Livingston County’s Migration of Predators

Livingston County’s Migration of Predators

                                                                                                                                                                          story by Rich Englebrecht

 

Livingston County is primarily rural and is home to a wide variety of wildlife.  It is also on one of the many major flyways for migrating birds. You can look outside at almost any time and spot the V-formation of Canadian Geese flying overhead.

This migration brings with it predators, some large, some small. We are fortunate to have some areas in this county that can be incredible places to view this circle of life in action.  Nations Road is a favorite spot for grassland birds.  The habitat is mostly open fields with some wooded areas, a small marsh, and a stream.  Good field birds in summer and winter.  Winter offers the possibility of Short-eared Owl, Northern Harrier, and other raptors.

Nations Road is the number one stop of the Livingston County Birdwatching Trail, part of the Finger Lakes Trails system.  Short-eared Owls, A.K.A. Shorties, are commonly seen at this time of year along this road. The best time to go is in the hour or two before dusk. Watch fence posts and tree lines. Take a good pair of binoculars, a spotting scope, and a camera.

Please, do your viewings from your car and leave wildlife wild.  Avoid interfering with their activities if you decide to observe them in their natural habitat.

 

                   

 

 

                   

 

photos courtesy of Mr. E. Photography

                                                                                                                                                                                  http://facebook.com/MrEPhotographer