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!
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Reflections on "What the BOS Means to . . . "
. . . Holly Sweeney
I started birding in Kentucky- almost always by myself. Moving back to Buffalo 10 years later I found the BOS online.
On a serendipitous day at Tifft I met up with Bill Watson- he asked me if I had seen the
Chat. Moments later it flew near me - I called out to this questioning man that it was "right here”. He asked me if I was sure and I said "I'm from KY and I know Chats".
This began our birding adventures and I was thrilled when he asked me to join him for the BOS counts. I was his scribe and his ears - he was my mentor. Section 4 is still one of my favorite places to bird - Krull Park and Golden Hill SP especially.
Bill made me figure it out for myself - "if I tell you what u r looking at u will never remember it.” He only told me if I was right or wrong. He was a 'trust but verify' guy as I found out when I was to count the Canada Geese and he the Ring-billed Gulls - but he actually counted the geese also - just to make sure! He did stop doing that after a year or two! And I actually got to the point where I could argue a sighting with him - although I never won. So, as others have answered the question - what the BOS means to me - it is the personal connection - count days with Bill were #1 - but I also met great women that I have traveled all over the world with - Bernie, Celeste, Karen Lee. My message to all new birders is buy a Field Guide book and have fun! And participate in the counts!
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