Susie Wood posted on June 25, 2010 11:48
Join the Thousand Islands Land Trust (TILT) and ornithologist Gerry Smith for two special bird watching TILTreks during the Clayton River Festival weekend. On Friday, June 25th at 8:00 am, Gerry will lead a field trip near Perch River State Game Management Area to look and listen for the Henslow’s Sparrow. Henslow’s Sparrow populations are declining nation-wide due to habitat loss, and are endangered in New York State. These small songbirds prefer tall, weedy grassland fields, and are notoriously difficult to find. Participants on this Trek will benefit from Gerry’s knowledge of the area and practiced ears while searching for Henslow’s Sparrow. Meet at the TILT office at 7:45 am on June 25th wearing long pants, sturdy shoes, and bug spray. If you have binoculars, please bring them. Tickets for the “Looking for Henslow’s Sparrow” Trek are $5.
The second bird watching TILTrek will be Sunday, June 27th at 10:00 am. Gerry will lead a Nature Boat Tour on Clayton Island Tour’s pontoon boat with an extended stop on Grindstone Island. While on Grindstone, Trekkers will take a hay wagon ride into the interior of the island to see various grassland birds at the height of the breeding season. Be on the lookout for Yellow-throated Vireos, Least Bitterns, Bobolinks, warblers, Ruffled Grouse, and Meadowlarks as they summer on a couple of TILT’s preserves on the island. Meet at the Clayton Island Tours dock next to the TILT building at 9:45 am. Participants should wear long pants and sturdy shoes, and please bring binoculars. Sunscreen and bug spray are also recommended. Tickets for the “Grindstone’s Grassland Birds” Trek are $15 for adults, $7.50 for children, and include the ticket for the boat tour.
Space is limited for both Treks, so please call the TILT office at 686-5345, or email
events@tilandtrust.org to reserve a spot or to get more information. These events are part of the TILTreks & Talks Program, a series of excursions and talks that explore living, learning, and conserving in the Thousand Islands region.