Montezuma Refuge
Today was once the traditional day for celebrating the accomplishments of Christopher Columbus. Although the Auburn skies were threatening decided to give birding a go.
At 8:20 AM arrived at the Montezuma Refuge. The area adjacent to the visitors' center was quiet with the exception of Canada Geese and Ring-billed Gulls and an elderly couple collecting flower seeds.
Along the auto drive were Pied-billed Grebes, American Coots, Canada Geese and a Great Blue Heron. A canal barge was heading north on the Cayuga-Seneca Barge Canal and a Bald Eagle was perched in a bare tree along the canal bank.
At the Spillway were 3 Mallards and 3 Pied-billed Grebes.
At the Benning Marsh were two cars with birders. Birds there were 5 Great Blue Herons, several Mallards and Ring-billed Gulls.
The dense grass at Tschache Pool had only 8 Tree Swallows swooping the fields near the entrance gate. There was a birder with a scope at the Mays' Point Observation Deck. He was very occupied with his viewing and did not engage in conversation. The birds with the exception of the usual Great Blue Herons and Great Egrets were too far out for identification.
Shortly after 10 AM drove north on East Road. Stopping at Knox-Marcellus was able to watch a splendid display by 2 Northern Harriers as they hunted the grass fields along the near waterline. In the distance were hundreds of Canada Geese and several Great Blue Heron. Upon leaving a juvenile Bald Eagle flew over the woods to the north.
Entered the parking area at Martens Tract at 11:39 AM. A birder was coming out of the fields. He shared with me where he had observed 3 Nelson's Sparrows. Followed his directions but was unable to flush out the birds. Upon leaving as I approached the main road 3 pheasants came out of the tall grass.
After visiting with Chris at the Montezuma Aubudon Center made my way home as it began to sprinkle.
Fall Color Seen Today
Martens Tract
Crusoe Creek
McDonald Road
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