Originally published in the Auburn Citizen

March 14, 2015

Honored in recent years for attracting threatened bird species to its natural preserve, officials at the Seneca Meadows Wetland Preserve confirm the sighting of three new birds.

Two of the birds — the black tern and the golden eagle — appear on the state's list of endangered species. A third species, the redhead, was also confirmed during fauna surveys by wildlife biologist Mike McGraw of Applied Ecological Services.

"It's been a wonderful experience watching the Seneca Meadows Wetlands Preserve develop from a virtual monoculture to a diverse habitat," said Friends of Montezuma member Chuck Gibson. "The number of bird species has more than doubled."

In October, the 576-acre wetlands were designated as an Important Bird Area by Audubon, New York, due to the number of pied-billed grebe, American bittern, least bittern and wintering short-eared owls at the site.

As wetland vegetation matures more bird newcomers will land at the preserve broadening the birdwatching opportunities of birding enthusiasts, said Marcy Neumire, preserve program director.

Seneca Meadows Wetlands Preserve trails are open daily, from dawn to dusk, and are groomed in the winter to accommodate cross-country skiers.

To learn more about the wetlands preserve, visit senecameadows.com or find them on Facebook.