Wetland birding habitat

Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge

New York · Northeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in New York, with 269 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts a wide variety of species among many others. Spring and fall migration bring waves of warblers and shorebirds through the area.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Arctic Tern

Sterna paradisaea

6/1/2026FLX Marine (private), Union Springs1 observed

Forster's Tern

Sterna forsteri

6/1/2026FLX Marine (private), Union Springs1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

5/31/2026Lake Road, South Bend to Bluffs1 observed

Tennessee Warbler

Leiothlypis peregrina

5/31/2026Lake Road, South Bend to Bluffs1 observed

Little Gull

Hydrocoloeus minutus

5/31/2026Geneva Lakefront Park1 observed

Sedge Wren

Cistothorus stellaris

5/31/2026Montezuma NWR--Wildlife Drive1 observed

Common Tern (hirundo/tibetana)

Sterna hirundo

5/31/2026FLX Marine (private), Union Springs6 observed

Magnolia Warbler

Setophaga magnolia

5/31/2026Armitage Road, forested area (Wayne Co.)1 observed

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

5/30/2026Home1 observed

Prothonotary Warbler

Protonotaria citrea

5/30/2026Montezuma (NMWMA)--Howland Island--West1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mute Swan

46/1/2026

Wood Duck

16/1/2026

Mallard

66/1/2026

Sora

16/1/2026

Black Tern

16/1/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

26/1/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

36/1/2026

Great Blue Heron

46/1/2026

Osprey

56/1/2026

Cooper's Hawk

16/1/2026

Bald Eagle

16/1/2026

Eastern Kingbird

26/1/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

26/1/2026

Tree Swallow

46/1/2026

Purple Martin

186/1/2026

Barn Swallow

76/1/2026

Marsh Wren

56/1/2026

Gray Catbird

16/1/2026

American Robin

56/1/2026

Cedar Waxwing

66/1/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge include Great Blue Heron, Red-winged Blackbird, Mallard, Green Heron, Virginia Rail. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge?
Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.