Chemung Valley Audubon Society

New York State boasts some of the best birding places there are.  From the mountains of the Adirondacks and Catskills, the falls of Niagara, the ocean along Long Island, to the woods and farmlands accross the state.  There are swamps of Montezuma, hawkwatches near Oneonta and the two great lakes, and bogs with boreal species up north.

Lost in all of this is an area I call home.  I grew up there.  I learned to bird there.  I met some of the best birders I've ever met, and became friends with them there.  "There" is the "Chemung Valley of New York State".  Growing up in Horseheads, next to Newtown Creek, I would almost daily walk up the creek to see what birds were there.  I'd cross the creek just to check the "gravel pits" to see what "ducks" were there.  Heck I needed to know what waterfowl was there so I'd cross the creek in the middle of the freezing winter just to see.  When school grades dropped the only thing to make me do better was the threat of not being able to go "up the creek".  I was only thirteen back then.  Birding had bit me.

I cant remember when it was but our church youth group did a field trip led by the brother of our leader.  Thats where I met Bill Ostrander.  Eventually I started attending Bill's regular Saturday/Sunday morning field trips that he lead for Tanglewood Nature Center.  Bill introduced me to the Chemung Valley Audubon Society.  There I learned that my birds were questioned, couldnt be real, and that all I knew wasnt enough.  So over time I began to get lucky and see things members would believe, or maybe they just started believing in me.  Joining the CVAS was what made me the birder I am.  Great friends like Dick and Joan Clements, Mary Passage, Bill and Joan Ostrander came from being there, and each taught me in thier own way how to bird, and where to bird in the Chemung Valley.  I started leading the field trips and organizing the bird counts and events.  I kept track of the bird sightings as well as doing the club newsletter. 

This page is for all the memories, past, present and future.  Thank you to all the CVAS members for giving me the knowledge and wisdom the the birds of the Chemung Valley to even attempt this page. 

Please note that the information I am including is based almost 100% on MY data.  My time birding in the Chemung Valley was not the same as the amount of time birds have been watched there.  For this reason data included is not totally accurate with what is there and what has been there, it's only what I have had there.  Also when I give my data and say I have 100 records for that bird, 1 bird is 1 record not 1 sighting.  Lets take for example, in Feb I have 100 records for Brant, that is 100 birds and 1 sighting.  So even if I had 100 birds that day it is the only sighting that month so its still not common that month. On the other hand I've had 63 records for American Woodcock but they are mostly of 2 or 3 birds per time, so they have been seen more times but in less numbers making them much more common.  I found it easier to post "likeness to be seen" based on the number of birds, not the number of sightings.  For the most part  records relate to sightings in this manner but not always. Also some of the birds on this list I have not seen in the Chemung Valley but they have been seen by others and are therefore on the official Checklist.  Finally as with most birders my records aren't a complete collection of data.  For example I didnt bird as much in summer, which would change data of a species true "population".  Also my records are probably pretty lame with birds like House Sparrow, Rock Pigeon, European Starling, since they are very common and become "bland" when tracking sightings.

Your Web Master

Dave Russell

Now the Birds!

Red-throated Loon-  It's a rare one in the area, always as a migrant, usually in spring.  I've only recorded it twice, both in April with a high of 11 on April 23,1993.  Both of my sighting were from Park Station.

Common Loon- It's a pretty common migrant and one you will see every year if you look, and usually mid-late April is the best time to find this bird. Best places to look are Eldridge Park, and Park Station.   My high count was 62 birds migrating over Elmira on November 11, 1994.  I have seen  278 birds in the CV, 170 of them in April, 64 in Nov.

Pied-billed Grebe- Can be found in all season and does breed.  Best places are Lowe Pond and the Horseheads Marsh.  It's still not a real common bird but it is there.  I have 169 records 79 in April, 21 in May.  Recorded every month except Feb and Aug.

Horned Grebe-

Common migrant mostly in spring.  Often seen on Eldridge Lake, Chemung River and Park Station during those times.  I have 398 records 256 in Mar, 138 in April

,

Red-necked Grebe,

Pretty uncommon migrant, usually seen every five years. I have 16 records 8 in April 5 in Mar

Western Grebe  No idea!  It's been on the club checklist for years but all records do not indicate where and when it was seen

Black-capped Petrel One was found dead at Ridge Road Elementary School, September 25th 1989 after the passing of Hurricane Hugo

Double-crested Cormorant

Pretty common migrant usually in April but in fall as well.  Most commonly seen along the Chemung River. I have 204 records  120 in Apr, 56 in May

American Bittern It's probably around every year and does breed.  The trick is being there to hear it or lucky enough to see it. Almost all sightings are from the Horseheads Marsh with a few from Lowe Pond.  I have 14 records 6 in Apr and 6 in May

Least Bittern  Every sighting is from the Horseheads Marsh, I know a few others have had it at Lowe Pond.  Not common and not seen every year. I have 8 records 4 in May, 3 in June, 1 in Aug

Great Blue Heron 

Common and breeds, can be found any time of year anywhere there is open water. I have 689 records, 185 in Apr and 117 in Mar, recorded every month

Great Egret Mostly seen in late summer and early fall along the Chemung River, rare in spring.   I have 25 records 14 in Aug, 5 in Sept

Snowy Egret  Rare, I've only seen it twice, once in June at Newtown Creek, once in August at the Elmira Dam. I have 2 records in Jun and 1 in Aug.

