Saturday, the 6th of November provided a brisk Fall day under an azure blue sky that provided ideal birding weather for the 20 or so hikers that gathered at Oblong’s Slocum-Mostachetti Preserve in Wingdale. This 100 acre preserve, Oblong’s latest acquisition, with its trail system covering both upland and wetland habitats provided the perfect venue to see a variety of resident and migratory birds. The walk was led by Barbara Butler of The Waterman Bird Club and ably assisted by Dr. Jim Utter of FrOGS. Both are extremely knowledgeable birders.

A total of 21 different species were identified and 144 individual birds were sighted as recorded by Ms. Butler; an extraordinary feat probably only possible by a dedicated birder. Black Scoters, American crows, American robins, European starlings and cedar waxwings were the most abundant. However, a bald eagle was sighted as were two members of the hawk family, yellow-rumped warblers and mallard and wood ducks, to name but a few. The walk was leisurely, which provided a much needed respite from normal work-a-day pressures, and concluded by noon.

The next First Saturdays event is scheduled for Saturday the 4th of December, also at the Slocum-Mostachetti Preserve. We will meet a 9.00 am and devote part of the day to trail clearing. If you would like to participate and don’t mind a bit of labor please join us. Call (845) 855 7014 for further details.

Number of Species 21

Number of Individuals 144

2 Wood Duck

2 Mallard

25 Black Scoter

1 Bald Eagle

1 Sharp-shinned Hawk

2 Red-tailed Hawk

1 Belted Kingfisher

1 Red-bellied Woodpecker

4 Northern Flicker

5 Blue Jay

20 American Crow

5 Black-capped Chickadee

1 White-breasted Nuthatch

2 Carolina Wren

1 Golden-crowned Kinglet

20 American Robin

15 European Starling

20 Cedar Waxwing

8 Yellow-rumped Warbler

6 Dark-eyed Junco

2 American Goldfinch