Nestled in the heart of New England, The New Hampshire Lakes Region, offers a serene and picturesque escape for bird watchers. The region is rich with diverse habitats, making it an ideal destination for both amateur and seasoned bird enthusiasts. From the peaceful shores of Locke Lake to the nearby woodlands and wetlands, there’s no shortage of opportunities to spot some of New England’s most sought-after avian species.
Bird Species to Watch For
1. Common Loon: A symbol of New Hampshire’s lakes, the Common Loon is often seen gliding across the calm waters of Locke Lake. Known for its eerie, haunting calls, this bird is a must-see for anyone visiting the area. For those interested in learning more about loons and their conservation, a visit to The Loon Center near Lake Winnipesaukee is a must. The center offers educational exhibits and access to a sanctuary where you can observe these remarkable birds in their natural habitat.
2. Bald Eagle: Keep an eye on the skies, especially near large bodies of water, for the majestic Bald Eagle. With its striking white head and massive wingspan, spotting one of these raptors is always a thrill.
3. Eastern Bluebird: A flash of vibrant blue and orange often indicates the presence of the Eastern Bluebird. These birds are frequent visitors to open fields and areas with scattered trees, which are abundant around Locke Lake House in Center Barnstead.
4. Black-capped Chickadee: New Hampshire’s state bird, the Black-capped Chickadee, is a friendly and curious little bird that can be seen year-round. Their distinctive “chick-a-dee-dee-dee” call is easy to recognize, making them a favorite among local bird watchers.
5. Great Blue Heron: Often found along the edges of Locke Lake, the Great Blue Heron is an elegant wader known for its slow, deliberate movements and impressive wingspan.
6. Pileated Woodpecker: If you hear loud, rhythmic drumming in the woods, chances are it’s a Pileated Woodpecker. These large woodpeckers are often spotted in the forests surrounding Locke Lake House in Center Barnstead, making them a rewarding sight for bird watchers.
Tracking Tools (Republished from Good Info News Wire under a Creative Commons license)
Up to 895,000 feathered creatures have been tracked passing New Hampshire in a single night according to Birdcast, a service sponsored by Cornell Labs and the University of Massachusetts. Its dashboard tool indicates how many birds flew over your home the previous night, their direction, and how fast and high they were traveling. It also provides a list and photographs of which nocturnally migrating species most likely arrive or depart your region at this time of year. For example, Southern New Hampshire residents are likely to see nighthawks, northern parula, eastern wood-pewee, bobolinks, and black-throated, bay-breasted, yellow, and magnolia warblers winging overhead right now.
The Motus Wildlife Tracking System
This is a program of Birds Canada, which monitors birds worldwide, including those at the Massabesic Audubon Center in Auburn. Migrants spotted at Massabesic include swanson thrushes, kestrels, veeries, and blackpoll warblers. All you have to do is visit the site to see which birds are migrating over Lake Massabesic each day.
The National Audubon Society’s Bird Migration Explorer
This online, interactive guide to “the heroic annual journeys” made by 450 bird species and the obstacles they encounter along the way. You can click on a photograph of any migrating species and a map shows paths of migration and other details specific to the bird’s travels south.
Pack Monadnock Raptor Observatory
Located at the summit of Miller State Park in Peterborough, the observatory has been gathering hawk migration data for nearly 20 years. Experts there will help you look for and identify the thousands of hawks that pass by as they glide from thermal to thermal to save energy on their migration to South America. Sometimes dozens of the predators circle in formations called kettles. The observatory is operated by volunteers and is open through Nov. 20.
The National Audubon Society’s Canada Goose Field Guide
This online guide provides migration and range maps of these honking migrators as well as detailed descriptions of their appearance and recordings of their songs and calls. As most New Hampshire residents know, Canada geese are among the largest migrants in these parts, and can often be seen in their V-formation as they launch heading south in the fall, and north in the spring to their home grounds — a sure Granite State sign of changing seasons. Even if you can’t see them, you can hear their distinctive honks back and forth as they depart at dusk and arrive at dawn.
According to the Nation Audubon Society, these birds were once a symbol of the wilderness and in fact, were almost extinct. Instead, they adapted to civilization, and that’s no longer the case. They’re all over the place in New Hampshire, nesting, flying, and, yes, pooping (a lot) in public parks, playgrounds, and ponds. Adults vary in size from 30 — 43 inches in length with 50 – 73-inch wingspans. The smallest ones — called cackling geese — are now considered a separate species.
Alltrails New Hampshire Birding Site
This site lists the state’s prime bird-watching, and hiking trails, providing trail maps, directions, trail descriptions, difficulty levels, and photographs taken by hikers themselves.
Why Stay at Locke Lake House?
A stay at Locke Lake House places you right in the middle of prime bird-watching territory. The property’s location on the shores of Locke Lake allows for easy observation of waterfowl and other bird species from the comfort of your vacation rental. With ample outdoor space and proximity to both the lake and wooded areas, you’re likely to see a variety of birds without ever leaving the property.
Explore Nearby Birding Hotspots
For those looking to expand their birding experience, there are several excellent bird-watching locations nearby:
- Blue Job Mountain State Forest: Just a short drive from Locke Lake House in Center Barnstead, this area offers hiking trails with opportunities to see a variety of woodland species, including warblers, hawks, and even the occasional owl.
- Ellacoya State Park: Located on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee, this park is a fantastic spot for observing waterfowl, eagles, and other birds that frequent larger lakes.
- New Hampshire Audubon’s McLane Center: A bit farther afield in Concord, this center provides guided bird walks and educational programs, making it a great stop for anyone looking to learn more about the local avian population.
- The Loon Center: Situated near Lake Winnipesaukee, The Loon Center is dedicated to the conservation of loons and offers visitors the chance to learn about these iconic birds and explore a beautiful sanctuary.
Whether you’re a dedicated bird watcher or just someone who enjoys the peace and beauty of nature, the New Hampshire Lakes Region is a destination worth exploring. And with Locke Lake House as your base, you’ll have a front-row seat to some of the best bird-watching New England has to offer.
