Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

Hours of Operation

• Open daily, year round, from dawn to dusk.

Maps

• Bird Conservation Area Map (pdf)
• Trail Map (pdf)

Key BCA Criteria:

- Migratory concentration site

- Waterfowl concentration site

- Diverse species concentration site

- Species at risk site

- Bird research site

The Buckhorn Island BCA is within the Niagara River corridor, and is crossed by a heavily traveled international highway, which makes the marsh one of the state's most visible wetlands and a highly visible site for demonstrating wetland restoration. Its ecological position as one of the two largest remaining marshes on the Niagara River necessitates proper stewardship. The area is a significant concentration area for large numbers and diverse species of gulls. Buckhorn Island will continue to support gull populations, as well as a diverse waterfowl population.

The marsh at Buckhorn provides important nesting habitat for listed species such as Least Bittern, Northern Harrier and Sedge Wren. The marsh serves as a feeding, resting and breeding area for ducks, coots, moorhens, and rails. Common Tern find suitable habitat for foraging here.Listed species include Northern Harrier (threatened), Common Tern (threatened), Sedge Wren (threatened) and Least Bittern (threatened). Additional birds of interest include a variety of species of ducks, herons, coots, moorhens, and rails. Spring and fall migrations along the Niagara River corridor can bring large numbers of gulls (several species) to this site.

Download a copy of the BCA map.

West River Shoreline Trail Waterfowl Hunting Access Information

• The water fowl season runs from Oct 27 through the end of January.
• In order to secure a blind along the West River Trail, we hold regular lotteries to assign blinds.
• We have divided West River Shoreline Trail into seven, color coded zones.
• Those that secure a spot in any of the West River zones will also be given a vehicle permit—as well as directions on how they can enter and exit their zone. The permit should match the color of the zone.
• Vehicles will park along off the pathway.
• All traffic will head south—entering and exiting at set intersections on the trail—there will be no two way traffic.
• Barricades will be set up at each entrance and exit and hunters will be responsible for moving them.
• Drivers will be expected to drive with flashers and no faster than 15 miles per hour.
• Trail users always have the right away

Hunting Access Map