There were two breeding plumage BONEPARTE'S GULLS on the Hudson River at the overlook at 4-Mile Point, just south of Coxsackie, The Greene County.
Also around the point or in the adjacent Vosburgh's Marsh (owned by Scenic Hudson and open to the public) were: Wood Duck; Great-blue Heron; Greene Heron; Bald Eagle; Belted Kingfisher; To get to this wonderful viewing area, take NYS Rt. 385 north of Athens or south of Coxsackie to 4-Mile Point Road. Go east 'round the bend - to the end. At the bend (a right angle turn going from easterly to southerly) you'll pass the 4-Mile Point Preserve (also owned by Scenic Hudson) - worth a walk down to a wonderful picnic area down by the river's edge or up to the scenic overlook. After that, the road will snake between two ponds. Stop and check things out there. There may be a E. Screech Owl sitting in one of the Wood Duck nest boxes. [no tapes please]. And/or, you can continue along the road to the obvious elevated overlook with views across the river toward the Stockport Creek in Columbia County. Pause and look from here. That's where the Bonies were. There is an active eagle's nest on the island across the way; and a large Bank Swallow colony on the sandy cliffs across and to the north. At low tide there is usually a congregation of gulls (and rarely terns) on the sand spit across the river. A scope will be necessary if you are to make anything of them. But hey, there was a Royal Tern there once, albeit years ago. At that location, on the west side of the road, you'll see a gated entrance to a trail system into the marsh. Take it if you like and follow it around to an old hunting camp where you can look out onto the marsh. You can continue on to the southern end of the marsh, but the trail is overgrown and poorly marked. And/or, you can go to the cul-de-sac at the southern end of the road. Between the bizarre high fences (I have no idea what they are going to enclose - they look like they can hold a herd of buffalo) you will see a wheel-track lane going southerly into yet another good birding destination - the old Brady Camp and West Flats (also owned by Scenic Hudson and open to the public). When at the cul-de-sac, looking south, you will see a Scenic Hudson sign ahead. Go for it. Don't be intimidated by the "Private Property" signage that borders the lane going south. They seem to be an attempt by the adjacent landowner from discouraging legitimate use of Scenic Hudson lands and legal access to the preserve. He, by the way, is generally friendlier to birders than to hunters. So, if asked, just simply state your intentions and know you have every right to visit Scenic Hudson's properties. I suggest parking safely off the road, not blocking any driveway and walking in. Rich Guthrie New Baltimore The Greene County [email protected] http://blog.timesunion.com/birding [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
