Top-5 Birding Destinations This Spring
Bird watching is an age-old hobby, and the Finger Lakes are a special place to see migratory birds at stunning locations that include state parks, wildlife sanctuaries, on dedicated birding trails and lakeside. See below our top-5 locations to take in the sights and sounds of the birds of the Finger Lakes.
Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge - The Montezuma Wildlife Refuge stretches 9,809 acres throughout the Finger Lakes in Seneca, Wayne and Cayuga Counties. This wildlife refuge is a resting place for numerous migratory birds and is situated in one of the most active flight lanes in the Atlantic Flyway.
The visitor center is open (Mid-April - November 30, weekends only in November) weekends 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and most weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Visitors should call ahead to check weekday staffing.
Finger Lakes Museum - Situated on a 30-acre site with wetland trails, kayak and canoe livery, and outdoor exhibits, we offer paddling excursions and cultural and natural history educational programming.
The museum is an official stop on the New York State Birding Trail and hosts an annual Bird Walk event. The 2023 iteration of the Bird Walk will be on May 13, from 8 to 10 a.m. and allows ticket holders to experience a guided tour of the wetlands and Townsend Grady Wildlife Preserve.
Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway - One of the most scenic drives in the entire region will take you on an 86-mile journey around Cayuga Lake. The landscape features 9,800 acres of unspoiled wetland flats perfect for bird watching. Many parks allow visitors to catch a lakeside view of bald eagles and osprey fishing for their next meal.
The scenic byway's website also hosts a great resource for additional birding landmarks around the Finger Lakes. In all, there are 12 official Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway Birding Trail sites.
Finger Lakes National Forest - Bring your camera because a wide variety of birds, wildflowers and other living creatures await the discovery of the observant Forest visitor. Featuring more than 16,000 acres and 30 miles of trails between Seneca and Cayuga Lakes, the ranger's station features several educational displays and is one of a few opportunities bird-watchers may have to do the activity on horseback.
Catharine Valley Trail - Catharine Marsh, the Village of Montour Falls, and Mark Twain State Park to Horseheads in Chemung County.
Major birding areas along the 12-mile trail include Catharine Valley Marsh and Catharine Valley Bird Conservation Area and it passes through the towns of Watkins Glen, Montour Falls, Millport, Pine Valley and Horseheads in Schuyler & Chemung Counties.
