Salmon Creek

Salmon Creek flows more than fifteen miles from Big Salmon Creek's source in Scipio to its outlet into Cayuga Lake at Myers Point. However, when most birders use the term Salmon Creek, they are referring to a one-mile stretch of Salmon Creek Road between Brooks Hill Road and French Hill Road in Ludlowville. This area, now home to a Finger Lakes Land Trust preserve, is best known for its sizable population of breeding Cerulean Warblers, the only such population in the southern Cayuga Lake Basin. Unfortunately, Ceruleans often remain high in the canopy of the sycamores along Salmon Creek, making them difficult to observe. Learning the distinctive song of this species before visiting Salmon Creek can aid in locating this species. In addition to its signature Ceruleans, the Salmon Creek area is also known as a good place to look for Yellow-throated Vireo, Orchard Oriole, and Acadian Flycatcher, all uncommon breeders in the Basin. More commonly seen species at Salmon Creek include Red-bellied Woodpecker, Tufted Titmouse, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Veery, Wood Thrush, Gray Catbird, Common Yellowthroat, Yellow Warbler, Blue-winged warbler, Scarlet Tanager, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting, and Baltimore Oriole. To reach Salmon Creek:

From the town park at Myers Point, take Myers Road back out to Rt. 34, across from the Lansing High School. Turn left on Rt. 34 and proceed north 1+ miles until you reach Ludlowville Road, which will be on your right. Take Ludlowville Road for 0.4 miles and then turn left on Salmon Creek Road, which is just before the Federal House Bed & Breakfast. Follow Salmon Creek Road for almost four miles, until Brooks Hill Road comes in on your right. Park on the side of Salmon Creek Road any time after Brooks Hill Road, and explore the next mile of road, up to French Hill Road.

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