The Wickham Marsh Wildlife Area encompasses 860 acres of forests and marshlands nestled between Ausable Chasm and Port Kent on Lake Champlain. Situated only 15 miles south of Plattsburgh, NY, this unique Adirondack wildlife area is a haven for outdoor recreation with designated trails for hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing, and four seasons of enchanting birding. From the parking on Giddings Road a 300-foot wheelchair-accessible trail winds past a Bird Conservation Area kiosk to a wooden observation deck perched 200-feet above a rare cedar plantation, grasslands, and marshes with panoramic views for birding. From the deck endless trails weave through the lower mud flats to the higher peninsulas abounding in wildlife, woodland birds, and the chance to spot an eastern screech owl in the evenings. The highlight of Wickham Marsh Wildlife Area is the Osprey pole and nesting platform where the marsh meets the grasslands easily viewable from the observation deck – bring the binocs!
Situated on the western shore of Lake Champlain just north of Point Au Roche State Park, Montys Bay Wildlife Management Area features trails through 300-acres of majestic hardwood swamps, wetlands and sprawling floodplains with massive cottonwood, oaks, silver maples, and one of the oldest tree stands on Lake Champlain. Monty’s Bay welcomes a spectacular seasonal migration of waterfowl in the wetlands, songbirds in the old-growth forests, and flocks of Canada Geese and Snow Geese nesting on the shoreline. Neighboring Point Au Roche State Park offers access to Lake Champlain year-round for swimming, boating, fishing, and exploring the trails on foot, snowshoe, or classic cross-country skis.
Travel an hour south of Plattsburgh, NY for a birding experience with a touch of history! Crown Point State Historic Site is set on the peninsula at the Lake Champlain Bridge to Vermont and is home to the well-preserved ruins of Fort St. Frederick and Fort Crown Point dating back to the 1700 colonial wars between the British and French, the historic Crown Port Pier, Champlain Memorial Lighthouse, and a museum open in the summer months. In spring, the historic site is a breeding habitat and nest site for a variety of birds including woodpeckers, 25+ species of warblers, and brilliantly beautiful Baltimore Orioles. The grounds at Crown Point State Historic Site are open year-round for visitors to explore the hiking trails or well-marked cross-country and snowshoe trails in the winter. Step back in time and experience some of the best birding near Plattsburgh at Crown Point State Historic Site, NY.