davis and Devin Banning
Details: (click for more info)
Brooks Pavilion (Main Pavilion), Point Gratiot Park
Leader: Devin Banning and Katelyn Davis
[email protected]
Meet at 9am at the Brooks Pavilion at Point Gratiot Park. See map link above for exact location. The Brooks Pavilion is the main pavilion inside the park.
Join Devin Banning and Katelyn Davis for a walk through Point Gratiot Park in Dunkirk! The target for this trip is the park's resident Red-headed Woodpeckers, but The Point also offers superb habitat for migratory songbirds, and the beaches frequently host migrant shorebirds. We should see the local Bald Eagles that frequent the lakeshore and we might catch a glimpse of the Peregrine Falcons that nest on the old NRG power plant.
Last year’s eBird checklist:
Https://ebird.org/atlasny/checklist/S196005138
Photo is of a Connecticut Warbler found by Devin Banning September 15, 2024 at Point Gratiot and photographed by Phil Mills.
|
Sep 20, 2025 (Saturday)
Field Trip - Roger Tory Peterson Institute Fall Bird Walk with Devin Banning and Katelyn Davis
Details: (click for more info)
Roger Tory Peterson Institute, 311 Curtis Street, Jamestown, NY 14701
Saturday, September 20
9:00am-11:00am
Devin Banning and Katelyn Davis as leaders
[email protected]
Please join birders from the Chautauqua-Warren Birding Association for a guided bird walk through the Peterson Preserve in search of southbound migrants. The Preserve hosts over 140 species throughout the year, and we should be able to get our eyes on dozens of them as they make their way south through WNY. After the walk, enjoy our discounted admission fee of $5 to the museum to take in the current exhibitions.
Last year’s eBird checklist…
Https://ebird.org/atlasny/checklist/S195115109
|
Sep 20, 2025 (Saturday)
Field Trip - Hanging Bog WMA with Christy Hibsch
Details: (click for more info)
New Hudson Road, Caneadea, NY 14717
Field trip leader will be Christy Hibsch
[email protected]
(585) 689-1228
Meet at 8am on Saturday, September 20. The Google maps link above will be the meeting point - there are two small parking lots near each other here - one os roadside and the other is easily seen from the road.
***Cell phone coverage here is terrible - just a heads up!
Adjoining Crab Hollow State Forest, Hanging Bog WMA was set aside in the late 1930’s and contains forest, small fields and marshes. The bog itself was man-made by the Civilian Conservation Corps.
This walk will coincide near the peak of fall migration for Neotropical migrants. This area also hosts Ruffed Grouse as well as a variety of waterfowl in the wetland areas. Please join Christy for this 1/2 day trip. And add to your Allegany County life list!
Hanging Bog is located approximately halfway between Rushford, NY to the north and Cuba, NY to the south. There are no nearby facilities so come prepared!
Photo of a Swainson’s Thrush at Hanging Bog in September of 2020 by Christy Hibsch.
|
See Our Full List of Events