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Bog
Meadow Brook Nature Trail
in the Town of Saratoga, Saratoga
County, NY
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The Bog
Meadow Brook Nature Trail is a two-mile trail
following an abandoned railway through open marsh, wet meadow, and
forested
wetland habitats. There is a parking
area on either end of the trail and benches and interpretive signs
along the
way. The diverse habitat, level terrain,
and accessible location make for a very pleasing half-day of birding. |
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NOTE: There are two entrances to the trail. The Meadowbrook Road access provides a shorter walk to the seating area overlooking the pond, and in spring or rainy periods, may be the only access to this viewing area as beaver activity affects the water level. If walking in from Rt.29 at these times, be advised that calf-high waterproof footwear may be required! Rt. 29 Parking: From exit 15 off the Northway go north on Rt. 50 for .3 miles. At traffic light turn right onto |
 The marsh and forest areas
provide
diverse habitat for nesting species.  View to the north from the small footbridge over the creek.  Many species of waterfowl use this area.  Signage along the trail highlights some of the flora and fauna. |
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Birding Bog Meadow Brook Due to its varied
habitat, this trail has great potential Spring hosts both Rusty
and Red-winged Blackbirds, along with Common
Grackles which may be found in the marsh areas and wooded edges.
Gray Catbird, American Robins, and European Starlings are common
throughout, as well as Song and Swamp Sparrows.
Baltimore Orioles add their brilliant color to the shady woods.
Resident Canada Geese, Mallards, and Wood Ducks can be seen in the open
water. They are joined by Hooded Mergansers and Ring-necked Ducks
when the water level is high. When the water is very low,
Solitary Sandpiper and Spotted Sandpiper can be seen probing for food
in the mud. Warblers found in spring have included
Wilson’s, Nashville, Yellow, Yellow-rumped, and Palm, as well as Common
Yellowthroat. American Woodcocks have been seen performing their
courtship flights from the trail. Also, American Bittern has been
heard in the grassy area 100-200 feet from the north trailhead off of
Rt. 29.
During summer Turkey Vultures can be seen soaring overhead. Woodpeckers can be seen and heard throughout the trail; they include Downy, Hairy, Red-bellied, Pileated, and Northern Flicker. Over the larger bodies of water Tree Swallow and Barn Swallows can be found catching insects in flight. Belted Kingfishers will perch on a dead tree and plunge head first into the water for a meal of fish. Look for both Great Blue Heron and Green Heron while walking along the bog. Also seen during summer are American Kestrels. As fall approaches American Goldfinch and Cedar Waxwings can be seen flying about. Look for Eastern Phoebes and Eastern Wood Pewees perched on low branches on the water edges. Also be alert for Ruby-throated Hummingbirds making their way south for the winter and Ruffed Grouse which may be flushed while walking the trail. American Tree Sparrows will soon be seen as they move into the area to spend the winter months. Resident Blue Jays, Northern Cardinals, and American Crows can be observed during the winter, as well as other times of the year. As the snow begins to fall, Dark-eyed Juncos join the Black-capped Chickadees, Tufted Titmice, and White-breasted Nuthatches among the trees. In late winter be on the lookout for Golden-crowned and Ruby-crowned Kinglet. Southern Adirondack Audubon would like to build a checklist for this site; if you would like your bird sightings added to the SAAS records for this area, please send them to: kinglet@roadrunner.com or adk_wild_jay@yahoo.com |