Northwestern Vermont Birding Hotspots

Here is a "Birder's Dozen" for you, a group of essays that identify 12 of our favorite birding sites in Northwestern Vermont. The essays that describe the parks and natural areas called Birding Hotspots provide birding information, directions, and links to trail maps to guide you. For your convenience we have also included a link to VT eBird for each site. Each month we will feature one of these sites on the page entitled "Featured Hotspot".

For a list of links to other birding sites in Northwestern Vermont, click the Resources button. Also, the book Birdwatching in Vermont by Ted Murin and Bryan Pfeiffer contains a wealth of information about birding throughout the state, including Chittenden County, Franklin County, and Grand Isle County, and is highly recommended.

Enjoy birding in Vermont.

Featured Hotspot

Birding in Williston

by Carl Runge

When someone mentions the town of Williston, the first thing that usually comes to mind is Taft Corners, big-box stores, and a lot of development. The term “birding hot-spot” does not immediately leap into consciousness. Yet Williston has a remarkably diverse bird population and the habitat to support it. On the past six Great Backyard Bird Counts conducted in February each year, Williston has placed first or second in species counts for all Vermont towns. In 2005, the Spatial Analysis Lab at UVM, led by Dr. Dave Capen, did an assessment of wildlife habitat in Williston. They identified and characterized seven wildlife units in Williston and recorded nearly 100 species of birds over a six month period.

The town of Williston has had a lot of foresight in conserving these valuable natural communities. In 1987 the town started its Conservation Commission, and since 1989 the town has allocated funds each year to its Environmental Reserve Fund for conserving land and opening it to the public. To date the town has spent nearly $1.1 million from the ERF to purchase land outright, pur-chase development rights, and to leverage other funds, resulting in the conservation of 1,513 acres appraised at $2.3 million.

This article will describe several areas in Williston with excellent habitat for birds. All of these areas are open to the public and have trails. Access to all is free with the exception of Catamount Family Center, which is privately owned and charges a small daily fee.

The first area we will describe is Muddy Brook Park. This is located on River Cove Road, off Rt. 2A in the NW corner of town, and is actually just over the line in South Burlington. The park is owned by the Winooski Valley Park District and is open to the public. The habitat is riparian floodplain with a thin strip of woodland along the river. This is the point where Muddy Brook and Allen Brook converge just before emptying into the Winooski River. Between this point and the Essex Dam to the east, the river remains open all winter, making it a great location for winter ducks, especially after the lake has frozen. Mallard, Black Duck, Common and Hooded Merganser, Bufflehead, and Common Goldeneye are all regularly seen here. In the summer many passerines nest in this area. It is an excellent place for swallows, including Tree, Barn, Bank, and Rough-winged. Warbling Vireo, Yellow and Chestnut-sided Warblers, Common Yellowthroat, and American  Redstart nest here. Look also for Baltimore Oriole, Belted Kingfisher, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, cardinal, and catbird. Nearby are Spotted Sandpiper along the brooks, Killdeer and Wild Turkey. Osprey and Bald Eagle can often be seen along the river.