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FATHERS;VOL. il

No. 1WINTER

1987

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PUBLISHED QUARTERLY BY HUDSON-MOHAWK BIRD CLUB. INC.

Schenectady Christmas Count

Field Trip Reports

Future Field Trips

Treasurer's Report

Editor's Page

Club officials

New Club Folder

In Memory of Ron Laforce

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1986 SCHENECTADY CHRISTMAS COUNT RECORDS 58 SPECIES

William J. Lee

Schenectady1s 57th Annual Christmas Count, held on December 20, was much

like last year's, which the Compiler described as "undistinguished - an

average count with no really outstanding features." No new species were added

and no records for individual species were set. Perhaps, after 57 years, it

is difficult to surpass the past — it goes back for so many years.

Consulting the record book of the past 56 years, the compiler found only one

record - the number of individual birds at 15,400 - which exceeded 1981, the

previous high count of almost 15,000.

Some high counts for species were duplicated. Four Cooper's Hawks

matches the record high of last year and the six Screech Owls matches the high

counts of 1980 and 1983* The number of Crows recorded was the second highest,

and the highest number since the 4,200 counted in 1932. Song Sparrows were

scarce, the lowest count since 12 were recorded in 1973. Wild Turkey was

recorded for the third time as was Fish Crow. Gray Catbird and Rufous-sided

Towhee were the only half-hardies found.

The Report: December 20, 1986, Schenectady, N.Y. ( 42° 45' N, 73° 55' W );15 mile circle centered at Lydius and Lone Pine Road in Guilderland;

5:05 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.,

AM partly clear,

PM partly cloudy.

Temperature 32° - 36° F, Wind NW to W, 3-5 MPH;Six inches of snow on ground, still water frozen, moving water open.

Wild food-crop poor.

Twenty-four observers, thirteen in seven field parties, eleven at feeders.

Total party hours, 64 3/4 (26 3/4 afoot, 38 by car, about 4 1/4 owling, 42 1/2

hours at feeders).

Total party miles, 379 (26 1/2 afoot, 352 1/2 by car, plus 28 owling).

(continued on next page)

FEATHERS WINTER 1Q86

SCHENECTADY CHRISTMAS COUNT cont,

KEY TO GROUPS

GROUP A: Douglass and Judith Allen. Vale Cemetary and Park, south side of

Mohawk River from Schenectady County Community College to Lock 8.

Campbell, Putnam, Schemerhorn and Gordon Roads area of Rotterdam,

Mohawk Golf Course. 6:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 4 miles afoot, 76 bycar. 4 hours afoot, 5 1/2 by car, 1/2 hour owling. 35 species.

2318 individuals.

GROUP B: Bernard and Christine Grossman. North side of Mohawk River -Scotia,

Alplaus, Rexford and portion of Clifton Park. Collins Lake and

Schenectady County Airport. Time of start/finish not specified.

0.6 miles afoot, 41 by car. 3/4 hours afoot, 5 3/4 by car. 25

species, 1065 individuals.

GROUP C: Robert P. Yunick and David Gibson. Mohawk River from Aqueduct to

Mohawk View. Rosendale, River, and Balltown Roads. Niskayuna Bike

Path and Landfill, Lisha Kill. 6:00 a.m. to 4:35 p.m. 10 miles

afoot, 39 by car, 13 in car owling. 8 hours afoot, 1 1/2 by car,

1 owling. 39 species, 2208 individuals. Common Merganser, Northern

Goshawk, Fish Crow, Rufous-sided Towhee.

GROUP D^ BobBudliger, Alice^Ross, _and Richand_Waugh.. Ann Lee Pond, Shaker

Farm, Albany County Airport, Fuller Road, SUNY Albany Campus.

7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 2 miles afoot, 40 by car. 3 hours afoot,

6 1/2 by car. 34 species, 1265 individuals. Pileated Woodpecker,

Horned lark, Brown-headed Cowbird.

GROUP E: William Lee. Reist Sanctuary, Central Park, and Golf Course. Pine

Bush - Routes 155 and 20 to Route 158. Willow Street, Glass Pond,

Old State Road. 7:00 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. 4 miles afoot, 70 by car.

5 hours afoot, 4 1/2 by car, 3/4 owling. 29 species, 3798

individuals.

GROUP F: Walt Sabin. Black Creek Marsh, Meadowdale, Krumkill and area

between Voorheesville and Altamont. 7:10 a.m. to 4:40 p.m. 1 mile

afoot, 43 1/2 by car. 1 hour afoot, 8 1/2 by car. 25 species,

816 individuals. Northern Harrier.

GROUP G: Tom Palmer and Michael Crevier. Area bounded by N.Y. Routes 406,

158, 146 and U.S. Route 20. Altamont, Settles Hill, Dunnsville, and

Watervleit Reservoir. 5:05 a.m. to 4:40 p.m. 3 1/2 miles afoot,

58 by car (includes 15 owling). 4 3/4 hours afoot, 7 by car

(includes 1 3/4 hours owling). 40 species, 2491 individuals.

Eastern Bluebird, Gray Catbird, Wild Turkey.

GROUP H: Feeders. Milford Becker, Dawn Force, William Huntley, Adelaide

Jaquay, Harold Jonson, Elizabeth Manning, Art Newkirk, Shirley

Redington, June Siroka, Ann Sklar, Ann Thompson, and neighbor.

28 species, 1436 individuals. Purple Finch.

FEATHERS WINTER 1986

SCHENECTADY CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT cont.

DECEMBER 20, 1986

SPECIES

Great Blue Heron

Canada Goose

American Black Duck

Mallard

Common Merganser

accipiter(sp?)

Northern Harrier

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Cooper's Hawk

Northern Goshawk

Red-tailed Hawk

American Kestrel

Ruffed Grouse

Wild Turkey

Ring-billed Gull

Herring Gull

Great Black-backed Gull

Rock Dove

Mourning Dove

Eastern Screech-Owl

Great Horned Owl

Belted Kingfisher

Downy Woodpecker

Hairy Woodpecker

Northern Flicker

Pileated Woodpecker

Horned Lark

Blue Jay

American Crow

Fish Crow

Black-capped Chickadee

Tufted Titmouse

Red-breasted Nuthatch

White-breasted Nuthatch

Brown Creeper

Golden-crowned Kinglet

Eastern Bluebird

American Robin

Gray Catbird

Northern Mockingbird

Cedar Waxwing

European Starling

Northern Cardinal

Rufous-sided Towhee

American Tree Sparrow

A

6

8

1

5

20

3

80

116

2

1

1

12

1

1

671444

131

7

1

6

2

20

2

18

13120

33

B

8

1

1

56

1958

2

2

1

36

193

672

2

5

296

6

48

C

2

60

1

1

13

3

8

380

5

108

68

1

1

12

2

1

23

340

1

121

11

10

4

1

2

5

737

40

1

49

R 0

D

1

14

14

148

7

2

4

6

3

180

52

7

2

1

8

30

125

58

4

2

4

3

320

16

65

UPS1

E

3

69

1

6

60

34

12

42

15

8

30

93

80

17

1

14

6

8

1

4

3061

21

2

F

2

26

1

1

8

127

1

6

2

2

39

26

42

5

3

35

5

307

8

55

G

1

18

8

31

6

4

172

64

2

2

1

10

4

5

51

88

1036

11

1

2

3

192

1

6

12

1298

28

81

H

1

3

8

113

15

5

1

31

910

72

16

314

1

4

4

29

24

TOTAL

2

32

25

253

60

2

1

2

4

1

55

6

4

6

94

4798

579

570

6

3

3

79

24

131

8

307

3219

1

674

68

7

64

12

13

3250

1

34

30

6154

168

1

357

continued on next page


SCHENECTADY CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT cont.

DECEMBER 20, 1986

SPECIES

Song Sparrow

Swamp Sparrow

White-throated Sparrow

Dark-eyed Junco

Snow Bunting

Brown-headed Cowbird

Purple Finch

House Finch

Common Redpoll

Pine Siskin

American Goldfinch

Evening Grosbeak

House Sparrow

TOTAL COUNT

A

1

28

26

81

2

21

3

90

2321

B

1

4

14

124

17

9

91

1065

C

5

1

33

4

72

44

21

1

16

2208

G R 0

D

4

2

2

5

55

87

6

10

18

1265

UPS*

E

2

25

64

80

12

27

3798

F

10

21

20

6

58

816

G

1

52

33

28

50

28

2

32

13

71

2491

H

1

10

49

6

31

12

3

30

1

39

1436

TOTAL

13

3

137

174

30

5

6

497268

13

141

18

410

15398

TOTAL SPECIES 35 25 39 34 29 25 40 28 58

SUPPORT THE CHRISTMAS COUNTS

WATCH FOR NOTICES OF THE 1987 CHRISTMAS COUNT ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING

JOIN THE COUNT OR COUNTS OF YOUR CHOICE

WAS YOUR LAST CHRISTMAS COUNT A WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE? SHARE IT!

Was that one good bird on your last Christmas count special for you? Do

you find that going to the same place year after year is a great joy, with

changes noticed and all senses sharpened by the weather? Was the weather

itself the most memorable part of your count? Why not share your experiences

with the club - it might encourage others to try a Christmas count for the

first time. Send your anecdote to the editor at the address on the back.

FEATHERS WINTER 1Q.86

HUDSOH-MOHAWK BIRD CLUB FIELD TRIPS

——■■■■■——— HUDSON-MOHAWK BIHD CLUB FIELD TRIPS ————» ——»

ROUND AND SARATOGA LAKES

April 19, 1987

Eight birders enjoyed an early spring trip around the two Saratoga County

lakes to look for waterfowl and early song birds. The day started out cloudy

but soon cleared into a warm pleasantness. The warm weather had pushed most

of the waterfowl north, ubt we had some good views of courtship behaviour from

a few common mergansers at the north end of the lake. Song birds also

displayed for us. A group of 5 downy woodpeckers chased each other around in

a group of trees on Cramer Rd. and we saw several brown creepers singing and

protecting territory in the same wooded stretch. The kingfishers were

pursuing each other noisily around Saratoga Lake. Only waterfowl of

significance was a group of re-breasted mergs and another of lesser scaup.

SPECIES SEEN (35): Common Loon (1), American Black Duck (2), Mallard (5),

Lesser Scaup (9), Common Merganser (13), Red-breasted Merganser (9), Killdeer

(1), Herring Gull (many), Great Black-backed Gull (2), Rock Dove 5), Mourning

Dove (many), Belted Kingfisher (8), Downy Woodpecker (6), Hairy Woodpecker

(2), Northern Flicker (many), Eastern Phoebe (10), Tree Swallow (many), Barn

Swallow (2), Blue Jay (many), American Crow (15), Black-capped Chickadee

(many), Tufted Titmouse (5), White-breasted Nuthatch (5), Brown Creeper (5),

American Robin (many), European Starling (many), Northern Cardinal (3), Swamp

Sparrow (2), Dark-eyed Junco (12), Red-winged Blackbird (many), Common Grackle

(many), Brown-headed Cowbird (12), House Finch (many), American Goldfinch (5),

House Sparrow (many). — Bernie Grossman

SCHENECTADY MUSEUM NATURE PRESERVE

May 13, 1987

This was the first time for the club to schedule this trip, and it proved

to be quite successful. As 13 of us gathered at the parking lot a good omen

was a pileated woodpecker flying directly overhead. Forty-four species were

counted on the Preserve.

Following the trip, six of us continued on to the Vischer Ferry Came

Management Area where we added several species to our lists.

SPECIES SEEN(W: Mourning Dove, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Pileated

Woodpecker, Least Flycatcher, Great Crested Flycatcher, Tree Swallow, Barn

Swallow, Blue Jay, American Crow, Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse,

White-breasted Nuthatch, House Wren, Wood Thrush, American Robin, Gray

Catbird, Northern Mockingbird, European Starling, Warbling Vireo, Red-eyed

Vireo, Blue-winged Warbler, Golden-winged Warbler, Tennessee Warbler, Yellow

Warbler, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Black-throated

Green Warbler, Black-and-white Warbler, American Redstart, Louisiana

Waterthrush, Common Yellowthroat, Canada Warbler, Northern Cardinal, Rose-

breasted Grosbeak, Rufous-sided Towhee, Chipping Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-

throated Sparrow, Common Grackle, Northern Oriole, Purple Finch, House Finch,

House Sparrow. — Bob McCullough

FEATHERS _ WINTER 1Q86

HUDSON-MOHAWK BIRD CLUB FIELD TRIPS

HUDSOH-MOHAWK BIHD CLOB FIHJ) TRIPS

MONTGOMERY COUNTY

May 23, 1987

The May 23, 1987 morning field trip to Montgomery County began under

cloudy skies with a threat of rain showers.

We left the Schenectady County Community College parking lot at 7:10 and

went across the Mohawk River to Jumping Jack's where the group was joined by

Al and Shirley Schadow. From there we viewed a red-tailed hawks* nest. This

was situated in a steel structure used to support Niagara Mohawk1s high

voltage power lines. Good views through spotting scopes of the nest and young

were had by all.

From there the group proceeded on to Montgomery County and arrived at

Palmer's Ravine at 7:^5. The following species were seen well: Ruby-throated

Hummingbird, Eastern Bluebird feeding young, Bobolink, Tree Swallow, Rose-

breasted Grosbeak, Scarlet Tanager, Wood Thrush, Indigo Bunting, Black-and-

white warbler, Veery, Eastern, Wood-Pewee, Red-headed Woodpecker, Eastern

Kingbird and Northern Oriole.

Following the ravine walk, we drove to where Upland Sandpipers, Horned

Lark, Vesper Sparrows, Killdeer, Brown Thrasher, and Spotted Sandpipers were

found. Some members of the group acquired life birds, and everyone seemed to

have a good time.

SPECIES SEEN (66): Turkey Vulture, Red-tailed Hawk, American Kestrel,

Killdeer, Spotted Sandpiper, Upland Sandpiper, Rock Dove, Mourning Dove, Ruby-

throated Hummingbird, Red-headed Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy

Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Willow

Flycatcher, Least Flycatcher, Eastern Phoebe, Great Crested Flycatcher,

Eastern Kingbird, Horned Lark, Tree Swallow, Barn Swallow, Blue Jay, American

Crow, Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, Brown

Creeper, House Wren, Eastern Bluebird, Veery, Wood Thrush, American Robin,

Gray Catbird, Northern Mockingbird, Brown Thrasher, Cedar Waxwing, European

Starling, Yellow-throated Vireo, Red-eyed Vireo, Blue-winged Warbler, Yellow

Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Black-and-white Warbler, American Redstart,

Mourning Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Canada Warbler, Scarlet Tanager,

Northern Cardinal, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting, Chipping Sparrow,

Vesper Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Bobolink, Red-winged

Blackbird, Eastern Meadowlark, Common Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, Northern

Oriole, House Finch, American Goldfinch, House Sparrow, — Tom Palmer

IT

HAVE YOU MIXED BUSINESS WITH BIRDING? - SHARE IT!

Are you a business traveler who had a good experience birding on a

business trip recently? Do you know of good spots near the hub airports?

Then why not share it with HMBCer's? Send a few lines or send a short story,

but send it - to your editor (address on the back of FEATHERS).

