Date: 9/10/26 2:14 pm From: scottjstoner via groups.io <ScottJStoner...> Subject: [hmbirds] HMBC program Monday Sept 14. Bird evolution
What DNA Tells Us About the Evolutionary History of Birds, with Dr. Jeremy Kirchman of the NYS Museum 6:30 PM. Five Rivers Environmental Education Center, Game Farm Rd. Delmar. In-person and Zoom. Public event. Details below. Sent from my Galaxy -------- Original message --------From: Hudson-Mohawk Bird Club <admin...> Date: 9/10/26 16:52 (GMT-05:00) To: Scott Stoner <scottjstoner...> Subject: HMBC -- Zoom Program Invite Hudson-Mohawk Bird Club HMBC Program Notice Monday, September 14th, 2026, 6:30PM at Five Rivers EEC in Delmar and via Zoom meeting Hello HMBC Members: This is a reminder that the HMBC September program will be held in person at Five Rivers EEC in Delmar and online via a Zoom meeting on Monday September 14th at 6:30 PM. For the Zoom meeting, use the meeting link below to join the meeting as a participant. All participants will enter the "waiting room" until the meeting host opens the meeting. Participants' audio lines will be muted on entry. We ask that participants keep their lines muted except when prompted for Q&A during the program. NOTE: The first time you use Zoom on a device, you will be prompted to download the Zoom app when you click on the meeting link below. Follow the prompts to download the app and then launch the meeting using the meeting ID from the invite. (The app is recommended, but if you prefer, there is also an option when you open the link below to join the meeting via a web browser window, but with limited capabilities.) Audio connections can be through the app on your device or through a separate dial-in phone number given below. Program highlights: What DNA Tells Us About the Evolutionary History of Birds Join Dr. Jeremy J. Kirchman, Curator of Birds and Mammals at the New York State Museum, for an evening of fascinating science and discussion. Dr. Kirchman reveals how modern DNA sequencing is transforming what we know about the evolution of birds—from their ancient origins to the surprising relationships hidden in their genomes. Through stories of discovery made by museum-based scientists, you’ll learn how DNA research has uncovered the remarkable evolutionary journey that shaped the birds we see today. Whether you’re a lifelong birder, an evolution enthusiast, or simply curious about the natural world, this is a warm, welcoming event where big ideas take flight. Speaker: Dr. Jeremy J. Kirchman -- Full details available at: https://www.hmbc.net/event-6542934 -- Zoom meeting details: Topic: HMBC September 2026 Program meeting Time: Sep 14, 2026 06:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84175883504 Meeting chat link https://us02web.zoom.us/launch/jc/84175883504 Meeting ID: 841 7588 3504 --- One tap mobile +16465588656,,84175883504# US (New York) +16469313860,,84175883504# US --- Join by SIP <84175883504...> Join instructions https://us02web.zoom.us/meetings/84175883504/invitations?signature=GQ9MfoqUM0kNx7djVYXS9EWd1ytVyjLNCPx7zzJoQ28 -- Scott Stoner, Program Chair Gregg Recer, Membership Chair <gregg.recer...> Unsubscribe
Date: 9/10/26 9:14 am From: Eve Waterman via groups.io <eve.m.waterman...> Subject: [hmbirds] Save the Date: Live with the Caterpillar Experts — October 14 🐛
For anyone interested in boosting and supporting the biodiversity in their
yard, this looks like a fantastic opportunity to learn from the experts via
access to “The Extraordinary Caterpillar” documentary followed by a webinar
hosted by experts in this field. There is built in flexibility as the
webinar will be available to those registered through November 14 if you
can’t make the live webinar.
Eve Waterman
HMBC Conservation Cte
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Homegrown National Park <info...>
Date: Thu, Sep 10, 2026 at 11:15 AM
Subject: Save the Date: Live with the Caterpillar Experts — October 14 🐛
To: Eve <eve.m.waterman...>
SAVE THE DATE
Caterpillars Aren’t Just for the Birds
A live panel discussion of *The Extraordinary Caterpillar* featuring
Homegrown National Park co-founder Dr. Doug Tallamy, The Caterpillar Lab
director Sam Jaffe, botanist Laura Reeves, moderated by *The New York Times*
columnist Margaret Roach.
