MADRID – The birds are back. So get up early on Saturday, May 28, grab your binoculars and drive to the Madrid Trail Head of the Fly Rod Crosby Trail for a few hours of birding with the High Peaks Alliance, beginning at 7 a.m.
“If past birding in this area is any indication, we should be hearing, seeing and identifying dozens of species of birds, everything from the Ruffed Grouse to the Black Throated Green Warbler,” said High Peaks Alliance Board Member and Wilderness Society Ecologist Peter McKinley.
McKinley and Maine Conservation Corps AmeriCorps member Dylan Cookson will be leading the forest and stream side walk, rain or shine. The event is free and welcomes all levels of birders. In addition to binoculars, those joining the walk should wear sturdy shoes and bring water, snacks, sunscreen and DEET based repellents for warding off ticks.
Take Route 4 to Madrid and turn onto Reeds Mill Road. Continue for just under five miles. The trail head, which hosts an information kiosk, is located on the left just past the Star Barn Yoga.
The Fly Rod Crosby Trail currently runs from Phillips across the Appalachian Trail to Saddleback Mountain. When completed it will run 45 miles from Strong to Oquossoc. It is named after Maine’s first registered guide, Cornelia “Fly Rod” Crosby (1854-1946). For more information about the walk, call 416-4952. For information about the trail, log onto www.highpeaksalliance.org.
