To the casual observer, it's just a lot of flat and swampy land you pass over on the Thruway between Weedsport and Waterloo.
But as you watch, the land comes alive with birds, small animals and insects---part of an ecosystem that's critical to migrating birds.  Andrea VanBeusichem, visitor services manager at the Montezoma Wildlife Refuge, says it's one of the steps for birds making their way from wintering grounds, to nesting territory up north.
Bald Eagles are year-round residents, and fairly easy to spot, but many of the other birds are seasonal visitors.  Right now, shorebirds are increasing in numbers as they begin to move south. In mid-September, duck and goose numbers peak: geese will winter over as long as there's open water.  In late February, the northbound migration begins with ducks and shorebirds, and warblers.  Some birds nest here in the summer, including herons, and even in winter there are birds to be spotted.
The refuge's visitor center looks out over a wetland, and has meadow habitat nearby, making it possible to see several species from a deck.  Inside, mounted birds and volunteers help identify what's seen on the wing.
In addition to the 7,000+ acres of managed land in the Refuge,  another 36-thousand+ acres of the former Montezuma Marsh are being restored and enhanced by conservation organizations, the NY DEC, and private landowners.  Among them, the Audubon Society, which has an education center north of the refuge proper, in Savannah.  Director Frank Moses says  the role is connecting people with nature, and programs include outreach to young people, in hopes of developing land stewards.
The land around the new center is more varied in habitat--six different types--which support different types of wildlife than in the refuge proper.  "If you're looking for a good day trip you can do both," says Moses. "There's just that experience of being out and being in nature," says VanBeusichem.  "Being able to connect with it, that's great for families."
Montezuma Wildlife Refuge is about an hour west of Syracuse. Call the visitor center for seasonal hours: 568-5987, or reach their website through www.fws.gov/r5mnwr
Montezuma Audubon Center is on State Route 89 in Savannah.  365-3580   or  http://ny.audubon.org/montezuma.htm