The Upland
Plover
Newsletter of the North Country Bird Club, Inc.
March / April 2020 Volume 61 No. 2
A REMINDER: 2020 MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS ARE NOW DUE!
Again this year, seeking to create a more complete picture of the
great variety of birds which can be seen in our area, the Club will
conduct a Spring Bird Census. Join us in this combined effort of
members and other interested birders to survey the bird life in our
area during the spring season. All birders are invited and urged
to participate. The Census will extend from Thursday, March 19
(the Vernal Equinox) through Friday, June 19 (the day before the
Summer Solstice). The Census Form is included with this
issue. Please follow the procedure outlined on the form to record
and submit your sightings.
FIELD TRIPS - 2020 SEASON
St. Lawrence River Parks: Saturday, April 18 - 8:30 am
Cornell Lab & Montezuma NWR: Saturday, May 2 - 8:30 am
Southwicks Beach: Saturday, May 9 - 8:30 am
Red Lake: Saturday, May 16 - 8:30 am
Limerick Cedars: Wednesday, May 27 - 8:00 pm
Otter Creek /Redwood: Saturday, May 30 - 8:30 am
Marlowe Camp, Beartown: Saturday, June 6 - 8:30 am
(note change of date)
Annual Picnic (Brouse Preserve): Sunday, July 12 - 1:00 pm
Marlowe Camp, Beartown: Saturday, July 25 - 8:30 am
Perch River WMA: Saturday, August 29 - 8:30 am
Montezuma NWR: Saturday, September 19 - 8:30 am
Fall at the River Parks: Saturday, October 17 - 8:30 am
We meet for all field trips, except the Limerick Cedars evening trip
and the Annual Picnic, at 8:30 am in the parking lot of the Arsenal
St Wal-Mart, across the entry drive from Red Lobster.
Ontario Bays Initiative, in partnership with North Country Bird Club, is
offering two birding walks at their Downybrook Preserve this spring.
The first is on Tuesday, April 28, the second on Thursday, May 14.
Downybrook is a 178-acre wildlife sanctuary complete with marshlands,
white pine forest, ponds, grassland, and a unique alvar community.
Extensive improvements to trails and other facilities were made during
the past season. Both walks begin at 9:30 am. We will meet at the
Preserve, located at 24353 Perch Lake Road, ¾ mile north of Brownville.
Note: Our ANNUAL MEETING & ELECTIONS will be held
at the MAY MEETING (Wednesday, May 13)
Since 1948
SPRING MEETINGS
Note the dates of our spring meetings on your calendar:
Wed, March 11 Wed, April 8 Wed, May 13
We meet at 7:00 pm at Northern New York Community
Foundation (131 Washington St, Watertown).
MARCH MEETING - Wednesday, March 11
Program: BREEDING BIRD ATLAS III
Breeding bird atlases survey all the birds breeding in a
region over a limited time. New York prepared and
published an atlas in 1980 and another in 2000. The two
atlases have been the definitive resources used by state
agencies and conservation organizations to assist in
assessing the status of species and in planning. The
atlases revealed that some important changes in the state’s
bird populations had occurred over the years between them.
Gathering data for a new state atlas has now begun. It is
expected the new atlas will show additional significant
changes. Jeff Bolsinger, Ornithologist at Fort Drum and a
Regional Coordinator for the atlas, will share information
about the new atlas and explain how birders can become
involved in this monumental project.
APRIL MEETING - Wednesday, April 8
Program: PROTECTING SNOWY OWLS
We are very pleased to welcome Stephen Haller,
Environmental Scientist for National Grid, to speak with us
about National Grid’s efforts to protect Snowy Owls and
other raptors by installing suitable precautionary devices on
our area’s utility poles and at other of their facilities.
National Grid is very much concerned about the dangers
posed to birds by our electrical network. The utility is open
to any suggestions which would make their efforts more
effective. Mr. Haller welcomes such suggestions and hopes
to discuss any ideas our members may have.
MAY MEETING - Wednesday, May 13
Program: OUR LOCAL WMAS
An update on improvements and new facilities
at the DEC’s Wildlife Management Areas in our region
