New York’s Adirondack Park
May 29 - June 1, 2003

Common Loon Northern ParulaThe Adirondack Park in New York is six million acres of adventure, an area larger than the state of Vermont. Spectacular mountaintop views, spruce-tamarac bogs, and boreal species ae just some of the things that make the Adirondacks such a unique birding experience. We’ll visit a number of top birding locations and habitats in this wild and natural setting, in searching for specialties like Bicknell’s Thrush, Black-backed Woodpecker, Three-toed Woodpecker, Boreal Chickadee, Gray Jay, and Spruce Grouse. We’ll also encounter a wide range of other species, including the likes of Common Loon, Common Raven, Barred Owl, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, Winter Wren, many species of warblers, Lincoln’s Sparrow, Pine Siskin, and Evening Grosbeak.

Day One: Arrive in the afternoon for check-in. Meet at 5:00 p.m. and proceed to dinner (included) at a nearby restaurant. This will give us all a chance to get acquainted and discuss the possibilities presented by the Adirondack Park area. 

Day Two: Gather at 4:00 a.m. for an early morning of birding for the elusive Bicknell’s Thrush on Whiteface Mt. This species, found above 3,000’ in elevation is actively singing just before and after sunrise. After our search, we will return to the motel to check out and have breakfast. The rest of the morning will be spent at Silver Lake Bog Preserve, looking for boreal species and a wide array of nesting warblers. The afternoon will find us along the Chubb River, listening for the “tap tap” of Black-backed Woodpeckers and other avian delights. We will arrive at our motel around 4:30, with the rest of the afternoon and evening on your own to relax and explore the area.

Day Three: After breakfast,we will proceed to Spring Bond Bog and the surrounding area. Spring Pond Bog is the second largest open expanse of peatland in the state. We will focus some of our effort in searching for Spruce Grouse, another Adirondack specialty. Along the way, we’ll encounter an assortment of flycatchers, vireos, warblers, and more. The day will be filled out with a stop at the Paul Smith’s VIC and the exploration of some of its trails. After arriving back at our motel in the afternoon, we will meet for a relaxing dinner at a nearby restaurant (included) and review the day’s sightings.

Day Four: Our final morning, in the Bloomingdale Bog area, will afford an opportunity to search for species that may have eluded us. We will bird until 11:00 a.m., at which time we will summarize our sightings and conclude the tour. You are welcome to stay and explore more of the Adirondack Mt. region on your own.

Tour Details
This tour includes three nights of accomodations at two comfortable motels. All rooms are furnished with a queen bed or two double beds and include the usual amenities. Dinner at two of the area’s well-known eating establishments are also included (Thursday and Saturday), as well as any entrance fees at the various birding locales.

Also included are professional guide services for the duration of the tour. Brett M. Ewald will be the tour leader on this exciting excursion. As well as being an accomplished birder, naturalist, and biologist, Brett has been involved in numerous research projects involving migration and distribution patterns. He has also hiked extensively in the High Peaks Region of the Adirondacks and looks forward to sharing the wonders of this area with you!

Besides the spectacular birding, this area is known for its majestic views, wilderness setting, rushing streams, abundant wildlife, and rustic charm. Lake Placid, host of the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics, is a popular resort town and center for outdoor enthusiasts, while Saranac Lake was voted the #1 small town in New York.

Tour Pricing
Prices listed are per person, based on your level of occupancy. 

• Quad: $335.00
  
• Double: $395.00
  
• Single: $520.00
  

Terms and Conditions
A $100.00 deposit is required at time of registration. Any balance due is required March 31, 2003. Confirmation and an informational packet, including details and directions, will be sent upon receipt of deposit. Make your check or money order payable to Lakeshore Nature Tours. If the tour is full, a waiting list will be taken, and filled according to the date of registration. A $25 service fee will apply to cancellations before March 31, 2003. Cancellations after March 31, 2003 will forfeit the entire $100.00 deposit. Transportation and any corresponding tolls are the responsibility of the participant(s).