Blog #419 Salt Point Birdability


Salt Point Natural Area shows the handicap-accessible trail, courtesy of Sue Ruoff.


Catch the end of the fall migration at one of the most birdy places on Cayuga Lake—Salt Point. The Salt Point Natural Area in Lansing is a registered Audubon “Birdability” site, one of a growing number of accessible birding hotspots in the US. registered with the birding society.  This new Audubon initiative strives to get mobility-impaired people out in the parks and natural areas to enjoy nature, by way of birding and, in turn, promote more accessible birding. Audubon’s Birdability Initiative is one of the nation's only efforts of its kind. Begun in Texas by avid birder Virginia Rose, who is wheel-chair bound, Audubon is now compiling an official publication of Birdability sites in the nation. 


The Salt Point Natural Area is a perfect Birdability site and is rich in floodplain vegetation and wildlife with over 143 bird species as well as foxes, beavers, deer,

raccoons, and an abundance of butterflies and fish. It is an official Monarch Waystation, a viewable bluebird trail, and features an Osprey family at the western point of the peninsula. 


The Little Free Library, bench (right), and Osprey platform are just a few destinations along the hard-packed trail at Salt Point, courtesy of Sue Ruoff.

 

The SW view of Cayuga Lake and Myers’ Park from “Bill’s Bench,” courtesy of Sue Ruoff.


The natural area has designated handicap parking and a level, half-mile lakeside trail encircling the point covered with hard-packed crushed stone negotiable by wheelchairs. There is also an accessible side trail to the water and unobstructed views of scenic Cayuga Lake. Other mowed trails weave through the wooded inner core.



Lake views surround the Salt Point Natural Area.


Located 12 miles from Ithaca (map below), the Salt Point Natural Area is a family-oriented natural area with something for everyone to enjoy from dawn until dusk. The seasonal porta-potty, however, is not yet handicap accessible.


Eyes to the sky!

Candace


Candace E. Cornell 

Friends of Salt Point, Lansing, NY

Cayuga Lake Osprey Network

cec222@gmail.com

  




EYES TO THE SKY!


WATCH!

Salt Point Osprey Nest Cam


READ!

On Osprey Time: Ospreys of the Finger Lakes


VISIT!

Cayuga Lake Osprey Trail



HELP PROTECT OSPREYS:

•Stay 300 feet away from nests during the breeding season. If the Osprey vocalizes, you are too close! Back off Immediately.

•Carry binoculars to view wildlife from afar.

•Help keep local waters clean, healthy, and safe.

•Recycle used fishing lines, twine, and nets, which can kill Osprey.

•Join the Cayuga Osprey Network and volunteer to help monitor Osprey nests: cec222@gmail.com.

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