The mountains of Killington are ripe with opportunities for enjoying the great outdoors. One of the best ways to experience Killington’s natural beauty is by watching its wildlife. Birding in Killington is a fantastic activity for those who love nature and immersing themselves in their surroundings. Learn more about Killington birding down below!
Observe the Majestic Birds of Killington
Killington has plenty of great spots for birding all located within a handy distance of our vacation rentals. Kent Pond and Gifford Woods State Park are two scenic destinations situated just ten minutes away from town by car. In particular, Kent Pond is known to have an influx of birds visit especially after spring or fall storms. Species such as Common Loons, Spotted Sandpipers, Mallards, and Common Mergansers are frequently spotted at the pond, while Bald Eagles and Ospreys are seen in more rare instances.
Kent Pond is best accessed by either the fishing access point on Route 100, which goes along the west side of the pond or by Thundering Brock Road on the pond’s eastern side. The area is quite popular with kayakers and anglers on weekends during the summer season.
If you’d rather do a little hiking along with your bird-watching, take the Appalachian Trail through Gifford Woods State Park, which is about a forty-five-minute drive from Killington following Route 100. On this trail, you can still see Kent Pond, but you’ll also go further into the forest and see species such as Brown Creepers, Winter Wrens, Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, Blackburnian Warblers, Black-and-white American Redstarts, Ovenbirds, Northern Parula, Nashville Warblers, and Yellow-rumped Warblers.
The best season for birding in Killington begins during mid-May and lasts all summer long, extending into late September. The winter freeze over Kent Pond usually lasts into mid-April, making springtime less ideal for birding pursuits.
Another birding location worth noting is Lefferts Pond. Located in Green Mountain National Forest in nearby Chittenden, Lefferts Pond is best enjoyed by foot or on the water in a kayak or canoe. As many as one hundred and fifteen species have been observed at Lefferts Pond, including Ring-necked Ducks, Wood Ducks, Hooded Merganser, Teal, Scaup, Bald Eagles, Great Blue Herons, Swainson’s Thrush, and many more. Species like Wilson’s Snipe and the Great Blue Heron are even seen during the spring.
Plan Your Escape to the Mountains with GetAway Vacations!
For more details on birding and other neat Killington, VT things to do during your stay, contact our office and reserve your lodgings in one of our rustic and cozy vacation rental properties today!
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