Bird Survey for April 18, 2023

Kiddick, kiddick, kiddick!! Linda and I heard our first of the year Virginia Rail on Tuesday.  It was in the Main Pool at the north end of the channel on the left at the beginning of the Wildlife Drive. We searched and searched but never saw it, RATS!! However, it was fantastic to hear it!! Our purple martins are back. Take a moment to pause on the Visitors’ Center deck to listen to their bubbly chortles as they zip around or perch on the nesting boxes. The MAC and the DEC Office on Morgan Road also have purple martin houses complete with magical martin melodies. Monday morning there was a small flock of dunlin in the VC Wetland that stayed around feeding for most of the day.  Monday afternoon some Caspian terns arrived at the VC Wetland.  Unfortunately, neither species was seen for our official survey yesterday; nor did we see any horned grebes in the Main Pool. But, last weekend our Roving Naturalists, Pete and Dave, were able to show visitors our two bald eagle chicks in the new nest east of Benning Marsh!! A lifetime first for many visitors!! Woohoo!!

On Sunday, Jeannette and Allyn found some itty bitty (quarter-size) painted turtles around the VC and Seneca Trail. We were puzzled about their tiny size and Grace, one of our Bio Techs, found the following link that provides a reasonable explanation:
https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Wildlife/Fact-Sheets/Painted-Turtle#:~:text=The%20incubation%20period%20is%2072,the%20nest%2C%20emerging%20in%20spring

Please be aware and try to avoid stepping on our tiny turtles.

The DEC staff reported that as of 04/18 the Carncross Road access to Howland’s Island is open. However, in Spring sometimes conditions change so feel free to give them a call at (315) 365-2134 for an update. This is a terrific time to explore Howland’s Island to look for birds and spring ephemerals (plants that have a short life cycle) like trillium, trout lily, hepatica, etc. Howland’s Island has over 15 miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding and non-motorized vehicles. And I would like to note that there are few mosquitoes right now, HUGE bonus!!

I’m including pictures of a song sparrow that was singing it’s heart out and a tree swallow that were perched on the side of the Wildlife Drive. There is another pic of a huge flock of tree swallows that were on the phragmites between the Drive and the Seneca-Cayuga Canal. I’m ending with pictures of a female mallard, a male mallard and a pair of Northern shovelers.

Hopefully, you can get out soon to explore and experience all the amazing things at the Montezuma Wetlands Complex trails, towers and the Refuge Wildlife Drive.  Remember, the Refuge Wildlife Drive is currently open to vehicles only. Dogs on a leash are only allowed in and around the Visitors’ Center and on the Seneca Trail.

ENJOY, be respectful and safe.