The Adirondack mountains are a birdwatching haven with more than 100 different species of birds to spot! This serene activity is best done in the spring when many species are migrating back to the region but a number of birds can be seen year-round as residents. Birds are prevalent in the many hiking and natural areas throughout the region. The boreal forests that make up the Adirondack mountains with their grasslands, wooded swamps, rivers, lakes, and ponds attract a diverse array from common everyday species to rarer birds that may be on your life list. Birding in the Adirondacks is likely to be a highlight of your vacation here!

Let our boutique hotel be your perfect getaway this season! You’ll find relaxation and comfort at our upscale lodging surrounded by nature. Our quiet inn is located just outside the small hamlet of Chestertown, NY with easy access to outdoor activities in the mountains. After a day of exploration in the area, you’ll come back to a place where you can truly unwind. From our many guest rooms, you can choose the one with the amenities that will suit your needs and wants. If you want the best place to stay in the Adirondacks that is full of charm and elegance, book your room today!

Birding in the Adirondack Mountains

Birdwatching in the Adirondack mountains is a rewarding and interesting way to spend time in the outdoors, especially in the spring. The absence of deciduous foliage in early spring makes spotting species much easier. The woodlands, marshes, bogs, mountains, lakes, and ponds are full of vibrant singing birds showing off their mating displays. This area offers one of the most southern boreal forest habitats that are widely accessible where you can see special boreal species. Resident birds, as well as migrants coming up from the south and passing through, are prevalent here. There are many places in the Adirondack mountains to search for birds but here are our 10 favorites.

1. Fish Creek Wildlife Management Area is a 2,046 acre natural wetland full of grasslands that are perfect for ground nesting birds. Here you’ll find turkeys, grouse, waterfowl, marsh birds and many songbirds at this spot in the Adirondack mountains.
2. Cedar River Flow is a scenic lake where you can paddle in the wilderness of the Adirondack mountains. Around the lake and river here you can spot common loons, ospreys, and common mergansers. In the bog habitats look for the boreal chickadee and wood warblers. This area is a part of the larger Moose River Plains Complex with many trails and wilderness areas to explore.
3. One of the nation’s top rated state parks is Moreau Lake State Park. Here the forested uplands, the lake and Hudson River are great places to spot wintering bald eagles, wood thrushes, and rose-breasted grobeaks. There are 20 miles of hiking trails here to explore as well.
4. Ride the gondola and take a short hike to the summit at Gore Mountain to see some boreal forest species. For a longer day hike you could choose to hike the entire distance of 9 miles round trip.
5. The northern peak of Lyon Mountain in the Adirondack mountains is home to the much sought after species of Bicknell’s thrush. The dense subalpine coniferous forests here are ideal habitat. Here you can hike to a firetower at the summit where you’ll see views of Lake Champlain, Montreal, and Chazy Lake.
6. On the northwestern shore of Lake Champlain in the Adirondack mountains is Point Au Roche State Park. This natural and undeveloped park includes open and forested areas, marshes, and shoreline habitats. Thousands of migrating snowgeese stop over here in the spring and fall. Also look out for different species of hawks and owls such as screech, barred and great horned owls. The nature center here offers a variety of programs throughout the year.
7. Overlooking Lake George is the fun and educational Up Yonda Environmental Education Center. Here you’ll find hands on activities, hiking, and gardens to explore. This is also a great place to spot the eastern bluebird, red-tailed hawk, thrushes, and kinglets in the open fields and mixed forests that surround this property in the Adirondack mountains.
8. Head up to Whiteface Mountain, New York’s fifth highest peak in the Adirondack mountains, for another spot to see the elusive Bicknell’s thrush. The alpine conditions up here are ideal nesting for these birds. There are gorgeous views at the top and best of all you can drive right to the summit along the Veteran’s Memorial Highway.
9. It isn’t a trip to the northeast without seeing and hearing the call of a loon! The William C. Whitney Wilderness in Hamilton County, is a haven for loons and other species that depend on this transition zone of deciduous forest and boreal forest. There are 11 lakes here including the 6 mile long Tupper Lake.
10. The Lake George area includes a diversity of species to watch for. Waterfowl, peregrine falcons, American bittern, and swans are just some of the birds you see while visiting this spot in the Adirondack mountains. At Shelving Rock there is a beautiful trail down to the lake that includes a 50-foot waterfall.

The Best Lodging in the Adirondacks

After a day of exploring the Adirondack mountains you’ll have peace of mind knowing that you are coming back to a comfortable and elegant place to rest and relax. At our hotel in the Adirondacks your comfort is our priority. We offer upscale accommodations, with each guest room different to fit your needs for a perfect vacation. Choose from our 18 rooms that reflect the beauty and feeling of being in the mountains. With onsite dining options you won’t have to worry about finding the best place for a great meal, it’s all right here! If you are ready for the ultimate getaway to the Adirondack mountains, book your stay with us today!