Montezuma Audubon Center Programs and Events
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Montezuma Guided Birding Tours
Join Montezuma Audubon Center staff for a guided birding tour of the Montezuma Wetlands Complex and surrounding areas! Migration season is here and the Complex is showing all signs of spring. Songbirds are singing, Sandhill Cranes are rattling, and we want to welcome you on this experience. On our guided excursions, we can expect to find various types of waterfowl, gulls, and always a high possibly of seeing a Bald Eagle among other raptors. Each adventure creates a new birding experience, and we hope to have you join us this season.
We will meet at the MAC (2295 State Route 89, Savannah, NY 13146) and depart for our route from there. An Audubon educator will drive all participants in our accessible van. If you are interested in following us in your own car, please send an email to montezuma@audubon.org.
- Fee: $15/participant
- Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult
- Registration is required
Call 315-365-3588 or email montezuma@audubon.org with questions.
To make your reservation, click the date you want to join us for a birding tour and complete the registration form.
Dates to come!
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Guided Spring Birding Hikes with Cracker Box Palace
Want to see the bright blue of the Cerulean Warbler? Looking to add Scarlet Tanager to your life list? Or are you curious about exploring new birding spots along Lake Ontario and the greater Finger Lakes region?
The Montezuma Audubon Center is excited to expand our birding excursions to new communities! Join a Montezuma Audubon Center educator at Cracker Box Palace (6420 Shaker Road, North Rose, NY, 14516) for a series of 3 guided birding walks this spring season to see the bright colors of the migratory warblers that have made their way back up north.
This guided excursion will cover 2 miles of trail with one steep incline. Sturdy and comfortable shoes are strongly recommended. No prior birding experience needed. We will provide all binoculars and field guides.
Cracker Box Palace at Historic Alasa Farms is an animal shelter that cares for horses, cows, sheep, goats, pigs, geese, chickens, rabbits, and more. Cracker Box Palace is also home to 10 miles of trails filled with great habitat for a plethora of birds, especially migratory warblers, and sits up against Sodus Bay, providing a great resource to waterfowl.
Please note: We will meet at the parking lot across the street at Cracker Box Palace (6420 Shaker Road, North Rose, NY, 14516).
- Fee: $10/individual
- Registration is required
- Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult
Call (315) 365-3588 or email montezuma@audubon.org with any questions or concerns.
To make your reservation, click on the date you want to join us at Cracker Box Palace and complete the registration form.
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**This program has been cancelled.**
Breeding Bird Atlas Workshop
May 17th at 4PM
The New York Breeding Bird Atlas started in 2020 and is a five year community science project documenting breeding birds across the state. This documentation will help researchers at Audubon determine long term trends in bird populations. For this program, we will learn about the importance of the breeding bird atlas, look at some trends of population numbers over time, and learn some of the bird species that live in the Montezuma Wetlands Complex. We will then hit the trails to do some of our very own data collection!
We will meet at the Montezuma Audubon Center (2295 State Route 89, Savannah, New York) and begin the workshop there. This program will have an indoor and outdoor portion. We welcome all individuals and families to this event.
- Fee: $10/Individual
- Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
- Registration is required.
Please call (315)365-3588 or email montezuma@audubon.org with any questions or concerns.
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Girl Scout Badge Day!- Trail Adventure
Saturday, May 18, 2024 at 2pm
Are you a Girl Scout Troop leader or parent looking for your scout to earn more badges? The Montezuma Audubon Center is hosting a badge specific day for all levels of Girl Scouts. This session will focus on the Trail Adventure badge which services Daisy, Brownie, Junior, Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador levels.
Audubon educators will introduce your scouts to trail adventures through the following:
-Choosing your trail adventure
-Planning and preparing for a trail adventure
-What gear to bring on a trail adventure
-How and why to train for a trail adventure
-How to set a goal for your trail adventure
-How to respectfully interact with nature through going on a trail adventure at the MAC
This two-hour program will include a presentation on the above topics and then a guided birding hike on the Center's two-mile trail system. Scouts will be divided up from Daisy-Junior and Cadette-Ambassador. Please bring the following gear for your scouts: backpack, water, sturdy shoes, sunscreen. We will provide binoculars and maps. Please email montezuma@audubon.org or call (315) 365-3588 with any questions
- Fee: $10/participant
- Registration is required for all scouts
- Children must be accompanied by troop leader or guardian
Call (315) 365-3588 or email montezuma@audubon.org with any questions.