Little Blue Heron  Hm?  I've never seen one in the Chemung Valley but "they" say it's been seen must be very rare

Cattle Egret  I had one in May of 1993 along Newtown Creek, very rare. 1 record in May

Green Heron

Common summer breeder andywhere there is water, not always easy to find however. I have 267 records 74 in May and 53 in Aug

Black-crowned Night Heron usually seen in late summer and early fall at the Elmira Dam, not very common.  I have 14 records 8 in Aug, 3 in May

Yellow-crowned Night Heron Another I've never seen but others have

Glossy Ibis I havent seen this one either but others have before my time

Tundra Swan

Almost every record I have is from March.  Look for them overhead on those days when you have a  large movement of geese, they're not always geese!! I have 475 records with 463 in Mar, and 11 in Apr

Mute Swan I've seen twice May 15 1998 at Park Station (4 birds) and March 11 2001 at the Elmira Dam (2 birds), it's rare now but if it becomes established look out

Snow Goose

Uncommon Migrant usually in March.  Again look at all the migrating flocks of geese overhead, there's usually some snows on those big days.  I have 2017 records 1034 birds in Feb and 975 in Mar

Ross's Goose The only record was of a bird I found on Smith Rd mixed with Canada and Snow Geese during a snow storm in March 17 2001

Brant

Pretty Rare, usually in the fall as a migrant. I have 604 records 501 in Oct, and 100 in Feb.

Canada Goose

Lets face it, this has become a pest, they are everywhere! I have 85255 records, recorded every month with 58652 in March and 7816 in Feb

Cackling Goose I have the only record of a single bird on Oct 13 2001 at the gravel pits.

Wood Duck

Seen all year but mostly March-October.  Rare in winter but in that season try Mill St Pond. I have 1394 records, 282 in Apr and 271 in Aug. I've seen every month but Jan.

Green-winged Teal

Seen as a migrant in spring and fall, Horseheads Marsh, Lowe Pond, Sullivanville Dam, Chemung River.  In winter its sometimes seen..try Horseheads Marsh/Mark Twain State Park for best winter results.  I have 533 records, 218 in Apr and 125 in Oct. Every month but June and July

American Black Duck

Most common in winter, some spring and fall, but it does breed so can be found all year.  Usually found with Mallards andwhere there is open water. I have 868 records 292 in Jan and 175 in Mar

Mallard 

It's another one that is  everywhere I have 12816 records 3019 in Dec and 2970 in Jan

Northern Pintail  Most commonly seen in spring at Lowe Pond, but still not common. I have 130 records 61 in Mar and 55 in Apr

Blue-winged Teal Most common in April and May at Lowe Pond or Horseheads Marsh, not common but can be seen every year if you are there on the right day.  Does occasionally breed. I have 199 records with 151 in Apr and 15 in May

Cinnamon Teal  One was seen at Lowe Pond by club members but that was prior to my knowledge

Northern Shoveler  Usually mid April at Lowe Pond or Horseheads Marsh, rare in winter. I have 53 records  with 29 in Apr and 11 in Nov

Gadwall  Usually in Mid March at Lowe Pond and Horseheads Marsh during winter sometimes on the Chemung River.  I have 37 records with 25 in Mar and 5 in Apr

Eurasion Wigeon  Seen years ago not by me

American Wigeon

Common migrant mostly in spring and can be found most anywhere water is. I have 132 records with 64 in Mar and 23 in Apr. 

Canvasback Not common and almost always in March.  I have 36 records with 31 in Mar and 5 in Nov

Redhead  It's rare I have 2 records, March 13, 1982 at Newtown Creek, and Feb 25 2001 at the Elmira Dam. I have 3 records 2 in Feb and 1 in Mar

Ring-necked Duck

common migrant in spring and fall but mostly in spring, my highest count was April 7 2001 with 226 birds at Horseheads Marsh.  Newtown Creek Gravel Pits often has numbers in the hundreds in spring and has most of the fall records.  I have 3162 records with 1521 in Mar and 1201 in Apr

Greater Scaup  Mid March through April this migrant is usually seen with Ring-necked Ducks. I have 226 records with 158 in Apr and 59 in Mar

Lesser Scaup 

Pretty much the same as a Greater Scaup.  I have 331 records with 228 in Apr and 99 in Mar

Common Eider  I believe it was Bill Ostrander who saw a female on the Chemung River thinking it was an odd female Mallard

Long-tailed Duck  Eldridge Park is the best bet for this occasional Spring migrant.  Also try the Gravel Pits and Park Station.  I have 80 records

Black Scoter  I have 2 records November 12 1991 at the Gravel Pits and May 15 2004 at Park Station, it's rare

Surf Scoter I have 5 records, 1 at Park Station and 2 each at Gravel Pits and Eldridge.  It's usually one of those after/during bad weather birds

White-winged Scoter Rare usually in Apr at Gravel Pits, Park Station or Eldridge Lake.  I have 13 records with 9 in Apr and 3 in Mar

Common Goldeneye  Not real common but seen from late October through March at most places there is water.  I have 70 records with 31 in Mar and 16 in both Apr and Dec

Barrow's Goldeneye Been seen but not by me

Bufflehead 

Common Migrant in March and April occasionally in fall and winter, seen most anywhere there is water.  I have 947 records with 701 in Apr and 167 in Mar.

Hooded Merganser  Most common in March and April as a migrant...anywhere.  In summer it breeds at Lowe Pond and Horseheads Marsh.  Occasionally seen in winter. I have 581 records with 285 in Mar and 144 in Apr

Common Merganser 

Pretty common all year, most likely to be seen along the Chemung River but can been seen most anywhere.  I have 1272 records with 359 in Mar and 205 in Apr. Has been recorded every month

Red-breasted Merganser  A migrant usually in March and April, most often seen at Eldridge Lake.  I have 138 records with 76 in Apr and 56 in Mar

Ruddy Duck  Occasional migrant usually every year in both spring and fall, most often at Park Station.  I have 128 records with 77 in Apr and 22 in Oct

Turkey Vulture

It's common in spring, summer, and fall and can be found most anywhere but is most common in the hills around the Chemung River, occasional in winter.  I have 787 records with 290 in Apr and 218 in Mar

Black Vulture I've never seen it in the CV but after I left the area it has shown up a few times, look for it to become more common

Osprey

Mostly seen as a migrant but probably breeds as it is occasionally seen along the rivers during summer.  I have 97 records with 50 in Apr and 17 in Sept

Bald Eagle 

When I started birding this bird didnt exist, but now it breeds in several locations and is often seen in small numbers in winter where open water is found.I have 28 records with 8 in Mar and 7 in Dec.

