11 Youth Members of the New York State Young Birders Club, ranging in age from 10 to 18, took a 4-hour bird walk at Doodletown today. Many thanks to their parents for supporting the kids’ unusual (but wonderful) hobby, and to Gerhard Patsch of the Edgar A. Mearns Bird Club for leading a fabulous walk. The initial tally was 51 species of birds, including very visible Cerulean and Hooded Warblers (among other warbs) plus three non-avian critters that were lifers for many in attendance – MANY cicadas, a surprise luna moth that floated past us near the reservoir, and a timber rattlesnake, which was photogenically curled up among some rocks just a few feet from the trail as it eyed the excited crowd of young birders and the equally excited old(er) birders accompanying them. When we returned on our way back about 45 minutes later, the snake was in the trail and moved away as we approached, showing us its impressive rattle but not appearing to be particularly rattled by us. We were all careful not to get too close, though! A number of the young birders took delight in listing, photographing and identifying dragonflies, moths, and butterflies as well as birds. A few of us headed up to Mine Road around noon and heard the song of a Golden-winged Warbler but did not get to see the bird. It was a great day that reminded me to get myself over to Doodletown more often. Carena Pooth NYSYBC Adult Chair
-- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
