VCE’s First-ever Biothon Collects Big Data for Biodiversity
June 04, 2019Seven intrepid VCE Biothon teams, comprised of staff and volunteer citizen scientists (some seasoned, some new), ventured out on May 18 for a one-day blitz to document Vermont’s biodiversity in support of VCE’s wildlife conservation programs. With spirits bolstered by generous pledges from people like you and a matching grant from The Jack & Dorothy Byrne Foundation, our teams’ efforts yielded an impressive 117 bird species and 217 species of plants, non-avian animals, fungi, and other life forms. Read on to find out where we went and what we saw »
VCE Birdathon Terns up a Last-minute Surprise
May 24, 2018Boreal birds, balsam fir spires and peat bogs proved an irresistible lure to the Green Mountain Goatsuckers, drawing us back to Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom for our 2018 Birdathon. Following our memorable itinerary from 2016, we concentrated this annual quest on Essex and Orleans counties, again strategically enlisting the Kingdom’s foremost birding guru, Tom Berriman, as our local guide. Read more on the VCE Blog »
VCE Birdathon Team Takes on the Maine Seacoast
June 01, 2017Ten years after the Green Mountain Goatsuckers’ first birdathon visit to the seacoast of southern Maine, we returned for a repeat performance in 2017. Drawn by the region’s infamous rugged shoreline, hidden sandy beaches, extensive salt marshes, and varied upland habitats—not to mention great seafood and a stellar place to stay—we were all excited to encounter some sea- and shorebirds that we rarely get to see in Vermont. Read more on the VCE Blog »
Across the Kingdom, VCE Birdathon a Boreal Success
June 01, 2016The Green Mountain Goatsuckers mixed it up this spring, opting for a new approach and venue. We took a break from the Upper Valley and our traditional human-powered means of locomotion, migrating upstate to Vermont’s fabled birding mecca – the Northeast Kingdom. The region’s spruce-fir forests and boreal birds proved an irresistible lure. We decided to concentrate on Essex and Orleans counties, and we made a key strategic move by enlisting the Kingdom’s foremost birding guru, Tom Berriman, as our local guide. Read about our day and see our bird list »
By Land and by Sea, VCE Tallies 106 Species
May 28, 2015On May 21 the VCE staff watched birds with even greater purpose and determination than usual: Birdathon.The VCE Green Mountain Goatsuckers opted for our customary low-carbon Birdathon this spring, again launching an armada of kayaks and canoes on the Connecticut River after pre-breakfast terrestrial birding. We spent a glorious day outdoors, enjoyed laughs and camaraderie, saw some great birds, paddled 15 miles on one of New England’s signature rivers, and best of all - we raised important funds for VCE's wildlife conservation projects. Read more »
Team VCE 2014 Birdathon Tally and Report
May 25, 2014The VCE team opted for our customary low-carbon Birdathon this spring, but swapped hiking boots and mountain bikes for water shoes and kayaks/canoes. This all but quashed the possibility of headlining our master list with Bicknell’s Thrush, but promised some aquatic birds that would prove elusive on a strictly terrestrial route. We were encouraged to awake to clear and cool conditions, and moderately low water on the Connecticut River, raising hopes for migrant shorebirds on exposed flats. Read more »
Team VCE 2013 BIrdathon Tally and Report
May 27, 2013It was only fitting that several days of dry weather should end on May 19, an hour before 4 VCE team members shouldered light packs and donned rain gear in the Sherburne Pass parking lot. Kent, Steve, Spencer Hardy, and Chris struck out at 7 pm for the 2.5-mile hike up to Pico Camp, our traditional overnight roost at 3500’ elevation. Thankfully, temperatures were warm and rain only moderate, with tomorrow’s forecast calling for light showers. The woods were quiet, but we reveled in reverse-hiking through spring’s phenology as we gained altitude. Hobblebush and spring ephemerals that had faded below were in full bloom. A few Hermit Thrushes and Black-throated Blue Warblers revealed their presence with dusk songs. Read more »
