Appendix H

2009 Bird Reports

2008-2009 Winter Bird Surveys

Galloo Island, NY
Final
May 1, 2009

Prepared for:
Upstate NY Power Corp.
950-A Union Road, Ste. 20
West Seneca, NY 14224-3454

Prepared by:
Old Bird, Inc.
605 W. State St.
Ithaca, NY 14850

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction

Methods

2-3

Results

3-8

Raptors
Waterfowl
Other landbirds

3-7
7-8
8

Discussion

8-9

Conclusion

9-10

Literature cited

10

Introduction
This report is a baseline winter avian survey (primarily for raptors) that is part of the
SEQRA and Article VII review processes for the proposed Hounsfield wind energy project
on Galloo Island, Town of Hounsfield, NY. The wind energy project would consist of the
construction and operation of 84 wind turbines, the installation and operation of associated
collection lines (below grade and overhead), and related facilities including a docking
facility, helipad, living quarters, parking areas and operations and maintenance facilities on
Galloo Island.
This Galloo winter avian survey was conducted from November 12, 2008 March
12, 2009 and follows a similar study the previous winter (Old Bird Inc. 2008a). Prior to that
no bird surveys in winter had been conducted on Galloo Island. The protocol for the survey
was developed in conjunction with feedback from the New York State Department of
Environmental Conservation (NYDEC) in mid-November 2007 and was formally stated
when the preconstruction bird and bat workplan for the project was finalized in March 2008
(Old Bird, Inc. 2008b).
Methods
Diurnal and crepuscular visual surveys for birds were attempted every 10-14 days
from mid-November 2008 to mid-March 2009 with a primary focus on counting wintering
raptors. Surveys also included rough visual counts of waterfowl during small aircraft flights
around the island as well as documentation of the landbirds present. Surveys were timed to
correspond with good weather conditions and to cover the daytime, early morning and late
afternoon periods, including dusk.
Raptor and landbird surveys were carried out from snowmobile or ATV. Due to the
small size of the island and the fact that wintering raptors are frequently on the move,
surveys initially attempted to cover the perimeter of the island, including all major grassland
areas, at a steady pace in order to avoid double counting of birds. The focus was on
documenting the numbers of raptors, the region of the island where they occurred as well as
specific information on whether birds were perched or in flight, their flight height, and
direction of flight. The sex and age of individuals were determined when possible, but the
quick pace of the surveys precluded gathering detailed information on age and sex of some
species such as Rough-legged Hawk. Fig. 1 shows the location of the perimeter route and
associated area surveyed during each visit.
Approximate numbers of waterfowl were estimated during a single aircraft flight at
less than 200 m above the water around the perimeter of the island during each visit.
Observations were made from the right front passenger seat. Estimates were on the scale of
+/- 500 birds. Ice conditions along with the locations of waterfowl concentrations were
noted.
Additional landbird species were noted during the course of the raptor surveys.

Galloo Island 2008-2009 Winter Bird Surveys Old Bird, Inc.

Fig. 1. Galloo Island (from 2002 satellite image). The orange line indicates the route taken by snowmobile or
ATV during the 2007-2008 and 2008-2009 winter bird surveys. The light orange area is a rough estimate of the
area covered visually for perched and low flying raptors. The coverage for high-flying raptors included the
whole island.

Results
Weather conditions prevented completion of surveys every 10-14 days. Six surveys
were carried out during the study period and on two of these six trips weather permitted
overnight stay on the island enabling dawn and dusk Short-eared Owl surveys (Feb 1 & Mar
10). Additional trips to the island were scheduled but were cancelled due to weather. Most of
the successful day surveys on the island were carried out at a quick pace because of the threat
of changing weather. The following subsections summarize results for each of the target
species groups.
Raptors
Table 1 shows raptor totals tallied on a perimeter trip of the island during each of the six
visits. The numbers in Table 1 are the highest perimeter trip tallies per species during each
visit to the island. On two of the visits at least two perimeter trips were carried out, otherwise
all totals are from one perimeter trip. Observation conditions during these surveys were
similar with winds <15 mph and good visibility. Snow cover was absent on the first four
surveys (through Dec 16) but was substantial on the February 1 trip (estimated 12-24 inch
base with 3-4 foot drifts). All snow had melted by the March 10 survey. On all survey days
raptors were easily identifiable because of the close proximity of observation.

Galloo Island 2008-2009 Winter Bird Surveys Old Bird, Inc.

TABLE 1. High daily raptor counts tallied on Galloo Island. RLHA = Rough-legged Hawk;
RTHA = Red-tailed Hawk; BAEG = Bald Eagle; GOEA = Golden Eagle; AMKE = American
Kestrel; COHA = Coopers Hawk; NOHA = Northern Harrier; SNOW = Snowy Owl; SEOW
= Short-eared Owl; NORA = Northern Raven; NOSH = Northern Shrike; ?Bu = Unidentified
Buteo (RLHA or RTHA).

Galloo RLHARTHABAEA GOEA AMKECOHA NOHA NORA NOSH SNOWSEOW?Bu

12Nov08 10

22Nov08 12

3Dec08 12

16Dec08 25

10

1Feb09 11

10Mar09 6

With the exception of Snowy Owls, relatively low numbers of raptors were reported
on Wolfe Island, ON (~20 km north of Galloo Is.) in winter 2008-2009. 1 However, Amherst
Island had an excellent mouse raptor year. Table 2 shows winter 2008-2009 high raptor
counts reported for Amherst Island, ON (~30 km northwest of Galloo Island). These numbers
were tallied by different birding groups and did not involve any consistency of route or
effort. Most of these data were summarized and reported to the Ontario Birds listserv by
Peter and Jane Good of the Kingston Field Naturalists.
TABLE 2. High daily mouse raptor counts reported on Amherst Island
in winter 2008-2009.

Amherst
28Nov08
8Dec08
19Dec08
14Jan08
15Jan08
16Jan08
23Jan09
29Jan09
5Feb09
20Feb09

RLHA
13
25+

27

34
32

47
25

RTHA
20

21

28

16
30

NOHA AMKE SEOW

20

15

14
3
3
8

24

"afew"
5
3
0

Note however that wind farm construction was underway on Wolfe Is. during winter 2008-2009 and
construction activity may have affected mouse raptor numbers. Nine Short-eared Owls were reported on
Wolfe Is. in mid-December but none thereafter.

Galloo Island 2008-2009 Winter Bird Surveys Old Bird, Inc.

