Blue jay perched on a snowy branch against a blurred red background.

Maple is for the Birds

Number of Stops

2 maple stops, 2 birding stops

For avian enthusiasts and maple sugar fans alike, this tour of maple farms and birding destinations provides a day of fascination and flavors you won't soon forget. From Bird Friendly Maple producers to a stop at the regional Audubon Center itself, we've created an itinerary that everyone will chirp about.

Friendly Reminders

Phone service can vary as you drive through the state, we recommend bringing along a paper map, Gazetteer, or downloading offline maps for the areas you'll be visiting. Also, be sure to check sugarhouse websites as some have seasonal changes to their operating hours.

Red autumn leaves against a clear blue sky.

Stop 1

Couching Lion Maple Sugar Farm

223 Aestivalis Hill, Huntington, VT
(802) 338-1679

Nestled into the foothills of its namesake mountain, Couching Lion is the southernmost point on this tour of Maple and Birds, and a great place to start your tour. Chaska and Matt at Couching Lion are members of VMSMA and also Bird-Friendly Maple Sugarmakers. Their sugarbush sits among 180 acres of forest, fields, and waterways in Huntington, with great views of the Green Mountains. They have a maple self-serve kiosk roadside, where you can buy their syrup and other offerings. From there you can walk the field loop and sit in the Adirondack chairs to take in the views or just relax and breathe in the fresh mountain air.

Producer Profile

Hummingbird hovering near red flower, blurred green background.

Stop 2

Green Mountain Audubon Center

255 Sherman Hollow Rd, Huntington VT
(802) 434-3068

Less than 15 minutes from Couching Lion, you’ll find the Green Mountain Audubon Center. The Bird-Friendly Maple Project which focuses on "collaborating to keep sugarbush habitat sweet for songbirds", originated with Audubon Vermont, so their Green Mountain Center is a perfect spot to visit along your way. Learn about the sugaring process and borrow a set of binoculars to spot some avian friends in the area. Audubon is part of VMSMA’s Maple Meander program as well, so pick up a Passport and get your first stamp!
The Green Mountain Audubon Center has nature trails that are open to the public year-round and their visitor center is open M-F, 8am-4pm. If you visit when the center is open, you can pick up literature, buy some of their maple syrup, get a trail recommendation, or borrow gear for your walk (binoculars, field guides, snow shoes, and more). Cell service in this area is spotty.

Producer Profile

Barred owl perched on a branch, surrounded by green leaves.

Stop 3

Birds of Vermont Museum

900 Sherman Hollow Rd, Huntington VT
(802)-434-2167

As you head down the road from Audubon (less than 1 mile), you’ll find the Birds of Vermont Museum. Their mission is to provide education, to nurture an appreciation of the environment, and to study birds and their habitats using woodcarvings and other museum resources. They do this through permanent and rotating exhibits with over 500 life-like wood carvings. The museum also has a trail system, pollinator gardens, a walk-in tree house, special programs, and a gift shop. There’s something here for everyone in your group to enjoy. A full visit usually takes 1.5 to 2 hours.

Birds of Vermont is open May to October, Wednesday through Sunday, 10am-4pm (Monday and Tuesday by appointment). November through April, they welcome visitors by appointment.

Visit website

Four hands clinking glasses filled with beer, with a warm light in the background.

Stop 4

Stone Corral Brewery & Pub

83 Huntington Rd, Richmond, VT
(802) 434-5787

After all of your exploring, learning, and exciting bird watching, you’re probably ready for a bite to eat! Stone Corral is just 10 minutes up the road from Birds of Vermont, and close to the highway to take you on your next adventure.

Visit website