Blue Mountain
GPS Coordinates: ( 43.871106363847, -74.43095684051 )Blue Mountain Lake
Blue Mountain has the second largest population of Bicknell’s Thrushes in the Adirondacks after Whiteface Mountain. The trail to the summit is 2 miles long with a 1550-foot ascent, and follows the western side of the mountain. The prevailing winds from the west create disturbances that thrushes thrive in. It is a strenuous climb to the summit at 3759 feet. The lower section of the trail passes through mixed woodland habitat with wet thickets. Continuing the ascent, you’ll encounter spruce/fir boreal habitat.
A wide variety of birds will be found along the trail including: several woodpecker species, Eastern Wood-pewees, Yellow-bellied Flycatchers, Least Flycatcher, Blue-headed Vireos, Boreal Chickadees,Winter Wrens, Golden-crowned Kinglets, Bicknell’s Thrushes, Swainson’s Thrushes, Hermit Thrushes, many warbler species, including Blackpoll Warblers near the summit, and White-throated Sparrows. Many of the high elevation birds can be quite secretive and may be heard, but not observed. There are lovely views on the open rock summit, and a fire tower that can be climbed.
