Bird Survey for July 27, 2021

The wood stork and spoonbill were seen early in the day at Knox-Marsellus Marsh from East Road, south of the overlook (pic included). Knox has become our “hot spot” with lots of great blue herons, great egrets, ducks, gallinules and yellowlegs!!  You can hear the yellowlegs, green herons and Caspian terns calling from East Road. Really cool! However, due to the distance, binoculars or a scope is necessary. Also, if it is sunny, mornings are difficult due to glare as you face east to view the unit.

We have been seeing many green herons, mostly juveniles, at May’s Point lately, but not even one yesterday.  On Monday, I saw a killdeer, least and semipalmated sandpipers in the newly re-exposed mud along the channel that drains through the spillway into the Seneca-Cayuga Canal. Yesterday we saw least sandpipers, a killdeer and some spotted sandpipers there.  It emphasizes again that our birds have wings and legs and use them!!

The Caspian terns are returning to Montezuma on their southbound migration.  I am including a pic of one adult (with the black cap and dark orange bill) with two juveniles (with gray caps, yellow-orange bills and brown mottling on wings and back). They were in one of the open water areas near the eagle sculpture.

The smartweed is looking great in the Main Pool and the swamp rose-mallow continues to wow visitors driving along the Wildlife Drive.

There is much to experience at Montezuma. Come out, be respectful and ENJOY!!
Jackie 🙂