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Sunset Guided Birding Hike
Saturday, May 18 at 6pm
Bright colors of pinks, blues, and purples are starting to pop up in the Montezuma Audubon Center’s trails providing great habitat for songbirds, hummingbirds, and our pollinator insect friends. Join a MAC educator on a sunset guided hike through our marsh, forest, and grassland trails to learn about how our diverse habitat supports all the different types of birds in the Montezuma Wetlands Complex!
Our trails provide a great landscape to see the sun set against our native wildflower fields and reflective marshes. We will be able to hear a variety of songbirds getting ready for mating and nesting season, possibly a Great-horned Owl beginning its day, and hope to see a Bald Eagle or Sandhill Cranes soar above.
This 2-mile leisure hike is open to all who wish to participate! No prior birding experience necessary. We will have binoculars and field guides to loan out for the duration of the program.
- Fee: $10/participant
- Registration is required
- Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult
Call (315) 365-3588 or email montezuma@audubon.org with any questions or concerns.
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Montezuma Wildflower Walk
Thursday, May 23, 2024 at 4:30PM
May is one of the best times to see the first blooming wildflowers. Join Montezuma Audubon Center educators to learn about wildflowers and their importance to birds while going on a 1.5 mile hike on the trails behind the center. At the end, participants will be able to bring home seed packets of wildflowers native to the Finger Lakes Region to plant in their gardens. While we're out, we will do some birding.
This program will take place at the Montezuma Audubon Center (2295 State Route 89, Savannah, New York). It is a great program for all ages and families.
- Fee: $10/ individual
- Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
- Space is limited and registration is required.
Please call (315) 365-3588 or email montezuma@audubon.org with any questions.
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Ponding with an Educator
Saturday, May 25, 2024 at 10AM
Have you ever wondered what critters live just below the surface? Get out your water shoes and find out! Montezuma Audubon Center educators will provide dip nets and identification help to solve the mystery of who lives in a wetland. Participants will have the opportunity to interact with live frogs, tadpoles, turtles, and many of the insect larvae who live in our ponds. This is a fun way for families to get outside to kickoff Memorial Day Weekend!
This program will take place at the Montezuma Audubon Center (2295 State Route 89, Savannah, New York). It is a great program for all ages and families. Please note that we will be getting our feet wet, so proper footwear is recommended.
- Fee: $10/ individual
- Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
- Space is limited and registration is required.
Please call (315)365-3588 or email montezuma@audubon.org with any questions.
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Memorial Day Weekend Birding & Boating
Saturday, May 25 at 2pm
Happy Memorial Day weekend! The Montezuma Audubon Center is ready to get out on the water and see what birds are enjoying out freshwater channels. Join a MAC educator for an afternoon paddle at Rivers Crossing Campground and Marina along the Erie Canal.
We are sure to see dabbling ducks with their bills down in the water looking for food, Great Blue Herons majestically taking off, and many warblers flittering along the vegetation of the canal. New to birding and kayaking? No worries! We will have plenty of field guides and binoculars to loan out. Prior to getting on the water, we will go over basic paddle strokes and get everyone comfortable in their own kayak.
You are welcome to bring your own kayak or rent one from us, ticket pricing will vary. All ages are welcome, but children will need to bring their own kayak as we do not provide child kayaks.
- Fee:
- Child (No rental): $15/child
- Adult (No rental): $20/adult
- Adult (Kayak rental): $30/adult
- Registration is required
- Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult
We will meet at Rivers Crossing Campground and Marina (508 State Route 89, Savannah, NY 13146) and begin our paddle there.
Call (315) 365-3588 or email montezuma@audubon.org with any questions.
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Sunset Yoga with the Birds
Friday, May 31, 2024 at 7pm
Enjoy a relaxing evening with the birds of the Montezuma Audubon Center! As the birds begin to retreat to their nests for the evening, the Montezuma Audubon Center welcomes you for a peaceful evening of sunset yoga with Linda Galbato of Pure Moon Yoga based in Auburn, New York. Will we see a Great Blue Heron show off their elegant one-legged pose or Sandhill Cranes fly by with their stretched-out legs for inspiration? Will the beginning of native wildflower blooms create a sense of excitement for the summer season ahead?
