The towns of Colchester and Charlotte boast some outstanding birding sites that are well-known throughout Vermont. Examples in Colchester include the Colchester Causeway and Delta Park. In Charlotte, Mount Philo State Park, Charlotte Town Beach, McNeil Cove, and Converse Bay are all highly regarded spots among birders. But the two locations that are the subject of this article – the Colchester Pond Natural Area and Charlotte Town Park and Wildlife Refuge, are less well-known even among birders in Chittenden County, despite the fact that both sites offer excellent birding opportunities, and at times, turn up rarities.
Colchester Pond
The Colchester Pond Natural Area, managed by the Winooski Valley Park District, occupies 693 acres of forest and meadow, including a two mile hiking trail that encircles the pond. I became interested in this area a year ago when a small flock of Ruddy Ducks took temporary residence on the pond during November and December. Ruddy Duck sightings are unusual in Vermont, so I jumped at the chance to see them. Voila! On my first visit to the pond I immediately spotted 14 ruddies swimming close to shore. Since then I have included Colchester Pond on the short list of sites I visit regularly. In May I found a variety of warblers there, notably Yellow and Yellow-rumped. On several occasions throughout the summer I got nice looks at a pair of Baltimore Orioles inhabiting the fringe of woodland adjacent to the meadows that form the border of the west shore of the pond.
Naturally, numerous species of ducks and geese can be found at Colchester Pond, including Canada Goose, Bufflehead, Common Merganser, Hooded Merganser, Mallard and American Black Duck, to name just a few. Raptors, including Barred Owl, Red-tailed Hawk, and Northern Harrier have been reported to the VT Bird list from Colchester Pond and I found several reports of Bald Eagles spotted here. A side benefit of visiting Colchester Pond is that there are footpaths off the hiking trail that lead to another birding hot spot, Brigham Hill in Essex. In truth, I admit I have not pursued these side trails, but a report on the VT Bird list describes them well if you care to search them out. To reach Colchester Pond take route 7 to its junction with Route 2A and go right on 2A toward Colchester Village. In the village, turn left on East Road. Take the first right onto Depot Road and follow it to the junction of Colchester Pond Road and Curve Hill Road. Turn left onto Colchester Pond Road and proceed to the parking lot at the top of the hill. Though not well-known among birders, the Colchester Pond Natural Area is a popular spot for anglers, kayakers, canoeists, hikers, and dog walkers. At times, in fact, it is a little too popular for my taste. However, from October through early May the traffic drops off and the birding is excellent. At these times this area is well worth investigating.
Charlotte Town Park
The Charlotte Town Park and Wildlife Refuge is quite a different story. Charlotte Town Park consists of 290 acres of early successional woodlands, meadows, and pastures that provide outstanding habitat for birds and other wildlife. A well-maintained hiking trail marked by 10 interpretive stations threads its way through the park, offering good views of the surrounding countryside. However, the use of this park by hikers and joggers is remarkably low in comparison to Colchester Pond, not that I am complaining, mind you. Likewise, my search of the VT Bird list archives revealed only12 postings referring to Charlotte Town Park (including reports by some outstanding birders, I might add). This observation suggests to me that this site is relatively undiscovered by the birding community. Last May I went to Charlotte Town Park in search of warblers. I was not disappointed. On my first visit I spotted a Canada Warbler – a lifer for me. Later in the season I got the best look at an Eastern Towhee I have had to date. A sampling of other notables seen by me, or reported by others, includes Black-and-white, Magnolia, Blue-winged, Tennessee, Nashville, Chestnut-sided and Yellow-rumped Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Blue-headed and Red-eyed Vireo, Gray Catbird, Brown Thrasher, Northern Cardinal, Cedar Waxwing, Wood Thrush, American Kestrel, Red-tailed Hawk, and Northern Harrier. This is an impressive list by any standard. To reach Charlotte Town Park take Greenbush Road from Route 7 in Shelburne. Immediately after driving past Lake Road in Charlotte and passing under the railroad bridge just beyond, look for a left turn into a small, but well-marked parking lot. The Robert’s Way trail starts here. In season, an informative brochure and trail map is available to guide you on your walk. Enjoy!