IT


HUDSON-MOHAWK BIRD CLUB

1987 FIELD TRIPS

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC:

These field trips are open to the public, and we extend a cordial invitation to

non-members to attend these trips to learn and enjoy a greater appreciation of

our wildlife heritage. One need not be an expert or semi-expert to attend.

Come along for fun or exercise.

NON-CITIZENS: Remember to bring adequate ID for trips to Canada.

RESPONSIBILITY:

While we encourage anyone interested to attend these trips, your attendence is

on your own responsibility. The Hudson-Mohawk Bird club offers these trips

under the expressed condition that they and the field trip coordinators shall

not be in any way responsible for any injury, damage, loss, accident or

irregularity occasioned from any cause whatsoever. Likewise, children under

18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian with responsibility

for their actions and veil being.

• RESERVATIONS NEEDED IN ADVANCE

•• RESERVATIONS NEEDED WAY IN ADVANCE

Sept 12 FIVE RIVERS ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER: A morning trip to see

Sat fall migrants. Meet at 9:00 a.m. at Five Rivers on Game Farm Road in

Delmar. Coordinator: Nancy Payne, 457-6092

Sept 13 HELDERBERGS: A day trip to watch migrating hawks. Meet at

Sun 8:30 a.m. at the Key Bank, Star Plaza Shopping Center at the inter

section of Routes 20 and 155. Coordinator: Arthur Long, 1-758-9283

Sept 19 • HAMMONASSET BEACH STATE PARK, CONNECTICUT: A day trip to this

Sat neighboring park in search of shore birds, hawks, and other migrants.

If interested, make reservations by SEPT. 12 with the coordinator.

Coordinator: Bob Budliger, 439-0006

AUTUMN 1987

Sept 27 ALCOVE AND BASIC RESERVOIRS: A morning trip to these local

Sun reservoirs in search of shore birds, hawks, and eagles. Meet at

8:30 a.m. at Routes 32 and 143 near Alcove Reservoir.

Coordinators: Norman and Marilyn Fancher, 439-6385

Oct •» MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA: We hope to tie in to a WINGS trip for some

3-4 western birds. If interested, make reservations by APRIL 1 with the

Sat-Sun coordinator. Coordinator: Bob Kirker, 587-1460

Oct • MASSENA: A trip to the north in search of Gray Partridge and

10-11 migrating gulls. If interested, make reservations by SEPT. 28 with

Sat-Sun the coordinator. Coordinator: Bill Lee, 374-3426


MEMBERS FLOCK TO CLUB MEETINGS

Large, enthusiastic groups enjoyed several club meetings this year.

Linda Armstrong sharpened our skills with a funny, fast-paced birding quiz

that kept us in stitches. Bob Budliger took us on a tour of Florida old and

new, telling us how he views the changes he has seen there.

Watch for flyers for upcoming meetings. A well-known New York State

ornithologist is in the works as speaker soon, and great new meetings are

planned by Bob Budliger, who chairs this committee. Bob is planning at least

5 meetings a year.

Watch for the November Christmas Count Meeting and come join the fun of

the counts, also. Remember, a winter without at least one Christmas Count is

a winter without snow in your nose! Besides, there is always the hope that a

Vesper Sparrow will hop up by your car, as one did to our group when spirits

were low.

Club meetings are a great chance to hear the latest in good birding tips

both locally and far away. The food has been great thanks to Margaret Mary

Kelly who chairs the hospitality committee, and whoever she lasso's into

bringing those good eats.

Apologizing for the pun in the title...

— Your Editor


1987 FIELD TRIPS continued

Oct 24 TOMHANNOCK RESERVOIR: A day trip around this reservoir in search of

Sat ducks, geese, hawks, etc. Meet at 8:30 a.m. at the junction of

Route 7 and Valley Falls Road just east of the reservoir.

Coordinator: Bill Shuster, 235-2479

Nov 7 * LONG ISLAND BEACHES: A day trip in search of waterfowl, gulls, etc.

Sat If interested, make reservations by HO?- 1 with the coordinator.

Coordinator: Walt Sabin, 439-7344

Nov 14 SARATOGA AND ROUND LAKES: A morning trip in search of ducks, geese,

Sat grebes, loons, etc. Meet at 8:30 a.m. at Round Lake on Route 9*

Coordinator: Alan Mapes, 439-4086

Dec 12 COXSACKIE FLATS: A morning trip in search of hawks and field birds.

Sat Meet at 8:00 a.m. at Red's Restaurant on Route 9W in Coxsackie.

Coordinator: Dick Guthrie, 756-9094

SCHENECTADY CHRISTMAS COUNT 1987

SOUTHERN RENSSELAER COUNTY CHRISTMAS COUNT 1987

TROY CHRISTMAS COUNT 1987

FEATHERS \ WINTER 1Q86

NOTES ON THE HMBC TREASURER'S REPORT FOR APRIL 1, 1986 TO APRIL 1, 1987

by William Shuster, Treasurer

This report, as distributed for the annual meeting, Is being carried In

Feathers to reach more members. It appears on the following page.

During the period covered by this report, the Hudson-Mohawk Bird Club

incurred a number of unusual expenses that for the most part have been or will

be reimbursable.

* HMBC served as host for the annual meeting of the New York State

Federation of Bird Clubs, and advanced monies for the following:

Deposit for use of the Gideon Putnam Hotel $ 3*500.00

Printing and Mailing for the meeting 322.52

* Payment to American Sportswear Art for Club Patches 2,120.00

Total $ 5,942.52

To cover these expenses, $2,500 was transferred from the CMRI account to

the checking account, and one of the $8,000 certificates of deposit was cashed

and deposited in the checking account. Subsequently, the above expenses were

reimbursed to the following extent:

• Reimbursement for Federation Expenses $ 3»551.65

* Sale of club patches 814.00

Total $ 4,365.65

It should be noted that the CD was cashed near its maturity and also near

the date of an interest payment. As a result the net penalty for the early

cashing was only $8.40. Consequently a new CD was purchased for $8,008.40

after the above mentioned reimbursement was made.

During the winter there was an unusual amount of tree-fall in the Reist

Sanctuary that necessitated trail clearing by a professional. The expense for

this work totalled $ 200.00. This expense was entirely covered by specific

donations included in the total donations income of $ 673*00.

The Blue Bird Project, sponsored by HMBC, has involved the building,

installation and maintenance of a number of blue bird houses on area golf

courses. The expenses or this project during the year totalled $ 228.00. To

date these expenses have been met by specific donations totalling $ 221.00 as

indicated.

•««««««««*l«*«««««««««*«««*ft«*«ft***«««*ft«««**«*«*«««*f««*«««*«««*«««««5HARE IT

ATTENTION WORLD TRAVELERS - SHARE IT!

Was your last trip to Pago Pago? Or Australia? Or Scotland? Did your

world birding make you a beginner again? Was a certain field guide helpful?

Why not share your experiences with HMBC? Inspire us to travel in your

footsteps. Any length article is fine, and full checklist is not required.

Send it to the editor (address on last page).

•«««««««««*i««««««««*««««««**ff«**««**«««*«*«««*«««tt««*«**«««tt««tttt«««««SHARE IT


HUD50N-H0MY/K BIRD CLUB, INC.

TREASURER'S REPORT

APRIL 1, 1986 _ APRIL 1, 1987

Checking Account as of April 1, 1986

Deposits

Dues-renewals $ 3,007#00

Dues-new members 557*00

Donations 673.00

Interest from Certificates of Deposit 1,108.04

Sale-of Patches 814.00

Support of Blue Bird Project 221.00

Transfer from CMRI account 2,500.00

From cashing 9 month CD 8,000.00

Reimbursement for Federation Meeting advance 3»551.65Miscellaneous 24.00

2,039.18

Total

Expenditures

Purchase of Certificates of Deposit

Advance to Gideon Putnam Hotel

American Sportswear Art - patches

Federation Meeting expenses

Printing and mailing

New York Telephone

Insurance

Dial-a-bird expenses

Taxes

Foctsige

Clearing of Sanctuary trails

Dues and subscriptionsPurchase of Blue Bird Houses

Purchase of portable radios

Donation to Five Rivers Limited

Supplies

Atlasing

Honorarium to speaker

Miscellaneous

$ 20,455.69 $20*455,69

$ 8,008.403,500.00

2,120.00

322.52

2,597.54

293.09270.00

401.54516.80

188.82

200.00

108.75228.00

148.59150.00

38.98

86.00

25.00

27.67

Total

Balance in Checking Account, April 1, 1987

CMRI account

Balance in account, April 1, 1986

Transfer to checking accountInterest (as of 3/13/87)

Balance in account, April 1, 1987

Total Club Assets

Balance in Checking AccountCertificates of DepositCHRi Account

S 19,231.90 $19,231.90

8 3*262.97 tt 3»262.97

3 12,682.21-2,500.00

$ 10,805.54

S 3i262.9716,080.0010.805.54

Total Assets g 30,148.51

William W. Shuster, Treasurer

10


FROM YOUR EDITOR...

APOLOGIES:

This FEATHERS is not exactly on time, due to several factors which

are boring and one good excuse, the conversion of your editor from the

Osborne/CPM computer to a brand new, hard-disked, IBM PC-AT clone. As I type

my husband is attempting to print from the new machine to the old printer.

Wish us luck! The new computer still has some problems, foremost of which is

that it does not type in its own information, and does not send it in, either!

ATTEHTIOH HMBC COMPUTER USERS:

If you use a PC type computer, and also sometimes send in FEATHERS

material, please contact your editor first about the possibility of sending a

disk instead of paper. Feathers is typed using WORDSTAR, but any straight

ASCII file or disk file would probably be ok, and a big improvement over

paper. Send the paper, too, just in case.

FIELD TRIP LEADERS:

Please... SIGN your field trip reports - if you'd rather not have

your name appear in Feathers just say so under the signature. Some reports

are done by people other than the trip leader,..

Your editor does NOT use numbers of birds except in rare instances,

such as the duck count. The copy of the checklist you send to the Records

Chairperson DOES need the numbers. It is perfectly ok to send me a copy with

numbers, but if you are doing it by hand please donft bother.

As a field trip leader, you should have a packet of information

which now includes about 20 small field checklists for handing out to people

who attend your field trip. These act as small advertisements for the club.

MANY THANKS!!!!

FOR USING THE 1984 SMALL CHECKLISTS FOR FIELD TRIP REPORTS.

FOR SEHDHCG HI THE REPORTS WITHOUT BEIBG NAGGED.

DEADLINES:

Here are the deadlines for materials in the next FEATHERS:

For VOL 49 #2 Which is marked Spring 1987 Sep. 1, 1987

(Century Run issue)

For VOL 1J9 #3 Which is marked Summer 1987 Oct. 1, 1987

HMBC RECORDS COMMITTEE NEEDS TOUR RECORDS:

LINDA ARMSTRONG IS NOW CHAIRING the records committee as well as acting

as Region-8 editor. Please send your records to:

Linda Armstrong, RD 1 Box 159, Feura Bush, New York 12067.

— Ann E, B'Rells

11


NEW CLUB BROCHURE IS NOW AVAILABLE

The new HMBC brochure is reproduced on the next two pages. It has been

printed in maroon on gray paper, and is available for display and distribution

wherever new members might be found. The membership application is perforated

for easy mailing. HMBC has long needed such a pamphlet, and the brochure

committee (Alice Ross, Dan Ruge, and Ann B'Rells) has produced a handsome one.

If you need some copies, please contact either Alan Mapes or Richard

Waugh (see addresses below). Also contact them if you have a good idea for a

place that should have some pamphlets.

THIS IS WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE (BUT IT IS MUCH PRETTIER).

DON'T FORGET

The Annual Meeting of the Federation of New York State Bird Clubs, Inc.

will be held on Friday - Sunday, September 18 - 20, 1987, in New York City,

hosted by the Linnaean Society of New York. If you are not a member but would

like information, please contact the Federation or your editor.iiHiiiiiiiiimiii

YOUR HMBC LEADERS

PRESIDENT: Richard Waugh

VICE-PRESIDENT:Alan Mapes

SECRETARY: Bette Moon

TREASURER: William Shuster

OFFICERS

15 Winthrop Ave. Albany 12203

RD 1 Box 409B Delmar 12054

907 St. David's Lane Sc'tdy 12309

Box 76, Avenue A Melrose 12121

TERM

EXPIRES

1988

1988

1988

1989

1989

Sam Madison

William Gorman

Ann B'Rells

Alice Ross

William Lee

DIRECTORS

326 Wellington Rd. Delmar 12054

25 Old Troy Rd. East Greenbush 12061

3 Okara Dr. Apt. 7 Schenectady 12303

RD#1 Box 135 Petersburg 12138

2171 Grand Blvd. Schenectady 12309

COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS

Conservation:

Dial-A-Bird:

Field Trips:

Hospitality:

Membership:

Program:

Publications:

Publicity:

Records:

Sanctuary:

Education:

Walton Sabin 652 Kenwood Ave Slingerlands 12159William Lee 2171 Grand Blvd. Schenectady 12309

William Gorman 25 Old Troy Rd. East Greenbush 12061

Margaret Mary Kelly P0 Box 584 Albany 12201

Daniel Ruge 128 Chestnut St. Albany 12210

Robert Budliger 36 Groesbeck PI. Delmar 12054

Ann B'Rells 3 Okara Dr. Apt 7 Schenectady 12303

482-4164

439-4086

372-8330

235-2479

439-4753477-4921

355-5615283-2732

374-3426

439-7344

374-3426

477-4921

235-8996

449-1087439-0006

355-5615

Linda Armstrong

Bette Moon

Charles Alheim

Margaret Kelly

RD 1 Box 159 Feura Bush 12067 768-2074

907 St David's Lane Schenectady12309 372-83301462 Garner Ave. Schenectady 12309 372-4212

27 Van Buren Ave. E. Greenbush 12061 479-3602

12

HUDSON-MOHAWK BIRD CLUB, INC.

TO: MEMBERSHIP CHAIRMAN


Daniel F. Ruge

128 Chestnut Street

Albany, NY 12210

DIAL-A-BIRD

(518)377-9600

Please insert into Legal Size Envelope

DIAL-A-BIRD

(518)377-9600

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MEMBERSHIPAPPLICA TION

I/WE wish to apply for membership in the HUDSON-MOHAWK BIRD CLUB, INC. as indicated below:

Membership Category

STUDENT

ACTIVE

SUSTAINING

LIFE

Single

Membership

$ 5

$ 12

$ 18

$200

+ $2 for each additional family member

+ $2 for each additional family member

Payable in two payments of $100 per year

NAME(As you wish it 10 appear in directory and on mailing label)

ADDRESS ZIP CODE

TELEPHONE: HOME

Please make out check to HVDSOS-MOHA WK BIRD CLUB, INC. and send to Membership Chairman.

If you are interested in Committee work, please circle a field or interest: Communications Conservation Dial-A-Bird Education

Field Trips Membership Program Public Relations Publications Records Refreshments Sanctuary Management

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Ron Laforce Dies =

On June 8, 1987, Ron Laforce died at Ellis Hospital after a long =

illness. HMBC's thoughts go out to Carolyn and to his daughters. =

An active member and a good birding friend, Ron will be sorely missed. =

IN MEMORY OF RON LAFORCE

by Ed Koch

When I met Ron at work he was a golfer, but I invited him to go bird-

watching. As you all know, bird-watching is an exciting sport combining

travel, the outdoor chase in the field, companionship, and scoring points.