G. Smith carried out additional regional raptor studies on the Cape Vincent Peninsula in
winter 2007-2008 and 2008-2009 (pers. comm.). These data suggest that winter raptor
populations on Cape Vincent have been declining since a peak during winter 2006-2007.
Similar to observations in the 2007-2008 Galloo winter raptor survey, most raptors observed
were perched in trees along the perimeter route. Raptors perched close to the perimeter road
often flushed when the snowmobile or ATV approached -- these flushed birds flew to distant
trees at altitudes below 30 meters agl.
Small numbers of Rough-legged hawks were regularly noted flying northeasterly or
southwesterly down the grassland corridor on the eastern side of the island. These flights
were typically less than 50 meters agl. This vector of movement also occurred right along the
eastern shoreline and up to 100 meters offshore. Rough-legged Hawks regularly flew across
the broader grassland areas at the northern and southern ends of the island. This transit was
typically 50 meters agl or less. No Rough-legged transit was observed across the wooded
interior of the island. Rough-legged Hawks were on several occasions seen soaring up 100200 meters agl and circling about. A few Rough-legged Hawks were also seen in transit
between Stony Island and Galloo. One on occasion a Rough-legged was seen feeding on the
lake ice (possibly on an old duck carcass). Too few Rough-leggeds were identified to sex and
age to make any conclusions about the proportions of such on the island.
On all surveys, Rough-legged hawks were most abundant in the grassland strip along the east
side of the island and in the broader grassland areas at the north and south ends of the island.
Though numbers were lower, Red-tailed Hawks had a similar distribution and behavior on
the island as Rough-legged Hawks.
Figs. 2 & 3 shows how the number of Rough-legged and Red-tailed Hawks varied between
the Galloo raptor surveys in winter 2007-2008 and 2008-2009. Rough-legged and Red-tailed
Hawks were found on Galloo in lower numbers during the winter survey of 2008-2009 than
in a similar survey in 2007-2008.
Bald Eagles (NYS: Threatened) were tallied in lower numbers on Galloo in the 2008-2009
winter survey than in 2007-2008. A high daily count of three individuals was noted in the
2008-2009 surveys. However, at least five different individuals were noted (3 subadults; 2
adults). As documented in Table 1, the winter 2008-2009 surveys found high daily counts of
one American Kestrel, two Coopers Hawks, and two Northern Harriers. Two Snowy Owls
were observed on the November 22 survey.
No systematic surveys for roosting owls were carried out in the extensive red cedar and
arborvitae stands on the island, so no column for Long-eared or Saw-whet Owl is included in
Table 1.

Galloo Island 2008-2009 Winter Bird Surveys Old Bird, Inc.

Fig. 2. High daily survey totals on Galloo Island for Rough-legged Hawk.

Fig. 3. High daily survey totals on Galloo Island for Red-tailed Hawk.

No Short-eared Owls were observed during the diurnal perimeter surveys or in the early
morning and early evening (dusk) surveys of the islands grassland areas that occurred on
February 1 and March 10. These surveys covered the open grassland areas at the northern
and southern ends of the island and the grassland corridor along the east side of the island.
Weather did not permit overnight stay on Galloo from late November 2008 through January
2009.
Northern Shrike and Northern Raven were seen in small numbers throughout the study. The
shrikes exhibited their typical behavior of perching atop small trees and bushes and then

Galloo Island 2008-2009 Winter Bird Surveys Old Bird, Inc.

making low flights to new perches. The Northern Ravens were seen in flight, typically less
than 100 meters agl, all around the island.

Waterfowl
Table 3 shows estimated waterfowl totals made during aerial surveys around the island (< 15
minutes duration) at less than 200 m agl. Numbers were logged by estimating the area
covered by a group of 100 birds and then multiplying that area across the larger area
occupied by a flock of apparent uniform density. Accuracy was estimated to be +/- 500 birds
for tallies of 2500, and +/- 100 when tallies of 1000 or less were made.
TABLE 3. 2008-2009 Galloo Island waterfowl survey numbers estimated from aerial surveys.

Galloo
Waterfowl
12Nov08

22Nov08

1200

3Dec08

1700

16Dec08

3000

12Feb
2009
1012Mar
2009

1100
<200

Notes

Iceconditions

Openwater
700Mallards&Blacks;200Common
Merganser;200CommonGoldeneye;70
Openwater
WhitewingedScoter
1000Aythya;700Mallards&Blacks
Openwater
1500MallardsandAmericanBlackDucks
Openwater
1500Aythyasp.
C.Goldeneye,LongtailedDuck,Greater
Icedin
Scaup(&Aythyasp.)dominate
~200(56LongtailedDuck;30Common Icedinon10th;openareas
Goldeneye;26RedbreastedMerganser)
on12th

Numbers of waterfowl were significantly down from the prior years surveys. While detailed
species composition was difficult to discern from the aerial surveys, the general species
pattern in the 2008-2009 survey appeared to correspond with that in the 2007-2008 survey.
Mallards and Black Ducks comprised the majority of waterfowl early in the winter with a
transition to Aythya species, Common Goldeneye, and Long-tailed Duck as the winter
progressed.
Most waterfowl flight activity was over the water along the east end of the island. Very few
waterfowl were seen in transit over the island. These incidences consisted of two to three
observations during each survey of small duck flocks crossing over the interior of the island
at heights less than 75 meters agl. Most of these observations were over the north or south
ends of the island. The occurrences often occurred after flying Bald Eagles flushed rafts of
ducks.

Other landbirds
Very few small passerines were documented on Galloo Island during winter 2008-2009. The
only notable species addition compared to the 2007-2008 winter survey was White-winged

Galloo Island 2008-2009 Winter Bird Surveys Old Bird, Inc.

Crossbill. Up to 40 were seen on several surveys in December and corresponded with a broad
scale southward invasion of the species into eastern U.S. the largest such invasion since
1989. This species was seen flying at treetop height on several occasions, apparently
traversing between small groves of white spruce.
Discussion
The 2007-2008 and 2008-2009 winter raptor surveys on Galloo Island, along with
nearby raptor surveys and reports, suggest complex winter raptor population dynamics in the
region. In winter 2007-2008, Galloo and Wolfe Island had relatively large numbers of
wintering mouse raptors while Amherst Island had relatively few. In winter 2008-2009,
Wolfe Island had relatively few wintering mouse raptors, Amherst Island had high
numbers, and Galloo Island had about 50% lower numbers than it did in winter 2007-2008.
The Cape Vincent Peninsula mouse raptor numbers were lower in winter 2008-2009 than
2007-2008 (G. Smith, pers. comm.). Winter raptor populations on Galloo, Amherst, and
Wolfe Islands thus appear to be somewhat independent from the mainland and independent
from one another. This is presumably due to independent vole cycles. Coordinated
monitoring using standardized surveys would be necessary to more fully understand raptor
population dynamics in the region.
With regard to the NY listed Northern Harrier (NY:Threatened) and Short-eared Owl
(NY:Endangered), the lack of reports of the latter and the documentation of only one
individual Harrier in the Galloo winter 2008-2009 surveys is notable and parallels the 20072008 data. Both species were documented in larger numbers on Amherst and Wolfe Islands
in the early portion of the winter 2008-2009 survey period.
One of the interesting questions is why Amherst Island had a substantial early-winter
residency of Northern Harriers and Short-eared Owls while Galloo did not. 2 Though winter
2008-2009 Rough-legged and Red-tailed populations on Galloo were down ~50% from the
previous year, there were still notable densities (30+ combined RLHA/RTHA) in winter
2008-2009. The 2008-2009 Amherst ratios of Rough-leggeds and Red-taileds (combined) to
Northern Harrier were in the 2 to 1 range or lower in late November and early December
2008 (see Table 2). On Galloo during the same period this ratio was in the range of 1520 to
1, much larger because only one Harrier was noted during this time. Dusk surveys on Galloo
for Short-eareds were not carried out until early February in winter 2008-2009 and it is
possible that Short-eareds were missed in early winter. None were found in dawn and dusk
surveys in late winter (2009). One would think that Short-eareds would occasionally overwinter on Galloo. But it is notable that a December dusk survey in winter 2007-2008 also did
not reveal any Short-eareds and that was a higher mouse raptor year on Galloo. Wolfe
Island had ratios of approximately 6 to 1 of combined Rough-legged and Red-tailed numbers
to Short-eared Owls in late January 2008 (Table 2 in Old Bird Inc. 2008a). While it is too
early to make any firm conclusions, the initial two winter surveys have documented lower
ratios of Northern Harrier and Short-eared Owl than other nearby regions with significant
mouse raptor numbers. One possibility for this apparent lower winter residency of Harriers
and Short-eared Owls on Galloo is pressure from Great Horned Owls (two pairs nested on
Galloo in 2008). A third year of winter raptor surveys is planned on Galloo for 2009-2010 to
help elucidate this and other trends noted in the first two winter seasons of study.
2

