Press Kit

Good news from Mt Washington Valley, NH – April 29, 2019

Contact:  Marti Mayne, 207-846-6331, PR@mtwashingtonvalley.org

BIRDS OF A FEATHER FLOCK TOGETHER FOR SPECIAL EVENTS IN MT WASHINGTON VALLEY, NH

Three programs offer birders opportunities to see rare and elusive birds up close and personal

North Conway, NH – Mt Washington Valley is home to a wide diversity of bird life, and no time is better to enjoy spotting unusual breeds up close and personal than in the spring.  Two special programs help birders to spot and observe their fine feathered friends in Mt Washington Valley, and a third offers insights into crows, one of the smartest birds known.  These are very popular programs, so sign up early to insure a spot.

Saturdays throughout May (18, 25): Birding in Brownfield Bog:  The early bird gets the views for this weekly series presented by Tin Mountain Conservation.  Birders of all levels are encouraged to meet at the G&S Store in Brownfield at 7:00am for a weekly bird walk through the bog to view the rich diversity of bird life that makes its way north to rest or nest. Bring binoculars (or borrow theirs), rubber boots, and a snack. The final week will be via canoe.  Info: click here.

June 2, 4, 6, 8, 12: Bicknell’s Thrush Tours via the Mt Washington Auto Road: Bicknell’s Thrush is an extremely rare species with very limited breeding grounds. It is the rarest and most secretive of the breeding thrushes in North America and it is the only bird whose breeding is restricted to the Northeastern part of the continent. These unusual birds usually breed at higher elevations, normally nesting above 3,000 ft. The unique and harsh climate is just what the birds prefer due to the combination of low vegetation and abundant moisture and thus, the Mt. Washington Auto Road offers you a rare opportunity to view these  obscure birds.  

The Mt Washington Auto Road’s Bicknell’s Thrush Guided Tours leave at 6:00am before the Mt. Washington Auto Road opens to insure there is as little additional noise or disturbance as possible. Their success rate at hearing and seeing this elusive thrush is quite good, but unfortunately, with the species in decline due to wintering habitat losses, there can be no guarantee of sightings. Tours are $50.00 per person and advance registration is required.  Sign up early for these tours are very popular.  Info and online registration is here. Notchland Inn has teamed up with this event to create an exciting lodging package too.

June 21-23: Purity Spring Resort Birdwatching Weekend: Purity Spring Resort will partner with Phil Brown of New Hampshire Audubon for the second year to create a perfect opportunity for birders. The weekend will focus on the amazing array of birds around Purity Spring Resort and the adjacent Hoyt Wildlife Sanctuary, as well as other well-known and little-known locations around the Mount Washington Valley. Past birdwatching weekends have turned up 80-90 species of birds including 15+ species of warblers and several rare species of conservation concern. Complete details inclluding schedule and inclusions are here.

Birders and vacationers alike can learn more about events, workshops and all the trip planning resources needed at www.MtWashingtonValley.org. To talk to a vacation planner, call 800-367-3364 (800-DO-SEE-NH).  Planning another trip to New Hampshire? Go to www.VisitNH.gov to learn all about additional opportunities for birders and nature enthusiasts throughout New Hampshire.

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The photo above is shared from the Vermont Center for Eco Studies via the Mt Washington Auto Road website.

For more photos of Mt Washington Valley, visit the online Flickr gallery or contact Marti Mayne at PR@mtwashingtonvalley.org.