Date: 5/29/26 12:55 pm From: Naomi Lloyd via groups.io <naomi_kestrel...> Subject: [hmbirds] Schodack Island SP club trip, May 17
Twenty-one birders met at SISP for our annual Quest for Ceruleans. While still assembling in the parking lot, some of us heard a Yellow-billed Cuckoo softly calling. We set out along the Yellow trail where our ears were assaulted by all the usual suspects - Red-eyed Vireo, Wood Thrush, Ovenbird, Redstart, and other local breeders. The Bald Eagle nest, although active, had no visible occupants though we saw both adult and immature birds fly over. Not sure where the Ospreys are nesting this year, but one perched on the channel marker with a few sad sticks below. Baltimore Orioles and Rose-breasted Grosbeaks were our constant musical accompaniment while Scrlet Tanagers and Great-crested Flycatchers rasped along.
We tallied eleven warblers before people got restless and wanted to look for our target. Over in the Riverside campground, we heard one Cerulean and watched another sing and move through the treetops, often pausing long enough for neck-straining looks. As often happens on this walk, this was a life bird for some of us!
Several of us hung around chatting for a while and were treated to the sight of four Brant shooting upriver, then circling back a few minutes later. Not quite the huge flocks seen on several evenings, but good enough for a year bird.
We totaled 54 species and twelve different Warblers - about average for this trip. But I've seen a steady decline in numbers of individuals in the 15 years I've been birding here, and some species that just aren't seen any more - I attribute that in part to explosive growth of invasive plants, particularly Oriental Bittersweet which is strangling everything.
Thanks to all who turned out - I hope to see you again next year!
