The Main Pool continues to be the hot spot for birds – thousands of ducks and geese, a few shorebirds, and lots of raptor activity. Tina Morris, who created the program to reintroduce bald eagles to the Finger Lakes 1976 -77 spoke at the Visitors’ Center last Sunday. Her story is inspirational and fascinating!! She has written a book, Return to the Sky, that documents her bald eagle program and how it influenced her life. It is available at Amazon.
FYI: The Refuge South Spring Pool and Esker Brook trails are now closed for hiking until January 01, 2025. The Seneca Trail is still open for hiking, dogs are allowed on a leash.
Pete is continuing his guided walks through November. From Pete:
Hi folks.
Our Interpretive Walks at the Refuge will continue right up to closing-time at November’s end (11/9, 11/16, 11/24, 11/30). We begin our explorations at 10 am at the Refuge Visitor Center and then journey along the recently reopened Seneca Trail examining some fascinating examples of our human connection to both the living and non-living components of the environment. The walks last anywhere from 1.5 to 3 hours depending on what we encounter and where we linger. The walks are free, and no sign-ups are necessary. Binoculars and sunscreen are advised.
Hope to see you there!
Pete Saracino/NY State Master Naturalist Volunteer/Montezuma Refuge Volunteer Naturalist
Pic #1: adult bald eagle holding its wings out at a funny angle. It resembles the great blue herons we see in the summer who are trying to cool off. It did get up to 81 degrees yesterday!! It was HOT out there!! I sent it to Tina and she said the young eagles often did that when it was hot before they fledged, but she didn’t see it after they left the “nest.” Those birds continue to AMAZE me!!
Pic#2: Tina Morris, #3: sweet gum tree at VC, #4: sweet gum tree close-up, #5: adult bald eagle Main Pool, #6: adult bald eagles in Spillway tree a bit windblown, #7: great blue heron colony at Tschache Pool, #8: male ring-necked pheasant next to the VC parking area, #9: female bufflehead Eaton Marsh, #10: sandhill crane Eaton Marsh.
Hopefully, you can get out to explore and experience Autumn and the awesome, magical migration around the Montezuma Wetlands Complex on the various trails, towers and Refuge Wildlife Drive.
ENJOY, be respectful and safe.
Jackie, I always look forward to your photos. Often you are just at the right spot at the right time and end up with a very unique photo. This time you capturedTWO spectacular photos!! The Bald Eagle with its wings spread and the Ring-necked Pheasant are true winners. Thank you for sharing!