 OFFICERS FIELD TRIP: ST. LAWRENCE RIVER PARKS
President Saturday, April 18 - Meet at Arsenal St Wal-Mart at 8:30 am
Corky Marlowe We will visit state parks along the St. Lawrence River, as well as other birding sites in northern
315-782-4705 Jefferson County, to observe migrating waterfowl and arriving songbirds. This is a driving tour, with
only minimal walking involved. All are invited to join for lunch at the conclusion of the trip.
Vice-President
Bill Haller FIELD TRIP: CORNELL ORNITHOLOGY LAB & MONTEZUMA NWR
Secretary Saturday, May 2 - Meet at Arsenal St Wal-Mart at 8:30 am
Christine Bourquin We will visit Cornell University’s world-renowned Lab of Ornithology on a springtime Saturday to view a
great variety of birds. The lab facilities and the Lab’s Sapsucker Woods Sanctuary provide an
Treasurer experience available virtually nowhere else in North America. On our return trip, we will also visit the
Kathleen Killeen Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge. Reservations are required before or at our April 8 meeting.
DIRECTORS FIELD TRIP: SOUTHWICKS BEACH NATURE TRAILS
Richard Brouse To 5/2020 Co-sponsored by the Henderson Historical Society
David Prosser To 5/2022 Saturday, May 9 - Meet at Arsenal St Wal-Mart at 8:30 am
Mike Shepard To 5/2022 (or meet us along the entrance road to Southwicks Beach State Park at 9:00 am)
June Walker To 5/2020
Join us to explore the nature trails at Southwicks Beach State Park. A walk of about one mile on
Field Trip Coordinator well-groomed trails provides the opportunity to see a wide variety of spring birds in a beautiful setting.
Richard Brouse
315-788-6778
FIELD TRIP: RED LAKE
Saturday, May 16 - Meet at Arsenal St Wal-Mart at 8:30 am
Census Coordinator
This is a must trip for adding birds to your Spring Bird Census list. The setting, near the village of
Bill Haller Theresa, includes woodlands, fields, wetlands, and the lakeshore environment, so a wide variety of
Newsletter Editor species is possible. This always rewarding field trip is an easy walk along a level gravel road.
Bill Haller FIELD TRIP: LIMERICK CEDARS
315-639-6848
Wednesday, May 27th at 8:00 pm - Ransom Road
On The Web: We will meet in the evening along the Ransom Road in the Limerick Cedars to look and listen for
NORTH COUNTRY Whip-poor-wills, American Woodcock, Prairie Warblers, and other spring birds. Enjoy the enchanting
BIRD CLUB sights and sounds of twilight in the Cedars.
(The Ransom Road is on the left one mile north of Limerick on NY 180.)
ON FACEBOOK
For detailed info about birds,
FOOD FOR THOUGHT NATURE TALKS
visit the website of 12 Noon at the Depauville Free Library (with homemade soup lunch)
the Cornell Ornithology Lab Saturday, March 28: MOVING APART: The Search for Common Ground In America
and of Cornell’s renowned Dr. Stephen Bird, Clarkson University Political Science Department
Sapsucker Woods Sanctuary
Saturday, April 25: LIVIN’ ON THE EDGE: Creating A Living Shoreline Solution
http://www.birds.cornell.edu
David Klein, Nature Conservancy Matthew Biondolillo, Owner of Rootz LLC
Track bird migrations at the
Cornell Lab’s http://birdcast.info Sponsored by the Indian River Lakes Conservancy and the Depauville Free Library
Maps show patterns of After all local field trips, participants are
migration across the United Bring insect repellent and water on all field trips.
A field trip may be cancelled due to weather. invited to join for lunch at a nearby
States. Regional forecasts of restaurant, if their schedule permits.
migration dates are given for Call Dick Brouse at 788-6778 with any questions These gatherings are always most
individual species. about our field trips. enjoyable (and entertaining).
Online courses offered by the
Cornell Lab are available A beautiful set of bird-themed notecards is given to a member of the Club by random selection each
through the Bird Academy at: time the Plover is issued, to provide an incentive to keep memberships current. We offer our
http://www.birds.cornell.edu congratulations to this issue’s recipient, Brian Miller of Watertown.