With Ron, it was like introducing a duck to water. His conversion to bird-

watching was swift and complete. In pursuit of the game, we traveled from

coast to coast and Mexico to Canada.

While seeking the elusive Saw Whet Owl, I recall going out with Ron and

fellow bird-watchers in the middle of a cold February night. We stood deep in

the forest, huddling next to a tree for shelter from the cold. Ron played the

call of the Saw Whet Owl on his tape recorder as we cocked our ears for an

answering call. I felt as if I were taking part in an ancient religious

ceremony.

Many of these adventures were certainly some of the best of times in my

life. Ron was ready to go birding in an instant, and many a time he called at

work to say, "there1s a rare bird in Massachusetts - Letfs goln

Ron was the type of person, who, if he said he would be at the foot of

light house at Montauk at 5 a.m. on January first, you just know, when you

turned the last corner, he would be there waiting for you.

Ron was a compassionate, thoughtful person whose quest for excellence was

as relentless as the passage of time. Ron had the ability to enjoy life, and

that capacity spread to all those around him. To know Ron was to love him.

It was my privilege to be his friend.

— Ed Koch

15


PRESIDENT:




OFFICERS

Richard Waugh 15 Winthrop Ave. Albany 12203


907 St. David's Lane Sch'tdy 12309

482-4164

439-4086

372-8330

235-2479TREASURER: William Shuster Box 76, Avenue A Melrose 12121

Vol. 49, No. 1

WINTER

1987

FEATHERS EDITOR: Ann B»Rells,.3 Okara Dr. Apt 7, Schenectady 12303 355-5615

ADDRESS CORRECTIONS: please send name, address, or telephone corrections to

the Treasurer.

DIAL-A-BIRD 377-9600

Published Quarterly by the Hudson-Mohawk Bird Club, Inc.

MEMBERSHIP: Life - $200; Sustaining - $18; Active - $12; Student - $5; '

Each per year with an additional charge of $2 per additional family member.

Membership Chairman: Daniel Ruge, 128 Chestnut St., Albany, N.Y. 12210

Write or call 518/449-1087 (evenings).

ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED

PLEASE RETURN TO SENDER

RETURN POSTAGE GUARANTEED


c/o M&M Mail Processing Co., Inc.

2910 Campbell Avenue

Schenectady, NY 12306

BULK RATE

NON-PROFIT

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

Permit #195

Schenectady, NY

Mr Pa Mrs tiauiiucl R Madison

326 Wellington Rd

Delmar HY. 120!? If

16

VOL. 49

No. 2SPRING

1987


«ft«««ftftft«««ft*««ft*«ftt«ttt««tftffft«ftffftftftff«ftt«««t««««ffff*ffftfffffff*

Century Run Results

Field Trip Reports

Future Field Trips

Editor's Page

Ex-President Mapes Reviews 1985-6

Club officials

Pages 17-21

Pages 22 - 23

Pages 27 - 30

Page 24

Page 25

Page 26

«««*«««««««««*««*«««««««««««««««««««#•«««•««««««««««««««««««

LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL ADDED TO CENTURY RUN LIST

by Robert P. Yunick

The Club's 42nd Guy Bartiett Century Run took place on May 16, 1987 with

19 observers in seven field parties recording 177 species. This species tally

ranks third behind the record 188 in 1986, and 180 in 1980. This year's

highest group count of 155 species ranks second behind 156 in 1986. The

composite species list was increased by one to 245 species and two hybrids

with the sighting of a Lesser Black-backed Gull near Cohoes.

It was a perfect day weatherwise, though some observers complained that

birds were difficult to find. A cold front passed the previous day bringing

light northerly wind, clear sky, and high pressure. At sunrise there was

scattered frost. The day was nearly cloudless, dry, bright and clear.

Very few birds were migrating. When they do, they occur on a much

broader front, in many different habitats, where they are more readily

located. Most field birders, who can locate birds quickly because of the

birds' wide migratory distribution brought on by favorable weather, can then

direct their energy toward the more elusive birds and therefore increase the

list. This year, however, some people struggled, because bird distribution

was somewhat limited due to unfavorable migration conditions.

In addition to the weather, those observers who depend on sight

verification rather than sound had some difficulty due to the well-advanced

foliage caused by earlier excessive April warmth. Many trees were well-

leafed, and their avian ocoupants well-hidden.

Five of the seven groups exceeded the 100-mark. There were 38 species

reported by all groups and 30 additional by all groups but one. Twenty-four

species were seen by only one group and these are listed with the group

summary.

(Century Run continued on next 4 pages)

17

FEATHERS SPRING 1Q87

42ND GUY BARTLETT CENTURY RUN Cont.

After 42 years of counting, including this year, there must be something

enduring about the Century Run list, and perhaps it is those species which

have been recorded every year. Potentially, this is a diminishing list,

because a single miss in any year constitutes delisting. For what it is

worth, these officially designated Enduring Species now number 63.

Then, too, there are the rarities. There were 14 species recorded this

year for the 10th or less time. Among these, perhaps the Iceland Gull is

the rarest find. We can expect to hear more about local and regional

Raven occurrences in years to come. The rarities:

(2nd time) Snowy Egret

Iceland Gull

Common Raven

Gadwall

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Mute Swan

Wild Turkey

Fish Crow

Bald Eagle

Red-throated Loon

Northern Goshawk

(10th time) Brant

Willow Flycatcher

Sedge Wren

(3rd time)

(4th time)

(6th time)

(7th time)

(8th time)

(9th time)

Mohawk River

Cohoes

Thacher Park

Basic Creek Reservoir

Montgomery County

Embough Bay on Hudson River

Black Creek Marsh

Several locations

Basic Creek Reservoir

Hudson River and Saratoga Lake

Thacher Park

Cole Hill, Albany County

Montgomery County

Black Creek Marsh and Partridge Run

On the downside were waterfowl. Eleven of the 26 locally listed species

were reported compared to 15 in 1986, seven in 1985, 14 in 1984, and 10 in

1983. There was no report of Common Nighthawk which has been reported in 31

of the past 41 years; and no Northern Parula which has a record of 35 of the

past 41 years.

Call it a good day, call it bad. The bright sun and blue sky made it a

pleasant excursion. Observers were satiated with the fine weather, but until

each observer is satiated with the birds of one's expectations, the day lacks

deliverance.

(Century Run continued on next page)

JOIN IN THE 1988 CENTURY RUN SCHEDULED FOR SATURDAY MAY 21ST

Don't miss 1988fs HMBC Century Run. See how many birds you can find in a

day. Join a group or form your own, and cover all your favorite spots in our

11 county area. Groups must stay together and jointly identify birds

reported. Maybe the foliage won't come out before May 21st this year!

As usual the coordinator will be Bob Yunick, 1527 Myron St., Schenectady,

NY 12309. Your reports should be mailed to him. He will count for the club

report like the one above only reports mailed on or before May 30th.

18


42ND GUY BARTLETT CENTURY RUN Cont.

KEY TO GROUPS:

GROUP A: Robert P. Yunick* and Robert J. Pantle. 05:00 to 18:00. Banding at

Vischer Ferry and Schenectady, and en route. 53 species. Lincoln's

Sparrow.

GROUP B: Sandra Custer, Dana Mather and T. Palmer*. 05:00 to 19:00. Towns

of Florida, Glen and Root in Montgomery County. 93 species. Upland

Sandpiper and Red-bellied Woodpecker.

GROUP C: William Gorman*, Michael Kuhrt, Monte Gruett, and Jory Langner.

03:15 to 21:30. Rensselaer and Columbia counties. Black Creek, and

Saratoga. 120 species. Least Bittern.

GROUP D: Kevin P. McGrath*. 0*1:00 to 18:00. Black Creek, Five Rivers,

Partridge Run, and Vischer Ferry. 115 species. Green-winged Teal,

Lesser Scaup, Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, Sedge Wren, and Rusty

Blackbird.

GROUP E: William Lee*, Alice Ross, Frank Shaver, Sam Madison, and Walt Sabin.

04:00 to 22:15. Black Creek Marsh, Tygert Road Marsh, Indian Ladder

area, Basic Creek and Alcove Reservior, Coeymans, Bethlehem,

Crescent, Cohoes and Mechanicville. 110 species. Water Pipit.

GROUP F: R. Guthrie*. 03:00 to 23:30. Greene County, and Basic and Alcove

reservoir. 109 species. Black-crowned Night-Heron, Northern

Harrier, Dunlin, and Worm-eating Warbler.

GROUP G;

«ff

GROUP X:

Ken Able*, Rebecca Holberton, and William Johnson. 00:00 to 24:00.

Berne, Partridge Run, Knox, Black Creek Marsh, Meadowdale, Thacher

Park, Alcove Reservoir, Coxsackie, Enbough Bay, Castleton-on-Hudson,

Cohoes, Halfmoon, Round and Saratoga Lakes, Luther Forest and

Saratoga area. 155 species. Snowy Egret, Brant, Northern Goshawk,

Northen Bobwhite, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Lesser Black-backed Gull,

Golden-winged Warbler, Cerulean Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, and

Henslow1s Sparrow.

Nancy Slack*, Bill Huntley, Bob McCullough(until 8:30 am), Glen

Slack, Chris Weber, David Wachtel. 05:00 to 19:00. Black Creek,

Thatcher Park, Basic Reservoir, Hudson River, Glenville.

104 species.

• Designates the group compiler.

•* This group was not included in the compilation since the compiler

did not receive the checklist by the due date.

Species listed above are those recorded by only one group.

(Century Run continued on next page)

19


1987 GUY BARTLETT CENTURY RUN

May 16, 1987

Red-throated Loon

Common Loon

Pied-billed Grebe

Double-crested Cormorant

American Bittern

Least Bittern

Great Blue Heron

Snowy Egret

Green-backed Heron

Black-crowned Night-Heron

Mute Swan

Brant

Canada Goose

Wood Duck

Green-winged Teal

American Black Duck

Mallard

Blue-winged Teal

Gadwall

Greater Scaup

Lesser Scaup

Turkey Vulture

Osprey

Bald Eagle

Northern Harrier

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Cooper's Hawk

Northern Goshawk

Broad-winged Hawk

Red-tailed Hawk

American Kestrel

Ring-necked Pheasant

Ruffed Grouse

Wild Turkey

Northern Bobwhite

Virginia Rail

Sora

Common Moorhen

Semipalmated Plover

Killdeer

Greater Yellowlegs

Lesser Yellowlegs

Solitary Sandpiper

Spotted Sandpiper

Upland Sandpiper

Semipalmated Sandpiper

Least Sandpiper

Dunlin

Common Snipe

American Woodcock

fgc efg

b fg

fgx

bcde gx

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Ring-billed Gull

Herring Gull

Iceland Gull

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Great Black-backed Gull

Rock Dove

Mourning Dove

Black-billed Cuckoo

Eastern Screech-Owl

Great Horned Owl

Barred Owl

Whip-poor-will

Chimney Swift

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Belted Kingfisher

Red-headed Woodpecker

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Downy Woodpecker

Hairy Woodpecker

Northern Flicker

Pileated Woodpecker

Eastern Wood-Pewee

Yellow-bellied Flycatcher

Willow Flycatcher

Least Flycatcher

Eastern Phoebe

Great Crested Flycatcher

Eastern Kingbird

Horned Lark

Purple Martin

Tree Swallow

Northern Rough-wng Swallow

Bank Swallow

Cliff Swallow

Barn Swallow

Blue Jay

American Crow

Fish Crow

Common Raven

Black-capped Chickadee

Tufted Titmouse

Red-breasted Nuthatch

White-breasted Nuthatch

Brown Creeper

House Wren

Winter Wren

Sedge Wren

Marsh Wren

Golden-crowned Kinglet

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20

FEATHERSiPRING 1Qfi7

1987 GUY BARTLETT CENTURY RUN

May 16, 1987

Ruby-crowned Kinglet cd

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher bcdefgx

Eastern Bluebird bcdefgx

Veery abcdefgx

Swainson's Thrush a cd g

Hermit Thrush c efg

Wood Thrush abcdefgx

American Robin abcdefgx

Gray Catbird abcdefgx

Northern Mockingbird cdefgx

Brown Thrasher b de gx

Water Pipit e

Cedar Waxwing bcdef

European Starling abcdefgx

Solitary Vireo c e g

Yellow-throated Vireo abcdefgx

Warbling Vireo bcdefgx

Red-eyed Vireo bcdefgx

Blue-winged Warbler b defgx

Golden-winged Warbler g

Tennessee Warbler ab d fgx

Nashville Warbler cd g

Yellow Warbler abcdefgx

Chestnut-sided Warbler bcdefgx

Magnolia Warbler abode g

Cape May Warbler cd g

Black-throated Blue Warbler c e gx

Yellow-rumped Warbler bcdefgx

Black-throated Green Warbler a cd g

Blackburnian Warbler cd g

Pine Warbler de g

Prairie Warbler bed gx

Bay-breasted Warbler d fg

Blackpoll Warbler c fg

Cerulean Warbler g

Black-and-white Warbler bede gx

American Redstart abcdefgx

Worm-eating Warbler f

Ovenbird bcdefgx

Northern Waterthrush

Louisiana Waterthrush

Common Yellowthroat

WilsonTs Warbler

Canada Warbler

Yellow-breasted Chat

Scarlet Tanager

Northern Cardinal

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Indigo Bunting

Rufous-sided Towhee

American Tree Sparrow

Chipping Sparrow

Field Sparrow

Vesper Sparrow

Savannah Sparrow

Grasshopper Sparrow

Henslow's Sparrow

Song Sparrow

Lincoln*s Sparrow

Swamp Sparrow

White-throated Sparrow

White-crowned Sparrow

Dark-eyed Junco

Bobolink

Red-winged Blackbird

Eastern Meadowlark

Rusty Blackbird

Common Grackle

Brown-headed Cowbird

Orchard Oriole

Northern Oriole

Purple Finch

House Finch

Pine Siskin

American Goldfinch

Evening Grosbeak

House Sparrow

abe efg

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«**«««!«««*«««****««** FEATHERS NEEDS TGDB IHPUT ««*«««*««««««««*««««««

Don't be shy. Send your reports of interesting birding trips, good

birdlng books, birding anecdotes, original sketches, or anything else you

think might be of interest to your fellow HMBCers. Handwritten pieces gladly

accepted. Send to: Ann B'Rells, 3 Okara Dr. Apt. 7f Schenectady, NY 12303.

*ff#tt*«*#fffttt*tt*ttftfftt«ff«* FEATHERS NEEDS YOUR INPUT tt«tt«*ttttff«««««««*««««««

21


BIRD BANDING

VISCHER FERRY GAME MANAGEMENT AREA

May 23, 1987

Folks gathered together at 7 a.m. at the entrance on a mild (70 degree),

cloudy and overcast day. The new two-way radios came in handy in

communicating with Bob Yunick at the banding station to coordinate arrivals so

they all walked in and arrived at the banding station together.

