Dead Creek Wildlife Day Brings Out the Curious and Showcases the Natural Community

By Cookie Steponaitis

photo provided When she flies and goes hunting this Northern Harrier Hawk, she will fly low over the fields and will hover in one spot. They named a jet after her.

photo provided A portrait shot of the Northern Harrier Hawk.

photo provided While most Vermonters recognize the Blue Jay, few ever see it this close up and can marvel at the fierce colors of the bird and the fierce disposition. In addition to seeing birds of prey, there were many Black Capped Chickadees to see.

photo provided This Northern Goshawk has long flight tail feathers that help him maneuver around the trees when he is hunting down his prey.

    The name Dead Creek congers images in the mind of a place devoid of life and that couldn’t be farther from the truth. On Saturday, October 2, from 9:30-4:00 p.m. the Vermont Fish & Wildlife opened the Dead Creek Management Area to the public and provided varied educational opportunities such as Bird Banding, Beginning Bird Walks, Fly-tying, Live Critters of Vermont, Vermont’s Osprey, Snakes of Vermont, Vermont’s Bat& White Nosed Syndrome, Soap Carving and more. Attending the event were the members of the CCV Natural History of Vermont Class. The students of this hybrid course learn Vermont Natural History not only through texts and traditional readings, but take field trips in the state to explore and have field experiences.

    One favorite event of the day was the live birds that the volunteers, biologists and rangers shared with those who attended the Ninth Annual Dead Creek Wildlife Day in Addison. Birds including the Northern Harrier Hawk, Blue Jay, Black Capped Chickadees, Cooper’s Hawk and Singing Sparrows kept the attendees spellbound. It was truly a quintessential Vermont day to explore and appreciate the depth and diversity of the Vermont ecosystems and its relationship to us all.