The southbound shorebird migration is underway, and many of them are gathering at Montezuma NWR. In recent days there have been Solitary Sandpipers, Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, Short-billed Dowitchers and at least one Long-billed Dowitcher, Pectoral Sandpiper, Least and Semipalmated Sandpipers, in addition to the locally breeding Spotted Sandpipers and Killdeer, plus more species are on their way. Recent finds which have not been reported in awhile include Wilson's Phalarope and Black-necked Stilt.
I've gotten permission to lead a shorebird walk on Sunday 17 July onto the dikes around Knox-Marsellus and Puddler Marshes of Montezuma NWR, areas which the refuge usually keeps closed to the public. This is a great opportunity to see and compare a variety of shorebirds, plus there are many other great birds in these marshes. For folks who have gone on these walks in previous summers the guidelines will be familiar: The walks are open to the public. There is no fee. We will meet at the Montezuma NWR Visitor Center on NY-5/US-20. This trip will be leaving the Visitor Center promptly at 7am, driving directly to the overlook on East Road (located here: 43.0115,-76.7588) arriving about 7:15am. Although it's okay to arrive late or leave early, please do not jump the gun and go onto the dikes before the main group. I'd like to stay together, at least initially, so that we can share what we find. I hope we don't flush many birds but if we do I'd at least like everyone to have a chance to see them. If you have a spotting scope, please bring it and be willing to share views and expertise. The terrain will be easy, level except for the descent from and climb back up to East Road. We will be where refuge vehicles drive, so it will have been mowed sometime recently. Mud and standing water should not be an issue where we walk, but dew may be. There will be a mile or two of walking, depending on how far you want to go, plus a lot of standing around. Plan on at least a couple hours, although I generally stay longer. Insects have surprisingly not been a problem in the past, but if you want to use repellent, especially against ticks, I wouldn't blame you. There is no shade, and the weather will get hot, even though we are starting fairly early, so you may want to bring water and a sun hat. Please do not bring dogs. I hope to see many of you - and many more birds - there. --Dave Nutter -- Cayugabirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/Cayugabirds 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/CAYU.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
