The Main Pool has oodles of ducks!!  Larue’s Lagoon and Seneca Flats have some also.  There is usually a good variety of ducks, some shorebirds and Canada geese in the Visitors’ Center Wetland, a little later in the morning if there are no peregrine falcons around.  We surveyed it first thing so there was not the usual variety and numbers of birds there. When we came back in, mid-afternoon there was a peregrine falcon in the big tree south of the VC Wetlands having a late lunch.  And there were absolutely no birds to be seen in the entire unit!!  That rascal!!  Usually by the time we are opening the VC and for the rest of the day there are loads of birds there!

   The Hudsonian godwits have not been reported recently and we did not see any yesterday, nor did I see any Monday morning. They graced us with their presence for weeks.  Many, many visitors were able to get amazing looks and many were able to add a bird to their life list!  AWESOME!!

    Again, as a reminder, as of Saturday (Oct 15), waterfowl hunting is allowed in Tschache Pool and the Sandhill Crane Unit (and Unit 17 and Kipp Island units) on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays through November 5 and again on November 26 through January 1, 2023. Turkey hunting ended October 28.  Early bowhunting opened on October 1 and goes through November 18. Please be extra careful, especially when driving, as deer will be on the move, perhaps running and not paying attention to roads and vehicles.  So, sometimes you may see people on the dikes in some of our units.  They may be hunters and have permission to be there. The Refuge Esker Brook and South Spring Pool Trails are now closed to hiking. They will remain closed until January 1, 2023 except for December 21-25, 2022.  The Seneca Trail is currently closed to hunting and is available for hiking.

    For Northern Montezuma here is a DEC statement:

“Northern Montezuma Wildlife Management Area provides excellent opportunities for wildlife-dependent recreation year-round. However, birders and other recreationists should be aware that there will be a higher amount of hunting activity on the area on the opening weekend of the regular deer hunting season, which starts November 19th, 2022. Visitors can choose to wear fluorescent orange clothing during open hunting seasons while taking advantage of all the wonderful recreational opportunities the WMA has to offer.”

    I’m including pics of the Refuge South Spring Pool and Esker Brook Trails closure signs, 2 bald eagle nests that survived our summer weather, a close up of the 31 MS bald eagle pair, one of the May’s Point adult bald eagles, American coots in the Main Pool, sandhill crane flock and greater yellowlegs slogging through the water up to their bellies at Knox-Marsellus Marsh.  It appears that we are past peak and our Autumn splendor is fading, showing a lot of bare trees.  However, this is an excellent time to look for nests!! It is cool to see songbird, raptor and bee nests that were hidden by foliage throughout the summer.  Hopefully, you can get out to explore and experience our magical migration and waning Autumn grandeur as well as the wonderful wildlife 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 Seneca Trail.

ENJOY, be respectful and safe.