For the birds

We drove out to Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge today simply because it was a beautiful day and we have never been there. Operated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the refuge encompasses part of the Montezuma Swamp at the north end of Cayuga Lake and is situated in the middle of one of the most active flight lanes in what is called the Atlantic Flyway.

The refuge has a very nice visitor center, several walking paths, observations areas and two observation towers. Aidan raced to the top of the first observation tower we encountered:

We forgot to bring our binoculars - duh - so the telescopes were handy as we scanned the refuge for birds:

The refuge also has a 3.5 mile one way auto drive and from our car, we spotted quite a few birds:

The NY State Thruway passes through the northern portion of the refuge, so we saw cars whizzing by in the background as we bird watched:

In addition to birds, we saw many bright and beautiful flowers in the marsh:

It was a relaxing way to spend a late summer afternoon. I want to return during the fall migration, when (according to the web site) "geese number 50,000 and ducks over 100,000!"

I will be sure to wear a hat.