*October 14 · 12 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. ET*
This spring, we hosted *The Extraordinary Caterpillar*, a 60-minute
documentary about the hidden world of caterpillars, and the response has
been incredible. People around the country have hosted and scheduled over
400 local screenings, reaching more than 39,000 viewers and counting.
Now we're going further. One registration gives you two ways to take part.
*1. Watch:* Stream *The Extraordinary Caterpillar* on demand, free with
registration, anytime before the webinar on October 14. Watch it as many
times as you'd like, on your own or with your household.
*2. Join us live:* Join a live panel webinar, *Caterpillars Aren't Just for
the Birds*, featuring experts from the film on October 14.
Bring your questions! This is your chance to hear directly from the people
who study these ecological powerhouses.
*Margaret Roach* is a longtime garden writer—first for *Newsday* newspaper,
then for *Martha Stewart Living* (where she became the company’s
EVP/Editorial Director) and the last five seasons for *The New York Times*,
where she began her journalism career as a copy girl decades ago. She also
creates a website, podcast, and weekly newsletter called *A Way to Garden*,
the title of her 1989 book that was reissued in 2019 in an all-new edition.
She has been honored for her contributions to horticulture with the Scott
Medal from Scott Arboretum at Swarthmore and the George Robert White Medal
of Honor from the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, among other awards.
*Dr. Doug Tallamy* is an entomologist, conservationist, and professor at
the University of Delaware, whose work has transformed our understanding of
the relationship between native plants and wildlife. His research and
books, including *Bringing Nature Home* and *Nature’s Best Hope*, have
inspired millions to see their own yards as part of the solution to the
biodiversity crisis. Driven by the belief that everyone can play a role,
Doug co-founded Homegrown National Park to encourage people to plant
natives in the spaces they care for. As Tallamy explains, caterpillars are
essential to the food web: a single chickadee nest requires six to nine
thousand caterpillars to survive their first two weeks of life. Even
grizzly bears rely on caterpillars to fatten up for winter.
*Sam Jaffe* is the founder and Executive Director of The Caterpillar Lab.
Sam studied ecology and evolutionary biology at Brown University, earned a
master’s degree in environmental education from Antioch University New
England, and is an Associate in Entomology at Harvard’s Museum of
Comparative Zoology. His work combines close observation, scientific
inquiry, and visual storytelling to reveal caterpillars not only as
beautiful or bizarre creatures, but as participants in an extraordinary web
of relationships unfolding in our own backyards and fundamental to local
ecosystems. A lifelong naturalist, photographer, and educator, Sam has
spent decades studying and documenting the lives of caterpillars. He
founded The Caterpillar Lab to bring these dynamic animals directly to the
public through immersive educational programs, photography, film, and
natural-history research. Today, the Lab works throughout New England and
beyond, sharing thousands of live caterpillars with audiences while
uncovering the life histories of hundreds of species, many of which remain
poorly known to science.
*Laura Reeves* is a botanist and naturalist who regularly shares her
passion for wild plants through hands-on workshops, presentations and
private land consultations. She has over 20 years experience. She received
her BSc. (Botany) from the University of Manitoba in 1997. She is the
founder of Prairie Shore Botanicals and author of “*Laura Reeves’ Guide to
Useful Plants – From Acorns to Zoom Sticks*”. In the film she helps the
audience understand the secret world of caterpillars and their ecosystems.
