The Upland

Plover
Publication of the North Country Bird Club, Inc. Since 1948
January / February 2018 Volume 59 No. 1

A REMINDER
2018 MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS ARE NOW DUE
PLEASE FILL OUT THE INCLUDED FORM SOON & FORWARD IT WITH YOUR DUES

NEW MEETING LOCATION NATURE CENTER PROJECT

Last year, Northern New York Community Foundation completed We are inviting our members and friends to contribute to a
a full and striking renovation of the former Black River Valley Club, unique opportunity which the Club has decided to pursue.
131 Washington St, Watertown, moving its offices there, making The Minna Anthony Common Nature Center at Wellesley Island
office space available to other community organizations, and State Park, the first Nature Center created by New York’s state
creating several very comfortable meeting rooms equipped with parks system, has been providing a wide variety of opportunities
the latest media technology. North Country Bird Club has decided to experience and learn about the natural world for nearly fifty
to take advantage of these excellent facilities and will hold all years. This year, the state fully renovated the physical facilities
future meetings there. The building is on the east side of lower at the Center, preparing for the creation of new exhibits and
Washington St, near the Governor Flower Monument. Parking is activity centers by the Friends of the Nature Center.
available behind the building. Enter through the rear door Minna Anthony Common, the foremost naturalist in the region
adjacent to the parking area - the meeting room is directly ahead. for many years, was also the founder of the North Country Bird
Club. It seems only appropriate that the Club should be a part of
Please note the dates of our SPRING MEETINGS on your this work, both because of our association with Mrs. Common
calendar. Meetings are held at the Northern New York and because it gives us an opportunity to bring the joy of birding
Community Foundation (131 Washington St, Watertown) and and the love of nature to the wider community.
begin at 7:00 pm. Spring meeting dates are:
The renovated main building at the Center includes what has
Wednesday, March 14 Wednesday, April 11 been named the Bird Room, a meeting room which will provide a
Wednesday, May 9 place for groups and individuals to gather for educational
programs and activities. One prominent feature of this room will
FIRST SPRING MEETING be the Bird Nook, with exhibits about birds and the avian world.
Wednesday, March 14 - 7:00 pm At its November meeting, the Club made the decision to fund the
at NNY Community Foundation - 131 Washington St, Watertown Bird Nook, giving us a presence at the area’s premiere nature
education facility, as well as furthering the first purpose set forth
Program: LIVING ON THE EDGE in our Club’s founding document: To promote and encourage an
Combining stunning video with intriguing commentary, this interest in nature and the natural sciences.
program explores how birds cope with predators, scarcity of This project involves a donation of $2,000 to the Friends of the
good habitat, and harsh weather to survive and raise young. Nature Center. While the Club has these funds available, we
are, for two reasons, inviting our members and friends to
A list of FIELD TRIPS for 2018 can be found on the next contribute to the project. First, we expect there are those who
page. A 2018 Club Calendar showing all NCBC field trips, will want to take a direct part in this important undertaking.
events, and meetings is also included in this issue. Secondly, any funds donated by our members toward this
project will allow us to retain current funds for future projects.