Known for her training in breathwork and bringing balance to the body and mind, Linda will take you through one hour of gentle yoga practice. All experience levels are welcome as this session will focus on releasing tension, connecting with the breath, and helping participants gain strength and flexibility.
This program will take place at the Montezuma Audubon Center (2295 State Route 89 Savannah, NY 13146). Participants are encouraged to bring their own yoga mat and blanket as there will be a limited number of supplies available on a first come, first serve basis. This program is best suited for ages 13+.
- Fee: $12/individual
- Registration is required
- Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult
Call (315) 365-3588 or email montezuma@audubon.org with any questions.
Kickoff the Summer Paddle
Summer is just on the horizon! Join Montezuma Audubon Center educators for a fun Saturday afternoon paddle on Cayuga Lake. We will do some birding, as well as learn about some of the nearby aquatic vegetation. Bring some binoculars and celebrate the start of summer!
We are sure to see dabbling ducks with their bills down in the water looking for food, Great Blue Herons majestically taking off, and many warblers flittering along the vegetation of the canal. New to birding and kayaking? No worries! We will have plenty of field guides and binoculars to loan out. Prior to getting on the water, we will go over basic paddle strokes and get everyone comfortable in their own kayak.
You are welcome to bring your own kayak or rent one from us, ticket pricing will vary. All ages are welcome, but children will need to bring their own kayak as we do not provide child kayaks.
Fee:
- Child (No Rental): $15 / Individual
- Adult (No Rental): $20 / Individual
- Adult (With Rental): $30 / Individual
Registration is required.
Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
We will be meeting at Rivers Crossing Campground (508 State Route 89, Savannah, NY) and begin our paddle from there.
Please email montezuma@audubon.org or call (315)365-3588 with any questions.
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Warblers and Wine with Apple Station Winery
Saturday, June 8, 2024 at 10am
Come explore the property of Apple Station Winery with the Montezuma Audubon Center to search for warblers, Eastern Blue Birds, Great Blue Herons, and possibly a raptor. An Audubon educator will lead a guided leisure birding walk through Apple Station Winery's 60-acre property consisting of swamps, ponds, and plenty of trees for our songbird friends to be flittering around.
After our excursion, we will make our way into the winery's tasting room for a tasting of your choice and light bites pairing by the Winery. To finish off our excursion of birding and wine tasting, we will be delighted by our friends at Braddock Bay Raptor Research for a presentation by Daena Ford of and her live bird of prey ambassadors.
We will meet at Apple Station Winery (5279 Cross Road, Cayuga, NY 13034). This event is 21+ and winery staff may ask for identification.
- Fee: $35/person
- Registration is required
Call (315) 365-3588 or email montezuma@audubon.org
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Guided Pollinator Birding Hike with Fox Run Vineyards
Saturday, June 15, 2024, at 10am
Join Montezuma Audubon Center staff & Fox Run Vineyards to welcome back our pollinator friends this summer! An Audubon educator and Fox Run Vineyards staff will lead a guided 1-mile leisure birding hike through Fox Run's vineyards and on-site pollinator garden. We will see what songbirds have made their way back north for the summer as well as learn about Fox Run's environmentally conscious actions to support the local birds and pollinators thrive in our wine region.
After the guided hike, participants will gather around for a wine flight and food pairing followed by a tour of Fox Run's wine cellar and production facility, a behind-the-scenes look! The food pairing will include the following, each paird with a Fox Run Wine:
- Savory cream puff with smoke steelhead trout & Morning Glory cheese
- Sunset View Creamery garlic rosemary cheese curds
- Slice of Fox Run's Italian hoagie
- Marinated roaster vegetable skewer
- Fox Run Shortbread cookies
Stick around for even more fun with a live bird of prey presentation by Daena Ford of Braddock Bay Raptor Research. This event is 21+ and winery staff may ask for identification. This event will take place all at Fox Run Vineyards (670 State Route 14, Penn Yan, NY 14527).
- Fee: $40/person
- Registration is required
- All participants must be 21+
- Individuals not interested in the wine tasting are still encouraged to register and join us!