While waiting for any latecomers, I was watching a pair of Kingbirds

building a nest in a maple tree beside the canal. About a dozen Canada Geese

flew by and a few Mallards. While walking in to the banding operation, I was

hearing Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Orioles, Yellow Warblers, Yellowthroats, Wood

Thrush, Veery, Peewee, Great Crested Flycatcher, Willow Flycatcher, Tufted

Titmouse, Goldfinch, and House Finch.

The group consisted of 20 adults and 15 children who were all held spell

bound by Bob Yunick1s and Bob Pantle's presentations. This is an additional

value of bird banding that we often overlook — an outstanding educational

tool. The kids (both large and small) really enjoyed personally holding and

releasing the banded birds.

Bob!s banding report follows, and although banding activity was

considered quiet by the banders, the morning was considered outstanding by the

spectators.

— Alice Ross

BIRDS BANDED AT VISCHER FERRY NATURE AND HISTORIC PRESERVE ON MAY 23, 1987

BY ROBERT P. YUNICK AND ROBERT J. PANTLE:

Downy WoodpeckeH1) Traill's Flycatcher(2) Least Flycatcher(1)

Gray Catbird(5) American Robin(2) Wood Thrushd)

Veery(2) Cedar Waxwing(2) Red-eyed Vireod)

Warbling Vireo(2) Yellow Warbler(5) Magnolia Warblerd)Northern Waterthrush(1) Common Yellowthroat(2) Canada Warbler(2)

American Redstartd) Red-winged Blackbirdd) Brown-headed Cowbird(2)

Rose-breasted Grosbeak(5) American Goldfinch(7) White-throated Sparrowd)*Lincoln1 s Sparrow(1) Song Sparrowd)

Total: 23 species and ^9 individuals

Oldest recapture of the day was a 6 year old Gray Catbird.

Another interesting recapture:

for the first time, I captured a Northern Waterthrush banded in a previous

year (in this case 1986). Interestingly, this bird was a male in breedingcondition, suggesting possible local breeding.

* no breeding characteristics, had body fat, and appeared to be a migrant

— Robert Yunick

22


NISKAYUNA WIDEWATERS - LOCK #7

May 2k, 1987

A small group of birders gathered at Lock 7 on this holiday weekend

Sunday on a pleasant, 69 degree, partly sunny day.

We walked west along the bikepath for some distance hoping for a wave of

warblers but it was not to be! We did have good looks at Rose-breasted

Grosbeaks, Orioles, Redstarts, an unusually good look at a Red-eyed Vireo and

we tried hard to get a good look at Warbling Vireos which seemed to be singing

everywhere (but to no avail).

We walked through the Schenectady Museum Nature Preserve where we heard

Wood Thrushes, Veeries, Ovenbirds, Peewee, Least Flycatcher, a probable

Northern Waterthrush, and an Alder Flycatcher. A quick look at the river

produced a pair of Mallards, Rough-winged Swallows, and a Ring-billed Gull.

All in all, a very quiet morning bird-wise but the usual camaraderie of

birders made for an enjoyable morning.

SPECIES SEEN (il2): Mallard, Ring-billed Gull, Mourning Dove, Black-billed

Cuckoo, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Alder

Flycatcher, Least Flycatcher, Great Crested Flycatcher, Northern Rough-winged

Swallow, Barn Swallow, Blue Jay, American Crow, Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted

Titmouse, House Wren, Wood Thrush, American Robin, Gray Catbird, Cedar

Waxwing, European Starling, Warbling Vireo, Red-eyed Vireo, Yellow Warbler,

Chestnut-sided Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Black-and-white Warbler,

American Redstart, Ovenbird, Northern Waterthrush, Common Yellowthroat,

Scarlet Tanager, Northern Cardinal, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Song Sparrow, Red-

winged Blackbird, Common Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, Northern Oriole,

American Goldfinch, House Sparrow. — Alice Ross

FERD'S BOG

July 11, 1987

A very hot (temperatures 85 to 90 degrees) day made birding in the bog

less pleasant than usual, but we all had nice looks at black-backed

woodpeckers. A total of 39 species including Lincoln's sparrow, Nashville

warbler, Olive-sided flycatcher, and broad-winged hawk made it a worthwhile

day.

SPECIES SEEN(39).: Great Blue Heron, Broad-winged Hawk, Mourning Dove, Ruby-

throated Hummingbird, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Black-backed

Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker, Olive-sided Flycatcher,

Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, Least Flycatcher, Tree Swallow, Blue Jay, Black-

capped Chickadee, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Winter Wren, Golden-crowned Kinglet,

Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, American Robin, Cedar Waxwing, Solitary

Vireo, Red-eyed Vireo, Nashville Warbler, Northern Parula, Magnolia Warbler,

Black-throated Blue Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler, Blackburnian

Warbler, Pine Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Song

Sparrow, Lincoln's Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, American

Goldfinch, Evening Grosbeak. — Marilyn Fancher

23

FEATHERS SPRJNQ 1987

FROM YOUR EDITOR...

APOLOGIES BUT 700 CAR HELP

By now you must be tired of hearing about how late FEATHERS is I

Instead, if you have an IBM type PC or an Osbourne or other PC(not Apples)

with normal floppies, you can HELP!!! By typing articles into the machine and

becoming an assistant editor! We can convert lots of stuff to my format if

you do the rough typing to FEATHERS specs. Please call me at (518)~355-5615

if you can do one long article or two small ones per quarterly issue. Or even

less.

AHD OS THE SAME NOTE, ATTEHTIOS HMBC COMPUTER USERS:

If you use a PC type computer, and also sometimes send in FEATHERS





FIELD TRIP LEADERS:

Please... SIGN your field trip reports - if youfd rather not have

your name appear in Feathers just say so under the signature. Some reports

are done by people other than the trip leader...

Your editor does NOT use numbers of birds except in rare instances,

such as the duck count. The copy of the checklist you send to the Records

Chairperson DOES need the numbers. It is perfectly ok to send me a copy with

numbers, but if you are doing it by hand please don't bother.

As a field trip leader, you should have a packet of information

which now includes about 20 small field checklists for handing out to people

who attend your field trip. These act as small advertisements for the club.

DEADLINES:

For VOL A9 #3 Which is marked Summer 1987 past due, doing with Spring

For VOL l|.9 #*» Which is marked Fall 1987 Feb. 1, 1988

For VOL 50 #1 Which is marked Winter 1988 Mar. 1, 1988

HMBC RECORDS COMMITTEE NEEDS TOUR RECORDS:

LINDA ARMSTRONG IS CHAIRING the records committee as well as acting as

Region-8 editor. Please send your records to:

Linda Armstrong, RD 1 Box 159f Feura Bush, New York 12067.

— Ann E. B^ells

THANKS FROM THE TREASURER

Many thanks to the large number of HMBC members who paid their 1988 dues

early. Special thanks go to the members who have included donations to the

club. Such support is most helpful and really appreciated. Again, our thanks

to you. — Wm. W. Shuster, Treasurer


INNOVATIONS AND SANCTUARY PROGRESS

— Alan Mapes Reviews HMBC during his term in 1985-1986 —

As past president of the club, I look back on a few good accomplishments

from the past two years. This, not to blow my own horn, but to thank all the

members who put in the effort to complete the projects.

- A club patch was produced and sold. Now you can wear HMBC on your

sleeve, whether you are birding at Saratoga Lake or Salton Sea. Thanks go

especially to Margaret Kelly who marshaled the patch contest and production,

to Dick Guthrie who suggested the Screech Owl, and to Bob Budliger who came up

with the design idea. We have lots of these beautiful patches on hand, so

order extra for gifts by calling Mary Margaret Kelly at 235-8996.

- A pair of two way radios were purchased for use on field trips and rare

bird searches. We are still gaining experience in their use, but they have

proved useful on several field trips and on the hunt to relocate the Say's

Phoebe which turned up in Delmar last February. Any field trip leaders who

would like to use these hand-held radios should make arrangements with me at

439-4086.

- Bette Moon's committee working on the club's Reist Sanctuary in

Niskayuna has made great strides in the past two years. Trails and boundaries

have been marked and many contributions have been made to pay for work on the

sanctuary.

- Last, but far from least, a club brochure has been printed to let

people know about us! Thanks go to Alice Ross, Dan Ruge and Ann B'Rells who

served on the committee. If you would like some of the brochures (which

include a membership application) call me and I will send you a supply.

It has been an enjoyable two years, and I look forward to continued

involvement on the Board of Directors. Best wishes to Dick Waugh as he takes

over the reins of President.

— Alan Mapes, Past President

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION NOTES

WINTERING BALD EAGLES

Between mid-January and mid-February sporadic observations of wintering

bald eagles within Sullivan County continued as staff time allowed, and

weekend trapping trips resulted in the live-capture of four bald eagles.

Three of these were adults and one was an immature. All were wing and radio-

tagged and will be periodically monitored. Significantly, two of the captured

adults were hacked birds, both originally released in 1983 and both nowapproaching four years of age. One, a female, was a product of our Tupper

Lake hake site in Franklin County. The other eagle, a male, was part of

Pennsylvania's hacking project from Pike County in northeastern Pennsylvania.

Both birds could nest within the next two months and their radio transmitters

should be very helpful in this regard.

25


ftftfttftftffftftftffftftftftftff H M B C BOARD FOR 19 8 7 ••*•••••«•******«

OFFICERS




TREASURER: William Shuster

TERM

EXPIRES


RD 1 Box 4O9B Delmar 12054

907 St. David's Lane Sc'tdy 12309

Box 76, Avenue A Melrose 12121

DIRECTORS

1988 Sam Madison

1988 William Gorman

1988 Ann B'Rells

1989 Alice Ross

1989 William Lee







Conservation:

Dial-A-Bird:

Field Trips:

Hospitality:

Membership:

Program:

Publications:

Publicity:

Records:

Sanctuary:

Education:

Walton Sabin

William Lee

William Gorman

Margaret M. Kelly

Daniel Ruge

Robert Budliger

Ann B'Rells

Margaret Kelly

Linda Armstrong

Bette Moon

Charles Alheim

652 Kenwood Ave Slingerlands 12159



PO Box 584 Albany 12201

128 Chestnut St. Albany 12210

36 Groesbeck PI. Delmar 12054

3 Okara Dr. Apt 7 Schenectady 12303

27 Van Buren Ave. E. Greenbush 12061

RD 1 Box 159 Feura Bush 12067

907 St David's Lane Schenectady12309

1462 Garner Ave. Schenectady 12309

482-4164

439-4086

372-8330

235-2479

439-4753477-4921

355-5615

658-3407374-3426

439-7344

374-3426

477-4921

235-8996

449-1087439-0006

355-5615479-3602

768-2074

372-8330

372-4212

DIAL-A-BIRD AND RECORDS NEEDS YOUR SIGHTINGS

Chairman Bill Lee requests your bird sightings for

DIAL-A-BIRD! It is only as good as the information you provide.

So does Linda Armstrong for the Records Committee!

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION NOTES

LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE SURVEY

A request for assistance with this year's loggerhead shrike survey. A

shrike hotline (439-7635) at the Endangered Species Unit in Delmar has been

established to report sightings, and volunteers are being organize to assist

in mass spring searches of areas in the vicinity of recent shrike observ

ations. This project is being conducted by Paul Novak, a graduate student at

Cornell University under contract to DEC.

26



1988 FIELD TRIPS

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC:

These field trips are open to the public, and we extend a cordial invitation to

non-members to attend these trips to learn and enjoy a greater appreciation of

our wildlife heritage. One need not be an expert or semi-expert to attend.



RESPONSIBILITY:

While we encourage anyone interested to attend these trips, your attendence is

on your own responsibility. The Hudson-Mohawk Bird Club offers these trips




18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian with responsibility

for their actions and well being.

CHARGES AT NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGES

For each to the National Wildlife Refuges listed below, an entrance fee

of $3.00 per person, maximum, will be charged beginning in fiscal 1988.

Persons having on their person a current Federal Duck Stamp, a Goden Eagle

Passport, or a Golden Age Passport will not be charged. In cases where no one

in a car has any or these, the maximum entry fee per car will be $7.50.

CHINCOTEAGUE, in Virginia FORSYTHE/BRIGANTINE, in New Jersey

MONTEZUMA, in New York PARKER RIVER (PLUM ISLAND), in Massachusetts

THE FIELD TRIP COMMITTEE:

William Gorman, Chairman Marilyn Fancher Norman Fancher

Jim Kuethe Mike Kuhrt William Lee

Alan Mapes Sam Madison Kevin McGrath

Walt Sabin

• RESERVATIONS NEEDED IN ADVANCE

•« RESERVATIONS NEEDED WAT IN ADVANCE

WINTER 1988

Feb 6 BALD EAGLE TRIP: A day trip to the southern part of the state in

Sat search of Bald Eagles. Bring a lunch and meet at 7:00 a.m. at Howard

Johnson1s on Route 9W near Exit 23 of the NY State Thruway.

Coordinator: Jory Langner, 489-5265

Feb 13 WILD TURKEYS AND LOCAL FEEDERS: A morning trip in search of Wild

Sat Turkeys and other specialties that may be visiting local feeders.

Meet at 6:00 a.m. at the Howard Johnson's at the intersection of

Routes 4 and 1-90 in East Greenbush.

Coordinator: Bill Gorman, 477-^921

Feb « AMHERST ISLAND AND KINGSTON, ONTARIO, CANADA: If owls are being

27-28 reported we plan to look for them. If interested, make reservations

Sat-Sun by FEB. 4 with the coordinator. Coordinator: Jim Kuethe, 399-9630

27



1988 FIELD TRIPS

WINTER 1988 continued

Mar 5 OWL TRIP: A trip in search of Short-eared Owls and other local

Sat owls. Meet at 3:00 p.m. at Red's Restaurant on Route 9W in

Coxsackie. Coordinator: Dick Guthrie, 756-9094

Mar • NORTH JERSEY SHORE: See Brant, Coot, swans, ducks, etc. at close

12-13 range along the coast and inlets of northern New Jersey. Make reser-

Sat-Sun vations by FEB. 13 with the coordinator.

Coordinator: Bill Gorman, 477-4921

SPRING 1988

Apr 9 LOWER HUDSON: A morning trip along the Hudson River between Rens-

Sat selaer and Stockport to see early spring migrants including ducks,

hawks, gulls, etc. Meet at 8:00 a.m. at the Joy Department Store on

Routes 9 and 20 in Rensselaer. Coordinator: Paul Connor, 1177-582*1

Apr * BRADDOCK BAY: See geese and ducks by the thousands along with

16-17 migrating hawks and other birds. Make reservations by APRIL 2 with

Sat-Sun the coordinator. Coordinator: Walt Sabin, 439-7344

Apr 23 SARATOGA AND ROUND LAKES: A morning trip to see ducks, geese,

Sat grebes, etc. Meet at 8:00 a.m. at Round Lake on Route 9*

Coordinator: Bernard Grossman, 882-9837

Apr 24 WOODCOCK AND OWLS: An evening trip to see courting woodcock and

Sun local owls. Meet at 7:00 p.m. at the Five Rivers Environmental

Education Center on Game Farm Road in Delmar.