INFORMATION SOURCES FOR REGIONAL SIGHTINGS AND RARE BIRD ALERTS

A list of birding list serves and of sites issuing rare bird alerts for New York is available from the New York State Ornithological
Association (NYSOA) at https://nybirds.org/RecordsRBA.htm Note especially eBird Alerts, Oneidabirds, Cayugabirds-L, and
Northern_NY_Birds. Oneidabirds reports sightings from the Syracuse area and the Montezuma region, and some sightings from our area.
Cayugabirds-L reports sightings from the Montezuma region as well, and from the eastern Finger Lakes region. Northern_NY_Birds
reports sightings mainly from the Adirondacks and the Champlain Valley. 2
A set of proposed changes to New York’s Endangered, Threatened, and Special Concern Species list was issued by the Department of Environmental
Conservation last winter. Public comment was invited. The Officers and Directors of North Country Bird Club decided that the Club would give
official support, as an organization, to efforts by a number of conservation organizations in New York to revise the proposed changes. To
that end, officers and directors of the Club consulted to determine which changes should most concern the Club. Based on the discussion, the
following statement was prepared and forwarded to the DEC in mid-January.
The North Country Bird Club, Watertown, NY, would like to express some concerns regarding the proposed revisions to New York’s
Endangered and Threatened Species Lists. The Club, founded in 1948, has over 100 members who regularly observe birds in the wide
variety of habitats in Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence Counties.
While we realize that recent research shows many bird species to be in decline throughout North America and applaud all efforts by DEC
to slow or reverse the decline in New York, we are most concerned about the group of species designated grassland birds. These birds
show by far the most serious decline. The current population is less than half that of fifty years ago. Our observations indicate that the
situation in our region fully reflects this decrease.
The proposed change in status for five specific species concerns us most. When our Club was founded in 1948, the Upland Sandpiper,
a particularly striking bird, was common enough that it became the Club’s symbol. Now the species is so rare in our area that it has been
reported on our annual Spring Census in only four of the past eight years, the last time in 2017. We feel that the time has come to place
the Upland Sandpiper on the Endangered List.
Several species of sparrows once seen regularly in New York have also become rare sightings for the Club. We would propose that the
Henslow’s Sparrow be added to the Endangered List and the Grasshopper Sparrow to the Threatened List.
While not a grassland bird, the Northern Harrier is a bird of the grasslands. Sightings of this magnificent raptor have become much less
common in recent years. We believe retaining the species on the Threatened List is fully warranted. The proposal to remove it does not,
from our observations, make sense.
We are also concerned about the Red-headed Woodpecker. While not unknown in our region, what was once a regularly observed
species has become a rare sighting. Our experience would indicate that this bird should be added to the Threatened List.
We also would like to mention a species of grassland bird which has not to date been on any of New York’s lists. We have seen a
notable decline in the population of Eastern Meadowlarks in our area and suggest that it be listed as a Species of Special Concern.
Given the rapid decline occurring in bird populations across our continent and fully reflected in New York, the Club would also suggest
that revision of New York’s Endangered and Threatened Lists be done on a regular and more frequent basis. With the situation changing
ever more rapidly, we should respond to the changes more quickly, at least every ten years and perhaps even every five. We realize that
the process is complex, and not inexpensive, but responding to the current rate of change requires a more rapid and flexible approach.
Thank you for your attention to our concerns. And thank you for all that you do to maintain and improve New York’s habitats for our
non-human population.
For the North Country Bird Club: Corky Marlowe, President - Bill Haller, Vice-President
SHORT-EARED
OWL
Cape Vincent
Feb 20, 2020
Photo by
Lee Ellsworth

