Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge

Spring and fall are the best times to see huge flocks of migratory birds flying high above Yale Manor, as we're located in one of the most active north-south paths in the Atlantic Flyway. Just north of us at the northern tip of Cayuga Lake is a resting place for thousands of these migratory creatures — the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge. This nearly 10,000-acre refuge is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which maintains pools, ponds, fields and scrublands for the many species of birds that visit.

When visiting Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge, start at the Visitor Center, where the admission is free. There's a lower viewing deck for observation, and you can check out a live-action feed from an osprey nest-cam and a purple martin nest-cam. Throughout the refuge there are miles of easy and moderate hiking trails, with observation towers and viewing stops along the way, for full wildlife exploration.

The Wildlife Drive is a must-do. Discover the refuge's ponds, pools and wildlife habitat on this 3.5-mile drive, where you can access guided information on your car radio or cellphone. Visitors are welcome to get out of their vehicles at designated locations to observe wildlife and snap some photos. Depending on the season, you can catch a glimpse of some of the more than 240 species of birds at the refuge, from herons to Canada geese to osprey and more... not to mention the multitude of mammals, reptiles and amphibians.

If you want to witness the majesty of bald eagles in all their splendor, they can be spotted at Montezuma year-round. The refuge has six active bald eagle nests, and nearly 60 eagles have been observed in the area at once — the sign of a thriving population. All of the observation areas, as well as the Wildlife Drive, offer visitors a chance to see both young and adult bald eagles.

What should you bring with you on your visit to Montezuma? We recommend a good pair of binoculars or spotting scope, a bird field guide to help you identify the different birds you'll see, and, of course, bug spray. If you're an avid photographer, don't forget to take your camera. But even a cell phone will do just fine to capture all the wild beauty the refuge has to offer.

In order to see birds it is necessary to become a part of the silence. ― Robert Lynd