This year, on May 9th and 10th, the Friends of Missisquoi will once again join in celebrating World Migratory Bird Day. Plans are in progress to host a full weekend of art and nature experiences. As in past years, Missisquoi’s celebration will not only celebrate the day but will span the entire weekend. It promises to be a great time to come out to enjoy the refuge as the birds return. By participating in scheduled events or venturing out on the trails independently, you can help make it another successful weekend of eBird data collection. Either way, you will be contributing to our many years of documenting what birds are utilizing the refuge during migration. Trails are open from sunrise to sunset. As you participate as a community scientist for the refuge, please stay on the open trails and waterways and be careful not to venture into any of the restricted areas. Some events require registration, and, unless otherwise noted, you can find registration information for Missisquoi World Migratory Bird Day events at https://friendsofmissisquoi.org/birdweekend/

Live Painting Tutorial – Project: Great Blue Heron with Jon Young

Friday, May 8^th, 5:00 PM, at the Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, 29 Tabor Rd, Swanton, VT 05488

This year’s Painting Tutorial is in honor of birds found on the refuge. The subject is the Great Blue Heron. Join us and paint your own masterpiece! All the materials to paint this 16″ x 20″ acrylic on canvas project are supplied, and complete instruction will be provided by Jon Young. All you do is register and get ready for creative fun!

Each person interested in attending will need to fill out a separate registration. To cover supplies, there is a suggested donation of $20 to the Friends of Missisquoi for participation. Donations can be made at the time of the event. This class will have a limited number of registrants, so register at https://forms.gle/zR5SDjvNigCSzCPs6 to save your spot soon!

Meet the Artists Reception

Friday, May 8^th, 7:00 PM, at Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, 29 Tabor Rd, Swanton, VT 05488

Immediately after our Live Painting Tutorial, there will be a Meet the Artist Reception where local artists showcase their refuge, habitat, and bird-themed art. Attendees will have the opportunity to discuss the artists’ methods and ideas about their work. All pieces exhibited at the event will be available for purchase.

And this year during our Meet the Artist Reception, we will be announcing the winners of our calendar photo contest – winning pictures will be included on our 2027 Friends of Missisquoi calendar, which will showcase the beauty of our region and the incredible talent of the photographers who participate.

Art Show at the Refuge

Exhibits: May 8th through July 10th, 2026, at Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, 29 Tabor Rd, Swanton, VT 05488

The annual “Art Show at the Refuge” will kick off at the Missisquoi Visitor Center in May, and our 2026 Art Show will be better than ever! We will be displaying breathtaking artwork inspired by local wildlife, habitats, and birds.

Daybreak Bird-walk

Saturday, May 9th, 4:00 AM, at Maquam and Black Creek Trail

Join the Friends of Missisquoi NWR as they hold a daybreak bird-walk on the Maquam and Black Creek Trail. The walk will begin at 4:00 am from the trail parking area, located on Rte. 78, approximately 2½ miles west of Swanton village. During the one-mile hike in the dark to Lookout Point, participants will be listening for owls and other nocturnal birds. Daylight birding will take place on the return trip. Bring a headlamp or flashlight. Please register in advance for this walk. Visit https://forms.gle/S58FhncdZZhCtAvQ9 to register.

Monthly Bird-monitoring Walk

Saturday, May 9th, 8:00 AM, at Stephen J. Young Marsh Trail

Join the Friends of Missisquoi NWR for their monthly bird monitoring walk on the Stephen J. Young Marsh Trail. Our May walk each year is part of our World Migratory Bird Day weekend! This walk is appropriate for birders of all skill levels. Meet at the parking lot at 8:00 AM, about 1 mile south of the refuge Visitor Center on Tabor Rd. The walk will finish at 10:00 am. Registration is not required.

Bird Walk with the Refuge Manager

Saturday, May 9th, 8:00 AM, at Old Railroad Passage Trail

Join the Missisquoi NWR Refuge Manager, Ken Sturm, for this spring bird walk on the refuge. Ken will lead a group to survey what birds are utilizing the habitats along the Old Railroad Passage Trail. This walk is appropriate for birders of all skill levels. Meet at the trailhead parking lot at 8:00 AM, about 1 mile south of the refuge Visitor Center on Tabor Rd. The walk will finish at 10:00 AM. Registration is not required.

Birding Paddle on the Missisquoi

Saturday, May 9th, 2:00 – 5:00 PM, on the Missisquoi River

The Friends of Missisquoi NWR and The Northern Forest Canoe Trail will join forces to offer an afternoon of paddling, birdwatching, and learning on the Missisquoi River. This event is planned in conjunction with World Migratory Bird Day weekend and is appropriate for paddlers and birders of all skill levels. Meet at 2:00 PM at the Mac’s Bend parking area (go through the gate at Louie’s Landing and drive about 1 mile north along the river). The paddle will finish by 5:00 PM. We will cancel for inclement weather. Registration is required. Visit https://forms.gle/4cqCidciQxTTMCqJ9 to register. 

Beginning Bird Walk

Sunday, May 10th, 9:00 AM, at Discovery Trail

Bring Mom out for Mother’s Day and join the Friends of Missisquoi NWR for a relaxing morning of birding geared specifically for beginners. This walk will be held on the Discovery Trail. Meet at the Refuge Visitor Center on Tabor Road at 9:00 AM. Binoculars will be available for use. Please register in advance for this walk. Visit https://forms.gle/CnsxagyuU6Y5yryNA to register.