Birding Hotspots in Northwestern Vermont
Grasshopper Sparrow with geolocater
Photo courtesy of Jason Hill
Northwestern Vermont offers some of the best birding locations in the state, many of which are described in the following essays. According to VT eBird, in the past five years, nearly 300 species have been reported in this section of Vermont. The list includes good spots to find rarities such as Grasshopper Sparrows (Franklin County Airport) and Golden-winged Warblers (Geprags Park in Hinesburg). The few Upland Sandpipers still holding on in Vermont can be found in Franklin County. Naturally, Lake Champlain hosts a variety of ducks, geese, and swans in migration as well as many other waterfowl such as herons, egrets, and shorebirds. The list goes on.
The essays in this section cover locations in all three counties in our chapter’s area. Similar county-specific hotspots are described on the websites of Rutland County Audubon and Otter Creek Audubon. Altogether the reader will get a good sense of the birding possibilities in the Champlain Valley and how to find these hotspots. All of the locations described in these essays are open to the public and are available either free of charge or for a minimal entrance fee. While comprehensive, the essays in this section describe many, but not all of the best birding places in northwestern Vermont. To find out more talk to the birders you meet in your travels. There are many excellent birders in Vermont who are more than willing to share their expertise with newcomers.
Also, check out the state-wide list of eBird Hotspots.
Enjoy.