Date: 8/15/26 11:22 am From: Allan Strong <Allan.Strong...> Subject: [VTBIRD] Lake Champlain pelagic birding trips
Hi VT Birders,
I’ve got another round of pelagic birding trips scheduled on UVM's research vessel, the Marcelle Melosira.
There will be three available trips:
8/31 (Monday) - 8:00-12:00
9/18 (Friday) - 8:00-12:00
9/21 (Monday) - 8:00-12:00
These trips are an opportunity to look for some of the more unusual species of birds on Lake Champlain that are difficult to see from shore. It is hard to predict what we will see on the trips. In past years we have found jaegers (Parasitic and Long-tailed), some interesting gulls (Sabine's and Little), and shorebirds (Red-necked Phalarope, Ruddy Turnstone). We've been able to make a couple passes around the Four Brothers Islands as well, which is always a treat. I'll be leading each of the trips and we'll have some UVM students that will be in charge of "chumming," which will increase our chances of bringing unusual birds closer to the boat. Regardless of the sightings, a day out on Lake Champlain with fellow birders is always a good time!
The cost is $51.75 per person and payment is by credit card online. Once on the registration site, you can pay for more than one person.
I don't think the site has the capacity to keep track of a waiting list, so if the date/time you want is full, let me know and I can keep track of cancellations.
Feel free to reach out to me with any questions (try to avoid replying to the whole list). <astrong...>
I hope you can make it!
Allan
A few more details about the Research Vessel and the trips:
The boat itself has a hybrid electric/diesel engine, so it is significantly quieter than the old research vessel. She is also fully ADA compliant, so we can accommodate wheelchairs on the vessel. There is a full bathroom on board and significant covered space if there is rain. The R/V also has a catamaran hull, which makes her much more stable than the old vessel. It is always cooler on the water, so bring some warm clothes (and no open-toed shoes). Water, sunscreen, some light snacks, and a camera are all helpful. If you need binoculars, please contact me <astrong...><mailto:<astrong...>.
The boat will leave from the UVM slip on the south side of the Leahy ECHO Center/Rubenstein Ecosystem Science Lab building at 1 College Street. Please arrive 30 minutes prior to departure. Unfortunately, there are no options for free parking, so you will need to find parking nearby. The best options are the Pease Lot on the north side of College St (west of Battery St.), the ECHO Center parking lot, or the brown meters at the west end of College and Main St.
