On May 4, several GMAS board members gave a presentation on birdsong to the Burlington area Vermont Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, including who sings, why and where, why we enjoy listening, and some clues on how to identify species by their songs and calls. A number from VABVI then came to the Green Mountain Audubon Center in Huntington on May 6, walked the “sensory trail” listening for birds singing, and then had a delightful discussion on the porch afterward. CW
On May 14, 25 people of many ages surveyed Mt. Philo for recently arrived neotropical migrants. The walk was led by one of our board members, Andrew Webbe, and a total of 35 different bird species was identified by members of the group. These included eight species of wood warblers (American Redstart, Nashville, Black-throated Blue, Northern Parula, Ovenbird, Black and White, Chestnut-sided, and Yellow-rumped), as well as male and female Scarlet Tanager, Eastern Towhee, and Indigo Bunting. Mt. Philo lends itself to relatively large groups as were there that day, and it was a pleasure to see all the cooperation in finding the birds along the road and paths. CW
On May 21, a group of 14 was again led by Andrew, (who seems to have an extra set of ears and very sharp eyes), up the east side of Snake Mountain early in the morning. On this beautiful day 12 species of warblers were found including several Mourning Warblers singing right next to the trail, (though it took a while before we got to see one), a Swainson’s Thrush walking up the trail ahead of us, and an Osprey with a fish in its talons flying over the wetlands. A total of 44 species was identified. CW
Our June 11 field trip to Berlin Pond near Montpelier began in the fog. Within a few minutes of our 8 o’clock start, however, the fog lifted, and we were treated to a bright, hot morning of birdwatching. Eighteen people participated, hailing from quite a wide range, West Topsham to Philadelphia. Thirty-seven species were counted on this morning. Notable observations included a Common Loon possibly nesting, Wood Duck, Black-billed Cuckoo singing at length, and a variety of flycatchers: Eastern Kingbird, Great-crested, Least and Alder. Warblers included Chestnut-sided, Blackburnian, Yellow, Common Yellowthroat, Black-throated Green, Northern Waterthrush, and Ovenbird. White-throated, Swamp, and Song Sparrows were present. Golden-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Veery, Red-eyed and Warbling Vireos were seen. CR
On June 13, a group of folks from VABVI from other areas of the State, including Newport, St. Albans, and Barre, also came to the GMAC after visiting with Bob Spear at the Birds of Vermont Museum (where they had a wonderful time!). It was one of those very hot and humid days, and only two intrepid souls walked the sensory trail, reading the signs in Braille. The rest of us had a lively discussion in the shade of the porch about birds and their songs, and a number of other topics.
We hope we were able to transmit some of our enthusiasm about birding by ear, and perhaps encouraged some folks to pursue this fun activity further. CW
On July 9, we scheduled a Birdwalk for Beginners at Catamount Family Center in Williston. Unfortunately it was rained out, but was rescheduled and held on July 23, which turned out to be a beautiful warm sunny day. Twenty people attended the event, co-sponsored by the Williston Conservation Commission, and hosted by Catamount’s owners, Jim and Lucy McCullough. Catamount is an ideal area for birdwatching with over 450 acres of varied habitat, including mixed deciduous and coniferous forest, a Christmas tree plot, hay fields, ponds and wetlands, and a plethora of edge communities. An extensive trail network through the property allows easy access to these habitats. Following a brief introductory session with informational handouts, the group split into two and explored the area. Over 30 species of birds were seen, with many close-up views including the ability to see and hear birds singing at the same time. Some of the interesting species seen were Great Blue Heron, Turkey Vulture, a Canada Goose family, Spotted Sandpiper, Wood Pewee, Eastern Kingbird, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Wood Thrush, Brown Thrasher, Cedar Waxwing, Common Yellowthroat, Ovenbird, Indigo Bunting, Bobolink, and Baltimore Oriole. CR
