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The Tifft Nature Preserve is one of Buffalo's premier migrant traps. In spring, and sometimes even fall, migrants seem to ooze from the bushes. Located along the east end of Lake Erie, the preserve seems to have an island effect as it is one of the few green spots along this stretch of the migration route. In addition to landbirds, the ponds have drawn rarer migrants as well, such as Snowy Egret and Tricolored Heron (both in Spring 2000).
Tifft Nature Preserve is only open from dawn to dusk. The nature center is worth a visit to examine the sightings log book, purchase a gift, or use the bathroom facilities. To the north of the entrance is a pond that can be checked for ducks, shorebirds, waders and swallows. To the south of the entrance is an old landfill, which is now maintained as a small grassland. Bobolinks, E. Meadowlarks and E. Bluebirds might be found in season. Heading into the preserve is a set of well- maintained and well-named paths (such as Mosquito Junction). Carolina Wren is a regular resident. A Service Road exists for employee-only maintenance traffic. Several trails have boardwalks over a marsh and/or viewing blinds. Be sure to look and listen for marsh birds (ducks, rails, bitterns). For passerines, the south portion of the preserve is generally better than the north. Mosquito Junction and Warbler Walk are often the most productive.
If coming during the winter, be sure to bring birdseed, preferrably black-oil sunflower, to hand-feed the chickadees. The deer here are quite tame and can often be approached to within almost arm's length. Be forewarned that they are still wild animals and should be treated with respect.
Some links to visit:
Instead of a downtown route, take I-190, the Niagara section of the New York State Thruway, exit onto the Skyway Bridge, Route 5 south. Just off the bridge, exit at the first right onto the road that parallels Route 5 (Fuhrmann Blvd). Observe the inner harbor and grain elevators along this stretch for several miles, (a Gyrfalcon has been seen along here in years past). At the first and only traffic signal, turn left (east) onto Tifft Street. Then an immediate left (north) onto Fuhrmann Blvd (a one-way street), and continue about a 1/4 mile to the Tifft Nature Preserve.
Restrooms and maps are available within the nature center. A donation is suggested.
Buffalo Waterfront and Times Beach .
This page was last updated on 01 May 2002.
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Copyright, © Kurt Fox, 1999-2002.
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