Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Scoping June
Shorebirds and late Neotropical migrants are wrapping up the spring migration in the first week or so of June. Local breeding birds are busy nest building and rearing future generations. Now is the time to catch up with birds you may have missed during spring migration!
The Iroquois NWR complex is high priority on many birder's itineraries this time of year. Species such as Cerulean and Prothonotary Warblers which are rare to stumble upon during migration can be found breeding within the swamps and wet woods of Iroquois. Black Terns are hawking insects and looking immaculate in their high breeding plumage. Cayuga Overlook is a great spot to observe these terns. On quiet mornings, visitors may hear the call of Least Bitterns in the cattail marshes.
Two other species that breed locally but are rarely seen during migration are Louisiana Waterthrush and Acadian Flycatcher. These two species can be found near the Eternal Flame at Chestnut Ridge SP in Orchard Park, NY. Broad-winged Hawks nest in this forest as well.
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 . . . "
. . . Marilyn Feuerstein
BOS membership introduced me to like minded curious learners sharing new ways of seeing and connecting with our natural world; a community of people in community with birds!
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 16, 2026 (Wednesday)
Meeting - Vaughan Lecture - Dr Marcella Baiz
Details: (click for more info)
Buffalo Museum of Science
PLEASE NOTE - This meeting will be coordinated to coincide with the annual Vaughan Lecture and will occur on the THIRD Wednesday of September!
Meet at 7 pm at the Museum.
Our first meeting back after summer break. Dr. Baiz's topic will be forthcoming. The usual 'Member's Night' topic will be pushed to our October meeting.
|
Sep 26, 2026 (Saturday)
Field Trip - Roger Tory Peterson Institute Fall Bird Walk with Devin Banning and Katelyn Davis
Details: (click for more info)
Roger Tory Peterson Institute, 311 Curtis Street, Jamestown, NY 14701
UPDATE - Please take note of new field trip date!
Saturday, September 26
9:00am-11:00am
Devin Banning and Katelyn Davis as leaders
[email protected]
Please join birders from the Chautauqua-Warren Birding Association for a guided bird walk through the Peterson Preserve in search of southbound migrants. The Preserve hosts over 140 species throughout the year, and we should be able to get our eyes on dozens of them as they make their way south through WNY. After the walk, enjoy our discounted admission fee of $5 to the museum to take in the current exhibitions.
Last year’s eBird checklist…
Https://ebird.org/checklist/S274443902
|
Oct 07, 2026 (Wednesday)
Field Trip - Darien Lake SP with Matt Nusstein
Details: (click for more info)
Route 20 parking area for Darien Lakes SP
Meeting time is 10:00am in the Route 20 Parking Area (GPS coordinates: 42.900706, -78.422602).
Leader is Matthew Nusstein - (716) 446 3376; [email protected]
Matt will be leading our group in search of mid-autumn migrants at Darien Lake SP in Genesee County. In the fields and shrub edges at this location, we will be looking for species attracted to the many berry-producing shrubs along the paths. This trip will be a collaborative effort by Matt with NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and will last approximately 2 hours.
Philadelphia Vireo photographed by John Garrett at Darien Lakes SP on September 6, 2020.
|
Oct 10, 2026 (Saturday)
BOS October Bird Count
Details: (click for more info)
Throughout the BOS Study Area
Saturday, October 10th, 2026
BOS members are encouraged to participate. Please help us add to the decades of records that the BOS has collected reflecting population dynamics of the area birdlife. You can be part of a field team or simply count birds at your backyard feeder. All observations are important! If you don't know what section you live in, please contact Marcie Jacklin who will put you into contact with the correct section compiler. Thank you so much!
Compiler: Marcie Jacklin ([email protected] or 905-871-2577)
More about the October Count: more info »
Photo of a Northern Shoveler from the Batavia WWTP on October 23, 2025 taken by Andrea Heine.
|
Oct 14, 2026 (Wednesday)
Meeting - Topic TBA
Details: (click for more info)
Buffalo Museum of Science
Meet at 7 pm in the Cummings Room at the Buffalo Museum of Science.
Meeting topic to be added.
|
See Our Full List of Events