Saturday, February 7th
9:00 – 10:30 am

Join local birders to gather long-term data on the presence of birds, their abundance, and changes in populations. Appropriate for birders of all skill levels, the walks traverse uneven terrain on forest and meadow trails and around the main house. Meet at the Welcome Center parking lot.

February Bird Note: Red Crossbills and White-winged Crossbills are medium-sized finches with distinctively crossed bills adapted to extract seeds from spruce, fir, pine and other conifer tree cones. When they pry into a cone, the crossed bill tips come together. With some twisting and turning of their heads, they force a gap between the cone scales. They then use their tongues to retrieve the seed inside. Crossbills are largely nomadic, following cone production. Because cone production in the north has been low this year, there is a prediction that this will be an eruption year: finches will be heading south looking for food. Crossbills flock year-round. They often call in flight and can be spotted feeding at the tops of conifers. Each species has its own feeding niche. While there have not been any sightings of the White-winged Crossbills at Hildene yet, there have been sightings of the Red Crossbill.

No registration is required. Call Stephanie at (802) 367-7960 or click the button if you have any questions.