Montezuma Audubon Center
Today the Montezuma Audubon Center (MAC) scheduled a birding tour. Photographer-naturalist Dave Spier was the leader for the event.
At 8AM Dave formed the group into a circle and introductions were made. There were 7 participants, a couple from Ontario NY, a couple from near Butler NY, a Mom and her son from Cortland, another woman and myself.
After getting into the van Dave drove first by Malone Unit #1 and then stopped at Muckrace. Here were several Yellowlegs and Canada Geese.
Boarding the van we proceeded to Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge (MNWR). On the way south on Rt. 89 we observed the Osprey nesting in the tower adjacent to the Barge Canal bridge.
Ospreys
During a quick turn around at Tschache Pool Dave pointed out how the area was drained and once the rains come the area will once again be good for birding.
Tschache Pool
The van pulled into the entrance drive at MNWR and Dave parked next to the water.
Dave spotted an American Bittern but it quickly disappeared in the cattails. Nevertheless the abundance of Yellowlegs both Greater and Lesser entertained us.
Yellowlegs
Milkweed near the water's edge
The group assembled on the NMWR observation deck. Dave set up the scope. Chuck Gibson, a NMWR volunteer, was also setting up his scope for the day.
NMWR Observation Deck
There were four ducks far out across the water. Dave could not at first ID them, but once they took to flight Dave noted that they were Blue Wing Teal.
Blue Wing Teal (far out there)
Sunflower at NMWR Center walkway
(notice bee coming in)
Heading back to the MAC we drove into the NMWR Hunter Registration Center, there was a Cedar Waxwing in a pine tree.
Hunter Registration Center - looking East
Cedar Waxwing
After a consensus that we were willing to stop at May's Point Observation Deck Dave took us to the boardwalk entrance. Glad we did. Although the light was not favorable there were several opportunities to get photos of Great Egrets, Great Blue Herons, Swans and a two ducks we could not ID.
Arriving back at the MAC all thanked Dave for a most pleasant adventure.
Before heading home I visited Martens Tract. Evidently the DEC has mowed a new trail from the observation corral to the west side of the water.
I used the trail as far back as the woods then turned around. There were 3 Turkey Vultures soaring over the woods. Also some interesting flora.
Turkey Vulture
Thistle
As I was leaving Martens Tract there were 3 Goldfinch bathing in a puddle in the entrance road.
It was 82 degrees.
On North Division Road just outside Auburn city limits saw this tractor in the Ruwet's farm field.
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