Date: 8/24/26 11:47 am From: Naomi Lloyd via groups.io <naomi_kestrel...> Subject: [hmbirds] Upcoming field trips: 8/25-26-27, 8/29, 8/30
Join us as the fall migration season starts!
Counting Common Nighthawks
When: 25, 26, 27 Aug 2026
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Location: Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, Albany County
Coordinators: Scott Stoner and Denise Hackert-Stoner <scottjstoner...>
The Common Nighthawk is perhaps best referred to as the "Uncommon Nighthawk" as this dusk- and dawn-feeding aerial insectivore sadly is in decline. Although it breeds throughout much of North America, it is no longer observed during the summer in many urban and suburban areas. A long-distance migrant, Common Nighthawks travel in large flocks, on one of the longest migration routes of any North American bird. Most travel over land through Mexico and Central America to reach their wintering grounds in southern South America. Although numbers on individual nights are unpredictable, the bulk of southbound migration occurs from mid-August until early September. Once again, HMBC will be viewing and counting any nighthawks that pass overhead. Tuesday 8/25 is a joint program with Albany Pine Bush.
Meet at the parking lot at the Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, located at 195 New Karner Road (New York State Route 155) in Albany. Bring a chair and binoculars. We will begin each night at 6:00 p.m. and count until 7:30 p.m.
=================
Saratoga Spa State Park
When: 29 Aug 2026
8:00 AM
Location: Saratoga Springs State Park, Saratoga County
Coordinator: Ron Harrower <ronharrower14...>
Picnic table graveyard? Hardly! Explore this very productive area at the south end of Saratoga Spa Park. From weedy brush lot to capped landfill and through woods, this spot has earned attention as a haven for migrants in its many edge habitats. Expect warblers, sparrows, flycatchers, and vireos. The path is level and mostly gravel.
Meet at 8:00 a.m. at the Carlsbad parking area. From New York State Route 50 or U.S. Route 9, take East-West Road through the south end of the park. Carlsbad parking lot is just west of the Peerless Pool lot. Admission is charged after 8:30 a.m. so please be prompt.
================
Hand Hollow Conservation Area
When: 30 Aug 2026
8:00 AM
Location: Hand Hollow Conservation Area, Columbia County
Coordinator: Joanie Scheu 845-702-7564
Columbia Land Conservancy owns and manages 433 acres at Hand Hollow Conservation Area for the protection of wildlife and open space. The property has an active beaver pond and two lakes, and trails that pass by ponds, creeks, wet meadows and a hemlock ravine. We will be looking for migrant songbirds as well as lingering residents.
Meet 8:00 a.m. at the parking lot. From the intersection of New York State Route 22 and U.S. Route 20 in New Lebanon, take U.S. Route 20 4.5 miles to County Route 9. Take County Route 9 south 1.2 miles and turn west (right) into a parking lot across from the farmhouse just past the pond.
