So here we are, back in the USA for the next few weeks, visiting family and friends here in New England. After a few days with the folks in western Mass, we're here in the beautiful wilds of Vermont with the folks, siblings, partners and kids.
Based here in a lovely old house in Jamaica (yep), we're surrounded by beautiful landscapes of forested hills, crags, river plains and other genuinely wild habitats. As we always do, Ned and I went exploring first thing this morning, hoping for a suitable place to bird, pre-breakfast - and found the ideal spot ten minutes down the road.
Swamp Sparrow
A great mix of habitats, it's a public recreation area with therefore no threat of getting shot or savaged by dogs (the two least appealing aspects of birding in the US countryside), the trail is an old track that winds through various types of woodland and along the riverbank, incorporating areas of marshland and hillside.
Black-and-white Warbler
A good couple of hours this morning included lots of species, most expected but a joy to see and hear, and we'll be back very soon.... eBird checklist here. 
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Spot the distant Magnolia Warbler
Great Blue Heron
Female Red-winged Blackbird
Alder Flycatcher
Northern Yellow Warbler
Red-eyed Vireo
American Redstart
