Many birds are cavity nesters. Some make their own holes in trees, some use natural holes, and some take advantage of nest boxes. At Hildene, there are nest boxes in the apple orchard that attract Bluebirds, House Wrens and Tree Swallows—to say nothing of a mouse or two in the winter. In the dene, there is a box for Kestrels on the south end of the barn. In the wetland north of the observation platform on Tom’s Trail is a larger box for ducks—perhaps Wood Ducks or Hooded Mergansers. Nest boxes provide easy viewing opportunities to monitor specie activities.

Appropriate for birders of all skill levels, the walks run along forest, meadow and wetland trails around the main house and/or the dene. Free. For more information, contact stephanie@hildene.org or call 802-367-7960.