New Hampshire’s Connecticut River Birding Trail has more than 60 sites on its route. Running along the western part of the state, the trail allows you to experience much more than the name alone would suggest. Wildlife abounds and the habitats vary from farmland to forest. Here’s just a sample of what you can look forward to experiencing.
Southern Section
Pillsbury State Park, Goshen & Washington
Covering 8,136 acres, this state park is still relatively undiscovered. Pitch a tent and awaken to the enchanting calls of loons. Spend the day exploring the park’s overgrown mill sites and cellar holes from the 1800s, and you might also cross paths with moose, yellow-bellied sapsuckers, ovenbirds and cedar waxwings.
Middle Section
Huntington Hill Farm Wildlife Habitat Management Area, Hanover
A privately owned property that is open to the public, this watchable-wildlife site supports a variety of habitats from “old” fields to hardwood forest, making it a favorite destination for a variety of birds. Goldenwinged warblers, indigo buntings, scarlet tanagers and rose-breasted grosbeaks have been known to make appearances. Keep your eyes on the ground too or you may miss a rafter of turkeys!
Northern Section
East Inlet, Pittsburg
Part of the Connecticut River headwaters, this watershed is in the northernmost part of the state right across the border from Canada. Be sure to rent a canoe; out on the pristine water you will have a perfect view of your surroundings. You might spot boreal chickadees and great blue herons above, brook trout below, and moose grazing on the aquatic grasses at your side. This is also one of the few areas on the East Coast where you can still see virgin forest stands.
Photos © Alan Briere |