*Copyright (C) 2026 HOMEGROWN NATIONAL PARK®. All rights reserved.*
You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website,
www.HNPark.org
Our mailing address is:
HOMEGROWN NATIONAL PARK® 68 Harrison Ave Ste 605 #14253 Boston, MA
02111-1929 USA
Date: 9/8/26 1:36 pm From: Naomi Lloyd via groups.io <naomi_kestrel...> Subject: [hmbirds] This week's destination: 9/10 and 9/17
Hey Thursday birders! Broadwing migration is beginning, and we'll be at Thacher Park for the next two weeks. Meet at the upper part of the Overlook about 10am - the bird movement generally takes a while to get started.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/6RVruadkzhrTqxry7
I plan to be at the Emma Treadwll Thacher nature center at 8am to check the woods for passerines. Meet at the parking lot if you wish
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Aj9kP4XHU7Nk5i748
Date: 9/8/26 1:30 pm From: Naomi Lloyd via groups.io <naomi_kestrel...> Subject: [hmbirds] Upcoming field trip: Thacher Park Hawkwatch, 9/13
Hawk Watching and Songbirds at Thacher State Park
When: 13 Sep 2026
9:30 AM
Location: Thacher State Park, Albany County
Coordinators: Tom and Colleen Williams <twill0526...>
We will be looking for migrating Broad-winged Hawks that use the warming air thermals along the face of the escarpment to continue their migration south. Other raptors may be seen using the thermals for similar reasons. Osprey, Bald Eagles, Red-tailed Hawks, Sharp-shinned and Coopers Hawks are among those that can be seen soaring over the Helderbergs. Ruby-throated Hummingbirds also migrate over the escarpment very low and fast, and sparrows and warblers can also be found along the trails around the overlook.
Meet at 9:30 a.m. at the upper level of the overlook at John Boyd Thacher Park in Voorheesville.
Date: 9/8/26 12:20 pm From: David M via groups.io <davidpmassa...> Subject: [hmbirds] Fall Festival @ Five Rivers (9/19)
Hi everyone,
Hope everyone had a great summer with some exciting birding!
HMBC will have an outreach table at the Five Rivers Fall Festival on Saturday, September 19, from 10 a.m.–4 p.m., and we’re looking for club members who might be interested in lending a hand.
Even an hour would be a big help, or two if you have the time. It’s very informal: chat with visitors about birding, share what you enjoy about HMBC, hand out a brochure or sticker, or show someone Merlin or eBird. Bring a coffee or lunch, keep a bird list going while you’re there, and enjoy the festival, activities, vendors and food trucks.
It’s also a great way to meet some other club members and get more involved with HMBC. Our outreach team is still small and we’d love to grow it, especially with more events and farmers markets coming up this fall.
If you’d like to volunteer at Five Rivers, just reply here individually and let me know roughly what time you might be available. Any amount of time is appreciated!
Thanks everyone, and happy fall migration birding!
Date: 9/7/26 8:28 pm From: KevinMcG via groups.io <kmcgrath...> Subject: [hmbirds] Union Cllwgw Bird Walk ar Reist
Hey folks,
Big shout out thank you to David Massa, Neil Riley, and Kathleen Lojuidace for helping out Sunday at Reist. Over 60 Union College Students, and a dozen faculty/staff, joined us for a walk around the Reist Sanctuary. we Divided into 4 groups, staggered our start, and heading off in opposite directions on the loop to avoid terrorizing the local denizens.
Everyone seemed to have a great time although as you know, the level of interest fluctuates a lot among the students. Typically, the sanctuary was not overly birdy, but the typical resident species made appearances.
The mushrooms were abundant with several varieties photographed and identified with “I Naturalist”. I was a bit concerned when we found a large fresh growth of “Chicken of the Woods” and two young men tore off a hunk and ate it.. just to see what would happen! I am still waiting to hear if they are okay. (I really want to see their entrance exam scores!).
We had a Warbling Vireo come in close and give us a look and a Broadwing Hawk in a hurry to get away from us. it was overall a nice day for a walk.
thanks again to those who helped.
Karen and I will be in Seattle through the 18 th. John Gansfuss and San Leonard are organizing next weekends trail cleanup day at Reist . If you can help, please contact them ASAP.
Thanks all
Happy Birding
Kevin McGrath President HMBC
Date: 9/3/26 12:21 pm From: KevinMcG via groups.io <kmcgrath...> Subject: [hmbirds] Help with Reist bird walk
Hey folks;
I was asked (yesterday) by Union College if HMBC could provide a brief talk (about 20 minutes) and a short field trip (about an hour) this Sunday September 6 from 3-5 pm. As part of our outreach program, I am happy to do it and have agreed to take it on. They are expecting 25-40 students and faculty to attend.