Apr 30 * DELMARVA PENINSULA: See some southern species such as Brown-headed

- May 1 Nuthatch, Blue Grosbeak, Black-necked Stilt, etc. Make reservations

Sat-Sun by APRIL 9 with the coordinator. Coordinator: Sam Madison, 439-4753

May ** POINT PELEE NATIONAL PARK: A trip is being planned sometime in May

to this renowned birding area. If interested, make reservations

by FKB. 1 with the coordinator. Coordinator: Sam Madison, 439-4753

May 7 • BLACK CREEK MARSH PANCAKE BREAKFAST: Our annual local trip to see

Sat marsh birds and spring migrants. Meet at the Hennessey Road railroad

crossing. Early risers at 6:00 a.m., late risers at 8:00 a.m. Make

reservations for breakfast (at 10:30 a.m.) by MAT 1 with the

coordinator. Coordinator: Linda Armstrong, 768-2074

May 14 MONTGOMERY COUNTY: A morning trip to this neighboring county in

Sat search of Bluebirds, Red-headed Woodpeckers, Upland Sandpipers, etc.

Meet at 7:00 a.m. at the Schenectady County Community College parking

lot, Washington Ave. Schenectady. Coordinator: Tom Palmer, 1-843-1491

28



1988 FIELD TRIPS

SPRING 1988 continued

May 14 BIRD BANDING: See how and why banding is done. Banding will beSat conducted by Bob Yunick. Meet at 7:00 a.m. at the Vischer Ferry Game

Management Area entrance. Coordinator: Ann B»Rells, 355-5615

May 15 THACHER PARK: A morning trip in search of Ravens, warblers, andSun migrants. Meet at 7:30 a.m. at the Key Bank, Star Plaza Shopping

Center at the intersection of Routes 20 and 155.

Coordinator: Mike Crevier, 355-7631

May 18 FIVE RIVERS ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER: A morning trip to seeWed migrants and local residents. Meet at 8:00 a.m. at Five Rivers on

Game Farm Road in Delmar. Coordinator: Nancy Payne, 457-6092

May 21 CENTURY RUN: See how many birds you can find in a day. Join a

Sat group or form your own and cover your favorite spots in our 11 county

area. Each group MUST stay together and jointly identify birds

reported. Mail your reports to the coordinator, Bob Yunick,

1527 Myron Street, Schenectady, NY 12309. Reports mailed after

May 30 will not be counted. Coordinator: Bob Yunick, 377-0146

May 28 CHERRY PLAIN: A morning trip to see warblers, vireos, sapsuckers,

Sat hummingbirds, etc. Meet at 7:00 a.m. at the Howard Johnson's at the

intersection of Routes 4 and 1-90 in East Greenbush.

Coordinator: Mike Kuhrt, 477-8450

June 4 SARATOGA NATIONAL HISTORIC PARK: A day trip to this local park.

Sat Bring a lunch and meet at 7:30 a.m. at the north end of the Latham

Corners Shopping Center parking lot.

Coordinator: Richard Waugh, 482-4164

June 11 PINE BUSH: A morning trip in search of local specialties. Meet at

Sat 7:00 a.m. at the Key Bank, Star Plaza Shopping Center at the inter

section of Routes 20 and 155. Coordinator: Alan Mapes, 439-4086

July 16 • FERD'S BOG: A day trip to this Adirondack bog in search of three-

Sat -toed woodpeckers, Boreal Chickadees, etc. Make reservations

by JULY 9 with the coordinators.

Coordinators: Norman and Marilyn Fancher, 439-6385

SUMMER 1988

Aug 20 * JAMAICA BAY: A day trip to this popular area in search of migrating

Sat shore birds. Make reservations by AUG. 11 with the coordinator.

Coordinator: Linda Armstrong, 768-2074

Aug 27 • ORANGE COUNTY: A day trip to this southern county in search of

Sat shore birds and hawks. Make reservations by AUG. 20 with the


29



1988 FIELD TRIPStttttffff«ttttftt«ffff<

SUMMER 1988 Continued

Sept 10 • CONNECTICUT SHORE: A day trip in search of shore birds and fall

Sat migrants. Make reservations by SEPT. 3 with the coordinator.

Coordinator: Kevin McGrath, 272-1036

Sept 17 FIVE RIVERS ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER: A morning trip in

Sat search of fall migrants. Meet at 8:00 a.m. at Five Rivers on Game

Farm Road in Delmar. Coordinator: Nancy Payne, 457-6092

Sept 18 HELDERBERGS: A day trip to see migrating hawks. Meet at 8:30 a.m.

Sun at the Key Bank, Star Plaza Shopping Center at the intersection of

Routes 20 and 155. Coordinator: Arthur Long, 1-758-9283

AUTUMN 1988

Sept * CAPE MAY, NEW JERSEY: See shore birds, hawks, and fall migrants at

24-25 this exceptional location. Make reservations by SEPT. 1 with the

Sat-Sun coordinator. Coordinator: Bob Budliger, 439-0006

Oct 1 • JAMAICA BAY AND JONES BEACH: A day trip in search of shore birds

Sat and water fowl. Make reservations by SEPT. 24 with the coordinator.


Oct 8 BASIC AND ALCOVE RESERVOIRS: A morning trip to see water fowl,

Sat water pipits, etc. Meet at 8:30 a.m. at Routes 32 and 143 near the

reservoir. Coordinators: Norman and Marilyn Fancher, 439-6385

Oct •• CAPE COD AND PELAGIC TRIP FROM PROVINCETOWN: A NEW club trip which

22-23 should offer some good birding and some whale watching. Make

Sat-Sun reservations by AUG. 15 with the coordinator.


Oct 29 TOMHANNOCK RESERVOIR: A day trip around the reservoir in search of

Sat ducks, geese, gulls, etc* Meet at 8:30 a.m. at the junction of



Nov 5 JENNY LAKE: A presentation on feeder management at a year round

Sat feeder, including weather, mammals, banding studies, etc. Meet at

8:00 a.m. at north end of the Latham Corners Shopping Center parking

lot. Coordinator: Bob McCullough, 399-9504

Nov • NIAGARA RIVER - LAKE ERIE: A chance to see Little Gulls, Franklin's

19-20 Gulls and many other birds. Make reservations by Oct. 30 with the

Sat-Sun coordinator. Coordinator: Bill Lee, 374-3426



TROY CHRISTMAS COUNT 1988

30

SPRING 108:

THOUGHTS AS AUTUMN TURNS TO WINTER IN THE REIST SANCTUARY

The ground is not mud or muck or anything but hard.

There isn't snow yet.

Wildflowers present a hard decipherment.

The evergreens give the only privacy

or greenery or relief from browns on brown

there is,

Until the snow.

AEB

I /

FOR YOUR IMMEDIATE ATTENTION



of $3*00 per person, maximum, will be charged beginning in fiscal 1988.

Persons having on their person a current Federal Duck Stamp, a Golden Eagle


in a oar has any of these, the maximum entry fee per car will be $7.50.

CHINCOTEAGUE, in Virginia

FORSYTHE/BRIGANTINE, in New Jersey

MONTEZUMA, in New York

PARKER RIVER (PLUM ISLAND), in Massachusetts

•••tt«««o«««««««««««« FOR YOUR IMMEDIATE ATTENTION •#•««•■••••••••«•««««•

PHONE NUMBER CORRECTION

ERIC MOLHO (5i8)-489-5ll73 12 Fairlawn Ave. Albany 12203

•••«••«•••««•«•••««••« FOR YOUR IMMEDIATE ATTENTION •••««•••«««•••••«•••••

HMBC BUSINESS CARDS AVAILABLE

HMBC business cards are now available, carrying the DIAL-A-BIRD telephone

number and the handsome patch emblem. If you'd like some, give your editor a

call at 518-355-5615 or send a postcard to Ann B'Rells, 3 Okara Dr. Apt. 7,

Scheneotady, NY 12303, or pick them up at a HMBC meeting.

FOR YOUR IMMEDIATE ATTENTION *«««««*««««««««*««««««

31

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X8oTONIHdS

VOL. 49

No. 3SUMMER

1987


ROBERT S. ARBIB, JR.

Robert S. Arbib, Jr. died on July 20, 1987. He was an interna

tionally renowned ornithologist, perhaps best known as the editor of

National Audubo^s "American Birds" magazine, and as author of "Enjoying

Birds Around New York City". He founded the newsletter of the Linnaean

Society of New York, and was very active in New York City area birding.

Field Trip Reports

Local Team in World Series of Birding

More Field Trip Reports

Editor»s Page

On the Lighter Side of Birding

Pages 33 - 34

Page 35 - 38

Pages 39-41

Page 42

Page 43

FIVE RIVERS ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER

September 12, 1987

The threat of rain did not deter the eight stalwart birders and their

leader. The first stop down the Beaver Tree Trail proved to be the most

productive. In a shrubby area dotted with elm, pear, crabapple, and aspen

trees, were sighted a juvenile scarlet tanager, a red-eyed vireo, four black-

throated blue warblers along with numerous catbirds, robins, blue jays and

mourning doves. On the pond were woodduck, mallard and two belted

kingfishers.

The next hour and a half of walking produced the usual common birds but

they were few and far between. Only one hawk, a sharp-shinned, was spotted.

We ended the walk at the center's bird feeders and rounded out the list with

house sparrows and finches. Then the high-light of the morning, six double-

created cormorants flew over the pond beyond the feeders we began and ended

with a flair)

SPECIES SEEN (25): Double-crested Cormorant, Wood Duck, Mallard, Sharp-

shinned Hawk, Mourning Dove, Belted Kingfisher, Downy Woodpecker, Northern

Flicker, Eastern Phoebe, Blue Jay, American Crow, Black-capped Chickadee,

American Robin, Gray Catbird, Cedar Waxwing, European Starling, Red-eyed

Vireo, Blaok-throated Blue Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Scarlet Tanager,

Northern Cardinal, Common Grackle, House Finch, American Goldfinch, House

Sparrow.

— Nancy Payne

33

FEATHERS SUMMER 1Q87

HELDERBERGS - TRIP CANCELLED BUT READ ON

September 13, 1987

This trip to watch migrating hawks with leader Arthur Long was cancelled

due to heavy rain. But what a difference the weather makes! The chart which

follows gives the weather details and bird numbers, there is correlation also

with the dates and different kind of hawks migrating.

It rained for 3 days, then on the 14th it cleared with northwest winds

which brought the hawks. Milder winds on the 15th allowed the broad wings to

come in kettles as the sunshine produced thermals. Rain off and on for 2 or 3

days again followed by good NNW winds on the 24th brought good birds through

again. But after 2 or 3 good days unfavorable wind on the 26th seemed to mean

no movement of the hawks.

A pair of ravens were seen on the 14th and on the 24th a raven harrassed

a red tail, the raven being obviously larger than the hawk. On the 26th with

no hawks moving we walked down the woods path and caught sight of 8-10 wild

turkeys that were feasting on acorns.

SIGHTINGS AT THE PINNACLE AREA, HELDERBERGS - ALL IN SEPTEMBER, 1987

Date Monday 9/14 Tuesday 9/15 Thursday 9/24 Saturday 9/26

Start time

End time

Weather

11:00 am

3:15 pm

10:30 am

3:00 pm

12:10 pm

3:35 pm

10:35 am

1:35 pm

Sunny 65F Sunny 7OF Sunny 6OF Sunny 6OF

10$ clouds 10-30$ clouds 10-25$ clouds 15-90$ clouds

Wind

Participants

Bird Position

Turkey Vulture

Osprey

Northern Harrier

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Cooper1s Hawk

Broad-winged Hawk

Red-tailed Hawk

American Kestrel

Unidentified

TOTALS

Brisk NW at

7-10 mph

gusts to

15-20 mph

E. Molho

C. Vanderbilt

A.&D. Long

most low

5

3

12

1

39

4

1

2

67

Light and

variable

P. Connor

M.&H. Ennes

B. Swift

C. Hodges

A. Long

C. Vanderbilt

very high

2

1

2

7

172

32

6

195

NNW 5-18 mph

almost

constantly

W. Sabin

A.&D. Long

most low

1

WNW to Westerly

5-7 mph with

gusts to 15 mph

C. Vanderbilt

K. Schneider

A.&D. Long

moderately low

2 1 w/goldfish in talons

312

1

60 (kettles of 12,40,28 tsd)15

196

136

1

2

34

SUMMER 1Q87

LOCAL TEAM SCORES IN WORLD SERIES OF BIRDING

Not that we were bored with Hudson-Mohawk»s Century Run, but the lure ofthe big-time clouded our collective judgment and pulled us away. Away to theNew Jersey shores... and swamps... and salt marshes... and traffic... and theforth annual World Series of Birding.

A pretentious name to say the least. Yet the record for the event, 201

species, was held by none other than Roger Tory Peterson, leading a crew

called the "Guerrilla Birding Team". Our team had been in the thick of the

local Big Day competition for years, placing well but getting continually

beaten by a certain college professor and his students. If you1re going to

get beat, we reasoned, why not get beat by the best?

LATE TO SET UP!

So it was that we entered the New Jersey Audubon Society WSB. Our team

of four from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation was

hastily set up in early April and issued a challenge to our counterparts in

the New Jersey Dept. of Environmental Protection. Could we beat the hometown

team on their own turf? Were there any birders in the DEP? Could we do well

enough not to embarrass ourselves (none of us knew anything about N.J. birding

except Brig.)? How do you cover the whole state of Jersey in 24 hours? Were

we out of our league? Would our sponsor Dan Rubino at Mirakel Optical Company

regret wasting his money on us?

(WE DAT TO GET 0OR BEARINGS!

With the answer to only one of these questions (the rumor that DEP was

indeed fielding a team) George Steele and I headed south on Thursday with the

mission of scouting the route. We had little time to bird that day, but hoped

that a quick once over would at least keep us from getting lost on the Big

Day. Friday morning we headed back to northern NJ to meet up with Jim Suozzo

and team leader Bob Budliger.

THE BIGGEST DAT UNFOLDS AT MIDNIGHT

A shower and two hours of fitful sleep at the motel are meager prepar

ations for our 11:00 p.m. departure. Our jumping off point is deep in the

Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge and out of the van we pour at midnight.

The chase is on! Sora — Willow Flycatcher — Swamp Sparrow — George hoots,

hoots some more — Barred Owl! Only 146 to go to pull ourselves out of the

"embarrassed" column.

CORNEA, A RIVAL AND AN ALMA MATER

Back to the van, on to another location, walk some more. We pass the

Cornell University "Sapsuckers" on the trail, one of the 14 groups holding

after-dark passes for GSNWR. Cornell is Alma Mater to two of us - could we

hope to approach the score of such hotshots, winners of the out-of-region

trophy two years ago? Naw, get back to work! Canada Goose, Marsh Wren,

Virginia Rail, Am. Woodcock, Catbird, Horned Owl, Yellow Warbler,

Yellowthroat, R-S Towhee, Tree Swallow, Am. Robin, Y-B Chat I Leave Great

Swamp at 6:11 with 5 miles walked, 30 miles driven, 56 species, 52 had by all.


35


WORLD SERIES OF BIRDING Cont.

6 HOURS AND 56 BIRDS LATER:

WSB uses the American Birding Association Big Day rules, and adds some of

its own, such as "no tapes to be used in the field" (only in the car for

reference). The 95$ rule is in force - 95$ of the species in your team score

must be seen or heard (and identified) by all members of the team. Therefore,

you stay together and make sure everyone gets every bird possible.