To be added to our E-mail Notification List for news of select If you wish to contribute, please send your donation to the North
sightings and events in the area, please contact the Editor at: Country Bird Club, PO Box 634, Watertown, NY 13601. Thank
you very much for your consideration of this matter.
[email protected].
 OFFICERS FIELD TRIPS - 2018 Season
President St. Lawrence River Parks: Saturday, April 7 - 8:30 am
Corky Marlowe 782-4705 Cornell Lab & Montezuma NWR: Saturday, April 21 - 8:30 am
Vice-President Otter Creek Preserve: Saturday, May 5 - 8:30 am
Bill Haller 639-6848 Red Lake: Saturday, May 19 - 8:30 am
Treasurer Limerick Cedars: Wednesday, May 30 - 8:00 pm
Kathleen Killeen 646-6007 Rodman Trails: Saturday, June 2 - 8:30 am
Marlowe Camp, Beartown: Saturday, June 16 - 8:30 am
Secretary
Annual Picnic (Brouse Preserve): Sunday, July 8 - 1:00 pm
Christine Bourquin 649-5403
Marlowe Camp, Beartown: Saturday, July 21 - 8:30 am
DIRECTORS Perch River WMA: Saturday, August 25 - 8:30 am
Richard Brouse To 5/2020 Montezuma NWR: Saturday, September 29 - 8:30 am
David Prosser To 5/2019 We meet for all field trips, except the Limerick Cedars evening trip and the Annual Picnic, at
Mike Shepard To 5/2019 8:30 am in the parking lot of the Arsenal St Wal-Mart, across the entry drive from Red Lobster.
June Walker To 5/2020
Robert Walker To 5/2019
Field Trip Coordinator Again this year, seeking to create a more complete picture of the great variety of birds which
Richard Brouse 788-6778 can be seen in our area, the Club will conduct a Spring Bird Census. The Census is a
combined effort of members and other interested birders to survey the bird life in our area
Census Coordinator during the entire spring season. All birders are invited and urged to participate. The Census
Bill Haller 639-6848 will extend from Tuesday, March 20 (the Spring Equinox) through Wednesday, June 20. The
Historian Census Survey Form and details of the procedure will be included in the next issue.
Robert Walker 649-2161 NORTH COUNTRY BIG DAY - A Special Club Event
Newsletter Editor In recent years, the Global Big Day event has given birders the opportunity to use their skills in a
Bill Haller 639-6848 friendly competition, with teams seeking to identify the greatest number of bird species in a 24-hour
period. To provide this type of opportunity for birders in our area, and to create another setting in
On The Web: which our members and friends can share their enthusiasm for birding, North Country Bird Club will
NORTH COUNTRY again sponsor a North Country Big Day event this spring. Teams of two to four birders will work
BIRD CLUB together to identify as many species as possible between midnight and midnight of a day in mid-May.
Knowing that schedules are hectic at that time of year, we are not specifying a particular day for the
ON FACEBOOK event, but ask teams to choose any single day between Saturday, May 12, and Friday, May 18, for
their participation. More details will follow in the next issue. Plan to take part in this exciting event!
For detailed info about birds,
visit the website of A beautiful set of bird-themed notecards is
the Cornell Ornithology Lab
TREASURER’S REPORT
given to a member or members of the Club
and of Cornell’s renowned by random selection each time the Plover is from the November 8th Meeting
Sapsucker Woods Sanctuary issued, to provide extra incentive for
at http://www.birds.cornell.edu members to keep memberships in good Checking account balance ............ $1458.56
standing. We would like to congratulate Savings account balance .............. $1783.92
Track fall bird migrations at the Elsie Griffith of Adams Center, selected as
Cornell Lab’s http://birdcast.info this issue’s recipient. Kathleen Killeen, Treasurer

