Chirps and Cheeps

When I read that NYSOA was hosting an Adirondack trip, I jumped at the opportunity to get up to the mountains again. Fortunately, I was allowed to attend, even though the trip had reached its limit. Alec Humann and Chris Kundl had aleady signed up and allowed me to travel along with them - what great travel companions!

We all saw some wonderful birds over the 3 day weekend, including a large flock of at least 50 Evening Grosbeaks, many encounters with Red Crossbills, seven Gray Jays at a feeding stop, and a pair of elusive Boreal Chickadees.  Pine Siskins were seen and heard everywhere due to a large irruption this year.

Alec gained two state birds, Chris got three life birds, and I was a happy camper just to see these boreal birds once again!

One highlight was seeing a winter-white Snowshoe Hare cross over a road just after a hunter had left the scene. We all got quite a chuckle that his quarry seemed to know just when it was safe to come out of the woods!

Joan Collins, birder extraordinaire, led the trip along with her birding partner, Mary Beth. They were both fantastic guides and organizers and I'd like to extend a big thank you to them both!  Joan's hearing never ceases to amaze me!