ROOTED BY THE EXPERT

Peter Dunne of NJ Audubon, creator of this fine madness, graciously

recommended a route for our maiden attempt. Stop #2 on the agenda is our

Upland Sandpiper spot. Savannah Sparrow, Blue Grosbeak, Bobolink ...no uppies

on the fence posts. But wait! Through the scope one far-off uppie is found

in a plowed field. Everyone gets it after some quick shifts at the eye piece.

Wait again, what are those small birds moving around the clumps of dirt? They

are almost written off as Horned Larks - but no - some late Water Pipits!

They appear on the official checklist but are not even ranked on the "Can't

miss, Should See, or Lucky to Find It" system (only one other group would find

them that day).

CHEERED BT THE WATER PIPIT, WE THY FOR VASBLERS

Next, the bus leaves for Princeton Woods. We have 70 species so far and

need those great warblers for which the next stop is legendary. But alas, it

is not to be on this morning. We get only 15 species at Princeton and we

later find that we are the only team to miss No. Parula. Princeton is a

setback, but we push on to Assunpink Wildlife Management Area, where things

finally pick up. Ruddy Duck, C. Merganser, Orchard Oriole, Grasshopper

Sparrow, Indigo Bunting and Kestrel fall into the bag along with #100 - Bank

Swallow. On one of the dirt roads we pass a van with NJ Fish, Game and

Wildlife stickers on the doors. Could it be our competition? No time to find

out.

HO TIME FOR PLEASANTRIES

This day is different than Century Run, it's somehow more serious.

Groups of combatants pass on narrow paths with barely a grunted "hi" and no

pause for chit-chat. Exchanging information is strictly against the rules of

course, but we don't even pause to swap lies. Has the spirit of competition

gone too far?

A GOOD TIP AND A GOOD BIRD

Sharing information is encouraged before the big day, however, and we got

a good tip from the previous night's Cape May tape. A Reeve (female Ruff

sandpiper) has been found in a wet field near our route and we take a detour,

finding it still there. A life bird for three of us! We are almost 1 hour

behind schedule and Brigantine will be the next destination. To the horses!

Across the Pine Barrens we go, stopping twice to search the oaks and pines,

where more potential embarrassment are ticked off; Downy, White-breasted,

Prairie, Pine and Yellowrump.


36



THE DEATHKNELL TAKES ITS TOLL

Brig comes into view at 2:10. We have been warned that Brig is the

deathknell of out-of-state teams; it's too good. You want to stay all

afternoon. But Pete Dunne assured us that more than one hour is too long. It

takes us 1 1/2 hours to make the rounds, but we pick up 361 A quick check of

the list shows 150 species on the nose. Now we can go to the awards brunch

and hold our heads high. Better yet, everything from here on is gravy! Our

strategy from here on is to work our planned stops, in order, until the light

runs out and then shoot over to Dividing Creek. After 16 hours of heavy

birding the bodies are tired, if you stop long enough to think about it, so we

don't.

16 HOURS AND 150 BIRDS LATER:

Stone Harbor gives up the night herons and Little Blue. Numming Island

is dead so we push on to Cape May. Ten minutes at the 2nd Avenue Jetty

produces Purple Sandpiper, Common and Red-throated Loon, Oldsquaw and Black

Scoter. The Red-throat flies off as we leave - will others miss it? Cape

May Meadows continues the trend with Wilson's Phalarope, White-

rumped Sand-piper and Piping Plover. Our leader's eagle eye spots a Gannet

far, far out over the waves and all see it. Another hour killed at other

spots in Cape May produces only Horned Lark at the airport.

THE MYSTERY CONVERTIBLE

The day has been downright chilly, which makes us wonder as we pass a red

Turbo Saab convertible - with the top down - carrying four cold-looking gents.

Could it be? Naw.

THE END IN SIGHT?

At 8:00 we start the one hour drive to Dividing Creek, which is somewhere

up Delaware Bay and is the reputed home of Blaok Rail, Whip-poor-will, and

Chuck-wills-widow. When we arrive, a narrow dirt road leads out into the

marches with Whip-poor-wills calling distantly but no Chucks. We hear no rail

either, though the human show is fun to watch. Vehicles roar in, screech to a

halt and weary, dirty birders pile out and scramble off into the marsh. A

maroon Jaguar zooms in - the team from Great Britain. The Guerrilla's loaner

BMW is parked nearby, the Sapsucker's suburban also. Perhaps a dozen vehicles

come and go. Hearing is difficult with all the traffic and we decide to pack

it in for the long trip back to Cape May. Final Checklists must be in the

hands of the judges at the finish line by midnight. Tardiness means penalty

points.

ONE LAST STOP AND ONE LAST BIRD

One more stop is made on the road out of the marshes and a shrill hiss

overhead gives us the last bird - Barn Owl. Later, as the trip drags on and

the heads bob with drowsiness, the final tally sheet shows 168 species. No

winning score, but a respectable first try.


37

FEATHERS SUMMER 1987


DIHHER AND WE WATCH THE SCORE BOARD

The lights of Cape May Point State Park mean food, drink, chit-chat (now

flowing freely), and the anxious watching of the score board. Only now do the

hands shake as sandwiches move unsurely toward the mouths. Team totals

periodically go up on the board, and we stay long enough to see the old record

fall - a 204 and then a 205!

THE MORNING AFTER

The awards brunch at 10:00 the next morning is great. Roger holds court,

presenting awards and telling of the old times hitch-hiking to Cape May. Top

awards go to the Bushnell-sponsored Chapman Bird Club Team with 205 - yes it

was them in the red Saab freezing their ears all day, but boy could they hear

well! The formidable National Geographic team takes the out-of-region trophy

with 191* The Brits prove their plunk with 187 and the 21 teams finishing

stretch on down the ranks to the last place NJ DEP with 116 - they birded only

their own State Wildlife Management Areas. We placed in the middle of the

pack, but wait! We have beaten Cornell which posts a 166!!!

00R 168 BEAT CORNELL!

How sweet and nasty it is! But lest we forget in our competitive glee,

the WSB was created for the purpose of showcasing our sport and to raise money

for worthy conservation causes. To date, over $250,000 has been raised from

pledges given on a "cents per bird" basis.

HAIBE NEXT TEAR

And for next year? Back at the Century Run it might take a couple of

months for the shock of the day to wear off and to start the next years

strategy. But not in Jersey. Planning for the next assault started

Immediately. Next year the 180's!

Alan Mapes

9/21/87

««««««ff«««««ff««ff«ff«««««ft«ff««««««ff«««««ff«««ff«««««ff«ff«««ff«ffff««««ff«««ff«««5HARE IT

GREAT BIRDING ADVENTURE? - SHARE IT!

After enjoying a vicarious big day in New Jersey with Alan, won't you

think about sharing one of your own adventures? It needn't be as long... any

length that covers the story is fine. No promises, but most everything gets

accommodated eventually. We want to hear from you! Send your tale to the

editor (address on last page). It may be handwritten. You always enjoy

sharing blrding experiences with HMBCers at meetings and in the field, but

here's you chance to share with all. Don't be shy, we're not at all critical,

and writing style should be your own. It's the birds that count!

t«««««tt«t«««tt«ttttt««tt«t«t«tt«ffttttffttffttttttttttfftttfftttffttttttttt5HARE IT

38

FEATHERS . SUMMER 1Q87

CONNECTICUT COAST: NEW HAVEN HARBOR AND MILFORD POINT

September 19, 1987

It was a chilly, damp, gray morning when a small group of area birders

headed off toward the Connecticut Coast. The threat of rain and low-hanging

clouds were with us throughout the day. Fortunately, as though in respect for

our persistence, the threat never materialized.

En route to New Haven Harbor, we saw several Red Tail hawks as well as

Turkey Vultures and a large group of Mute Swans with their signets.

We reached the harbor area at 9:40 a.m. The tide, high at 8:30 a.m., was

inching out slowly. Around the harbor small patches of exposed flats served

as gathering points for the gulls, peeps, and plovers. On one such patch we

observed several Gr. Yellowlegs, Black-bellied Plovers, Semipalmated Plovers,

and a flock of 20 or so Semipalmated Sandpipers which were intent on catching

a few more minutes of sleep despite our presence. The Cormorants and Black

Ducks were abundant around the harbor area. Finally convinced we had seen

everything in the area, we set out for the West Haven/Savin Rock Harbor area.

At West Haven, we spent many minutes stalking a group of three very

elusive sparrows. Getting only brief glimpses as they darted from scrub to

scrub along the spit we patiently pursued them. As the beach grass thinned

out we finally got several good views at what turned out to be Sharp-tailed

Sparrows.

We left the Savin Rock area and headed for Milford Point. Along the way

we stopped to watch a group of 7-9 Osprey fishing in a small bay. We spent

much time here enjoying the view of these magnificent birds of prey as they

earned their lunch. There were, naturally, large groups of gulls on hand to

harass the young Osprey and steal a free meal for themselves.

We arrived at the Milford Point Wildlife Refuge about 1 p.m. By now the

tide had exposed large sections of the estuary, and offshore sand bars and

flats. Several hundred yards offshore, the largest group of Sanderlings I've

ever seen was diligently probing the newly-exposed mud. The entire sandbar

seemed to be swaying as the little shorebirds ran up and down the bar in

search of tasty morsels. Several more Osprey appeared and began their own

search in the narrowing tidal channels. After 2 hours, the group felt we had

seen enough of Milford Point, having combed every inch with binoculars and

telescopes.

Cold, tired, hungry but quite satisfied, we departed the Connecticut

Coast, determined to return another day.

SPECIES SEEN (42): Double-crested Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, Great Egret,

Snowy Egret, Little Blue Heron, Green-backed Heron, Mute Swan, Canada Goose,

American Black Duck, Mallard, Turkey Vulture, Osprey, Red-tailed Hawk,

American Kestrel, Black-bellied Plover, Semipalmated Plover, Killdeer, Greater

Yellowlegs, Ruddy Turnstone, Sanderling, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Laughing

Gull, Ring-billed Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Rock Dove,

Mourning Dove, Belted Kingfisher, Northern Flicker, Blue Jay, American Crow,

American Robin, European Starling, Common Yellowthroat, Northern Cardinal,

Chipping Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, Sharp-tailed Sparrow, Song Sparrow, House

Finch, American Goldfinch, House Sparrow. — Kevin McGrath

39


ALCOVE AND BASIC RESERVOIRS

September 27, 1987

A clear day with warm temperatures made for a very productive outing for

the 13 birders who went on this half day trip. Forty-five species were seen

including blackpoll warbler, solitary vireo, water pipit, and an osprey who

was seen catching a fish.

In addition to the birds seen by the group, the trip leader had to stop

on the way to a meeting place to let a flock of fifteen wild turkeys cross the

road.

SPECIES SEEN(45): Pied-billed Grebe, Great Blue Heron, Canada Goose, Wood

Duck, Green-winged Teal, American Black Duck, Mallard, Northern Pintail, Blue-

winged Teal, Ring-necked Duck, Turkey Vulture, Osprey, Northern Goshawk, Red-

tailed Hawk, American Kestrel, Ruffed Grouse, Wild Turkey, American Coot ,

Herring Gull, Mourning Dove, Downy Woodpecker, Eastern Phoebe, Blue Jay,

American Crow, Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted

Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, House Wren, American Robin, Gray Catbird, Water

Pipit, Cedar Waxwing, European Starling, Solitary Vireo, Red-eyed Vireo,

Yellow-rumped Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler, Blackpoll Warbler,

Chipping Sparrow, Field Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-

throated Sparrow, American Goldfinch. — Norman Fancher

TOMHANNOCK RESERVOIR

October 2k, 1987

Some nineteen birders enjoyed a nice day's trip around the Tomhannock

Reservoir, to Harrington's Pond and to the surrounding areas. A total of 51

species were seen including interesting sightings of Water Pipits, Common

Snipe, and Bluebirds. A great number of Canada Geese and Snow Geese were seen

coming and going from the reservoir, and at Harrington's Pond and in the

surrounding fields. A variety of water fowl were spotted including several

Common Loons, Red-necked and Pied-billed Grebes, White-winged Scoters in

addition to the more usually seen varieties.

The weather was pleasant with a flat calm in the early part of the day

which helped with sightings. After mid-morning the wind came up with white-

caps developing on the water. The water level was high due to recent rains

and snow which cut down on the number of shore birds seen here only a few

weeks ago.

SPECIES SEEN (51): Common Loon, Pied-billed Grebe, Red-necked Grebe, Great

Blue Heron, Snow Goose, Canada Goose, American Black Duck, Mallard, Northern

Shoveler, Ring-necked Duck, Greater Scaup, White-winged Scoter, Hooded

Merganser, Common Merganser, Turkey Vulture, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Red-tailed

Hawk, Killdeer, Common Snipe, Bonaparte's Gull, Ring-billed Gull, Herring

Gull, Rock Dove, Mourning Dove, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Blue Jay,

American Crow, Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, Red-breasted Nuthatch,

White-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Eastern

Bluebird, Hermit Thrush, American Robin, Water Pipit, European Starling,

Northern Cardinal, Chipping Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow,

Dark-eyed Junco, Red-winged Blackbird, Eastern Meadowlark, Common Grackle,

Brown-headed Cowbird, House Finch, American Goldfinch, House Sparrow.

— William Shuster

kO

FEATHER.S - SDMMER 1Q87

LONG ISLAND BEACHES

November 7, 1987

Nine birders assembled at 10 a.m. at the westernmost parking field at

Robert Moses State Park at the western end of Fire Island, across the Fire

Island Inlet from Captree State Park. Because of the high winds and blowing

sand (Ughl) we birded around the shrubs and evergreens searching for theunusual. The vegetated area functions as a migrant trap for warblers,

sparrows and such. There were no unusual species and not too many of the

other kind.

We then moved westward to Zach's Bay at Jones Beach. We found quite a

few shorebirds on the shore of the bay, mostly sanderling, dunlin, and black-

bellied plover. We also searched the area nearby where some of us had seen

the golden-crowned sparrow three weeks earlier. No luck.* We then moved onto

the boat basin next to the U. S. Coast Guard Station at the west end of Jones

Beach - not much there.

Next we went to Point Lookout, across Jones Inlet from Jones Beach, to

check the breakwater for purple sandpiper. After a few minutes searching the

rocks two purples showed themselves. For a few of the party they were

rewarded with fine looks at a life bird.

After checking for other goodies and not finding same we headed for

Jamaica Bay. Here we really added species to the day's list. The marbled

godwit was probably the best species here.

•Right after this we checked the ocean. The only thing of note was

a movement of gannets westward just offshore. In the few minutes we spent

here we saw probably 15 of them. More than likely several hundred could have

been seen had we time to spare. The gannets were obviously migrating along

the coast, some eventually going as far as Florida or beyond.

