The morning after the Birdathon is typically filled with regret, disappointment and self-recrimination. This year is no different, especially given missing my target by a single species. A single darn species! Making matters worse, today is historically where fairly common species missed during the day before make an appearance, seemingly mocking my efforts. This year
Birdathon 2014: Departing the Pepperbox Wilderness via the Bowtie Beaver Meadow
The day after the Birdathon is often a letdown. All the excitement of the chase for new bird species is over, leaving just the responsibility of reporting the results, and the necessary frantic exit from the backcountry that goes along with it. The only redeeming part is the dream of doing better next year. This
Birdathon 2014: Climbing to View of Stillwater Reservoir
Heavy rain is not the ideal weather for the beginning of a bushwhacking trip. Logs and fallen leaves become slippery, streams overflow their banks and mud becomes ubiquitous, especially during mid-spring in the Adirondacks. This is especially true during the Birdathon in the Pepperbox Wilderness. Unfortunately, the predicted wet weather gave me little choice this
Birdathon 2013: Fleeing the Pepperbox Wilderness using an Old Hunters’ Trail
The morning after any Birdathon is fraught with frustration and bitterness, as avian species not observed the previous day suddenly appear, gleefully rubbing my face in the fact they evaded detection. Despite this dread, I woke in early morning after the Birdathon 2013 enjoying the morning chorus near the southwestern corner of Sunshine Pond; luckily,
Birdathon 2013: Climbing with a Cold Towards Cropsey Pond in the Pepperbox Wilderness
For the first time in two years, I return to Cropsey Pond in the Pepperbox Wilderness for the Audubon Society’s Birdathon, a 24-hour long contest to observe as many bird species as possible. Despite a serious head cold, a long climb from Raven Lake Road over a small rise is the only thing standing between me and the small, remote pond.
Birdathon 2011: Thunderstorms at Sunshine Pond
I journeyed back into the heart of the Pepperbox Wilderness of the Adirondack State Park to once again try my luck at the Audubon Society’s Birdathon. The Birdathon is a challenge to locate as many bird species as possible in a single 24-hour period. This would be my second attempt to perform the Birdathon in
Stillwater Reservoir to Cranberry Lake Bird Report
The eight-day epic trek through the heart of the Five Ponds Wilderness from Wanakena to Stillwater Reservoir and back via Cranberry Lake yielded a total of 62 confirmable bird species. The high number of avian species was most likely due to the great diversity of habitat encountered including a couple large lakes, many small glacial
Stillwater Reservoir to Cranberry Lake Trip: Arriving at Gun Harbor
The following is an account of day four of my epic hike from Wanakena, NY to Stillwater Reservoir, Cranberry Lake and then back to Wanakena. The entire trip required backpacking via trail into the heart of the Five Ponds Wilderness, a lengthy bushwhack to the northern terminus of the Red Horse Trail and another trail
Stillwater Reservoir to Cranberry Lake Trip Report Teaser
From June 27 to July 4, 2010, I traveled to Wanakena, NY and performed the Stillwater Reservoir to Cranberry Lake trip I previously discussed here on June 23rd (see trip plan here). It was a complete success and I intend to describe it in detail here soon. Since its length and the extensive area covered
Wanakena to Stillwater Reservoir to Cranberry Lake Trip Plan 03-2010
Last year when I was backpacking within the Five Ponds Wilderness around Memorial Day I read an entry in the Little Shallow Lean-to register about someone who had hiked from that lean-to to Stillwater Reservoir and back within a 24-hour period. To see a trip report from that individual click here. At the time I
