30 acres along Michigan Creek
Kingfisher
Hollow
Follow Michigan Creek from the valley to the pond and into the woodland above. That three-part shape is the whole place in miniature.
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30 acres along Michigan Creek
Follow Michigan Creek from the valley to the pond and into the woodland above. That three-part shape is the whole place in miniature.
The Land
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, maple, and ash, with one trail linking the creek and ridge.
At the heart of the property sits a shallow pond shaped by beaver activity, with mink and river otter using its banks regularly. The surrounding forest adds fisher, bobcat, coyote, and black bear to the picture.
The house began as a poultry barn, later converted to a home with a silo-shaped addition in 2006. A seasonal cabin and a Finnish-built sauna remain on the pond edge as a practical remnant of earlier use.
Hollow tally
A living record of the creek, woods, and pond.
The Property
A quick loop starts at the creek, follows the hillside trail, and ends by the pond and old structures. You can get the shape in one pass.
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.
A Year in the Hollow
Same ground, different rhythms. These are the times that usually show the strongest wildlife and changing light.
Wildlife
With 150+ bird species recorded and large mammals patrolling the ridgeline, the property supports an uncommon density of wildlife for its size.
The bird list exceeds 150 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.
Context
The main house began as a poultry barn in the early 1900s and was converted into a home over the decades. A silo-shaped addition in 2006 gives the property a recognizable silhouette above the trees.
Previous owners created the pond and built the seasonal cabin and traditional sauna on the shore. The sauna remains unused, ready for the next round of restoration planning.
Visit
Start with the route through Ithaca. The Danby road is best only when conditions are dry or frozen.
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.