I am struggling to find the time to do write ups at this time. And sadly, by the time I can get the lists out, the information is old. Sorry. Quick info: folks are finding great, uncommon shorebirds, usually far to the west of the spillway. For example, red knot, willet, red-necked phalarope, black bellied plover, buff breasted sandpiper and the American white pelicans made a reappearance last weekend!! Pete and I saw the sandhill crane pair with 1 colt in Larue’s Lagoon and we had good looks at an American bittern in Eaton Marsh. Others are finding least bittern, a sora with chicks and a Virginia Rail with chicks in Eaton March as well. There are eagles, turkey vultures and lots of songbirds around the Wildlife Drive and near our observation decks. I’m pretty sure I saw one of our first-year eaglets on a log with an adult in one of the areas along I-90 east of the eagle sculpture!!
Hopefully, you can get out soon to explore and experience all the amazing things at the Montezuma Wetlands Complex trails, towers and the Refuge Wildlife Drive. Remember, the Refuge Wildlife Drive is only open to vehicles. No hiking or biking on the Drive. However, Howland’s Island, accessible from Carncross Road is open for hiking and biking. 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: first-yr bald eagle with adult Main Pool; #3: adult bald eagle in tree across the Seneca-Cayuga Canal; #4: common gallinule Eaton Marsh; #5: dunlin Main Pool; #6: Eastern kingbird Eaton Marsh; #7: great blue heron chick Tschache Pool; #8: great blue heron & painted turtle (on a carp) Main Pool; #9: hooded merganser with ducklings Eaton Marsh, #10: sandhill crane pair with colt Larue’s Lagoon; #11: turkey vulture Main Pool.
ENJOY, be respectful and safe.
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