Birding Spots in the Moosalamoo Region
The Long Trail
Take Rt. 73 east from Brandon, up the west slope of the Green Mountains to Brandon Gap. Park in the lot on the right at the top of the gap. Hike south on the Long Trail (trail entrance shortly to the right as you leave the parking lot). Return via same route.
Upon returning from the trail, continue east on Rt. 73 for about 1/4 mile to the pulloff on the left. Scan the Great Cliff for Peregrine Falcons.
Birds: Warblers, Veery, Swainson’s Thrush, Hermit Thrush, vireos, sparrows, Peregrine Falcons
Silver Lake
Take Rt. 73 east from Brandon to Forest Dale. Turn left onto Rt. 53. Proceed 5.5 miles to a large parking lot on the right. Take the Falls of Lana/Silver Lake trail, which ends at Silver Lake after 1.6 miles. View from the north end near the dam at the beach area. The Rocky Point Trail can be accessed here, which circumnavigates the lake.
Birds: Thrushes, grosbeaks, warblers, and loons during breeding season.
Moosalamoo Region
This National Recreation Area has a number of trails that offer a variety of birds. For an easy walk, try the Moosalamoo Campground in Goshen. Take Rt. 73 east from Brandon into the Green Mountains. Turn left on Forest Rd. 32. After about 10 miles on this unpaved road you will see the entrance of the campground, on the left. Proceed to parking area on right just before campground entrance. No fee for parking. Obtain a Moosalamoo map at the Brandon Visitors Center for many more trails in this nearly 16,000-acre treasure!
Birds: Thrushes, vireos, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, woodpeckers, flycatchers.
Blueberry Hill
A short hike at Blueberry Hill leads to a Blue Heron rookery, with many more birds to observe along your way. Take Rt. 73 east from Brandon toward Rochester. Make a left turn into Goshen and follow the road uphill. Follow signs for blueberry picking and make a left turn. Go past the blueberry picking area and make your next right. Follow that road and park in the large lot across the street from the Blueberry Hill Inn.
Birds: In addition to the nesting herons, expect to find Thrushes, vireos, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, woodpeckers, flycatchers.