SHARP-SHINNED
HAWK
Cape Vincent
December 2019
Photo by BALD EAGLES
Robin Booth Pillar Point - Feb 11, 2020 Photo by Kathy Killeen
To be added to our E-mail Notification List for
To subscribe to e-mailed information from the DEC (select from over 100 topics): news of select sightings and events in the area,
https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/NYSDEC/subscriber/new contact the Editor at haldex@twcny.rr.com
eBird Essentials is a free online course to help you use the eBird program to track sightings. For info on Onondaga Audubon events:
The course may be found at: https://academy.allaboutbirds.org/courses/ebird-essentials/ http://onondagaaudubon.com/
Please note the Onondaga Audubon event Discover Derby Hill Bird Observatory on Saturday, May 9, from 8 am to 3 pm at the Derby
Hill Bird Observatory near Mexico, NY. From Onondaga Audubon’s newsletter: Celebrate Spring migration at one of the Northeast’s
best birding locations during a day of field walks. Explore the trails and habitats of this premier birding location with experienced leaders.
Enjoy the spectacle of migrating birds from the trails and the lake watch. Walks start every hour on the hour. 3
 NORTH COUNTRY BIRD CLUB SIGHTINGS
Please forward notable sightings for the next issue to the Editor by April 15.
Spring appears to be on its way. As this issue was about to go to press, first reports of Red-winged
Blackbirds came in. Kezia Sullivan saw one at her home in Sackets Harbor on 3/1, two weeks earlier
than the first arrival there last year. Lee Ellsworth spotted one on Macomb Settlement Rd the same
day. Corky Marlowe was visited by two at her home in Glen Park on 3/2. Both Dick Brouse and
Brian Miller reported recent sightings in Watertown. SNOW BUNTINGS
Reports of Snowy Owls have continued to come in during the first two months of 2020. There have Point Salubrious - Jan 18, 2020
been so many that only a summary can be included here. Sightings tended to be concentrated in Photo by Lee Ellsworth
specific areas and locations. The most numerous population was reported along CR 57 on the way to the Point Peninsula Isthmus and across the
Isthmus on the Point itself. As many as 5 were reported along the road before the Isthmus and as many as 3 beyond it. Reports for this area have
come from Robin Booth, Dick and Marion Brouse, Lynn Chavoustie, Lee Ellsworth, Bill Haller, Kathy Killeen, Jim LaPlante, Corky Marlowe, Faye
Martin, Mike Short, and Rosanne Weir. Lynn also reported a sighting on Valley Rd (CR 6) on 1/05. Perhaps the most viewed Snowy was sighted
many times just south of Chaumont along NY 12E, as well as across the fields, along the South Approach Rd to Point Salubrious. The bird, which
became known as the “Dollar General” Snowy, was seen by Robin, Dick and Marion, Lynn, Lee, Bill, Kathy, and Corky. One day in mid-January, Lee
found the Owl perching at the Osprey nest along the Approach Rd. Along NY 12E on the north side of Chaumont, there were numerous sightings of a
bird which became known as the “Recreation Park” Snowy. Reports of this Owl came from Robin, Dick and Marion, Lynn, Bill, and Corky. Robin
reported a Snowy on Millens Bay Rd near NY 12E on 2/09, which may have been the same bird. Robin also reported a Snowy along Millens Bay Rd at
Mason Rd on 2/01, which may have been one of the Snowys reported from the area around Mason and Favret Rds in Cape Vincent. As many as 3
Snowys were seen there, reported by Robin, Dick and Marion, Lynn, Bill, and Corky. A Snowy first sighted at the Watertown Airport during December
continued to be seen there, although only very sporadically, through late February. Sightings were reported
by Lee, Bill, and Corky. On 2/23, Dick and Marion found a Snowy along NY 3 at Jericho Rd. The Owl was
also seen that day by Corky and Bill.
Short-eared Owls, difficult to find in this area, have been reported since Irene Mazzocchi sighted one at
Ashland WMA on 1/09. Lynn also saw one there on 2/14 and 2/15, and Lee and Lynn found one there on
2/17. Short-eareds were also reported from the Town of Lyme by Gerry Smith and Lynn. Lynn and Lee
