Birding in the Adirondacks

June is Birding Month in the Adirondacks

ADIRONDACK REGION, N.Y. - New York State's Adirondack Park is a haven for boreal birds that migrate to the region every summer. By the month of June, more than 100 different species will be found in the area, including the Spruce Grouse, the Bicknell's Thrush, the Three-toed Woodpecker, the Boreal Chickadee and a wide variety of migratory warblers. Birding enthusiasts, too, flock to the Adirondacks in increased numbers each spring.

This year, the area boasts birding festivals and the new Bird Skywalk and Skytowers at the Wild Center/Natural History Museum of the Adirondacks. Located in Tupper Lake, the trail features an elevated series of bridges leading to "tree houses" that provide rich information about bird habits, such as nesting and feeding.

Many organizations will be putting together weekends of guided outings, workshops and lectures to help facilitate viewing and education. For instance:

• Great Camp Sagamore will be hosting an Elderhostel event, Boreal Birds of the Adirondacks, June 3-6. The program includes lodging, meals, lectures and field trips. For more information, check out www.sagamore.org or call 315-354-5311.

• The sixth annual Great Adirondack Birding Celebration will be held June 6-8 at the Adirondack Park Agency Visitor Interpretive Center (VIC) in Paul Smiths. The weekend features birding trips, lectures, workshop and the popular Teddy Roosevelt Birding Challenge. The keynote address on June 7 will be given by Miyoko Chu, author of "Songbird Journeys: Four Seasons in the Lives of Migratory Birds." For more information, check out www.adkvic.org or call 518-327-3000.

• The Fourth Annual Adirondack Birding Festival will celebrate Boreal Birds of the Adirondacks June 20-22 in Hamilton County. This three day event will feature hiking, canoe trips, walks, outings, seminars, exhibits and lectures. For more information, check out www.hamiltoncounty.com.

The Adirondack Regional Tourism Council offers birding enthusiasts an online birding guide to many of the region's best sites. For detailed information about important Adirondack birding areas and the many species that can be found in the Adirondacks, check out www.adkbirds.com.

For information on lodging, directions, additional activities and birding events, click on www.visitadirondacks.com. Birding photos are available at www.inphorminc.com/photo link to Adirondack Regional Tourism Council.