Montezuma NWR and Wetlands Trip
Event Details
Join DOAS Board Director, Chris DeCesare, on Saturday, March 15 (rain date: March 22) for a birding field trip to Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge and the adjacent Wetlands Complex to view migratory waterfowl and shorebirds on their annual journey north to their breeding grounds. The area is comprised of 50,000 acres of wetlands and upland habitat north of Cayuga Lake and is a globally significant Important Bird Area because of the number of waterfowl that stop there during migration season. Past sightings include a variety of ducks, snow geese, swans, bald eagles, herons and sandhill cranes.
Above: Snow Geese, Photo by Rod Sutton
Participants can plan to meet at Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters at 10:00 a.m. Those wishing to carpool can meet at the Dietz Street Parking Lot, across from the YMCA in Oneonta at 7:30 a.m.
The trip will begin at the refuge headquarters and then proceed by car to hotspots around the complex. There may be a small amount of walking on level ground; restrooms are available at the refuge headquarters. There is no charge for admission.
This is an all-day trip with an expected return to Oneonta around 5:00 p.m. Participants should plan on bringing a bag lunch, snacks, water, etc. For more details, contact Chris DeCesare at 607-244-5496 or chris.decesare444@gmail.com.
About Trip Leader Chris DeCesare:
Like many on the board, I’ve had a lifelong love of nature and being outdoors. This led me to study wildlife biology in college and environmental education in graduate school. It was my ornithology professor who introduced me to the interesting world of birds from nesting bald eagles to the mating ritual of the woodcock and the songs of backyard birds. My favorite memory is sneaking up on woodcocks at dusk in a scrub field with my classmates and throwing ourselves to the ground as a bird twittered to earth from its sky dance.
My work experience includes being a seasonal park ranger at a US Fish and Wildlife Refuge, a seasonal Biological Technician for the US Forest Service and an environmental educator for the NYSDEC. The latter was my career for over 20 years. I currently manage a grant for afterschool program as the Program Director for the Creating Rural Opportunities Partnership (CROP) program.
I have been a part of DOAS as a camp director, a program leader for adults and families, and a Christmas Bird Counter. I’m excited to be on the board to help further the mission. My interests include paddling, hiking, gardening, and spending time with my dog Koa participating in sports such as Scentwork and Dock Diving. Though I love birds, I also have a fondness for insects…Shh!
Register for the Trip