30 acres along Michigan Creek
Kingfisher
Hollow
Where Michigan Creek carves through hemlock and hardwood, beaver shape the pond, and the belted kingfisher's rattle echoes from ridge to water.
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30 acres along Michigan Creek
Where Michigan Creek carves through hemlock and hardwood, beaver shape the pond, and the belted kingfisher's rattle echoes from ridge to water.
Welcome
Kingfisher Hollow is 30 acres along Michigan Creek, rising from the water through mixed forest to perched wetlands on the ridgeline above. The steep hillside is cloaked in hemlock, white and red pine, beech, sugar and red maple, and ash — with a winding trail climbing from the creek to the top.
At the heart of the property sits a large, shallow pond where mink, river otter, and beaver are regular residents. The surrounding forest is patrolled by fisher, bobcat, coyote, black bear, and fox.
The house is a converted poultry barn from the early 1900s, with a distinctive silo-shaped addition built in 2006. On the pond sits a seasonal cabin and a Finnish-built sauna — relics of the previous owners who created the pond itself.
The Property
The creek cuts through the base of the property, creating riffles, pools, and gravel bars that draw kingfishers, herons, and other waterbirds year-round. It's the lifeblood of the hollow — everything comes down to the water.
A steep, winding path climbs through hemlock, white and red pine, beech, maple, and ash to the ridgeline above. At the top, perched wetlands and more forest make up the majority of the 30 acres — a world apart from the creek below.
A large pond built by Finnish previous owners is home to beaver, mink, and river otter. On its banks sit a seasonal cabin and an unused sauna awaiting restoration — a quiet outpost surrounded by water and wildlife.
Wildlife
With 130+ bird species recorded and large mammals patrolling the ridgeline, the property supports an uncommon density of wildlife for its size.
The bird list exceeds 130 species across all seasons. The hollow is especially notable for its breeding specialties — birds that are uncommon nesters in the region but find the right habitat here.
The size and topography of the property — creek bottom to ridgeline — supports an exceptional range of mammals, from semi-aquatic species in the pond to large predators working the hillside.
History
The main house began life as a poultry barn in the early 1900s and was converted into a home over the decades. In 2006, a silo-shaped addition was built, giving the structure its distinctive silhouette against the hillside.
The large pond was created by previous Finnish owners, who also built the seasonal cabin and a traditional sauna on its banks. The sauna stands unused today — a restoration project waiting for its moment.
Directions
Take Route 34 south from Ithaca. Turn left (east) onto Hillview Rd, which connects to Michigan Hollow Rd. Turn right (south) on Michigan Hollow Rd and continue to the property.
Take Route 96B south through the town of Danby, then right onto Michigan Hollow Rd through Danby State Forest and continue 5.7 miles to the property. This route is a dirt road through the forest and should only be taken when roads are dry or frozen solid. Avoid during mud season and after heavy rain.
From Binghamton, Elmira, or anywhere along the I-86 corridor, navigate to the village of Spencer. From Spencer, head north on Ithaca Rd for 3.4 miles, turn right on Michigan Hollow Rd, and follow it approximately 1.5 miles to the property.
Road conditions: Michigan Hollow Rd through Danby State Forest is an unpaved seasonal road. Use this route only when the road surface is dry or hard-frozen. During spring thaw and after heavy rain the road can be muddy and very slow going. When in doubt, take the Route 34 / Hillview Rd approach.