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Late Fall
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The Niagara River connects Lake Erie to Lake Ontario and passes by the cities of Buffalo and Niagara Falls. Few automobile bridges connect the United States and the Canadian sides of the river. Several small islands lie in the river itself, the largest being Grand Island.
Aside from the viewing charm of the waterfalls itself, birders acknowledge the river as the best place in North America to watch gulls. The large volumes of rapid and turbulent waters keep much of the river open in the winter months. The open waters in winter attract the gulls and waterfowl. It has recently been nominated as the first Important Bird Area in Kingbird Region 1.
Viewing is better from the Canadian side. Most gull-watchers frequent the Canadian side; if a rare gull has been seen, it is easier for word to be passed along. The New York side is very industrial and built up, with fewer opportunities to stop and look along the river. If birding the NYS side, you will seldom see other birders here. Keep in mind gulls and terns feed in open water and are attracted to churning water.
An upcoming ABA Guide to Metro Areas will provide a detailed description of where to bird on the river.
** California Gull was not identified at the river until 1992. However, it has been found every year since, sometimes more than one individual. Generally speaking, it is first found about mid-November, and may be seen sporadically for 2-4 weeks thereafter. It is most often found sitting atop the Robert Moses Power Plant.
What gulls are likely to be seen and in what plumage? Visit :
Gulls on the Niagara River
Discussion:
Just before dusk, one may head to Fort Niagara State Park to look at some of the outbound gulls and search for ducks (lots of Oldsquaw) at the mouth of the river. Western Grebe, jaegers, eiders, and alcids have been reported here over the years. From the Canadian side check the Fort Niagara for the possibility of Snowy Owl
near the waterline.
Additionally, the park has many tall oaks, which are the home to (possibly year-round) Red-headed Woodpeckers, and ornamental fruit trees near the entrance and along the seaway trail, which may hold Bohemian Waxwing (nearly annual) or Pine Grosbeaks (as recent as 2001). Check the fruiting trees before the (unmanned) toll booth for waxwings
and grosbeaks. Winter finches move along the Lake Ontario shoreline and might be heard passing overhead or stopping briefly in the park. All the passerines are hit-or-miss. I believe that public restrooms are available within the park.
After spending time at Fort Niagara State Park, continue south on the Robert Moses Parkway (follow the ample signs from the state park to reach the parkway). Watch for Rough-legged Hawks or waxwing flocks as you drive towards Lewiston.
Analogous site: Fort Niagara State Park offers the same sunset Bonaparte's exodus possibilities as Niagara-on-the-Lake
Discussion:
Exit the Robert Moses Parkway at Lewiston (on Route 104/18F exit). From the exit ramp, turn right (west) into Lewiston. Take it all the way to the river to the Lewiston boat launch docks. Public parking is available here. Be sure to check upriver and downriver as much as possible. A scope is often necessary. Trees may partially obstruct views, but moving along the river, or down to the docks may provide better views. One can also look at the river from Earl W. Brydges Artpark (or just called "Artpark"), which is also in Lewiston.
Analogous site: Lewiston docks offers the same possibilities as Queenston
After spending time at Lewiston, return to the Robert Moses Parkway and continue south. If you are intending to cross into Canada, pay close attention to the road signs as it can get confusing. Sticking to the American side, continue south on the Robert Moses Parkway.
Discussion:
Robert Moses Hydro plant is the hydro station between the falls and Lewiston. It offers similar gulling possibilities (but not the same viewing opportunities) as Sir Adam Beck . The river below is often the premier spot to be situated late in the day (due to lighting and due to the fact that the large gulls can easily be studied in flight). The power stations have been deemed the best place to
look for California Gull , which likes to perch atop the Robert Moses power plant
across the river. Beck is a much easier location to get the white-wings (Thayer's, Iceland and Glaucous) than the falls. When you are at the Power Vista, you actually look across the river at the Canadian side at the Sir Adam Beck Power Plant .
Directions:
You will pass over the Robert Moses Hydro plant. A pedestrian bridge over the road indicates the Power Vista. The public may see the Robert Moses Hydro plant from access on the overlook here. Access is free, but you must enter the building and pass a security guard. It may offer viewing of the hydro plants similar to Sir Adam Beck with a different angle on the gulls and lighting conditions. Since the Sept 11, 2001 events, the power plant has received threats. Birding access may be dependent upon the guards on duty (scopes may look like surveillance cameras). Be polite.
