Birders are out in numbers this season watching the spring migration. Clarkson biologist Tom Langen will lead a bird walk near Canton on Saturday. Langen is president of the St. Lawrence Land Trust, which is sponsoring the birding trek at Upper and Lower Lakes State Wildlife Management Area. Langen says that area is one of the best birding spots in the Northeast to view grassland, forest and wetland birds.

The number of female veterans has been growing rapidly. And as more women struggle to adapt to civilian life, awareness of the different psychological challenges they face is growing. Mental health experts have begun focusing more on female troops' transition to the civilian world.

Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie said he still needs to consult with the other legislative leaders before he can set a date to vote on a replacement for former Attorney General Eric Schneiderman to serve out the remainder of the term, which ends Dec. 31.

There remains deep snow and thick ice on and near summits in the High Peaks, where winds 35-45 mph and rain, heavy at times, is forecast for Saturday. DEC has issued its annual mud advisory, asking hikers to postpone trips to higher elevations until trails dry.

The relationship between Akwesasne Mohawks and customs officers has been tense for decades, especially with Canadian officers. Mohawks have more day-to-day encounters with border officers than just about anybody. Akwesasne, near Massena, is split in two parts by the St. Lawrence River and by the international border.

As the secrets of the natural world give way to science, it's nice to know some mystery remains. Dr. Curt Stager and Martha Foley explore one of the last great conundrums: How do cats purr? Science has theories, but no definitive answer.

A group of musicians featured at last year's Hobo Fest in Saranac Lake will bring its rowdy, fun-loving sound back to the Adirondacks next week. Sweet Megg and the Wayfarers, based in New York City, will perform Tuesday, May 22nd at 7:30 pm at Lake Flower Landing in Saranac Lake. Sweet Megg and the Wayfarers explores the sultry and sometimes crass music of the 1920s and 30s. They offer their take on songs from Edith Piaf, Fats Waller, Billie Holiday and more. Todd Moe spoke with Megg Farrell via Skype about the group's brand of music that incorporates elements of New Orleans Swing, Harlem swing, Parisian cabaret, and blues. Farrell is a big fan of early jazz singers.

Legislation passed by the Republican-led state Senate last week would reform Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo's economic development policies.

Now there are five. One of the Democrats seeking to unseat Republican Elise Stefanik in Congress has dropped out. Don Boyajian, an environmental attorney based in Washington County, will instead seek an Assembly seat in Albany.

The state Legislature began interviewing candidates to replace Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, who resigned following allegations by four women of physical abuse. Up first was the current acting attorney general, Barbara Underwood, who is the favorite to win the appointment.