SPECIES SEEN (81): Red-throated Loon, Common Loon, Pied-billed Grebe, Horned

Grebe, Northern Gannet, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, Great

Egret, Snowy Egret, Mute Swan, Snow Goose, Brant, Canada Goose, Green-winged

Teal, American Black Duck, Mallard, Northern Pintail, Northern Shoveler,

Gadwall, American Wigeon, Canvasback, Redhead, Greater Scaup, Lesser Scaup,

Oldsquaw, Black Scoter, Buffiehead, Hooded Merganser, Common Merganser, Red-

breasted Merganser, Ruddy Duck, Northern Harrier, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Red-

tailed Hawk, American Kestrel, Ring-necked Pheasant, Northern Bobwhite,

American Coot, Black-bellied Plover, American Oystercatcher, Greater

Yellowlegs, Willet, Marbled Godwit, Sanderling, Purple Sandpiper, Dunlin,

Short-billed Dowitcher, Laughing Gull, Bonaparte*s Gull, Ring-billed Gull,

Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Forsterfs Tern, Rock Dove, Mourning

Dove, Downy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Blue Jay, American Crow, Black-

capped Chickadee, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Hermit Thrush, American Robin,

Northern Mockingbird, European Starling, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Northern

Cardinal, Rufous-sided Towhee, Chipping Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, Fox

Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Dark-

eyed Junco, Red-winged Blackbird, Eastern Meadowlark, Brown-headed Cowbird,

House Finch, American Goldfinch, House Sparrow. — Walt Sabin

FEATHERS gUflMPH 1987

FROM YOUR EDITOR...

ATTENTION HMBC COMPUTER USERS:

If you use a PC type computer, and also sometimes send In FEATHERS





FIELD TRIP LEADERS:

The write-ups on field trips have been great this year - keep up the

good work. Your readers thank you.

Don't do unnecessary work for FEATHERS I Only the write-up needs be

written or typed on the report sheet. The "SPECIES SEEM" are developed from

your small checklist, so don't bother with typing that up.

We don't usually run the numbers of birds except where that is

really pertinent, such as in the duck count or hawk watch counts. It's

perfectly ok to send me a copy with numbers you used for the records committee

but if you are doing by hand, don't bother.

DEADLINES:

For VOL 49 #4 Which is marked Fall 1987 Feb. 1, 1988

For VOL 50 #1 Which is marked Winter 1988 Mar. 1, 1988

HMBC RECORDS COMMITTEE NEEDS YODH RECORDS:




— Ann E. B'Rells

RARE BIRD ALERT - PHONE CHAIN:

The rare bird alert chain is now functioning. If you want to be part of

the chain after reading the rules below, oall Linda Armstrong.

The chain begins with Alan Mapes at his home or at Five Rivers

Environmental Education Center. Anyone with information on an interesting

bird, either found locally or within a day's driving distance then calls Alan

so the phone chain can begin.

People on the phone chain must accept the responsibility to always call

the next in line, as soon as possible. Birders have a much better chance of

actually seeing a rarity if they act quickly. If the person you are assigned

to call can't be reached then you must call the next in line until someone is

reached. Also, you must try at a later time to reach the original person. We

want everyone interested to receive any rarity information rapidly. I'm

personally hoping for a mangrove cuckoo to show up locally any day now.

— Linda Armstrong

42


WHAT THE BIRDER SAYSfftt

It's a nice day for blrdwatchlng.

Schenectady is a great place for

warblers in the Spring.

I'll only be a minute to look

over that pond.

WHAT THE BIRDER MEANS

Any day is a nice day for birdwatching.

My budget won't stretoh to San Diego.

See you after sunset.

Owls are among my favorite birds. See you after 11 p.m.

This trip will be half birding

and half touring.

We should look into that new

computer software company soon.

We should review the operations of

our new manufacturing plant in

Texas.

Mexico would be educational for

the ohildren.

Let's visit your mother.

There1s nothing to do here.

Half the time will be spent getting to

the next birding spot.

Maybe I can do a California century run.

I need the black-bellied whistling-duck,

I still need the black-bellied

whistling-duck, and five hummingbirds.

I still need the snail kite.

There are no birds.

WHAT THE BIRDER SAYS WHAT THE NON-BIRDER THINKS

It's not too cold by the ocean

in January.

It's only a bit out of our way.

These new binoculars have all the

power and width of field you

could want.

These new binoculars are very

sharp, powerful, and light.

There aren't many mosquitos.

Would you mind carrying the scope?

Let's do this again next year.

For the eiders, maybe.

Three states?

16 tons worth.

16 hundred dollars worth.

Then what are the warblers eating?

Yes.

Let's not.

— Ann E. B'Rells


FEATHERS

PRESIDENT:




OFFICERS

Richard Waugh 15 Winthrop Ave. Albany 12203



TREASURER: William Shuster Box 76, Avenue A Melrose 12121

Vol. 49, No. 3SUMMER

1987

482-^164

439-4086

372-8330

235-2479

FEATHERS EDITOR: Ann B'Rells, 3 Okara Dr. Apt 7, Schenectady 12303 355-5615


the Treasurer.



MEMBERSHIP: Life - $200; Sustaining - $18; Active - $12; Student - $5;











NON-PROFIT

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

Permit #195

Sohenectady, NY

Dr. & Mrs. Robert P. Yunick

1527 Myron Street

Schenectady NY 12309

44

VOL. 49 FALL

No. 4 1987

PUBLISHED QUARTERLY BY HUDSON-MOHAWK BIRD CLUB, INC.

************************************************************

Best of Brazil

HMBC Gives Videos to Libraries

Editor's Page

Breeding Birds Atlas

Field Trip Report

HMBC Changes

Pages

Page

Page

Page

Page

Page

45-48 *

48 *

49 *

50 *

51 *

52 *

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BEST OF BRAZIL

by Richard Waugh

This was the title for a visit to three Brazilian national parks and a

biological reserve, all located south of Amazonia, operated by Victor Emanuel

Nature Tours for the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology. The visit to the

southern half of Brazil took 17 days in the second half of September, 1987, at

the end of the Brazilian dry season.

Tour leaders were Ted Parker, a researcher at Louisiana State University

and author of the forthcoming Birds of Peru, and Steve Hilty, co-author of

Birds of Columbia. Both were excellent in bird identification and had two of

the finest pairs of ears I've encountered to date. Sounds were an important

tool in identifying, locating, and calling out the shy forest birds we

encountered in the second half of the trip.

Emas National Park

Described by one naturalist as "South America's finest national park,"

Emas is some 400 square miles of tall grass savanna with gallery forest.

Fenced to keep out cattle, it is reminiscent of Africa without the multitudes

of large mammals and the water holes at which they congregate. Emas has the

world's highest density of termite mounds and supports a population of giant

anteaters. The only large animals seen were the anteaters and pampas deer.

We flew into Emas in three charter planes; the one I was in made three extra

landings at ranches to inquire the way to Emas, before finally reaching the

park airstrip on the fourth try. There were no landing aids or lights at the

airstrip.


50 YEARS OLD

HMBC WILL CELEBRATE 50 YEARS AS A BIRD CLUB IN 1989.

WATCH FOR DETAILS AS THE SPECIAL TASK FORCE ON THE ANNIVERSARY YEAR GEARS UP.

45

FEATHERS FALL 1987

BEST OF BRAZIL continued

Emas National Park continued

Emas is not normally open to the public and has no special facilities for

visitors. Our party stayed at park headquarters in a bunk house with five

rooms and two toilets. A nearby building served as mess hall where a large

variety of food, including the ubiquitous rice and beans, was served family

style.

The birding highlight was a red-legged seriema on its nest along a park

road. The seriema looks and acts very much like Africa's secretary bird but

is not related. It is a product of evolutionary convergence which leads

unrelated species to approach the same appearance when inhabiting similar

habitat niches.

The two days in Emas, we had thunder showers, the first of the

approaching rainy season. As a result we saw the larva of a local beetle

which inhabits the termite mounds and emits a phosphorescent green light.

Each termite mound was covered by thousands of lights — when scanning the

horizon with binoculars, we would see hundreds of mounds lit up. The early

rains stimulate the larva to display, possibly to attract food.

The Pantanal (Biological Reserve)

Before heading into the Pantanal, we took an afternoons' drive northeast

of Cuiba to the southern extremity of the Amazon forest. Overlooking a

forested canyon we could see parrots and macaws returning to their roosting

perches in the late afternoon. Especially impressive were a pair of

endangered blue-winged macaws which came to a perch within a few yards of us

on the edge of the Chapada. A male swallow tanager was also a highlight.

The Pantanal, extending 100 miles along the eastern edge of the upper

Paraguay River, in southwestern Brazil, is a seasonally flooded grassland with

patches of forest. It is the largest marsh in the Americas. As this was the

dry season, the birds we saw were in the pools alongside the two lane gravel

road we took south into the Northern Pantanal. There were many wading birds

feeding in the water, including Jabiru storks, wood storks, ibis, Cocoi

herons, spoonbills, and tiger herons, but only a handful of ducks.

One-lane bridges every few hundred yards were marked by pools of water

inhabited by caimans and capybaras. The slow pace dictated by the bridges

meant that we had good viewing from the bus as we drove along. Along the road

much of the way were cattle ranches which predate the establishment of the

reserve and which coexist well with the wildlife.

A morning boat trip on the Rio Cuiba produced what was for me the best

bird of the trip: a pair of spectacular hyacinth macaws, the largest of some

300 parrots. These birds first displayed in a tree along the river and then

circled the boat letting us see their plumage in the best of light. There

were many raptors over the Pantanal: hawks, kites, falcons, but unlike

Africa, no eagles.

(Continued on page 47)

46

FEATHERS FALL 1987


Foz de lguacu National Park

This is the location for lguacu Falls, featured in the movie, The

Mission. The falls are 269 feet high, 30 to 40 feet higher than Niagara

Falls, and two and one-half miles wide, divided into hundreds of individual

falls separated by rocky and heavily forested islands. The park is fourteen

miles from the mouth of the Parana River, on the borders between Brazil,

Argentina, and Paraguay. lguacu is the Guarani Indian word for "great water."

lguacu is a prime tourist destination for Brazilians; the accommodations and

food were first class.

Birding the roads within the park produced many forest birds. Birding

became much more difficult as it was hard to see many of the birds which

refused to leave the heavy cover. Although we often birded throughout the

day, it became increasingly important here and at Itatiaia to be out before

dawn when the birds were singing and calling. Tape recorders carried by both

leaders were important. Rather than carrying libraries of tapes, Ted and

Steve recorded the birds as they sang and then called them in. Even when

responding to a tape, many of the birds remained elusive.

Many of the birds seen from here on were antbirds: antshrikes,

antvireos, antwrens, antthrushes, antpittas, et al. There were also many

species of flycatchers and their allies. It would have been impossible to

separate them all out without the expertise of our leaders. There was no one

field guide and what illustrations were available were often poor.

Itatiaia National Park

Itatiaia is located between Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo in the coastal

Mantequeira Mountains on Brazil's second highest peak. Although it was still

winter, Rio was having 100°F temperatures while we were experiencing highs in

the 70's in the mountains. (Wood-burning fireplaces were a feature of our

chalets.) Itatiaia is an older park with a number of deluxe lodges available.

Here, too, accommodations and food were in the luxury class. The three days

spent here were a fitting conclusion to the tour of Brazil.

The lodge with its hummingbird feeders was a source of sightings of

several hummingbirds, including the Black Jacobin, violet-capped woodnymph,

Brazilian ruby, and versicolored emerald.

The roads around the lodge teemed with tanagers. Even the names evolve

the variety: fawn-breasted, green-headed, gilt-edged, brassy-breasted,

golden-chevroned, and ruby-crowned to mention only a few of the descriptive

names. There were many of the antbirds and we got good looks at a number of

the impressive toucans: spot-billed toucanet, saffron toucanet, and red-

breasted toucan. A great sight was a pair of rare Mantled Hawks circling over

a forest clearing.

Rio de Janeiro

Those of us returning to Miami had brief glimpses of Ipanema, Sugarloaf

and the Christ Statue, and a too-short visit to the world-class Botanical

Gardens of Rio before another overnight flight back to the United States.

(conclusion on bottom of page 49)

47

FEATHERS FALL 1987

FROM YOUR EDITOR...

ONE MORE YEAR:

Your editor is sad to announce that due to the pressure of work she

will be editing FEATHERS only until April of 1989, when the HMBC PUBLICATIONS

COMMITTEE will be'handed into the able hands of Dick Waugh, as he steps down

from the presidency. Altogether, in two times at bat, I've been your editor

for ten years, and it is time for another voice to be heard.

FIELD TRIP LEADERS:

The write-ups on field trips have been great this year - keep up the

good work. Your readers thank you.

Don't do unnecessary work for FEATHERS! Only the write-up needs be

written or typed on the report sheet. The "SPECIES SEEN" are developed from

your small checklist, so don't bother with typing that up.

We don't usually run the numbers of birds except where that is

really pertinent, such as in the duck count or hawk watch counts. It's

perfectly ok to send me a copy with numbers but if you are doing by hand,

don't bother. For the records committee, please see below.

DEADLINES: For VOL 50 #2 Which is marked Spring 1988 Sept. 1, 1988

Please call your editor at 355-5615 if you have an article which is

timely, to get the REAL deadline for the next issue, and for the one after

that, since from this issue to the end of my term, there will be almost

monthly publication.

HMBC RECORDS COMMITTEE NEEDS YOUR RECORDS:




If this is your first time sending records to Linda, please call her to

get a copy of her checklist format, which is very different from any other.

This will help her immensely.

NEW STORE FEATURES BIRDWATCHING STUFF

A new store, called the "Backyard Birds Specialty Shoppe", has opened in

the area catering to the bird feeder, both meanings. Though many varied

stores carry bird seed and feeders, as far as your editor is aware, this is

the first commercial venture to target only people who feed birds, and that's

why it is mentioned here.

Incidently, it would be very nice to run an article in Feathers on the

various Capitol District sources for the things birders need, such as books,

and binoculars, as well as birdseed. If anyone would like to take this on,

please contact....

— Ann E. B'Rells

48

FEATHERS FALL 1987

HMBC DONATES BIRDING VIDEOS TO LIBRARIES

In keeping with our tradition of education in the community/ HMBC has

donated copies of two birding video tapes to area libraries. The tapes chosen

for the first donations were "Watching Birds with Roger Tory Peterson", and

"Audubon Society's Video Guide to the Birds of North America". The tapes were

chosen after reviewing many of the tapes currently available. In addition,

the HMBC Board is currently looking into a second set of tapes for the

libraries.

"Hatching Birds with Roger Tory Peterson" was donated to the following

libraries:

Schenectady County Public Library

Albany Public Library

Bethlehem Public Library

William K. Sanford Town Library (Colonie)

Southern Adirondack Library System (Saratoga Springs)

"Audubon Society's Video Guide to the Birds of North America" was donated

to these library systems:

Schenectady County Public Library

Southern Adirondack Library System (Saratoga Springs)

Upper Hudson Library Federation

Anyone wishing to view these videos should contact their local library to

make arrangements for borrowing them. The Mohawk Valley Library Association

(Schenectady County Public Library) covers Fulton, Montgomery, Schenectady and

Schoharie Counties. Southern Adirondack Library System covers Hamilton,

Saratoga, Warren and Washington counties. The Upper Hudson Library Federation

covers Albany and Rensselaer counties.


Conclusions

We saw a lot of birds, many well and some only glimpses, while our

leaders heard and saw many that most of us missed. A number of the larger

birds were ones that can be seen in Southern Florida. It was interesting to

see large numbers of snail kites, limpkins, and crested caracaras which are

seen in only small numbers in Florida.

