A service of the Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway, Inc.

Cayuga Lake is surrounded by so many interesting places to visit, and stops we know you'll enjoy that some can get overlooked on your journey around the lake! In our By The Byway section we'll present a series of articles about some of the many themes that you can experience on the Byway.
Birding Along the Byway

Bring your binoculars! For casual and serious birders alike, the CLSB is a treasure trove for birding. From the many excellent birding sites along the lake to a nationally important wildlife and waterfowl refuge and an internationally renowned ornithology research lab, Cayuga Lake has plenty to keep bird enthusiasts interested. Birding in the area is a rich activity at any time of year, but particularly during the spring and fall when a great diversity of migrating birds pass through the region. In the wintertime, watch for the many waterfowl gathered on the lake.

Here are a few key birding places to visit.

At times, flocks of snow geese can block out the sun over the Reguge's Main Pool. What a spectacle!
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge
This 10,000 acre expanse of grasslands and wetlands provides essential habitat for thousands of migratory birds and wildlife. The diversity is striking; come see the bald eagles, the snow geese, the many shorebirds and waterfowl. The wildlife drive, trails, towers and blinds provide remarkable views. Montezuma is open to visitors daily and year-round, and has a visitor center open April through November.

Union Springs
As well as a chance to scan the lake, Union Springs has two spring fed ponds that remain ice free throughout the winter, providing a excellent site for viewing wintering waterfowl.

Aurora
Birders often stop near the Wells College boathouse to scan the lake for waterfowl.

Myers Point
Cayuga Bird Club rates this site one of the three best for birding on Cayuga Lake, along with Stewart Park and Montezuma. Come here to see shorebirds, sandpipers and terns along the spit of land where Salmon Creek meets the lake. In spring & summer, the trees of the park host many songbirds as well.

Stewart Park
Considered a premier birding location, Stewart Park is an excellent site for viewing waterfowl, such as ducks, grebes, & loons at the south end of Cayuga Lake. Raptors such as peregrine falcons and bald eagles have also been spotted in the area.

Allan H. Treman State Marine Park
The southwest corner of Cayuga Lake (Hog’s Hole) is another excellent location for viewing wintering waterfowl. During spring migration, migrant songbirds such as meadowlarks and sparrows often land in the fields in large flocks.

Sapsucker Woods at Cornell Lab of Ornithology
A birding adventure to Cayuga Lake would not be complete without a visit to this world-renowned site. Over 230 species have been viewed in the diverse habitat of the 225 acre Sapsucker Woods sanctuary. Enjoy the over four miles of trails as well as the Lab of Ornithology’s new visitor center complete with sound studio, interactive displays and scopes for visitor use.

On the west shore of Cayuga Lake, Taughannock Falls State Park, Sheldrake Point, & Cayuga Lake State Park are all very good sites to scan the lake for waterfowl. An annual Loon Watch takes place at Taughnannock each November, put on by the Cayuga Bird Club.