05/04/2026
We’re celebrating National Bird Day.
Are you a birder? If not, put on your birding hat and bring binoculars! Our property contains ecosystems that vary from the parking lot up to the balds. As the environment changes, so do the birds.
Listen for the drumming of the Ruffed Grouse, also referred to as the “Mountain Pheasant”. These sneaky brown birds are the size of a pigeon and use air drumming instead of singing songs. You are unlikely to see one unless startling it along the trails. On the hike-in you’ll also hear the American Robins and Tufted Titmouse singing in the meadow. These are the three most common birds you’ll hear during your visit.
As you reach the meadow at cabin one, the dark-eyed juncos will flash before your eyes. They make a small chirp sound that sounds like trekking poles hitting a rock. These social birds hang out a few feet off the trail and are the year-round stewards of Sandy Mush Bald. They are blueish-gray with white under the wings, they are named after their pitch-black eyes.
Lastly, Big Bald’s ecosystem shares the mountain with Cedar Waxwings and the Common Raven. We often see ravens flying over the cabins midday looking for a snack Doug might’ve dropped after breakfast. You’ll notice they soar rather than flap their wings as a smaller crow does. The cedar waxwings are harder to spot and require a bit of patience near the treeline. In summer they are often foraging Mountain Ash and Serviceberries along the highest ridges. These glossy birds are gray with yellow stripes, sporting a black band across their eyes.
One of our favorite bird moments is sharing the porch with the Dark-eyed Juncos in the afternoons. Is there a certain bird on this list you want to find? We look forward to hosting your birding adventure this summer!
Link in Bio.
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