Northern Harrier  Not overly common but does breed and is pprobably most common in winter in farm areas like those in Veteran, or near the airport. I have 136 records with 34 in Apr and 24 in Mar.

Sharp-shinned Hawk common migrant in spring and fall, and can be found all year in suburban areas and wooded locations. I have 214 records with 51 in Apr and 29 in Mar.

Cooper's Hawk

same as the sharpie.I have 217 records with 36 in Apr and 29 in Mar

Northern Goshawk not common at all but has breed and is seen all year round by the lucky one  I have 19 records with 4 in Apr and 3 in Jan, Mar, and Oct

Red-shouldered Hawk another all year raptor, less common in winter, most often seen in the northern sections of Chemung County around Park Station.  I have 29 records with 12 in Apr and 6 in Mar and May

Broad-winged Hawk

Common summer bird but not often seen, occasionally small groups in migration, Erwin area is a good location in summer. I have 176 records with 81 in Apr and 63 in Sept

Red-tailed Hawk

Common all year round and usually pretty easy to find most anywhere.  I have 1305 records with 262 in Mar and 243 in Apr.  Has been recorded every month

Rough-legged Hawk Ya never know, it's a winter visitor, occasional in Spring and fall.  Some years there are lots other years not so many, look in Veteran or the airport.  I have 193 records with 71 in Jan and 38 in Mar

Golden Eagle  Not common and you'll be lucky to see one, usually late fall into winter as they migrate.  I have 5 records with 3 in Nov and 1 in Mar and Apr

American Kestrel  Common but not like it used to be, can be found all year at many locations.  I have 248 records with 70 in Apr and 53 in Mar.  Has been seen every month

Merlin

It used to be a great find, now it's normal to see one, with enough time spent birding.  They are hard to miss on CBC's and have attempted breeding.  I have 35 records with 8 in Mar and 6 in Apr and Sep

Peregrine Falcon,

look at the KMART parking lot...ok thats a joke.  This bird was once way back seen yearly, then it left but is now coming back, in recent years it has been seen every fall along the river and shows up in a few other locations on occasion.  I have 6 records with 2 in Apr and 1 in each of May, Sep, Oct and Dec

Chuckar An introduced bird seen rarely wherever it may pop up.  I have 1 record in Apr

Ring-necked Pheasant  It's out there but hard to find, most often seen by accident while driving along old farm roads, was often heard at Mark Twain State Park.  I have 64 records with 16 in Mar and 14 in Apr

Ruffed Grouse  Common in woodlands but hard to see unless you want to walk in the thickets, can be heard drumming in Spring.  I have 146 records with 29 in May and 24 in both Jun and Nov

Wild Turkey  Look and listen in farm country with heavy woods nearby.  They have become much more common.  I have 858 records with 158 in Dec and 126 in Apr.  Has been seen every month.

Northern Bobwhite  Introduced bird occasional heard or seen. I have 2 records 1 in May and 1 in Aug.

King Rail I believe one was reported at the Horseheads Marsh once..dont expect to see one or hear one for that matter

Virginia Rail  Common spring and summer resident of Lowe Pond and the Horseheads Marsh.  I have 79 records with 36 in May and 23 in Apr

Sora same as Virginia Rail but not as common , I once saw one on the main trail at Gleason Meadows.  I have 20 records with 12 in May and 6 in Apr

Common Moorhen can be common at the Horseheads Marsh and seen at Lowe Pond, it does breed.  I have 212 records with 48 in May and 47 in Jun

American Coot

Not common but usually seen in spring at the Horseheads Marsh and sometimes Lowe Pond.  I have 36 records with 21 in Apr and 5 in Mar

Sandhill Crane rare has been seen at Lowe Pond and a few times as it migrated overhead but who knows, it now breeds in NY so it may become more common

Black-bellied Plover Rare Migrant, seen when conditions are right at the Elmira Dam, and sometimes The Center at Horseheads Grasslands.  I have 2 records 1 in Apr and 1 in Nov

American Golden Plover  same as the Black-bellied Plover but less common.  I have 2 records 1 in Sept and 1 in Oct

Semipalmated Plover seen every year in migration, often depending on water levels, Horseheads Marsh, Lowe Pond and Elmira Dam are best bets.I have 51 records with 38 in May and 12 in Aug

Piping Plover another blast from the past with no documentation

Killdeer

Common in all season except winter when it is still seen occasionaly.  I have 1836 records with 466 in Aug and 394 in Oct.  I've seen every month but Feb

Greater Yellowlegs  Seen most often at Lowe Pond or The Horseheads Marsh in spring but at the Elmira Dam in late summer and fall.  I have 78 records with 26 in Sept and 22 in Oct

Lesser Yellowlegs Same as the Greater Yellowlegs.  I have 59 records with 30 in Aug and 14 in May

Solitary Sandpiper common in May at Lowe Pond or Horseheads Marsh.  I have 104 records with 65 in May and 19 in Aug

Upland Sandpiper Growing up I used to find it along Newtown Creek but the fields theregrew shrubby.  Now the Center at Horseheads Grasslands is the only "likely" location but even that is now a stretch.  I have 19 records with 12 in May and 5 in Apr

Spotted Sandpiper Common summer resident along most waterways, Newtown Creek, Chemung River were most common for me.  I have 363 records with 159 in May and 87 in Aug

Whimbrel  I have 1 record on Sept 15 1998 at the Elmira Dam

Ruddy Turnstone  I have 4 records of 2 in July and 2 in Aug 1998 at the Elmira Dam, probably all the same bird.

