Birds Sitewide bird observations conducted in May, June, August, and September of 1994 at BNL were used to calculate habitat-specific diversity and to compare diversity and species richness between habitats.
Wetlands provide food, water, cover, and nesting habitat for a variety of birds.
As the European starling, red-winged blackbird, and grackle were commonly observed in large flocks, the observation of several flocks of these species could skew dominance data away from more common, widespread species that typically occur as pairs or in small flocks. The common nighthawk is listed as a species of special concern by the State of New York. It is an uncommon, extremely local breeder throughout the state. Its numbers have declined throughout New York, though reasons for the decline remain unknown. The nighthawk feeds on flying insects, particularly mosquitoes.