INFORMATION SOURCES FOR REGIONAL SIGHTINGS

A list of birding organizations and list serves for New York (and other states) is available at http://www.virtualbirder.com/vbirder/
Northern New York Birds List Serve: Subscribe at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Northern_NY_Birds.
Click on the Join This Group button and follow the on-screen instructions. (You will need to have or to set up a Yahoo account.)
Oneida Birds List Serve (sightings in Central New York): Subscribe at http://groups.yahoo.com/groups/Oneidabirds.
Click on the Join This Group button and follow the on-screen instructions. (You will need to have or to set up a Yahoo account.)
Cayuga Birds List Serve: Sightings of birds in the Finger Lakes Region with a focus on the Cayuga Lake Basin.
E-mail [email protected]. In the message body put JOIN “Your name” (first and last name in quotes).
Information about programs of the Department of Environmental Conservation, conservation news, and regulation updates are distributed by a
targeted e-mail system. Subscribers select from 100+ topics. To subscribe: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/NYSDEC/subscriber/new
For information on Onondaga Audubon field trips and programs visit http://onondagaaudubon.com/ 2
 AUDUBON CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT 2017
On Saturday, December 16, Audubon’s Christmas Bird Count was conducted in the Watertown Circle by the North
Country Bird Club, in association with the Onondaga Chapter of the Audubon Society. This was the Society’s 117th
Christmas Bird Count and the 80th year the Count was conducted in the local circle. Thirteen Club members
participated in the Watertown Circle Count, in which 14 birders in 10 field parties and one feeder watcher surveyed
bird species within the Circle. The field parties were at work counting between 8:00 am and 3:00 pm, spending a
total of 34¼ hours birding by car, covering 425 miles, and 4¼ hours birding on foot, covering 6 miles. During the
Count, 55 species were recorded, with 4554 individual birds observed. Participants included Jeff Bolsinger, Christine
Bourquin, Dick and Marion Brouse, Lynn Chavoustie, Lee Ellsworth, Steven Guy, Bill Haller, Corky Marlowe, Dave
and Betty Prosser, Mandi Roggie, Paige Roggie, Gerry Smith, and Ray Spahn.
Two species were sighted which, in both cases, were last recorded on the Watertown Count in 1998: Gerry Smith
reported a Turkey Vulture in Hounsfield, and Jeff Bolsinger reported a Yellow-rumped Warbler along the Military
Road near Sackets. Weather conditions were again less than ideal this year, yielding a species count of only 55,
compared with 58 species last year and 64 in 2016 (the highest ever reported for the circle), but still greater than the
average of 54 over the past 12 years. However, by far the most significant difference was in the number of individual
birds observed. While the count of 4554 birds seen this year was much lower than last year’s count of 12,422, the
numbers are even more striking when one factors out the three species which have contributed overall totals of more
than 10,000 individuals over the past 12 years: Canada Goose, American Crow, and European Starling. When these
three are removed from Count totals, the remaining species total only 1671 individuals this year, compared with 4732
last year and 8265 the year before. Many thanks to our participants for once again making the Count a success.
SPECIES SEEN FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE 1998: Turkey Vulture, Yellow-rumped Warbler
SPECIES SEEN THIS YEAR BUT NOT IN 2016 (11): Mute Swan, American Wigeon, Ring-necked Duck, Lesser
Scaup, Hooded Merganser, Red-breasted Merganser, Common Loon, Turkey Vulture, Snowy Owl, Northern
Mockingbird, Yellow-rumped Warbler
SPECIES SEEN IN 2016 BUT NOT THIS YEAR (14): Snow Goose, Wood Duck, Gadwall, Greater Scaup, Great Blue
Heron, Northern Goshawk, Merlin, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Northern Flicker, Northern
