The Birding Hub
The Birding Hub

Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge - Towpath Road

New York · Northeast

ModerateView on eBird
Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
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 HeronRed-winged BlackbirdMallardGreen HeronVirginia Rail

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Northern Shrike

Lanius borealis

3/6/202613569 Railroad Rd, Savannah US-NY (43.0604,-76.7420)1 observed

Tufted Duck

Aythya fuligula

3/6/2026Harris Park, Cayuga1 observed

Eurasian Wigeon

Mareca penelope

3/6/2026Montezuma NWR--East Rd.1 observed

Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus

3/2/2026Parking area Crusoe Island Cemetary1 observed

Ross's Goose

Anser rossii

2/28/2026815 New York 318, Waterloo, New York, US (42.955, -76.909)1 observed

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.

Amenities

Parking
Restrooms
Trails
Auto Tour Route

More in New York

Central Park

Manhattan's surprising migrant trap with 280+ species in the heart of NYC.

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge

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.

Birding Guides

The Ultimate Guide to Fall Bird Migration: Hawks, Sparrows, and Confusing Plumages

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration: When, Where, and Why Birds Migrate

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City: The Complete Urban Migration Guide

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.