Yesterday, we surveyed the Wildlife Drive units, from May’s Point Observation Deck, Tschache Pool Tower and the Seneca Trail. We had nearly perfect weather and had an absolutely amazing time!

  We started the day on the Seneca Trail.  From the parking lot at the trailhead, we heard or saw 9 species of birds and 1 dragonfly.  On the section leading to the tower, we picked up an additional 15 different species, some repeat species and a bull frog!!  On the tower, we heard 2 new species. We also found 9 species of birds in the Main Pool that are listed separately on page 1 of our survey sheets.  Our Merlin app kept picking up an American Bittern, but we never heard or saw one. So, we didn’t include it.  But that is bittern habitat, so, it is possible. Please let me know if you see or hear one there!  While on the tower we heard frequent, LOUD splashes of water and the cattails swayed like some creature was stumbling out of the swamp. But not to worry, there was a bunch of carp splashing around and moving the cattails in the channel that runs through there.  I’m including a picture of a cedar waxwing in a tree right at the tower. The waxwings and many other birds were loving the mulberries on the trees along the Trail. By the time we got to the floating dock we had added a green frog, 6 more new species, and many repeat birds. For the rest of the trail, there were dozens of damsel flies, only 2 new species of birds yet many repeat species.  The Seneca Trail activity is like O’Hare International Airport.  Birds are active, zipping and flitting around, many are raising young and “talking” in the process!! The Trail is about 1 mile long, starts paved then changes to a crushed stone surface. Once the trail turns away from the Seneca-Cayuga Canal it is mowed grass until you get back to one of the Refuge driveways. There were several patches of anemone in bloom along the trail, similar to the flowers in the Wildflower Garden at the Visitors’ Center.

  Allyn filled in for Linda yesterday and her “eagle eyes” located the sandhill crane family in Seneca Flats!! Woohoo!! Her patience and persistence paid off.  She was slowly and carefully searching the vegetation and finally, up popped an adult crane’s head!!  Eventually, we were able to see and get pictures of the entire family. Way to go Allyn!!  I’m including some pictures of two different Canada goose families to highlight how much the babies have changed!!

  There were lots of babies and black terns at May’s Point Observation Deck!  Baby pied-billed grebes, American coots, common gallinules and ducklings (mallard, I think) were easy to see. I think the terns use May’s Point as a “highway” between Tschache Pool and the Main Pool.  Tschache Pool Tower has great views of the rookery and dozens of black terns flying out over the cattails. I finally got a picture from the tower of some baby great blue herons in the nests.

  Hopefully, you can get out soon to explore the REALLY COOL stuff at the Montezuma Wetlands Complex trails, towers and the Refuge Wildlife Drive.  Remember, the Refuge Wildlife Drive is now open to hikers and cyclists as well as cars.  Dogs on a leash are only allowed in and around the Visitors’ Center and on the Seneca Trail.

ENJOY, be respectful and safe.