Braddock Bay Park (Monroe)
- 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
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