Sanderling  I have 5 records all in Aug 1998 at the Elmira Dam, probably all the same bird.

Semipalmated Sandpiper Seen mostly in late summer at the Elmira Dam.  I have 78 records, 67 in Aug and 6 in May

Western Sandpiper  I've never recorded it but someone had at one time

Least Sandpiper  Common in spring at Lowe Pond and the Horseheads Marsh if water is low and along the Elmira Dam when heading south.  I have 465 records with 290 in Aug and 135 in May

White-rumped Sandpiper   I have 1 record on May 23 2001 at the Horseheads Marsh

Bairds Sandpiper I have 3 records at the Elmira Dam 1 Sept 9 2001 and 2 of the same bird (probably) Aug 24th and 30th 2002

Pectoral Sandpiper Not common but can be found, usually in the fall.  I have 25 records with 10 in Sept and 5 in Aug, and Oct

Dunlin  In spring it is found occasionally at the Horseheads Marsh and in fall along the Chemung River.  I have 40 records with 34 in May and 5 in Oct.

Stilt Sandpiper  Another I have not seen in the CV

Buff-breasted Sandpiper  Again I have not seen this in the CV

Ruff and once more I have not seen this in the CV

Short-billed Dowitcher Rare my 5 records are from 2002 with 2 differant sightings of probably the same bird in May at the Horseheads Marsh, 2 birds in May at Park Station and a single bir in Aug at the Elmira Dam

Long-billed Dowitcher I've never seen in the CV

Common Snipe  Often seen in Spring by carefully checking the edges of the mud flats at the Horseheads Marsh.  I have 61 records with 33 in May and 7 in May and Oct.

American Woodcock  Its common you just need to find it and go out at dusk to hear it.  Under recorded.  I have 63 records with 24 in May and 23 in Apr

Wilson's Phalarope  I've never seen in the CV

Red-necked Phalarope I've never seen in the CV

Red-Phalarope I've never seen in the CV

Laughing Gull   I've never seen in the CV

Common Black-headed Gull  I've never seen in the CV

Bonaparte's Gull  Most often seen in spring along the Chemung River, Eldridge Lake, or Park Station resulting from bad weather.  I have 426 records with 329 in Apr and 85 in Mar

Ring-billed Gull

The subject of current debate.  Lets face it this is common and can be found most anywhere.  It was first found nesting in the CV on May 8 1993 at the gravel pits along Newtown Creek.  Now it nests along the Chemung River (800 some birds) and is considered a pest by Elmira who is looking for a way to get rid of them.  I have 17862 records with 5045 in Mar and 4010 in Jan.

California Gull The one and only sighting of this bird was the one I had at the Elmira Dam Feb 21 1998

Herring Gull like the Ring-billed Gull in status just not as many in numbers, however this gull is usually only seen at the river and gravel pits.  I have 3658 records and 1688 in Jan and 621 in Mar

Iceland Gull A rarewinter visitor found on the river in Elmira.  I have 3 records 1 from Jan, 1 from Oct and 1 in Nov.

Thayer's Gull The one and only record of this bird is one I had at the Elmira Dam on Mar 25 and 27 1999

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Probably the most common of the uncommon gulls all records are from the river in Elmira but 1 at Eldridge Lake.  I have 11 records with 4 in Jan and 4 in Apr

Glaucous Gull I've never seen this in the CV

Great Black-backed Gull Fairly common in winter through Marrare in fall when they arrive in late Nov.  I have 173 records with 110 in Jan and 40 in Mar

Sabine's Gull

A single adult bird was seen at the Elmira Dam from Sept 10-15 1997

Franklin's Gull A single bird was seen at the Elmira Dam on April 23 1999

Caspian Tern The most common tern but not common at all usually seen on Eldridge Lake but also the river in Elmira.  I have 45 records with 27 in Apr and 9 in Aug

Roseate Tern I've never seen this in the CV

Common Tern  Not common at all. I have 7 records with 6 in May and 1 in Mar

Forster's Tern I had a single bird at the Elmira Dam on May 7 1999

Arctic Tern I've never had this in the CV

Black Tern Rare. I've had 3 records 2 in Aug and 1 in May

Pomarine Jaeger The one and only sighting was a bird flying overhead ay my parents house along Newtown Creek on Sept 20 1996

Rock Pigeon I'd say its pretty common.  I have 5829 but I know its under recorded.  I often would not record them unless it was a bird count etc.  I'm not as dedicated to every sighting as Bill Ostrander. Proving its a bird I counted on counts it the fact it is most common in Dec with 2430 and Jan with 2242.  Those are the months we do our CBC's.  In contrast I have 9 Jun records when we know they are just as abundant.

Mourning Dove 

Common all year with a similiar record as the  Rock Pigeon...more records when we did our counts, but not as dramatic.  I have 4049 records with 969 in Dec and 789 in Jan.

Monk Parakeet I've never seen it in the CV

Black-billed Cuckoo I never thought either cuckoo is common but they are usually around in wooded areas in summer. Of course they are hard to see and if you're not familiar with their call they will go un-noticed. I have 14 records with 5 in May and Jun

Yellow-billed Cuckoo  Same as the Black-billed Cuckoo.  I have 15 records with 7 in May and 5 in July

Barn Owl  I've never seen this one in the CV but all records are old and I wouldnt find it hard to believe it's not around any more

Eastern Screech-Owl 

Probably very common you just need to make an effort to go find it.  Best places are along the river where it is wooded, or any wooded area usually with water nearby.  I have 45 records with 15 in Jan and 8 in Dec..the results of CBC's.

