Windsong Wildlife Sanctuary

The mission of the Northeast Kingdom Audubon Society is to foster the stewardship and enjoyment of birds, other wildlife and natural habitats.
NEK Audubon is a Vermont chapter of the National Audubon Society.

Windsong Wildlife Sanctuary in East Peacham is a 5.5-acre wetland complex fed by East Peacham Brook. The Sanctuary features four-season wildlife viewing and birding opportunities from a sturdy observation platform accessible from the paved Barnet-East Peacham Road. A special access point welcomes anglers in season. In summer the observation platform features habitat paintings by local artist Leah Benedict. The Sanctuary is maintained by NEK Audubon volunteers.

Windsong in Winter:

The Sanctuary, owned and maintained by Northeast Kingdom Audubon, was made possible by gifts of land from Peacham residents Thelma White, Francis Carlet, and Janet St. Onge, and a cash bequest from Peg Newburn. Their generosity allowed Northeast Kingdom Audubon to fulfill a longtime vision to make birding, wildlife, and habitat study easily available to naturalists of all ages in the Northeast Kingdom.

Thelma White, one of Vermont's most beloved naturalists, has studied Windsong Wildlife Sanctuary's marshes, brook, and cedar swamp for decades. Through her inspired teaching, hundreds of students of all ages have learned to look more closely, and with deeper understanding and appreciation, at birds, plants, wildlife, and natural processes.

A tireless and careful observer, Thelma has recorded over 100 bird species at this small sanctuary. Among her highlights have been Bald Eagle, Osprey, and Stilt Sandpiper. In a typical spring, the sanctuary is alive with Red-winged Blackbird, Wilson's Snipe, Common Yellowthroat, Spotted Sandpiper, Alder Flycatcher, and Winter Wren. Waterfowl of many types stop over here, including Common and Hooded Merganser, Black Duck, Wood Duck, Bluewinged Teal, and Mallard. Broad-winged Hawks, Red-tails, and Turkey Vultures are often noted aloft at the Sanctuary on summer days. Great Blue Herons work the banks of the brook, and beaver, muskrats, mink, deer, and bobcats are regular visitors.

Windsong Winter Brook:

Windsong Wildlife Sanctuary, a designated stop on the Connecticut River Birding Trail, is open to the public throughout the year.

Photos: Charlie Browne