Photo: Neil Phillips, Flickr

We all know that Lake Champlain has a huge variety of fish species, including some that can be found nowhere else in Vermont.

This time of year though, fish aren’t the only thing that are plentiful: thousands of birds descend on our lake for their annual migration.

According to the Lake Champlain Basin Program (www.lcbp.org), 318 species of birds live, breed, or use Lake Champlain as a resting point along their migration routes. Fourteen of those are listed as endangered or threatened by New York, Vermont, or the US Fish and Wildlife Service.

Both New York and Vermont have some well managed areas that make for great bird watching. The NY DEC has the Lake Champlain Marshes Bird Conservation Area which includes six Management Areas along the western shore of Lake Champlain. These areas are located at Kings Bay, Montys Bay, Wickham Marsh, Ausable Marsh, Putts Creek, and East Bay. Each area has a wide variety of habitat which will ensure a broad selection of species. For a map of these areas, seehttp://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/31955.html

Vermont is home to several conservation areas as well. The Dead Creek WMA is specifically managed for migrating birds, and is a great place to see dozens of species of birds. Other great locations to check out include the Sandbar WMA in Milton, East Creek WMA in Orwell, and The Narrows WMA in West Haven. Visit www.vtfishandwildlife.com for more listings.

If you’re planning on heading out on a birding trip, consider taking a look at the Lake Champlain Birding Trail brochure. It is a good guide to get you started, regardless which side of the lake you want to explore. Find it athttp://www.lakechamplainregion.com/files/public/LkChampBirding.pdf.