Great Horned Owl  Common in most woodlots and forests.  Again you need to be willing to get out at night and find them.  I have 58 records with 13 in May and 9 in Dec and Jan, again the results of effort because of bird counts.  I have recorded this in every month.

Snowy Owl  I have one record of a bird seen at The Center in Horseheads Grasslands on Feb 6 1994.

Barred Owl Probably more common than we realize.  It prefers  mature forest with little undergrowth often near wet areas.  Look around Park Station, deep into Gleason Meadows, and Pinnacle State Park.  I have 13 records with 7 in May and 3 in Mar

Long-eared Owl Not common at all, the area around Gleason Meadows above Personious Woods seems like a good spot to hear them. I have 1 record from that location on Mar 7 2000, but they have been known to nest around there on private land.

Short-eared Owl Occasional winter visitor but has been seen in summer by others.  Farmland with grassy fields, such as those along Veteran Hill and the airport and Saylor Rd in the NW part od Chemung County are best bets.  I have 24 records with 12 in Mar and 7 in Apr

Northern Saw-whet Owl I only have 1 records a single bird heard calling along Newtown Creek Mar 15 2003, others have had it at the Gleason Audubon Wildlife Sancuary and near Pinnacle State Park.  Probably more common in migration that we realize and I'm sure small numbers breed.

Common Nighthawk  This bird is usually seen at the end of August as it heads south .  Along the river is the best spot for seeing good numbers but anywhere at dusk the last week in August is a good bet.  It does breed in small numbers around Elmira/Horseheads/Corning.  I have 284 records with 234 in Aug and 28 in Sept.

Whip-poor-will  I've never had this in the CV

Chimney Swift  Common in summer anywhere above populated areas, most common in late summer as birds migrate.  I have 702 records with 305 in Aug and 201 in Sept

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

If you're lucky enough to get them at your feeder you'll see them all summer long.  I'm not that lucky, it's still a common summer bird.  I have 59 records with 24 in Aug and 16 in May

Rufous Hummingbird I've never had in the CV

Belted Kingfisher

Common along streams and rivers.  Has been recorded every month.  I have 280 records with 72 in Apr and 50 in May

Red-headed Woodpecker Not common and becomming less common.  I only have 5 records with 2 in May, 2 in Oct and 1 in Sept.

Red-bellied Woodpecker  Common and becoming more common.  It seems to be most common along water.  I have 170 records with 42 in May and 22 in Jan and Apr.

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Fairly common migrant and is a summer resident in older wooded areas.  I have 87 records with 39 in Apr and 19 in May

Downy Woodpecker

Our most common woodpecker seen all year and can be found at most any location.  I have 697 records with 105 in Dec and 84 in May

Hairy Woodpecker

Common in wooded areas.  I have 179 records with 37 in May and 20 in Nov and Apr.  Has been recorded every month.

Black-backed Woodpecker  I've never had this in the CV

Northern Flicker

Common in all season but winter but it is still a winter resident. I have 605 records with 156 in Apr and 118 in May

Pileated Woodpecker Becoming more common and can be found in most wooded areas and sometimes in redidential areas.  I have 140 records with 29 in May and 26 in April.

Olive-sided Flycatcher  Another rare one.  Most often seen late May-early June.  I only have 2 records 1  May 22 1999 along the river in West Elmira and 1  June 7 2002 at Lowe Pond

Eastern Wood-Pewee Pretty common summer resident in most wooded areas but most often heard and not seen.  After It stops singing its hard to record.  I have 141 records with 45 in July and 42 in June

Yellow-bellied Flycatcher Rare I have 2 records 1 at the Horseheads Marsh May 31 2001 and 1 at Lowe Pond Sept. 22, 2001

Acadian Flycatcher Rare I have only 1 record near the Schuyler County line on Jun 17, 2000

Alder Flycatcher Uncommon but can be found at Gleason Meadows, Newtown Creek.  I have 37 records with 22 in May and 12 in June

Willow Flycatcher

Uncommon but can usually be found at Lowe Pond or the Horseheads Marsh.  I have 70 records with 29 in May and 24 in June

Least Flycatcher Uncommon but usually seen/heard at many locations during May.  I have 85 records with 65 in May and 17 in June

Eastern Phoebe

Common early spring through oct.  Usually found near bridges on small streams, near old buildings/farms, and parks with pavillions.  I have 302 records with 109 in Apr and 60 in May

Great Crested Flycatcher Fairly common in wooded areas from May through Aug.  Most common in May.  I have 55 records with 37 in May and 8 in June

Western Kingbird I've never seen this one in the CV

Eastern Kingbird

Common summer resident in marshy areas and shrubby fields.  I have 166 records with 75 in May and 32 in both June and July

Scissor-tailed Fycatcher I've nevre had this one in the CV

Horned Lark  Most common and it can be very common in winter.  Most likely to be seen at Smith Rd or Dann's Blvd.  It does breed at The Center in Horseheads Grasslands.  I have 4348 records with 1407 in Mar and 1162 in Jan

Purple Martin

Not common at all.  I have only 3 records with 2 in May and 1 in Apri

Tree Swallow

Our most common swallow, seen at many locations, from farmland, to the river and masrshes and ponds in between.  I have 4243 records with 3241 in April and 555 in May

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

Commonly seen along the river from April through August but usually not in large numbers.  I have 180 records with 91 in May and 33 in Apr

Bank Swallow  If you can find a bank they nest in they are common otherwise you'll find a few birds here and there in migration.  They used to nest on Sagetown Rd, and were once common along Newtown Creek at the gravel pits, but when the gravel operations shut down so did the birds.  I have 244 records with 150 in Jun and 83 in May

Cliff Swallow

Has become pretty familiar along the Chemung River where it nests under most of the bridges.  I have 110 records with 50 in May and 27 in July

Barn Swallow Common in most of the same locations as the Tree swallow but more often found around barns and buildings.  I have 1372 records with 750 in Apr and 288 in May

Gray Jay I've never had this in the CV

Blue Jay Common at most any location all year round.  I have 2362 records with 524 in Sep and 356 in Oct

Black-billed Magpie  I've never had this in the CV

American Crow

Very common all year long.  Can be abundant in fall and winter. I have 13192 records with 2524 in Jan and  2333 in Dec.