Note, however, that no dusk surveys were able to be completed in early winter on Galloo in winter 2008-2009.

Galloo Island 2008-2009 Winter Bird Surveys Old Bird, Inc.

The lower number of Bald Eagles documented on Galloo in winter 2008-2009 than
the previous winter likely was due to different ice conditions around the island. The island
was iced in more completely and longer in winter 2008-2009 than winter 2007-2008. In
2007-2008, eagles were seen primarily roosting and flying along the ice edge. Ice edge was
non-existent around Galloo after early January in 2009 the island was nearly completely
iced in (January temperatures for Watertown were ~ 6 degrees F lower than the 50 year
average). All evidence points to these solid ice conditions and the associated lower waterfowl
numbers as factors leading to lower numbers of eagles documented on Galloo in winter
2008-2009.
The observation of one eagle heading toward the interior of the island at dusk on
March 10 is highly suggestive that night roosting of this species can occur on Galloo. While
this behavior has increased risk implications with regard to the wind projects impact on Bald
Eagles, it is questionable whether Bald Eagles would exhibit night roosting behavior if the
wind project were built.
With regard to waterfowl, the winter 2008-2009 surveys on Galloo again documented
that waterfowl concentrations occur around the island in fall migration and in early winter.
The mid-to-late winter numbers are clearly influenced by the availability of open water. The
late fall and early winter waterfowl numbers appear to be variable and influenced by other
factors. Water around the whole island was open in late 2007 and 2008, but there were an
estimated ten times fewer dabbling ducks around Galloo in December 2008 compared with
December 2007.
Similar to the winter 2007-2008 survey, the winter 2008-2009 survey did not note any
regular patterns of waterfowl transit over Galloo Island. Only sporadic small groups of
waterfowl were noted flying over the island and Bald Eagle flight activity was again noted to
be an impetus for these crossing flights.
Very few landbirds were observed on Galloo during the 2008-2009 winter survey.
However, the landbirds observed again included small numbers of Horned Lark and two
Coopers Hawks, both listed as species of Special Concern in New York State.

Conclusion
The Galloo Island 2008-2009 winter bird survey supports the conclusion from the
2007-2008 winter survey that Galloo is involved with the winter raptor concentration
phenomenon that periodically occurs in the grasslands proximal to northeastern Lake
Ontario. As such it supports the idea that the winter concentration of raptors on Galloo has
considerable variance from year to year.
While it is too early to make any firm conclusions, the initial two winter surveys
appear to have documented lower ratios of the NYS listed raptors, Northern Harrier and
Short-eared Owl, than other nearby regions with significant mouse raptor numbers. A third
year of winter raptor surveys is planned on Galloo for 2009-2010 to help elucidate this and
other trends noted in the first two winter seasons of study.
The 2008-2009 survey data also suggests that significant annual variation in winter
season waterfowl numbers may regularly occur on Galloo. Both the 2007-2008 and 20082009 winter studies indicate very little transit of waterfowl over Galloo. Similar to the 20072008 winter bird study, landbirds were scarce on Galloo Island during the winter of 20082009.

Galloo Island 2008-2009 Winter Bird Surveys Old Bird, Inc.

Literature cited
Old Bird Inc. 2008a. 2007-2008 Winter Bird Surveys Galloo Island, NY. Report prepared for
Upstate NY Power Corp.
Old Bird Inc. 2008b. Final Work Plan for Bird and Bat Preconstruction Studies at the
Hounsfield Wind Farm Project Town of Hounsfield, Jefferson County, NY. Report
prepared for Upstate NY Power Corp.

Galloo Island 2008-2009 Winter Bird Surveys Old Bird, Inc.

2009 Breeding Bird Study of Galloo Island,

Jefferson County, NY
October 2009

Prepared for:
Upstate New York Power Corp.
950-A Union Road, Ste. 20
West Seneca, NY 14224-3454

Prepared by:
William R. Evans
Old Bird, Inc.
605 W. State St.
Ithaca, NY 14850
(607) 272-1786
admin@oldbird.org

Summary
A second year of breeding bird surveys was conducted on Galloo Island in 2009 for
understanding potential avian impact of the Hounsfield wind energy project.
This study addressed specific survey requests made by New York Department of
Environmental Conservation (NYDEC) Region 6 personnel in a conference call with
representatives of the Hounsfield Wind Energy Project on April 8, 2009. Those requests
regarded conducting an additional year of breeding bird study that focused point count
and transect surveys on detecting New York State (NY) listed (Endangered, Threatened,
or Special Concern) grassland breeding birds (i.e., Northern Harrier, Short-eared Owl,
Upland Sandpiper, Horned Lark, Sedge Wren, Vesper Sparrow, Henslows Sparrow and
Grasshopper Sparrow).
Breeding bird point count surveys, walking transects, and stationary observations were
carried out on Galloo Island over six two-day periods from late May through midAugust: May 24-25; June 6-7; June 12-13; June 24-28; July 9-10; August 20-21.
During June 24-28, a second round of 10-minute point count surveys was conducted at all
84 proposed wind turbine generator (WTG) sites to compare with similar data gathered in
the 2008 breeding bird survey.
No Federally listed bird species were documented in the 2009 Galloo breeding bird
survey.
The following species detected in this 2009 breeding bird study are listed in New York
State: Pied-billed Grebe (Threatened), Bald Eagle (Threatened), Northern Harrier
(Threatened), Upland Sandpiper (Threatened), Common Loon (Special Concern),
American Bittern (Special Concern), Coopers Hawk (Special Concern).
No NY listed grassland birds were documented in the 2009 breeding bird survey except
those also noted in the 2008 breeding bird survey Northern Harrier and Upland
Sandpiper.
The additional intensive surveying in the 2009 breeding season produced strong
circumstantial evidence that Northern Harrier and Upland Sandpiper were involved with
breeding activity on Galloo in 2009. The observation of three young Harriers on August
20-21 is strong circumstantial evidence of successful 2009 breeding of this species on
Galloo. While no young Upland Sandpipers were noted in summer 2009, the observation
of territorial behavior of one adult in the southern grassland area is strongly suggestive of
breeding activity.
A secondary purpose of the 2009 breeding bird survey on Galloo was to conduct a second
round of point counts at all proposed WTG sites to confirm the species abundance and
distribution patterns documented in the 2008 breeding bird study. The numbers of points
where species were documented in both 2008 and 2009 show very similar patterns of
abundance on Galloo in the two years.