After passing the Power Vista, continue south on the Robert Moses Parkway for about 0.7 miles to the Devil's Hole State Park entrance.
Analogous site: Robert Moses Hydro plant offers similar gulling possibilities (but not the same viewing opportunities) as Sir Adam Beck
Discussion:
Two entrances exist for the Devil's Hole State Park, one for each lane direction. Pull off in the southbound entrance. Walk
over to the edge of the gorge and look down and to the right (toward
the power plants). This is just upriver from the power plants. The
rocks are along the NY shore and always have gulls on them unless fishermen
or hikers have scared them off. Nearly every year, California Gull is seen roosting on the rocks. These rocks are in NY waters. Looking into the gorge, you are looking at the rocks opposite the Ontario Hydro Access Road.
Analogous site: Devil's Hole State Park offers similar gulling possibilities as Ontario Hydro Access Road
Discussion:
After looking at Devil's Hole State Park, continue south to the Whirlpool State Park entrance (about 1.2 miles). Pull in here and park. I believe that public restrooms are here. Walk down towards the river.
A cable car (Spanish Aero Car) runs from one parking area on the south side over the whirlpool to the north side. Tickets for tourists (the cable car does not yield better birding views) can only be purchased at the south side on the Canadian side. In recent years, Ross's, Black-legged Kittiwake (1999, 2000), Laughing Gull (1999), Black-headed (2001) have been found. Bonaparte's Gulls are prevalent here.
Although trees may obscure some views, plenty of opportunities exist for looking at the Whirlpool.
Analogous site: Whirlpool State Park offers similar gulling possibilities (but not the same viewing opportunities) as Whirlpool Area
Discussion:
The world-renowned set of falls (the American Falls and the spectacular Horseshoe Falls) offers spectacular views. It is hard to get good viewing conditions at the falls itself because the lighting is seldom optimal for viewing gulls and other birds. But, the stop is can be great for gulls and odd waterfowl; and at least, worth a look at the falls itself. This is sometimes called "the gorge". Gulls perch on the rocks and waters near the Maid of the Mist docks near the Canadian shoreline. Be sure to scan the river all the way down to the Rainbow bridge , as Franklin's Gull sometimes lingers down that far. Eiders, Harlequin Ducks, Barrow's Goldeneye, both phalaropes, and Pacific Loon have been seen below the falls.
Directions:
After viewing Devil's Hole, turn right (south) onto the Robert Moses Parkway and continue south for about 2.3 miles to the Rainbow bridge (Niagara Street). Again, if you are intending to cross into Canada on the Rainbow bridge, pay close attention to the road signs as it can get confusing. Sticking to the American side, continue south (the Robert Moses Parkway becomes Rainbow Blvd as you pass over Niagara St). One can pay and park in the Niagara Falls State Park area to look for the same gulls found in the gorge below as on the Canadian side - just follow the signs. There are minimal viewing spots at the falls, but public access exists.
Alternately, one can continue to attempt to view the falls area from Goat Island , just above the falls. Trees can be problem for a thorough
check, but spots do exist for viewing. Unusual passerines and other migrants are here that make the local hotlines. From the Niagara Falls State Park, continue south on Rainbow Blvd to 1st street (less than 0.25 miles from Niagara St). Turn right (west) onto 1st St, cross the
American Rapids Bridge to Goat Island (Niagara Reservation State Park). The access road circles the island. View where parking and opportunities present themselves. Be sure to scan the waterfowl for rarities (such as Barrow's Goldeneye), and watch the skies for Peregrine Falcon.
Analogous site: American Falls and Goat Island offers similar gulling possibilities (but not the same viewing opportunities) as the numerous sites across the river at Niagara Falls .
