Wetland birding habitat

Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge - Towpath Road

New York · Northeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
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

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Glossy Ibis

Plegadis falcinellus

7/18/2026Montezuma (NMWMA)--Railroad Rd. Marshes1 observed

Black Vulture

Coragyps atratus

7/18/2026102 Swift Street, Waterloo, New York, US (42.912, -76.854)2 observed

Bonaparte's Gull

Chroicocephalus philadelphia

7/17/2026Great Gully Brook Outlet2 observed

Short-billed Dowitcher (griseus)

Limnodromus griseus

7/13/2026Montezuma (NMWMA)--Railroad Rd. Marshes2 observed

Short-billed Dowitcher (hendersoni)

Limnodromus griseus

7/13/2026Montezuma (NMWMA)--Railroad Rd. Marshes1 observed

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

7/12/2026Montezuma NWR--Wildlife Drive1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wood Duck

37/12/2026

Mourning Dove

27/12/2026

Common Gallinule

37/12/2026

Ring-billed Gull

17/12/2026

Great Blue Heron

67/12/2026

Osprey

47/12/2026

Bald Eagle

17/12/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

17/12/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

77/12/2026

Tree Swallow

37/12/2026

Barn Swallow

27/12/2026

Marsh Wren

17/12/2026

European Starling

27/12/2026

Gray Catbird

47/12/2026

American Robin

117/12/2026

Cedar Waxwing

97/12/2026

American Goldfinch

57/12/2026

Song Sparrow

57/12/2026

Baltimore Oriole

27/12/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

127/12/2026

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 - 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.