We surveyed Tschache Pool and May’s Point yesterday. Our numbers were low most likely due to ice and time of year. We drove the Wildlife Drive to get to Tschache and saw a fairly large flock of ring-necked ducks a good distance out. I think most of them could be seen from the Seneca Trail Tower. Remember, the Seneca Trail closes Sunday, December 12 at dusk. It will reopen December 22 at dawn but closes again on Saturday, December 25 at dusk. The Montezuma Audubon Center has trails that are open, dog friendly (on a leash) and hunter-free.
I’m including pictures of two tundra swans and some bald eagles that were at Tschache Pool. I think we are starting to get some wintering eagles. The canal has been lowered west of Route 89 and there were 2 adults and 6 immatures in trees on either side of the canal late yesterday morning. Sorry, no pics, I didn’t stop on the bridge. But a short time later we saw 12 additional eagles at Tschache. Two were almost in full adult plumage. This fall I haven’t seen eagles near that stage of maturity so I think they have migrated here.
I received information for a Zoom presentation on December 16 from 7-9 PM about the levels of Cayuga Lake. It is sponsored by the Cayuga Lake Watershed Network. You have to email: programs@cayugalake.org to register. I think it will be very informative.
ENJOY, be respectful and safe.
Nice photos of the eagles Jackie. I saw a juvenile like those on the ground in Knox-Marsellus yesterday also. The large flock of Sandhill Cranes were in a grassy field south of Armitage Road across from Olmstead Rd near that big weathered barn. I started counting, got to about 200 and realized that there were more hidden from my view beyond a ridge. A relatively close range view and they didn’t seem to mind that I was out of my vehicle using my scope.