The Hermit Thrush Newsletter
Sailing offers a perspective that is difficult to find from shore. Rather than watching the lake from a beach or a waterfront path, you become part of the landscape. You move quietly across the water, often close enough to observe birds fishing, resting, diving, and flying overhead. Some days, the most memorable moments have nothing to do with sailing at all.
One of the key goals we set for the coming year is to strengthen our efforts to educate about and introduce new birders of all abilities, backgrounds, and ages to the magical world of birding. In order to meet that and other goals, we are looking to recruit individuals with the passion, time, and skills to help expand our reach.
Along with the October fall foliage festivals and harvest markets, birders annually mark this season by observing International Migratory Bird Day. Recently, it was my good fortune to spend part of this day engaged in a Big Sit with dedicated members of the Friends of Missisquoi at the National Wildlife Refuge in Swanton.
What began on Christmas Day in 1900 as an alternative to competitive bird hunting has become one of the world's longest-running community science projects. The 2026-2027 season will mark the 127th year of this annual event and the 79th year that Green Mountain Bird Alliance (GMBA) has participated. The Burlington area count will be taking place on Sunday, December 20, 2026.
