Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge - Towpath Road

New York · Northeast

ModerateView on eBird Directions

Habitat

Wetland

Best Seasons

Spring Fall

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge - Towpath Road is a productive birding destination in New York, with 251 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

Great Blue Heron Red-winged Blackbird Mallard Green Heron Virginia Rail

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Northern Pintail

Anas acuta

6/2/2026Northern Montezuma WMA (general area)

Chestnut-sided Warbler

Setophaga pensylvanica

6/2/2026Montezuma NWR--Van Dyne Spoor Rd.1 observed

Yellow-bellied Flycatcher

Empidonax flaviventris

6/2/2026Montezuma NWR--Van Dyne Spoor Rd.1 observed

Sedge Wren

Cistothorus stellaris

6/2/2026Montezuma NWR--Wildlife Drive1 observed

Common Tern (hirundo/tibetana)

Sterna hirundo

6/2/2026FLX Marine (private), Union Springs2 observed

Forster's Tern

Sterna forsteri

6/2/2026FLX Marine (private), Union Springs1 observed

Prothonotary Warbler

Protonotaria citrea

6/2/2026Armitage Road, forested area (Wayne Co.)1 observed

Arctic Tern

Sterna paradisaea

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

Little Gull

Hydrocoloeus minutus

5/31/2026Geneva Lakefront Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

6/1/2026

Mourning Dove

6/1/2026

Common Gallinule

6/1/2026

American Coot

6/1/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

6/1/2026

Least Bittern

16/1/2026

Green Heron

16/1/2026

Great Blue Heron

6/1/2026

Turkey Vulture

6/1/2026

Alder Flycatcher

6/1/2026

Willow Flycatcher

6/1/2026

Yellow-throated Vireo

16/1/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

6/1/2026

American Crow

6/1/2026

Tree Swallow

6/1/2026

Marsh Wren

6/1/2026

Gray Catbird

6/1/2026

American Robin

6/1/2026

Cedar Waxwing

26/1/2026

American Goldfinch

6/1/2026

Birding Tips

1
Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.
2
Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.
3
Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Amenities

Parking

Restrooms

Trails

Auto Tour Route

More in New York

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NYC's premier shorebird and waterfowl refuge with 330+ species recorded.

Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge

Finger Lakes wetland refuge with massive waterfowl concentrations during migration.

New York Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in New York →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge - Towpath Road for birding?▼

The best months to visit Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge - Towpath Road for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.

What birds can I see at Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge - Towpath Road?▼

Notable species at Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge - Towpath Road 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 - Towpath Road?▼

Birding at Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge - Towpath Road is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge - Towpath Road?▼

Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge - Towpath Road offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.