All photographs © by Jim Block

This is the second map in the series highlighting a number of exceptional places to visit in the Northern Connecticut River Watershed, exemplifying the wide variety of habitats and wildlife this region has to offer. Our hope is that the map will guide you to many new and exciting birding areas where you can see, hear, and experience our region and its many natural wonders. This map is dedicated to these natural places, the people who make them available, and the animal and plant species that inhabit them.

Maps are $5 each. Please add $1.75 (1 map), $2.35 (2 maps), $2.65 (3 maps) per order to cover shipping and handling. Orders may be sent to our address.

selected sites

Site #18 Pondicherry Wildlife Refuge, Whitefield, NH
Description: This National Wildlife Refuge totaling more than 4,600 acres features bogs, fens, marshes, ponds, streams, and boreal forest is one of the best inland migration spots in NH with probably the greatest diversity of breeding birds of any similarly sized area in the state. Pondicherry also offers spectacular mountain scenery, relatively easy walking, isolation, wildlife, and some 38 species of dragonflies. Cherry Pond, the centerpiece, connects with Little Cherry Pond via the John's River (narrow, beaver-dammed, but canoeable) and by a 1.2-mile loop trail. Look for carnivorous plants in the bog mat at Little Cherry Pond. Part of the property is a National Natural Landmark.

Directions: From Whitefield go 1.7 miles east on Rt. 116. Turn right on Hazens Road, drive 1.2 miles to "airport" sign. Turn left toward Mt. Washington Regional Airport. Go 1.4 miles, past airport, cross RR tracks, turn left to 8-car parking lot at Pondicherry Rail Trail trailhead. Foot, canoe, and wheelchair access are planned for 2006. A kiosk at parking lot provides maps and information.

Birds: 234 species of birds, 135 breeding species and more than 50 species of waterfowl. Common Loon, American Bittern, Ring-necked Duck, Green-winged Teal, Northern Harrier, Osprey, Sora, Virginia Rail, Wilson's Snipe, Black-backed Woodpecker, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Gray Jay, Boreal Chickadee, Marsh Wren, Swainson's Thrush, Nashville, Magnolia, Cape May, Black-throated Green, Blackburnian , Bay-breasted, Mourning, Wilson's Warblers, American Redstart, Ovenbird, Rusty Blackbird.

Recommended time to visit: April to November.

Ownership: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, NH Fish & Game Department, and New Hampshire Audubon, 5 Silk Farm Road, Concord, NH 03301; (603) 224-9909; www.nhaudubon.org. For bird checklist see www.nhaudubon.org/sanctuaries/pondicherry.htm. No permission required to visit.

http://www.nhaudubon.org/sanctuaries/pondicherry.htm

Site #29 Victory Basin Wildlife Management Area, Victory, VT
Description: This 4,970-acre complex of marshes, swamps, and a true bog interspersed with patchy boreal spruce-fir and riparian forests includes the Moose River, navigable by canoe or kayak, and smaller tributaries such as Bog Brook, Hay Hill Brook, and Rogers Brook. An unpaved year-round road passing through the heart of Victory Basin offers excellent birding, but watch for logging trucks and other sporadic traffic.

Directions: Turn north from Rt. 2 onto the Victory Road in North Concord, VT. Travel 5.5 miles to Damon's Crossing, a well-kept parking area on the west side of the road (now River Road) at the confluence of Bog Brook and the Moose River. A trail through this vast wetlands complex (level ground but often very muddy) departs from the back of the parking lot. A turnout on the east side of the River Road, 2.0 miles north of Damon's Crossing, hosts busy roadside bird feeding stations featuring resident Gray Jays. Convenient space for up to 12 vehicles at Damon's Crossing; 4-6 vehicles at the turnout. Waterproof boots are recommended at all seasons.

Birds: Summer: American Bittern, Northern Harrier, Black-backed Woodpecker, Alder and Yellow-bellied Flycatchers, Gray Jay, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Boreal Chickadee, Winter Wren, Veery, Bay-breasted, Cape May, Nashville, Blackburnian Warblers, Northern Parula, Northern Waterthrush, Rusty Blackbird. Winter: Rough-legged Hawk, Northern Shrike, Gray Jay, Boreal Chickadee. Migration: Common Merganser, American Kestrel, Osprey, Palm Warbler. Possible: Spruce Grouse, Whip-poor-will, Philadelphia Vireo, Wilson's Warbler.

Best time to visit: All seasons, although the road is rough and muddy in March and April.

Ownership: VT Agency of Natural Resources. For additional information and maps for this site and other Vermont Wildlife Management Areas visit www.vtfishandwildlife.com/wma_maps.cfm

contact for prints of any images from the map
Jim Block jab (at) valley (dot) net (603) 643-4149