Tag Archives: Montpelier trails

Invasives Trail

Just a short walk from our house is a short trail along the river, part of the city trails system, named the Invasives Trail. Along with Japanese Knotweed and other invasives, it host a lot of birds. Many people help whack back the knotweed, repair the foot bridges, and clear the trail. I go there several times a week, including today. Here are a few birds Ginger and I saw during a warm summer morning walk this morning.

Montpelier trails are multi-use and well marked.

This Alder Flycatcher was singing steadily and thus identifiable.

We have had a large crop of Gray Catbirds – the youngsters are practicing their singing.

A Hairy Woodpecker hard a work.

A young Eastern Kingbird. We have a number of families living along the river – great fun to watch.

Song Sparrow – perhaps our most numerous summer bird.

I watched this bird preen itself for five minutes but can’t identify it. Ideas?

Here, on the other hand, is a young Veery. There were several calling.

What a wonderful resource to have in our neighborhood, and a launching point for hours-long hikes on the trail network.

Chestnut-sided Warblers

The “pleased to-pleased to-meet you” song of the the Chestnut-sided Warbler is for me, one of the easiest calls to remember. On the other hand, the warblers, always on the move and usually partly hidden by branches and foliage, are some of the toughest to photograph. This group of photos from the last few weeks will prove it.

It’s a treat to see and hear these colorful visitors and they are indeed, pleasing to meet.