Date: 5/11/25 11:31 am From: Ken Copenhaver <copenhvr...> Subject: [VTBIRD] Missisquoi NWR Bird Monitoring Walk
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 data is stored by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. These walks are appropriate for birders of all skill levels and provide a wonderful opportunity to learn about birds throughout the seasons. After 181 months of walks, we have recorded 166 species of birds.
This month's walk will be on *Saturday, May 17, from 8:00 to 10:00 AM a**t the Stephen Young Marsh Trail*. Meet at the parking lot on Tabor Rd, about 1 mile south of the Refuge Visitor Center.
*Trail Description**:* The walk starts at a gravel parking lot. We will cross Tabor Road and descend a short but steep bank along the edge of the road. (An alternative route from the parking lot is available that crosses the road where there is no embankment.) The trail continues on a level section with a gravel trail surface, then gradually rises to a trail surface with many exposed tree roots. There are benches partway up and at the top of the rise. From there, the trail continues on a gravel path going very gradually downhill, then another grassy, level section to a short boardwalk and observation deck where there is another bench. From the observation deck, the trail goes on a gradual uphill, grassy path.
*Trail Conditions:* Even with the new boardwalk at the south end of the marsh, there could still be some wet areas, so waterproof shoes or boots are recommended.
If you have any questions, contact me at <copenhvr...>
*Please Note:* The walk is part of our celebration of *World Migratory Bird Day*. Other events this weekend include:
May 16, 5:00 to 7:00 PM: Black-capped Chickadee Painting Tutorial May 16, 7:00 to 8:00 PM: Meet the Artist Reception and kick-off of the Art Show May 17, 4:00 to 7:00 AM: Daybreak Bird Walk at Black/Maquam Creek Trail May 17, 8:00 to 10:00 AM: Survey of Old Railroad Passage Trail, led by Refuge Manager Ken Sturm May 18, 9:00 AM: Plein Air Demonstration with Corliss Blakely May 18, 9:00 to 11:00 AM: Beginner's Bird Walk at Discovery Trail May 18, 1:00 to 4:00 PM: Group Birding Paddle on Missisquoi River
*Art Show*: Also, don't miss the Friends Annual Art Show, on display at the Visitor Center, beginning at 10:00 AM on May 17. The art can be viewed through July 18th, any time the Visitor Center is open.
