Above: Views of Lake George from the East shore.
Below: Aerial photo courtesy USGS.

An Undiscovered Birding Gem

xxxxxLake George Regional Park is a 275-acre state-owned property set aside for public recreational use and leased by the towns of Skowhegan and Canaan. Lake George is well-known locally as a picturesque, clean and well-managed recreational area; however, the Park's best-kept secret is that it offers a specialized and easily accessible habitat where birders can find a number of species which are scarce elsewhere in central Maine. It's hardly an exaggeration to call Lake George an undiscovered birding gem.
xxxxxI use the word "undiscovered" because I was fortunate enough to live in a rented house inside the Park for 2½ years, and during the entire time I never saw anyone else birdwatching there. Now, as then, I feel that Lake George Regional Park should receive more recognition for being an outstanding birdwatching area (as well as a beautiful, serene place to spend a day boating, fishing or swimming).
xxxxxThe Park's wooded areas consist of large stands of old-growth Hemlock and other tall coniferous and deciduous tree species, surrounded and interspersed with open paths and brushy clearings. Through these woods run a network of cross-country skiing trails bordered by old stone walls. Though largely unposted, these trails are easy to navigate and can be used as hiking paths in the non-winter months.
xxxxxThe magnificent Hemlocks and the shaded, partly swampy areas they cover provide a breeding habitat for Barred Owls, Broad-winged Hawks, Pileated Woodpeckers, Winter Wrens, Brown Creepers, Pine Siskins and a rich variety of Warblers. The songs of the Hermit Thrush, Veery and Wood Thrush add to the ethereal atmosphere of these primeval woods. Migratory birds also find Lake George an attractive place to stop, and at the right times of the year you can count on finding Fox Sparrows, Bicknell's Thrush, and more Warblers. Even such rarities as "Oregon" Juncoes and Orchard Orioles might be sighted here if extreme luck is on your side.
xxxxxAround Lake George itself Common Loons, Ospreys and Belted Kingfishers are highly visible mainstays throughout the summer. The boggy north end of the Lake, best accessed by canoe, is a strange place inhabited by Alder Flycatchers, Wood Ducks, Swamp Sparrows and undoubtedly other still-undocumented species (my explorations of the "Horseshoe" were infrequent, mainly because of its swarming clouds of mosquitoes). Late one July night I stood on the deck outside the house and witnessed several eerie "bonfires" flickering in the distance over these remote swamps, their origin another mystery.

xxxxxMy recommendation for seeing the widest variety of species would be to arrive early in the morning between mid-May and mid-June and park in the lot on the right-hand side of the East Road entrance. Follow the cross-country trails beginning in the woods behind the parking area (there are two trails that basically run parallel to each other). Proceed in a general northeasterly direction along either of the two paths. Stop frequently to listen for the songs of Warblers, Thrushes and Winter Wrens (birding by ear always pays off here). Be sure to visit the old overgrown Dump area, located off a short path that connects the two trails: some of the scarcer migrants might be found there.
xxxxxContinuing along the main trails you will eventually arrive at a cleared, open area bordered by blackberry bushes and tangled briar. At this point you can either proceed left onto the trail that leads downhill through the woods to the East Beach or, continuing PAST the intersection of the Beach trail, walk along the open path for about a third of a mile to where it again becomes wooded overhead. In the trees along the open path look and listen for Great Crested Flycatchers, Scarlet Tanagers and Chestnut-sided Warblers.
xxxxxWhere the woods start to deepen again you can either take another left on a second trail that leads down toward the East Beach or continue north (my recommendation) along another forested path that will begin to slope steeply upward. This path leads to the summit of Mt. Baldy. The hike (no climbing involved) may prove a little exerting for some, but it's fairly short and the view of the Lake from atop Mt. Baldy is spectacular! It's important to remember that the Mt. Baldy trail forks in two directions about midway up; you'll want to bear left to reach the summit (the right path is largely overgrown and leads along the back side of the mountain). You should be aware that some of the trails pass through private property; although they are available for public use, this should always be kept in mind. Also note that HUNTING IS ALLOWED in any non-posted areas of the Park during Hunting season.
xxxxxIt should be noted that Lake George Regional Park receives NO State or Federal funding and relies entirely upon private donations and seasonal user fees (charged at the West Road entrance and the gate at the East Beach). The Park allocates its funding wisely and its recreational-use policies are balanced with an environmentally aware vision. I encourage birdwatchers and all other visitors to make a contribution.