Call (315) 365-3588 or email montezuma@audubon.org with any questions.
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Day in the Life of a Wildlife Rehabilitator with Kindred Kingdoms
Saturday, June 22, 2024 at 2pm
Have your ever wondered what happens when wildlife is sent to a rehabilitator? Are you or someone you know interested in this type of career path and want to learn more from professional rehabilitators? Do you want an opportunity to see live birds of prey? The Montezuma Audubon Center has a program for you! Join the MAC and Jean Soprano of Kindred Kingdoms Wildlife Rehabilitation Center to learn about what happens when wildlife falls into the hands of Jean and Len Soprano. Having been wildlife rehabilitators for over 25 years, these experts are a wealth of knowledge in bird of prey health, habitat, and conservation efforts.
Following a 1-hour presentation from Jean Soprano, we will go on a 1-mile leisure birding walk to see what birds have been hanging out at the Montezuma Audubon Center for the summer. Will we see a Great Blue Heron by our swamp? Will songbirds be chirping and flittering around our wildflower meadow? Will a Bald Eagle be soaring above searching our marshes? Binoculars and field guides will be provided for the walk.
All are welcome to this program, and children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. This program will take place at the Montezuma Audubon Center (2295 State Route 89 Savannah, NY 13146). Registration is required.
- Fee: $10/adult, $7.50/child, $30/family
- Registration is required
- Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult
Please email montezuma@audubon.org or call (315) 365-3588 with any questions.
Private Birding Tours—Reconnect with Nature at Montezuma
Enjoy a unique bird-watching tour of the 50,000-acre Montezuma Wetlands Complex! These outings are a great way to catch up with family members, close friends, or co-workers, and experience the birds, other wildlife, and habitats that make Montezuma an Audubon Important Bird Area. Choose from driving tours, birding walks, canoeing/kayaking excursions, and snowshoeing hikes. All tours are led by National Audubon Society staff and include equipment rentals, binoculars, and bird guides.
For driving tours, you will follow behind the Audubon van in your own vehicle to Montezuma’s marshes, forests, and grasslands to explore several birding hotspots and the abundant wildlife as they go about their activities. Participants will receive a conference call phone number to hear the Audubon educator narrate the tour and ask questions between stops. Guests are welcome to get out of their vehicles at each stop (facial coverings required and physical distancing guidelines must be followed).
- Fee: $150
- Available year-round for groups of up to 10 people
- To plan and reserve your customized tour, call 315-365-3588 or email montezuma@audubon.org
Testimonial
"The highlight of our visit to the Finger Lakes region was the private bird watching tour through the Montezuma Audubon Center. Since it was only my immediate family and the tour guide, it was the perfect COVID-friendly event for our vacation. The tour guide met us at the Audubon Center, lent out sanitized binoculars, and explained what type of birds we were planning to see. We then followed the Audubon Center van in our own car and were able to communicate with the tour guide using a conference line throughout the drive. We made four stops and at each stop, we had the opportunity to ask questions while bird watching. My kids, ages 5 & 8, and my parents in their late 70's enjoyed it as much as I did. We were lucky enough to see a Bald Eagle within close range and saw several circling in the distance. We also learned about waterfowl and spotted several species. My kids couldn't wait to get home and tell my husband all about their adventures of bird watching, while my parents were quick to post their bald eagle photos on social media. The tour guide had proper masking and distancing throughout the entire two and a half hour event. I highly recommend that anyone, regardless of age, consider this for their next Finger Lakes vacation." —Hadas Liebermann (Kingston, NY)
Public Program Cancellation/Reimbursement Policy:
- If the Montezuma Audubon Center (MAC) cancels an event for any reason, we will initiate a full reimbursement to your original method of payment.
- If you need to cancel your registration for an event, please call or email the MAC at 315-365-3588 or montezuma@audubon.org at your earliest convenience.
- If you cancel more than seven days before the event, we will initiate a reimbursement minus a 10% administrative fee, to your original form of payment.
- No reimbursements are issued for cancellations received less than a week before the date of the event.
Montezuma Audubon Center K-12 Field Trips
Designed for Kindergarten through high school students to connect with nature through minds-on and hands-on lessons and activities—inspiring children today to conserve the Earth for tomorrow.
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