Date: 4/26/26 4:57 pm From: Dan Leonard via groups.io <dannyboy67leonard...> Subject: [hmbirds] HMBC/MHLC Joint Bird Walk at Alplaus Creek Preserve
On a crisp April 25, 2026 early morning, around eighteen (18) folks gathered to bird and otherwise enjoy one of the most recent Mohawk-Hudson Land Conservancy (MHLC) acquisitions at the Alplaus Creek Preserve in Alplaus, NY. This was a joint program of the MHLC and HMBC and the group was led by Dr. Eric Molho and Dan Leonard. There were birders of all levels in the group, and all seemed to enjoy the morning of exploration. Skies were mostly overcast and trail conditions were generally dry. From the parking lot, the preserve is accessed by a short access trail that soon opens into a series of meadows, which border the Alplaus Creek along with additional mixed forested areas. Before our group made it to the first meadow we were serenaded by recently arrived Northern House Wren and Ruby-crowned Kinglets, both of which shared good looks with many in the group.
As one might expect, we encountered the most variety of bird species as we ventured closer to the Alplaus Creek. Upon our first close approach we had good looks at Great Blue Herons in flight and a Solitary Sandpiper foraging along the shore. Subsequently most of us were able to appreciate the sounds and views of a Rusty Blackbird and Belted Kingfisher. And, at the north end of the trailed section of the Preserve we shared several encounters with Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Common Raven, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Tree Swallows and a Double-crested Cormorant overflight.
Back out in the meadows during our return we had good views of Red-tailed hawk, Eastern Bluebird and American Kestrel.
After departing the Alplaus Preserve, a small sub-group ventured just south and west along Maple Avenue to observe an active Osprey nest.
A full list of the 33 species tallied at the Alplaus Preserve is given here:
