Alabama Swamp Complex

Tonawanda Wildlife Management Area

Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge

Oak Orchard Wildlife Management Area

Rating

Fall Winter
Spring Summer

Site history/background

This triad of sites is colloquially named "Oak Orchard" by local birders. Tonawanda WMA and Oak Orchard WMA are state-managed preserves, whereas Iroquois NWR is a federal refuge. Together, they comprise over 19,000 acres (5,600 acres, 2545 acres, and 10,818 acres respectively) of well-managed wetland habitat known as the Alabama Swamps. The Wildlife Management Areas were acquired, developed and maintained by funds from the sale of hunting licenses and the excise tax of guns and ammunition. "Donations" to the federal preserve this area are via purchasing a Federal Duck Stamp.

Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1958 by the US Fish and Wildlife Service. A visitor's center on Casey Road is open daily (Monday-Friday) from 8am-4pm, and weekends during fall and spring migration. Comments and questions can be directed to:

Refuge Manager
Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge
PO 517
Alabama, NY 14003
(716) 748-5445

An active Bald Eagle nest exists within the refuge and is visible from the visitor's center on Casey Road. A web cam overlooks the eagle's nest. Another nests lies due north of the Cayuga Pool overlook. An Osprey hacking program existed for a few years and Osprey have nested on or near the refuge. Nature trails and an education center exist in Oak Orchard WMA on Knowlesville Road.

GORP has a useful page, and descriptions. Click here. The official INWR web site can be useful.

Best Birding:

Excellent in Spring and Autumn for waterfowl and poor to fairly good for shorebirds in their migrant seasons as well. Summer is fairly good, especially for nesting waterfowl, but is a "must" for the regularly nesting Prothonotary Warbler, which has been scarce in recent years.

Regular Specialties

Since its inception in 1958, over 266 species have been recorded in Iroquois NWR. Ducks and Geese - lots of them! Spring yearly averages 40,000 geese (up to 100,000) and 4,000 ducks with peak migration in the first two weeks in April. Fall yearly averages 7,500 geese and 8,000 ducks which peaks from mid-September to mid-October.

Twenty-four species of duck have been recorded and ten are nesters with the most common being Wood Ducks, Mallards and Blue-Winged Teal. An active Bald Eagle nest is visible from the visitor's center on Casey Road and another lies due north of the Cayuga Pool overlook. The Prothonotary Warbler seems to have a foothold near the bridge over Oak Orchard Creek on Sour Springs Road and on Swallow Hollow Trail off Knowlesville Road. Acadian Flycatcher regularly nests on Onondaga Trail, which is off Sour Springs Road. American and Least Bittern, Am. Coot, Common Moorhen, Pied-Billed Grebes and Black Terns are regular nesters with migrating (and perhaps nesting) Osprey, Redheads, Ruddy Ducks, and Northern Harriers. A breeding survey conducted in 1999 and 2000 led to the discovery of several dozen Least Bittern nests, perhaps the largest stronghold in WNY. American Bitterns, Marsh Wrens and other marsh birds are present here.

Noteworthy Records

King Rail (most recently Jul 19, 1988 in TWMA), Yellow Rail, Cinnamon Teal, Garganey, Eurasian Wigeon, "Cackling" Goose, Greater White-Fronted Goose, "Blue" and Snow Geese, American Avocet, Sandhill Crane, American White Pelican

Warnings

Since funding is from different levels of government, local maps of each complex are available, but are not all on the same sheet. Iroquois NWR lies between Tonawanda and Oak Orchard WMAs. The Tonawanda and Oak Orchard WMAs maps are especially confusing at first, since the maps are on the same sheet and the roads never meet (Iroquois NWR missing in between) and one often wonders "How do I get there from here?" Bring your Delorme Atlas and Gazeteer, but be forewarned that the roads, although shown correctly, are not always labelled on the maps, nor are always accessible to the public.

Major Areas of interest

Many turnoffs, parking lots, overlooks, pools, ponds and marshes are found throughout the area. The nearby fields can be considered fueling grounds for migrant birds. In addition to the lookouts are several well-marked trails, which can be found on the maps. Detailing each location in a 19,000 acre preserve would be a monumental task, especially since each spot is as likely to be productive as the next.

Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge

Tonawanda Wildlife Management Area Oak Orchard Wildlife Management Area

Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge

The Headquarters for INWR is on Casey Road. A Bald Eagle on a nest may be visible (depending on nesting status and nest site) from a telescope on a tripod, or via a camcorder. The visitor center is primarily open M-F 9Am-5PM. Restrooms and a drinking fountain are here. Check the sightings log book located inside. A staff member is usually present to answer questions. Cavity nesters, such as Wood Duck, American Kestrel, Purple Martin, Tree Swallow and E. Bluebird are found near the building. Bobolinks, E. Meadowlarks and other grassland birds might be seen along Casey Road to the east.

Although not open to the public year-round, Feeder Road offers some excellent birding when available. (I beleive it is closed for breeding season, but opens to the public on Oct 1. The section on Feeder Road north of NYS Route 77 can be driven. To the south, it must be walked. Both American and Least Bitterns nest in numbers to the section to the south and both Sora and Virginia Rail can be heard here. Sedge Wren has been found in recent years on the section to the north. Other waterfowl, waders and marsh birds are to be expected.

The Prothonotary Warbler seems to have a foothold in NYS on Oak Orchard Creek, but has been more difficult to find in recent years. It can often be heard from late-May to mid-June on Swallow Hollow Trail off Knowlesville Road. Other nesting birds of interest on Swallow Hollow Trail often include Red-headed Woodpecker, Least Flycatcher, Yellow-Throated Vireo, Northern Waterthrush, Cerulean Warbler, Scarlet Tanager, Baltimore Oriole and Black-Billed Cuckoo. To reach the location of the Prothonotary Warbler, travel south out of the parking lot on the log boardwalk. Start looking when you reach dirt (the boardwalk ends), and for the next 100 yards or so to the west.

Recent Update: Swallow Hollow Trail is slated to be closed starting in 2001. The boardwalk is in dire need of repair and funds are insufficient to fix it. This location is kept here in anticipation of a new boardwalk.

The south end of Sour Springs Road, where it ends at Roberts Road, is a large grassy field. N. Harriers are a common sight here. In summer, breeding grassland birds have included Henslow's, Grasshopper and Savannah Sparrows, Upland Sandpiper, E Meadowlark and Bobolink. Note: This road is seasonal and closed during the winter.

The Prothonotary Warbler's other foothold in INWR on Oak Orchard Creek is near the bridge over Oak Orchard Creek on Sour Springs Road. It can often be heard from late-May to mid-June. Brown Creeper is quite regular at this spot. Rusty Blackbirds can be found here in spring and fall. All of the local breeding woodpeckers have been recorded here at various times.

Just south of the bridge over Oak Orchard Creek is the trailhead to Onondaga Trail. This is an excellent hike in early June. Near the end of the trail is a peaceful bench to sit and listen to the breeding warblers in nesting season and, often, Acadian Flycatcher. Additionally, some swamp birds (ie: Hooded Mergansers, Wood Ducks, herons, swallows) can be tallied along the way. Great Crested Flycatchers, Scarlet Tanagers,Ovenbirds, Wood Thrush, Veery and maybe even Hermit Thrush can be tallied. If you are feeling lucky, you can try to hoot in a Barred Owl in daylight, and you might be rewarded with one (or perhaps a Pileated Woodpecker).

Mallard Overlook on Ring-necked Marsh is a popular viewing spot. Depending upon season and water level, the birds here might included a variety of ducks, geese, or shorebirds. Osprey nested here and Bald Eagle is seen frequently. Recent rarities include: RN Phalarope, "Richardson's" Canada Geese, Greater White-fronted Goose, and LB Dowitcher. Ring-necked Marsh can be viewed on the opposite side on Oak Orchard Ridge Road . Although not officially named Ring-necked Marsh, the small pond on the east side of Sour Springs Road is sometimes incorrectly called Ring-necked Marsh. It should be checked for the same sorts of birds.

Forrestall Flats is the area on the northeast corner of NYS Route 63 and Oak Orchard Ridge Road. In the spring, this can be great for concentrations of geese (look for the odd goose, such as Greater White-fronted Goose). In Spring and early summer, Upland Sandpiper has been known to be found in the southeast corner of this interscetion. In winter look for wintering raptors.

The Cayuga Pool overlook on NYS Route 77 is a "must see" location. A nice collection of waterfowl can usually be observed here (when ice is not present). This collection includes the commoner birds, plus Gadwall, Redhead, Ruddy Ducks, Marsh Wrens and Black Terns. Bald Eagle has recently built a nest on the far side of this pool. Great Egret is a common site for much of the summer (although not a nester). Rarer nesting and summering birds might be seen here as well, such as N. Shoveler or Ring-necked Duck. Rarities have included Am. White Pelican and displaying Sandhill Cranes.

Tonawanda Wildlife Management Area

The Lewiston overlook is in the Tonawanda WMA and is a pulloff, or two, west of the Cayuga Pool overlook on NYS Route 77. Many of the same birds (shorebirds, waterfowl) might be seen here, although distance is greater and perhaps not quite the same variety. At least 2-3 ponds and overlooks exist; check them all.

Most birders take a circuitous route south down Meadville Road , west onto Bartel/Owen Road , and north up Ditch Road . North of Bartel Road is Woods Marsh . The other ponds have names as well. Be sure to check all ponds for waterfowl and shorebirds. One can never be sure which ponds are being drained by wildlife personnel. This area can be excellent for ducks, rails, bitterns and herons (including Black-crowned Night-heron - heard or seen at night). Rarities seen in this general vicinity have included Marbled Godwit, WE Vireo and a spring Stilt Sandpiper. Black Terns and Redhead may nest near here.

Griswold Road runs north of NYS Route 77 opposite Ditch Road. A few small ponds are here. Sometimes they are drained. Check for waterfowl and ducks.

Oak Orchard Wildlife Management Area

Stafford Pond (aka Goose Pond) off Fishers Road can be good for shorebirds and waterfowl. An observation tower nearby provides a commanding view, although, perhaps, not the best (closest) for viewing shorebirds. Yellow Rail and American White Pelican have been found here, although not recently.

