Birders Flock to the Central Adirondacks!

 Winter Birds in the Central Adirondacks

The winter birds of Long Lake, Newcomb, and Minerva have been a magnet for visiting birders this season. In addition to our year-round boreal species, including Black-backed Woodpeckers, Gray Jays, and Boreal Chickadees, several winter irruptive species have added extra excitement to birding trips. Bohemian Waxwings are moving around the area in search of fruit trees. Beautiful Red Crossbills are widespread in our central Adirondack region and currently nesting! Pine Siskins have irrupted in huge numbers with flocks often containing hundreds of birds. Colorful Evening Grosbeaks are numerous in Newcomb and Minerva. All the wonderful birds have been attracting people to the area.

NYS Ornithological Association's Winter Weekend

In addition to guiding birding tours this winter, I recently led field trips for the NYS Ornithological Association's Winter Weekend held in the central Adirondacks. Twenty-four people attended from all corners of NYS and some from neighboring states. Participants stayed at the Shamrock Motel and Cottages, and the Adirondack Hotel in Long Lake.

On our first morning, we headed to Newcomb and observed Evening Grosbeaks at a terrific feeder location. Purple Finches, Pine Siskins, and American Goldfinches were also abundant. Northern Cardinals and American Tree Sparrows were also observed at the feeder location. Birding along Route 28N, we found several flocks of Red Crossbills. Another highlight for many participants was seeing a couple of Boreal Chickadees at the Boreas River Bridge area. We also found a large flock of Cedar Waxwings feeding in a fruit tree in Newcomb.

Female & Male Evening Grosbeaks

Pine Siskin by Sue Barth

American Tree Sparrow

Male Red Crossbills & Pine Siskins taking flight by Rob Bate

Boreal Chickadee by Sue Barth

Next, we headed to Sabattis Bog along Sabattis Circle Road in Long Lake. Friendly Gray Jays came out for bread, raisins, and sunflower seeds! A Black-backed Woodpecker foraged and called from the forest.

Gray Jay at Sabattis Bog by Sue Barth

Gray Jay at Sabattis Bog by Sue Barth

Birders viewing Evening Grosbeaks by Bill Schneider

When it was time for lunch, we picked up delicious panini sandwiches that we pre-ordered from the Adirondack Trading Post.

Late afternoon was spent at the Adirondack Interpretive Center in Newcomb where I gave a presentation on winter irruptive species. Nineteen species were presented using photographs, video, and audio sounds, along with why they irrupt to the Adirondacks in winter and where to find them. After the presentation, participants gathered at the Adirondack Hotel in Long Lake for a social dinner. Our group took over the dining room!

Birders fill the Adirondack Hotel Dining Room!

On our second morning, we once again visited Newcomb feeder locations and then boreal habitat areas of Newcomb and Long Lake. On a short hike along Tahawus Road, we heard a Black-backed Woodpecker calling from the forest. As we continued our hike, we got closer to a rabbit hunter. He was waiting by his truck while his hunting Beagle was far off barking in the forest. As our large group approached his location, he decided to move down the road a bit. After he drove off, a beautiful Snowshoe Hare, in its winter-white color, hopped across the road from the spot where the truck had been. Everyone clapped for the hare and someone remarked that it reminded them of Bugs Bunny and Elmer Fudd!

After lunch at the Adirondack Trading Post, we once again visited Sabattis Circle Road and Sabattis Bog. We found a flock of Red Crossbills at the Little Tupper Lake inlet and 8 Gray Jays at the bog.

Male Red Crossbill in Long Lake

Overall, during the Winter Weekend event, 23 species were found including a Red-tailed Hawk, 2 Black-backed Woodpeckers, 8 Gray Jays, 3 Boreal Chickadees, 27 Red Crossbills, hundreds of Pine Siskins, and over 50 Evening Grosbeaks. Participants were thrilled and many birders were seeing these species for the first time.

Male Evening Grosbeak

More Winter Bird Species

Bohemian Waxwings, a very sought-after winter irruptive species from northwestern Canada, are occasionally showing up in Long Lake and Newcomb this season. While guiding a couple from Connecticut, we found a flock of 29 Bohemian Waxwings feeding on a fruit tree in Long Lake. Many birders have been photographing a Northern Shrike that has been spending the winter at the Little Tupper Lake inlet along Sabattis Circle Road in Long Lake. Shrikes are fascinating predatory songbirds. The shrike's bill is often blood-stained, so it is obviously finding enough prey. Snow Buntings have also been found along roadways all winter.

Bohemian Waxwing

Northern Shrike

Snow Bunting

The year-round boreal bird species of the Adirondacks bring visitors every winter, and the irruptive species, which are a different mix each year, add even more excitement to winter birding trips!

If you are planning a winter birding excursion to the central Adirondacks, there are many warm, comfortable places to stay and plenty of restaurants with great food to make your trip enjoyable. Ready to join other birding enthusiasts for a memorable annual event? Mark your calendars now for the 2016 Adirondack Birding Festival taking place June 10-12, 2016.

