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As the winter months fade, warm weather isn't the only indicator of spring in the Northeast. Along with snow melt and flowers come hundreds of species of birds, migrating from their warm winter retreats. This makes spring in the Northeast a popular season for birders, with New York's Adirondack Mountains being an especially beloved destination. By May, more than 200 species of birds will inhabit or fly through the Adirondacks, drawn to the cool summers of the boreal climate. The region's distinction as one of the only locations in the entire world to glimpse Bicknell's thrush is a major attraction for birders this time of year. (Other potential habitats include high-elevation areas in the Green Mountains, White Mountains, and northern Maine.) But where can you find these birds? The Adirondacks cover more than 9,000 square miles—an area larger than Vermont—criss-crossed by 2,000 miles of trails. The diverse terrain of the Moose River Plains, which sprawl across the central Adirondacks, is a good place to start. The Plains host many different species and can be easily accessed from Route 28. You can first stop at Rock Lake, where a flat 1.3-mile out-and-back hike leads to the namesake lake. Watch the hardwood forest along the trail for a variety of wood warblers and the black-backed woodpecker. Upon reaching the lake, observe marsh birds like the American bittern before turning back. Next, drive 9 miles east on Route 28 and turn onto Cedar Road. Stop at the Wakely Mountain trailhead near the Cedar River Dam. From there, birders have two choices: walk or paddle. Those looking to stay on foot can set out on the roughly 6-mile out-and-back hike up Wakely Mountain. The first 2 miles follow a gravel road through a logged area, offering a chance to see more wood warblers, including the mourning warbler. The road then gives way to a dirt path, ascending 1,500 feet in 1.5 miles. Watch for different species of thrushes, including the hermit and Swainson's thrushes, as well as black-capped chickadees. Nearing the peak, look for the boreal chickadee and the ever-elusive Bicknell's thrush. The summit is topped by a fire tower with expansive views of the region. Meanwhile, paddlers can launch into the Cedar River Flow from a put-in near the Cedar River Dam. Paddling south, scan the hardwood forest on the left bank and the bog on the right bank for a wide variety of birds, including olive-sided flycatchers, boreal chickadees, and the northern parula and palm warblers. Watch the Flow itself for common loon, mallard, hooded and common mergansers, osprey, herring gull, pied-billed grebe, and common snipe. On the right bank about 3 miles down the Flow stands a small lean-to, a spot frequented by gray jays. Paddling farther down the Flow leads to beaver dams and small rapids. Distance: Rock Lake: 1.3 miles, out and back. Wakely Mountain: Approximately 6 miles, out and back. Cedar River Flow: Approximately 6 miles, out and back. |
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In the Northeast, spring is a popular season for birders. Photo by iStock.
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