By Bill Combs Jr
Welcome to On the Wild Side. Join me as I explore the wildlife and nature that Schoharie County and the surrounding areas have to offer on the wild side.
Spring has arrived and so have the migrating birds. We spotted 1 immature Golden Eagle in the area around Max V. Shaul State Park and 2 immature Golden Eagles flying around Mine Kill State Park. Look for a large bird with a black tail with a white band near its body and triangle shaped white patches on its underwings. It is a rare treat to spot this many in the same general area as they have not nested in New York in over 40 years. We also spotted two about this time last year around the same area.
One of the most colorful migrating ducks is the Wood Duck. We found them along Route 30 as you head south out of the town of Grand Gorge. Look for them in the beaver ponds and shallow marsh areas on the east side of the road near the edges of the water. Wood Ducks are one of the few species of ducks that nest in a tree.
The males are more colorful than the females. They like the edges of the water and hang out in small groups.
While you are in the Grand Gorge area check out the Catskill Scenic Trail for hiking or bike riding. Heading west toward Stamford look for the Mase Cold Spring Wetlands Preserve as it is a beautiful hidden treasure to relax and watch the wildlife in the area, you won’t be disappointed.
Keep an eye out for Hooded & Common Mergansers, American Black Ducks, Ring-necked Ducks and Mallards as these will also hang out with the Wood Ducks. We also spotted a few Snow Geese, a Lesser Scaup, American Kestrels and a few Wild Turkeys trying their best to walk through the deep snow.
We also came across an Eastern Meadowlark. After this last snowstorm I am sure it wishes it would have waited a few more weeks before traveling to Upstate New York, as Meadowlark live in farm fields, grasslands, and wet fields. They hunt for grubs, worms and insects in the ground which could be difficult this time of the year with the frozen ground, but will switch to seeds, corn and wild fruits in the wintertime. Look for a light brown bird with black marks and a bright yellow chest that has a bold black V on its chest. They are medium-sized songbird with a short tail and long bill.
On the Eagle Trail these past few weeks they have had a lot of snow ending up their nest. All the eagles in the area are now sitting on eggs and all of them have survived the recent snowstorms. There are some immature and sub-adult Eagles still in the area looking for a mate and maybe looking for a place to call home.
If you do happen to come across a Eagle nest please remember to keep your distance, do not hang out around the nest and be as quiet as possible to make sure they have a successful hatching, as they are very sensitive this time of the year.
I have had up to 40 deer out in the fields at the same time and have encountered a good many of them crossing the roads this time of the year as the snow melts off the corn fields and the green grass starts to grow back; they are on the move.
As you travel the roads and hiking trails of our beautiful and unique countryside keep your eyes and ears open, you never know what you may see or hear.