Birding Missisquoi
The refuge asks that the public stay on established trails and be aware of seasonal closures. Please note that many areas of the refuge are migratory bird sanctuary units and are closed to the public year round. Other areas are only open seasonally. To find out more about these areas please visit https://www.fws.gov/refuge/missisquoi/visit-us/rules-policies, where information and maps of open and closed areas can be found.
The Missisquoi NWR was established in 1943 specifically to provide habitat for migratory birds. Over 200 species of birds have been documented on the Refuge, with thousands of migratory waterfowl stopping each year during both their northward and southward migrations.
Because of Missisquoi’s unique habitats, the Refuge is identified as an Important Birding Area (IBA) by the Audubon Society. In 2013, the Refuge was designated as a Wetland of International Importance by the Ramsar Convention.
Friends of Missisquoi conducts monthly bird monitoring walks on the Refuge trails on the 3rd Saturday of each month (May and December are the 2nd Saturday). All sightings from these walks are uploaded to eBird.
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Old Railroad Passage Trail
Discovery Trail
Jeep Trail
Old Railroad Passage Trail
Steven Young Marsh Trail
Maquam and Black Creek Trails
Old Railroad Passage Trail
Jeep Trail
Steven Young Marsh Trail
Discovery Trail
Maquam and Black Creek Trails
Maquam and Black Creek Trails
The Refuge contains more than a dozen public eBird ‘hotspots.’ Check out recent sightings here.
To submit your sightings, please visit: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/
The Missisquoi NWR produces a brochure and checklist of commonly found birds, you can download a copy here or pick one up at the Visitor Center.