The Adirondack Park is a haven for boreal birds that migrate to the region every spring. Migrants arrive in full force by late May, and by June, roughly 176 different bird species will be on breeding territory, including 76 neotropical migrants (such as Cape May and Bay-breasted warblers).
In a mere two weeks, I will be making a solo three-day birding tour where I will be in search of notable Adirondack specialties, include Spruce Grouse, Bicknell’s Thrush, Boreal Chickadee, Gray Jay, Three-toed Woodpecker, Black-backed Woodpecker and as many neotropicals as I can muster. In July, my family and I will be renting a fabulous Adirondack cabin on 43-acre meadow in full view of Whiteface Mountain (the 5th highest peak in the park, at 4,867 ft). Somebody pinch me.
My husband and I and some motley friends climbed Mt. Colden, the 11th highest peak, a long time ago. The Adirondack Mountain Experience has beckoned every year since, and this year I could not say no. Especially when there are so many birds waiting to flesh out my NY bird list!
June is “Birding Month” in the Adirondacks, so there’s plenty of opportunity for birders to see these unique species in a festival-like setting:
- Boreal Birds of the Adirondacks: Great Camp Sagamore will be hosting an Elderhostel event, June 1-4. See and hear the boreal birds (Gray Jay, White- throated Sparrow, Black-backed and Northern Three-toed woodpeckers, Boreal Chickadee, etc.) that make their home in the Adirondacks. For more information, visit www.sagamore.org or call 315-354-5311.
- The Seventh Annual Great Adirondack Birding Celebration: This festival will be held June 5-7 at the Adirondack Park Agency Visitor Interpretive Center in Paul Smiths. The weekend features birding trips, lectures, workshop and the popular Teddy Roosevelt Birding Challenge. The keynote address will be given by Bridget Stutchbury,York University professor of biology. For more information, visit www.adkvic.org or call 518-327-3000.
- The Fifth Annual Adirondack Birding Festival: This event will celebrate Boreal Birds of the Adirondacks from June 19-21 in Hamilton County. This event will feature hiking, canoe trips, walks, outings, seminars, exhibits and lectures. For more information, visit www.hamiltoncounty.com.
Unfortunately, peak black fly season also occurs in June, so guard yourself with DEET or bug shirts and netting. Just go prepared, because the birding is worth it.
I’ll be writing more on the Adirondacks in future posts.
Related posts:
- Another Adirondack Birding Festival, June 19-21 Hey there! Yet another Adirondack birding festival to report. Coming THIS WEEKEND, June 19 – 21, the 5th Annual Hamilton County Birding Festival will take place....
- Hamilton County Birding Festival Kicks off June 18 You already know I love the Adironacks. And you know the bird watching is great in the Adirondacks. Now let me give you a reason...
- The Great Adirondack Birding Celebration The 2010 Great Adirondack Birding Celebration will be held June 4-6 at the Adirondack Park Agency Visitor Interpretive Center in Paul Smiths. The weekend features...
