September Birding at Shelburne Farms
Saturday, September 21, 2024
Birders pause for a photo while scanning the field edges.
On a mostly clear fall morning, twenty birders divided into two groups to traverse different areas of the beautiful Shelburne Farms estate. This expansive site provides a variety of habitats and food resources for a diverse array of avian species. Warm temperatures and light winds made for great viewing, enabling participants to observe a variety of warblers including Nashville, Magnolia, Yellow-rumped, Tennessee, and Black-Throated Green Warblers along with the Common Yellowthroat. In addition, White-throated Sparrows and a Least Flycatcher were spotted. Birders look forward to returning at different points in the year to observe changes in species composition at Shelburne Farms.
Check out the eBird report for Lucie and Ingrid’s Group: https://ebird.org/checklist/S195946854
Check out the eBird report for Tom and Adam’s Group: https://ebird.org/checklist/S195921270
Birding at Pelot’s Natural Area on North Hero
Saturday, October 5, 2024
Outing participants pose for a photo in Pelot’s Natural Area.
Members of the Green Mountain Audubon Society traveled to North Hero in October to the unique set of habitats present at the Pelot’s Natural Area. Traversing fields and hardwood and cedar forests, walking along swampland, and hiking a trail overlooking the lake, birders observed a variety of species. The highlight of the morning was that all participants had great looks at numerous Golden-crowned Kinglets as well as some of their relatives, the Ruby-crowned Kinglets. Flashes of the bright yellow and bright red patches on their heads and the distinctly unique calls of each provided a wonderful refresher for all. Thirty-two species were reported, including the fly-by of a Peregrine Falcon. This special place is one to which we definitely will return!
Explore the eBird report: https://ebird.org/checklist/S197723590
Walk for the Wild at Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge
Sunday October 13, 2024
Rusty Blackbird
In cooperation with the Friends of Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge, members of the Green Mountain Audubon Society led birders on a 5K walk over refuge trails to determine which avian species were present on or passing through the refuge. This effort was part of the first-ever Missisquoi Wildlife Fair where participants had an opportunity to speak directly to wildlife experts and enthusiasts from federal, state, and public agencies and organizations to learn more about the organisms and environment at the refuge. A small group of nine birders took up the challenge to cover each of the trails and were treated to good looks at Rusty Blackbirds, Swamp Sparrows, and a few slow-to-migrate Gray Catbirds. Cool morning temperatures limited avian activity, but over twenty species were observed.
Explore eBird reports for each of the trails:
Stephen Young Marsh - https://ebird.org/checklist/S198699263
Old Railroad Passage Trail - https://ebird.org/checklist/S198871894
Discovery Trail - https://ebird.org/checklist/S198872126
Late Fall Birding at the St. Michael’s College Natural Area
Saturday November 2, 2024
Birders stroll down a leaf-covered path in Saint Michael’s College Natural Area.
Twenty-one birders traveled over two miles on the trails of the Saint Michael’s College Natural Area in search of resident species and late avian migrants. Cold and cloudy conditions did not prevent the group from observing almost thirty species of birds, including Common Ravens, American Crows, Fish Crows, Winter Wrens, and Fox Sparrows. This site continues to offer a variety of habitats and food sources for a diversity of bird species throughout the year.
Check out the eBird report: https://ebird.org/checklist/S201150974