Second Sunday Bird Walk: Vischer Ferry

John Loz will lead a bird walk at Vischer Ferry Nature and Historic Preserve, starting at the Whipple Bridge.

This birding “hotspot” has the second highest number of recorded species in the Capital Region, second only to Five Rivers in Delmar. It is a combination of marshes, bogs, ponds, coniferous and deciduous mixed forest that borders the Mohawk River and since 1997 designated as a National Audubon Society Important Bird Area. We’ll be looking for various sparrows arriving during fall migration, any early fall migration waterfowl, and other resident birds.

Expected and possible November species include: American Tree Sparrow, Fox Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, maybe a migrating Fox Sparrow, various woodpeckers and nuthatches. Waterfowl such as Mallard, American Black Duck, Northern Shoveler, Canada Goose, and possible Green-winged Teals, Common Mergansers, Northern Pintail, Ring-necked Duck, and if we’re lucky a Pie-billed Grebe! Many more should be seen!

Duration: 2 – 3 hours, depending on bird activity Approximately: 2+ miles. Bring your binoculars if you have them, but if you do not own a pair, we will have a few binoculars to loan out for the walk. We will run the walk in light rain, but predicted thunderstorms for the morning of the walk will cancel. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable footwear – hiking boots if possible. This event is geared towards teenagers and adults, but well-behaved children are welcome. Please register with John by emailing: [email protected].