Introduction
This report presents results from a 2009 breeding bird study on Galloo Island -- a 2000acre island in the Town of Hounsfield, NY, 40 km west of Watertown, NY and 20 km
west of Sackets Harbor, NY (Fig.1). The study is part of the SEQRA and Article VII
review processes for the proposed Hounsfield wind energy project and follows a
comprehensive breeding bird study on the island in 2008 (Old Bird Inc. 2008).

Fig. 1. Location of Galloo Island in the northeastern Lake Ontario region.

This study addresses specific survey requests made by New York Department of
Environmental Conservation (NYDEC) Region 6 personnel in a conference call with
representatives of the Hounsfield Wind Energy Project on April 8, 2009. Those requests
regarded conducting an additional year of breeding bird study that focused point count
and transect surveys on detecting New York State (NY) listed (Endangered, Threatened,
or Special Concern) grassland breeding birds (i.e., Northern Harrier, Short-eared Owl,
Upland Sandpiper, Horned Lark, Sedge Wren, Vesper Sparrow, Henslows Sparrow and
Grasshopper Sparrow).

Methods
We used the NYDEC Region 6 Grassland Survey Protocol (Mazzocchi & Ross, 6-08-09)
as a basis for this study. Breeding bird point count surveys, walking transects, and
stationary observations were carried out on Galloo Island over six two-day periods from
late May through mid-August:
May 24-25; June 6-7; June 12-13; June 24-28; July 9-10; August 20-21

2009 Breeding Bird Survey of Galloo Island, NY Old Bird Inc.

Point counts
Three 10-minute point counts were carried out at 14 proposed WTG locations in the
major grassland areas at the northern and southern ends of the island (Fig. 2). These
involved proposed turbine sites #1, 2, 3, 4, & 7 at the southern end and #73, 74, 75, 78,
79, 80, 81, 82, & 84 at the northern end. These surveys were performed on May 25, June
13, and June 24-28. All point counts were performed before 10AM and were scheduled
on days with no precipitation and light to moderate winds that were conducive for
detecting bird vocalizations. These point counts specifically targeted the following
grassland breeding birds that are listed in NYS: Northern Harrier, Short-eared Owl,
Upland Sandpiper, Horned Lark, Sedge Wren, Vesper Sparrow, Henslows Sparrow and
Grasshopper Sparrow.
In addition, between June 24-28, one 10-minute point count was performed within the
first five hours after sunrise at all 84 proposed WTG sites and two non-WTG sites in the
small wooded swamp in the north-central region of the island. All birds identified by
sight or sounds at each of these 86 survey points were recorded for comparison with
similar data gathered in 2008.
All point counts were preformed following United States Geological Service (USGS)
Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) guidelines, however 10-minute, instead of 3-minute, survey
periods were used. Point count sites were flagged (in 2008) based on lat/long information
for proposed wind turbine generator sites provided by American Consulting Professionals
of New York. A Garmin Colorado 400 series GPS was used to originally locate the
sites and the same brand of GPS unit was used to relocate points in 2009. Accuracy
appeared to be consistently within +/- 10 m. All point count surveys were carried out by a
single surveyor. The point count surveyors in 2009 were the same as in 2008 -- D. Daniel
Boone, Barbara Dowell, and William Evans. Point counts were conducted during the first
five hours after sunrise on days without precipitation or strong winds. Weather conditions
were noted, including wind speed (Beaufort scale). Surf noise was noted if the surveyor
felt it significantly inhibited detection of bird vocalizations.

Transects
The transect work for the 2009 breeding bird study focused on the major grassland areas
of the island and specifically targeted the NYS listed grassland species: Northern Harrier,
Short-eared Owl, Upland Sandpiper, Horned Lark, Sedge Wren, Vesper Sparrow,
Henslows Sparrow and Grasshopper Sparrow. The areas surveyed included the large
tract of grasslands at the northern end of the island, the large tract of grassland at the
southern end of the island, and several large grassland areas along the eastern side of the
island, including the airstrip (Fig. 2). Transects were not carried out in the substantial
grassland areas in the center of the island (e.g., between proposed WTG #15 and #38 as
this region is largely infested with Pale Swallowwort and has occasional dead trees that
break up the continuity of open grassland. Transects were also not conducted in the small
strips of grassland along the north-central region of the island (e.g., between WTG #22
and #58). These latter strips of grassland are likely too narrow to host nesting of any of
the NYS threatened and endangered species noted above. We note that all these grassland
areas that were not targeted for transect surveys or additional point count work in 2009
2009 Breeding Bird Survey of Galloo Island, NY Old Bird Inc.

were covered by multiple 10-minute point counts and in the walking transects between
these point counts.
The transect work in the major grasslands on the island consisted of slow meander
surveys crisscrossing the larger grassland blocks. Transect routes were roughly 200 m
apart and 100 m from forest or lake edge. Transect surveys were conducted for at least
two hours in the mornings and early evening on the same survey dates noted for the point
counts. The survey in mid-August involved driving around the island looking for and
then observing juvenile Northern Harriers.

Fig. 2. Breeding bird survey point count sites (numbered red dots) and major grassland areas
surveyed by meander transects in this study. Red shaded area is the southern grassland. Blue shaded
area is the northern grassland. Yellow shaded areas indicate additional grassland areas that were
surveyed.

Stationary surveys
Two multiple-hour stationary surveys were conducted in the southern grassland area from
late afternoon to early evening. One observation location was located about 100 m
northwest of proposed WTG site #2. The other was about 100 m northwest of proposed
WTG site #3. The goal of these surveys was to provide a longer window of observation
for detecting rare grassland birds in what is the most expansive undisturbed grassland
area on the island.

2009 Breeding Bird Survey of Galloo Island, NY Old Bird Inc.

Species mapping
Populations of three species of grassland birds were mapped by documenting locations of
singing birds during transect surveys. The species were Bobolink, Eastern Meadowlark
and Savannah Sparrow.

Results
Point counts
The three rounds of 14 point counts at WTG sites in the major grassland areas did
not reveal any of the targeted NYS listed grassland species except those previously
documented on Galloo in 2008, Northern Harrier and Upland Sandpiper. A female and a
male N. Harrier were noted from several point count sites in the northern and southern
grassland areas. Two adult Upland Sandpipers were noted from point #3 on June 6 and
three adults were observed from point #3 on June 13.
The point counts at all 84 WTG locations and two additional locations conducted
June 24-28, 2009 documented three species not found at the same points from June 2427, 2008Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Orchard Oriole (1st yr. male) and Pine Siskin. Appendix
A shows the number of points that species were detected in 2009 versus 2008.

