Birding & Wildlife

The fields and shrub lands at Migratory Haven are home to a number of noteworthy bird species that can be enjoyed by birdwatchers. As springs arrives so do the Eastern Meadowlarks. In May the Meadowlarks are joined in the field by Bobolinks. Look for the striking black and white male Bobolinks giving their spectacular bubbling flight as they fly over the fields. Behind these fields, there is a shrubby second growth area that is home to Golden Winged Warbler. This striking warbler is becoming increasingly rare in New York State, where it is officially listed as a species of special concern due to the competition from his close relative the Blue Wing Warbler.

Although the Blue Wing Warbler is still a rare species in Essex County is worth noting that the farm was the site of the county’s fifth ever sighting of the bird. Other birds found in the shrubby second growth area behind the fields include the Field Sparrow, Alder Flycatcher and White Throated Sparrow. In 2020 a nesting spare pair of Grass Hopper Sparrows were observed on the property.

Less than a mile away is Noble Wood Park well known for birding. During the breeding season, hemlocks and white pines there are a host to Black-throated Green, Blackburnian, Pine and Yellow Warblers. Ovenbirds as well as Hermit Thrushs are abundant. A walk down to the sandbar at the mouth of the Boquet River during the summer months could yield migrant shorebirds. In the winter it is a vantage point for viewing migrant and wintering waterbirds on Lake Champlain.

Credited is given to Matt Medler for the content of the birding article.