The Wantastiquet Mountain Natural Area is within walking distance of downtown Brattleboro and offers both migrating songbirds in spring and common nesting forest birds in the summer. Two trails depart from the parking area. The first, a moderately-easy trail that departs downhill from the parking area follows the Connecticut River North, affording views of Wood Ducks in the river and the chance to see Prairie Warblers, Great-crested Flycatchers, Indigo Buntings and Eastern Towhees. A second trail heads uphill directly from the parking area and climbs over 1200' to a picturesque view of the Connecticut River and Brattleboro. This steeper climb sometimes presents up-close looks at Scarlett Tanagers, birds usually hard to spot in the forest canopy. Other birds commonly seen include Hermit Thrush, Wood Thrush, Veery, Black-throated Green Warbler, Black-throated Blue Warbler and Ovenbird.
To Get There: From the center of Brattleboro, head South/East on VT-119 towards New Hampshire. Drive across the bridge and turn left on Mountain Road immediately after the bridge. The parking area is on the right at the end of the dirt road.
When To Go: Spring migration picks up in the back half of April and nesting birds remain active into early July. Fall songbird migrants show up here in September as well.
Indigo Bunting, by Chris Petrak
Scarlett Tanager, by Chris Petrak
Wantastiquet Natural Area Trail, by Cory Ross
Wantastiquet Natural Area near Indian Pond, by Cory Ross