Shrike, Tufted Titmouse, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Cedar Waxwing
Data from the 2017 Count (the species name is followed by the total individuals reported for the species,
which is followed in parentheses by the number of sectors, of 10, in which each species was sighted):
GEESE, SWANS, & DUCKS: Canada Goose - 1121 (8) Mute Swan - 2 (1) Tundra Swan - 2 (1) American Wigeon - 4 (1)
American Black Duck - 2 (1) Mallard - 34 (4) Ring-necked Duck - 13 (2) Lesser Scaup - 6 (2) Long-tailed Duck - 1 (1)
Bufflehead - 5 (2) Common Goldeneye - 30 (1) Hooded Merganser - 3 (1) Common Merganser - 19 (2)
Red-breasted Merganser - 3 (2)
GALLINACEOUS BIRDS: Wild Turkey - 15 (3) LOONS: Common Loon - 2 (2) VULTURES: Turkey Vulture - 1 (1)
EAGLES, HAWKS, & FALCONS: Bald Eagle - 5 (3) Northern Harrier - 3 (1) Sharp-shinned Hawk - 1 (1) Cooper’s Hawk - 2 (2)
Red-tailed Hawk - 5 (5) Rough-legged Hawk - 7 (3) American Kestrel - 1 (1)
RAILS & CRANES: American Coot - 1 (1) GULLS & TERNS: Ring-billed Gull - 37 (3) Herring Gull - 40 (3) Iceland Gull - 2 (1)
DOVES & PIGEONS: Rock Pigeon - 427 (9) Mourning Dove - 62 (5) OWLS: Snowy Owl - 1 (1)
WOODPECKERS: Red-bellied Woodpecker - 1 (1) Downy Woodpecker - 15 (6) Hairy Woodpecker - 7 (5) Pileated Woodpecker - 2 (2)
JAYS & CROWS: Blue Jay - 98 (10) American Crow - 958 (10) Common Raven - 3 (2) LARKS & SWALLOWS: Horned Lark - 8 (3)
CHICKADEES & NUTHATCHES: Black-capped Chickadee - 163 (8) White-breasted Nuthatch - 10 (5)
KINGLETS & THRUSHES: Eastern Bluebird - 2 (1) American Robin - 25 (4) MIMIC THRUSHES: Northern Mockingbird - 2 (1)
STARLINGS: European Starling - 804 (9) WARBLERS: Yellow-rumped Warbler - 1 (1)
SPARROWS & GROSBEAKS: American Tree Sparrow - 103 (6) Song Sparrow - 1 (1) White-throated Sparrow - 15 (3)
Dark-eyed Junco - 112 (9) Snow Bunting - 164 (5) Northern Cardinal - 19 (7)
FINCHES: House Finch - 13 (2) American Goldfinch - 21 (5) OLD WORLD SPARROWS: House Sparrow - 150 (6)
The following is excerpted from The Folklore of Birds by Laura C. Martin (Globe Pequot Press, 1993).
[ Northern ] Flickers are . . . a kind of woodpecker. Unlike its tree-bound cousin, however, the flicker spends
much of its time on the ground searching for ants. The chisel-like bill is sharply pointed, making it
wonderful for dipping and digging in fallen tree trunks. The tongue of this bird, which extends a full 3
inches beyond its bill, is ideally suited for capturing ants . . . Adult male flickers have a stripe on either side
of the bill that looks much like a moustache. This stripe is an identifying feature for sexes. Scientists
conducted an experiment in which a “moustache” was taped to the bill of a female flicker. When her mate
returned, he attacked her, thinking she was a rival male. 3
Gerry Smith, a professional ornithologist, Director of Sanctuaries for Onondaga Audubon, and a long-time member and former President of North
Country Bird Club, generously offered to contribute an article for this issue. Below are his reflections from nearly a half-century of observing grassland
birds in the North Country. The Audubon Society has done very significant work around the world in addressing environmental issues, playing an
important role in maintaining suitable habitat for birds and other wildlife, and Gerry has long been an important part of that work in this region. While
North Country Bird Club has always been deeply concerned about these issues, we have not addressed them as actively or as directly. Gerry’s article
reflects on some very real and critical issues facing us in today’s world. While our Club traditionally does not take a specific stand on such issues, and
not all of our members may be in agreement with some views expressed here, the Editor feels it is important that we hear from someone of Gerry’s
expertise concerning these issues, in order to inform our own thinking. Our thanks to Gerry for so generously sharing his insights.

