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NH Birding Information |
Boreal Specialties |
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NH Birding Information |
Boreal Specialties |
Classic boreal species (Gray Jays, Boreal Chickadees, Black-backed Woodpeckers, and Spruce Grouse) are found in spruce-fir habitat and may be seen in the Lake Umbagog area. They can sometimes be found along the Magalloway River while canoeing out to the lake or in the area between Route 26 and the western shore of the lake. A drive along the 13 Mile Woods on Route 16 south from Errol may turn up nesting Black-backed Woodpeckers and occasional sightings of the other three species.
Outside of the Lake Umbagog area, the Pittsburg area and the higher elevations of the White Mountain National Forest are your best bets for finding these species. In Pittsburg, check the East Inlet and Scott Bog area as well as Moose Falls and Deer Mountain.
In the White Mountains, any spruce-fir habitat has potential, but especially above 3,000 feet. A drive along the Jefferson Notch Road and a stop at the Caps Ridge trailhead will often produce all four species. Spruce Grouse are reported regularly in the Mizpah Springs hut area by Mount Jackson and Mount Webster, which contains excellent habitat for the other three species and makes a nice hiking loop for those in good shape. Mount Willard in Crawford Notch is an easy trail with good potential for Boreal Chickadees and Gray Jays. In addition to the four classic species, you can listen for Bicknell's Thrush at the overlook rocks about a mile up the Caps Ridge trail towards Mount Jefferson, or along the Mt. Washington Auto Road from the Half-Way House or higher. These areas in the White Mountains are also good for finding Blackpoll Warblers and Yellow-bellied Flycatchers. Any hike in the White Mountains requires a good map and adequate preparation for the trail difficulty and weather conditions. Even in the summer, a hike to high elevation can be dangerous because the weather can change quickly and unexpectedly. Consult one of the local visitor centers for more information.
If you can't hike, try one of the ski areas (such as Cannon Mountain or Wildcat Mountain) that offer summer rides to the mountain tops.
For hiking details of trails, be sure to check the AMC White Mountain Guide. Detailed road maps can be found in the DeLorme New Hampshire Atlas and Gazetteer. A Birder's Guide to New Hampshire by Alan Delorey is a comprehensive bird finding guide for the state.
These are only a few ideas of places to find boreal species. Keep your eye out for them in any spruce-fir habitat and good luck!