By Ashley M. Casey

Associate Editor

According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, more than 30 species of waterfowl can be commonly seen in New York state. Thanks to Onondaga Audubon, birdwatchers will have the chance to glimpse a few of these ducks, geese and gulls on one of two upcoming sessions of Birding Field Trips: Baldwinsville to Oswego, on Jan. 11 or Feb. 22.

“Besides the usual mallards, we’ll probably get a loon or two — maybe some grebes,” said Bill Purcell, who is leading the trip. “We also look for the less common gulls that are out there.”

Birdwatchers can meet Purcell in Baldwinsville to travel in caravan to riverside sites between B’ville and Oswego.

“The places we stop, there’s normally plenty of parking,” Purcell said. “The last couple times we’ve had 20 to 25 people but I’ve run this with eight to 10 people too.”

Purcell has 36 years of birdwatching experience. An old girlfriend introduced him to the pastime. He bought binoculars and a guidebook, and the rest is history. Now, he leads periodic birding field trips with Onondaga Audubon.

“I was always walking in the woods and things like that,” he said. “It slowly built up over a few years and I was out there more often than not.”

Birdwatching is relatively simple, Purcell said: the only supplies you need are binoculars and a book. But discerning the species that inhabit Upstate New York can take a bit of experience. That’s where Purcell comes in.

“Knowing the right place to be according to the weather, however, that takes experience,” Purcell said. “The numbers of birds could be overwhelming to sort through when you’re a novice. If you go with somebody who knows what they’re looking at, you might have a better chance.”

Some of the waterfowl that can be spotted on the Baldwinsville-Oswego trip generally nest in far northern Canada, Purcell said.

“This is their idea of a good place to spend the winter,” he said.

As with most recreational activities in Central New York, the success of the birding trip may depend on the weather.

“Last year when I led the trip, Oswego Harbor was frozen and when I led the second trip a few weeks later the harbor was full of ducks,” Purcell said. “You never know.”

Birdwatchers should check the forecast and dress in layers.

“If you’re going to stand still holding binoculars you’ll need to be dressed warmer than if you’re going on a 2-mile hike,” Purcell said.

The Birding Field Trips: Baldwinsville to Oswego take place roughly from 8 a.m. to noon Jan. 11 and Feb. 22. For exact meeting time/location, contact Bill Purcell at [email protected] or 315-382-2871. Bring binoculars/scope, water, a snack, clothing layers and a bird book, if you have one.

To learn more about Onondaga Audubon and its other activities, visit onondagaaudubon.com.