Guide to Birding in Hamilton County Available.  Click here to request.

We who are lucky enough to live and work in this beautiful area find that wildlife watching becomes an everyday occurrence.  Birding starts for us by looking out our living room or kitchen window or, by being woken in the early morning hours by a Pilated Woodpecker working in the woods in back of our home.  Sadly, we become complacent about birds and animals and it is only when something different happens, like Bald Eagles feeding on the lake in early spring, that we actually take notice.

We are close to nature.  State wild forest lands may be as little as 50 feet from our back door.  While  driving on the Sagamore Road in Raquette Lake or the North Point Road in Long Lake you may be as little as 20 feet from a Wilderness or Wild Forest Area and if you can pretend the road doesn’t exist, you can feel you truly are in the middle of the wilderness. 

The area is changing as state land reaches climax forest conditions and the birds which we see are also changing.  Wild Turkeys, which only a few years ago were never seen in the area,  have become so commonplace in certain areas that we actually are surprised when we don’t see them when traveling.

Common Loons, the reclusive symbol of the Adirondack Wilderness, are a common visitor on Long Lake as soon as the ice goes out as they wait for the small back ponds to open up and are often seen on Jennings Park Pond right in the village.  For those of us who are lucky enough to be familiar with this magnificent bird, we find the name to misleading.  The loon is anything but common.

With our change in seasons, we have two very distinct phases for observing birds with a slight overlap in the spring and fall.  We are also blessed with a wide variety of habitat ranging from mature forests, to bogs, to lakes, ponds and streams.  We even have some open areas which invite such species as the Killdeer.

The list of birds is of those birds which have been confirmed in the area and are relatively common  but this list changes each year.  For example, as mentioned above, the Wild Turkey was an infrequent (say never) visitor only a few years ago and now is common.   

WHERE TO SEE BIRDS

While the following is a description of areas where birds have been frequently observed, it is by no means complete and is by no means written in stone.  Birds, by their very nature find an acceptable habitat and take up residence.  Also, this guide has abstained from listing nesting sites of some of our more precious birds like the American Bald Eagle.  While these birds are making a comeback we feel that they continue to need protection from those who do not have the training to observe them properly. 

This list is by no means complete.  If you are a birder and observe a species not listed, or find an area that you feel should be included in this brochure, please contact Parks, Recreation & Tourism.  It is our intention to create a comprehensive guide which will assist others who want to observe these birds in their wild setting.

As mentioned earlier, birds are extremely common throughout the area.  Many of us observe the common species such as Chickadees, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Dark-eyed Junco, Chipping Sparrow, Purple Finch, Blue Jays and others from our living rooms.  We also see Canada Geese, Bald Eagles, Common Loons, Ospreys, and others as we travel the woods, lakes and roads.

Therefore, the following are descriptions of areas which provide habitat which will sustain particular types of birds with common sightings mentioned.  These areas have been recommended by birders and should be a birders destination.  However, Any walk through the woods will provide the birder with a variety of birds and in no particular concentrations.  Pilated Woodpeckers for example have been sighted in almost every area but there is no particular area where they are sighted with sufficient regularity to recommend you visit the site just to see them.  The same for the Ruffed Grouse.  These wonderful upland game birds have been sighted numerous times in certain areas but when visited with a camera, the birds often simply do not cooperate and have moved to a new location.  

Bog River to Lows lake

DIRECTIONS: just north of the Hamilton County line on Route 30, take a left on Route 421 to Horseshoe Lake. Part way around the lake is a dirt access road on the left which leads to the Bog River. Paddle upstream through Hutchins Pond. At the head of the pond is a short carry around the upper dam on the outlet of Lows Lake.

Lows Lake is one of the prettiest lakes in the Adirondacks. It has the second largest Common Loon population of any single lake in New York State with eight nesting pairs. The bog area bordered by Hutchins Pond has Boreal Species. Thrushes and Wood Warblers can be found along the river. Bald Eagles have a new nest on Lows Lake (active 2001-02, but not in ’03); they might be seen anywhere along the trip. Several species of Ducks, Osprey and Great Blue Heron might also be seen. Check the floating bog mats in late summer for Migrant Shorebirds. At night, Common Loons, Barred Owls and Eastern Coyotes call to each other and nearby campers.

Lake Lila

DIRECTIONS: Route 30 north from Long Lake, take a left onto the southern leg of Circle Road which is also the access to Little Tupper Lake. Midway around Circle Road, just after crossing the outlet of Little Tupper Lake, take a left onto Sabattis Road. (To the right, the northern leg of Circle Road leads to Sabattis Bog – well worth a visit on the return trip. See below.) Continue west on Sabattis Road past the Little Tupper access about two miles to the DEC sign for Lake Lila. This five-mile dirt access road to the trail head parking lot is open around Memorial Day. From the parking area, it’s a five- minute walk to the east end of this no-motorized-boat lake.