Whither North Country Grasslands Birds

Gerry Smith
When the Upland Plover, now Upland Sandpiper, was chosen as the North Country Bird Club newsletter icon, they were common here. To my
knowledge our current newsletter editor has yet to see an Upland Sandpiper in the fields of Jefferson County. The plight of this species locally is
indicative of the decline of many Grassland birds worldwide. These birds are in serious trouble for a host of reasons that have clear connection to
actions of the dominant mammal on the planet, us. It is well documented that North American Grassland birds are a guild in serious trouble.
Like so many conservation problems in our Anthropocene epoch. the causes appear to be many and varied. Climate change as it relates to
precipitation patterns is clearly an issue. Expansion and intensification of monoculture agriculture is a real problem, as are multiple changes to
agricultural practices. Large-scale land conversion to farming and human development is reducing habitat for these creatures of wide open spaces.
These many threats make effective conservation response very difficult; thus major declines continue. That cartoon Sage of a half century ago, Pogo,
famously said ”we have met the enemy and dey is us.” That about summarizes all such challenges in the Anthropocene.
In the last half century in Jefferson County we have lost Loggerhead Shrike, a Grassland edge species. Upland Sandpiper and Henslows’s Sparrow
are currently not far behind and appear headed toward local extinction. In a full summer afield in suitable habitat in 2017, I found one bird each for
those species. Other Grassland birds, even the once common breeders such as Bobolink and Eastern Meadowlark, are declining in our region. Even
though both are still fairly common, the future is uncertain. Other species including Sedge Wren, Grasshopper Sparrow and Vesper Sparrow now have
unclear and probably declining status. Grassland raptors, including the once common American Kestrel, are also in decline. Only the adaptable
Savannah Sparrow seems able to cope with the massive changes of the last four decades.
In our region primary threats include conversion of Grassland to corn and soybeans and multiple mowings of remaining grass areas. Real deserts are
full of life, but corn and soybean deserts are not. While feeding Canada Goose, Ring-billed Gull and blackbirds can inhabit these intensive
monocultures full of chemicals, few other living things can. Driven by international trade agreements, insatiable appetite for soy in Asia and
consolidation of family farms into large agribusiness, this trend appears likely to continue. This intense agriculture is definitely not for birds that depend
on Grassland habitat.
Where Grasslands do remain that are in intensive agriculture areas, they are often mowed up to six times between May and October. Under such a
regime even the birds with short reproductive cycles cannot successfully raise young. Indeed adults are fortunate if they escape the “grim reaper” of
mowing machine to try again elsewhere. While the situation for birds may be better in grazed and late cut Grasslands, as of yet there are not enough
of those to halt the overall population decline of many species.
Other aspects of modern intensive agriculture, including its heavy reliance on chemical application, make these lands poor habitat for most birds. It is
unlikely that a majority of the farming community will alter these practices without financial incentives and/or public demand. Some enlightened
individuals may attempt more ecologically sustainable practices that favor wildlife, and there should be public praise and support for those that do.
Unfortunately for the moment it is likely economic forces unfavorable to sound wildlife management on agricultural lands are likely to continue.
So what can those of us who give a heck about these lovely fellow travelers in the North Country do?
● Vocally support all conservation programs at the federal level and let our elected representatives know that conservation is important to us. I have
no doubt that federal programs, such as those of the Natural Resources Conservation Service, will be under the budget axe of this anti-conservation
administration and its congressional backers.
● Seek more New York State Action to protect Grasslands and manage them well on state lands. In particular let the New York State Department of
Environmental Conservation at the highest levels know we want the return of the Landowner Incentive Program (LIP). Foolishly cancelled by a now
retired director of the Division of Fish and Wildlife, this program was very useful in the North Country and we want it back.
