Birds On The Battenkill
Field notes from the feathered side of the Battenkill.
Nashville Warbler | Photo by Andrew Walker
Updated Tuesday May 12, 9:30am
By Andrew Walker
Spring is wide awake right now, and the bird activity has been hard to miss.
The mornings are full of song, movement, and plenty of nesting-season energy. Around the yard and along the river, the regular crew has been busy: cardinals, chickadees, song sparrows, house finches, blue jays, robins, eastern bluebirds, red-winged blackbirds, goldfinches, and eastern phoebes.
The Baltimore orioles are in full force right now, and it feels like they are lighting up every edge of the landscape. Yellow warblers have also been active along the riverbanks, which is one of my favorite spring sights on the Battenkill. They almost feel like little fairies moving through the branches and brush along the water.
I also had my first American redstart sighting of the season, which was a fun one to add to the list. Between the redstarts, orioles, yellow warblers, grosbeaks, phoebes, and all the nesting activity, it really feels like spring migration and breeding season are happening all at once.
On the river, the belted kingfisher has been active too, working the banks and reminding everyone who really owns the place.
If you’re interested in what you’re hearing, I highly recommend using the Merlin Bird ID app. Just be ready for it to fill up fast during your morning coffee.
It is a birdy time out there, and I love it.
Cheers
Current Bird List
Birds on the Battenkill, Arlington, Vermont
A running list of birds I’ve been seeing, hearing, or watching for along the Battenkill in Arlington, Vermont.
Birds of Prey
Bald Eagle
Red-tailed Hawk
American Kestrel
Cooper’s Hawk
Turkey Vulture
Waterfowl & River Birds
Canada Goose
Mallard
Wood Duck
Common Merganser
Great Blue Heron
Belted Kingfisher
Woodpeckers
Pileated Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Downy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Songbirds & Backyard Birds
Northern Cardinal
Black-capped Chickadee
American Robin
Eastern Bluebird
Song Sparrow
House Finch
American Goldfinch
Blue Jay
American Crow
Common Raven
European Starling
Mourning Dove
Wild Turkey
American redstart
Flycatchers
Eastern Phoebe
Warblers
Yellow Warbler
Nashville Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
Black-and-white Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Vireos
Warbling Vireo
Sparrows, Towhees & Field Birds
Eastern Towhee
Chipping Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Tree Sparrow
Swallows
Tree Swallow
Barn Swallow
Thrushes
Wood Thrush
Hermit Thrush
Veery
Seasonal Standouts
Baltimore Oriole
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Scarlet Tanager
Indigo Bunting
Cedar Waxwing
Brown-headed Cowbird
Common Grackle
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Deirdre James
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Valerie Lanza
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Ellie Bold
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Jacob Liro
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Jeremy Smith
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Rob Mallozzi
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Rick Poluch
“Great morning on the Battenkill with Andrew. He taught us a lot and I would highly recommend him.”
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Ryan Authier
“Andrew knows his fish, knows the water, knows the bugs, and knows the birds.”
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Jason Young
“Andrew tailored his instruction to each of us and we both improved our skills.”
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Battenkill Outfitters is proudly located in West Arlington, Vermont, near Manchester, on the banks of the Battenkill River. Whether you have questions, need assistance planning your adventure, or want to learn more about our offerings, we’d love to hear from you.
Contact Andrew - Phone -802-379-9887
Address: 3587 River Rd Arlington VT 05250
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