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 . . . "
. . . 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
Details: (click for more info)
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.
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Sep 12, 2026 (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 8am 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/checklist/S273191194
Photo is of a Connecticut Warbler found by Devin Banning September 15, 2024 at Point Gratiot and photographed by Phil Mills.
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Sep 16, 2026 (Wednesday)
Meeting - Vaughan Lecture - Dr Marcella Baiz
Details: (click for more info)
Buffalo Museum of Science
PLEASE NOTE - This meeting will be coordinated to coincide with the annual Vaughan Lecture and will occur on the THIRD Wednesday of September!
Meet at 7 pm at the Museum.
Our first meeting back after summer break. Dr. Baiz's topic will be forthcoming. The usual 'Member's Night' topic will be pushed to our October meeting.
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Sep 19, 2026 (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 19
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/checklist/S274443902
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See Our Full List of Events