As autumn color begins to brighten the slopes and vistas at Hogback Mountain Conservation Area, join naturalist Cherrie Corey for a slow walk along mountain trails to listen and look for hawks and later migrating songbirds. Some typical migrants in early October include ruby and golden-crowned kinglets, Swainson's and hermit thrushes, returning dark-eyed juncos, white-throated and white-crowned sparrows, Eastern towhee, Philadelphia vireo, and late migrating warblers (including Tennessee, Nashville, common yellowthroat, Northern parula, Magnolia, Blackpoll, Black-throated blue, Palm, Pine, and Myrtle), and indigo buntings. Fall warblers always test our memories and powers of concentration as we try to learn and recall who we encounter by eye rings, wingbars, chest markings, and pale colors along with their faintly whispered calls and song fragments.
Along the way, we'll visit with Eric Slayton at his bird banding station to see what late season migrants have visited their "mist nets." Eric and his team will demonstrate the many careful steps involved in documenting and banding each bird.
Meet at the Tower Trail trailhead kiosk, behind the Vermont Distillery (7755 Route 9 East Marlboro, VT). Parking is available in the large parking lot across the road from the Distillery.
This event is co-sponsored by the Hogback Mountain Conservation Association and the Southeastern Vermont Audubon Society. The walk is limited to 18. To register, please send an email to hmca@hogbackvt.org .