Fish Crow Becoming regular along the river and also seen and heard near most other water sources throughout the year.  I have 54 records with 21 in Apr and 12 in May

Common Raven

Also becoming a normal bird in the CV.  Commonly seen at Gleason Meadows and along the river as well as Erwin area in Steuben County.  I have 332 records with 57 in Sep and

Black-capped Chickadee

If you dont see it or hear it your blind and deaf.  Very common bird.  I have 4579 records with 1185 in Dec and 723 in Jan

Boreal Chickadee  I've never seen this in the CV

Tufted Titmouse

Common and can be found most anywhere.  I have 529 records with 112 in Dec and 89 in May

Red-breasted Nuthatch  Not common but is around anywhere the forest is primaraly pine.  I have 127 records with 23 in Apr and 20 in Sept

White-breasted Nuthatch

Common and can be found at most locations.  I have 502 records with 104 in Dec and 87 in Jan

Brown Creeper Common but not always found.  Likes areas near the river but also wooded areas.  I have 163 records with 51 in Apr and 26 in May

Carolina Wren

Common and sometimes more common.  This bird is effected by bad winters and will not be as common for a few years after bad winters.  Often found near water and brushy areas.  I have 141 records with 30 in May and 22 in Jan

House Wren

Common in all seasons except for winter and fall.  I have 228 records with 115 in May and 39 in Jun

Winter Wren

Not common except in spring as a migrant.  It does breed in some of the steeper sections along the river.  I have 53 records with 30 in Apr and 9 in Jun

Sedge Wren I have 1 record of a bird found at Lowe Pond on Sept 30 1998

Marsh Wren uncommon but probable every year at Lowe Pond and The Horseheads Marsh.  I have 25 records with 15 in May and 6 in June

Golden-crowned Kinglet  Very common spring migrant, less so in the fall.  In winter seen with chickadees.  I have 391 records with 199 in Apr and 57 in Dec

Ruby-crowned Kinglet  Very common spring migrant and common in fall.Rare winter bird.  I have 342 records with 187 in Apr and 99 in May

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  Common along the river from May-July.  I have 109 records with 51 in May and 26 in Jul

Eastern Bluebird

Common in places like Gleason Meadows or other "grassy" areas with hedgerows and scrub.  I have 461 records with 84 in Sept and 52 in Nov

Mountain Bluebird  I've never seen in the cv

Veery

Common in spring and fall migration, it does summer in the more mature forest.  In fall nocturnal migrants are common on a good night.  I have 570 records with 501 in Oct and 40 in Jun

Gray-cheeked Thrush Uncommon unless you listen for them migrating overhead.  In fact all of my records are nocturnal migrants.  I have 801 records with 800 in Oct and 1 in Sept

Swainson's Thrush Uncommon in spring and like other thrushes I have most of them migrating at night in the fall.  I have 206 records with 200 in Oct and 5 in May

Hermit Thrush  Can be found all year but rare in winter.  I have 85 records with 33 in April and 24 in May

Wood Thrush

Our most common "spotted" thrush.  Common in most woods.  I have 235 records with 121 in May and 65 in Jun

American Robin

Our most common thrush and can be found anywhere.  I have 5929 records with 1616 in Mar and 1355 in Apr

Gray Catbird

Common breeder and can be found at most locations with hedgrows and brush.  I have 621 records with 264 in May and 129 in Sept.

Northern Mockingbird 

Common but when I first started birding Dad always said they were rare.  For the most part he was right and they have become more common.  I have 245 records with 50 in May and 40 in Jan

Brown Thrasher Common but hard to find spring- summer bird.  Look in scrubby grass areas like Gleason Meadows, Mark twain State Park.  I have 88 records with 41 in May and 21 in Apr

American Pipit Not common but can be found in good numbers during migration, especially when bad weather is involved. Look for them with Horned Larks on Smith Rd/Dann's Blvd.  I have 607 records with 243 in Apr and 132 in Mar. Rare in winter but look at the same places.

Bohemian Waxwing I had 2 birds outside my apartment near the Horseheads Marsh on April 1 2005.  Thats it!

Cedar Waxwing

Common but sporadic.  They can be everywhere and then immposible to find the next day but when they are around they can be found at most locations often near water.  I have 3287 records with 572 in Sept and 504 in Apr

Northern Shrike

Uncommon winter bird but almost always reported every year.  Look for those scrubby hedgerows in farmland.  I have 23 records with 7 in Dec and 4 in Feb and Mar

Loggerhead Shrike  I've never had in the cv

European Starling  It's everywhere. I have 74891 records with 37774 in Oct and 16549 in Sep

White-eyed Vireo  I've never had in the CV

Blue-headed Vireo  The first of our Vireos to arrive each year in April a good place to look is Harris Hill or Gleason Meadows.  I have 98 records with29 in May and 23 in Apr

Yellow-throated Vireo It's not common but a stroll or paddle along the river will find it most of the time in summer.  I have 16 records with 11 in May and 3 in Jun

Warbling Vireo

Common along the river, and other wetlands.  I have 156 records with 87 in May and 40 in Jun

 Philadelphia Vireo Not common at all but during migration its probably here every year.  I have 9 records with 6 in Sept and 2 in May

Red-eyed Vireo  Common summer resident in any wooded area.  More often heard than seen.  I have 393 records with 129 in June and 128 in May

Blue-winged Warbler  Common in summer at places like Gleason Meadows and Mark Twain State Park.  I have 114 records with 74 in May and 32 in Jun

Golden-winged Warbler  I used to see them at least every other year but that stopped.  Last one I had was at Gleason Meadows.  I have 10 records with 9 in May and 1 in Jun

Brewsters Warbler The most common of the Blue-winged and Golden-winged hybrids, look at Gleason Meadows or Mark Twain State Park

Lawrences Warbler Another hybrid of the Blue-winged and Golden-winged Warblers and a very rare one to find I can only remember seeing one at Mark Twain State Park

Tennessee Warbler Not real common and almost always sen in spring, can turn up anywhere.  I have 30 Records with 27 in May and 2 in Sept.