The talk will be a brief overview of the history of HMBC, the Reist Preserve, and the hobby of birding. Immediately aft6er the talk we will walk the perimeter trail in search of whatever local residents and migrants may present themselves. Due to the anticipated size of the group, it would be very helpful and appreciated if one or more other club members could join us and help me break up the group into manageable packets. As you know large groups are difficult to lesd, large groups with inexperienced birders are tough, and large groups with non-birders are nearly impossible.
If you are willing and available, text me or drop me an email.
Date: 9/3/26 12:01 pm From: Joan Dobert via groups.io <jhdobert...> Subject: Re: [hmbirds] Warblers at Five Rivers this morning
Ty
Get Outlook for iOS<https://aka.ms/o0ukef> ________________________________
From: <hmbirds...> <hmbirds...> on behalf of scottjstoner via groups.io <ScottJStoner...>
Sent: Thursday, 03 September 2026 12:23:46
To: Birds Group HM <hmbirds...>
Subject: [hmbirds] Warblers at Five Rivers this morning
On Five Rivers' weekly (in September) Thursday morning bird walk led by Drew Hopkins, we encountered two waves of warblers, the second included more birds than we could easily track down!
Warblers include Blackburnian, Cape May, Black-and-white, Black-throated Green, Redstart, and Chestnut-sided. Other species of note were Great Egret (continuing in beaver pond), Veery, Blue-winged Teal, and Scarlet Tanager. Collectively well over 40 species for the group! -Scott Stoner
Date: 9/3/26 9:23 am From: scottjstoner via groups.io <ScottJStoner...> Subject: [hmbirds] Warblers at Five Rivers this morning
On Five Rivers' weekly (in September) Thursday morning bird walk led by Drew Hopkins, we encountered two waves of warblers, the second included more birds than we could easily track down! Warblers include Blackburnian, Cape May, Black-and-white, Black-throated Green, Redstart, and Chestnut-sided. Other species of note were Great Egret (continuing in beaver pond), Veery, Blue-winged Teal, and Scarlet Tanager. Collectively well over 40 species for the group! -Scott Stoner Sent from my Galaxy
Date: 9/2/26 11:55 am From: Eve Waterman via groups.io <eve.m.waterman...> Subject: [hmbirds] Supporting birds in our own back yards
For anyone interested, the Life List crew hosted Doug Tallamy to discuss how important insects are to the local ecosystems including important tips to boosting our insect populations.
Date: 9/2/26 9:13 am From: Naomi Lloyd via groups.io <naomi_kestrel...> Subject: [hmbirds] No destination this week: 9/3
Hey Thursday birders! Showers and thunderstorms likely for tomorrow morning, so stay home and brush up on your Confusing Fall Warblers.
For the next two Thursdays, 9/10 and 9/17, we'll be participating in the Thacher Park Hawkwatch, meeting at the Overlook about 10am and possibly birding elsewhere for a while first (location TBA).
Date: 9/2/26 8:25 am From: Naomi Lloyd via groups.io <naomi_kestrel...> Subject: [hmbirds] Upcoming field trip: 9/6
Fall Migrants at Albany Pine Bush Preserve
When: 6 Sep 2026
8:00 AM
Location: Albany Pine Bush Preserve, Albany County
Coordinator: Naomi Lloyd <naomi_kestrel...>
Come explore the Karner Barrens East unit of Albany Pine Bush Preserve, via the "yellow" perimeter trail, and "blue" dune overlook trail. We will be looking for warblers, vireos, and flycatchers. The dune overlook trail has a moderate climb and descent. This is approximately a three-mile loop. Take proper precautions to avoid ticks.
Meet at 8:00 a.m. at the Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center parking lot, located at 195 New Karner Road (New York State Route 155) in Albany.