The vast size of Brazil resulted in a lot of time lost to air travel. Of

the 15 days in Brazil, four days were taken in travel. We covered an area in

Brazil roughly equivalent to the United States east of the Mississippi River.

We only reached our first birding stop, Emas, at noon on the third day from

Albany. Only into and out of the Pantanal did we travel any distance on the

ground where we could bird from the bus.

It was a worthwhile experience and I'm glad I had Brazil high on my listof priorities. We saw a great many tropical birds without the discomforts of

the rain forest. But I don't think I'll repeat the trip.

49

FEATHERS FALL 1987

BREEDING BIRDS ATLAS PUBLISHED!

After all that work, the Atlas is finally available. Cornell University

Press has issued "THE ATLAS OF BREEDING BIRDS OF NEW YORK STATE", edited by

Robert F. Andrle and Janet R. Carroll. More than 4000 volunteers, including

Dick Guthrie as this area's organizer, and many club members, worked to gather

the data represented in this compilation, supervised by the Federation of New

York State Bird Clubs.

The book includes distribution maps for each of 237 birds native to New

York. Eight supplementary acetate map overlays of ecozones, mean

temperatures, elevations, precipitation, potential forest types, forest cover,

river systems, and Federal and state wildlife regions and counties, are

available separately to use with the distribution maps.

At the Federation meeting at Saratoga, enlargements of distribution maps

without species labels made a big hit as a contest, as many excellent birders

and students of New York State's birding population and even professionals,

made fools of themselves over the most confusing distributions.

This book will be a great help to many people interested in the birds of

New York State. The Records committee has already placed their order. Many

of the atlasing birders in the area are sure to want one, too. (Editor's

note: to WFB, now you know what to get me!)

The book is available from Cornell University Press for $29.95, with a

separate charge for the overlays at $9.95, no combined discount. Add $2.50

for postage and handling. Prices may change without notice. Send your order

to:

Cornell University Press,

124 Roberts Place

P. O. Box 250

Ithaca, NY 14851

Order 16914 for ANDRLE/The Atlas of Breeding Birds in NY State

Order 21765 for map overlays for the Atlas of Breeding Birds in NY State*******************

A TRUE ACCIDENTAL

From Downeast Magazine, July 1987, North by East: "Our friend Chandler

Richmond never saw a purple cow, and we dare say he never hopes to see one.

But show the curator emeritus of Ellsworth's famous Birdsacre sanctuary a

purple gullinale, and the veteran ornithologist flies into ecstasies.

Reversing the usual migrating pattern of birds and man, a purple gullinale

fluttered exhausted into Cherryfield last January during the height of a

snowstorm..."

The gullinale is not a rail

or any bird aquatic;

I cannot find it listed

in the field guides in my attic.

But RTP provides the key:

it seems that as a rule

the bird is known to birders

as the purple gallinule. — R. F. Boehm

50

FEATHERS FALL 1987

SARATOGA AND ROUND LAKES

November 14, 1987

A crowd of twenty-five birders assembled at Round Lake for the trip.

Early arrivers found a common loon and a common merganser on the lake, but

boat traffic and waterfowl hunting had driven all the birds off by our 8:30start time.

A stop along Cramer Road on the way to Saratoga Lake produced some land

birds for the list: northern juncO/ brown creeper, and song sparrow notable

among them. The lake did not offer great numbers of birds, but gave a good

variety of species. Beautiful close looks were offered by common loon, horned

grebe, brant, ring-necked duck, common merganser, hooded merganser, and a loneBonaparte's gull.

A pair of scoters caused a good deal of head scratching before they were

positively identified. The two birds were quite different in size, and were

eventually found to be a male white-winged scoter and an immature black

scoter. The two stayed close together for the twenty minutes that we observed

them.

Other water birds found included: Pied-billed Grebe, Red-necked Grebe,

Canada Goose, American Black Duck, Mallard, Canvasback, Greater Scaup, Common

Goideneye, Bufflehead, American Coot, Ring-billed Gull, Herring Gull, and

Great Black-backed Gull.

A lone killdeer sat huddled on the shore and a lone male kingfisher gave

us a fly-by. Further treats along the lake shore were afforded by a flock of

25 pine siskins and a pileated woodpecker. The trip list tallied 47 species

when hunger and the need for a potty break split the group at about 1:00 p.m.

(Editor's note: only 45 species were on the checklist, sorry.)

SPECIES SEEN (45): Common Loon, Pied-billed Grebe, Horned Grebe, Red-necked

Grebe, Brant, Canada Goose, American Black Duck, Mallard, Canvasback, Ring-

necked Duck, Greater Scaup, Black Scoter, White-winged Scoter, Common

Goideneye, Bufflehead, Hooded Merganser, Common Merganser, Red-tailed Hawk,

American Coot , Killdeer, Bonaparte's Gull, Ring-billed Gull, Herring Gull,

Great Black-backed Gull, Rock Dove, Mourning Dove, Belted Kingfisher, Downy

Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, Blue Jay, American Crow,

Black-capped Chickadee, Red-breasted Nuthatch, White-breasted Nuthatch, Brown

Creeper, Northern Mockingbird, European Starling, American Tree Sparrow, Song

Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, House Finch, Pine Siskin, American Goldfinch, House

Sparrow.

— Alan Mapes

BUT ONLY IF THERE ARE MORE THAN ONE...

New York Birders, the FNYSBC newsletter, quotes Mike Lepske in "National

Wildlife" as saying that it's not birdwatching anymore, it's birdlng, and you

are now a birder, not a birdwatcher. There's no doubt that that's the trend,

but sometimes trends take a little while to fully catch on. For example, the

spelling checker used by your editor will accept birders but not birder.

Perhaps it's caught on to our gregariousness! Anyway, the newer terminology

does not carry those old denigrating connotations. Good Birding — Ann B'Rells

51

FEATHERS FALL 1987

CHARLES ALHEIM STEPS DOWN FROM CO-LEADERSHIP OF SANCTUARY COMMITTEE

After many years of service to the Sanctuary and the club, Charles Alheim

has stepped down from his position of co-chairmanship of the Sanctuary

Committee due to the pressure of all the other roles he plays in this

community. Thanks are due him for all his tireless efforts on our behalf.

BETTY CALLANAN IS NEW SANCTUARY CO-CHAIRPERSON

Bette Moon will now be joined by Betty Callanan, a relatively new HMBC

member who lives adjacent to the Sanctuary and who is very interested in its

care. We thank Betty Callanan for taking on this responsibility.

NEW OFFICERS FOR 1988

The HMBC Vice-President for 1988 is Linda Armstrong. Our former Vice-

President, Alan Mapes, is now Secretary. Both President Richard Waugh and

Treasurer William Shuster, as well as all the directors, are carrying on again

this year.

PORTABLE COMPUTER FOR BIRD WATCHERS

From the New York Times, April 15 - AP:

Battery-run portable computers haven't yet joined field guides and

binoculars as standard equipment for the bird watcher, but that day may come,

says Edward Mair.

Three years ago Mr. Mair started the Newburyport Birders Exchange, a

computer users group that he says now has members in 30 states, Mexico and

Puerto Rico.

"If you want to know how many osprey were flying at a certain location

when the wind was from the northwest and the temperature was above 52 degrees,

all you have to do is type in a couple of commands and it's there," Mr. Mair

said.

Mark Oberle, of Decatur, Ga. uses floppy discs to keep track of the 1836

different species he says he has sighted world-wide. "You can't manage all

that by hand, " he said. He also uses an astronomical program in his computer

to work out the time of first light in unfamiliar haunts.

Editor's note: Maybe "Birder" is the current term (see elsewhere in this

issue) but you won't catch the New York Times using it.

PERSONAL COMPUTERS BECOME PART OF THE EVERYDAY RUNNING OF HMBC

Of course there is the PC for word-processing, such as the one your

editor used to put this issue of FEATHERS together. And the one Alan Mapes

uses to put together the HMBC directory. And those of you in the know have

guessed what program is used to make up the flyers for program notices and

made the big telephone that announced the new Dial-A-Bird number. Several

HMBCers have their life lists on PC's. And the Records Committee depends on

one. There is now even a scanner which can take typewritten material and read

it directly into the PC. But to my knowledge, no one in HMBC takes theirs out

into the field. Do you? — Ann B'Rells

52

FEATHERS FALL 1987


1988 FIELD TRIPS****************i

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC:

These field trips are open to the public, and we extend a cordial invitation

to non-members to attend these trips to learn and enjoy a greater appreciation

of our wildlife heritage. One need not be an expert or semi-expert to attend.



RESPONSIBILITY:

While we encourage anyone interested to attend these trips, your attendance is

on your own responsibility. The Hudson-Mohawk Bird Club offers these trips




18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian with

responsibility for their actions and well being.



of $3.00 per person, maximum, will be charged beginning in fiscal 1988.

Persons having on their person a current Federal Duck Stamp, a Golden Eagle


in a car has any or these, the maximum entry fee per car will be $7.50.

CHINCOTEAGUE, in Virginia FORSYTHE/BRIGANTINE, in New Jersey

MONTEZUMA, in New York PARKER RIVER (PLUM ISLAND), in Massachusetts

THE FIELD TRIP COMMITTEE:

William Gorman, Chairman Marilyn Fancher Norman Fancher

Jim Kuethe Mike Kuhrt William Lee

Alan Mapes Sam Madison Kevin McGrath

Walt Sabin

* RESERVATIONS NEEDED IN ADVANCE

** RESERVATIONS NEEDED WAY IN ADVANCE************

SUMMER 1988

Aug 27 * ORANGE COUNTY: A day trip to this southern county in search of

Sat shore birds and hawks. Make reservations by AUG. 20 with the


Sept 10 * CONNECTICUT SHORE: A day trip in search of shore birds and fall

Sat migrants. Make reservations by SEPT. 3 with the coordinator.


Sept 17 FIVE RIVERS ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER: A morning trip in

Sat search of fall migrants. Meet at 8:00 a.m. at Five Rivers on Game

Farm Road in Delmar. Coordinator: Nancy Payne, 457-6092

Sept 18 HELDERBERGS: A day trip to see migrating hawks. Meet at 8:30 a.m.

Sun at the Key Bank, Star Plaza Shopping Center at the intersection of

Routes 20 and 155. Coordinator: Arthur Long, 1-758-9283

53

FEATHERS FALL 1987


1988 FIELD TRIPS

AUTUMN 1988

Sept * CAPE MAY, NEW JERSEY: See shore birds, hawks, and fall migrants at

24-25 this exceptional location. Make reservations by SEPT. 1 with the

Sat-Sun coordinator. Coordinator: Bob Budliger, 439-0006

Oct 1 * JAMAICA BAY AND JONES BEACH: A day trip in search of shore birds

Sat and water fowl. Make reservations by SEPT. 24 with the coordinator.


Oct 8 BASIC AND ALCOVE RESERVOIRS: A morning trip to see water fowl,

Sat water pipits, etc. Meet at 8:30 a.m. at Routes 32 and 143 near the

reservoir. Coordinators: Norman and Marilyn Fancher, 439-6385

Oct ** CAPE COD AND PELAGIC TRIP FROM PROVINCETOWN: A NEW club trip which

22-23 should offer some good birding and some whale watching. Make

Sat-Sun reservations by AUG. 15 with the coordinator.


Oct 29 TOMHANNOCK RESERVOIR: A day trip around the reservoir in search of

Sat ducks, geese, gulls, etc. Meet at 8:30 a.m. at the junction of



Nov 5 JENNY LAKE: A presentation on feeder management at a year round

Sat feeder, including weather, mammals, banding studies, etc. Meet at

8:00 a.m. at north end of the Latham Corners Shopping Center parking

lot. Coordinator: Bob McCullough, 399-9504

Nov * NIAGARA RIVER - LAKE ERIE: Chance to see Little Gulls, Franklin's

19-20 Gulls and many other birds. Make reservations by Oct. 30 with the

Sat-Sun coordinator. Coordinator: Bill Lee, 374-3426



TROY CHRISTMAS COUNT 1988t************i

* DIAL-A-BIRD NEEDS YOUR SIGHTINGS *

* *

* Chairman Bill Lee requests your bird sightings for *

* DIAL-A-BIRD! It is only as good as the information you *

* provide. Bob Yunick is now compiling the messages left on the *

* tape each day. However, you are reminded that this is not a *

* Rare Bird Alert, since it cannot act quickly enough for that *

* purpose. *

* 439-8080 *

54

FEATHERS FALL 1987

***************** HMBC BOARD FOR 1988 *****************

OFFICERS

PRESIDENT: Richard Waugh 15 Winthrop Ave. Albany 12203 482-4164

VICE-PRESIDENT:Linda Armstrong RD 1 Box 159 Feura Bush 12067 768-2074

SECRETARY: Alan Mapes RD 1 Box 409B Delmar 12054 439-4086

TREASURER: William Shuster Box 76, Avenue A Melrose 12121 235-2479

TERM

EXPIRES

1989

1989

1990

1990

1990

Alice Ross

William Lee

Sam Madison

William Gorman

Ann B'Rells

DIRECTORS







Conservation:

Dial-A-Bird:

Field Trips:

Hospitality:

Membership:

Program:

Publications:

Publicity:

Records:

Sanctuary:

Education:

Walton Sabin

William Lee

William Gorman

Margaret M. Kelly

Daniel Ruge

Robert Budliger

Ann B'Rells

Margaret Kelly

Linda Armstrong

Bette Moon

Betty Callanan

652 Kenwood Ave Slingerlands 12159



PO Box 584 Albany 12201

128 Chestnut St. Albany 12210

36 Groesbeck PI. Delmar 12054

3 Okara Dr. Apt 7 Schenectady 12303

27 Van Buren Ave. E. Greenbush 12061

RD 1 Box 159 Feura Bush 12067

907 St David's Lane Schenectadyl2309

877-Morgan Ave. Schenectady 12309

658-3407

374-3426

439-4753

477-4921

355-5615

439-7344

374-3426

477-4921

235-8996

449-1087

439-0006

355-5615

479-3602

768-2074

372-8330

372-8806

***************** HMBC BOARD FOR 19 8 8 *****************

HELP

HMBC needs the ACTIVE participation of all to make it the great club it

can be. Let us know what you'd like to help with. Send a postcard to one of

the committee chairpersons above, indicating an interest in taking a more

active roll.

Some suggestions: For meetings, volunteer for refreshments. Volunteer

to lead a field trip. Suggest a meeting speaker or subject. Write an article

for FEATHERS. Volunteer to report on a meeting for FEATHERS.

There are special one-time projects that need many people, such as the

last Federation Meeting, and certain one-shot publications. All the

committees need help of some kind. Please come join the fun.

HELP

55

FEATHERS FALL 1987

PIllllM

CLU%




1987 OFFICERS




482-4164

439-4086

372-8330

235-2479TREASURER: William Shuster Box 76, Avenue A Melrose 12121

••a***********************

Vol. 49, No. 4

FALL

1987

**************************

FEATHERS EDITOR: Ann B'Rells, 3 Okara Dr. Apt 7, Schenectady 12303 355-5615


the Treasurer.



MEMBERSHIP: Life - $200; Sustaining - $18; Active - $12; Student - $5;











NON-PROFIT

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

Permit #195

Schenectady, NY

Br. & Mrs. Kobert P1^97 Mvron Street

'Schenectady NY

56

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