There are two wetland viewing areas along the Route 30 causeway between Simon Pond and Tupper Lake that are popular with birders. One overlooks a vast marsh and the other overlooks wetlands on both sides of the road.

How to get there

From the intersection of Park Street and Route 30 in Tupper Lake (by a Mobil gas station), follow Route 30 south for about a mile to a parking area on the right just past a bowling alley. There is a viewing deck overlooking a huge marsh. The second viewing area is about a half mile farther south on Route 30. There are pull-off areas on both sides of the road with scenic views of Tupper Lake, Simon Pond marshes, and several High Peaks in the distance.

Birding

The two wetland viewing areas are great stops to observe many bird species in breeding season and during migration.

The marsh viewing deck next to the Tupper Lake bowling alley is a wonderful nocturnal birding location. At night, birders can hear American Bitterns, winnowing Wilson’s Snipes, displaying American Woodcocks, and Barred Owls, not to mention a myriad of amphibians! During the day, many bird species can be found near this deck, including American Redstart, Yellow Warbler, Swamp and Song Sparrows, Red-winged Blackbird, and Common Grackle. Bobolinks can be heard farther out in a dryer part of the marsh, and Sedge Wrens have occasionally been found at this location. Both of these species are more typically found in the fields of the valleys surrounding the Adirondacks.

The other viewing area is a pull-off location on both sides of the road in a wetland area where the Raquette River empties into Tupper Lake and Simon Pond. Many waterfowl species can be viewed here – both nesting and during migration. Wood Ducks, American Black Ducks, Ring-necked Ducks, and Common Loons are just some of the species that can be viewed. American Bitterns nest at this location also. Bald Eagles, Belted Kingfishers, Tree and Barn Swallows, Yellow Warblers, Song and Swamp Sparrows can also be found. This location made the news in March 2006 when a Trumpeter Swan spent several days on Simon Pond.

In the heart of winter, Tupper Lake, Simon Pond, and the marshes are all likely to be frozen (but please don't walk on the ice; it is over a flowing river and is unstable). The pull-off location is still worth a stop to watch for Bald Eagles.