baiting hollow hummingbird sanctuary

If you are interested in seeing a hummingbird sanctuary, one exists in Riverhead near the Lobster Roll restaurant. It's a great place to bring kids, or have a bit of serenity from a bluff overlooking the Sound. You should try to see this place this summer, because a few mega mansion landowners are suing to close the preserve. Unfortunately the Town of Riverhead seems to be supporting the suit and is more interested in creating low paying jobs and mega malls than preserving this unique ecological niche. Check out Facebook for more info. Bring good walking shoes and be prepared for hilly terrain.

The website said to park in the parking lot on the main road. It was about a 1/2 mile walk on a dirt road to get to the Sanctuary. Then it was a trail in the woods that was nicely marked. Wear good shoes! For much more detailed information than I can provide here, for days and hours of operation and directions to the sanctuary, please go to their website: Long Island Hummer and/or their blog: The Baiting Hollow Hummingbird Sanctuary. The sanctuary is owned, run and cared for selflessly by the very generous Professor Paul Adams of Stony Brook University. He was there to answer questions and he also provided info books. It is a several acre parcel of land that sits in Baiting Hollow on top of a cliff overlooking Long Island sound. It was perfect sitting in one of the many chairs looking at the sound, the Trumpet Vines, Salvias and feeders. I saw many Hummingbirds, butterflies and bumblebees. There was a cliff side garden, a tiny cottage to enjoy inside and out, a shaded meadow and a zig zag path to the beach. Stay quiet and take lots of photos.

This was our 2nd visit to the sanctuary this afternoon and the hummingbird activity was simply incredible. Complete with lush gardens rich with salvia and trumpet vines to attract the birds, along with the glamorous views of Long Island Sound, this is one of the more exotic offerings on the Island. Add to it the wonderful explanations as to what taking place around you via the sanctuary’s owner and curator, Dr. Paul Adams, it makes one appreciate the wonders of Mother Nature. Everything about the setting transports you to a mystical Eden. Be prepared to do some simple hiking through winding trails, and bring your signed waivers and a plant or a chair as a donation.

Worth the walk! Alot of patience is required if you want to see hummingbirds.The best viewing time is early in morning on weekdays. Opens at 9:30am. Parking is limited and as the place becomes more crowded, there is less chance of seeing the birds.

Love to go to see all the birds. It is so breathtaking you will be amazed. There is quite a walk from you car to get to sanctuary. But we'll worth the hike.