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!
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Reflections on "What the BOS Means to . . . "
. . . Holly Sweeney
I started birding in Kentucky- almost always by myself. Moving back to Buffalo 10 years later I found the BOS online.
On a serendipitous day at Tifft I met up with Bill Watson- he asked me if I had seen the
Chat. Moments later it flew near me - I called out to this questioning man that it was "right here”. He asked me if I was sure and I said "I'm from KY and I know Chats".
This began our birding adventures and I was thrilled when he asked me to join him for the BOS counts. I was his scribe and his ears - he was my mentor. Section 4 is still one of my favorite places to bird - Krull Park and Golden Hill SP especially.
Bill made me figure it out for myself - "if I tell you what u r looking at u will never remember it.” He only told me if I was right or wrong. He was a 'trust but verify' guy as I found out when I was to count the Canada Geese and he the Ring-billed Gulls - but he actually counted the geese also - just to make sure! He did stop doing that after a year or two! And I actually got to the point where I could argue a sighting with him - although I never won. So, as others have answered the question - what the BOS means to me - it is the personal connection - count days with Bill were #1 - but I also met great women that I have traveled all over the world with - Bernie, Celeste, Karen Lee. My message to all new birders is buy a Field Guide book and have fun! And participate in the counts!
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.)
Nov 21, 2026 (Saturday)
Field Trip - Dunkirk Harbor with Devin Banning and Katelyn Davis
Details: (click for more info)
Dunkirk City Pier
Leaders: Katelyn Davis and Devin Banning (716-260-8889) [email protected]
Date: Saturday, November 21, 2026
Meeting time: 9:00am
Place: Dunkirk Harbor Pier
Alternate meeting place (to be used if pier is closed): Dunkirk Memorial Park (just west of the pier on Route 5)
This trip will be targeting newly arrived waterfowl that use the Dunkirk Harbor and the surrounding area to winter. It is not unusual to see over a dozen species of waterfowl in a morning here!
We will also be looking for gulls and shorebirds along the way, as well as the harbor’s resident Bald Eagles and Peregrine Falcons. Previous year’s highlights have included Snowy Owl, Brant, Glaucous Gull and Red-throated Loon. Bring a scope if you have one, if not we can share!
Depending on recent bird reports from surrounding hotspots, we may choose to bird Point Gratiot, the Berry Road Marsh and/or Lake Erie SP after birding the harbor. Dress for the weather, there is often a breeze coming off the lake.
Link to the 2025 trip report…
Https://eBird.org/trip report/551590
Photo of a Long-tailed Duck taken by Bill Massaro on November 20, 2021.
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Nov 29, 2026 (Sunday)
Field Trip - Niagara River with Tom O’Donnell and the RBA
Details: (click for more info)
Ft Niagara SP, Youngstown, NY
Leader is Tom O’Donnell
[email protected]
(716) 622-5185
This is a joint field trip with the Rochester Birding Association
Meet at 9:00 a.m. Sunday, Nov 29 at the large parking lot overlooking Lake Ontario at Fort Niagara State Park in Youngstown. From here we will scope the lake for waterfowl, loons and gulls. This is a good location for White-winged Scoter and Long-tailed Ducks. This location has hosted rarer birds such as King Eider, Razorbill and Western Grebe in years past.
We will check the usual locations on the US side before crossing into Canada; Goat Island/Three Sisters and the Whirlpool. A stop at St Peter’s Church on Center Street in Lewiston should add wintering Turkey and Black Vultures to our day list.
This will be an all-day trip that will cross through customs into Canada. Participants MUST bring passport or Enhanced Driver’s License if you want to continue the trip into Canada. Here we will peer down upon the lower Niagara for white-winged gulls as well as possible Little Gulls.
Be prepared for potentially cold weather/wind. Would be easiest for participants to bring their own lunches/snacks and beverages…dig out your thermos! If you have a spotting scope, this would be a great trip to bring it along on!
Leader: Tom O’Donnell of the Buffalo Ornithological Society (BOS) 716-622-5185 or [email protected]
Photo of White-winged Scoters and a solo Black Scoter taken by Ryan Griffiths on November 23, 2025 from Fort Mississauga, Niagara.
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Dec 09, 2026 (Wednesday)
Meeting - Holiday Celebration
Details: (click for more info)
Buffalo Museum of Science
Annual Holiday Celebration at 7:00 PM in the Cummings Room of the Buffalo Museum of Science.
Please bring a treat to share and enjoy an evening of birding friendship.
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See Our Full List of Events