Birdwatching Event a Great Way to Connect with Nature
By Meghan Hall
Published April 26, 2026
For many, Plymouth State’s close connection to nature is an invaluable reason for us to study here, even over other schools in New Hampshire or New England. That was certainly true for me, anyway, even though spending time outdoors has truly gotten away from me amidst the chaos of my senior year.
So, when I received an email from Outdoor Experiences advertising a birdwatching event, I knew it was the perfect time to go. Taking place in early April, this event was at the perfect time to search for the birds migrating back to New Hampshire for the warmer months.
On the day of the event, a group of around ten of us got ready to go birdwatching at the Langdon Woods trailhead, which I had never explored despite its close proximity to campus. Regardless of the main focus of our expedition, the birds, the walk was beautiful. The trees were dense, close to water, and mostly protected from nearby roads and traffic. As Spring progresses, more migratory birds return to New Hampshire while others prepare for the summer breeding season. Hearing the classic “Phoebe” song of the Eastern Phoebe is such a hallmark of spring, and it followed us along the whole trail.
The walk was organized by Adventure Education students Camille Campe and Calvin Peters, while Lena Moser, the Spiritual Wellness Coordinator at PSU and an avid birder, supported the walk with relaxing, grounding meditation at the start. All of the organizers generously shared their binoculars and birding books with the group, which was great for those of us who didn’t know what to expect or had no supplies of their own.
As we walked along the Langdon Woods trail, we were lucky to spot some species I had never seen before as a casual birder, like the Hooded Merganser and the Hermit Thrush. We also saw some Northeastern classics, including the Wood Duck, Brown Creeper, and American Robin.
The full list of birds we saw included:
– Red-tailed Hawk
– Hermit Thrush
– Wood Duck
– American Robin
– Hooded Merganser
– Turkey Vulture
– Black-capped Chickadee
– