Yesterday Brenda and I surveyed 10 areas that can be viewed by the public.  You will have some information as the Wildlife Drive and Visitors’ Center opens tomorrow, April 1. (No foolin’.)

FYI: Tschache Pool was surveyed from the tower and May’s Point was from the observation deck. The Main Pool and the Sandhill Crane Unit (Van Dyne Spoor Rd) have loads of ducks!! Sandhill cranes seem to occupy the Visitor Center Wetland in the middle of the day.  For the past few weeks, I haven’t seen them early or late in the day. We saw lots of bald eagles, mostly immatures, especially in the Main Pool area.  Remember, eagles are migrating northward right now. Also, the Main Pool is being purposefully drawn down (see statement below) which provides shallow water for easier “fishing.”

A statement from Refuge staff:

Main Pool will be drawn down this year. This is usually a slow process that starts in the spring once the canal is available to accept water. It will remain drained through the growing season and brought back to full pool for fall waterfowl migration. We will be attempting to mow dead phragmites once it’s drained and dry enough to get equipment in.

I had a brief sighting of a short-eared owl foraging along the north side of Van Dyne Spoor Road late in the afternoon. 

The Seneca Trail is open to the restrooms and closed beyond.  The southern end of the Seneca Trail is open. Yes, we have nesting owls and eagles again.  PLEASE BE RESPECTFUL. There is ABSOLUTELY NO WALKING OR CYCLING ON THE WILDLIFE DRIVE.

Pete is continuing to host guided walks and our MARSH Program (Montezuma Alliance for the Restoration of Species and Habitats) is underway.  Be sure to check out the Nature Store in the Visitors’ Center.  There is lots of great merchandise for sale.

Pic #1: bald eagles in the spillway tree, #2: immature bald eagles across the Seneca-Cayuga Canal, #3: belted kingfisher on post along the Seneca-Cayuga Canal, #4: male mallard Main Pool, #5: female mallard Main Pool.

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

ENJOY, be respectful and safe.