Hudson Mohawk Bird Club guides, Dan Leonard and Eric Molho, will lead us through MHLC's new Alplaus Kill Preserve in search of birds returning north. Our early start is best for the "dawn chorus" and active foraging! The Alplaus Kill Preserve boasts a scenic trail that meanders through the open field and into the woodlands of the 54-acre property. The woods are home to many deer and the open fields are a popular hunting ground for red-tailed hawks, who prey on the abundant mice, voles, and rabbits. Eagles, osprey, and great blue heron are often spotted as they head to the stream for fish. The trail continues along the banks of the Alplaus Kill, where lucky visitors might spot a beaver, mink, or river otter as they occasionally traverse the stream. In the right conditions, paddlers heading up from the Mohawk River can easily access the preserve from the banks of the Alplaus Kill. The trail may be wet and muddy in places - dress for wet! The preserve is located at 218 Alplaus Ave, East Glenville.
On this trip we’ll be looking for migrant warblers, vireos and of course, (New) Baltimore Orioles. The moderately easy trail goes around attractive nesting and migrant songbird habitats with a scenic creek and waterfall. Louisiana Waterthrush nest here regularly and migrant warblers are drawn to the varied habitats along the trailsides. Let's see if we can add some interesting species to the list of 149 species recorded for this eBird Hotspot. We will start at the main entrance to the Preserve. If time permits, we will also explore the trail leading down to the Hudson River where Bald Eagles and migrant waterfowl are often seen.
Meet at 8:00 a.m. at the main entrance, just off New York State Route 144, just south of the Albany/Greene County line (Coeymans/New Baltimore).
