Immature Bald Eagle
Current migration observations can be found on the View from Derby Hill page. Derby Hill Bird Observatory hawk watch data can also be found at Hawkcount.
Monitoring of night migrating birds started the Spring of 2012. You can learn more about this project on the Night Migration page.
Located on the shore of Lake Ontario at its southeast corner in Oswego County, geography is the primary reason for the concentration of birds at Derby Hill. Thermals do not occur over water and most birds utilize thermals to save energy during migration. As birds migrate north in the spring and encounter Lake Ontario most turn east and travel along the lakeshore until they can again turn north to continue their journey. Derby Hill is located precisely at the sweet spot where birds turn the corner of the lake.
Hawks are particularly adept at utilizing thermals during migration and most species of raptor are reluctant to fly over large bodies of water. These two factors in combination with the location of Derby Hill gives rise to days in the spring when thousands of hawks can be observed.
There are two hawk watch lookouts, north and south, that are used depending on the wind direction. Sage Creek Marsh on the south side of the entry road also has a kiosk and a platform for watching waterfowl, herons and other wetland species. The sanctuary headquarters is located at the top of the hill on a bluff overlooking Lake Ontario. This is the location of the main (north) lookout. A series of trails also start there.
The trails start at a large rock and flower garden, and then move south across fields, swamp and woodlands. There is a boardwalk through the wet area. The trails are open year round.
Except possibly for the deep part of winter, December and January, Derby Hill has something to offer in all seasons. The official hawk count starts March 1 and continues through May. March starts the major raptor migration period with many species peaking between mid-March and mid-April.
March also starts the tremendous movement of icterids – Red-winged Blackbirds, Common Grackles and Brown-headed Cowbirds. April starts the migration of many passerines. Being at the edge of the lake you can also watch duck migration and the many terns and gulls. May brings most of the warblers, vireos, flycatchers and other small birds. There are times when the trees lining the road and hedgerows are full of nervous energy.
Summer months are not as dramatic as spring and fall but the trails are open for the local breeding bird, botany and butterfly enthusiasts. With the remarkable return of the Bald Eagle in our country, Derby Hill is an excellent place to spot these birds during their summer movements along the lakeshore.
By late September and through October and sometimes into November both Parasitic and Pomarine Jaegers can be seen from the bluff. In addition many species of geese, ducks, gulls and sometimes terns make this a worthwhile visit in the fall.
The sanctuary has signs directing visitors to parking and lookouts.
If you are not familiar with the winter weather in Oswego County please be advised it is some of the snowiest in the country.
View Larger Map
