Speakers: Scott Stoner and Denise Hackert-Stoner

Five Rivers Environmental Education Center in Delmar is our bird club’s home address, our monthly meeting site, and location for many of our field trips, including our longstanding Birds and Breakfast in May. More ebird checklists have been submitted from Five Rivers than from any other hotspot in the Capital Region. But how well to we really know it? What are some of its most common birds, and what are some of its rarities? What draws birders, photographers, naturalists and multiple generations to this 450-acre site at the edge of suburbia?

From field to forest, ponds and flowing waters, Five Rivers' variety of habitats support an unusually wide variety of life, representing a microcosm of the natural riches of the Capital Region. Birds, mammals, amphibians, insects, and more await discovery here! More than 225 species of birds occur, with over 60 known to nest. Winter Raptor Surveys of Five Rivers’ grasslands show interesting results, and active Eastern Bluebird monitoring documents successful nesting of New York’s state bird. Otters, beavers, and muskrats frequent the ponds and streams, as do beautiful dragonflies, damselflies, frogs and toads. Deer are a common presence in the fields, and bobcats are seen with increasing regularity in many habitats. Butterflies nectar at the extensive pollinator gardens and throughout the grounds. Join us for this up-close look at a year's worth of nature’s beauty and diversity at this beloved integral part of the Capital Region!

The nature photography of Scott Stoner and Denise Hackert-Stoner  has been widely exhibited throughout the Capital Region. Their work has been featured in multiple magazines and books.

Denise and Scott are avid birders as well as photographers, each having served as officers, field trip leaders, and directors for the Hudson-Mohawk Bird Club.

Scott is retired after a 31-year career with the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation. Denise is an ordained priest in the Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests.

They are frequently found right here at Five Rivers, searching for birds, other wildlife, and anything in the natural world that piques their interest!

To see more of their work, please visit them at www.naturelogues.com, and enjoy their weekly free blog at naturelogues.substack.com.