Spring Outings Report
By Pat Phillips
World Migratory Bird Day Walk at Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge
Saturday, May 9, 2026
In celebration of World Migratory Bird Day, a small group of birders ventured out on the Missisquoi NWR's Black and Maquam Creek Trails in search of returning avian species. The group was not to be disappointed, seeing and hearing multiple species, even before leaving the parking area. Colorful Baltimore Orioles, Common Yellowthroats, a Purple Finch, and droves of Yellow Warblers were just a few of those greeting the group. Entering the floodplain forest with still-bare trees, numerous Yellow-rumped Warblers, Least Flycatchers, American Redstarts, Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, and Northern Waterthrush could be heard. A highlight of the morning was a fleeting glimpse of an American Woodcock and the season's first Cape May Warbler. A total of 42 species were seen and heard, making for a wonderful observance of this special day.
eBird Report: https://ebird.org/checklist/S335364405
Mother's Day Warbler Walk at Little River
Sunday, May 10, 2026
Warblers were present in great numbers to greet a large contingent of birders for this year's walk at Little River State Park. Birdsong filled the air as the group walked along the park road, looking into the mostly leafless trees to spy these returning avian migrants in their showy breeding plumage.
Northern Parulas, Yellow-rumped Warblers, Ovenbirds, Black-and-white Warblers, and many other species vocalized to attract mates and establish territories. A Broad-winged Hawk, perched low, stunned the group as it darted across the road, giving most of them a great view. Wood Thrush, Least Flycatchers, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Phoebes, and Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers were also seen and heard. A highlight near the end of the walk was when the group came upon an assemblage of species, including Blackburnian, Magnolia, Black-and-white Warblers, Blue-headed Vireos, Red-breasted Nuthatches, and others that remained in a single area in the canopy, challenging all to follow them as they jumped from branch to branch. The cool, damp morning yielded a total of 34 species seen or heard, some strained necks, and a sense of satisfaction in being present for the wonder of spring migration.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1J_vyRuNzttx0_neTAMUvPDfX7o8RVle3/view#:~:text=IMG_8438,-.jpeg
Pelot's Natural Area in North Hero
Saturday, May 23, 2026
On the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, birders headed out on the trails of Pelot's Natural Area in North Hero. Birdsong filled the air as the group assembled in the parking area, noting the presence of many species. With the newly emerged leaves, canopy-loving avians presented a challenge to birders hoping for even a glimpse, while other species sang, posed, and sailed by, providing great views. Highlights of the day included several Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, numerous Baltimore Orioles, a vocal Blackpoll Warbler, and, for a few birders, a surprise male Harlequin Duck in gorgeous breeding plumage. Birders had set out in two separate groups, and between the two, a total of 52 species were seen and/or heard.
eBird report for the two groups of birders:
https://ebird.org/checklist/S344993400
vhttps://ebird.org/checklist/S344639188
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1U0FSeCCKmDUkmHo1WTtoyM4p7tJOsjM3/view?usp=drive_web
Birding at Shelburne Farms
Saturday, May 30, 2026
A dark, windy, wet, and cool May morning had 20 birders approaching the day's planned excursion with some trepidation. Few birds could be heard or seen as the group set out, but the clouds soon departed, and the sun illuminated the myriad shades of green that compose the verdant landscape of Shelburne Farms. Brilliant blue skies provided a backdrop as the birders moved into a sheltered vale, where birdsong filled the air. Within moments, one bird after another was heard or seen. Great views of Savannah Sparrows, Eastern Kingbirds, Northern Yellow Warblers, and a Red-tailed Hawk were to be had, while numerous American Redstarts sang, hidden in the hedgerows. Curious Brown Swiss cows followed the group as they progressed along the path, perhaps wondering what these strange folk were doing. A highlight as the group turned back was the sighting of not one, but two hard-to-see Eastern Wood-Pewees over birders' heads. By the end of the morning, 40 species had been reported, proving that perseverance can pay off even when things may be off to an inauspicious start.
eBird report: https://ebird.org/checklist/S349460307
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OnCC_GVhUDIDVudZCx6azRjWzW9ZP5N/view?usp=drive_web
Bird Watching for New and Novice Birders at Catamount Community Forest
Saturday, June 6, 2026
The Green Mountain Bird Alliance held two sessions for newer birders on a June morning in Williston. Light rain did not deter the more than twenty participants and guides from spotting a variety of species while practicing skills in using binoculars, identifying diagnostic traits in different birds, and listening to distinct birdsongs. The participants were also given a document with resources that provided information and opportunities to improve their birding skills. Almost 30 species of birds were seen and heard during each of the two sessions, which explored different parts of the site. Numerous Northern House Wrens, Tree Swallows, Cedar Waxwings, and Eastern Kingbirds were observed. Highlights included views of Brown Thrashers, Bobolinks, Baltimore Orioles, a Rose-breasted Grosbeak, and two adult female Wood Ducks with multiple ducklings. The new birders left enthused and looking forward to participating in future outings.
eBird reports:
8:00 AM Group - https://ebird.org/checklist/S353425188
9:30 AM Group - https://ebird.org/checklist/S353527679
Family Walk at the Intervale Center
Saturday, June 27, 2026
Three families with children showed up for the Green Mountain Bird Alliance’s first-ever walk at the Intervale Center in Burlington, and while the group was small, a great time was had by all. Highlights included a gorgeous male Baltimore Oriole, many Gray Catbirds, American Redstarts, and other summer residents. The shade under the canopy of trees along the Winooski River provided some relief from the heat, if not from the bugs!