Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Scoping June
Shorebirds and late Neotropical migrants are wrapping up the spring migration in the first week or so of June. Local breeding birds are busy nest building and rearing future generations. Now is the time to catch up with birds you may have missed during spring migration!
The Iroquois NWR complex is high priority on many birder's itineraries this time of year. Species such as Cerulean and Prothonotary Warblers which are rare to stumble upon during migration can be found breeding within the swamps and wet woods of Iroquois. Black Terns are hawking insects and looking immaculate in their high breeding plumage. Cayuga Overlook is a great spot to observe these terns. On quiet mornings, visitors may hear the call of Least Bitterns in the cattail marshes.
Two other species that breed locally but are rarely seen during migration are Louisiana Waterthrush and Acadian Flycatcher. These two species can be found near the Eternal Flame at Chestnut Ridge SP in Orchard Park, NY. Broad-winged Hawks nest in this forest as well.
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 . . . "
. . . Willie D'Anna
I’ve been a member of the BOS for over 40 years and for much of that time, I would have said that the BOS means learning about birds – identification, where and how to find them, what trips I should take, etc. It still means that but, much more importantly to me now, it means connecting with other birders, many of whom I consider life-long friends. I always look forward to leading the BOS Lake Ontario Plain field trip, not only to show the birds to people but also to see old friends and to make new connections. The BOS is the main reason that I have so many friends. And I would not trade them in for a bucket-list of life birds.
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.)
Jun 10, 2026 (Wednesday)
Meeting - Picnic and a walk through Tifft Nature Preserve
Details: (click for more info)
Tifft Nature Preserve
The annual BOS picnic meeting will be held at Tifft Nature Preserve on Wednesday, June 12, at 6 PM.
Weather permitting, bring your meal, a folding chair if you like, and meet at the picnic tables outside the Visitor Center.
The gates will be open to drive back to the staff parking area outside the building. Also, the restrooms will be open 6:00 to 6:30.
After our meals, we will hike the preserve until sunset.
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Jun 13, 2026 (Saturday)
Field Trip - Darien Lake SP with Matt Nusstein
Details: (click for more info)
Gravel lot off Alleghany Road (Route77) across from 10271 Alleghany Road.
Meeting time is 8:00am in the gravel lot off Alleghany Road (Route 77) across from 10271 Alleghany Road.
Leader is Matthew Nusstein - (716) 446 3376; [email protected]
Matt will be leading our group in search of grassland breeding birds at Darien Lake SP in Genesee County. In the fields at this location, we will be looking for Bobolink, Eastern Meadowlark and Savannah Sparrow. This trip will last approximately 3 hours.
Photo of an Eastern Meadowlark taken by Brad Carlson at nearby Carlton Hill MUA on May 5, 2023.
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See Our Full List of Events