COOPERSTOWN – ONEONTA – SPRINGFIELD – WESTFORD] Spring is the season that all birders look forward to in the Northeast. It is the time of year when many of our favorite songbirds return to our area. There are about 60 species of birds that are common to the central New York region during the spring and summer months. These include birds like orioles, hummingbirds, wood thrushes, tanagers, flycatchers, swallows, sparrows, warblers and more, most of which establish breeding territories in our local habitats for the season. You can view or download a complete list of bird species that can be found in our area on the DOAS website: Birds of Otsego, Delaware and Nearby Parts of Adjoining Counties.
As the season progresses from Spring to Summer, it becomes increasingly more difficult for even an experienced birder to spot some of these birds. Shrubs and trees that are leafing out fully become obstacles for viewing. This combined with the incredibly efficient camouflage of summer plumage makes it more important to be able to identify a bird from sound. Knowing what you are looking for can often help you to find it!
A special Birding By Ear event will be presented by the Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society on Sunday, June 5, 8:30am-12:00pm at Betty and Wilbur Davis State Park, Westford, NY to help participants recognize birds by their songs and calls. This special field event will focus on how to train the ear to recognize differences in bird songs and develop auditory memory through slides, sound samples, expert tips and guided walks from our local DOAS Audubon Chapter leaders, Becky Gretton, Andy Mason and Charles Scheim. This special event also includes a “Bruncheon”. Pre-registration is required as space is limited to maintain small group sizes. The program fee is $15 for youths (ages 12-17) and $25 for adults (18 and over). Register today at https://doas.us/event/birding-by-ear-event-at-the-betty-and-wilbur-davis-state-park/ to unlock the secrets of bird song! For more information, please contact Becky Gretton at 607-547-5648 or by email at info@doas.us.
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Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society (DOAS) provides a number of programs to encourage birdwatching throughout the year and to help interested participants improve their skills. On May 20, 7:30-9:00pm at Elm Park United Methodist Church, Oneonta, DOAS will host a free program with Barry Stevens from Wild Birds Unlimited in Johnston City who will be reviewing the technical details on optics for birding (binoculars, spotting scopes, etc.). New or novice birders looking to start out with birdwatching or experienced birders that might be in the market for replacements or upgrades can attend and learn the details on what options are best for their needs.
