Braddock Bay Park (Monroe)

Nature Study


Maps:
New York State Atlas & Gazetteer (Delorme Mapping Company) page(s): 71
Other Maps:
How to get there:
Take 390 north to Lake Ontario State Parkway. Go west on the Parkway 2 exits to East Manitor Road. Turn north and tnen an immediate left into the park.
Description:
Braddock bay is a wonderful place to observe the interface between watershed and Lake Ontario. An extensive cattail marsh, bay and several ponds are the central features of the park. Located on the east side of Braddock Bay are the boat marina and the park facilities. Within the park you will find picnic areas. the Cranberry Pond Nature Trail and the famous Hawk Watch Platorm. From the Platform visitors can witness the spectacular spring bird migration featuring hawks, owls and eagles. February through June, and also in August, during southerly winds visitors can witness this fantastic natural wonder. In 1996 over 140,000 birds of prey were observed in migration over the park. The Cranberry Pond Nature Trail provides an earth and mulched walking surface that meanders along the edge of the Cranberry Pond wetlands. Several lookouts and a viewing blind allow close observation of waterfowl and other wetland wildlife: Canadian Geese, woodducks, mallards, Red Wing Black Birds, Blue Herons, hawks, eagles, etc. The trail ends in a small mature hardwood forest. Observe the various trees: Black Cherry, Shagbark Hickory, White Oak. There is an additional trail developed by the ADK that has yellow trail markers on it that spurs off of Cranberry Pond Trail. Located on the west side of Braddock Bay (on Manitou Beach Road) you will find the Braddock Bay Raptor Research headquarters. There is also a parking lot at the parkway exit where you can park and walk across the street to the Owl Migration Trail. The Trail features roosting and hunting habitat with interpretive signs posted during the spring migration. Seeing a roosting saw-whet owl during the day is an unforgettable experience. The really adventurous can also spend time in a blind where they can witness the trapping, banding, and release of birds of prey.
Area Literature:
Available at the park and from the Area Administrator
Nature Center at Site:
No
Area Administrator Information:
Jeffery Dodge, Braddock Bay Raptor Research, 432 Manitou Beach Rd., Hiton, NY 14468 or the Town of Greece Parks department
Limits to Access:
Non-handicapped accessible
Type of Path:
Boardwalk, dirt, woodchips
Types of Nature Study Activity:
Birding, animal observation, wildflower and plant study
Natural Features:
Swamp, forest, lake, pond, fields, wetlands