Date: 4/7/25 5:36 pm From: Ken Copenhaver <copenhvr...> Subject: [VTBIRD] Missisquoi NWR Bird Monitoring Walk
*PLEASE NOTE: The April walk will be held on the 2nd Saturday instead of the usual 3rd Saturday due to the availability of walk leaders.*
Please join us for our monthly bird monitoring walks on the refuge. Ken Copenhaver and Julie Filiberti lead the walks on various refuge trails on the 3rd Saturday of each month (except December when it is on the 2nd Saturday). The purpose of the walks is to gather long-term data on the presence of birds, their abundance, and changes in populations. Observations are entered into the Vermont eBird database where the Cornell Lab of Ornithology stores the data. These walks are appropriate for birders of all skill levels and provide a wonderful opportunity to learn about birds throughout the seasons. After 180 months of walks, we have recorded 166 species of birds.
This month's walk will be on *Saturday, April 12, from 8:00 to 10:00 AM a**t the Old Railroad Passage Trail*. Meet at the parking lot on Tabor Rd, about 1 mile south of the Refuge.
*Trail Description**:* The walk starts at a gravel parking lot and proceeds on a grassy path to the old railroad bed. From here the trail is level except for a short section that loops away from the rail bed, up a short rise (where there is a bench at the top), and back down again to the rail bed. The remainder of the trail is level, but the trail's surface is uneven and has exposed tree roots. If we go the whole way to the end of the trail, the distance out and back is about 2.4 miles.
*Trail Conditions:* Since the trail will likely be wet in places, waterproof boots or hiking shoes are advised.
If you have any questions, contact me at <copenhvr...>
