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Dick Miga

It was April 4, 1997 when I made my first visit to the Sheldon trail. As I indicated in my first column for TRACKIN' (1997), I was tremendously impressed by the variety of habitat type, and the tremendous potential that bird enthusiasts would enjoy in that area. My early prediction was that the trail had the potential to produce at least 175 species of birds, and even reach 200 over time.

That first year saw a lot of birding activity, with members from the Lake Erie Bird Club, the Roger Tory Peterson Institute Ornithological Club, and the Jamestown Audubon Society spending quality time on the trail enjoying and recording the bird species found there. The first two months, being the prime birding season of the year, recorded 139 species as reported in that article.

The second article I wrote for the newsletter was an update that appeared in the summer 1998 issue entitled One Year Later. In that article, I reported the species count had reached 153 as of June 7, 1998. This number was well below our target figure of 175. One theory for the lower than expected number was a major environmental change that occurred on the trail. This event had a negative impact on the expected utilization of the wetland region by waterfowl and shorebirds. While the early trips to the region envisioned high spring and fall migration visits by the many shorebird species that frequent other Chautauqua county locations, unfortunately, just off the trail property, a family of beavers moved in. Their work resulted in the damming up the outlet flow of water from the nearby water habitats observed from the trail proper. This behavior resulted in higher than anticipated water levels, creating an unfavorable habitat for those anticipated species.

Another negative impact created by the higher water level, was the submerging of the main trail making it difficult for walkers, bikers and others to traverse. Fortunately, the many volunteers that built the trail, under the leadership of Les Johnson, and, cooperation from local industries, repaired the trail making it once again passable.

The Sheldon trail today represents to birders from Chautauqua county, as well as visitors, one of the top birding sites in the region. There are very few local places where one can go, park the car, and visit in one spot such a variety of habitats as wetlands, marshes, woodlands, shrub zones, open fields, deserted orchards and many other fine areas.

To my knowledge, the current one day record on the trail is still 98 species recorded in May of 1997 by the Lake Erie Bird Club on it's annual Crump Day led by Dr. Allen Benton.

The current number of species, as the writing of this article (February 14, 2000), is at 171*. The list can be obtained by calling me at 716-672-7363 or, the Chautauqua County birding hotline (716-595-8250), and leave your name and mailing address.

Some of the groups of birds reported on the list include: 16 species of ducks and geese, 9 species of vultures and hawks, 12 species of shorebirds, all 7 local species of woodpeckers, 10 species of flycatchers, 7 species of thrushes, an excellent sighting of 28 species of warblers, 12 species of sparrows, and three rarities including a Common Raven, (observed by your truly) the hybrid Lawrence's Warbler, and a Clay Colored Sparrow. (Observed by David Neveu, a frequent visitor to the trail)

However, the list does not contain any Owls, nor, many of the other expected common birds that are normally found in the area. It is hoped that the many visitors to the trail that have recorded birds would review the list and add species as sighted. There is no doubt in my mind that the original 175 target will be reached this year, and that the dream of 200 is reachable.
*Note: As of 4/27/2000 the list now stands at 172.

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