Washington county grasslands iba

This unique area, located along the Atlantic and Hudson River flyways in upstate New York, hosts abundant populations of grassland breeding birds and wintering raptors, including Snowy owls and state-endangered Short-eared owls.

Northern Harriers threatened , Upland sandpipers threatened , Horned larks threatened , Sedge wrens threatened , Eastern meadowlarks species of concern and American kestrels species of concern are a few of more than a dozen threatened and rapidly declining grassland bird species that depend on the open fields and meadows of the Washington County Grasslands IBA for their survival. More than species of birds breed, winter or migrate through the Washington County Grasslands region.

Common raptor sightings include Short-eared owls, Northern harriers, Red-tailed hawks, Rough-legged hawks and Snowy owls; Bald eagles and Osprey can be found near the river. Peregrine falcons nest nearby and are occasionally spotted hunting in the area. Breeding grassland songbirds include Bobolinks, Eastern meadowlarks, Eastern bluebirds, Savannah sparrows and Grasshopper sparrows.

Conserved grasslands are usually managed to provide habitat for the greatest diversity of species. Fields are managed on a 3-year rotation; that is, one third of a site is cut each year. Fields left uncut for more than three years begin reverting to shrub-land and lose their value as habitat for grassland birds. Visit our Managing Grasslands page to learn more!

Y et only acres of a 2, acre core area of critical grassland habitat have been protected! Skip to content. These areas are identified by scientists as locations where either certain at-risk species dwell, where birds thrive in a specific kind of habitat, or where large populations of birds gather. As for New York State's BCAs, they follow in Audubon's footsteps and act as protected sites where birds can thrive and where researchers, agencies, and birders can observe them on state-owned lands.

Interested in exploring some of these protected habitats yourself? Bring your binoculars and your telephoto lenses, as you'll have the opportunity to watch some common local species, as well as glimpse some remarkable rare and threatened birds. Photo credit: Grassland Bird Trust. If you're interested in catching sight of threatened and endangered species, then you'll want to go birding here. Species to look for: While you can try your hand at spotting fairly common species such as Northern Cardinals, Red-winged Blackbirds, Eastern Meadowlarks, Bobolinks, and Killdeer, the Grasslands are particularly noted for their population of rarer species such as Henslow's Sparrows, Golden Eagles, and Upland Sandpipers.

The Grasslands are also known as an excellent place to catch sight of wintering raptors and songbirds, such as Snow Buntings, Northern Shrike, Snowy Owls, and Peregrine Falcons. The most notable residents of the Grasslands are the threatened Northern Harriers and the endangered Short-eared Owls, which draw many birders to this Important Bird Area.

How to get there: There are three public viewing sites in the Grasslands, but the Alfred Z. Solomon Grassland Bird Viewing Area is a great place to start. Once you leave Fort Edward, continue for two miles before turning left onto Route The viewing area will be about 0. Much of the region is composed of forest, and both Moreau Lake and the Hudson River provide wonderful habitats for birds.

Want to cross a rare species off your "to-see" list? Bald Eagles can also be spotted in the winter months. In about 0. Entrance fee: The State Park charges a vehicle entrance fee between the end of May and the beginning of September, as well as on weekends in late spring and early fall.