Transects
In the northern grassland area, early evening meander transects were conducted
on May 24, June 5, June 24, and July 12. Morning meander transects were conducted on
May 25, June 6, June 13, June 26 and July 13. An early afternoon transect was conducted
on June 27. In the southern grassland area, early evening meander transects were
conducted on May 24, June 24, and July 12. Morning meander transects were conducted
on June 6 & 13. In the grassland areas shaded yellow in Fig. 2 along the south-central
portion of the island, meander transects were conducted in the early evening of June 5 &
12. Morning meander surveys were conducted on June 6 & 13. Late morning and early
afternoon meander surveys were conducted on June 25 & 26.
These transect surveys did not reveal any of the NY listed grassland birds except
Upland Sandpiper and Northern Harrier. Distributions of other grassland birds of interest
(Bobolink, Savannah Sparrow, and Eastern Meadowlark) are noted in Fig. 3 & 4. The
yellow-shaded area grasslands in Fig. 2 were found to contain only one singing Bobolink
and one singing Eastern Meadowlark. These were in the more southern (larger) yellow
shaded area.

Stationary surveys
Two stationary surveys were performed in the southern grassland in the early
evening. One was carried out on June 5 from 7:45PM-9:15PM at a location about 100 m
west of proposed WTG site #2, approximately 200 m south of the meteorological tower.
The second was performed on June 25 from 7:00PM-9:00PM about 100 m west of
2009 Breeding Bird Survey of Galloo Island, NY Old Bird Inc.

proposed WTG site #3, approximately 200 m north of the meteorological tower. These
surveys produced information on Savannah Sparrow, Eastern Meadowlark, and Bobolink.
None of the target NY listed grassland birds were noted in these surveys, including
Upland Sandpiper and Northern Harrier.

Species mapping
A meander survey covering ~80% of the northern grassland area in the late morning of
June 6th estimated that there were more than 20 male Bobolinks on territory, one
Savannah Sparrow, and two Eastern Meadowlarks. On the morning of June 13 between
5:10AM-6:20AM a more complete territory survey of singing males was conducted in the
northern grassland. This survey estimated 28 singing male Bobolinks, two Eastern
Meadowlarks, and one Savannah Sparrow. The approximate locations of these singing
birds are indicated in Fig. 3.

Fig.3. Northern grassland area of Galloo Island with overlay of proposed wind project infrastructure
and locations of singing male Bobolinks (red B), Eastern Meadowlarks (yellow EM), and Savannah
Sparrows (blue SS) documented June 13, 2009. The island photo is from June 6, 2006. The ground
cover in June 2009 was similar to that shown in June 2006 except that a large field had been plowed
in the northern portion of the grassland. This area is approximately indicated by the brown
rectangle.

Fig. 4 shows the locations of grassland bird territories in the southern grassland. This is
based on observations made during point counts at proposed WTG sites #1-4, meander
transects, and stationary observations. One of the Bobolinks (northern) appeared to be an
unmated male. Only one male Bobolink was documented in this southern grassland area
in the 2008 breeding bird survey. Observations on several occasions suggested a third
Eastern Meadowlark singing male may have been present but this was not able to be
2009 Breeding Bird Survey of Galloo Island, NY Old Bird Inc.

confirmed. There were no Savannah Sparrows documented in this southern grassland

region in the 2008 breeding bird survey. The Upland Sandpiper range in Fig. 4 is based
on observations made June 5, June 6, June 12, June 13, June 24, June 25, and June 26. No
young birds were seen. On the morning of June 13 one adult Upland was acting territorial
in a specific area indicated in Fig. 4. When we approached this area, two adults flew off
quite some distance in close flight association while the third adult gave alarm chatter
calls while flying around us. We moved away in order not to disturb the bird or a
potential nest and the bird landed on the ground and disappeared into the cover.

Fig.4. Southern grassland area of Galloo Island with overlay of proposed wind project infrastructure
and locations of singing male Bobolinks (red B), Eastern Meadowlarks (yellow EM), and Savannah
Sparrows (blue SS) documented during surveys June 5-6 and June 12-13, 2009. The yellow and
orange shaded areas indicate where a maximum of three adult Upland Sandpipers were seen in
surveys from June 5-July 13, 2009. The lighter yellow shaded area is the approximate range where
Upland Sandpipers were observed. The lighter orange area is where they were more frequently seen
and over which wolf whistle flight calls were heard. The darker orange circle indicates the area
where one individual Upland Sandpiper often frequented, gave alarm calls when approached, and
acted as if a nest might be nearby. The island photo is from June 6, 2006. The ground cover in June
2009 was similar to that shown in June 2006.

Listed species detected during breeding bird study

No Federally listed birds were documented in the 2009 Big Galloo breeding bird
survey. The Bald Eagle is protected by the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the
Migratory Bird Treaty Protection Act protects all but four species documented during this
study (Mute Swan, Wild Turkey, Rock Dove, and Eurasian Starling). The following
species detected in this 2009 breeding bird study are listed in New York State:
2009 Breeding Bird Survey of Galloo Island, NY Old Bird Inc.

Pied-billed Grebe Podilymbus podiceps (NY:Threatened)

One was heard giving its cuckoo-like vocalization in the northern pond on May
24th. Repeated attempts in June to relocate this bird and confirm breeding were negative.
This late May date is well after the normal spring migration period (Bull 1985). This
species appears fairly common on the NY mainland adjacent to Galloo (Second Atlas of
Breeding Birds in New York State, 2008). Perhaps the May 24th individual was an
unmated bird wandering in the region. No Pied-billed Grebes were documented on the
2008 breeding bird study on Galloo. The north pond appears like good habitat for this
species to nest.
Bald Eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus (NY: Threatened)
A subadult (2nd or 3rd year bird) was noted in flight along the shoreline on June 5
and one subadult eagle was noted regularly on other surveys through July 13. No Bald
Eagles were noted in the point count surveys.
Northern Harrier Circus cyaneus (NY: Threatened)
One adult and one female Harrier were regularly noted during point counts and
transects in the 2009 breeding bird survey. In the August 20-21 survey that aimed to find
juvenile Harriers, three young Harriers (2 females and one male) were found hunting in
close association with an adult female Harrier in the southern grassland. The three
juveniles occasionally interacted with one another as if playing. Juvenile Harriers
typically make their flight appearance in this region of NY in mid-August. It seems very
unlikely that a mother Harrier would lead her three offspring out over the open water to
Galloo from the mainland at this early stage in their flight. All evidence and
circumstances suggest that the pair of Harriers that were frequently seen in June on
Galloo successfully fledged these three juveniles on the island in 2009.
Upland Sandpiper Bartramia longicauda (NY: Threatened)
A single Upland was seen May 24. Two adults were seen on June 5 & 6. Three
adults were seen on June 12 & 13. Single adult birds were seen on June 24, 25 & 26.
Fig.4 shows the range where these observations occurred including an area of higher
frequency where the wolf whistle call was frequently given and possible nesting
location. No juvenile birds and only one adult were found in three thorough late June
surveys of the southern grassland area. Upland Sandpipers were documented in the
southern grassland in the 2008 breeding bird survey
Common Loon Gavia immer (NY: Special Concern)
Two Common Loons were observed in low flight (< 50 m agl) over Galloo on
May 24. This flight activity appeared to be simply to cross the island to the adjacent side
of the island. Two Common Loons were observed feeding in the near-shore vicinity of
Galloo Island during the late June breeding bird surveys. No evidence of breeding was
noted.
American Bittern Botaurus lentiginosus (NY: Special Concern)
Two American Bitterns were heard vocalizing on the evening of May 24. On was
calling from the marshy area at the southern end of the north pond. The other was calling
from the small reedy pond in the middle of the northern grassland. Thereafter, surveys in
June only documented one American Bittern singing from the north pond area. No young
American Bitterns were observed. One individual was noted on the island during the
2008 breeding bird survey.
2009 Breeding Bird Survey of Galloo Island, NY Old Bird Inc.

