Archives

The Eagle has landed in the Mad River Valley

Mad Birders have been thrilled with the sight of an immature (First Year) Bald Eagle.  “Great Eddy’  was initially spotted by Katie Woodruff near the Covered Bridge over the Mad River on January 12th.  The bird has been seen every day since including on the 16th, when it traveled a few miles north to Moretown.  These photos by Rick Haynes, [...]

Common Redpolls Everywhere!

Common Redpools are being seen in large number by birders throughout the Mad River Valley.  Craig Goss had this flock in the snowstorm yesterday up in Fayston.

Barred Owl in Fayston

 
 Mad Birder Ave Haviland has had regular visits from this Barred Owl this week at her feeder in Fayston.

Mad Birders get ready for 5th year of participation in the Audubon Christmas Bird Count

Bohemian Waxwings in Waitsfield last week.
Bohemian Waxwings thrilled Mad Birders and Waitsfield Elementary School students last week.
The Mourning Dove is a common year round resident in the Valley.
See you on the Christmas Birding Day!
Waitsfield Elementary Students to participate in Audubon Christmas Bird Count
Children do it almost by instinct.  They count.  Usually the things they count [...]

Monthly bird activities, movement in the Valley and VT

 The Mad River Valley is blessed with a variety of habitats, each attracting various species of birds.  Habitats include:  Deciduous Woods (hardwoods), Coniferous Woods (softwoods), Mixed Woods, Wetlands, Grasslands and Agricultural Lands, Residential, Alpine (mountaintops).  Learning which species prefer which habitats is part of the fun of birding the Valley.
 Time of day – Most birds [...]

Freeman Hill, Thursday, May 26

[ May 26, 2011; 7:00 am to 8:30 am. ] Meet at the Cemetery on Freeman Hill in Moretown to hike this quiet road with Jeannie Elias.  Freeman Hill is just south of Moretown Village on Rte 100B.   Migrant activity should be great.

Big Picture Area,Thursday, May 19

[ May 19, 2011; 7:30 am to 9:00 am. ] Join Mad Birders at the Big Picture Theatre parking lot.  We will explore the Mad River Path as well as the area behind the theatre.  This walk is part of Mad River Path’s Walk and Roll celebration.

Woodcock Walk on Freeman Hill, Thursday, April 14

[ April 14, 2011; 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm. ] Mad Birders will meet at the Cemetery on Freeman Hill in Moretown at 7:30 PM to walk the hill to locate  the elusive American Woodcock.  This member of the sandpiper family calls on the ground, then does an amazing aerial display, usually at dusk.   We are often delighted to see/hear other species such as Wilson’s Snipe, [...]

Lake Champlain Day – Saturday April 30, 2011

[ April 30, 2011; 7:00 am to 5:00 pm. ] Saturday, April 30.  Meet at Shaws at 7:00 AM to carpool to Champlain Valley.  Bring lunch, water, and snacks.  Be prepared to spend the day birding in different locations near the lake.  Wear waterproof footwear and layers.

Knoll Farm, Saturday, May 14

[ May 14, 2011; 8:00 am to 10:00 am. ] This is one of our most popular walks.  Join Ann Day, Mad River’s longtime naturalist, and Nancy Turner  for a walk on this beautiful property overlooking the valley.  Meet at Knoll Farm on Bragg Hill Rd at 8 AM.  Carpool if possible. 

Following are Patti Haynes’ comments from 2010 walk:  This is one of my favorite [...]