Threatened birds spotted at SM Wetlands Preserve in 2015

The Seneca Meadows Wetlands Preserve is attracting uncommon birds.In 2015, Seneca Meadows, Inc. reported that 35 of New York State’s “Species of Greatest Conservation Need,” were spotted at the facility’s Wetland Preserve located on Black Brook Road. The release went on to point out that 13 of the species are even using the site as a breeding ground. “The wide variety of native habitats at the Seneca Meadows Wetlands Preserve continues to attract uncommon birds,” said Mike McGraw of Applied Ecological Services. He went on to point out that, “The sustained breeding status onsite is a positive faunal response which not only benefits the preserve, but provides added value to the natural heritage of New York State.”Altogether, there were two NYS-threatened species, which included the pied-billed grebe and the least bittern, in addition to three NYS-Species of Concern, the American bittern, Cooper’s hawk, and vesper sparrow were confirmed breeding in 2015.Some of the other birds spotted in the preserve during the 2015 year included, the peregrine falcon, short-eared owl, osprey, red-shouldered hawk, sharp-shinned hawk, common nighthawk, and common loon. All of these birds were spotted in the wetland preserve on Black Brook Road during 2015. A pair of sandhill cranes were even spotted in the preserve. In October of 2014, the Seneca Meadows Wetlands Preserve was designated as an Important Bird Area by Audubon, New York. The honor was awarded due to the number of breeding pied-billed grebe, American bittern, least bittern and wintering short-eared owls on the site.The trails at the Seneca Meadows Wetlands Preserve are open daily, from dawn to dusk. On August 27, 2016, the preserve will host its sixth 5K Race for Hunger – Sunset Run to benefit local food pantry, the House of Concern.To learn more about the Seneca Meadows Wetlands Preserve visit senecameadows.com