Dunkirk Harbor
On an otherwise frozen Lake Erie, see thousands of wintering mergansers and hundreds of wintering Bonaparte's gulls in Dunkirk's open harbor. Return in the spring to see migrating songbirds gathered at nearby Gratiot Point Park awaiting fair weather for lake crossings. When they've departed, look and listen for the resident red-headed woodpeckers.
Description: The large Niagara Mohawk power plant at Dunkirk discharges warm water into the harbor which keeps it from freezing here in winter. Large numbers of gulls and ducks take advantage of this open water for winter feeding and resting, making bird watching excellent here during the fall, winter, and spring. A pier and walkway along the harbor provide excellent viewing.
Viewing Information: Open waters attract thousands of mergansers and hundreds of Boneparte's gulls to the harbor each winter. Mallard, black duck, Canada geese, and coots are almost always present in good numbers, too. Watch for tundra swans, redheads, canvasbacks, old squaws, double-crested cormorants, loons, grebes, and scoters. Careful observers often spot rarities. Spring and fall visitors should travel a half mile to the west along Point Drive North to Point Gratiot, a city park across the street from the U.S. Coast Guard Station's picturesque lighthouse. In this wooded park migrating songbirds gather to await the right weather conditions to fly across Lake Erie. Peak activity dates are May 12th to 15th. Birds stop here to rest after crossing the lake on their return trip in the fall. Gratiot Point Park is also a nesting site for red-headed woodpeckers.
Directions: From the New York State Thruway in Chautauqua County in Western New York, take exit 59. Turn right two miles to the lake front. The pier is at the North end of Central Avenue.
Closest Town: Dunkirk
Ownership: The City of Dunkirk and Niagara Mohawk Corporation
Size: N/A
