Nighttime Birding in Hamilton County: An Opportunity to Observe Our Local Owls and Wetland Birds

Birding, typically a daytime activity, now includes nighttime observations. In Hamilton County, several birds are active after sunset, including the Barred Owl, Northern Saw-whet Owl, American Woodcock, Pied-billed Grebe, Virginia Rail, and American Bittern.

The Barred Owl, recognized by its unique call, is active day and night. They inhabit dense deciduous or mixed forests, often in the Adirondacks. The optimal times to hear them are in March, April, and early May.

The Northern Saw-whet Owl, a small bird weighing no more than 5 oz., is also nocturnal. Their song is whistle-like, audible 2 hours after sunset. They favor dense vegetation and are usually hidden in trees during the day. The best times to hear them are in March, April, and early May.

The American Woodcock is known for its distinctive calls, a sign of spring in the Adirondacks. Their courtship song and dance occur during the civil twilight hours, approximately 45 minutes after sunset and 45 minutes before sunrise. They inhabit fields and clearings near young forests or swamps.

The Pied-billed Grebe, a small bird with a loud call, can be heard throughout the night. They inhabit marshes and slow-moving wetlands. These birds are threatened in New York state, making their presence notable. The optimal times to hear them are from May to July.

The Virginia Rail and the American Bittern are also active at night. The Virginia Rail, a wetland bird, is secretive and often hides in dense vegetation. Their loud grunting indicates their presence. The American Bittern, a wading bird, is difficult to spot during the day as they remain still until they find an insect. Their unique song is described as a pump-er-lunk sound. Both these birds are best heard from May to July.

In summary, nighttime birding provides an opportunity to observe a variety of birds that are active after dark. From the unique call of the Barred Owl to the distinctive song of the American Bittern, nocturnal birding offers a unique experience.

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