Help celebration Migratory Birds at the Missisquoi NWR with guided bird walks and a free presenation!

The 3rd week of May is a busy time for migratory birds in Vermont, and the day provides a ‘snapshot’ view of birds on the refuge. Since 1999, we have documented 162 species of birds during these events. You can see our past results on eBird: https://ebird.org/profile/MTA5NzMzMw/US-VT-011

We’ll begin the day at 5:30 with an early morning walk on the Maquam / Black Creek trails. (note: this may change to Mac’s Bend Road based on water levels on the trail).

At 7:30, we’ll have a brief welcoming meeting at the Refuge visitor’s center and will get a headcount for lunch. We’ll then break up into groups to walk / tour different areas of the refuge, with guided walks planned for the Stephen Young Marsh and Old Railroad Passage. The visitor center will remain open for anyone that would prefer to explore the Discovery Trail or area around the ponds. (currently only the boardwalk area of the Discovery Trail is accessible due to water levels).

At 11am, groups will return to the Visitor’s center to compare and compile their sightings. A pizza lunch will be provided. Tom Rogers from Vermont Fish & Wildlife will be our guest speaker, followed by Refuge Manager Ken Sturm’s discussion on the days results.

The Friends’ Store at the Refuge headquarters will be open Friday and Saturday – with everything 25% off for the weekend!

For anyone interested in further birding opportunities, the Vermont Center for Ecostudies is holding a 1-day ‘Biothon’ on May 18th in an attempt to documented as many species of wildlife as possible. They’ll have a team at the Missisquoi Refuge looking for nocturnal species. They’ll be at the Stephen Young Marsh at 4:45am and again from 8-10pm, hoping to find whippoorwills, woodcock and owls. Learn more, and sign up to join them on their website: https://vtecostudies.org/wildlife/wildlife-watching/birdathon/

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