The Finger Lakes Museum joined the company of 331 designated locations across New York State to become a part of the NYS Birding Trail. The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) added the museum’s trail through the Townsend Grady Wildlife Preserve, in addition to seven other sites across the state, in February 2023. A full birding map including all locations is available on the DEC’s website.
The Townsend Grady Wildlife Preserve at the Finger Lakes Museum is a prime location for migratory birds in the spring and fall seasons. Located on Keuka Lake, the views are stunning and the ecosystem is rich with flora, fauna and wildlife.
Visitors to the preserve have identified over 50 species of birds that inhabit the precious land and water areas. The predominant species are blue jay, American goldfinch, red winged blackbird, American robin and turkey vultures. Download the Merlin Bird ID app on your phone to help identify birds by sight and sound. This free guide provides bird information and maps to further your search. This unique and interesting property has served as a natural water filtration system for over 160 square miles of agricultural and residential runoff for thousands of years. Therefore, a wide variety of species have made it their home. In addition to the birding, the Townsend Grady Wildlife Preserve has developed short trails, a boardwalk leading to a shoreline octagon pavilion, and interpretive signs.
