Contributed by Lucie Lehmann & Patrick Phillips
September 3rd ~ The Green Mountain Audubon Society commenced its Fall/Winter outings with a trip to Saxon Hill Forest in Essex. Led by the gifted Jacob Crawford and other members of the board, more than 30 birders observed over 40 avian species, including both migrant and resident species. Participants even got some good looks at Vesper Sparrows at one of the only known breeding sites in Vermont. Members are encouraged to return to Saxon Hill where they may get the opportunity to see Red- or White-winged Crossbills in weeks ahead.
September 17th ~ GMAS board member Ali Wagner led a fall migration monitoring walk at the Green Mountain Audubon Nature Center. Although the temperature registered a chilly 42 degrees at 7 a.m., 11 people showed up for a very successful walk. Resident and migrant birds were found throughout the property, including a Broad-winged Hawk, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler, Magnolia Warbler, and Swainson’s Thrush. Monitoring walks are free and open to all. Check the calendar at https://vt.audubon.org/events for the next scheduled walk.
Black-throated Blue Warbler. Photo Credit: Jacob Crawford
September 24th ~ GMAS board members led two walks at Shelburne Farms for over 25 participants. One group, led by Pat Phillips, walked a longer route and saw 36 species, including great looks at Black-throated Green Warblers in breeding plumage, Swainson’s Thrush, and numerous kinglets. A second group of seven led by Tom Jiamachello logged 35 species, including five Wood Ducks, Brown Creeper, Magnolia Warbler, and both Philadelphia Vireo and Yellow-throated Vireo on a flawless autumn morning.
Meeting up for the outing at Shelburne Farms
November 19th ~ Thirteen avid birders braved chilly morning winds as they traversed the trails of the natural area at St. Michaels College in Colchester on Sunday November 19, 2022. This area provides a variety of habitat and never fails to offer opportunities to see a diversity of wildlife. With the relinquishing of leaves by trees and shrubs, many birds were more easily seen, while others were revealed by their vocalizations. During the course of their excursion, the group observed twenty-seven different species and completed the outing with great views of a Cooper’s Hawk.
Bundled up birders at Saint Michaels Natural Area in Colchester. Photo by Pat Phillips.