Lake Lila can get quite rough, so use extreme caution on windy days. There is a nesting pair of Osprey on the lakeshore and Common Loons on the lake. The forest sur- rounding the lake was hard-hit by a 95-mph wind storm several years ago, so getting onshore away from the lake is difficult. Wood warblers can be found on the shoreline and Boreal Birds inhabit much of the area. (A Cape May Warbler has been seen in the parking area.) Canoe to the west end of the lake where an Adirondack Great Camp once stood or walk down the road past the barrier at the parking lot to the railroad tracks. Both treks lead to superb birding areas. Spruce Grouse have been seen south of the lake in recent years.

Little Tupper Lake – Round Lake

At printing, the the Round Lake Area had not been opened to the public.  It is expected that it will be open by the Spring of 2006 but before taking this excursion, you should check with Long Lake Parks, Recreation and Tourism to confirm the status. 

DIRECTIONS: Route 30 north from Long Lake, take a left onto the southern leg of Circle Road which is also the access to Lake Lila. Midway around the Circle Road and  just after reach Little Tupper Lake on your left, take a left onto Sabattis Road. (To the right, the northern leg of Circle Road leads to Sabattis Bog – well worth a visit on the return trip. See below.) Continue west on Sabattis Road 1.3 nukes to Whitney Wilderness Headquarters on the left side of the road.  There is a parking lot near the boat launch.  Little Tupper Lake is a non-motorized access lake except for two homes on the lake which are allowed to have motorized access. 

Little Tupper Lake and Round Lake are part of the William C. Whitney Wilderness Area that was just designated a New York State “Important Bird Area” in 2005 by Audubon New York.  A canoe trip will be approximately eight to nine miles round trip from the Whitney Headquarters on Little Tupper Lake.  Two miles will be on Little Tupper Lake, and the other six to seven miles will be on the inlet between the lakes and on Round Lake itself.  There is a large population of Common Loons found on Little Tupper Lake.  After entering the inlet brook, participants will paddle along marshes with American Bitterns, Great Blue Herons, and various waterfowl (with possible Pied-billed Grebes).  Paddlers will then follow the shoreline of Round Lake that includes boreal habitat with Yellow-bellied Flycatchers, Lincoln’s Sparrows, and other possible boreal species.  The area is also home to many active otters! 

Sabattis Bog

DIRECTIONS: Follow the directions for Lake Lila (see above) to the outlet of Little Tupper Lake. Take a right on the northern arm of Circle Road. (Those coming south from Tupper Lake on Route 30 can simply turn right onto the northern arm of Circle Road.) Look for a small open bog mat with scattered, stunted spruces on the north side of Circle Road. Many inter- nesting northern birds can be found here, including Gray Jay in the taller spruce-balsam. Palm warbler and Lincoln’s Sparrow can often be heard singing during early summer. The forest along the road has a variety of songbirds. Spruce Grouse have been seen along the shoulder of the road.

Another interesting bog can be found by following the directions for Lake Lila to the lake turnoff. Continue west on Sabattis Road to the railroad tracks and site of the old Sabattis station. Hike the RR tracks to the northeast through the center of the bog, home to many frequently-sought birds, including the Northern Saw-Whet Owl and Northern Parula.  Good winter birding, too.

Ferd’s Bog (IBA in 2004 edition)

DIRECTION5: Heading northwest from inlet on Route 28, take a right onto Browns Tract Road, just before entering Eagle Bay. Paved for the first mile, it becomes dirt tor ’.5 miles. Continue to the small parking area on the left.

The trail to the bog is only .3 miles. Watch for boreal birds along the trail Listen for woodpeckers and check each one out. as it may be an American Three-toed or Black-backed Woodpecker working on one of the many dead spruces near the trail. Most of the Wood W warblers can be found in the hardwoods by the parking lot or trail, On the boardwalk at the end of the trail, have some food ready to feed the inquisitive Gray Jays. During breeding season until mid-iuly, look and listen for Olive-Sided and Yellow-Bellied Flycatchers, Nashville Warbler, Northern Parula and Palm Warbler, and Lincoln’s, Swamp and White- Throated Sparrows. There are Great Blue Herons beyond the tall pines to the north. Tree Swallows and Eastern Bluebirds often use the old woodpecker holes in the dead snags along the brook. During July and early August, the bog is beautifully covered with White Fringed Orchids and Grass-pinks.

South Inlet, Raquette Lake

DIRECTIONS: Going east from Raquette Lake village on Route 28, cross South Inlet on a large blue bridge. There is good parking and easy access to the water on the south side of the road. This is a two-mile, flat-water paddle to an old dam that generated the power for the Sagamore estate complex years ago.

