June is the height of nesting season–but spring migrants can still be found early in the month. In some years, you can catch both ends of the shorebird migration: the last northbound birds at the start of the month, the first southbound birds at the end. On average, 169 species are reported. This is a good month to visit areas that feature unique habitats for nesting species that otherwise wouldn’t be found here. In the woods, Letchworth State Park is a must stop at this time of year. Nesting species include Hooded Warbler , Louisiana Waterthrush , and Golden-crowned Kinglet . Acadian Flycatcher , Wild Turkey , and Ruffed Grouse are other specialties. Norway Road, just north of Route 104, is a great spot to observe nesting Blue-winged and Cerulean Warbler , Scarlet Tanager , C uckoos , Veery and other species. Keep to the road, however–the woods and fields are private property. Swallow Hollow at Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge is also a great spot to find Cerulean Warbler , and the Onondaga Trail also has Acadian Flycatcher . In the fields, the Nations Road area south of Avon has been consistently good for Grasshopper Sparrow and Orchard Oriole ; Eastern Bluebird nest in the area, too. On the lake, Franklin’s Gull are occasionally found in the first part of June. By the end of the month, Lesser Yellowlegs and Least and Semi-palmated Sandpiper are usually among the first to arrive. Since mudflats are usually in short supply this time of year for shorebirds, Ontario Beach and the piers at the mouth of the Genesee River are good places to watch. Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, however, has some of the best habitat for early shorebirds. Roadsides around Canadice Lake are hopping with Cliff Swallow , and Hemlock Lake Park has Cliff Swallow , too. On the ponds, nesting rails and bitterns prove especially elusive this time of year, and are best seen by getting into the marshes by canoe. Look at any of the ponds or borrow pits along the west lakeshore, Braddock Bay, marshes at the south end of Irondequoit Bay, and Montezuma and Iroquois National Wildlife Refuges (nesting Prothonotary Warbler is a specialty at Iroquois). In the air, migrating Turkey Vulture continue to pass through; early June is also a good time to spot Bald Eagle , usually immatures, moving along the lakeshore. A great vantage point is the hawk watch platform at Braddock Bay–or any vantage point near the west lakeshore. You can also look for Bald Eagle flying over southern ends of places like Irondequoit Bay and Conesus Lake.

It doesn’t get any better than this. This is what Rochesterians live for! In fact, more species are reported in May than any other month. On average 68 new species arrive, and 230 are seen overall this month. The spring migration reaches its peak by the second weekend in May, nearly 30 species of warblers arrive in the woods, Bobolink arrive in the fields, and shorebirds continue to stop at wet spots in the fields. The sheer volume of migrating songbirds means some are bound to spill over into your yard, especially if you have trees, shrubs and other natural cover. Watch for warblers, vireos, and thrushes—perhaps even a Lincoln’s Sparrow might be spotted picking through last year’s fallen leaves and litter. The crown jewels of the spring—warblers—arrive in force. With them come vireos, thrushes, Scarlet Tanager , Rose-breasted Grosbeak , Yellow- and Black-billed Cuckoo , Lincoln’s Sparrow and, later in the month, empidonax flycatchers. Island Cottage Woods, Firehouse Woods and Church Trail are probably the premier spots for their volume of migrating songbirds. But both Durand Eastman Park and Cobb’s Hill/Washington Grove are also excellent. Vultures, Osprey , Bald Eagle , and Sharp-shinned Hawk continue to fly over in good numbers. Migrating Common Nighthawk will be visible at dusk, especially along the lakeshore. A great vantage point is the hawk watch platform at Braddock Bay, or any other vantage point along the lakeshore. The lake will hold Black-bellied Plover on the beaches, and Ruddy Turnstone on the piers. May can be a good month for gulls as well. Later in the month, look for Franklin’s and Laughing Gull . Jetties and piers at Charlotte and Irondequoit Bay, and also beaches are great places to look. Least Bittern and Sora Rail will be seen in the marshes of Braddock Bay and Salmon Creek and Irondequoit Bay. High Acres Nature Area (HANA) in Perinton is great for Rusty Blackbird , warblers, swallows, shorebirds, and bitterns —it’s tough to call! Go there expecting to find something cool and unusual and you usually will! The possibilities are endless for some great birding this month! Why not join us on one of the many RBA field trips?

Spring has arrived. On average 170 species are seen this month. The hawk migration reaches its peak, songbirds begin to fill the woods, bitterns and herons arrive in the marshes. Yup, migration is in full swing! Some of the best action is along the lake after the passage of a warm front. In the yard we can find White-crowned and White-throated Sparrow and perhaps some Chipping Sparrow as well. Near the middle of the month look for Yellow-bellied Sapsucker . Hermit Thrush and Ruby-crowned Kinglet will arrive in the woods in places like Island Cottage Woods. The first warblers ( Yellow-rumped , Pine , Palm and Black-throated Green ) could show up there too. A Sandhill Crane might be seen flying overhead. The lake will hold Red-breasted Merganser , Bufflehead and other lingering waterfowl. Terns will show up too. Bitterns, rails and herons will be seen in the marshes of Braddock Bay, Irondequoit Bay and Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge.

Who knows what the weather will bring? We’ll see what March is like soon. On average 120 species are seen this month. Warm fronts will bring the best birding along the lakeshore’s fields and woodlots. The first shorebirds, Pectoral Sandpiper and both Yellowlegs , will show up this month in flooded fields. Killdeer will be seen too. Spring migration will bring some new arrivals to your yard. Winter Wren, Fox Sparrow and Golden-crowned Kinglet could show up in your brush piles and shrubs. Phoebes will arrive to catch the very first insects of the year. Red-winged Blackbird are a sure sign of spring. The first spring hawk flights occur this month at Braddock Bay. Expect to see eagles, Rough-legged Hawk, Cooper’s Hawk among the clouds. Flocks of Canada Goose will fill the skies too and the fields along the lakeshore. March is the peak month for migrating ducks. Green-winged Teal, Northern Pintail, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall and Ruddy Duck should be seen this month.

FAQs Archive - Page 2 of 3 - Rochester Birding Association

Q: Where to bird: January

Lake Ontario across from the Van Lare Treatment Plant in Irondequoit is a good spot to look for Little Gull . Charlotte Beach and the Genesee River outlet at Charlotte are good places for gulls, ducks, and mergansers and possibly a Snowy Owl . Sodus Bay and Conesus Lake usually have good numbers of waterfowl as long as there is open water and not too many hunters. Lake Ontario can also produce a King Eider or Harlequin Duck . If you find some Goldeneye, look closely for a Barrow’s Goldeneye .