Birding - MNWR

Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge

Departed the driveway looking forward to a scheduled 9 AM birding hike at the Montezuma Audubon Center.

Driving along McDonald Road passed this Mallard Domestic hybrid in a farm front yard.

Made a quick visit to Muckrace Flats. There found a lone Trumpeter Swan, a pair of Canada Geese, and a pair of Wigeons.

Proceeded to Crusoe Creek boat launch. First Goldfinch of the year.

No one showed up at the MAC so I continued on my way. Cruising down Rt. 89 saw that the Osprey have returned to the nest that was destroyed by the wind storm last summer.

Entering Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge saw Don and Ruth driving the company truck. Traveling around the Auto-Drive saw Northern Shovelers, Red-wing Balckbirds, Ring-billed Gulls (one eating a fish), Juvenile Bald Eagles, Ring-necked Ducks, American Coots, Blue-winged Teal,
and a Redhead.

Leaving the Auto-Drive pulled into North Spring Pool. There is the Southeast corner were two Osprey on the nest/platform and one Osprey was flying overhead.

Skunk cabbage is out in abundance.

The Osprey was perched near the tower nest at the Cayuga-Seneca lock.

On my way home stopped at Harris Park. The Osprey are using the nest adjacent to the village office. The Osprey was on the nest, then flew off to fish, returning to enjoy his catch on a tree.

 Another great day for birding.