2020 Putnam Highlands Birdathon Results
By Sean Camillieri
On May 9th, 2020 PHAS had their annual Birdathon. Aside from traveling around the Hudson Valley and observing as many birds as possible, it is a fund raiser for bird conservation and enables PHAS to continue to be an advocate for birds and their habitats.
Participants woke up predawn and were greeted with a not so pleasant May morning. Temperatures were in the low 30s with winds howling out of the north between 20 and 30 mph gave off a mid-January vibe. Some of us were even blessed (if you want to call it that) with snow on the ground and our cars. But miraculously, the birds were still out in force. Our volunteers saw 121 species of bird, including 21 species of wood warbler such as the Black-Throated Blue Warbler, Cape May Warbler, and Hooded Warbler.
These birds are always the highlights of every birder’s spring. They come in array of colors that make you scratch your head and wonder how something this unique and beautiful not only exists, but make the journey annually, from wintering grounds in Central and South America to breeding grounds in New York and beyond.
Other highlights include Ring-necked Duck and Northern Shoveler which are usually seen during the late fall and throughout the winter but given the weather they seemed appropriate on the day. Nine species of sparrow, five species of swallow, five species of flycatcher and an assortment of woodpeckers, raptors and owls were enjoyed by everyone despite the winter weather.
Due to challenges with Covid-19 and social distancing, teams were scrapped and everyone went out on their own journey whether it be in their own backyard or elsewhere in the Hudson Valley. Birders traveled to Hotspots such as Doodletown and Iona Island in Rockland County, Rye Nature Center and Marshlands Conservancy in Westchester County, Constitution Marsh and Hubbard Lodge in Putnam County and Vassar Farm Ecological Center and Peach Hill Park in Dutchess County. Each site offered new birds and challenges with the weather.
All in all, 121 species for a February, cough, I mean May day not only reflects on the skill of our participants, but the determination and toughness of our feathered friends. Thanks to all of our volunteers!
Take a look at our Putnam Highlands Audubon eBird Account for more details Click Here
Here are the species we sighted and counted, some were top “many” to count…. Printable List
Sean Camillieri is a board member of Putnam Highlands Audubon Society and avid birder, and major contributor on eBird
