Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge

 

 

An immature Bald Eagle enjoys a meal at Montezuma NWR, 11/28/13.
An immature Bald Eagle enjoys a meal at Montezuma NWR, 11/28/13.

I woke up very early Thanksgiving morning to drive up to Syracuse to join Tricia at her Mom’s place to celebrate the holiday. I left early enough so that I could make a quick stop beforehand at Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge. It was a cold an snowy morning with strong wind gusts. I was at the refuge for just over an hour and in that time I identified 14 species. Here’s my list:

Canada Goose  125
Tundra Swan  80
Mallard  45
Ring-necked Duck  100
Common Merganser  25
Northern Harrier  2
Cooper’s Hawk  1
Bald Eagle  7
Red-tailed Hawk  3
Ring-billed Gull  X
Rock Pigeon  30
Mourning Dove  12
American Crow  X
American Tree Sparrow  1

At first glance I thought this bird was a Rough-legged Hawk because of the way it was hunting - hovering and flapping. Red-tailed Hawk at Montezuma NWR 11/28/13.
At first glance I thought this bird was a Rough-legged Hawk because of the way it was hunting – hovering and flapping. Red-tailed Hawk at Montezuma NWR 11/28/13.

 

I saw plenty of Tundra Swans, but unfortunately no Trumpeters. These birds were completely unconcerned with the adult Bald Eagle hanging out nearby. Montezuma NWR, 11/28/13.
I saw plenty of Tundra Swans, but unfortunately no Trumpeters. These birds were completely unconcerned with the adult Bald Eagle hanging out nearby. Montezuma NWR, 11/28/13.

 

Tundra Swans in flight at Montezuma NWR, 11/28/13.
Tundra Swans in flight at Montezuma NWR, 11/28/13.
I had ample opportunity to get a good shot of this young Bald Eagle, but I was disappointed, with nearly every photo being underexposed. This was my best effort.
I had ample opportunity to get a good shot of this young Bald Eagle, but I was disappointed, with nearly every photo being underexposed. This was my best effort.

2 thoughts on “Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge”

  1. Love the swans and the eagle. I have to get to this refuge in the spring, maybe!! Nice job, Matt.

Comments are closed.