American Avocets at Bennett Beach -
photo by Sue Barth ©
Scoping July
Many of our WNY breeding species have fledged their young by now. Your feeders are probably being visited by young Black-capped Chickadees, Tufted Titmice, woodpeckers, Baltimore Orioles, Mourning Doves, and more! The American Goldfinch, however, is just beginning!
Shorebirds are beginning to arrive as they slowly meander south. You may find them at mud flats or along the shores of lakes and ponds. Dunkirk Harbor is a great spot to spend time at if you are hoping to see Western Willets or American Avocets. These two species are rare but occur here annually and most reliably after a thunderstorm which can ground these birds. You have to arrive at the beach early to beat the dog walkers and runners!
Some common species that we could see would include: Sanderling, Least Sandpiper, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Pectoral Sandpiper, Lesser and Greater Yellowlegs, and Solitary Sandpiper. On drier years, the marshes at Tifft Nature Preserve dry up and provide excellent mud flats which attract shorebirds to our generally shorebird-habitat-starved side of Lake Erie. The north end of Woodlawn Beach SP also provides a suitable stopover site for species which prefer sandy beaches. Check in the vicinity of the creek outlet into Lake Erie.
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 . . . "
. . . Phil Mills
Joining the BOS offered me an opportunity to expand from my "Lone Wolf" persona. It helped me educate me in my yearning for knowledge for all things Avian. The awesome assembly of members, people from all walks of life that befriended and have guided me, I'm grateful for their time. Through this wonderful pursuit in the name of ethical conservation, we observe and document these beautiful feathered friends. From Raptors to Songbirds, Fields and Woods, to shorelines of open waters of Waterfowl and Shorebirds. Every moment for me has been Priceless. Thanks to the BOS and it's members for my inclusion. Happy Birding, see you somewhere out there.
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 12, 2026 (Saturday)
Field Trip - Woodlawn Beach SP with Seaghan Coleman
3580 Lake Shore Rd, Blasdell, NY 14219
PLEASE TAKE NOTE -OUR ROUTE
WILL INCLUDE A CREEK CROSSING SO EITHER WEAR SANDALS OR BE PREPARED TO REMOVE SHOES/SOCKS TO CROSS THE CREEK!
Leader - Seaghan Coleman ([email protected]) 716-435-7753
Meet at 730am in the main parking lot.
Join Seaghan this morning as our group seeks out migrants during the busy month of September. Even without a good cold front, migrants are moving through the region nightly and you never know what the day might bring.
With its range of diverse habitats, Woodlawn offers respite to weary winged travelers in the form of sand beach, riparian woods, open lake, grassy dunes and a creek! Neotropical migrants may entertain us in the woods while various sandpipers use the beach to pick through the high water mark for food. Gull flocks that loaf on the beach may offer up more unusual species such as Lesser Black-backed or Little.
Woodlawn regularly supplies the BOS statisticians with review species. Among them are gems such as Piping Plover, American Avocet, Blue Grosbeak, White-eyed Vireo and Cave Swallow.
This will be a half day trip wrapping up around 11:30. Wear footwear appropriate for walking through grassy trails and loose sand.
American Avocets photographed by Charlie Kaars at Woodlawn Beach SP on September 22, 2024.
See Our Full List of Events