GMAS had a full roster of spring and summer outings organized and led by Pat Phillips. Below are some of the highlights:
Catamount Community Forest
Birders sporting their rain-proof attire
A cool and rainy spring morning looked as though it would be an inauspicious attempt at birding for the 18 participants who ventured out on the trails at Catamount Community Forest in Williston on Saturday, May 5. In spite of the weather, birders persevered and were rewarded with the opportunity to observe over 30 species, including a number of returning migrants. Brightly colored warblers provided a welcome contrast to the dark skies with flame-throated Blackburnian Warblers, brilliant Cape May Warblers, and bright Chestnut-sided Warblers. Several participants saw some of these species for the first time and learned how to do the "Life Bird" dance, which was expertly demonstrated by Tom Jiamachello! The group's success was clear evidence that rain doesn't necessarily mean poor birding. View their eBird checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S172162063
A Wonderful Warbler Walk
Birders scan the forest at Little River State Park
A beautiful spring morning greeted the 21 birders participating in our annual Warbler Walk at Little River State Park in Waterbury. With few leaves on trees, clear skies, and no wind, all were hoping to get good looks at those brightly colored migrants that often can be a challenge to spot. The birds did not disappoint, appearing in the open in their finest breeding plumage, often against a clear blue sky. Brilliant Scarlet Tanagers, stunning Northern Parulas, Black-throated Green, and Black-throated Blue Warblers were but a few of the more than 40 species observed. A lone Common Loon with an iridescent greenish head shining in the sunlight greeted the group as we neared the end of the walk. The unanimous consensus was that this outing was a fabulous success and a wonderful way to start the morning. View their eBird checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S173619000
Birding on World Migratory Bird Day at Missisquoi NWR
An American Redstart at the Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge
World Migratory Bird Day was celebrated at the Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge in May with a number of events. Members of the Green Mountain Audubon Society co-sponsored a walk with the Friends of Missisquoi on the Black and Maquam Creek trails covering an area of floodplain forest. Fourteen participants were greeted by a chorus of singing birds that were feeding on plentiful mosquitos. A rich diversity of avian species could be heard calling, but the tree leaves, which had only recently emerged, presented a challenge in visually observing the vocalizing birds. Northern Waterthrush sang throughout the forest and only a few birders were able to catch a good look at them. The "Wheep Wheep" call of Great Crested Flycatchers could also be heard from the top of the forest canopy, but all were treated to a spectacular look at a cooperative individual perched in the open. Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, Baltimore Orioles, Gray Catbirds, and Rose-breasted Grosbeaks also provided the group with great viewing. The highlight of the outing was a wonderful look at a female American Redstart in the process of nest-building only feet off the trail. The group watched as she repeatedly flew off, returned with nesting material, and packed it down in the nest. A male Redstart could be heard singing nearby and some in the group actually got to see the two birds fly up, mate, and return to what they were doing. Gary Sturgis provided some outstanding photos of the nest building in progress. After a full three hours, the group recorded observations of forty-five species: https://ebird.org/checklist/S175433895
Butternut Hill on North Hero
Participants at Butternut Hill
On June 8, birders on their way to Butternut Hill on North Hero had what appeared to be an inauspicious morning for an outing given early torrential downpours. However, just as the walk was commencing, the rains abated to provide a fine morning of birding. A number of participants had never visited this site, which includes a variety of habitats that challenged birders to focus on vocalizations to identify birds among fully leafed-out trees. In spite of that, all got excellent views of a very cooperative Ovenbird that remained perched for several minutes close to the trail. Black-and-White Warblers, Eastern Kingbirds, Chipping Sparrows, a Baltimore Oriole, and both fledgling and adult Eastern Bluebirds made themselves visible during the walk. In total our group of 18 saw or heard 38 species over the course of almost two and a half hours with the rains restarting just as we ended. View their eBird checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S180115670.
Charlotte Park and Wildlife Refuge
A cloudy, misty morning on June 22 provided the setting for a first-ever GMAS trip to this location, which included forest, shrub, and field habitats with spectacular views of the lake and landscape. Twelve participants ventured out in two groups and covered approximately three miles each. During the course of the morning, numerous species were heard and seen. Highlights among the over 40 species observed included numerous Bobolinks and Savannah Sparrows in the fields at the top of the park, and Golden-winged/Blue-winged Warblers heard calling by the group led by Ali Wagner. Many hope to return to this site during spring warbler migration. View their eBird checklists:
https://ebird.org/checklist/S183173170 / https://ebird.org/checklist/S183255534