The largest birding trail in North America winds along the Lake Champlain Basin, which is within the Atlantic Flyway. During spring and fall migrations it is a premier spot to watch migrating water- fowl, shorebirds, hawks and songbirds.

Many different bird species can be found in Essex County. Some birds that summer in the far north call the Champlain Valley and the High Peaks their winter home. Look for Bohemian Waxwings, Snow Buntings, Common Redpolls, Snowy Owls, and Rough-legged Hawks.

Come and explore the ancient bog and upland boreal habitats found throughout the High Peaks region. Unique species found within the Adirondacks include Peregine Falcon, Common Raven, Loon, Spruce Grouse, Three-toed Woodpecker, Bicknell's Thrush, Swainson's Thrush, Gray Jay, Boreal Chickadee, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Northern Parula, and several species of flycatchers and warblers.

Adirondack High Peaks Wilderness Area

The largest officially designated Wilderness Area in NY State. Mixed woods, high elevation coniferous forest. Spruce Grouse, Three-toed Woodpecker, Black-backed Woodpecker, Boreal Chickadee, Gray Jay, Red Crossbill, White-winged Crossbill, Peregrine Falcons, Common Loons. Sub-alpine Birds: Bicknell's Thrush, Blackpoll Warbler, Swainson's Thrush

Route 903, near Crown Point Bridge. Grassland with mix of shrub/scrub and woods. Unusual diversity and abundance of migratory songbirds with more than 175 species recorded.

Adirondack nature Conservancy Preserve. East of Willsboro Point, viewing from boat only. The largest colonial waterbird nesting colony on Lake Champlain.

Ticonderoga, at the mouth of La Chute River. Birds: Green Heron, Common Moorhen, Black Tern, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Warbling Vireo, Orchard Oriole, Least Bittern, American Bittern, Marsh Wren, swallows.

Lakeshore Road, Westport. Near Coon Mt. Preserve. Extensive hardwood swamp bordered by agricultural fields. Birds: Northern Harriers, Osprey, Waterfowl.

Tom Clark Road in the Town of Crown Point, Essex County (Rt. 22) Marsh , hardwood forest. Birds : Alder Flycatcher, Red-winged Blackbird, Swamp Sparrow, Virginia Rail, Wood Duck, Mallard, Blue-Grey Gnatcatcher, Catbird, Eastern Wood Pewee, Least Flycatcher, Northern Oriole, Red-Eyed Vireo, Veery, Warbling Vireo, Yellow Warbler, Least Bittern . Foot trails lead to three scenic observation points.

Just East of Elizabethtown on Cty. Route 8. White pine-northern hardwood forest. 700-yard nature trail. Birds: Blue birds and Cedar waxwings.

Adirondack Park Visitor Interpretive Center

Rt.30, Paul Smiths and Rt. 28N, Newcomb. Nature trails, interpretive exhibits, special birding events, workshops, visitor information.

Birds: Boreal Chickadee, Black-backed Woodpecker, Bicknell's Thrush , Spruce grouse. Common Loon, Broad-winged Hawk, Bald Eagle, Great blue Heron.

RRI, Box 230, Elizabethtown, NY 12932

P.O. Box 296 Ray brook, NY 12977

518-897-1200

P.O. Box 196, Poultney, VT 05764, 802-287-4284