Birding Hotspot Highlight ~ Centennial Woods
Article and photos contributed by Fernando Corrada
Centennial Woods Natural Area is a 65-acre natural area owned by the University of Vermont and managed by the Vermont Land Trust. It contains many different types of plants, trees, and wildlife, including 152 reported bird species. It has a network of trails that covers about 2.5 miles, crossing over conifer stands, mixed hardwoods, fields, rocky ledges, packed dirt, boardwalks, marshes, and ponds. Located on the densely populated Burlington/South Burlington boundary, it offers a reprieve from the nearby hustle and bustle.
Network of trails in Centennial Woods
There are two official trailhead signs, one located on Catamount Drive and the other off Grove Street in Burlington. Catamount Drive can be found by driving behind the Double Tree Hotel and turning right to the end, where you will find a large parking lot. Park there and walk west along Catamount Drive for about 1000 feet to the trailhead sign. Another way to access Catamount Drive is from the East Avenue intersection, driving to the end, where you can park your vehicle and walk back about 1000 feet. The trailhead off Grove Street in Burlington can be seen across from the entrance to the Bayberry Common Apartments. The best place to park your vehicle would be at the Schmanska Park parking lot off Grove Street in Burlington.
Here is a little bit of history about Centennial Woods NA. The original inhabitants of Vermont, the Abenaki, lived in this area, as demonstrated by tools found here by UVM anthropologists. In the late 1800s to mid-1900s, this area comprised at least 5 different farms, which the University of Vermont gradually purchased from 1891 to 1968. Some of the most common trees found here are the Eastern White Pine and the Paper Birch, both successional species that usually grow after pastures and fields have been abandoned. In 1963, the South Burlington Kiwanis Ski Area built a 500-foot tow rope with several lighted ski trails. Unfortunately, it was destroyed by arson in June of 1967, but you can see some of the ruins scattered around the woods. At some point, you will see concrete walls covered in colorful graffiti. These structures are remnants of UVM ROTC barracks built a few decades ago.
Most people who enter Centennial Woods to walk or run the trails, look at the flora and fauna, or see and listen for the birds will come out surprised and in awe of how much of “nature” is packed in such a relatively small space. In two visits in April and May of 2021, I observed 38 species including Pileated Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Least Flycatcher, Eastern Phoebe, Ruby and Golden-crowned Kinglets, Brown Creeper, White- and Red-breasted Nuthatches, Carolina and Winter Wrens, Veery, Chipping Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, Ovenbird, Pine Warbler, and Yellow-rumped Warbler. Some uncommon birds for this very cosmopolitan location have also been reported over the past decade or so, including Ruffed Grouse, Bald Eagle, Northern Saw-whet Owl, Philadelphia Vireo, Brown Thrasher, Swainson’s Thrush, Evening Grosbeak, Red Crossbill, Fox Sparrow, Lincoln’s Sparrow, Orange-crowned Warbler, Blackpoll Warbler, Wilson’s Warbler, and Indigo Bunting.
Some of the frequently seen birds include Common Yellowthroat, American Redstart, Chestnut-sided Warbler, White-throated Sparrow, Chipping Sparrow, Cedar Waxwing, Hermit Thrush, Winter Wren, Carolina Wren, Red-eyed Vireo, Blue-headed Vireo, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Barred Owl, Red-tailed Hawk, Cooper’s Hawk, Chimney Swift, Mourning Dove, and Mallard. The very common birds for our area are there too, including Black-capped Chickadees saying “Hellooo!”
During the Spring and Fall migrations, it will take you at least 1.5 hours to cover most of the areas at the site. There are a few steep areas in the woods where care must be taken to avoid tripping on surface roots and loose gravel. The low-lying areas can flood easily, so waterproof boots are recommended. And some fields harbor ticks, so take effective precautions. Mountain bikers also use these trails, so be aware of their presence to avoid a collision. Enjoy the trails and happy birding!