MadBirders

As the temperatures drop, leaves turn, and daylight hours diminish, most of the warblers have headed south, but birding is still good.  The geese, raptors, and sparrows are moving through.

The Song, Chipping, Swamp and White-throated Sparrows are still around; White-crowned, Lincoln’s, and Dark-eyed Juncoes are showing up in good numbers, and Fox and American Tree Sparrows will arrive soon.  Rare sightings of Nelson’s Sharp-tailed has been reported on VTBird, along with good discussion on locating this elusive little bird.  Plan to get to Dead Creek to see the Snow Geese and some sparrows this month.

VTBird (see recent messages at http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/VTBD.html) and Murin and Pfeiffer’s book, Birdwatching in Vermont, Chapter 5 (shows when birds are seen in the state) are good resources.  Be sure to take your binoculars when out for those foliage trips.  You never know what you’ll find.

White Crowned Sparrow
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Join the Mad Birders led by the Pratts (Team Pipit) for an early fall walk on Ward Hill on Saturday, September 1.  We will leave Waitsfield Chamber of Commerce at 7:30 AM, bird walk starts at 8 AM.  We will be looking for fall warblers, many others.  This is always a favorite Valley spot to bird.

You know fall is very close when Fred Pratt starts his daily early morning bird walks on Ward Hill.   He has been doing this during August and September for over thirty years.  Fred is the Valley expert on warblers, especially those challenging fall warblers.   He invites all interested birders to join him for his daily walks and posts the results on Mad Bird Discuss.  Many of us continue to learn much about our feathered friends by walking the fields with Fred.  So, if you want to start your day in a wonderful way, head up to Ward Hill for some early morning birding.

 Fred and wife Chris, known as Team Pipit, lead a formal walk on Ward Hill during Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends.  Come join Mad Birders on Saturday, September 1 for our Labor Day walk with the Pratts.  Meet at Wait House at 7:30 AM to carpool to the red gate on Ward Hill.  Wear sturdy footwear and bring water.  We always have a great time. 

Fred Pratt birds daily on Ward Hill near their seasonal cabin.
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Jeannie and Dawna join Fred on one of his walks.
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Moderate to difficult hike on rocky, steep trail.  Meet at Egan’s at 8 AM for an all morning hike.  Be sure to bring water and a snack, wear hiking boots, dress in layers.

Meet at Egan’s at intersection of Rtes 100 and 17 to carpool to Hemlock Hill.  The trailhead is off Rte 17 and we should get some lower elevation birds on this hike.  Plan on 3 hours for this walk.

Meet at Egan’s at the intersection of Rtes 100 and 17 at 8 AM for a walk into Phen Basin.  This area is another part of the Breeding Bird Atlas block and has good habitat diversity.  This will be a 3 hour walk.

Wednesday, July 11, 4-7 PM.  Meet at Egans at intersection of Rtes 100 and 17.  We will carpool to the top of Rte 17 to explore the pond and roadsides for late afternoon birds. 

Mad Birders will be birding for the Vermont Breeding Bird Atlas during July.  Our block includes the Long Trail north from Rte 17 access, Phen Basin, Hemlock Hill, and some trails off Murphy Road in North Fayston. 

 Sunday, July 8 – Meet at 8 AM at Egan’s (intersection of Rtes 100 and 17) to carpool to Beane Trail in Huntington.  Bring snacks, water, wear sturdy footwear.  Will return early afternoon.

Join Mad Birders for a birding hike on the Long Trail.  We will meet at the Chamber of Commerce (Wait House) at 7:30 AM to carpool to the trailhead at the top of Lincoln Gap.  The Sunset Rock hike is not difficult, but wear sturdy footwear and be prepared to spend the morning.  Snacks and water are necessities.

Jeannie Elias and Craig Goss will lead Mad Birders on a walk in their area of the Valley.   Meet at 7:30 AM at the Chamber/ Wait House or at the intersection of Route 100 and Central Fayston Rd at 7:40 AM. Wear waterproof footwear for this walk in the woods.