Ancient Romans believed the flight of birds foretold the future. Perhaps they were right. After all, bird migrations in Vermont portend changes in seasons and Vermont happens to be on one of the major migration routes. This time of year, sighting certain breeds promises another glorious summer in northern New England. So where’s the best place to welcome these harbingers of summery splendor?

The quick answer is “anywhere.” With a magnificent variety of distinct ecosystems, Vermont is home to diverse natural habitats, making it host to a profuse collection of our feathered friends, including some of our favorite songbirds: bluebirds, chickadees, nuthatches, wren, and finches. Waterfowl thrive along our many lakes. And predator birds soar above our mountains and meadows.

The Audubon Center in Huntington is one of eight local Audubon chapters in Vermont. Audubon Vermont in Huntington offers year-round education programs through school, camp, family, and adult programs, and workshops throughout the state. The center also features the Birds of Vermont Museum displaying more than 450 carved birds.

With the help of Audubon Vermont’s leadership and stewardship, bird watching has become increasingly popular. In fact, according to a study by the U.S. Department of the Interior, bird watching ranks second behind gardening as America’s favorite outdoor pastime. Their Website offers a list of Important Bird Areas in Vermont.

The Lake Champlain Birding Trail is a highway-based trail, about 300 miles in length, around Lake Champlain. The lake is one of the major stopping points for migratory birds. Another stopping point is the Misissquoi National Wildlife Refuge located near Swanton on the Canadian border.

Perhaps you can catch sight of an elusive hermit thrush—Vermont’s state bird—somewhere along the Lake Champlain Birding Trail. This 300-mile highway-based route circles Lake Champlain and bisects wildlife management areas, fish and wildlife access areas, state historic sites, state parks, hatcheries, preserves, science centers, and campgrounds (87 separate bird-watching sites altogether).

In Colchester, for example, you’ll find Delta Park, one of the many “Important Bird Areas” (as rated by Audubon Vermont) along the trail. Veering a little ways offshore, you’ll find the Green Mountain Audubon Center in Huntington, where you can participate in seasonal educational programs or simply hike its trails and put a few more notches in a birding logbook.

To increase your chances of spying our beaked neighbors, look for elements that attract birds in the first place: food, water, cover, and a protected place to raise their hatchlings. Thankfully, in our clear lakes and ponds, thick woods, imposing rock cliffs, and mountain meadows, birds find plenty of all requirements all across the state.

To learn more or to purchase maps and birding guides online, visit www.lakechamplainbirding.org.