Orange-crowned Warbler  Rare migrant I only have 3 records 2 in May and 1 in Sept.

Nashville Warbler  Pretty common in May while migrating occasionally found in summer.  I have 64 records with 50 in May and 10 in Sept.

Northern Parula Not common at all I have 12 records with 11 in May and 1 in Sept.

Yellow Warbler

Very common spring migrant and summer bird, most birds leave by August.  I have 865 records with 594 in May and 180 in June

Chestnut-sided Warbler

Common migrant and summer resident look at Gleason Meadows.  I have 112 records with 68 in May and 24 in June

Magnolia Warbler Common migrant in spring and fall rare summer bird.  I have 60 records with 37 in May and 20 in Sept.

Cape May Warbler  Rare migrant I have 17 records with 9 in May and 7 in Sept.

Black-throated Blue Warbler Uncommon migrant and occasional summer bird (in summer check Erwin WMA)  I have 49 records with 34 in May and 7 in Sept

Yellow-rumped Warbler Probably our most common migrant warbler in both spring and fall.  Occasional summer nester and rare winter bird.  I have 934 records with 414 in May and186 in Apr

Black-throated Green Warbler Common migrant and uncommon summer breeder in our more mature forests.  I have 140 records with 70 in May and 38 in Sept.

Blackburnian Warbler Uncommon migrant and summer bird I have 40 records with 19 in May and 12 in June

Yellow-throated Warbler

Rare, I only have 1 record of a bird seen along Newtown Creek on May 18, 1996

Pine Warbler uncommon migrant and breeder, the most reliable place is near the rest rooms on Harris Hill.  I have 48 records with 19 in May and 16 in Sept

Prairie Warbler Common migrant and summer resident, very reliable at Gleason Meadows.  I have 130 records with 75 in May and 39 in Jun

Palm Warbler Uncommon migrant usually seen in "wet" areas like the Horseheads Marsh.  I have 22 records with 13 in May and 3 in Sept.

Bay-breasted Warbler Uncommon migrant.  I have 21 in Sept and 11 in May

Blackpoll Warbler Common late spring migrant and also in fall.  I have 75 records with 37 in May and 33 in Sept.

Cerulean Warbler Uncommon but probably can be found any time in summer along the river in the tops of trees....you'll hear it more than you'll ever see it.  I only have 9 records with 4 in June and 3 in July

Black-and-White Warbler Common Spring migrant, uncommon summer and fall.  I have 82 records with 64 in May and 9 in Jun

American Redstart

Common spring migrant and summer resident.  I have 200 records with 99 in May and 68 in June

Prothonatary Warbler I've never had in the CV

Worm-eating Warbler Rare, usually found along the steep southern or southeast face of the hills in the valley.  I have 11 records with 5 in May and 3 in Jun

Swainson's Warbler I've never had this in the CV

Ovenbird  Common spring migrant and summer resident of our woodlands.  I have 333 records with 186 in May and 110 in June

Northern Waterthrush Uncommon migrant but can be found in spring along the Horseheads Marsh, Lowe Pond, Mark Twain State Park also in summer it is a regular breeder along the Chemung River.  I have 33 records with 24 in July and 8 in June

Louisiana Waterthrush Uncommon and usually only found along the river near Roricks Glen.  I have 23 records with 11 in June and 10 in May

Kentucky Warbler I've never seen in the CV..leave this one to the Ostranders

Connecticut Warbler I've never seen this in the CV

Mourning Warbler Rare. The only location I can remember it being seen OR heard is along the river in West Elmira.  I only have 2 records both from that location and both in May.

Common Yellowthroat 

Common in spring summer and fall, most wet areas. I have 659 records with 279 in May and 186 in Jun

Hooded Warbler Uncommon but can usually be found at Erwin WMA and near the ballfields at Newtown Battlefield.  I have 15 records with 11 in June and 4 in May

Wilsons Warbler Uncommon spring migrant I have 23 records with 20 in May and 2 in Sept

Canada Warbler Uncommon migrant/breeder.  Can show anywhere in spring migrant, try along the river in West Elmira in summer

Yellow-breasted Chat Rare, I've only recorded it 3 times all at Gleason Meadows 3 records 2 in May and 1 in July

Scarlet Tanager Common summer resident of our forest.  I have 152 records with 172 in May and 71 in June

Northern Cardinal

A Common year round resident that can be found most anywhere.  I have 1826 records  with 302 in Mar and 263 in Jan

Rose-breasted Grosbeak Common May-summer breeder in most forest areas.  I have 206 records with 101 in May and 39 in Jun

Blue Grosbeak I've never seen in the CV

Indigo Bunting Common breeder, found in most hedgerow areas.  I have 145 records with 64 in Jun and 32 in May

Painted Bunting I've never had this one but I believe it was seen at Dick Clements' feeder

Dickcissel  I've never had in the CV

Eastern Towhee

Common Spring-Fall bird of scrubby areas like Gleason Meadows, Mark Twain State Park.  I have 463 records with 172 in May and 53 in Sept. It is occasionally seen in winter

American Tree Sparrow

Common winter visitor, sometimes very common.  I have 1605 records with 638 in Dec and 484 in Jan

Chipping Sparrow Common migrant and summer resident.  I have 554 records with 203 in Sept and 118 in May

Clay-colored Sparrow Very rare I have 1 record of a bird near the intersection of Walker Hill Rd and Jackson Creek Rd on May 26 2003.  This bird was found by Bill Ostrander.  There are also reports of this bird breeding at Pinnacle State Park in Steuben County.