The waterway is good Boreal Habitat. Look for Wood Warblers near the dam. The American Bittern can often be heard doing his water-pump Oong-ka ’ choonk! Oong-ka ’ choonk! Oon-ka ’ choonk! call near the bridge in june The mile-long foot trail on the right side of the dam goes through large hardwoods to the Sagamore Road and is good for Warblers and other summer songsters.

Moose River Plains Recreational Area (IBA)

DIRECTIONS: The Moose River Plains Recreational Area has two entrances. From the east the Cedar River Entrance is accessed from the Cedar River Road (see above). Bear right at the end of the road to the gate. The other is the Limekiln Entrance, reached by going east from Inlet on Route 28 to Limekiln Road. Follow for two miles past the Limekiln Campsite entrance on the right to the next dirt road on the left where the gate is located. The area is 25 miles from gate-to-gate. Side roads lead to Rockdam Trail (five miles) and Little Indian Lake (eight miles) – both are dead ends.

 A rich variety of northern birds can be found in this fifty-thousand-acre forest. Habitat changes from open plains, boreal forest and mature hardwoods to virgin pines. The property was purchased by NYState in 1963 from the Gould Paper Company. Almost every species of breeding bird in Hamilton County can

be found in one of the habitats along the main road or on one of the side trails to the many lakes and ponds. Some of the favorite trails are the short ones to Helldiver, Icehouse and Lost Ponds. Longer trails lead to Beaver Lake or Rockdam where the Red River and the South Branch of the Moose River meet at a natural rock barrier across the rivers’ junction. This trail starts in neighboring Herkimer County, you cross the county line just below the dam. The MRRA opens on or about Memorial Day weekend depending on road conditions after winter.  

Blue Mountain

Directions:  The Trailhead Parking area is located approximately 9 miles south of Long Lake on Route 28N/30.  The trailhead is on the right side of the road as you drive south.

The trail to the summit is 2 miles long with a 1550-foot ascent.  It is a strenuous climb.  The summit elevation is 3759 feet.  Participants should wear appropriate hiking shoes, and bring along a waterproof jacket.  Other items to bring:  insect repellent, water, food, and binoculars.  The lower portion of the trail will be in mixed woodland habitat, and progress to spruce/fir boreal habitat in the upper portion.  A wide variety of birds will be found along the trail including: several woodpecker species, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, Least Flycatcher, Red-eyed Vireo, Blue-headed Vireo, Boreal Chickadee, Winter Wren, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Bicknell’s Thrush, Swainson’s Thrush, Hermit Thrush, many warbler species, including Blackpoll Warbler near the summit, and White-throated Sparrow.  Many of the high elevation birds can be quite secretive and may be heard, but not observed.  There are lovely views on the open rock summit, and a fire tower that can be climbed.  A long break on the summit will allow participants to eat and stroll around the open rock listening and watching for high elevation species.

Northville-Placid Trail

Directions:  There are two sections of the Northvill-Placid Trail.  The trail head for the south section is a large parking lot on the south side of Rte. 28N, 1.6 miles from Hoss's Country Corner. It is almost directly opposite the intersection with the Tarbell Hill Road.

The trailhead to the North section is on the right side of the Tarbell Hill Road, approximately 6 tenths of a mile from Rte 28N.  Hiking the entire length of this trail is is generally considered to be for the serious back packer.  For the birder, the section from Tarbell Hill to Caitlin Bay provides a excellent outing.  

A bird walk in these areas will take participants through a wide variety of habitats including boreal forest, marsh/bog, swamp, mixed forest, deciduous woods, and to the shoreline of Long Lake.  The hike will be approximately four miles - two miles round trip on the south trail, and two miles round trip on the north trail, with little elevation change on the south trail, and 250 feet of elevation change on the north trail.  The walk through boreal wetlands, often on raised wooden walkways, is home to Black-backed Woodpeckers, Yellow-bellied Flycatchers and Boreal Chickadees.  Along the way, in the boreal forest, is a lovely marsh/bog with a meandering brook.  There is a “northern” feeling when walking through this area dominated by spruce, fir, tamarack and alders.  Some of the additional species that may be observed across the many habitats on the walk include, Common Loon, several raptor species (Sharp-shinned Hawk, Northern Goshawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, Broad-winged Hawk, and Merlin), Eastern Wood-Pewee, Least Flycatcher, Common Raven, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, Winter Wren, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Swainson’s Thrush, Hermit Thrush, fourteen warbler species (Nashville Warbler, Northern Parula, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Magnolia Warbler, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler, Blackburnian Warbler, Pine Warbler, Black-and-White Warbler, American Redstart, Ovenbird, Mourning Warbler, and Common Yellowthroat), Scarlet Tanager, Swamp Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, etc. 

Happy birding.  This brochure was written by a person who enjoys the birds out of his kitchen window and when he sees them in the wild but does not make any special effort to enjoy them.  He wishes to thank everyone who helped with this effort, proof read the document and made suggestions.  

VISITORS SINCE DECEMBER 14, 2005

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