The Brattleboro Marina includes a restaurant with waterfront seating and a series of docks for small boats and kayaks located near the confluence of the West River and the Connecticut River. The West River offers a number of channels and islands with shallow, slow-moving water here, ideal for shorebirds and wading waterbirds. This is a great area to bird by kayak or from the shore with a spotting scope. Species seen here include Green Herons, Great Egret, Great Blue Heron, Wood Ducks, Spotted Sandpiper, Least Sandpiper and Common Nighthawks. Beyond the river mouth, the West River Trail runs for several miles along the West River. This area is excellent for migrating songbird fallout, including Scarlet Tanager, Baltimore Oriole, Rose-Breasted Grosbeak, Warbling Vireo, Common Yellowthroat, Yellow Warbler and Gray Catbird.
When to Go: Once the water is open in late March to early April until migration ends in June features continued activity. Late summer and early fall is a good time to look for Great Egret and Common Nighthawk, along with migrating shorebirds.
How to Get There: From the intersection of VT 9 and VT 30 in downtown Brattleboro, head N on VT 30 (Putney Road) for 1.1 miles. Immediately after crossing the West River, turn left into the parking area for the Marina Restaurant. Parking can be found behind the restaurant. The West River Trail begins further down the dirt road providing access for bridge construction crews.
Great Egrets by Chris Petrak
The West River by Cory Ross
Spotted Sandpiper, by Chris Petrak
