Date: 9/9/26 1:29 pm From: Rita Pitkin <ritapitkin15...> Subject: Re: [VTBIRD] Pelagic birding on Lake Champlain
Nancy Mitiguy - in case you are interested.
On Wed, Sep 9, 2026 at 3:03 PM Allan Strong <Allan.Strong...> wrote:
> Hi VT Birders,
>
> The first three trips on the UVM Research Vessel sold out very quickly, so
> I added one more: Friday 18 September 1:00-5:00
>
> This will be the second trip on the 18th, which can be an advantage. If we
> find good birds in the morning we can go back tp the same spot, and if not,
> we can explore other parts of the Lake.
>
> 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!
>
> Registration will be through UVM's ticketing website:
> https://na.eventscloud.com/ereg/index.php?eventid=891043& >
> 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...>
>
> 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.
>
> Hope you can make it!
> Allan
>