sighted them in the Town of Cape Vincent on 2/17, 2/20, and 2/21, finding as many as 7 in one trip. Kezia
reported that at least 3 Screech Owls were at her home in Sackets on 1/20.
There have been numerous reports of Snow Buntings. Robin saw several flocks near Cape Vincent: on
WHITE-WINGED SCOTER
Stony Point Rd on 1/16, on Favret Rd on 1/18, on Cemetery Rd on 2/16, and on Branche Rd on both 1/19
Cape Vincent - Feb 11, 2020 and 2/22. She reported finding hundreds along Favret Rd on 2/01. On 1/18, Lee found 80-100 Snow
Photo by Robin Booth Buntings at Pt Salubrious, 2 flocks on Case Rd, and a flock of ~10 on Dog Hill Rd. Kezia reported ~100 in
Sackets Harbor on 1/18. Bill sighted a flock of ~25 on Foot Rd near Chaumont on 1/23. A Peregrine Falcon was nearby, sitting in an Osprey nest. A
little later, further down Foot Rd, as the Falcon flew in to perch in a tree, the Buntings lifted from the roadside and flew out of sight. On 2/21, Bill saw a
flock of ~40 Buntings on Ransom Rd. Lynn sighted a flock on Three Mile Point on 2/01, then another at her home in Three Mile Bay on 2/12, and a
third on Mason Rd on 2/21. Ray Spahn found a flock of ~50 along NY 3 just north of Southwicks Beach SP on 2/13. Doris Gibson reported that her
son had seen a large flock on Pillar Point on 2/20. In mid-February, Faye and Mike saw a flock on Duck Harbor Rd.
Regular sightings of Bald Eagles have also been reported since the first of the year. Lynn found 2 on the nest near Long Pt SP and an immature on
Mason Rd on 1/05. Lee sighted 1 on Pt Peninsula on 1/06, then 2 adults at the nest near the Isthmus in late January. On that day he also watched an
immature “considering” a pair of Mute Swans. When the Swans stood, the Eagle flew away. Kezia saw 2 Bald Eagles at her home in Sackets on 1/17.
Jim LaPlante found a pair of adults at the Moffatt Rd nest in early February. Bill sighted an adult perched on the nest near Perch River Village on 2/19.
Robin has reported several sightings: 1 at the boat launch in Three Mile Bay and another at the Chaumont boat launch on 1/11; a pair at the Isthmus
nest on 1/12; 1 overlooking the St. Lawrence in the Village of Cape Vincent on 1/19; 1 on Mason Rd on 1/26; 4 at East End Park in Cape Vincent;
1 along NY 12E near Limerick; 1 on Mason Rd on 2/22; 1 on Pt Peninsula on 2/23. Robin’s father saw 2 on the ice near Stony Pt Rd on 2/09.
Robin also reported a number of sightings of Hawks and Falcons. She sighted a Sharp-shinned Hawk in Cape Vincent on 1/04; both a Northern
Harrier and an American Kestrel there on 1/05; a Peregrine Falcon and a Red-tailed Hawk in the Cape on 1/26; 6 Rough-legged Hawks and
3 Red-tailed Hawks there on 2/01; a Red-tailed Hawk near Chaumont on 2/04; both Rough-legged and Red-tailed Hawks in the Cape on 2/08;
a Rough-legged Hawk there on 2/09; a Red-tailed Hawk near Limerick on 2/17; 3 Rough-legged Hawks and 3 Red-tailed Hawks there on 2/22;
4 Red-tailed Hawks and 2 Northern Harriers on Pt Peninsula on 2/23. Several other members reported sightings
of Hawks and Falcons, also. Lynn sighted a Northern Harrier at Hardscrabble, as well as a Rough-legged Hawk,
a Northern Harrier, and 2 American Kestrels along Favret and Mason Rds on 1/05; a Rough-legged and a
Red-tailed Hawk near Long Pt SP in early February; a Red-tailed Hawk on Case Rd on 2/12. Lee reported
sighting 3 American Kestrels and 4 Red-tailed Hawks on Pt Peninsula on 1/06; a Rough-legged Hawk on Dog Hill
Rd on 1/17; 5 Rough-legged Hawks on Pt Peninsula in late January. Lee and Lynn found 9+ Rough-legged
Hawks, 3 Red-tailed Hawks, and 3 Northern Harriers on Mason Rd on 2/17. Kezia was visited by a Cooper’s
Hawk at her home in Sackets on 1/17. Dick and Marion sighted a pair of Northern Harriers and 3 Rough-legged
Hawks in Cape Vincent on 1/31. Corky and Bill saw 4 Red-tailed Hawks along NY 180 south of Dexter on 2/23.
Reports of waterbirds have been less numerous. The height of the spring migration is still a ways in the future.
Robin has kept a close eye on the St. Lawrence River near Cape Vincent, where she reports sightings of Mute
