We may not have large numbers, but there are great birds to see at the Montezuma Wetlands Complex!! On the Refuge Wildlife Drive we have two pairs of sandhill cranes with colts. Look for them in Larue’s Lagoon/Seneca Flats and Eaton Marsh areas. There has been a pied-billed grebe family with 5 young in the North end of Larue’s Lagoon. As of yesterday, the eaglets that I could see, one East of Benning Marsh and two from Tschache Pool service road were still in their nests. Those eaglets are REALLY close to fledging, any day now. Some black terns have been hanging out near the Wildlife Drive lately!! They are so much fun to watch in flight!! Last Friday, we found an American bittern in the Main Pool across from Benning Marsh!! But, it is wise to look for them in Eaton Marsh too. From the top of Tschache Pool Tower you can get good looks at the great blue heron chicks in some of the nests, especially if you look through the scope that is up there. If you don’t like the open grate stairs on the tower, you can stand to the right of the tower and still see the heron nests. Bins or a scope would help to see the chicks. Keep an eye out for turtles on the Wildlife Drive, trails and public roads. This is the time of year when they come out of the marshes to lay eggs. It is always best to not touch/move turtles but to let them make their own way.
I am going to include Andrea’s message to visitors:
Seneca Trail Closed During Nesting Season/Vehicles Only on the Wildlife Drive
The Seneca Trail is now closed just past the public restrooms in order to abide by New York State wildlife protection laws.
The Wildlife Drive will remain a “Vehicles Only” trail throughout the summer/bald eagle nesting season. Walking/Jogging and bicycling on the are not permitted.
A family of great-horned owls and a family of bald eagles each have “babies” in the vicinity of the Seneca Trail and Wildlife Drive. These youngsters are still growing and learning to fly. This keeps them close to their nesting sites. Because of this, temporarily closing the area to visitors is necessary to cooperate with state laws and to give these birds the security they need to thrive. Please note and abide by closure signs, traffic signs (No Stopping or Standing) and barriers along the trails.
At the refuge, we work to strike a balance between wildlife well-being and visitor opportunities. During certain times of the year, this poses quite a challenge!
As great horned owls, bald eagles, and several species of songbirds continue their nesting seasons, we are counting on visitors to help safeguard their safety and well-being. Observing these magnificent creatures can be a memorable experience for all, but it’s important to ensure their safety and habitat are not disrupted. There are several nests accessible for viewing from designated trails. This is exciting but is becoming disruptive.
To that end, we ask that visitors:
Avoid Being a Disturbance
Keep noise levels to a minimum and refrain from actions that may disturb or stress the wildlife.
Disturbing actions include:
- Approaching wildlife or even getting closer for a better look/photo.This not only scares the wildlife away but could leave a path or scent trail attractive to predators!
- Staying too long.Your presence stresses these attentive parents out!
- Baiting (with food, sound recordings, or vocalized calls).This is unethical and harmful to the birds and not legal on national wildlife refuges.
Stay in Your Car. This is a rule all along the Wildlife Drive.
For your safety and that of the wildlife, please observe from the shelter of your car. Remember, your car acts as a blind. The human figure is a threat to wildlife, and they use energy needed for survival to flee from you. You may only get out of your car at designated areas along the Wildlife Drive, marked with a brown and white binoculars sign.
Don’t Block Traffic
Please park responsibly, ensuring that traffic flow is not obstructed and emergency access routes remain clear.
Andrea Van Beusichem
Visitor Services Manager
Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge
3395 US-20, Seneca Falls, NY 13148
Cell: 315-237-9862
Pic #1: American bittern Main Pool, #2: adult bald eagle Tschache Pool, #3: common merganser Tschache Pool, #4: great blue heron nests Tschache Pool, #5: sandhill crane colts Seneca Flats, #6: snapping turtle eggs Seneca Trail.
This will be the last write up until the first part of July. Two surveys will take place most weeks and lists posted in the VC Sunroom, on the VC desk and in the Nature Store. Not to worry, I am well, just taking a break.
ENJOY, be respectful and safe.
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