The lake offers habitat for a wide variety of waterfowl during migration. Brushy edges and an agricultural field provide habitat diversity for other birds. Marshy areas behind the back dike host birds such as Virginia Rails and Green Herons. In the winter, open water in the outflow and along the back edge of the lake may host waterfowl. Plan to walk the dam, trails along the shoreline, the dike on the back of the lake, and, if time permits, the stream and town forest trails on the west side of the park.

Also see: Birdwatching in Vermont, pp. 96-97

The park’s location near the Connecticut River makes it an inviting area for migrant birds of all types.

This public park in Windsor has many access points and trails. The best access is from US-5 just north of the Price Chopper grocery store. Obey parking signs on US-5 as vehicles from private homes near the lake need to have access and visibility. Alternative parking is available on County Road near Mount Ascutney Hospital. This parking gives access to a multitude of foot trails through the town forest bordering the Lake.

Lake Runnemede is by far the “top hotspot” in Windsor County with a remarkable 215 species. The park is also popular with the residents, so be ready to interact with people fishing, running, and walking dogs.  It is hard to decide what the “best birds” have been here over the years, there have been so many. Just try it early and often!

The TrailFinder website has a description and map of a hike at Paradise Park.