The Mad Birders will launch their spring and summer bird walks with a series of outings across the Mad River Valley, inviting the public to explore local habitats and learn birding skills.
All walks are free and open to all experience levels. Participants are encouraged to dress for the weather, carpool when possible and bring appropriate gear, including sturdy footwear. Evening programs may require flashlights and reflective clothing.
The schedule begins April 30 with a 7 p.m. woodcock walk at Fayston Town Forest on Boyce Hill Road. Leaders Janet Saylor and Pat Folsom will guide the evening outing. Participants are encouraged to carpool from the Fayston Park and Ride at 866 North Fayston Road at 6:45 p.m. Flashlights, reflective clothing and a tarp or blanket for ground viewing are recommended.
On May 7 at 7:30 a.m., Jeannie Elias will lead a walk along Center Fayston Road at the Mohr property. Participants should meet two miles up the road from Route 100, just past the “S” curve, and park in an unmarked driveway on the left.
A May 9 walk at 8 a.m. will take place at Pratt Refuge in Duxbury, led by Pat Folsom, Ali Wagner and Jeannie Elias. Carpooling is strongly encouraged due to limited parking. Participants may meet at Harwood Union High School at 7:45 a.m. before traveling to Ward Hill Road.
Later that day, at 2:30 p.m., Elias will lead a “Birding by Ear” workshop at Moretown Town Hall, 1147 Route 100B. The program, co-sponsored by the Moretown Library and the Mad Birders, will focus on identifying birds by their songs.
A follow-up walk will take place May 10 from 8 to 10 a.m. on Pony Farm Road in Moretown. Also led by Elias, the walk will emphasize identifying birds by sound as well as sight. Participants should meet at 182 Pony Farm Road and park at the farmstand.
On May 12 at 8 a.m., a tree identification walk will be held along the Mad River Path near Warren Elementary School. Washington County Forester Brandon Benedict and Tammy Tuck will lead participants in identifying common and uncommon tree species. Parking is available near the Warren Dog Park.
Additional bird walks continue throughout May. On May 14 at 7:30 a.m., Elias will lead a walk at the Red Fence area on Center Fayston Road. Participants should park along the road near 2738 Center Fayston Road.
On May 16 at 8 a.m., a spring migration bird walk will be held at Wallace Farm in Waterbury, located at 1903 Blush Hill Road. Leaders Ali Wagner and Pat Folsom will guide the walk. Participants may also meet at the Waterbury Park and Ride at 201 Lincoln St. at 7:40 a.m. for carpooling.
A May 18 walk at 7:30 a.m. will take place on Long Road in Waitsfield, led by Elias. Participants should meet near the intersection with East Road.
On May 20 at 7:30 a.m., Elias will lead a walk at Freeman Hill in Moretown, meeting at Mountain View Cemetery.
The Knoll Farm bird walk is scheduled for May 23 at 8 a.m., led by Nancy Turner and Tammy Tuck. Participants are encouraged to carpool from Shaw’s in Waitsfield at 7:45 a.m. to 700 Bragg Hill Road in Fayston. The walk will include uneven terrain and gradual uphill travel.
On May 28 at 7:30 a.m., Janet Saylor and Macy Moulton will lead a walk at Fayston Town Forest on Boyce Hill Road, with optional carpooling from the Fayston Park and Ride at 7:15 a.m.
A May 30 walk at 8 a.m. will take place at Scrag Mountain in Waitsfield Town Forest. Participants should meet at the end of Bowen Road. Leaders are Janet Saylor and Tammy Tuck.
No walk is scheduled for June 4, though a potential Pratt Refuge trail ribbon cutting may be announced.
The schedule resumes June 6 at 8 a.m. with a walk along the Mad River Path boardwalk near Lawson’s Finest Liquids in Waitsfield, led by Pat Folsom.
On June 11 at 7:30 a.m., a bee walk will be held at Fayston Town Forest, led by Spencer Hardy and Janet Saylor. Participants will learn to identify bee species and understand their ecological roles.
A monitoring walk is planned for June 13 at 8 a.m. at the Parker Property in Granville, led by Pat Folsom. Participants should meet at 7:30 a.m. in Waitsfield to carpool.
On June 19, a tentative “Birding by Boat” outing is scheduled for 7 a.m. at Blueberry Lake. Led by Elias, participants must bring their own watercraft and wear a personal flotation device.
Organizers say the series offers an opportunity to connect with the region’s diverse ecosystems while building awareness of bird species and conservation practices.
