Birding on de Road - Montezuma Wildlife Refuge

If there is one place in my life that I can credit my interest in birds and nature, it is the Montezuma Wildlife Refuge. And if there is one person to “blame” for my passion for birdwatching, it’s my father. He worked long hours in his own small business and if there was a time to relax, it was usually on Sunday. In those days, everyone dressed up - me in my patent leather shoes and hat and he in his suit and tie. We would all jump into the Buick and dine at some amazing smorgasbord restaurant where we would sample every option until we couldn’t move.

The drive home invariably ended up at one of two places - Niagara Falls or a patch of farmland that was absolutely filled with birds. As I recall through the eyes of a child, Canadian Geese and ducks were the predominate species. I have no idea how he knew it even existed or if he realized how much joy it brought me, but I will carry those memories forever.

Today that area managed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service and supported by a variety of agencies, is known as the Montezuma Wildlife Refuge.

“Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge provides resting, feeding and nesting habitats for waterfowl and other migratory birds. The refuge is located at the north end of Cayuga Lake, situated in the middle of one of the most active flight lanes in the Atlantic Flyway. Montezuma encompasses more than 10,000 acres in Seneca, Wayne, and Cayuga Counties. Most of the habitat on the refuge is emergent marsh, but there are also areas of grassland, scrubland, and forest.”

My last visit to the refuge was in 2011 when I dragged my niece Molly there one early morning. Her requirement for chauffering me to my dream spot, was a very tall Starbucks coffee. Thankfully, they were open at 5:30 am or the trip wasn’t moving past the parking lot!

During that visit, we witnessed our first American Bald Eagle nest with chicks, thanks to the 1973 Endangered Species Act. Although skeptical of this concept of birdwatching at such an ungodly hour, I believe Molly discovered the Red-winged Blackbird. Perhaps that was her “spark” bird.

This week I returned with my sister, and my Great Niece and Nephew - Evie (10) and Britton (8). This would be their first real birdwatching trip to a refuge, having begun their journey with backyard birding. Armed with backpacks, bird guides, bug spray and their very own starter bins, we made the 45 minute trip from Rochester to Montezuma.

We were greeted at the entrance by a stunning Peregrine Falcon sitting on the wires. (Where is the picture you ask? There is none as there was too much traffic. Next time. Yes, Yes I know it will never happen again!)

The first water basin inside the refuge was a bundle of activity including a Great Egret that took off before I could get a shot of it. (I bet you are shocked. Me too.)

A closer look in the muck, revealed a number of shorebird species including sandpipers and plovers.

With the start of migration upon us, it wasn’t suprising to see these familiar species feeding happily in the flats.

Montezuma is a place for serious birders and though we positioned ourselves away from the more experienced crowd, dirty looks abounded. Fortunately the kids were blindly unaware, and we continued to explore.

Evie and Britton spotted a wildflower and began to take apart the pod. Meanwhile AJ (my nickname), explained that the birds they were seeing in the pond, would soon make their way to Anguilla, where they would become part of the upcoming Global Shorebird Count. I’m not sure that concept was fully appreciated by either one of them, but I am hoping a follow-up photograph of the same birds here will strike a nerve. Time will tell.

The flowers attract bugs like the Dragonfly above and Monarch Butterflies, a few of which were flitting around feeding prior to their southward migration. Yes, butterflies migrate too.

The wildflowers of the refuge were putting on an amazing show with some dazzling colors. What self-respecting bug could resist them.

Our next stop was the Visitor Center so everyone could orient themselves to the site and our options for birding.

Although the building is small, refuge staff have made the most of educational displays, including lifesize bird species and a complete replica of an American Bald Eagle nest. (We didn’t mention those birds were once alive. It’s way too early for that!)

Perhaps its most exciting feature is an expansive deck that looks out over the Visitor Center Wetland. Here you can use your own scope to view the birds, or use the refuge scope for free. As you can see, Britton made good use of the child proof scope.

And then out of no where, a familiar honk came out of the sky.

A flock of Canadian Geese came in for a pinpoint landing in front of us. In all my years growing up literally on the border with Canada, I have never heard a bad thing about Canadians except when it comes to these birds! It seems Canadian Geese are universally despised. I encountered the similar sentiments during my New Zealand trip, where they are considered invasive. Yes they are known to make a mess, but I wouldn’t count them out in a good fight. These birds sure get a bad rap. For me, it is the sound of Montezuma welcoming me back.

Our options for birding included the walking trail and the Wildlife Drive. Due to the ominous skies (see picture 1), we opted for the wildlife drive. What a great choice we made.

The mile long circuit allowed us to see some spectacular species including Great Blue Heron, Belted Kingfisher, a variety of ducks, grebes, gulls and terns. All were large enough to make an impression, and easily identifiable from our bird guides.

We even saw a group of Double-crested Cormorants!

In all we saw 20 species of birds, an amazing start on a life list for these two new birders!

So what are the takeaways from this amazing outing?

First, let’s remember that no one knows everything about birding. We are on a lifelong journey in the world of birds. Refuges are a great place for young and old to explore and learn. Be patient and let our young birders learn. They are our budding conservationists. You never know which young person will save a species or perhaps our planet!

Second, there are a lot of other amazing things to explore in a refuge besides birds. Open your eyes and let the journey take you where it will.

Third, you know your own child best. You know their limits. A birding trip is not torture. It’s supposed to be fun. When they are done, they are done. In my experience, 2 hours is probably the maximum this age group will tolerate. This is true, no matter how much you want to see what is around that next bend.

Fourth, snacks are a must have on this type of trip. We had little oranges along to give a boost. Bananas also work great as well as granola bars.

At the end of the adventure, a cheeseburger couldn’t hurt! In fact at noon, I googled nearby restaurants and found an amazing spot in Seneca Falls just 19 mins away from the end of the Wildlife Drive.

Parker’s Grille & Tap House at 86 Falls Street, is a combination 50s diner mixed with chic pub. There is no question this is a family dining establishment with many tables comprised of three generations. The burgers and Beef on Weck (Buffalo girl here) were outstanding. There is also a kids menu, although our two hungry birders opted for the adult portion with curly fries (note: they cleaned their plates). And kids drink free! There are plenty of adult beverages on the menu if you don’t have the kids in tow. It’s definitely a must visit in my book.

When asked if they would do it again, there was a resounding “YES.” It would seem my devious plot to convert these 2 into birders, is beginning to work.