Swans, Mallards, Common Goldeneyes, Red-breasted Mergansers, Scaup sp, Redheads, Long-tailed Ducks SHORT-EARED OWL
(there were hundreds on 2/09), and Herring Gulls. Robin’s most notable sightings were a White-winged Scoter Cape Vincent - February 2020
at East End Park on 2/11, then 2 there on 2/23. Robin also reported Tundra Swans, (continued on next page) Photo by Lynn Chavoustie 4
The NYS Bluebird Society is looking for (continued from page 4) Mute Swans, Red-breasted
volunteers to monitor bluebird nesting boxes in Mergansers, Mallards, and large numbers of Canada
our area. The poster below gives details. Geese along the lakeshore in the Town of Cape
Vincent, as well as 3 Red-breasted Mergansers at the
Isthmus. On 1/06, Lee found a large number of
Common Goldeneye and 3 Mute Swans at CRs 6 & 57.
In late January, he saw a Tundra Swan and 3 Mute
Swans on Pt Peninsula. Lynn sighted 3 Red-breasted
Mergansers at the Isthmus in early February.
Other sightings of note are given here grouped by the
HOUSE FINCH
person reporting in alphabetical sequence. Robin
“BUYING SEED”
watches feeders on Sam Adams Rd near Cape
Vincent. Since the first of the year, a Downy Three Mile Bay - February 2020
Woodpecker, a Red-bellied Woodpecker, a pair of Photo by Lynn Chavoustie
Northern Cardinals, White-breasted Nuthatches, Black-capped Chickadees, Dark-eyed
Juncos, Blue Jays, Mourning Doves, Common Ravens, and American Crows have been
regular visitors there. American Robins first appeared on 2/01. Robin also reported large
numbers of Wild Turkeys in the area. Lynn sighted 3 Northern Flickers on Pt Peninsula
and a group of Wild Turkeys along Favret Rd on 1/05. Peggy Coe reported that a Pileated
Woodpecker was at her home in Watertown, along with a huge flock of European Starlings,
a pair of House Finches, and an American Tree Sparrow on 2/26. Peggy noted that was
the first time a Pileated had appeared there. Lee saw a large number of American Robins
on Ransom Rd on 3/01. He sighted 7 Trumpeter Swans at Perch River the same day. On
2/29, he sighted a Northern Shrike and large numbers of Common Goldeneye on Pt
Peninsula. On 1/23, Doris reported 2 Common Redpolls, 2 Hairy Woodpeckers, 5 Downy Woodpeckers,
and 2 White-breasted Nuthatches at her home on Keyser Rd. A Pileated Woodpecker visited on 2/02,
and a group of 25 Mourning Doves appeared on 2/20. Jon Holcombe reported in mid-January that he
had seen remarkable numbers of both Blue Jays and Dark-eyed Juncos, as well as 2 White-breasted
Nuthatches, at his home on Wellesley Island. At her feeders in Sackets over the past two months, Kathy
has seen a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, a Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers, a
White-breasted Nuthatch, American Goldfinches, House Finches, Dark-eyed Juncos, Black-capped
Chickadees, Blue Jays, Mourning Doves, American Crows, House Sparrows, and European Starlings.
Rachel Lewis sighted a Northern Shrike on Pt Peninsula on 2/08.
Three members reported interesting sightings from outside (two a long way outside) the tri-county area.
During January, Ray Spahn birded in Oswego County and Central New York. He saw a Northern Shrike
and a Lark Sparrow in Pulaski, a Dickcissel in Marcellus, a Lapland Longspur in Warners, and a
SANDHILL Black-headed Gull in Baldwinsville. In Oswego, he sighted a Harlequin Duck, both
CRANES Black and White-winged Scoters, and large numbers of Long-tailed Ducks. It does
seem to be well worth making the short trip to the region immediately to our south.
IN FLIGHT
Faye Martin and Mike Short went a bit further afield, visiting Arizona this fall. In
CURVE-BILLED addition to a number of species commonly found in our area, they were treated to
THRASHER sightings of huge numbers of Sandhill Cranes, as well as Loggerhead Shrike,
Photos by Curve-billed Thrasher, Black Phoebe, Say’s Phoebe, Cinnamon Teal,
Faye Martin Black-throated Sparrow, Arizona Cardinal, and Eurasian Dove.
Taken last fall on These are the most extensive sightings submitted for a Plover issue in quite some
a trip to Arizona time. The Editor expresses thanks to all who contributed and says: Keep it up!!

