An Eastern Bluebird sits on top of Staghorn Sumac. This little bluebird was seen on the
seacoast of New Hampshire, foraging on these plants.
New Hampshire is a great place to spot a variety of wildlife species. With a surprising tourist boom in autumn for ‘leaf-peepers’ (tourists traveling to New England to look at the array of fall leaves), you quickly realize after living in NH that there’s many natural beauties to be appreciated. With a biodiverse environment hosting animals ranging from hermit crabs along the shore to moose and Purple Finches, New Hampshire has a lot to offer when it comes to wildlife watching.
One of my favorite spots to visit year-round is the Silk Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, in Concord, NH. nhaudubon.org/lands/sanctuaries/silk-farm-wildlife-sanctuary/
A portion of the property hosts the center for the McLane Audubon chapter, who maintains the trail system. During visitor hours, you can also stop by and see the pollinator garden & rescued birds of prey that were unable to be rehabilitated, that now live in mews viewable by the public for educational purposes.
The Silk Farm sanctuary offers three miles of trails; the trails are of varying difficulty, so whether you’re a casual birdwatcher or experienced hiker, there’s something to offer. Audubon maintains nest boxes for American Kestrels, Eastern Bluebirds, and Tree Swallows along the property, which are often busy in spring. On the lake, you can spot a variety of waterfowl including one of New Hampshire’s most beloved birds, the Common Loon. To offer the wildlife a safe place to exist in peace, hunting and fishing are not allowed; dogs are also not allowed in the sanctuary, with the exception of one dog-friendly bike trail.
If you plan on visiting the Silk Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, be prepared for some bumpy trails and potentially a few ticks. The ruggedness of portions of this sanctuary is what makes it special; despite being fairly popular, the trails let you feel truly immersed in the wilderness despite being so close to the city.
Patrick Kuklinski is a published nature writer and bird fanatic currently residing in New Hampshire while he works towards a Bachelor’s in Zoology.