Hunting for Wildlife on the Lakes to Locks Passage

Seagulls at Lake Champlain (NY) [1]

Visitors enjoying scenic views of the Adirondacks may be surprised to find how much company they have along the Lakes to Locks Passage -- both in the air and along the footpaths. This All-American Road boasts residents with both feathers and fur. Wildlife viewing draws thousands of outdoor enthusiasts to northeastern New York each year.

The Pember Library and Museum of Natural History (NY) [2]

Start your adventures in Granville, New York, just off the byway. Here you can visit the Pember Museum of Natural History. Established in 1909 by entrepreneur Franklin Pember and his wife Ellen, exhibits include bird nests and eggs, seashells, colorful butterflies and other insects; and many mounted birds and animals, such as the duck-billed platypus and the extinct Passenger Pigeon. Afterwards, head south about 9 miles to the 125-acre Pember Nature Preserve and ramble over two miles of nature trails and elevated walkways. From their observation platform, view wetland wildlife or visit the old one-room schoolhouse transformed into a nature education center.

Bring your binoculars and practice your birdcalls along the 300-mile-long Lake Champlain Birding Trail. Many of the trail's 88 birding stops are near the byway, such as the Lewis Preserve, which plays host to animals such as the whitetail deer, snowshoe hare, and beaver; and Ausable Marsh Wildlife Management Area. Several different species of ducks nest in the WMA, including Mallard, Teal and Common Goldeneye, Wood, and Merganser. The Osprey, a threatened species, is also making a comeback there. Although camping is not allowed in the WMA, you can pitch a tent at Ausable Point Campground, just nine miles south of Plattsburgh. While setting up camp, watch for swallows, warblers, and other birds of prey. Discover your connection to nature as you meander down paths and over grasslands along the Lakes to Locks Passage.