Spring 2017 LOCALadk Magazine 21
LOCALadk
Photo:
Erika
Bailey
Visit nature.org/adirondacks
Email adirondacks@tnc.org
Follow @AdirondackTNC
Nature makes life better.
Please help us protect vital Adirondack lands and waters,
strengthen the tie between communities and nature, and
inspire broader support for conservation.
MICHAEL L. BIRD, A.I.A. ARCHITECT
MARI KIRWOOD, A.S.I.D. INTERIOR DESIGN
30 RIVERSIDE DRIVE, SARANAC LAKE, NY 12983
518-891-5224
RHINEBECK, NY 12572
518-637-2524
website: www.adkgreatcamps.com
email: michaelbird@adkgreatcamps.com
website: www.adkgreatcamps.com
SPECIALIZING IN THE ADIRONDACK STYLE
Our Only Endemic Species
One of the most sought-after species during the breeding sea-
son is Bicknell's thrush, a migratory, high elevation species. It is
the only endemic bird species in the northeastern United States.
It breeds in the thick, stunted balsam fir habitat at mountain ele-
vations over 3,000 feet.
Bicknell's thrush faces a multitude of threats including loss of
winter habitat in the Greater Antilles; climate change resulting
in loss of breeding habitat, competition from species moving
upslope, severe weather events, mismatched arrival time, and
prey abundance; along with mercury deposition. This year, the
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will decide whether or not to list
Bicknell's thrush under the Endangered Species Act.
Bicknell's thrush is an elusive species that prefers to sing during
predawn and dawn, and again at sunset into darkness. It remains
hidden in thick balsam fir habitat except when it sings, usually
from the top of an exposed, tall snag. I spend much of the breed-
ing season driving birders to the top of Whiteface Mountain at
4am to view this mysterious species and hear its ethereal song.
Birding in the Adirondacks - Resources
There are many resources available to people who would like to
go birding in the Adirondacks. Join the Northern New York Audu-
bon Society chapter, which holds regular field trips. Attend one
of the two annual spring birding festivals: the Great Adirondack
Birding Celebration the first weekend in June, and the Adiron-
dack Birding Festival during the second weekend in June. Buy a
local field guide or hire a guide to take you birding. The scenery
is spectacular and the birds are terrific!