Windmill Marsh off Fishers Road can be good for shorebirds and waterfowl. An observation tower nearby provides a commanding view, although, perhaps, not the best for viewing shorebirds. A variety of nesting waterfowl can be seen from here. PB Grebe and Black Tern are possible. Hacked Trumpeter Swans were found summering here one season. Recent (2000) rarities have included E. Wigeon and Stilt Sandpiper.

Directions

Located on the Delorme NYS Atlas and Gazetteer on page 70, block C1, C2, D1, D2.

A map that accompanies the following directions is located here (53KB).

From Buffalo/Niagara Falls:
Take NYS Route 104 east. Head south (right) onto NYS Route 77. The Tonawanda WMA will be reached first.
From Rochester:
Take the I-490 westbound. Exit onto NYS Route 33 at the Bergen exit. Turn right off the exit ramp onto westbound NYS Route 33. At the traffic light, turn right (north) onto NYS Route 19. A few hundred yards north, turn left (west) onto NYS Route 262. Take NYS Route 262 west into the town of Oakfield. Landmarks are the town of Bergen, the town of Byron (NYS Route 237), and the town of Elba (NYS Route 98). NYS Route 262 ends at NYS Route 63 in the town of Oakfield. Head north (right) on NYS Route 63. It merges with NYS Route 77 and soon splits again in the town of Alabama. NYS Route 63 and 77 form the backbone of the roads in and around the area. The Iroquois Headquarters can be reached by taking NYS Route 63 north and taking the first left onto Casey Road, or taking NYS Route 77 and taking the first right onto Casey Road. This is central to all locations. From the headquarters, you may obtain a map (either inside or from the kiosk outside) and aks about recent sightings (if headquarters is open) and decide where you wish to spend your time.
From outside Western New York:
For simplicity of directions, take exit 48A exit from the I-90 which is the Darien Lakes/Pembroke/NYS Route 77 exit. Head north on NYS Route 77. Travel through Corfu. NYS Route 77 merges with NYS Route 63 and soon splits again in the town of Alabama. NYS Route 63 and 77 form the backbone of the roads in and around the area. The Iroquois NWR Headquarters can be reached by taking NYS Route 63 north and taking the first left onto Casey Road, or taking NYS Route 77 and taking the first right onto Casey Road. This is central to all locations. From the headquarters, you may obtain a map (either inside or from the kiosk outside) and aks about recent sightings (if headquarters is open) and decide where you wish to spend your time.

Nearby Birding:

Batavia Wastewater Treatment Plant is several minutes to the south.

On the way to the Batavia WWTP, be sure to stop at the Gypsum Ponds. These are so-named because of the gypsum mines which pump water into this man-made pond. The variety of birds (mostly loons, grebes, ducs and gulls) here change hourly. The fields to the west have held lots of migrating geese, including Ross's. Check for raptors and field birds. From NY Route 63 north of Oakfield, head south on Hutton Road. The pond is located on the east side of the road can be viewed from a berm. A variety of ducks and waterfowl, and Osprey have occurred here. After viewing this pond, continue south on Hutton Road. Turn left (east) onto Townline Road. Take Townline Road back to NYS Route 63. Turn right and proceed to Batavia.

To the south of Tonawanda WMA is Judge Road. It is located off Feeder Road. It is great for breeding warblers, recently a consistent spot for Golden-winged Warbler, and might hold other birds such as Red-shouldered Hawk. WARNING !!! It is actually on the Seneca Indian Reservation. As such, it is private property, including all roads, despite the lack of signs. Local birders have been accosted just for standing within arm's reach of their own vehicles. I have known another birder being asked questions at the end of a double-barrel shotgun. This site is only mentioned, not because it is an excellent place to see birds, but the warnings pertaining to this site are often disregarded and not mentioned.

To the north of the refuge along NY Route 77 is Fletcher Chapel Road. Upland Sandpiper has known to nest in the vicinity.

To the north is the hamlet of Shelby. Short-eared Owls and wintering raptors can be found in the vicinity (for exaple, on Johnson Road, east of Countyline Road. The flats and fields to the north of the refuge also may hold plovers in migration.

Facilities:

There are restrooms at the headquarters on Casey Road. The indoor facilities offer running water and are heated in colder months, but are only open when the headquarters are open. Port-a-johns are sometimes available in the parking lot of the headquarters. At the intersection of NY Route 77 and 63 in Alabama is a convenient store that makes excellent subs and has other food available.

State Resources Online

A map to the Oak Orchard and Tonawanda Wildlife Management Areas are currently annotated to describe the area. Those web pages are sponsored by the NYS DEC at the NYSDEC WMA's Region 8 (Genesee) web page. If this web site is unreachable, try to tunnel in from the NYSDEC Wildlife Management Areas or NYSDEC Bureau of Wildlife.

This page was last updated on 18 April 2001.

Comments or questions regarding this page should be sent to Webmaster.
Copyright, © Kurt Fox, 1999-2001.
Return to main page