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 during January and February. But by March, many changes are underway in the avian world.

March feels like a crossroads. Year-round birds continue to carry on as they always do. Most winter irruptive species are not quite ready to head back to the arctic, with many staying into April or even May before leaving the Adirondacks. Our weather becomes less predictable with extremely cold days and warm days mixed together. Many species begin to migrate back to our region at this time of year while some are merely passing through on their way farther north. And several species in the Adirondacks nest in March.

Vocal activity picks up in March and woodpeckers spend more time drumming. Bald Eagles, Common Ravens, and American Crows spend more time soaring around the sky. Birds appear more active. The world is thawing and there is hopefulness in the renewal of life.

Bald Eagle by Larry Master

Just Passing Through!

March is a month when birders excitedly post sightings of majestic Golden Eagles passing through on their migration north. Birders in the Adirondacks are often alerted to the presence of a migrating Golden Eagle by the loud vocalizations of Common Ravens. The Golden Eagle is the arch enemy of the Common Raven, and ravens can spot an approaching Golden Eagle from a remarkable distance away.

Watch for Snow Geese in March on their journey north. I happened to be standing outside on a blue-sky March day last year when thousands of glistening white Snow Geese in numerous skeins filled the sky heading north!

Snow Geese

Spring hawk watches begin in March (and run through May). Many raptors will be on the move now.

Nesters

Great Horned Owls, Gray Jays, and Red and White-winged Crossbills are all currently nesting. I already observed a Red Crossbill juvenile at the very end of February. Bald Eagles refurbish their nests in March, which they reuse each year. In March, look for them carrying sticks to bolster their nests. Common Ravens are also beginning to nest at this time of year. I recently observed a raven picking grass from a hole in the snow for nesting material.

Bald Eagle at its nest by Larry Master

Gray Jay nest in Raquette Lake by Larry Master

Migrating Back

Most American Crows leave the central Adirondack region during winter, leaving the landscape to their larger Common Raven relative. The month of March begins what I term the raven–crow wars! As the American Crows fill back in, they fight with Common Ravens until all the territory disputes are somehow worked out.

One of the symbols of spring is the return of Red-winged Blackbirds. Birders are already reporting early arrivals for this species. A flock of Red-winged Blackbirds visited a feeder location in Long Lake on March 1st. Many other species will show up in March including Turkey Vultures, Red-shouldered Hawks, Killdeer, Northern Saw-whet Owls, Eastern Bluebirds, American Robins, Song Sparrows, Rusty Blackbirds, and Common Grackles.

Red-winged Blackbird by Larry Master

Northern Saw-whet Owl

Eastern Bluebird by Larry Master

American Robin by Larry Master

Winter Irruptive Species Still Here

Many of the species that attract birders to our area in winter can be found well into April and even May before they migrate north. Rough-legged Hawk, Northern Shrike, Bohemian Waxwing, and Snow Bunting, are species that will stay through April. The male Snow Bunting heads back to the arctic in early April, when it is still bitter cold, to claim a breeding territory in a rock cavity. The female follows four to six weeks later. Northern Shrikes have a fascinating song and they often sing when they first arrive in October and again in April when they are getting ready to migrate north. Large flocks of Bohemian Waxwings are still moving around feeding in fruit trees. In April, Bohemian Waxwings mass into flocks that number in the thousands before they head back to their breeding territory in northwestern Canada and Alaska.

Rough-legged Hawk

Northern Shrike by Larry Master

Bohemian Waxwing

Waiting Waterfowl

Waterfowl return to Adirondack lakes, ponds, and rivers as soon as possible in the spring. Somehow these species, including Common Loons, seem to know exactly when they have enough open water to return. Historically, April would be the month to watch for returning waterfowl, but these dates are becoming earlier each year as the ice melts earlier and earlier as our climate warms.

Common Loon by Larry Master

Many birders will visit larger bodies of water like Lake Champlain or large rivers like the St. Lawrence to view waterfowl that are lingering before heading north or northwest. Tufted Duck, Greater and Lesser Scaup, White-winged Scoter, Long-tailed Duck, Bufflehead, and Barrow's Goldeneye are waterfowl species that can be found lingering in March before migrating away.

Our Residents

Of course, among all the March avian changes, we still have all the year-round species to see! Great Horned and Barred Owls, woodpeckers (Downy, Hairy, Black-backed, and Pileated), Gray and Blue Jays, Common Ravens, Black-capped and Boreal Chickadees, Red and White-breasted Nuthatches, Brown Creepers, and Golden-crowned Kinglets are just some of the species that can be found all year in the Adirondacks.

With Great Horned Owls nesting, Barred Owls becoming more vocal, and Northern Saw-whet Owls migrating back, March is a terrific month to go owling. All three of these species can be found along Sabattis Circle Road in Long Lake.

Barred Owl

March is a fascinating, transitional time of year often filled with avian surprises.

Plan to watch spring arrive in the scenic Adirondacks this year with a birding trip? There are great year-round lodging and restaurant options in the area to help make your trip even more enjoyable. Mark your calendars now and plan to join us for the 12th annual Adirondack Birding Festival taking place June  10-12, 2016.

Break out of the norm this spring:

Sweet spring skiing

Collection of cascades

Spring beaks on the Coast

Breaking into flavor

Spread your wings

Shoulder-season hiking

Blooming with cool activities

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...

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...