iroquois national wildlife refuge

We visited Buffalo initially to do some shopping, but after spending a day in the mall we did not want to do it all over again, so after going online we found out that the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge was only an hour drive away.We arrived at the Kanyoo Trail and made our way along the yellow loop. As we walked we met a lady who informed us about the hunters in other parts of the park.Unfortunately, other than hearing a large number of geese, we only saw a couple of woodpeckers and some chickadees. We were far too late in the season to see anything else.After we finished off on the blue loop we carried on along one of the unpaved roads that went beside the wetlands. It was during this route that we began to see the numerous hunters in their vibrant orange plumage. Occasionally we could hear their booming calls in the distance. After turning around we made our way to a parking area where we were able to see 2 beautiful eagles sitting in a tree. This must be a regular area for them as when we tried to photograph them from the road a bit closer, there were No Stopping signs.Following the GPS we went around the outside of the Refuge and decided that we will need to come back in the spring or summer when it is not hunting season.

Populous though it is, the Empire State has surprised us with the number of getaway places like the hundreds of lakes with a range of small, quaint towns along the banks of the Hudson. Where would you least expect 10,818 acres of marsh,swamp,wetlands, to act out boyhood dreams... as well as, meadows, forests and pastures to satisfy the Memsahib. All of this open-air setting is set aside to offer food,rest and protection for more than 200 species of our winged friends. We were fortunate last spring, to have sighted as many as 40,00 Canada Geese feeding at one time , Simply fantastic vista. There is another attraction that will turn your head,upwards, as the flight of the Great Blue heron begin to nest here. It's a spectacle to rival anything in nature. Our trip was here last autumn, to optimise our observations of ducks, particularly the Mallards and our favourite the Blue-Winged Teals. Oh, don't worry there are indigenous residents here, in the guise of the Great Horned Owls and Downy Wood- Peckers. For us bipeds, its indeed a peaceful refuge, as well as, meditative possibilities with lots of trails and overlooks to explore.

There are several different areas/trails here and we were only able to do 2 of them on this trip. Both were fairly flat and wide for a nice, easy walk. Benches and wildlife info were scattered about. I saw a portapotty at one of the longer trails. I assume there are regular restrooms at the office, but that closes at 4pm weekdays. I don't think there are many deer in the preserve as they would prefer the farmland nearby. But, we saw plenty of waterfowl. The trails don't always take you to the edge of the water, though, so binoculars are called for. Also, I was surprised to see that they allow hunting, so I was nervous since we had not dressed brightly...next time I will definitely wear garish colors. A peaceful, beautiful place. Wish they didn't allow hunting.

July is not the time to go birding in Western New York unless you need Canada Geese, Mallards and Song Sparrows for your Life List. We were able to find the passerine species that breed in W NY in many places, but only here in Iroquois NWR were we able to get close to the ponds that had herons and kingfishers and Osprey. None of these are life-list birds, but each of the three parking lot overlooks we pulled into had spectacular views of complete freshwater pond and marsh ecosystem. I can only imagine what these look like in the winter covered with thousands of wintering wildfowl. We did not choose to take advantage of the numerous trails at Iroquis, but the ease of access to the overlooks with the broad vistas of the ponds allows birders who may not be able to walk down trails excellent vantages for birding. We were able to use our binoculars, but we were very glad to have our scope with us to see the birds on the far shores.The visitors center has restrooms and very friendly and helpful staff.

It has been years since I've been here as there are so many wonderful places in the Western New York area and Canada to visit. First we went to the Headquarters where a ranger was extremely helpful and informative. They have a small gift shop and will have exhibits come September (the grand opening will be in October). It was a very hot day so we, on the advice of the ranger, visited the Kenyen Trail and walked the Yellow and Blue Loops. It was great with paths wide enough for 2 to walk side by side (wheelchairs could fit here). The paths were well-kept with some gravel covered. It was early afternoon and, as I stated earlier, pretty hot so we didn't see many animals but I was able to spot one of the biggest Great Blue Herons I have ever seen. There are benches to relax on, boardwalks, and informative signs. There were restrooms in the headquarters and a portable restroom at the trail head. All-on-all, a wonderful place to see.

This is a lovely place for a gentle family hike, bird watching, photography. It is a wonderful place to spend the day or have a picnic.There are plenty of birds, turtles and frogs to see. Across the road there is another area to explore as well with a picnic area.

If you like walking outdoors and enjoying nature, this is a worthwhile place to explore. We were there on an overcast, early November day, so we did not see much wildlife, which was not a surprise. The trail we walked was awesome though. It was very well maintained, and took us through various habitats.

I love hiking and canoeing in the Refuge. Such a peaceful place to mediate. I have shared many memories here with my small children.

this is a beautiful and natural wildlife refuge with amazing trails and colorful trees and streams. just driving thru we saw 2 turtles crossing a road and deer. trails are very pretty and peaceful. cant wait to go there this fall!

you must like this kind of stuff, just to see what is out there is so very nice and not hard to get to

There is so much to see here. Take time to explore and don't forget your binoculars! Also, be sure to stop by the Visitors Center. The exhibits and information here will enhance your visit to the Refuge.

Springtime birding in 2012 was somewhat disappointing. Trees were well-leafed d/t warm winter and early budding. Tiny warblers were hard to spot, tho' we could hear them. Bald eagle nest best viewed with spotting scope. We took several long walks on trails and on boardwalk. Staff at headquarters ver helpful.

Went on a school field trip. It had recently been vandalized and they did their best to still accommodate us. Wonderful & educational.

Just a nice day for a ride looking for Bluebirds and happened upon this marvelous place. The live camera on the eagles nest is a must see...there were 2 recently hatched eaglets in the nest that I could see while "Mom" flew off for a few seconds.This is one place where I feel honored to see my tax dollar put to good use!!! Thanks to all who tend this little piece of heaven!!!