Birdwatching bliss at Lake Whetstone and beyond

 by Lauren Tuori

Montgomery Village is a hidden gem for birdwatchers, and at the heart of it all is Lake Whetstone – a picturesque spot where nature enthusiasts can witness the vibrant and sometimes dramatic world of birds.

The lake's island is home to a bustling great blue heron rookery, where these majestic birds nest high in the trees. Their slow, deliberate movements and massive wingspans make them a favorite for photographers and casual watchers alike.

One of the lake’s summer spectacles is the sight of wood duck broods paddling through the water. Known for their dazzling, iridescent plumage and shy nature, wood ducks are also famous for their unusual nesting habits – they make their nests in tree cavities. Ducklings often make a daring leap from high above the ground or water just a day after hatching.

Ospreys add an element of high-flying excitement to the lake. Unlike other birds of prey, these expert fishers dive feet-first into the water, and can close their nostrils to prevent water from getting in. At Lake Whetstone, ospreys sometimes can be seen catching more fish than the hopeful human anglers casting from the shore.

Lurking near the lake’s edge are the eerie, yet fascinating, black-crowned night herons, with their bright red eyes that give off serious “nightmare fuel” energy – at least from the fish’s perspective. They are among the heron species observed to engage in bait fishing: luring fish by tossing buoyant objects into water within their striking range – a rare example of tool use among birds.

The pure, liquid, whistling tones of the Baltimore orioles are hard to miss. Their song is as bright and lively as the male’s brilliant orange-and-black plumage. In most songbird species, only the male sings, but Baltimore orioles are a rarity – the female sings too. Occasionally, mated pairs may even sing a duet.

Canada geese are extremely adept at living in human-altered areas and are common year-round residents at the lake. If you notice a preponderance of Canada geese on land in late summer, it’s because they molt all their flight feathers at once, leaving them grounded for 3 to 5 weeks. So be gentle if they seem a little extra ornery during this time, it may be a bad feather day.

Birdwatching isn’t just for the pros. The path at Lake Whetstone is a favorite for both seasoned birders and families out for a stroll. And every now and then, if you're lucky, you might even spot a bald eagle soaring overhead – an awe-inspiring reminder of the lake’s rich ecosystem.

Lake Whetstone may be the crown jewel, but birdwatching opportunities abound throughout Montgomery Village. North Creek Lake Park is another hot spot, where you can spot the acrobatic purple martins, known for their aerial insect-catching skills. At South Valley Park, you might hear the haunting hoot of the barred owl, and if you're lucky, you may catch a glimpse of the elusive green heron along the pond shore. Over at Edward DeSimon Recreation Area, songbirds like warblers and finches fill the morning air with music. And don’t overlook Lake Marion, where you might spot a huge pileated woodpecker with its raucous call – listen closely for a wild, maniacal laugh from the trees.

Montgomery Village is full of feathered friends waiting to be discovered. So, grab your binoculars, your camera or just your curiosity, and hit the trails. Happy birding!

Photo by Jeannie Pizzonia