Marshlands Conservancy, Rye
(914) 835-4466.
The only extensive salt water marsh in Westchester makes this place one of the top birding areas. It's the location of the famed Wood Sandpiper of 1990. Specialties in the marsh and mud flats include: shorebirds, waders, rails (including an occasional King), both salt marsh sparrows, Marsh Wren, Seaside Sparrow and many others. In February and March, American Woodcock display in the field at dusk. Excellent spring and fall migration. Wild Turkeys come to the feeders. Yellow-breasted Chats are rare but have been found in both summer and winter. (right photo by Joseph Schachner).
The rarity list is impressive and includes: Black Rail,
American Avocet, Wood Sandpiper, Ruff, Red-necked Phalarope,
Little Gull, Boreal Chickadee, Sedge Wren, Yellow-headed
Blackbird, Boat-tailed Grackle and others.
Marshlands Conservancy is in Rye, New York on the Long Island Sound featuring estuarine marsh, open field and woodland habitats. Marshlands is part of the Westchester County parks system. The entrance is located on the east side of US Route 1, Boston Post Road.
From 95, New England Thruway
Take Interstate - 95 to exit 19, Playland Parkway. Take the first quick exit off Playland Parkway. Turn left and go to the next T
intersection. Make a right. This road leads out to Route 1 (0.3
miles). Proceed straight onto route 1 south, 0.8 miles to the
Marshlands entrance on the left, just after passing the Rye
Country Club.
From the south, Hutchison River Parkway
Take the Hutchison Rver Parkway to Exit 23S, Mamaroneck
Avenue, South. Go about 1 miles to the Interstate 95 entrance
straight ahead. Stay right to get onto 95north. Proceed as above.
Marshlands has a sightings register at the visitors center and a species checklist.
For more information on the park check out Westchester County Park's Web Site