Semipalmated Sandpiper Kent Pond
Kent Pond is a man made impoundment at an elevation of 1560 feet aligned with the ridge of the Green Mountains. Kent Pond is situated at the apex of the right angle formed by Route 4 East and Route 100. It may be accessed from either highway.
The pond itself, although relatively small and a popular fishing site from both the impoundment and by boat, has provided several surprises for bird enthusiasts. Among those surprises are Brant, Pacific Loon, Pied-billed Grebe, Red Phalarope and Semi-palmated Sandpiper, all seen and documented during the month of May. To these may be added Lesser Yellowlegs in April and Dunlin in June.
Another common thread running through most of these sightings is that they occurred during or following an extended period of overcast and/or rainy weather. If these shorebirds were in fact migrating and following the ridge of the Green Mountains, Kent Pond would serve as a temporary sanctuary from the inhospitable elements.
At the time of writing this entry in the Birding Journal, (late June), Kent Pond is host to a pair of nesting Common Loon.