Tim Noga Blind - Colvin Marsh
Woke up to complete darkness. Glad when the clock can get turned back come Saturday. Since the Montezuma Audubon Center (MAC) had scheduled birding tour to be lead by photographer-naturalist Dave Spier decided to make my way to Savannah NY.
Made two stops before joining the tour. First, at Muckrace met up with Michael, the DEC worker. Michael gave me some more information regarding the Green-tagged Trumpeter Swans that I saw October 26th at the Malone Marsh. Second, pulled into the Noga Blind.
Trumpeter Swans - tagged at Mulligan Marsh (east of Railroad Road impoundment)
At 8:10 AM drove into a parking spot at the MAC just as Dave was loading the van and 7 birders were taking their seats. In all there were 10 participants, a couple from Ohio, a couple from near Whitesboro NY, a woman from Rochester, 4 others and myself. The Ohio couple and I ended up driving our cars.
The caravan's first stop was on the Hogback Road just south of the railroad tracks. Here we encountered a huge flock of blackbirds (2,000-3,000). Among the mix were European Starlings, Red-winged Blackbirds and Common Grackles. The group provided a splendid display when they were put in flight by a Red-tailed Hawk.
Pulled into the Mays Point Pool parking lot. The old fisherman was in his usual spot. Told me that he caught a small fish already. As we were getting out of the vehicles two Belted Kingfishers flew pass on their way to the Clyde River. Light conditions for viewing from the observation deck were not ideal but the group managed to sight a Bald Eagle and 75 Green Teal.
Entering the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge we parked along the wetlands on the west side of the drive before the Visitor Center. There while scoping the birds Dave sighted the "bird of the day". It was the Hudsonian Godwit. Here is my video. A tad shaky due to the wind buffeting the tripod.
From the Visitor's Deck the group noted 12 different species, which included Gadwalls, American Wigeons and an American Black Duck.
Stopped at Benning Marsh to view a Great Black-backed Gull.
Returning to the MAC the group debriefed with a discussion on the Hudsonian Godwit. The day turned out to be most pleasant one.
Montezuma Audubon Center
Made my customary visit to Martens Tract and then headed home.
Martens Tract
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