Birdathon is an annual week-long fundraising event in which individuals or teams choose a 24-hour window to go out and see and hear as many bird species as possible. This year’s Birdathon, which was Audubon Vermont’s 22nd Birdathon, held the distinction of being the first Birdathon that I had ever participated in. Birdathon also happened to be my second day on the job as one of Audubon Vermont’s two summer Environmental Conservation Interns.  

Birdathon was an entirely new experience for me, in more ways than one. Not only was this my first time participating in a Birdathon, but I was still getting to know everyone else on the staff. It was an incredible day, and everyone was so friendly and welcoming, with plenty of smiles and laughs to go around.  

We started our Birdathon at the Green Mountain Audubon Center, where we spent most of the day. Over the course of the morning, we watched a tiny Northern Parula building her nest, listened to a male Rose-breasted Grosbeak singing and putting on a show right over our heads, and so much more.

We then made our way down to the Birds of Vermont Museum, then to nearby Geprags Community Park, where we were able to find a Blue-winged Warbler x Golden-winged Warbler hybrid, an American Kestrel, and a Bobolink singing enthusiastically across the road. Golden-winged Warblers, Blue-winged Warblers, and Bobolinks all make themselves at home in open areas, and are all unfortunately in decline across their ranges. This encounter with them was just a taste of things to come—as a part of my internship, I’ve been assisting with surveying parks and private land that have been managed to create habitat for Blue-winged and Golden-winged Warblers to monitor their presence in these places.

During the next few weeks, we will begin conducting Bobolink surveys at farms enrolled in the Bobolink Project and managing their pastures to create better Bobolink habitat. We made a brief stop on the way to Geprags Park to watch a Pied-billed Grebe and Green Heron at a small pond. For me, the highlights of the day were an Olive-sided Flycatcher—a life bird for me—perched quietly but conspicuously on top of a snag, and a brief but incredible look at a male Magnolia Warbler. 

It was an incredible day of birding— a total of 94 different species were seen and/or heard during our Birdathon period! It was certainly a Birdathon to remember. Many thanks to those who donated to support Audubon Vermont’s Birdathon. Until next year!  

It's not too late to donate to our Birdathon!

We're so close to reaching our goal. Click here to lend a hand.