Discussion:
After checking out Goat Island, cross the American Rapids Bridge to the mainland. Turn right (on the the Niagara Falls State Park entrance road, or ahead on Rainbow Blvd) and continue south. After exitting the park, or coming from Rainbow Blvd, merge onto the Robert Moses Parkway and continue south (actually heading east via the compass) for 3 miles to the I-190. Take I-190 south over the bridge to Grand Island ($0.50 (US) fee). Viewing spots (mostly for waterfowl and/or passerines) can be had on Grand Island
(near the bridges) at Buckhorn Island State Park at the north end and Beaver Island State Park at the south end. Interesting birds may include Bald Eagles at Navy Island at the northern end of Grand Island or Tundra Swans in the vicinity of Motor/Strawberry Islands at the southern end of Grand Island. Otherwise, cross Grand Island and the other bridge (no fee) and continue south towards the Peace Bridge.
Discussion:
This can be a particularly good place to stop since the Peace Bridge is near the source of the Niagara River (Lake Erie). Gulls that may otherwise congregate over Lake Erie may gather here. Sometimes strong SW winds blow gulls into this area.
This site is opposite Fort Erie and Nichol's Marina ("Nichol's Marina" is 'written' in the roofing shingles of a building across the water) where terns might be found in late fall. Stop and scan small gulls beneath the Peace Bridge . One can walk upriver on Bird Island Pier (weather depending) to the West Side Rowing Club or downriver along the Bike Path to the Sewage Plant and the International Railroad Bridge on Squaw Island . The International Railroad Bridge is another location where small gulls gather. Gulls and terns may be seen from any of these spots, but primarily in the one
mile stretch between Peace Bridge and the International Railroad Bridge. Broderick Park is also on Squaw Island.
Directions
Exit the I-190 at Exit 11 (just over 11 miles from entering the I-190) at the Scajaquada Expressway (I-198) and immediately exit onto Niagara St. Head south on Niagara St for 0.9 miles to West Ferry Street. Turn right (west) on West Ferry Street and take it to the end. Cross the Ferry Street lift bridge over Black Rock Canal and park to the right (Squaw Island is bounded by the to the east and the Niagara River to the west). The Peace Bridge and International Railroad Bridge can be seen from here.
After birding the area, return to Niagara St and head south (right) on Niagara St for 1.1 miles to Porter Ave. Turn right onto Porter Ave and take it to the end (0.8 miles). This is actually Lasalle Park on Lake Erie on the Buffalo waterfront/Buffalo Harbor area. Gulls (and sometimes shorebirds or Snowy Owl) concentrate on the piers, especially with strong SW winds.
One can circle Lasalle Park back to Porter Ave and back to the I-190 to the Peace Bridge or points elsewhere.
Rest of the year: This site is primaily for gulls and waterfowl and these are the routes to take. Other WNY Birding web pages describe sites along this route for non-gull-watching activities.
This page was last updated on 02 May 2002. Comments or questions regarding this page should be sent to Webmaster. Fort Niagara State Park
Targets: Massive Bonaparte's Gull exodus. Rarer smaller gulls among the Bonaparte's Gulls. Lewiston
Targets: Rarer smaller gulls among the Bonaparte's Gulls. Little Gull is annual and fairly regular here, especially downriver from the boat ramp (use a scope). Robert Moses Hydro plant / Power Vista
Targets: All the gulls can be found here, but large gulls dominate the site from mid-season through the winter. California Gull is quite consistent here. Devil's Hole State Park
Targets: California Gull or other large gulls. Whirlpool State Park
Targets: Rarer smaller gulls among the Bonaparte's Gulls. Mid-River
American Falls
Targets: A must stop for the large gulls. Lesser Black-backed Gull is often found here. "White-winged" gulls are found frequently, plus Franklin's Gull, Sabine's Gull (2000), Little Gull (2000) Grand Island
Targets: No gull targets. Bald Eagle, Tundra Swan Upper River
Peace Bridge
Targets Bonaparte's Gull are usually present here, but one hopes to find Sabine's, Black-headed or Black-legged Kittiwake among them. Rarities in the past have included BL Kittiwake (Nov 2000), Parasitic Jaeger, Little Gull (annual), Black-headed Gull (Jan 2002). Nearby Birding
All of Ontario
Best Birding
Fall through winter provides the best time for gulls, with the most variety in mid- to late- November. Don't miss it.
Copyright, © Kurt Fox, 1999-2002.
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