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Image of eastern bluebird © Tim Lenz, Macaulay Library
The "Darwin Thinking Path", a one-mile loop that begins at the top of the old ski hill is a terrific place to birdwatch, de-stress, reflect, and get lost in thought. Over 80 species of birds have been identified on and around the Darwin Thinking Path and the trails provide important habitat for breeding and migratory songbirds, many of whose numbers are in steady decline. During the spring and summer, walkers are treated to a chorus of bird songs and activities. Some of these birds are just passing through. They rest and feed in Colgate's trees for a short period of time along their migration. Migrating songbirds depend upon the stewardship of Colgate's forests for a portion of their journey. A reminder that we are part of conservation efforts hemispheric in scope.
Go Birdwatching at Colgate
A bluebird house constructed at the Colgate Community Garden Bird Walk Event, summer 2022.
Step 1: Know where to go
Step 1: Know where to go
Birds are ubiquitous and can be found throughout Colgate's forested lands and built environment. To find a good place to bird, you simply need to get outside. Walking Colgate's cross-country ski trails, Willow Path, Taylor Lake, or even the academic quad can introduce you to some of Colgate's bird life. Take a leisurely stroll along Darwin's Thinking Path between various habitats to see a variety of birds. Return at different times of the day or days of the year to find different bird species at the same locations!
Ovenbird © Brad Imhoff | Macaulay Library
Step 2: Do your homework
Step 2: Do your homework
Some birds at Colgate are common, year-round residents such as black-capped chickadees, dark-eyed juncos, northern cardinals, and blue jays. Other birds are migratory and spend only part of the year at Colgate. For example, scarlet tanagers, indigo buntings, and Baltimore orioles are common summer residents but head for warmer climates in the winter. By learning how to identify birds by sight, sound, and habit, you can easily find our feathered friends hiding behind leaves or zipping between treetops. Grab a copy of the Colgate Bird Checklist and check the birds you see around campus.
Childhood drawing of a Northern Cardinal by former Colgate employee Doug Glass, 1957-2020.
Doug was a gentle giant and a beloved Colgate employee. Doug also had a deep appreciation for birds.
"Doug had an exacting eye for color, composition, and finishes. Since childhood, he had a fascination with birds: drawing them, collecting Audubon prints, and teaching Nell and Andrew bird sounds."
Step 3: Gear up
Step 3: Gear up
Every hobby has its essential gear, and birdwatching is no different. All you need to get started is a bird guide, a pair of binoculars, and a positive attitude.
Bird guides such as bird ID cards, bird books arranged by color or shape, and also mobile apps (e.g. Merlin) can help you find and identify birds.
Binoculars come in different sizes and can range a great deal in quality and price. If you are just getting started, try 8x42 binoculars. The Office of Sustainability has a loaner pair for you to try. Before making a purchase, try out different brands and sizes for the one that feels "right" and fits within your budget.
The right attitude is essential. Have fun. Being present, curious, and patient will help you enjoy your birding experience. And if you are caught up in work or a stressful situation, birdwatching can help relax your mind and calm your nerves.
Birds commonly seen at Colgate include:
Colgate Soundscape Project
Colgate Soundscape Project
Established in the summer of 2016, student researchers at Colgate University began audio recordings of Colgate's forested lands. The goal of this project is to investigate three broad questions:
How does the soundscape change across time in the Colgate forest?
How do the songs of individual birds change across the breeding season and across seasons?
How are temperature and bird song correlated?
With these questions in mind, a correlation between the soundscape (especially bird songs) and the health of the forest can be analyzed.
Listen to some of our favorite bird songs recorded at Colgate University:
Listen to some of our favorite bird songs recorded at Colgate University:
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