Saw another year bird today . . . . Red-breasted Nuthatch (CHECK) #41 at the Administration Building here in Allegany State Park. They are stunning little birds and I was able to pish it in nice and close. I might have had some Red Crossbills today at the Adminstration Building today but wasn’t able to get a good look to confirm. However, I will be looking closely for them if they return. They would also be a lifer for me.
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Still keeping track of my big year and saw another year bird yesterday . . . .. Belted Kingfisher (CHECK) #40. Was on a power line with a minnow in its bill. Great to see they are still gettting food in the creeks.
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Bonaparte’s Gulls, non-breeding plumage
By: Pat Coate
Another quick stop I made while up in the Buffalo area was Beaver Island State Park. The park sits on the southern edge of Grand Island, which is an island in the Niagara River. The park offers a number of habitats including wetlands, lagoon/pond, wooded, and beach areas. At the southern-most end of the park, there were mudflat and shallow areas on the river where hundreds of Bonaparte’s gulls had gathered.
Up to 39 species already. Had an American Kestrel on the telephone line yesterday (CHECK). Also, had 3 bluebirds out in the yard yesterday. Good times!
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By: Pat Coate
With a few hours to kill while my daughter had an appointment up in Buffalo, I decided to make quick visits to a couple birding spots along the Niagara River. One stop was Goat Island, which is on the U.S. side of Niagara Falls. Just as I drove into the parking lot a red-tailed hawk carrying some prey flew over me then disappeared into the nearby woods. I thought the odds of seeing it again were low, so I headed down to see the falls and to walk along the pedestrian bridge to see what gulls were around. As I was returning I happened upon the hawk in a tree right along the road. My first thought was “how lucky”, followed immediately by “I’m glad I’m not a squirrel.”
No new bird species today but did see my first cottentail bunny today. Whoot, spring must be coming closer (sorry bunny photo was taken in 2006).
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Highlight this weekend was a Eastern Bluebird flying around (CHECK). He was my first bluebird of the year!! I am up to 38 species for 2013 now.
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When do you expect to find Northern Shrikes? They are always seen when you least expect them and that is exactly what happened to me today. I happen to look to the left (CHECK) Northern Shrike. My co-worker said how did you find that bird. Sometimes we just get lucky!! (Photo is from 2007, sorry not the best photo).
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View from Christian Hollow Trail, Allegany State Park
By: Pat Coate
It has been a winter wonderland in WNY with the 20+ inches of snow we have received since Christmas. The cross country ski trails at Allegany State Park have been awesome as have some of the other area state forest lands. After skiing only once during last year’s very mild winter, we’ve been out about 10 days so far this year.
Snow Bunting
Had a great bird day today. Where I was working, had a huge flock (~25) of Snow Buntings in the grape vines. (CHECK) They would fly in a group to another spot in the grapes and then 10 mins later do it all over again.
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Welcome to the mon@rch nature blog and I hope you join us in some of our nature adventures through the Allegany State Park area!
I am a naturalist, field biologist and nature photographer from the Western New York area. I have started exploring nature writing through this blog and it truly has been fun sharing my numerous adventures with everyone. Thanks to the many other authors that help me with my post and they will be sharing some of their nature explorations.
I have always had a latent interest in birds and photography and have been lucky enough to find time to explore these interests over the last few years. I am very thankful to the Cattaraugus County Bird Club for getting me started, sharing their wealth of knowledge and for their wonderful programs. And many thanks to Tom for letting me share some of my adventures and photos on the Monarch Nature Blog.
Thank you for taking the time visiting and commenting on this blog.
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