MEXICO, NY – The annual spring migration of a myriad of avians is something that bird lovers in Oswego County and beyond look forward to throughout the long winter months.
The sky over Derby Hill fills with travelers every spring, drawing birders and nature lovers to this bluff standing high above Lake Ontario. The gentle curve of the shoreline creates a natural funnel for the birds, as they are not interested in attempting to fly over the massive lake.
Known nationwide as a prime location for spotting several species of broadwing hawks as they make their way north after a winter in the southern U.S. and Central America, Derby Hill in the Town of Mexico is also a great place to enjoy birding for fans of many other species, as well as a quiet refuge for hikers and folks just looking for a place to savor a Lake Ontario sunset and views of up to 25 miles of shoreline.
Derby Hill is a slowly eroding bluff, located on Sage Creek Road, a left turn off of State Route 104b if you are driving East from Oswego.
For Gerry Smith, senior ornithologist covering Oswego, Jefferson and Lewis counties, Derby Hill holds a lifelong fascination.
“I first went to Derby Hill when I was 17 or 18 years old, and I witnessed my first migration,” Smith said. “Derby Hill should have a warning sign posted stating that this place may become addictive.”
Smith is now 72 years old, and he still gets as much enjoyment from visiting the observatory that he did as a teenager.
“My choice of profession as a conservationist and biologist can be directly related to Derby Hill,” Smith said.
According to Smith, late spring is a great time to observe warblers, a variety of swallows, and jays.
“Another very interesting type of migrant passing over Derby Hill are Florida Bald Eagles, birds that breed during the Tropical dry season from South Carolina to Texas,” Smith said. “They fly up north for a sort of Summer vacation, to escape the heat of the South.”
Wind conditions are critical to successful spotting, as strong breezes from the Southerly quadrant signal a good time to see large quantities of avains. It is possible to see as many as 40 or 50 Florida Bald Eagles in a day.
Migrant and resident songbirds such as Tufted titmouse, Cardinals and Goldfinches can be found in the fields and along the trails throughout the warmer portion of the year. Their lyrical calls echo across the rolling fields as they dart from tree to tree and find refuge in the brushy undergrowth.
A clear and sunny morning during the annual spring ‘busy’ season at Derby Hill found visitors from the Ithaca area, as well as birders from southwestern New York and the Capitol region, all willing to make the drive to Oswego County for the chance to witness the migration and hopefully add a species or two to their life list.
For these dedicated birders the drive is well worth it, as a true bird lover will leave no stone unturned in search of a species never before seen in the wild.
If you visit Derby Hill, please remember to leave no trace, and try to add no unnecessary noise to the quiet of the surroundings. Keeping the presence of human activity as hidden as possible will help the birds feel more comfortable, and help ensure a successful outing for everyone, regardless of their reason for visiting this natural wonderland.