● Support local land trusts that do true Grassland conservation. An example is Ontario Bays Initiative, that will do conservation easements capable of
controlling management practices in a way favorable to maintaining bird populations. Certain types of Ag easements that do little more than prevent
conversion of land to housing etc are of little value to most wildlife and should not be considered useful in avian conservation.
● Use personal contacts within the farming community to inform folks of problems Grassland birds face and how they might help. Those interested and
financially able to help by altering how they farm may be inclined to do so. Every little effort helps, and future changing personal circumstances over
time may permit interested people to help conserve birds on their property.
● Oppose all forms of industrial wind power with tall towers that are a threat to everything that flies.
The plight of our Grassland birds is a wonderful example of the pervasive influence of our species on the planet. There is no malevolent intent on our
part, we are just bumbling forward in our usual anthropocentric manner. Our burgeoning population increasingly demands more of the world’s land
resources to support us, and other creatures are the dispossessed former tenants. Their future survival depends on us keeping their needs in mind.
The words of nineteenth and early twentieth century Ornithologist George Bird Grinnell apply now as much as they did during that wildlife destruction
crisis. When asked a question “ Dr Grinnell, what can we do for our birds” he replied “ Make sure they have a place to live”.
Bout sums it up.
4
 NORTH COUNTRY BIRD CLUB SIGHTINGS flocks of Red-winged Blackbirds, numbering over 500 birds each.
Doris Gibson sighted a Black Vulture flying over her home on Keyser
Please forward notable sightings for the next issue by February 15,
Road near Perch Lake on 11/7. On 11/8, the first Dark-eyed Junco of the
using the contact info on the last page.
season visited her feeders. On 11/15, 20 Mourning Doves were in her
A great number and variety of sightings have come in over the fall and yard, along with 4 Blue Jays and another Dark-eyed Junco. Doris saw a
early winter, with several members sending multiple reports. The Editor flock of Red-winged Blackbirds along Rt 11 north of Watertown on 11/17
has decided to sort these reports by observer, in alphabetical order. It is and a Red-tailed Hawk near Evans Mills on 11/27. Doris’ son reported to
hoped this will result in an interesting “sightings narrative” which is easy her that he had seen a small flock of Snow Buntings near Theresa on
for the reader to follow. 11/29 and a Pileated Woodpecker at Sixberry Lake the same day. On
12/23, he sighted a Red-bellied Woodpecker on Rt 180 south of Gunns
Dick and Marion Brouse have been visited by a variety of unusual birds at
Corners. Doris reported that a variety of birds had visited her feeders on
their home on Kelsey Creek in Watertown. They sighted a
12/12, the first day with significant activity in quite some time. Species
Golden-crowned Kinglet on 11/3. A Great Horned Owl visited on 11/6 and
included 5 American Goldfinch, 8 Tree Sparrows, 4 Black-capped
a Great Blue Heron on 11/7. In early November, Rusty Blackbirds were
Chickadees, 4 Blue Jays, 6 Dark-eyed Juncos, and 20 Mourning Doves.
there regularly, with a maximum count of 64 on 11/8. Dick and Marion
On 12/30, 2 male and 2 female Northern Cardinals, as well as 14
sighted two Gray Catbirds on 11/12, a late date for this species to remain
American Goldfinch, visited.
in the area. A Winter Wren remained through 12/6, again a late date for
the species. On 12/8, a Cooper’s Hawk was at the feeders. Dark-eyed On 12/1, Steve Guy sighted five Bald Eagles in 90 seconds from Sackets
Juncos and White-throated Sparrows have been regular visitors, each Harbor, three flying toward Pillar Point and two on Horse Island.
species numbering eight to ten per day. On Thanksgiving Day, Bill Haller sighted 3 mature Great Black-backed
Dick and Marion also reported a number of significant sightings from Gulls on Point Salubrious. On 12/21, he saw a Peregrine Falcon along
around the area. They found 17 Mute Swans in Clayton on 11/11 and 4 Case Road near Rt 12E. On 12/30, Bill sighted a Snowy Owl, most
more on Point Peninsula on 11/14. Birding in Cape Vincent on 11/11, they probably a juvenile, along Rt 12E just south of Chaumont.
sighted 5 Snow Buntings, 22 Bufflehead, 7 Gadwall, 26 Common Corky Marlowe reported on 11/15 that a Great Blue Heron had visited her
Goldeneye (and another 36 that day on Point Salubrious), 20 Long-tailed sister’s home on the North Shore of Pillar Point several times in early