Date: 8/27/26 5:56 pm From: scottjstoner via groups.io <ScottJStoner...> Subject: Re: [hmbirds] Swallow-tailed Kite - Saratoga County
I don't recall the details but there was a report on Facebook with a photo of a (another, same?) Swallow-tailed Kite at least several days ago within the area, with an identifiable photo. These sightings bring back memories of the one Bob Budliger saw flying over Five Rivers probably 40 years ago! Scott StonerSent from my Galaxy -------- Original message --------From: "Richard Guthrie via groups.io" <richardpguthrie...> Date: 8/27/26 20:09 (GMT-05:00) To: Birds Group HM <hmbirds...> Subject: [hmbirds] Swallow-tailed Kite - Saratoga County A Vox Pop listener reported seeing a Swallow tailed Kite flying low over “Buckets Golf Club on Milton Road, Saratoga County yesterday afternoon. Rich Guthrie
Date: 8/27/26 5:21 pm From: Richard Guthrie via groups.io <richardpguthrie...> Subject: [hmbirds] Red-necked Grebes Babcock Lake, Grafton, Rensselaer County
A birder posted a photo on EBird of two Red necked Grebes in “breeding plumage “ on Babcock Lake in Grafton. This is a “private “ lake with limited viewing opportunities. One suggested spot might be Beach Road, the boat launch, or at the SW end of the lake - “Little Beach” across from 179 Keyler Ave.
The lake was wind blown with white caps this evening and the birds were not seen.
Date: 8/27/26 11:57 am From: scottjstoner via groups.io <ScottJStoner...> Subject: [hmbirds] TONIGHT'S NIGHTHAWK WATCH CANCELED
Because of the Severe Thunderstorm Watch (thru 9 PM) and the forecast of rain and storms this evening, we are CANCELING tonight's HMBC Nighthawk Watch. Nighthawk migration is expected to continue for the next few weeks; please report sightings on ebird and via HMBirds. Wishing all of you, and the passing Nighthawks, a safe evening! Scott Stoner and Denise Hackert-Stoner. Hudson-Mohawk Bird Club Sent from my Galaxy
Date: 8/26/26 6:29 pm From: scottjstoner via groups.io <ScottJStoner...> Subject: [hmbirds] Nighthawk Watch - this evening Aug 26
Only one Common Nighthawk this evening on the HMBC's Nighthawk Watch at the Albany Pine Bush, but a lovely sunset and rising near-full moon made the many mosquitoes almost bearable! Weather permitting, we're out there again tomorrow evening at 6 pm for the final night of this year's Nighthawk Watch! We'll be there tomorrow, Aug 27, unless there's steady or heavy rain. Hope to see you out there! Scott Stoner and Denise Hackert-Stoner Sent from my Galaxy
Date: 8/25/26 6:13 pm From: scottjstoner via groups.io <ScottJStoner...> Subject: [hmbirds] Nighthawk Watch tonight and tomorrow
This evening at the Albany Pine Bush in the Discovery Center parking lot, in a joint event between the HMBC and the Albany Pine Bush, about 75 Nighthawk enthusiasts counted a collective total of 24 Common Nighthawks between 5:59 pm and 7:50 pm. Nighthawks appeared singly and in groups of up to 6. The Nighthawk Watch continues tomorrow (Wednesday August 26) at 6 pm at the Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center parking lot. Weather forecast looks good. This is a public event and we hope to see everyone there! Scott Stoner and Denise Hackert-Stoner, Hudson-Mohawk Bird Club Sent from my Galaxy
Date: 8/24/26 11:47 am From: Naomi Lloyd via groups.io <naomi_kestrel...> Subject: [hmbirds] Upcoming field trips: 8/25-26-27, 8/29, 8/30
Join us as the fall migration season starts!
Counting Common Nighthawks
When: 25, 26, 27 Aug 2026
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Location: Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, Albany County
Coordinators: Scott Stoner and Denise Hackert-Stoner <scottjstoner...>
The Common Nighthawk is perhaps best referred to as the "Uncommon Nighthawk" as this dusk- and dawn-feeding aerial insectivore sadly is in decline. Although it breeds throughout much of North America, it is no longer observed during the summer in many urban and suburban areas. A long-distance migrant, Common Nighthawks travel in large flocks, on one of the longest migration routes of any North American bird. Most travel over land through Mexico and Central America to reach their wintering grounds in southern South America. Although numbers on individual nights are unpredictable, the bulk of southbound migration occurs from mid-August until early September. Once again, HMBC will be viewing and counting any nighthawks that pass overhead. Tuesday 8/25 is a joint program with Albany Pine Bush.
