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Photo by Karen Miller, 4-14-13

Wood duck, photo by Swami Achyutananda, 4-22-13

Yellow-crowned night heron. Photo by James Carney, 4-20-13 Rare sighting of this bird at the Basha Kill - only the third official sighting in Sullivan County. Thanks to Danny Messina & Scott Baldinger for the sighting and share.

Archive of BKAA Newsletters - The Guardian from 2011 to 2013

Hunting, Trapping and Fishing at the Basha Kill

Welcome to the Basha Kill Wetlands, a special place of beauty and adventure. Consisting of 3,000 acres, the Basha Kill is home to over 200 species of birds, 30 varieties of fish, including the remarkable, "prehistoric" bowfin; and many plants, reptiles, amphibians, mammals and insects. It is an unforgettable experience to be present when the birds return to the kill in the Spring. The cacophony of sounds is extraordinary. It is always an adventure to watch a Great Blue Heron lift off and fly across the water. In addition to providing flood control and cleansing drinking water" the Basha Kill" the largest freshwater wetland in Southeastern New York, provides a unique and peaceful place for boating, photography, bird watching, painting, hiking, hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing, wildflower discovery, cross-country skiing and other outdoor activities.

Least Bittern (male), 2011, John Haas.
The least bittern is the smallest heron
in the world and is critically
endangered in much of its range.

Because of the many acres available to explore, it is always possible to find a quiet place to enjoy. One day you may see a bald eagle flying or diving for food, or come upon a snapping turtle, or be surprised by the bright red of a cardinal flower. The variety and beauty of the Basha Kill will touch your spirit and you will return again and again to this place of peace and renewal. We are so fortunate to have this diverse and amazing natural resource in our backyard.