Duck (and another 30 at Cedar Point State Park that day, where they also November. On Christmas Day, Corky sighted 2 flocks of Snow Buntings
saw a Red-bellied Woodpecker), 106 Common Mergansers, 12 Hooded and 2 Rough-legged Hawks on Pillar Point.
Mergansers, and a Great Blue Heron (as well as a second at Three Mile Birding together, Corky and Bill sighted 3 Common Loons on Point
Bay). They also saw 12 Hooded Mergansers on 11/17 on Pillar Point. Salubrious on 11/11. On 11/24, they saw 1 male and 2 female Northern
The Brouse’s sighted a number of Common Loons, 3 on 11/14 and 1 on Harriers along Favret Road near Burnt Rock Road. That same day, they
11/26 on Point Peninsula, and 3 on 11/17 on Pillar Point. They also saw a sighted a mature Great Black-backed Gull on Point Salubrious.
Rough-legged Hawk on Point Peninsula on 11/26. On 11/30, they sighted
Kezia Sullivan has reported a number of interesting sightings from Sackets
350 Tundra Swans on Pillar Point, then saw 150 there on 12/4. On 11/28,
Harbor. On 11/01, a Yellow-rumped Warbler visited her home there. On
Dick and Marion sighted 2 Bonaparte’s Gulls on Point Peninsula and 8
11/11, she sighted 10 Tundra Swans and several Bonaparte’s Gulls along
Great Black-backed Gulls on Point Salubrious. Their reports included two
the shore behind her home. On 11/28, Kezia and her husband Steve saw
especially unusual sightings: a King Eider (winter male) on Pillar Point on
a Snowy Owl along Ontario Street in Sackets. On 12/14, Kezia reported
11/30 and a Red-throated Loon, also on Pillar Point, on 12/4. On 12/29,
that she had seen a Marsh Wren in her yard several times in early
Dick and Marion sighted 2 Snowy Owls on Favret Road (just south of
December. Christmas Day was an active day for birds at the Sullivan
Cape Vincent), along with a small flock of Snow Buntings. They also
home. Species sighted included Tundra Swan, Mallard, Common
received a report that day of 4 Snowy Owls near Long Point State Park on
Goldeneye, Red-breasted Merganser, and Bald Eagle. The Marsh Wren
Point Peninsula.
was still around. A Cooper’s Hawk was keeping a close eye on the House
Lynn Chavoustie reported sighting her First Of Season Snowy Owl on Sparrows. A Canada Goose with a silver band around its neck wandered
12/3, just past the Isthmus on Point Peninsula. She saw two Red-tailed into the yard (PIU4 was inscribed on the band). On 12/27, Kezia was
Hawks on Hardscrabble Road the same day. birding with her niece and nephew, Madilyn and Gavin Ives (both
Lee Ellsworth visited Chaumont Barrens on 11/7 and found two Eastern members of the Club), at the Sackets Battlefield. They sighted a Northern
Towhees that had not yet departed. He also observed three high-flying Mockingbird, certainly unusual for this time of year. Jeff Bolsinger, who
sighted 2 Northern Mockingbirds during the Audubon
Christmas Bird Count on 12/16 (one at the Battlefield),
Regular at $10.00 Number _____ Total $______________ noted in his most informative Count report that both this
species and the Yellow-rumped Warbler are taking
Sponsor at $15.00 Number _____ Total $______________ advantage of an abundant red cedar berry crop and
wintering in red cedar woodlands near the lake. These
Patron at $20.00 Number _____ Total $______________ two are examples of half-hardies, species at the
northern edge of their winter range which will winter over
only if conditions are favorable.
___ New ___ Renewal Total Dues $______________
It has certainly been a rough winter so far. The Editor
wishes to express sincere thanks to these faithful birders
Dues payable to: North Country Bird Club Send newsletter by: for their extensive reports. He hopes that they, as well
P.O. Box 634 ___ e-mail ___USPS as other members and friends of the Club, will prove
Year: 20____ Watertown, NY 13601 (please check one) intrepid in the face of a Northern New York winter and
continue to forward notable sightings, so that these can
PLEASE REMEMBER TO FILL OUT BOTH SIDES OF THE FORM be shared with others in our small corner of the birding
world. 5
GREAT BACKYARD BIRD COUNT: Join the Great Backyard Bird Count, FUERTES PAINTING
which is scheduled for Friday, February 16 through Monday, February 19. From the State Museum in Albany
It’s for everyone, of all ages, from beginning birders to experts. Each Published in Birds of America, 1917
checklist helps the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon RED-HEADED WOODPECKER
Society learn more about how to protect birds and the environment we
share. For more information and to participate, go to birdcount.org YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER

