New York State Bird & Wildlife Watching Information

Alfred Z. Solomon Grassland Viewing Area and Bird Trail

Grassland Bird Trust’s Alfred Z. Solomon Grassland Viewing Area and Bird Trail is on the New York State Birding Trail and is a premier destination for viewing wintering hawks and owls!  Short-eared Owls, Snowy Owls and Rough-legged Hawks are often seen wintering here, along with flocks of Horned Larks and Snow Buntings. Red-tailed Hawks and Northern Harriers hunt the fields year round.

Spring brings the return of Eastern Meadowlarks, Bobolinks, Eastern Bluebirds and several of the grassland sparrows, as well as dozens of common species such as Northern Mockingbirds, Tree Swallows, Willow and Alder Flycatchers, Common Yellowthroat Warblers and more! Upland Sandpipers have been recorded breeding here some years.

The 2.6-mile birding trail starts at the Viewing Area and winds through the grasslands and along the Dead Creek. While we love dogs, they are not allowed as they disturb the grassland birds that roost, feed, and nest on the ground. The trail is open dawn to dusk with posted seasonal closings posted here and on the trail.

Washington County Grasslands WMA

Washington County Grasslands Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is on the New York State Birding Trail and encompasses nearly 300 acres of prime grassland habitat. The area supports almost a dozen threatened and rapidly declining grassland bird species. Common sightings include: Short-eared owl, Northern harrier, American kestrel, Eastern meadowlark, Bobolink, Eastern bluebirds, Tree swallows and Red-tailed hawks. Sedge wren, Grasshopper and Savannah sparrows are present. Flocks of Horned larks and Snow buntings can be seen in winter and Snowy owls are frequent winter visitors.

Little Theater on the Farm

Located in the heart of the Washington County Grasslands, Little Theater on the Farm offers prime viewing for grassland birds practically year round. Short-eared Owls flock to the area in late fall or early winter and stay through until the end of March. This can be one of the best spots for getting close views of the owls when prey is abundant. Northern Harriers can often be seen coursing over surrounding fields. In winter look for Rough-legged Hawks perched in lone trees in the field behind the pond or hovering over the fields in search of mice and voles.

Carter's Pond Nature Trail

This 400+ acre Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is on the New York State Birding Trail and encompasses a large pond surrounded by fields and woods. The pond attracts large flocks of ducks and geese during spring and fall migrations, including Mallard, Wood duck, Black duck, mergansers, Ring-necked duck, teal and Canada geese. Great blue herons and Osprey are commonly sighted from spring to fall and Bald eagles pay an occasional visit. Woodpeckers and common migratory songbirds may be encountered along a woodland trail, with best viewing during spring and early summer.  The WMA is open to fishing and hunting.

Lake Champlain South Bay

Lake Champlain’s South Bay offers some of the finest birding for shore and marsh species in the region! Migratory waterfowl flock to the lake in spring and fall. Osprey, Great Blue Heron, Belted Kingfisher, Sandpipers and many other shorebirds are common. Open water or ice holes cut by fishermen near the public pier attract Bald Eagles in winter. Golden Eagle sightings are reported almost every year, usually during migration, although it’s the fortunate bird watcher who sees one.