Winter Events 2022-2023

Looking for something to keep you busy in the winter months? We have got some events coming up to keep you entertained! The new year looks promising and there are a lot of exciting...

Where to Chill Out and Where to Warm Up

We get lots of snow here in the winter, so why not get out and enjoy it? Here is a list of places where you can go to chill out and have some fun, and some places to shake that...

Winter Bucket List

Winter this year may look a little different than previous years. Regulations have tightened a bit and we may not be able to spend as much time indoors as other years. Why not make...

Where to Find the Coolest Stuff

If you are anything like me, when you have the chance to do some shopping, you love to wander around and spend time looking at everything. Whether you are in the market for a...

Adirondack Weddings

As you may have guessed, the timeframe between Thanksgiving and Valentine's days is the most popular time to get engaged. Maybe you've just gotten engaged or are just thinking to...

Short Hikes

Known for its High Peaks and tough trails, hiking in the Adirondacks can seem a little daunting for beginners or those with families. But, I’m here to tell you, while we do have...

The Perfect Camping Experience for Your Family

The snow is gone, there’s a warm breeze that has the whole family just itching to get outside, and that awesome camping gear that you got over the holidays is calling to you. At...

Best Places to Fish

We all know that avid fishermen are notoriously tight-lipped about their fishing spots. So much so that when I asked around about favorites, the most useful response I got was "on...

5 Reasons to Snowmobile Hamilton County

Winter is most fun when you get outdoors and play in the snow, and this doesn’t change the older we get. A favorite winter pasttime in the Adirondacks is snowmobiling, and the...

Top 4 Ways to Enjoy Winter

You may be thinking “I’m getting the winter blues and I need a vacation,” and I know the first thing that pops into your head is somewhere tropical, but why not try something...

Snowshoeing at Dog-Friendly Fern Park

As we pull into the quiet lot next to the ice skating rink, I can hear the swish of fresh snow under my tires. I step out and take a deep breath. The air is crisp and cold. It...

Skates, Skis or Snowshoes!

Wintertime gear includes so many innovative contraptions to strap onto your feet! And maybe you JUST got those brand new ones and you are DYING to try them out! Well, come on up to...

Your Guide to Holiday Shopping

Summer is now just a tiny speck in the rear view as we fly through fall, headed straight for winter. That means it's time to pack up the Halloween decorations, maybe put up a few...

It’s Time To Think Snow!

OK, I know what you're thinking: No. Way. "I haven't even gone trick-or-treating with the kids yet." "I have 17 relatives coming for Thanksgiving dinner!" But...YES, WAY! Now is the...

Top 4 Scenic Foliage Drives

Indian Lake to Speculator   Trip distance: 34 miles This drive will give you gorgeous scenic views of the fall foliage, as well as views of two beautiful Adirondack lakes. Starting...

Summertime = Beachtime

One of my favorite summertime activities here in the Adirondacks is taking my kids and spending the day at the beach. We love to go to the public beach in Speculator. This is the...

Skis and Snacks

The air is super crisp, cold, and clean as I drop my skis down at the trailhead. A fluffy poof of snow jumps into the air where the skis land. I take a deep breath and look around....

Things To Do Indoors

We are right in the thick of winter here in the Adirondacks and let me tell you what, it has been COLD! There have been many consecutive nights of negative temperatures — some...

A Gift For Everyone

We all know people who are just impossible to shop for. Well, let me break down the perfect Adirondack gifts — by personality! The Adventure Seeker Do you know someone who's an...

Holiday Shopping Ugh

We all know that sometimes holiday shopping can be a real drag. Going to the same stores, shopping for the same people - who seem to have everything ... This year, why not mix it up...

Plan Out Your Adirondack Winter!

C'mon, everyone! Get ready for some winter fun! (And maybe cross a few gift purchases off your list!) When I woke up this morning, it was 4 degrees. There's also a nice 2-inch layer...

Getting Ready for Winter

We are just getting our first official snowfall, so now is the time to get prepared so you are not caught off guard! Snowmobile If you own your own snowmobiles, now is the time to...

Stories of the Adirondacks

A place this full of history needs people to tell its stories, which is why we are fortunate enough to have a rich supply of historians, songwriters, and storytellers.  INLET'S...

Adirondack Oddities

Driving through the Adirondacks, no matter what time of year, is always beautiful. But if you've ever driven though our little towns, you have probably seen a few of our roadside...

Fall Events

We are just as sad as you that summer seems to be coming to an end far too quickly. However, just because summer is almost over, it doesn't mean the fun has to stop! There are tons...

My Favorite Restaurants

The Adirondacks are a great place for many things such as hiking, paddling, and camping. But one of the things done really well here is food! I haven't had the chance to eat at all...

Adirondack Saddle Tours

It was a beautiful day in July when my friend Stephanie and I hopped in the car and headed north. Our end goal was Inlet, or more specifically, Adirondack Saddle Tours. I was going...

Adirondack Fourth of July

One of my favorite times of the year is coming up — and it's coming up fast! I don't know about you, but when I think about summer, I think about camping, s'mores, fireworks, and...

