Frost reports were exchanged as sixteen birders gathered before heading out on the "Mystery Trail" at Union Village Dam Park. The temperature was a chilly 37 degrees, but there was no frost in evidence along the trail's route. The cold temperatures may have helped suppress the species count which was 38. At this point in migration, one might have expected a higher total. Indeed,it was quiet when the party headed out, but there was noticeably more song around nine a.m. when the temperature had risen to 50.

Eleven warbler species were tallied. Particularly abundant were yellow warblers (8), common yellowthroats (6) and chestnut-sided warblers (5). Also of note were white-throated sparrows (8) and a single white-crowned sparrow. Conspicuous in their absence were members of the flycatcher family, two phoebes being the only representatives of that group. Also absent were vireos.
The morning's special treat was the observation of a female oriole building a nest. 
A link to a list of the walk's complete count follows:

eBird Checklist – Union Village Dam, Park, and Recreation Area, Vermont – Fri May 15, 2015 – 39 species 

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Blake AllisonMascoma Chapter of New Hampshire Audubon

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