Hinesburg Town Forest, 6:00 a.m. 38 species

Today I decided to check out this hotspot before work.  The air was very
chilly, but this particular spot  was bathed in full sun by 6:30 and the
birds were active!  To get to this particular part of the forest, take
Texas Hill Road to Texas Circle, then turn at the Gray Catbird onto
Economou Road.  At the very end of the road, continue straight (if your car
has good clearance).  A short bumpy ride brings you to a small parking
area.  Head past the gate to a logging landing and then bear right.  Soon
you'll arrive at a large open area where there was a severe blowdown a few
years back.

At the time of the blowdown, this area was a huge mess!  There were many
conversations about how awesome a spot it would become once it recovered.
The logging operation that took place was thoughtfully planned, salvaging
the majority of the downed trees while considering the future habitats that
would develop.  In  just a few years, it has become a lovely place to be!
And today, so many lovely songs greeted me....just to name a few warblers:
Mourning(s), Tennessees, Nashvilles, Common Yellowthroats, Chestnut-sideds!
Last year an Olive-sided Flycatcher was seen and recorded as a possible
breeder (carrying nesting material) and this morning I was delighted to
hear and see a bird in the exact same area!  The views of it were great
from this part of the trail (south west side).  I had hoped to find quick
beers here, but the unexpected call for TEA of the Towhee was a delightful
surprise!  Perhaps it will stay too!

Ali
Huntington