For some, the thrill of spotting a rare warbler rivals any adventure. More than 45 million Americans watch birds, whether it’s from their backyards or in destinations far afield.
Birding—the art of observing and identifying birds in their natural habitat—can be a dynamic group activity that combines outdoor exploration, wildlife appreciation, and social connection. “It’s like doing a puzzle,” explains Steve Hale of Open World Explorers, a birding guide that serves New England. “You begin to sleuth out the feathers, patterns, voice, and behaviors.” For both those new to the hobby, and for seasoned birders, the Northeast offers plenty of great locations to grow one’s “life list” of our feathery friends.
Vermont offers an ideal introduction to group birding. Groups can explore diverse habitats that attract everything from the hermit thrush to majestic waterfowl. The Birds of Vermont Museum in Huntington is perfect for those newer to birding. Its carved wooden dioramas help train the eye. On the ground floor, there are dioramas of various species that can be found on and near Lake Champlain. Upstairs, examine a panorama of raptors, immerse yourself in aisles of birds that nest in Vermont’s forests and fields, and wander into the workshop room before heading out to explore miles of trails with the help of a seasoned guide.
The Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) Nature Center in Quechee features a unique canopy walk that lets groups experience birds at treetop level. “We also have 17 display enclosures where our ambassador birds of prey can be viewed in naturalistic habitats, as well as a walk-through songbird aviary with around 20 individual birds,” says Anna Morris, director of wildlife ambassador programs. “In addition, our daily public programs feature up-close encounters with some of our birds of prey, flying or standing on an educator’s glove.” VINS also offers private experiences for small groups, workshops such as “Intro to Birding” in the spring, and photography workshops.
After traversing Vermont’s Green Mountains, gather the group at the historic Woodstock Inn. The inn’s Red Barns at Kelly Way Gardens offers an exceptional farm-to-table dining experience. Birders can share their discoveries while enjoying seasonal menus. The quaint town of Woodstock offers boutique shops, art galleries, and cozy cafes.
Credit: Nicolle Renick
The Massachusetts coast offers a dramatic change of scenery. The Boston Harbor Islands is an archipelago of 34 islands that hosts significant numbers of colonial nesting waterbirds. Park rangers lead nature hikes on specific islands throughout summer, while special winter wildlife cruises provide unique opportunities to spot pelagic birds. Some islands offer seasonal eateries for a post-birding snack, while the Boston skyline reminds visitors that all the amenities of the big city are just a ferry ride away.
To the north, Plum Island in Newburyport offers a taste of nature just steps from a historic downtown teeming with shops and a delightful culinary scene. The North End of Plum Island is great in winter for sheltering seabirds. In the summer, piping plovers nest in the low dune areas just to the east of this waypoint. Terns and gulls pass through the mouth of the river on their way between the estuary and the sea.
Cape Cod National Seashore rounds out some of Massachusetts’ top birding destinations. Pilgrim Heights comes alive during spring migration with songbirds and raptors, while Beech Forest attracts warblers, orioles, and grosbeaks. Winter brings its own rewards, as scoters, eiders, and mergansers populate the waters along Race Point and Coast Guard beaches. Ranger-guided programs help groups maximize their experience throughout the year.
Having a local guide can be a game-changer for groups. “A guide with expertise in a local area can really accelerate your learning,” Hale says. Hale’s scope ranges from Boston to Portland and from the mountains to the seacoast. Offering walks through hot spots like the Middlesex Fells in Massachusetts, Marginal Way in Maine, or White Mountain National Forest in New Hampshire, Hale zeroes in on bird behavior like nesting and feeding.
Guides make all the difference in setting expectations and developing skills. Based out of World’s End park and conservation area in Hingham, Massachusetts, Sally Avery’s sessions begin with an introduction to seasonal expectations. She’ll often share field guides and plasticized birding cards to equip participants with information to aid in their activity. Avery adds, “I make sure everyone knows how to focus their binoculars correctly and show them how to look through the spotting scope to get close-up looks at birds.”
Whether you’re drawn to the social aspects of group birding or the pride of growing your life list, New England’s landscapes provide the perfect settings for learning and enjoyment. Birding opens one’s eyes to a world that’s always been there. As we learn to spot and identify birds, we better appreciate nature’s story unfolding around us—from seasonal changes and sounds to the distinct plumage and purposeful movements of birds in their habitats. This new perspective makes birding walks and workshops an enriching addition to any group travel itinerary.
By Michael C. McLaughlin
Main Image: Bird monitoring on Boston Harbor Islands, Boston, Massachusetts; Credit: National Park Service/Vincent
