Boreal Birds of the Adirondacks:  Boreal Chickadee. Photo by Larry Master. www.masterimages.org  Used by permission.

Birding Festivals in the Adirondacks:
2014 Great Adirondack Birding Celebration
Madawaska Flow Field Trip


Boreal Birds of the Adirondacks:  Palm Warbler. Photo by Larry Master. www.masterimages.org  Used by permission. Boreal Birds of the Adirondacks: Palm Warbler. Photo by Larry Master. www.masterimages.org
Boreal Birds of the Adirondacks:  Chestnut-sided Warbler. Photo by Larry Master. www.masterimages.org.  Used by permission Boreal Birds of the Adirondacks:
Chestnut-sided Warbler. Photo by Larry Master. www.masterimages.org. Used by permission.

Madawaska has been a favored boreal birding area for a half-century or more. The area encompasses conifer forest, mixed hardwood forest, and a variety of wetlands, as well as Madawaska Pond. Madawaska is an eBird Birding Hotspot. Sightings may include:

As the habitat changes to white pine forest, the Brown Creeper can be found nesting behind loose bark. Madawaska Pond may have Green-winged Teal, American Bittern, and Bald Eagle.

This field trip involves some "birding by car," with frequent stops along the way to take advantage of the varied habitats. Participants will caravan west on Keese Mill Road, which becomes Blue Mountain Road, stopping along the road to listen and watch for boreal species. The group will park at the Indian Rock parking area and hike into Madawaska Pond, which is about 1.5 miles from the parking area. The walking is easy along a flat, grassy dirt road. The most challenging part of the trip involves dealing with hungry mosquitoes, so plenty of insect repellent is advised.

Click here for a report on a previous GABC field trip to Madawaska Flow.


Explore the VIC

The Paul Smiths VIC offers a wide variety of programs throughout the year to educate and inform Adirondack Park residents and visitors about the natural wonders of the Adirondack Mountains. You can help support these programs by joining the Friends of the VIC. More information on Friends of the VIC memberships

Explore the Trails

The VIC trails are free and open to the public, from dawn to dusk, spring through fall. In winter, the trails are open to cross-country skiers and snowshoers for a fee. Day or season passes may be purchased.