Everyone knows about the Magic Hedge and Dunes but there are other, less visited areas at Montrose that also offer good birding. These locations are within easy walking distance of the Hedge (under one mile away) and are worth checking.
Boatyard Perimeter
The large boatyard north of the harbor has some habitat on its periphery, especially on the west and southeast sides. The trees, shrubs, and grass can be excellent for warblers, sparrows, thrushes, and other passerines during spring and fall migration. You can walk around the entire boatyard but be alert for vehicular traffic near the entrance on the south side.
Golf Course Pond
The small pond at the north end of the Marovitz Golf Course is good for Black-crowned Night-Herons in summer and early fall. In past years, Yellow-crowned Night-Herons have also turned up. The pond is fenced and viewing isn’t easy but there is an opening in the vegetation along the east side where you can scan most of it. Also, the small woodlot at the southeast corner of the pond can be excellent for passerines during migration.
Marovitz Golf Course (northwest side)
North end of the Marovitz Golf Course habitat area (click to see the larger version)
If you bird the Golf Course Pond you should also check the area around the northwest side of the golf course. The habitat is diverse and includes tall trees, underbrush, and extensive weedy ground cover, all excellent for migrant songbirds. Sparrows are especially fond of the ground cover. You can walk all the way south to the Peace Garden at West Buena Avenue, which forms the southern boundary of the Montrose Point birding area.