Field Sparrow

Common summer bird found in scrubby fields.  I have 551 records with 156 in May and 90 in April

Vesper Sparrow Uncommon bird of farm fields usually where corn is planted.  I have 20 records with 12 in Apr and 4 in May

Savannah Sparrow Common breeder in grasslands like The Center in Horseheads.  I have 282 records with 135 in May and 44 in June

Grasshopper Sparrow Fairly common breeder but only in a few locations most notable is The Center in Horseheads Grasslands.  I have 60 records with 47 in May and 11 in Jun

Henslow's Sparrow Rare.  I only have 5 records 2 from The Center in Horseheads, 2 from Kelly Hill Rd in Steuben County, and 1 in Veteran on Acker Rd.

Fox Sparrow

Can be a common migrant in early spring and late fall.  I have 153 records with 87 in April and 36 in Mar

Song Sparrow

Common year round bird.  I have 2731 records with 579 in May and 577 in Apr

Lincoln's Sparrow Rare but usually seen every year but no recommended sites.  I have 18 records with 10 in May and 4 in Sept and 4 in Oct

Swamp Sparrow

Common migrant and summer resident but is also found in small numbers every month.  During migration it is seen at places like Sullivanville Dam and Newtown Creek as well as its breeding locations like Lowe Pond, The Horseheads Marsh, Mark Twain State Park.  In winter it is usually seen at the  Horseheads Marsh.  I have 572 records with 201 in May and 104 in Apr

White-throated Sparrow Very common migrant, a rare summer bird.  I have 1015 records with 320 in Apr and 275 in Oct

White-crowned Sparrow

Regular migrant, rare in winter, and my favorite sparrow.  I have 138 records with 78 in May and 35 Oct

Harris's Sparrow I've never seen in the CV

Dark-eyed Junco

Very common migrant and winter bird, and an uncommon breeder.  I have 2799 records with 751 in Dec and 520 in Jan

McCowns Longspur I've never seen in the CV

Lapland Longspur Uncommon winter bird found on Smith Rd and Dann's Blvd mixed with Horned Larks and Snow Buntings.  Careful scanning those flocks in winter usually can turn up a longspur or more.  I have 40 records with 14 in Jan and 12 in Mar

Snow Bunting Common but sporatic winter visitor becomming more frequent after Dec.  Most often seen on Smith Rd and Danns Blvd after snow and the spreading of manure.  I have 3096 records with 1129 in Jan and 1069 in Feb

Bobolink

Common summer resident at select site like  Benjamin Rd, Park Station, Lew Storch Rd.  I have 142 records with 75 in May and 27 in Jun

Red-winged Blackbird

Common to abundant migrant and year round bird, uncommon in winter.  I have 41755 records with 12721 in Oct and 9238 in Apr

Eastern Meadowlark Common but getting hard to find.  Look at the Center in Horseheads.  I have 349 records with 127 in Apr and 124 in May

Western Meadowlark  I've never had in the CV

Yellow-headed Blackbird I've never had in the CV

Rusty Blackbird Uncommon migrant and rare winter bird.  Look at Lowe Pond, and the Horsheads Marsh.  I have 337 records with 140in Oct and 74 in Apr

Brewer's Blackbird Rare I have only seen this once 11 birds at the Ostranders feeder on Nov 14 1995 on Harris Hill Rd

Common Grackle Common to abundant migrant, rare in winter.  I have 31806 records with 17116 in Sept and 5332 in Oct

Brown-headed Cowbird

Common breeder (if you can call it that) and migrant and uncommon in winter.  I have 1703 records with 1160 in Sept and 199 in Apr

Orchard Oriole Rare.  I only have 2 records 1 from Clements' Farm and one from near Dunn Field both in May.  Dicks farm seems to be the most likely place as he has reported them there several times

Baltimore Oriole

Common summer resident.  I have 163 records with 110 in May and 38 in Jun

Pine Grosbeak I've never had in the CV

Purple Finch Not common but regular all year.  I have 113 records with 23 in Apr and 19 in May and Dec

House Finch

Common year round bird.  I have 2234 records with 745 in Jan and 534 in Dec

Red Crossbill Rare.  I've only seen it once, 4 birds in a pine tree next to Chase-Pitkin in Horseheads on Nov 14 1999

White-winged Crossbill Rare I've only had 8 records with 5 in Sept and 1 in each of Nov, Dec, and Jan

Common Redpoll Rare to uncommon to common winter visitor. I have 730 records with 369 in Dec and 214 in Jan

Hoary Redpoll Rare, I have one record of a bird seen with Dick Clements on Veteran Hill and Church Hill Rds in Veteren on Nov 20 1993.  It was seen in a flock of Common Redpolls.

Pine Siskin

It took me years to find this bird and even after finding one I've never had much luck with it so to me its rare to uncommon.  But in some years I'm told it common in winter.  I have 23 records with 8 in Nov and 6 in Oct

American Goldfinch

Common year round resident.  I have 2124 records with 365 in May and 325 in Sept

Evening Grosbeak Another winter visitor that I would say is uncommon but it has had years in the past where it is very common.  I have 85 records with 25 in Oct and 23 in May

House Sparrow  Common year round bird.  I have 1615 records with 516 in Dec and 443 in Jan