Tours running on weekends in June-July

Blackpoll Warbler (Photo: Phil Fowler)

​​​​​​​​​​​​Boreal White Mountains Birding (from $199pp)

Focus: Bicknell's Thrush and high-elevation spruce-fir birds

Season: Available June - July

Description: This tour is for serious and focused birding, primarily in pursuit of Bicknell's Thrush and other high-elevation, spruce-fir forest birds.  Time on this trip is emphasized toward viewing Bicknell's Thrush. If no Bicknell's Thrush seen, receive 1/2 price voucher for a future Bicknell's Thrush tour. Other species frequently observed include Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, Canada Jay, Boreal Chickadee, Winter Wren, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Swainson's Thrush, Magnolia Warbler, Blackpoll Warbler, Pine Siskin, and more.

Tour Options: Options for hiking and driving tours are described below. Typical start time is 6am, but negotiable. Two persons minimum needed to run the Open Tour (see below). Private tour start times and locations are negotiable.

What to Expect: Blackflies and mosquitoes can be challenging. Bug spray (DEET) will be available for your use. At rare times in June, a head net may be needed (available for purchase $5) depending on your tolerance. Typically, the morning air is cool (50F-60F) and welcoming, but may climb to low 80s by mid-day. A light raincoat is recommended to layer against cold, wind, and rain exposure.

What to Bring:  Binoculars (available no extra charge), camera, hat, sturdy footwear (no flip-flops or sandals), rain gear, drinking water, sunscreen. A backpack to carry your gear.

Hiking Option

Hike: 3 mile round-trip; Difficulty: Intermediate-Hard

Time: 4 hours

Note: This trip requires intermediate to hard trail hiking up to 3.0 miles round trip. Non-hikers should book this as a Private Tour, because the trip could take longer than 4 hours or choose the NH North Country (non-hiking) tour option (see below)

Open Tour

Size: 2-8 persons (two person minimum to run trip). If the date provided does not work for you, use the interest form (to the right), so I can try to  combine interested individuals into enough persons to run the trip.

​Fee: $199 Adult / Youth $99 (10-15yo)

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Private Tour (Send email to schedule)

Fee: $239 per person for 4 hours; $70 for each additional hour

Deposit*: $100 deposit required

Trail Conditions:  Portions of this trail can be very muddy and wet granite rocks are slippery.  There are no major stream crossings.  Portions of the lower trail are moderately steep. Individuals should be able to hike at a sustained walking pace needing a break only every 30 minutes. (Breaks are frequently taken anyway to look for birds).  Individuals out of hiking shape and likely to require more time than the allotted 4 hours, should book the private tour (call for a consultation).


Bicknell's Thrush (Photo: Anita DeStefano)

 Bonus Bird - Gray Jay

​*Non-refundable deposit reserves the tour date on the OWE calendar and secures your spot on the tour. In the event of a tour cancellation due to weather or OWE issues, the ticket holder can elect to have a full refund including any deposits, or to have any payments applied as credit toward any future OWE event.

Driving Option (Private Tours only)

Hike: None; this is a driving birding tour; carpooling may be an option (depending on COVID-19 conditions and guidelines)

Site is

2 hrs from North Conway, NH and Lincoln, NH
​3 Hrs from Portland, ME, Burlington, VT, and Montreal, CA
4 Hrs from Boston, MA and Quebec City, CA
Possible Carpool Locations North Conway, NH; Rochester,  NH; Concord, NH; Bethel, ME; Lancaster, NH(call for inquiries)

Base Fee: $400 for up to 4 hrs for the first person
Add: $75 for each additional person

Add: $50 per person for each additional hour
Deposit*: $100 deposit required

Description: In addition to spruce-fir birds, this trip provides easy driving access to habitats supporting other exciting birds in the area including, Northern Harrier, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Mourning Warbler, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Rusty Blackbird and more.