American Avocets at Bennett Beach -
photo by Sue Barth ©
Scoping July
Many of our WNY breeding species have fledged their young by now. Your feeders are probably being visited by young Black-capped Chickadees, Tufted Titmice, woodpeckers, Baltimore Orioles, Mourning Doves, and more! The American Goldfinch, however, is just beginning!
Shorebirds are beginning to arrive as they slowly meander south. You may find them at mud flats or along the shores of lakes and ponds. Dunkirk Harbor is a great spot to spend time at if you are hoping to see Western Willets or American Avocets. These two species are rare but occur here annually and most reliably after a thunderstorm which can ground these birds. You have to arrive at the beach early to beat the dog walkers and runners!
Some common species that we could see would include: Sanderling, Least Sandpiper, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Pectoral Sandpiper, Lesser and Greater Yellowlegs, and Solitary Sandpiper. On drier years, the marshes at Tifft Nature Preserve dry up and provide excellent mud flats which attract shorebirds to our generally shorebird-habitat-starved side of Lake Erie. The north end of Woodlawn Beach SP also provides a suitable stopover site for species which prefer sandy beaches. Check in the vicinity of the creek outlet into Lake Erie.
The Buffalo Ornithological Society, Inc. (BOS) was established in 1929 to promote the study of the birds of the Niagara Frontier Region. Annual grants are awarded by the BOS to fund member-sponsored avian research projects. We are proud of our extensive scientific research databases, our continuing involvement in environmental and conservation activities that impact birds, and our promotion of the enjoyment of ornithology.
The BOS coverage area includes Western New York and parts of nearby Ontario, Canada. This region is rich in bird life with over 380 species and 25 recognizable subspecies of birds recorded. Explore our site to learn more about where to report and find birds, both regional specialties and rare visitors.
The Buffalo Ornithological Society has something to offer to anyone passionate about birds: from the backyard feeder- watcher, the avid lister or the environmental activist, to the dedicated citizen scientist or the professional ornithologist. Society activities include regular programs, field trips, intensive long-term bird counts, checklist and date guide development, varied research activities, and involvement in local conservation efforts. We invite you to join in the activities of the society!
JOIN the BOS
Reflections on "What the BOS Means to . . . "
. . . Don Dixon
It means time spent with my family. Whether its on wild goose chases (numerous dips on a Pink-footed) to trekking through the Erie County Forest to see Hooded Warblers to trips with friends who are extended family. The BOS has afforded me time with the ones who really matter to me along with seeing some amazing birds. These birding days have brought me face to face with birds I may never see again, likes of the Northern Hawk Owl just north of Toronto, to a boat in the Atlantic for Black-Capped Petrels and a White-Face Storm-Petrel. Moments in my life that I will never forget.
Cheers & Happy Birding!
Upcoming Field Trips and Events
For a full list of our upcoming field trips, meetings, and events, visit our calendar page. You don't have to be a member to join our field trips or meetings! (Note that meetings run from September through June.)
Sep 10, 2025 (Wednesday)
Meeting - Spark Bird Project, Jennifer Lodi- Smith
Buffalo Museum of Science
Meet at 7 pm in the Cummings Room.
Jennifer Lodi -Smith will be presenting on the Spark Bird Project
Our first meeting back after summer break. Members...please bring photos from your summer travels to share with the rest of us. Load your photos onto a thumb drive and bring with you.
Also looking to sign members up for the October bird count; whether as compilers or volunteers within the sections. Please help us improve our coverage from last year.
See Our Full List of Events