Birding - Montezuma Refuge

Main Pool

Went early to the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge to seek a look at the Cinnamon Teal. This rare visitor to the East was sighted at Larue's Lagoon earlier in the week.

There were thousands on Canada Geese in the refuge.

 Canada Geese

Parked the car near the entrance to the Auto-Drive and walked over to Larue's Lagoon by way of the Seneca Trail. There I met Rob from New York City and Lisa from Liverpool NY. They saw the Cinnamon Teal a half hour ago but it has since been hiding in the reeds. While waiting for a reappearance, noticed a Greater Yellowlegs in the channel.

Greater Yellowlegs

Rob and Lisa moved on and so did I. Once back on the Auto-Drive, walked over to met two male birders, Mike and Dominic from Rochester. They were scoped onto the Cinnamon Teal. They shared a look with me. We were soon joined by other birders.

After leaving the group and heading back to the car, noticed an Autumn Amberwing on a bench near the viewing platform.

Once in the car decided to drive the Auto-Drive. Glad I did. There was a variety of birds out there.

Canada Geese

Northern Pintail

American Coot

American Wigeon

Green-winged Teal

Earlier in the week I had received an email stating that the lone house on East Road had burned done. Drove up there and sure enough it had.

A tragedy. 

Later in the week,  Jay McGowan confirmed that the Cinnamon Teal was in reality a Blue-winged x Cinnamon Teal hybrid. At least I saw it.

Another great day for birding.

Other birding adventures at MNWR:

7/20/15 

6/17/15

5/9/15

4/28/15

11/14/13

9/18/13

5/29/12

3/21/12

3/17/12

2/2/12

1/26/12

1/11/12

12/20/11

10/18/11

10/12/11

10/6/11

9/28/11

9/21/11

9/14/11

9/6/11