WOW, it has been incredibly HOT!! It doesn’t seem to bother the birds too much though. But if I think about it, the fact that many of them are swimming or standing in water may have something to do with it!! It must help keep them cooler or cool enough!!
FYI: It appears the owls have moved on, so the Seneca Trail is again open to the observation tower. We wish those youngsters well on their quest to be able to fend for themselves. Also, you may have noticed that the photo blind sign is missing. The blind has been removed, as it was in such disrepair. Visitors are allowed to hike to that area. New signage is coming.
The sandhill crane pair in Seneca Flats still has one colt, which is getting really big!! Southbound migrating shorebirds are beginning to show up, especially in Seneca Flats. I was REALLY lucky on my Monday morning, quick survey before I open the VC. I found an American bittern in Eaton Marsh and another one in the Main Pool across from Benning Marsh. HOLY COW!! Yesterday, from the Seneca Trail Tower, I saw two least bitterns flying (my first of the year). Woohoo!! Even though May’s Point Observation Deck is not included on yesterday’s list, there are cool birds to be found there. Trumpeter swans, great blue herons, double crested cormorants, ducks, grebes and their young, and bald eagles to name a few.
Pete Saracino is hosting another Guided Nature Walk this Saturday, July 13 at 10:00 AM.
From Pete: Friends:
To be alive is to be in relationship – entangled with the things both around and in us that make our lives possible – Sun, Moon, water, air, plants, animals, bacteria, fungi, etc. As we come to know and understand the nature of these relationships, we can begin to grow in recognition of, and appreciation for, our dependence on both the living and nonliving components of our environment. Come join us this Saturday, July 6. at the Montezuma Refuge, for an interpretive walk to examine and explore the nature of these relationships. Along the way we will seek to identify the life we encounter (plant, animal, bird, insect, lichen, moss, etc.) while also exploring some of the fascinating connections between all living things. We’ll meet at the Montezuma Refuge Visitor Center at 10 am and depart from there. The hike is an easy one on the part of the Seneca Trail still open to the public. No sign-ups are necessary. All ages are welcomed. Sunscreen, binoculars and water/liquids to keep you hydrated are all advised.
I hope to see you there.
Pete Saracino/NY State Master Naturalist Volunteer/Montezuma Refuge Volunteer Roving Naturalist
Hopefully, you can get out soon to explore the REALLY COOL and BEAUTIFUL things at the Montezuma Wetlands Complex trails, towers and the Refuge Wildlife Drive. Dogs on a leash are only allowed in and around the Refuge Visitors’ Center and on the parts of the Seneca Trail that are open.
Pic #1: American bittern Eaton Marsh, #2: American bittern Main Pool (across from Benning Marsh), #3: immature bald eagle (looks to be about 4 yrs old) Tschache Pool, #4: immature bald eagle Tschache Pool, #5: first year bald eagle Tschache Pool, #6: common gallinule with a chick Eaton Marsh, #7: double crested cormorants May’s Point Pool, #8: great blue heron chicks in nests Tschache Pool, #9: pickerel weed in bloom Seneca Flats, #10: sandhill crane colt Seneca Flats, #11 swamp (on left) and common (on right) milkweed along the Wildlife Drive.
ENJOY, be responsible and safe.
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