Prime time for birding at Sterling Nature Center as unique visitors settle in (photos)

Sterling, N.Y. — At the northern end of Cayuga County is the Sterling Nature Center where it is prime time viewing for Great Blue Herons.

This year, a unique Bald Eagle pair has settled into an old heron nest, presenting another fantastic birding opportunity.

Eggs are just hatching and the eaglets are completely dependent on their parents to deliver a continuous stream of fresh fish from Lake Ontario.

The rookery is one of the highlights of the center, located in the beaver-constructed wetland area on the Heron Trail at the park. Featuring several dozen nests, it sits on 60 acres of flooded wetlands, and there’s a small viewing area with benches.

If you visit, a good pair of binoculars is recommended. The 1,400-acre county park is free and open year-round for hiking, jogging, bird watching, dragonfly watching, picnicking, observing wildlife, kayaking and canoeing, as well as snowshoeing in winter. See a list of the trails on the nature center’s website.

MORE INFORMATION

Address: 15380 Jensvold Road, Sterling, N.Y. 13156.

Hours: Open from dawn to dusk year-round.

Bathrooms: There is a porta-potty near the parking lot.

Cost: Admission is free.

Pet policy: Dogs are fine, but they must be kept on a leash and owners should be prepared to clear up after them.

Universally accessible? The trail system is largely not universally accessible. However, there is one trail that is: the Lakeview Trail that winds around the interpretative center and goes down to the lake to an observation deck, D’Angelo said.

Restrictions: No camping or ATVs allowed. This is a carry-in, carry-out nature center so don’t leave any trash on the grounds. No glass containers allowed. No fires, except in metal grills. As mentioned above, no swimming is allowed on the nature center’s Lake Ontario shoreline. No picking or collecting of plants, berries, flowers or other features of the site is allowed.

For more information: Call 315-947-6143, or see the nature center’s website, Facebook page or email snc@cayugacounty.us.

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