PROJECT FEEDERWATCH: Project FeederWatch is a winter-long survey

of birds that visit feeders in North America. Participants periodically count
the birds they see at their feeders and send their counts to Project
FeederWatch. Anyone interested in birds can participate. The 2017-2018
FeederWatch season extends to Friday, April 13. You may sign up at any
time. There is an $18 annual participation fee for U.S. residents ($15 for
Cornell Lab members). For more information or to join, visit the Project
website at http://www.birds.cornell.edu/pfw/
CORNELL LAB COURSES: The Cornell Lab of Ornithology has several
online courses available to help birders improve their skills. These can be
accessed by going to the Lab’s website, http://www.birds.cornell.edu, and
following the link to the Bird Academy. There is a fee for each course, as
it is not inexpensive for the Lab to create them. Many of the courses can
be taken at any time and at any pace, including the new Feeder Birds
course, which has just been made available. Some others are set up as
more formal online courses. These courses provide a most effective way
to develop and increase one’s birding skills by working with some of the
world’s leading ornithologists. They have the added advantage of being
available in the comfort of one’s home. Take advantage of this excellent
opportunity provided by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
RECEIVE THE UPLAND PLOVER ONLINE
The e-mailed Plover is the same as the printed version, but in COLOR!
(viewed with Adobe Reader - http://www.adobe.com/).
Contact the Editor at [email protected] to sign up.

REMEMBER TO RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP FOR 2018!

Become a part of the New York State
Ornithological Association (NYSOA). ITEMS FOR THE NEXT PLOVER ARE DUE BY FEBRUARY 15
Membership includes a quarterly journal and a If you have sightings, photos, or other items for the March/April issue,
newsletter. Details at www.nybirds.org. please forward them to the Editor by February 15.
Contact info: Bill Haller, Editor - Mail: P. O. Box 6, Dexter, NY 13634
E-mail: [email protected] - Phone: (315) 639-6848 (9 am to 9 pm)
Meetings / Programs: March, April,
May, September, October, November,
(Second Wednesday of the month)
NORTH COUNTRY BIRD CLUB MEMBERSHIP
Field Trips: Spring - Summer - Fall Membership is for the calendar year. Dues are per individual.
Renewals are due by January 1st. To ensure that you receive Club
Spring Bird Census materials, be sure to give your correct mailing address below.
North Country Big Day
Audubon Christmas Bird Count Name(s): _____________________________________________
Newsletter: The Upland Plover E-mail: _______________________________________________
Website: North Country Bird Club
on FACEBOOK Address: _____________________________________________
The North Country Bird Club, Inc.,
City: _______________________ State: _____ Zip: __________
is a member of the New York State
Ornithological Association, Inc. PLEASE REMEMBER TO FILL OUT BOTH SIDES OF THE FORM
 A NORTH COUNTRY BIRD CLUB ALBUM

SNOW BUNTING
BALD EAGLE ON OSPREY NEST Dexter - January 1, 2018
Chaumont - November 11, 2017
COOPER’S HAWK
Photo by Russell Lee Cape Vincent - November 18, 2017
Photo by Lee Ellsworth
This photo was taken on the third day that the Photo by Robin Booth
If you’ve seen this massive Osprey nest on Morris Bunting appeared, alone, at the Lee’s feeders -
Tract Road, you can appreciate just how large a not a Bunting’s usual feeding or social habits.
bird this is - an impressive and appropriate sight
on Veterans Day.

SNOWY OWL
Sackets Harbor - December 6, 2017
BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER Photo by Tom McKay
Otter Creek Preserve - October 21, 2017
BONAPARTE’S GULLS Photo by Susan Timerman
WITH HERRING GULL
Point Salubrious - October 25, 2017
Photo by Lynn Chavoustie
Those Bonaparte’s really are small compared
with the Herring Gull - Imagine if they were next
to a Great Black-backed!

HOUSE FINCH
Watertown - November 2017
Photo by Dee & Lauri Piiparinen

GREAT BLUE HERON

WITH WATERFOWL
Sackets Harbor - December 21, 2017 EASTERN BLUEBIRD
Photo by Kezia Sullivan Alexandria, VA - December 20, 2017
Photo by Bob Smolinski
Pretty late for a Heron to still be here - sadly, this
may be an older, ill, or injured bird not capable of The liquid water provides a pretty good hint
making the migratory flight and not destined to
GREATER YELLOWLEGS that these December photos were taken at
last the winter. Nature is always interesting, Point Salubrious - October 24, 2017 Bob’s winter home in Virginia, not at his
always with its own beauty, but not always kind. Photo by Lynn Chavoustie cottage on Guffins Bay.