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Birdwatching

The Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge

The Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge, located in the Town of Wallkill in Ulster County, was established in 1999 at the site of the defunct Galeville Military Airport. While this 400-acre, seldom-visited refuge provides a pleasant solitary experience walking on abandoned runways flanked by meadows and nearby horse farms, it is a real "happening" place for birdwatchers.

The wetlands and grassy meadows here are ideal for spotting seldom-seen grassland migratory birds, such as the upland sandpipers, short-eared owls, and the Henslow sparrow. According to an article written in the Poughkeepsie Journal, the refuge is "one of only two areas in the Hudson Valley and 10 in New York state large enough to support all 12 species of migratory grassland birds" (Poughkeepsie Journal, August 10, 2001). Other more common birds can be found as well, including the red-winged blackbird, whose songs are so nostalgic for those who grew up in the country, and the less idyllic Turkey vulture, whose ominous presence is a welcome reminder to local hikers and climbers of their eerie, soaring presence around the Shawangunk Cliffs nearby. For directions or more information, visit www.shawangunk.fws.gov or call (973) 702-7266.

Basha Kill Wildlife Management Area, off Route 209 in Westbrookvile just east of the lower Gunks, is another haven for birdwatchers. Over 2,000 acres of state-owned wetlands, forests, and fields provide a perfect place for a sighting a wide range of birds, including the great blue heron, wild turkey, a great variety of woodpeckers, hummingbirds, the red-tailed hawk, owls, grackles, and pheasantspheasants, (not to mention a prime attraction: the bald eagle.)

Canoeing in the Basha Kill is a phenomenal way to get up close to witness not only the birds, but to experience the rare beauty of the wetlands themselves. The Basha Kill also has trails that are suitable for hikers and equestrians.

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