Birding the Sheldon Trail - Chapter IV - The Challenge

By Dick Miga

It has only been a few months since my last article appeared in "TRACKIN", and, since then, three more birds have been added to the list bringing the species total to 174. Hikers and birders on the trail identified a Winter Wren on April 17, a Bald Eagle perched in a tree and photographed on July 15, and a Great Egret was sighted on the big pond on July 20th.

It has really been gratifying to have these reports turned in as it is important, not only for the enjoyment of others, but for the knowledge we gain regarding the status of bird species when we share sightings such as this.
As I have mentioned several times in my previous accounts of birding on the Sheldon Trail, this trail is rapidly becoming one of the premier birding spots in the county. Now that the BOCES students, under the direction of Robert Hayes their Conservation instructor, have almost completed the handicapped accessible overlook on the big pond, the already popular hiking trail will have added another feature that will improve it an attraction for hikers, bikers, birders and outdoor enthusiasts.

I would like to emphasize a little different direction in this in this article; not discussing what has been seen on trail, but what has not been seen. As I have mentioned on previous occasions, there are several common birds that have not been reported from the trail. For example, as of today, no owls have been reported. In order to solve this expected sighting, what is needed is a good evening walk on the trail complete with calls to hopefully attract some of the expected species such as Eastern Screech Owl and Great Horned Owl. Perhaps with a little bit of luck at the right time a Barred Owl and Northern Saw-whet Owl might be enticed to respond. To accomplish this, I plan to lead such a walk early next spring (2001). An announcement will appear in this newsletter as well as the "Blue Bird Notes" and the "Wren's Ramblings". These are the newsletters of the Jamestown Audubon Society and the Lake Erie Bird Club respectively.

Some of the other birds that might be expected in the fall, winter, and spring are: the Common Loon which might be sighted on the big pond, the Cattle Egret that could show up on the fields along side the trail near the Titus Road entrance, and a Black-crowned Night Heron that occasionally appears on or near many of the ponds and marshes in our county. Some of the ducks that should be watched for might include the Common Merganser, and the Ruddy Duck that frequently visit this type of habitat.
While we have discussed the problem with the lack of shorebirds, we should not abandoned the hope of sighting Black Bellied and Golden Plovers on some of the farm fields around the trail. (Especially in the fall). Also, keep an eye out for some of the many gull species reported from other county sites. We have yet to sight a Herring Gull or a Great Black-backed Gull on the trail, and of course, no terns are yet reported. During the winter we should be watching the nearby telephone lines and shrubby trees for the possible presence of a Northern Shrike, and, there are no sightings of Red-breasted Nuthatch's on or near the area. Other winter visitors such as Snow Buntings appearing in the fields and some of the irruptive finches as: Crossbills, (both Red and White-winged), Common Redpolls and Pine Siskins should be searched for along the trail. (How about putting a winter feeding station at or near the trail entrance on Titus Road, or near the overlook?)

The Northern Mockingbird, that has made many northern visits to other areas of the county, has eluded birders from a trail observation. While we are doing quite well in the warbler department with 28 species already recorded, the Northern Parula and Prairie Warbler along with the rare Prothonotary, Worm-eating, Kentucky Warbler, and of course the Yellow-breasted Chat, would be great additions to look for in the spring.

Finally, we should always be on the lookout for all bird species along with the other animals and plant life on this tremendous hiking area that we are fortunate to have in our county.

Should you sight any of the above birds on Sheldon, or any other area in our county, call the Chautauqua County Birding Hotline at 716-595-8250 and report the sighting. Many listeners will appreciate your contribution. In conclusion, if anyone is interested in a guided birding tour of the Sheldon Trail for a group or individuals, call the hotline or me at 716-672-7363.

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