I had a hard time finding Ballston Creek Preserve in Ballston, but I am so glad I did.
Probably because I didn’t pay attention to detail and drove up and down the road looking for a grand entrance and parking lot that did not exist. You must park at Shenantaha Creek Park, walk to the right along the road, and the Ballston Creek Preserve entrance will soon unassumingly pop up on your left. The trail was only a mile out and back. You walk through woods, which do not seem like anything spectacular, but they are not what you came here for. When you find yourself at the end of the trail, a wetland is discovered.
Here is a bird lovers delight. We saw many great blue herons nesting high in the trees, and two osprey sitting atop their nest.
Such beautiful sights, I wish I had brought binoculars! On the ground there were some pretty wildflowers, and some shiny beetles in love.
If you are a bird enthusiast, I highly recommend visiting this small and quiet preserve.
http://www.saratogaplan.org/BallstonCreekPreserve.htm
Parking at:
Shenantaha Creek Park
376 East Line Road, Malta, NY 12020