Coopers Hawk Accipiter cooperii (NY: Special Concern)

The only observation of this species during the 2009 breeding bird study was a
single individual that took a Killdeer on June 24. No evidence of breeding was noted.
One individual was noted on the island during the 2008 breeding bird survey.

Discussion
The primary purpose of this second year of breeding bird surveys on Galloo Island was to
investigate more closely the major grassland areas on Galloo Island for potential breeding
activity of NY listed grassland birds (i.e., Northern Harrier, Short-eared Owl, Upland
Sandpiper, Horned Lark, Sedge Wren, Vesper Sparrow, Henslows Sparrow and
Grasshopper Sparrow). While there is potential breeding habitat for all of these species
on Galloo, the more intensive breeding bird surveys in 2009 did not find evidence of any
of these species except those which had been found in 2008 Upland Sandpiper and
Northern Harrier. For these two species, the additional intensive surveying in the 2009
breeding season produced strong circumstantial evidence that both species were involved
with breeding activity on Galloo in 2009. The observation of three young Harriers on
August 20-21 is strong circumstantial evidence of successful 2009 breeding of this
species on Galloo. While no young Upland Sandpipers were noted in summer 2009, the
territorial behavior of one adult in the southern grassland area is strongly suggestive of
breeding activity.
A secondary purpose of the 2009 breeding bird survey on Galloo was to conduct a second
round of point counts at all proposed WTG sites to confirm the species abundance and
distribution patterns documented in the 2008 breeding bird study. The number of points
where species were documented in both 2008 and 2009 are indicated in Appendix A and
one can see that most species show very similar patterns of abundance on Galloo in the
two years.

Conclusion
The 2009 breeding bird survey on Galloo Island adds more certainty to our understanding
of the potential impact of the Hounsfield wind project on the islands avifauna. We have
more confidence in our assessment that only two NY listed grassland species would be
potentially affected by the wind project. We have more confidence in our assessment that
currently only one pair of Upland Sandpipers and one pair of Northern Harriers would be
potentially affected by the wind project. We also have increased confidence in our
understanding of the preconstruction abundance and distribution of other breeding birds
on Galloo.

2009 Breeding Bird Survey of Galloo Island, NY Old Bird Inc.

Literature cited
Bull, J. Birds of New York State. 1974. Doubleday/Natural History Press, Garden City,
NY [Reissued with corrections by Cornell University Press, Ithaca, NY 1985].
Old Bird Inc. 2008. Breeding Bird Study of Big Galloo Island. Report prepared for
Upstate NY Power Co.
Second Atlas of Breeding Birds in New York State. 2008. McGowan, K.J., Corwin, K.
(Eds.) Cornell University Press, Ithaca, NY. [Online version available at
<http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/7312.html>]

Acknowledgements
Many thanks go to Rick & Roxanne Heartman and Rob Kemper of the Galloo Island
Corporation for coordinating transportation to and from Galloo Island and for facilitating
this study on the island. Very special thanks go to Dan Boone and Barbara Dowell for
their camaraderie and help with this bird survey.

2009 Breeding Bird Survey of Galloo Island, NY Old Bird Inc.

10

Appendix A Comparative number of point counts where a species was found in the late June 2009 and
late June 2008 surveys. 84 proposed WTG sites were surveyed (sites # 1-84) and two additional sites not
proposed for WTG development (sites #96 & #97) were surveyed in both years.*
Species

Total pts
2009

Total pts
2008

Song Sparrow
House Wren
Yellow Warbler
American Robin
Baltimore Oriole
Eastern Kingbird
Eastern Wood Pewee
Cedar Waxwing
Brown-headed Cowbird
Blue Jay
American Goldfinch
Chipping Sparrow
Killdeer
Common Flicker
Red-eyed Vireo
Field Sparrow
Eastern Towhee
Common Grackle
Gray Catbird
Warbling Vireo
Mourning Dove
Common Yellowthroat
Common Snipe
Eastern Meadowlark
Bobolink
Great-crested Flycatcher
White-breasted Nuthatch
Brown Thrasher
Black-capped Chickadee
Downy Woodpecker
Spotted Sandpiper
American Kestrel
American Redstart
Hairy Woodpecker
Red-tailed Hawk
Willow Flycatcher
Winter Wren
Wood Thrush
Eastern Bluebird
Indigo Bunting
Northern Mockingbird
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Eastern Phoebe
Pileated Woodpecker
Northern Raven

76
69
66
65
52
49
30
29
28
28
26
24
24
24
22
19
19
18
17
17
16
15
14
13
13
12
12
10
8
8
8
7
6
5
5
4
4
3
2
2
2
2
1
1
1

68
68
66
67
58
48
28
11
33
22
19
28
19
14
14
19
19
22
14
8
34
14
11
11
7
16
5
15
13
8
9
1
4
2
10
4
2
2
5
3
1
4
1
1
1

*note that this list does not include all species documented on the point counts. It only includes species that
were noted in both the 2008 and 2009 point count surveys. It does not include Eurasian Starling or Redwinged Blackbird because these species had fledged young and had begun flocking by late June. It does not
include any swallows because their feeding flights take them far from their breeding locations. Also, no
waterfowl are included in this list because many waterfowl observations involved flyovers and did not
represent breeding at that location. Finally, a number of introduced or game species are not included (e.g.,
Wild Turkey, American Woodcock, Rock Pigeon).

2009 Breeding Bird Survey of Galloo Island, NY Old Bird Inc.

11

2009 Diurnal Bird Movement Study on

Galloo Island, Jefferson County, NY
October 2009

Prepared for:
Upstate New York Power Corp.
950-A Union Road, Ste. 20
West Seneca, NY 14224-3454

Prepared by:
William R. Evans
Old Bird, Inc.
605 W. State St.
Ithaca, NY 14850
(607) 272-1786
admin@oldbird.org

Summary
This study carried out specific survey requests made by the New York Department of
Environmental Conservation (NYDEC) Region 6 in a letter to representatives of the Hounsfield
Wind Energy Project dated June 8, 2009. Those requests involved conducting additional diurnal
movement surveys on Galloo Island weekly through the end of June 2009 and in different
regions of the island than had been reported in the 2008 study (i.e. northwest side).
Using a protocol similar to that used in 2008 Galloo Island Diurnal Bird Movement Study (Old
Bird Inc. 2008), 8 diurnal bird movement surveys were carried out on Big Galloo Island on seven
days from late May through early July (May 24, June 12, June 13, June 24, June 25, June 26, and
July 10). The goal was to assess avian flight activity and flight characteristics (e.g., altitude &
direction) over all of Galloo Island with particular attention toward the flight activity of Little
Galloo Island colonial waterbirds -- gulls, Double-crested Cormorant and Caspian Tern.
Five additional survey points along the western side of the island were added and additional data
gathered in 2008 from these five points is included in this report.
An additional survey studying the morning flight pattern of migrant passerines was conducted on
September 20, 2009.
The data from this 2009 study of diurnal bird movement over Galloo Island confirms the general
avian flight patterns documented in the 2008 diurnal bird movement study and supports the idea
that these are annual patterns. This includes the passage rates, flight altitudes, and temporal
activity patterns of the gulls, cormorants, and terns that nest on nearby Little Galloo Island.

