By Car: Take Hylan Blvd to Cunningham Rd. There is a new parking lot
across from new CYO Center.
By Public Transportation: Take the S59 or S78 bus to Mount Loretto, ask driver
if not sure where to get off. Be careful, not all S78 buses continue past Richmond
Ave.
Click Here for Map from
Mount Loretto Unique Area was purchased by the NYS DEC in 1998 to be set aside
as the largest grassland habitat in New York City. Today, 110 acres of fieldland
is preserved. Later in the fall the DEC mows the fields as part of the site's
management plan. There are also two large freshwater ponds, a salt pond, and
extensive beach front access.
Birding at Mt. Loretto can be fun and rewarding any time of the year. In the
winter American tree sparrows, wrens, and waterfowl can be found. As the fields
renew with the onset of spring Mt. Loretto becomes a resting stop for many
migrant land birds such as eastern meadowlark, bobolink, eastern kingbird,
warblers, and water fowl including wood
and ring-necked ducks. During the summer nesting season Mt. Loretto plays host
to breeding yellow warblers, indigo buntings, and orchard orioles. As fall migration
picks up, so does the action at Mt. Loretto.
On certain days thousands of sparrows
of 10 different species can be found foraging in the brushy fields. Marsh, Cooper's,
sharp-shinned, and red-tailed hawks are commonly seen flying over head during
this time period.
Click on link for more information about Mount Loretto Unique Area
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