April Outdoor Discovery

Watchable Wildlife: Montezuma Wildlife Refuge Spring Waterfowl Migration

Seneca Falls, Seneca County

Wildlife abounds at Montezuma Wetlands Complex, where thousands of acres are spread across three cooperatively managed parcels: Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge, Northern Montezuma Wildlife Management Area, and Montezuma Audubon Center. These expansive wetlands in the middle of New York State are a birder’s paradise of mudflats, marshes, open water, forest, shrubland, and grassland. Montezuma is one of the busiest stops for migrating birds on the Atlantic Flyway, particularly waterfowl.

Dozens of miles of trails and roads take you on foot or by car around the complex. Bring binoculars and cameras to capture Canada geese and snow geese filling the sky, while below, tundra swans feed on vegetation. Endless flocks of other waterfowl from familiar mallards to spectacularly marked wood ducks dive and dabble in the open water. More than 20 shorebird species forage in the mudflats, sometimes under the watchful gaze of a hungry peregrine falcon or merlin. Lucky visitors might witness the stirring sight of a bald eagle on the wing or perched in a tree.

I Love My Park Day

Give Back to the Places You Love on May 4, 2019!

I Love My Park Day is an annual event that brings together thousands of volunteers to celebrate and enhance New York's parks, historic sites, and public lands. DEC has events at a variety of locations - from trails in the Adirondack and Catskill Forest Preserves to popular campgrounds to urban escapes - providing many opportunities for New Yorkers to help clean up, restore, and enhance these special places. Registration for events will be open in April on DEC’s website or Parks and Trails NY. Some 2018 projects included installing new playground equipment at Ausable Point Campground, removing invasive species at Mt. Loretto Unique Area, and cutting branches and limbs at Harris Hill State Forest.

Amphibian Migrations: Why did the salamander cross the road?

Have you ever witnessed large numbers of salamanders (PDF) and frogs (PDF) crossing the road on rainy spring nights? While they spend much of the year on land, mole salamanders and wood frogs all breed in woodland pools, a type of small, temporary wetland found in forests. They emerge from hibernation on rainy nights in late winter and early spring, usually in mid-March to early April, when the ground is thawed and evening air temperatures stay above 40ºF.

When conditions are right, there are often hundreds, if not thousands, of amphibians on the move. Nature enthusiasts often refer to these spring migration events as "Big Nights."

Trout Fishing Season Opens April 1

New York’s trout fishing season opens on Monday, April 1. Supporting the State's growing sport fishing industry. which produces an estimated $1.8 billion in economic activity each year, DEC stocks more than two million catchable-size trout in lakes, ponds, and streams across the State. Anglers should visit DEC's website for a list of stocked waters, and the Coldwater Fishing Forecast for recommended trout and salmon fishing locations.

Although fishing conditions can be less than optimal during the early season, conditions will improve as the weather warms. As always, the best early season fishing can be found on Long Island, and in the lower Hudson Valley and Western New York, which tend to warm up earlier than other areas of the State.

The I FISH NY Guide to Trout Fishing with Synthetic Bait describes a very effective technique to catch early season trout in ponds. The I FISH NY Guide to Trout Fishing in Streams (PDF) provides good information for those who prefer trout fishing in moving waters. 

Nature Notes

Spring burn ban is in effect March 16 through May 14 statewide to help prevent wildfires.

Upcoming DEC Events

Family Nature Quest – Busy Beavers, 4/6 at 10:30 a.m., Reinstein Woods EEC

Outdoor Fun: Vernal Pool Exploration, 4/6 at 2 p.m., Five Rivers EEC

Guided Walk: Beaver Tree Trail, 4/20 at 2 p.m., Five Rivers EEC

Earth Day – April 22

Free Earth Day Fishing Clinic, 4/28 at 1:00 PM, Prospect Park, Brooklyn

Outdoor Skills, 4/27 at 10 a.m., Reinstein Woods EEC

Conservationist Magazine

Don’t miss the upcoming April issue of Conservationist. With spring and the opening of trout season upon us, learn the secret for successfully catching and releasing trout while worm fishing. Also read the exploits of some hikers who weren’t fully prepared for their treks and learn how to avoid their mistakes. You can also learn about the invasive spotted lanternfly, and read accounts of two families who participated in Outdoors Days last June, and how you can join the fun this year. These articles and much more are featured in the April Conservationist.

Subscribe online or call 1-800-678-6399 to receive the Conservationist year-round.