Introduction
This report presents results from a 2009 diurnal bird movement study on Galloo Island -- a 2000acre island in the Town of Hounsfield, NY, 40 km west of Watertown, NY and 20 km west of
Sackets Harbor, NY (Fig.1). The study is part of the SEQRA and Article VII review processes
for the proposed Hounsfield wind energy project and follows a comprehensive diurnal bird
movement study on the island in 2008 (Old Bird Inc. 2008).

Fig. 1. Location of Galloo Island in the northeastern Lake Ontario region.

This study addresses specific survey requests made by New York Department of Environmental
Conservation (NYDEC) Region 6 personnel in a letter to representatives of the Hounsfield Wind
Energy Project dated June 8, 2009. Those requests involved conducting additional diurnal
movement surveys weekly through the end of June and from different regions of the island than
had been reported in the 2008 study (i.e. northwest side).

Methods
Methods used were similar to those used in the 2008 Galloo Island Diurnal Bird Movement
Study (Old Bird Inc. 2008). Additional observation sites were added to address NYDECs
request that sites from the northwestern side of the island be surveyed. Additional survey data
from points on the northwest side of the island in 2008 is also included. These same points on the
northwestern side of the island were used for the additional survey points in 2009. Figure 2
shows the locations of all survey points used in 2008 and 2009. Diurnal movement surveys in
2009 were carried out by Barbara Dowell (BD), William Evans (WE), Tim Lenz (TL), and Bob
McGuire (BM).

2
2009 Diurnal Movement Study Galloo Island Old Bird Inc.

Fig. 2. Survey locations (black dots) and approximate observer survey range (purple ovals) of the ten count
sites used for the 2009 diurnal bird movement survey. Red dots with small numbers are proposed wind
turbine locations.

Results
The process of evaluating potential count locations in 2008 involved one day when counts were
made from opposite sides of the island simultaneously. Table 1 shows data from this survey.
Table 1. Simultaneous 20-minute count totals of gulls, cormorants, and Caspian Terns from opposite
sides of Galloo Island on June 5, 2008. The first # column lists totals from points 1(red) and 10 (black)
for each the species groups. The second # column is from points 2(red) and 9(black) and so forth for the
third through fifth # columns.
mean Time (count locations) Duration/count Obs.
Species #
#
#
#
#
Gull
99 114 81
86 191 114.2
6:40PM-9PM (10-6) 20 min
WE
Gull
70 105 170 368 278 198.2
6:40PM-9PM (1-5) 20 min
BM
Corm
3
1
0
1
0
1
6:40PM-9PM (10-6) 20 min
WE
Corm
2
1
1
1
0
1
6:40PM-9PM (1-5) 20 min
BM
Tern
3
0
2
3
17
5
6:40PM-9PM (10-6) 20 min
WE
Tern
6
2
1
5
21
7
6:40PM-9PM (1-5) 20 min
BM

Diurnal movement surveys were conducted in 2009 on seven days: May 24, June 12, June 13,
June 24, June 25, June 26, and July 10. Fig. 3-5 show comparative 2008 & 2009 data on mean
3
2009 Diurnal Movement Study Galloo Island Old Bird Inc.

passages rates of Ring-billed Gull, Double-crested Cormorant, and Caspian Tern over survey
points 1-5.
Ring-billed Gull passage rate over Galloo Island
1400
1200

Birds/km/hour

1000
AM 2008

800

PM 2008
AM 2009

600

PM 2009

400
200
0
13-Mar

12-Apr

12-May

11-Jun

11-Jul

10-Aug

9-Sep

Fig. 3. The red triangle and yellow circle markers show mean passage rates in 2009 of Ring-billed
Gulls observed at the 20-minute surveys at points 1-5 (Fig. 2) compared to similar data from 2008.1

Cormorant passage rate over Galloo Island

90
80

Birds/km/hour

70
60
AM 2008
50

PM 2008

40

AM 2009
PM 2009

30
20
10
0
4-Mar

3-Apr

3-May

2-Jun

2-Jul

1-Aug

31-Aug

30-Sep

Fig. 4. The red triangle and yellow circle markers show mean passage rates in 2009 of Double-crested
Cormorants observed at the 20-minute surveys at points 1-5 compared to similar data from 2008.
1

Data from three 5-point surveys in 2009 could not be compiled for gulls because some points involved gulls in
kettling or feeding behaviors that prevented accurate quantitative assessment of passage rate.

4
2009 Diurnal Movement Study Galloo Island Old Bird Inc.

Caspian Tern passage rates over Galloo Island

60

Birds/km/hour

50

40
AM 2008
PM 2008

30

AM 2009
PM 2009

20

10

0
4-Mar

3-Apr

3-May

2-Jun

2-Jul

1-Aug

31-Aug

30-Sep

Fig. 5. The red triangle and yellow circle markers show mean passage rates in 2009 of Caspian
Terns observed at the 20-minute surveys at points 1-5 compared to similar data from 2008.

Table 2 shows diurnal movement data from June 13, 2009. On this morning one observer
surveyed five points along the eastern side of the island (#5-1) and another observer surveyed
five points (#6-10) along the western side of the island. Points 6-10 observations were initiated at
the following times 7:30(#6); 8:25(#7); 8:52(#8); 9:18(#9); 9:45 (#10), each running 20 minutes.
Points 5-1 were surveyed at the following times 6:45(#5); 7:10(#4); 7:45(#3); 8:25(#2); 9:25(#1).
Table 2. 20-minute count totals of gulls, cormorants, and terns from the eastern
and western sides of Galloo Island on the morning of June 13, 2009. The first #
column lists totals from points 5 (red) and 6 (black) for each species groups. The
second # column is from points 4 (red) and 7 (black) and so forth for the third
through fifth # columns.
Species

mean

Gull
Gull
Corm
Corm
Tern
Tern

61
31
5
15
1
7

79
90
4
15
5
1

116
173
12
4
3
2

86
187
1
3
3
4

351
324
17
21
7
9

138.6
161
7.8
11.6
3.8
4.6

Obs
WE
TL
WE
TL
WE
TL

5
2009 Diurnal Movement Study Galloo Island Old Bird Inc.