Golfing in the Adirondacks

The following was written by Christy Wilt, the director of tourism and economic development for Hamilton County. Christy has lived in the Adirondacks for over 20 years and has been...

Black Fly Challenge... Accepted!

 Editor's note: The annual Black Fly Challenge will be held on Saturday, June 10, 2017. Not sure what the challenge is or why you would want to take it? Check out this fun blog...

Things to Do Along the Way

Memorial Day is right around the corner, and you know what that means... It's time for the Great Adirondack Garage Sale! With sales from Speculator to Inlet to Indian Lake to Long...

Chasing Waterfalls

When I was younger, my mom and I would always go on different hikes throughout the summer. It had been a while since we had had this opportunity - you know how life is... I've...

Down on one knee in the 'dacks

What is romance? When some people think of romance, they immediately imagine the classics: candlelit dinner, fancy restaurant, picnic in the park... For romantic gifts, they revert...

Cross-Country Skiing in the Adirondacks

So far this year, we have had a fantastic winter. There is certainly no shortage of snow! Storm after storm has dumped plenty of the fluffy white stuff on us.  The fantastic thing...

Valentine's Day Tradition

While this will be mine and my husband's first Valentine's Day as a married couple, it is hardly our first rodeo. This will be our 11th Valentine's Day together. Our first being on...

Ice Skating In The Adirondacks

With temperatures regularly lingering below freezing, don't forget to pack your ice skates this winter for your next Adirondack adventure! While most people come here to go skiing...

Winter Events

This year, I made a resolution to stay home more.  Well, that went out the window fast! There are just way too many great events going on to sit at home. There is a little something...

Fall Festivals

A notable temperature shift has been happening over the last couple of weeks, making many people realize summer is coming to an end! While we may be packing away the beach chairs...

Swimming Holes in the Adirondacks

Take a Swim There are some really great places around the region to take a dip, from public beaches to hidden swimming holes, and they are all worth checking out! Public Beaches...

Bar Hopping

Here in the Adirondacks we know how to enjoy life. We're always up for camping, paddling, fishing, hiking, and more. But we also enjoy relaxing, and what better way to do that than...

Gluten Free on the trail!

Trying to eat gluten free is one of the hardest things I have ever tried to do - I love wheat and wheat products. While being a celiac is not something we have to deal with, Corenne...

Prepping for the 90-Miler

  The Adirondack Canoe Classic (a.k.a The 90-Miler) Adirondack Canoe Classic, Day Two Start - Photo by Alexandra Roalsvig, provided by The Town of Long Lake. The weekend after...

Summer Events

Ready for a Summer Vacation? Its time to pack up the RV and hit the road! Summer is just around the corner and the Adirondacks is the place to be. Whether you prefer to immerse...

Care and storage of winter gear

The end of a long winter season is once again upon us, and even though the conditions weren't all that conducive to what might be called an excellent winter season, our gear did get...

Historical Landmarks

The celebration of Hamilton County's Bicentennial is happening this year, and we have been doing a little delving into our history! While 1816 marks the inception of the county, ...

A memorable wedding getaway in Inlet

Inlet is the perfect place for an Adirondack wedding getaway. My boyfriend Andy and I were invited to a wedding in Inlet last summer, and we decided to make a full weekend escape...

Get ready for camping, Part 2: Sleeping bags and pads

Picking a sleeping bag is not all that difficult once you get a grasp on your personal comfort level. There are numerous companies out there making sleeping bags, and some are...

Birders Flock to the Central Adirondacks!

 Winter Birds in the Central Adirondacks The winter birds of Long Lake, Newcomb, and Minerva have been a magnet for visiting birders this season. In addition to our year-round...

Birding in March: A Transitional Time

In the Adirondacks, March and October are transitional months, with October representing life falling into a slumber, and March a reawakening. The stillness of winter settles in...

Get ready for camping season, Part 1: Tents

Every company that has anything to do with the outdoor retail industry is making a tent and placing it on the market. With different price points, features, colors, weight, and...

Adirondack Ice Bowl

The Annual Adirondack Ice Bowl Pond Hockey Tournament, which has been happening since 2009, will once again be held on 4th Lake in Inlet. Participants and spectators alike look...

5 Destinations to Visit Via Snowmobile

Destination Snowmobile! Got the itch? No, not that kind of itch! I'm talking about the one where you are pacing back in forth in front of your sled, just waiting for enough snow to...

2015-2016 Winter Events

As the cold sets in you may want to bundle up and wait the winter out - but then you would miss out on so many great events going on in the heart of the Adirondacks! From ice...

Avoid the Madness and Shop Local!

Crowded Malls? No thanks! Black Friday shopping is a phenomenon that has taken over the country. People are camping out for days waiting for the hottest, newest merchandise at the...

October events in the southern Adirondacks

October has always been my favorite time of the year. The cool crisp air, the new colorful landscape, and Halloween! There is still so much going on in the Adirondacks! Try Your...