By Christine Smyczynski
This article, the fifth in a series of 17 that focus on the various birding sites along the 518 miles long Seaway Trail, describes the areas of eastern Lake Erie, including Evangola State Park, Woodlawn Beach State Park, and Tifft Nature Preserve.
Evangola State Park, located along the shores of Lake Erie, has 733 acres. Amenities include a natural sand beach, picnic areas, and 80 campsites. Wildlife found in the park include raccoons and deer, as well as wild turkey and red-tailed hawks, which are one of the largest birds you’ll see in the region.
(Evangola State Park, 10191 Old Lakeshore Road, Angola. 716-549-1802).
Woodlawn Beach State Park is known for its natural sand beach and panoramic views of Lake Erie. It is a good place to bird watch, especially during migration season. Woodlawn Beach State Park is located on the southern end of the 100-mile long Niagara Birding Trail, which follows the Niagara River to Lake Ontario.
(Woodlawn Beach State Park, 3580 Lakeshore Road, Blasdell. 716-826-1930)
Tifft Nature Preserve is a 264-acre wildlife refuge, operated by the Buffalo Museum of Science, which is dedicated to environmental education and conservation. The National Audubon Society named it an Important Bird Area in New York State.
Only three miles from the hustle and bustle of downtown Buffalo, Tifft is a great place to get close to nature and watch wildlife and migrating birds. Birders have recorded 264 species of birds in the area and 65 species of birds breed here. Tifft has 5 miles of hiking trails and fishing is permitted along the preserves lake.
(Tifft Nature Preserve, 1200 Fuhrmann Blvd. Buffalo. 716-825-6397)