Table 3 shows diurnal movement data for two other dates from the western side of the island.
Table 3. 20-minute count totals of gulls, cormorants, and terns from the eastern and western sides of Galloo
Island on the early evening of June 24, 2009 and the morning of July 10, 2009. The first # column lists totals
from point 10 for each the species groups on June 24, 2009 and then from point 6 on July 10, 2009. The
second # column is from point 9 and then 7, and so forth for the third through fifth # columns.
Species
Gull
Corm
Tern
Gull
Corm
Tern

#
142
1
5
98
17
21

#
88
0
3
21
45
7

#
64
0
5
7
13
6

#
48
2
0
10
2
1

#
ND
ND
ND
38
30
6

mean
85.5
0.75
4.5
34.8
21.2
8.2

Date, time, (count locations), duration/count

24Jun09, 7:29PM-9:20PM(10-7) 20 min
24Jun09, 7:29PM-9:20PM (10-7) 20 min
24Jun09, 7:29PM-9:20PM (10-7) 20 min
10Jul09, 5:50AM-8:10AM, (6-10), 20 min
10Jul09, 5:50AM-8:10AM, (6-10), 20 min
10Jul09, 5:50AM-8:10AM, (6-10), 20 min

Obs.
WE
WE
WE
BM
BM
BM

To help understand how passage rate varies over time, in 2009 we carried out multiple surveys
from the same location. Point 4 was observed for five nearly sequential 20-minute periods
beginning at 5:57AM, 6:32AM, 7:11AM, 7:50AM, and 8:30AM. Table 4 shows results from this
survey for gulls, cormorants, and terns.
Table 4. 20 minute count totals at indicated start times from point 4 on June 24, 2009.
Species

5:57AM

6:32AM

7:11AM

7:50AM

8:30AM

Obs.

Gull
Corm
Tern

36
14
12

119
8
11

239
6
4

93
2
14

133
3
11

BD
BD
BD

In addition to the diurnal movement surveys carried out in the breeding season that targeted gull,
cormorant and Caspian Tern movements, a survey was carried out on the morning of September
20, 2009 to observe diurnal morning flight of migrant passerines. The evening of the 19th began
with light northerly winds and nocturnal migration of passerines was evident (via flight calls)
over the island. During the course of the evening the wind became calm and had turned southeast
at 15 mph by morning. This weather was conducive for waylaying numbers of migrant
passerines to Galloo. Morning flight of American Goldfinch, Purple Finch, American Pipit, Blue
Jay, Common Grackles, and a variety of warbler species were observed. Observations from the
eastern and western sides of the island indicated that many birds were flying in both northerly
and southerly directions along the islands shoreline in a corridor at least 200 meters wide. Flight
height of most individuals was less than 20 meters agl and all passerines were noted to be less
than 50 meters agl. A Black-bellied Plover was heard high in the sky but was not seen. Several
flocks of migrant Canada Geese were seen in southbound flight at 300+ meters agl. A few
Double-crested Cormorants were still making flights over Galloo, apparently to and from Little
Galloo, at altitudes <50 m agl).

6
2009 Diurnal Movement Study Galloo Island Old Bird Inc.

Discussion
The NYDEC requested that additional diurnal movement surveys be conducted on the
northwestern side of Galloo Island (June 8, 2009 letter). It should be noted that while the surveys
from points 1-5 in 2008 were located along the eastern side of Galloo, the roving surveys in 2008
that targeted diurnal passerine flight activity did involve substantial observations from various
points along the western side of the island. These observations occurred on the mornings of May
12, 16, 23, 29; August 8, 22, 26; September 12, 19, 20, 26; and October 16.
With regard to the morning surveys targeting gull, cormorant, and tern movements, Table 1 in
this report shows a 2008 survey that investigated the continuity of these species flight patterns
across the island. That data indicates that simultaneous counts on opposite sides of the island had
roughly similar numbers for cormorants and terns while gull numbers were distinctly different.
This pattern was suggested prior to collecting the June 5, 2008 data shown in Table 1 because
observers at points 1 & 5 one could follow birds as they passed from one side of the island to the
other. Cormorants and terns almost always showed straight-line flight passage from one side of
the island to the other, typically on an angle to and from Little Galloo Island. Observers at points
1 & 5 could see this by following the course of birds as they progressed in flight over the island.
Therefore, cormorant and tern passage rates would likely be reflected fairly well in simultaneous
observations from one side of the island to the other, assuming similar-sized search areas.2 Ringbilled Gulls, on the other hand, were often flying to feeding locations on the island, frequently to
the agricultural fields at the north end. On some days they were after flying ants in the islands
interior. Furthermore, they often kettled to gain altitude over the islands interior on light wind
days. Their flight pattern on June 5, 2008 showed consistent numbers at the adjacent survey
points in the southern end of the island (1 & 10; 2 & 9), while the middle and especially the
northern adjacent points showed large discrepancies with greater numbers tallied at the points on
the eastern side (Table 2). This pattern can be explained by the idea (partially based on fact) that
gulls passing over the southern end of the island were heading to feeding areas in the waters on
the adjacent side of Galloo, while a large percentage of gulls passing over the middle and
northern side of the island were headed to feed in the agriculture fields at the northern end of the
island. Therefore, their passage rate on the eastern side of the island would not be well reflected
on the western side.
The results from Table 2, which show same-morning data from points on opposite sides of the
island, indicate greater variance than the opposite-sides comparison in Table 1. But the count
timing was not contemporaneous in the June 13, 2009 (Table 2) survey opposite-side counts
were about an hour apart for many of the point comparisons compared to simultaneous counts
for the June 5, 2008 (Table 1) data. Data from Table 4 show how passage rate totals can vary
significantly from one 20 minute period to the next. Such variations likely explain the wide
variations in passage rate data shown in Figures 3-5. The data we have gathered in 2008 and
2009 show a broad range of variation but fairly clearly show the peak periods of transit across
the island for gulls, cormorants, and terns.

Note that point #9 (in Fig. 2) on the western side of the island has a limited observation range due to geographical
factors that limit visibility at that location. Therefore, comparison of point #9 data with point #4 on the eastern side
would be skewed.

7
2009 Diurnal Movement Study Galloo Island Old Bird Inc.

The morning flight patterns observed on September 20 conform to those observed on 12

mornings of observation in May, August, September and October of 2008. Morning flight on
Galloo tends to follow the shoreline, especially within 300 meters of the shoreline. Most morning
flight of passerines is below the height of the proposed rotor-swept zone (e.g., <30 m agl). If
birds in morning flight are susceptible to wind turbine collision, then one should expect a
somewhat greater fatality rate at turbines within 300 m of the Galloo shoreline. This has not been
demonstrated at any wind project and the species that would be involved on Galloo are not NY
or Federally listed. So, among other things, the Hounsfield wind project would serve as a
demonstration project for understanding impact on species involved with morning flight.

Conclusion
The data from this 2009 study of diurnal bird movement over Galloo Island confirms the general
avian flight patterns documented in the 2008 diurnal bird movement study and supports the idea
that these are annual patterns. This includes the passage rates, flight altitudes, and temporal
activity patterns of the gulls, cormorants, and terns that nest on nearby Little Galloo Island.

Literature Cited
Old Bird, Inc. 2008. Diurnal Bird Movement Study on Big Galloo Island. Report prepared for
Upstate NY Power Co.

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2009 Diurnal Movement Study Galloo Island Old Bird Inc.