Come visit the new 2.6-mile Alfred Z. Solomon Grassland Bird Trail!
The trail, located at 160 County Route 42 in Fort Edward, starts at the Alfred Z. Solomon Grassland Viewing Area and from there, winds through the grasslands and along the Dead Creek with spectacular views of the Adirondack Mountains. With a little luck, you’ll see increasingly rare grassland birds in this Audubon-designated Important Bird Area (IBA). Year-round, you can see threatened Northern Harriers and American Kestrels. Possible winter sightings include endangered Short-eared Owls and Horned Larks that migrate south from the Arctic. In the spring and summer you can greet Bobolinks, Eastern Meadowlarks, Grasshopper Sparrows, and other “at risk” grassland birds that breed and raise their young in the IBA. In addition to many at-risk grassland birds, seasonally you are likely to spot Savannah Sparrows, Marsh Wrens, Red-tailed and Rough-legged Hawks, Bald Eagles, Snow Buntings, Snowy Owls, and more.
The Alfred Z. Solomon Bird Trail is situated in the heart of the 102,000-acre NYS DEC Washington County Grassland Bird Conservation Center. The Grassland Bird Trust works here to conserve critical, vanishing habitat for these beautiful grassland birds, sometimes described as the “canaries in the coal mine of potential bird extinctions.” This is one of the largest Grassland Bird Conservation Centers remaining in New York State.
Part of the New York State Birding Trail, the Alfred Z. Solomon Grassland Bird Trail is open to the public from sunrise to sunset with posted seasonal closings. Guided tours, educational events, and volunteer opportunities will be scheduled year-round. Visitors are encouraged to bring binoculars, cameras, and field guides to enhance their experience. The parking and viewing areas are accessible to all, including wheelchair access to the Viewing Area.
The Alfred Z. Solomon Grassland Bird Trail was funded in part by grants from the Hudson River Valley Greenway and the Alfred Z. Solomon Charitable Trust.