As already posted by Jerry Lazarczyk, Ron and Sue Hacker today found an alternate plumaged Snowy Egret in Niagara Falls, NY. The bird was discovered at 10:40 this morning and was still there after we saw it around 3:00. The location is about a mile upriver (east of) from the falls in a small inlet along the Niagara River, where there is a large barge. The inlet is along the south side (i.e. the river side) of the eastbound Robert Moses Parkway, about a quarter-mile from where the parkway starts at John Daly Blvd. The location is most easily accessed by turning off of the eastbound parkway, just after passing the inlet with the barge. However, you do so at your own risk, as there is a sign there stating that only authorized vehicles are allowed (i.e. Power Authority personnel, police, etc.). Westbound birders on the parkway must exit the parkway at John Daly Blvd (it may not be signed as such - it is the last exit before the speed limit drops from 55 to 35). Get back on going eastbound and follow directions above. For those who do not wish to risk a fine, you can park at the waterfowl viewing area a half-mile past (east of) the slip and walk back. The waterfowl viewing area also is only accessible to eastbound traffic.
Another highlight today was discovering a Peregrine Falcon nest below Niagara Falls. I was looking from Goat Island, next to the Canadian (Horseshoe) Falls, when an adult Peregrine flew across the river away from me and into a hole in the old power plant on the Ontario side of the gorge. This hole is below a line of many windows. There were at least two chicks that we could see, probably more. By the way, for those concerned about someone trying to steal a young Peregrine, this area has tourists and plant personnel around it 24 hours/day. In addition, the nest location is virtually inaccessible and only visible from the New York side. Good birding! Willie ---------- Willie D'Anna Betsy Potter Wilson, NY dannapotterATwzrd.com http://www.betsypottersart.com
