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All three of these areas are quite similar in habitat, and quite close to each other. All three sites are a popular hunting location. However, in the spring migration and breeding season, few hunters can be seen and hikers are likely the only people to be met. The higher elevation and conifer forests make for interesting habitat. In winter, the area is largely inaccessible, due to large amounts of snowfall and seasonal roads. However, XC skiis allow access. Winter finches and other wintering birds are still possible. These areas are virtually unexplored (birding-wise) area deserves more coverage.
Rattlesnake Hill Wildlife Management Area (5,150 acres) is managed for wildlife - primarily whitetail deer, Wild Turkeys and Ruffed Grouse. A few small ponds have been added for duck habitat, although it is not a popular waterfowl site.
Canaseraga State Forest and Ossian State Forest are just that... State Forests. The primary purpose of these 2600 acres is to farm out trees for the state. That purpose in combination with the fact that it is located in the higher hills of the southern part of the region make it a worthwhile birding habitat in spring and summer. The ages of growth from clearcut forest, to saplings, to second growth, to mature growth produce a variety of habitat, and hence a variety of species.
The easiest way to reach Rattlesnake Hill is to take I-390 south to NYS Route 408 (Mount Morris exit). Take NYS Route 408 south, through Mt Morris and through Nunda and into Dalton. Take NYS Route 70 south to the Livingston County line. The last road you passed to the east (1/4 mile) is the road to take you to Rattlesnake Hill. However, continue straight ahead to Klossner's Pond . This pond sidles NYS Route 70 and can be seen from quite a few spots. Migrating waterfowl rests on this pond. The north end of the pond is a swampy/marshy area that often holds interesting birds, especially in winter such as Rusty and RW Blackbirds. After viewing the pond, head back north on NYS Route 70. The first road to the left can be just as interesting. Lots of cover and food can be found on this road near the old railroad crossing. Park and walk along the road. Red-Shouldered Hawk has been found wintering here. A map that accompanies the following directions is located here (41KB).
Continue north on NYS Route 70. After crossing the Livingston County line, turn right. Soon, an access spot to Rattlesnake Hill is the right. The stream on the left has held Acadian Flycatcher, and possibly Louisiana Waterthrush.
Continue to the first intersection (Shute Road), head east (right). At the fork, take the right fork (Ebert Road). This becomes a seasonal road. Ruffed Grouse is often seen crossing the road or sitting along the edges. American Woodcock is quite common in April, as it is heard/seen displaying along the road edges at dusk. Several access points exist along Ebert Road. One of the first is a fire access road. Near the top of the hill is an intersection with another dirt road heading north. Park to the right (south) in the lot opposite this road. Walk south on the trails. Immediately, a few small ponds are visible. Common Ravens, Red-Shouldered and Broad-winged Hawks have all been heard or seen from here during breeding season. Check for Hooded Merganser and Wood Duck. Several trails wander about the ponds, and a few meander to points further.
Continue east on Ebert Road. Be watchful for Ruffed Grouse and American Woodcock. More parking access spots exist. Get out and walk at any of them. Continue until the roads "T"s. Turn right and park in the first lot. Again, lots of trails head out of this lot. Take the old fire access road south past the yellow roadblock bars through the maple grove. Broad-winged Hawk has been found nesting very near this road. Barred Owl can often be called to respond during mid-day along this road. A few hundred yards in is a trail leading west. This trail leads back to the top of the hill by the ponds. A small pond is only 50 or so yards from here and is a quiet respite. A boy scout outhouse on this trail offers the most minimal of emergency restroom services (no running water). The road ahead is a peaceful walk.
Head down Dannock Hill Road. At the edge of Rattlesnake Hill property is a farm field that can hold wintering raptors. Northern Harrier may nest nearby in summer.
From the I-390, travel south to Dansville. Take exit 5, drive through town to NYS Route 436. Turn right (west). At the base of the hill, Canaseraga Creek flows north. Check for waterfowl, herons and swallows. E. Phoebe often nests here. After the bridge, take the first left. This roads climbs a steep hillside for several miles into the township of Ossian. In Ossian, turn left (south) onto Sugar Creek Road. This pastoral pasture is worth watching for grassland species. Turn right (west) onto Blank Hill Road. At the base of the hill is a small stream. Check for waterfowl, herons and swallows. E. Phoebe often nests here. Continue up this road past the houses. Soon, the main access to Canaseraga State Forest will be visible on the left. Park here, but out of the way of other vehicles (although I have never seen another vehicle here). Across the road from the entrance is a large field that often holds nesting E. Meadowlarks and Bobolinks. The Red Pines on the west side of the entrance have held up to a half dozen nesting Pine Warblers. Bird the road south into the state forest. The road "T"s. Take the road to the right. Yellow-rumped Warbler has nested in the scrub to the south. Red-Shouldered and Broad-winged Hawks have been seen soaring overhead (presumably nesters). Up to 15-20 species of warbler have been found here in late June. Continue around the bends. At the stream listen for Winter Wren, flycatchers and possible Louisiana Waterthrush. Just around the bend from the stream is a large set of oaks to the west. Cerulean Warbler has been heard here in/near the canopy. YB Sapsuckers are prevalent.
At the end of this branch, return to your car. The left road at the "T" is largely unexplored but offers the same potential. It is quite hilly and can be walked, or it can be driven slowly. Returning back to Blank Hill, head west. The road becomes a seasonal road and can be quite rough (not for the faint-hearted). It can be birded (by foot, or by car) all the way to the bottom. At the bottom is Scott's Hill Road. Turn right. At the next intersection is where Dannock Hill Road merges from the Rattlesnake Hill Wildlife Management Area tour. Rattlesnake Hill can now be birded. Or turn right and head back into Dansville.
Directions: Under construction.
Several paris of Prairie Warbler have been found at the intersection of Snyder Road and Delude Hill Road just west of Rattlesnake Hill. View a map. Somewhere near that intersection is a branch of the Finger Lakes Trail.
None. No phones, no restrooms, no food. The closest sites for any of these would be Nunda or Dansville. Nunda has a few gas stations and diners. Dansville has gas stations, diners, and a few fast food places.
This page was last updated on 18 April 2001.
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Copyright, © Kurt Fox, 1999-2001.
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