Meet at the parking lot at the Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, located at 195 New Karner Road (New York State Route 155) in Albany. Bring a chair and binoculars. We will begin each night at 6:00 p.m. and count until 7:30 p.m.
=================
Saratoga Spa State Park
When: 29 Aug 2026
8:00 AM
Location: Saratoga Springs State Park, Saratoga County
Coordinator: Ron Harrower <ronharrower14...>
Picnic table graveyard? Hardly! Explore this very productive area at the south end of Saratoga Spa Park. From weedy brush lot to capped landfill and through woods, this spot has earned attention as a haven for migrants in its many edge habitats. Expect warblers, sparrows, flycatchers, and vireos. The path is level and mostly gravel.
Meet at 8:00 a.m. at the Carlsbad parking area. From New York State Route 50 or U.S. Route 9, take East-West Road through the south end of the park. Carlsbad parking lot is just west of the Peerless Pool lot. Admission is charged after 8:30 a.m. so please be prompt.
================
Hand Hollow Conservation Area
When: 30 Aug 2026
8:00 AM
Location: Hand Hollow Conservation Area, Columbia County
Coordinator: Joanie Scheu 845-702-7564
Columbia Land Conservancy owns and manages 433 acres at Hand Hollow Conservation Area for the protection of wildlife and open space. The property has an active beaver pond and two lakes, and trails that pass by ponds, creeks, wet meadows and a hemlock ravine. We will be looking for migrant songbirds as well as lingering residents.
Meet 8:00 a.m. at the parking lot. From the intersection of New York State Route 22 and U.S. Route 20 in New Lebanon, take U.S. Route 20 4.5 miles to County Route 9. Take County Route 9 south 1.2 miles and turn west (right) into a parking lot across from the farmhouse just past the pond.
Date: 8/21/26 2:41 pm From: Larry Alden via groups.io <overlook...> Subject: [hmbirds] Nighthawks!
I just had a group of ten (!) nighthawks wing their way southward over my house. This was one of the largest groups I’ve seen in many years. They didn’t stop to feed.
Larry Alden
Meadowdale, on the New Scotland - Guilderland border
Date: 8/15/26 10:26 am From: gregg_recer via groups.io <gregg_recer...> Subject: [hmbirds] sandhill cranes, Charleton
4 sandhill cranes found earlier today continue in a meadowy field along (ironically?) Crane rd in the town of Charleton, Saratoga county. Just West of the Galway nature preserve. pin here:
Date: 8/14/26 12:22 pm From: Cassandra Davis via groups.io <daviscass33...> Subject: [hmbirds] Lost Parrot
Hi all,
I saw this flyer posted on social media today and thought some folks here may be interested in helping to keep an eye out. Lost Parrot Jasper Goodboy last seen at red roof inn/Albany airport. Contact Ron 917-974-7242.
Date: 8/12/26 1:17 pm From: Naomi Lloyd via groups.io <naomi_kestrel...> Subject: [hmbirds] This week's destination: 8/13
Hey Thursday birders! While waiting for shorebirds to pass through soon, let's walk the Electric Trail from the Niverville trailhead. Meet at 8:00 at the parking lot.
Date: 8/10/26 10:36 am From: KevinMcG via groups.io <kmcgrath...> Subject: [hmbirds] Reist Annual field Day
Hey folks,
Volunteers are needed to help out at Reist Preserve. A field day is planned for September 12. Karen and I will be at Cape Flattery on the Washington Olympic Peninsula on that day so the club Secretary (Dan Leonard) and trail steward ( John Gansfuss) will be organizing and coordinating the activities. we have 15 Union college students, several locals, and may have ECOS and MHLC support.
As the plan for the day materializes, more info will come out first those willing to help. Reach out to Dan and/ or John.
