View from the VIC deck (3 June 2011)

Birding Festivals in the Adirondacks:
2014 Great Adirondack Birding Celebration
VIC Deck Sit


Boreal Birds of the Adirondacks:  Female Purple Finch near the VIC deck (12 May 2013) Boreal Birds of the Adirondacks: Female Purple Finch near the VIC deck

6 June 2014, 9:00 AM - 6 PM
7 June 2014, 9:00 AM - 6 PM
Free

The Great Adirondack Birding Celebration is organizing a Big Sit on Friday, 6 June 2014, and Saturday, 7 June 2014.  Normally, Big Sits focus on a circle with a 17-foot diameter; participants must remain inside that circle and record all bird species positively identified from that vantage point. Birds may be identified by sight or sound.  Ideally, the best Big Sit circle will have good views of multiple habitat types.

Our variation on this theme is a VIC Deck Sit.  Participants are invited to spend some time on the VIC deck anytime during between Friday, 6 June at 9:00 AM and Saturday, 7 June at 6:00 PM.  This is a casual, drop-in event; come and go as you please. Deck Sitters record the number of bird species heard and/or seen.  Those who observe the most species over a continuous time period win a prize!  Deck Sitters will post their names, time spent, and species list. The prize will be awarded following the 7:00 PM keynote speaker lecture on 7 June.

The VIC deck provides an ideal vantage point for a Big Sit.  It overlooks Heron Marsh, affording an opportunity to see and hear marsh-dwelling birds.  Nearby habitats include conifer forest and mixed forest.  Birds commonly seen or heard in late May and early June from the VIC deck include:

Broad-winged Hawk Red-winged Blackbird
Ruby-throated Hummingbird Ovenbird
Chipping Sparrow Blue Jay
American Crow American Robin
Northern Parula Black-throated Blue Warbler
Ovenbird Red-eyed Vireo
Hermit Thrush Purple Finch
Magnolia Warbler Yellow-rumped Warbler
Black-capped Chickadee Red-breasted Nuthatch
Mallard American Goldfinch

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.