Wild Wings at Mendon Ponds Park
Looking for more of a relaxing hike in natural surroundings? Mendon Ponds Park, located in Honeoye Falls, New York, about 20 minutes from downtown Rochester, is a fun trip for families.
Wild Wings, an animal rescue organization dedicated to birds of prey, is located within in the park (which is a part of the Monroe County Parks system), and provides a home for injured hawks, eagles, and other birds of prey who would otherwise have perished. Volunteers from the organization provide guided tours of the bird's living space during designated hours, as well as educating school groups. The birds can also be viewed without a guide by following the path around the bird enclosure.
The park itself also has 2500 acres containing trails for horseback riding, woods, ponds, wetlands, and the Bird Song Trail, which begins right near the Wild Wings area. Sunflower seed packs are available for purchase at the gift shop, and if you stop along the trail and hold the seed in your outstretched palm, chickadees will perch right on your hand to take the seed. Other song birds, including cardinals, can be spotted on the trail, but the chickadees are the most friendly.
A sensory garden is also located at the park directly behind the former nature center which is now maintained by Wild Wings. Picnic tables are available for snacks or lunch, and shelters are available for rental through the Monroe County Parks system.
Wild Wings Inc.
27 Pond Road
Honeoye Falls, NY 14472
585.334.7790
http://www.wildwingsinc.org/
