Originally published by New York Upstate
By David Figura, November 3, 2016

Wayne County is for the birds. 

So much so that the county's tourism folks recently released a new, free 18-page guide book to assist bird watching enthusiasts of all levels. The 18-page guide book, which fits easily into your pocket or camera bag, features the 10 best birding locations in the county. 

"About 85 million Americans enjoy observing, photographing or feeding wild birds," stated Chris Kenyon, Outdoor Recreational Promoter for the Wayne County Office of Tourism. "Birding ranks 15th on a list of the most popular outdoor activities, just below bicycling and beach bumming, according to the most recent National Survey on Recreation and the Environment by the USDA's Forest Service." 

Kenyon noted that the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge reported 172,273 total visitors from Oct. 1, 2015 until Sept. 30, 2016." He added:  "The refuge counts visits, not individual visitors, so that number is actually higher." 

The refuge, which is packed this time of year due to migrating waterfowl and other birds, is located at the north end of Cayuga Lake. It contains 9,809 acres and is situated in Seneca, Wayne, and Cayuga counties.

The guide was compiled by author and biologist, Susan Petersen Gateley, who has extensive experience locating birds in Wayne County. Laurie Dirkx, a local conservationist photographer, has contributed her favorite bird photographs and Montezuma Audubon Center's Director Chris Lajewski also assisted with the book.

To get a copy, call the Wayne County Office of Tourism at 1 -800- 527-6510.