Starting out early and feeling that crisp bite of an autumn morning give way to a wonderful warmth that feels particularly sublime behind the windshield of my car, I leave Niagara Falls heading south to the town of Sleepy Hollow, New York for a weekend getaway.
The town, which is named after Washington Irving’s 1820 short story “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” describes a soldier from the American Revolution who was killed when a cannon ball decapitated him. Legend has it, the soldier rises from the grave each night, and rides his horse throughout the Hollow, in search of his lost head. Today, the town of Sleepy Hollow celebrates that classic story during the Halloween season with events and activities including a Haunted Hayride, The Great Jack-o-Lantern Blaze and tours of the Old Dutch Church and its cemetery, where the headless horseman is said to be buried. Sleepy Hollow is a charming place to visit any time of year, but autumn is perhaps the best. Overlooking the Hudson River, the natural beauty and surrounding landscape is breathtaking as trees fight for attention with their flaming red and orange displays.
For many of us bird watchers, Twitcher is a term used to describe a birder who is obsessed with finding those rare and unusual birds at all costs. Often pursuing their next “must have” bird through swamp or jungle. For me, I prefer a more civilized approach. Beautiful surroundings, wonderful birds, luxury accommodation (to what I can afford) and activities the whole family can enjoy. I call it the sophisticated songbirder approach.
And Sleepy Hollow does not disappoint this sophisticated songbirder. Many parks and preserves, as well as the local Audubon Society provide regular guided hiking and birding tours. During the fall migration, Sleepy Hollow sees over 200 different bird species, ranging from songbirds to raptors, including Red-tailed Hawks, Great Blue Herons, Cedar Waxwings, and more. But the bird I’m hoping to see this weekend is the Black-throated Blue Warbler. A beautiful looking bird with a black face, midnight blue back and wings and a bright white chest and belly. The unique feature of this breed is the striking difference in looks between male and female. In fact, when first identified, the male and female were classified as different species. Sadly, this little bird is not a cavity nester but rather prefers making their nests in the dense underbrush of shrubs, evergreens and even Rhododendrons. A fun little bird to see in person and one you won’t soon forget.
After two wonderful days and nights, it’s time to pack up and head for home. Sleepy Hollow is a wonderful place to spend a weekend as a couple or with the whole family. And if birding, hiking, ghost stories, fabulous food, family fun, historic architecture and mansion tours aren’t your thing, then wait until you see their golf courses! The key to making any road trip memorable is finding those hidden gems that make your journey unforgettable, and Sleepy Hollow was just that.
Founder of Sara Frances Designs and resident birding expert Scott Holland shares his experiences and insights on birding and bird related topics. A craftsman woodworker at heart, Scott’s birdhouses are more than just functional structures; they are works of art that showcase his skill as as a woodworker and his deep appreciation for nature. His writings explore interesting topics around birding, nature conservation, and the importance of preserving our natural habitats.
Visit his website at www.sarafrancesdesigns.com or follow him on Instagram at www.instagram.com/sarafrancesdesigns