Regular at $10.00 Number _____ Total $______________

Sponsor at $15.00 Number _____ Total $______________

Patron at $20.00 Number _____ Total $______________

___ New ___ Renewal Total Dues $______________

Dues payable to: North Country Bird Club Send newsletter by:
P.O. Box 634 ___ e-mail ___USPS
Year: 20____ Watertown, NY 13601 (please check one) COMMON GOLDENEYE
Cape Vincent - January 2020
PLEASE REMEMBER TO FILL OUT BOTH SIDES OF THE FORM Photo by Robin Booth 5
 FUERTES PAINTING
From the State Museum in Albany
Published in Birds of America, 1917
AMERICAN WIGEON
EUROPEAN WIGEON
GREEN-WINGED TEAL
RECEIVE THE UPLAND PLOVER ONLINE
The same as the printed version, but in COLOR!
(viewed with Adobe Reader - http://www.adobe.com/).
Contact the Editor (haldex@twcny.rr.com) to sign up.
Delivery of the Upland Plover electronically saves the
Club money by lowering printing costs and postage. We
express our thanks to those members who receive the
Plover by e-mail, making it possible for us to use more of
our resources for other projects.
Become a member of the New York State
Ornithological Association (NYSOA).
Membership includes a quarterly journal and a
newsletter. Details at www.nybirds.org.
Meetings / Programs: March, April,
May, September, October, November,
(Second Wednesday of the month)
Field Trips: Spring - Summer - Fall
Spring Bird Census
Audubon Christmas Bird Count
Newsletter: The Upland Plover
Website: North Country Bird Club
on FACEBOOK
The North Country Bird Club, Inc., is
a charter member of the New York State
Ornithological Association, Inc.
REMEMBER TO RENEW
YOUR MEMBERSHIP FOR 2020!
AN NPR MOMENT
In late December, members Jim LaPlante and Rosanne
Weir were “scouting” for an upcoming field trip to the
Point Peninsula area sponsored by Ontario Bays
Initiative. Their purpose was to locate Snowy Owls.
They were not disappointed, finding four of these
beautiful birds. During the drive, Jim and Rosanne were
listening to National Public Radio’s Science Friday, a
call-in show. The topic for the day was, remarkably,
birding, with two experts on hand to talk with callers. Jim
and Rosanne thought it might be fun to call in while
watching one of the Snowy Owls they had spotted. The
resulting conversation was most interesting. Neither the
host of the show nor the two experts had ever seen a
Snowy! They were fascinated to hear that these Owls
were regular winter visitors to Northern New York. We
do indeed live in a rich birding area, even when
considered on the national level. Thanks so much to Jim
and Rosanne for sharing this story with us.
SNOWY OWLS
Isthmus Road
(CR 57)
December 2019
Photos by
Jim LaPlante
ITEMS FOR THE NEXT PLOVER ARE DUE BY APRIL 15
Please forward sightings, photos, or other items for
the next issue to the Editor by April 15.
Contact info: Bill Haller, Editor - Mail: P. O. Box 6, Dexter, NY 13634
E-mail: haldex@twcny.rr.com - Phone: (315) 639-6848 (9 am to 9 pm)
NORTH COUNTRY BIRD CLUB MEMBERSHIP
Membership is for the calendar year. Dues are per individual.
Renewals are due by January 1st. To ensure that you receive Club
materials, be sure to give your correct mailing address below.
Name(s): _____________________________________________
E-mail: _______________________________________________
Address: _____________________________________________
City: _______________________ State: _____ Zip: __________
PLEASE REMEMBER TO INCLUDE YOUR DUES PAYMENT
PLEASE FILL OUT BOTH SIDES OF THE FORM
 A SNOWY ALBUM
Provided in the electronic version only, as a thank-you to the readers who save us printing and postage costs.

Chaumont - January 2020 Chaumont - January 14, 2020

Photo by Lee Ellsworth Photo by Kathy Killeen

Hardscrabble - January 14, 2020 Cape Vincent - January 5, 2020

Photo by Kathy Killeen Photo by Lynn Chavoustie

Isthmus Road (CR 57) - February 5, 2020 Isthmus Road (CR 57) - February 5, 2020
Photo by Faye Martin Photo by Faye Martin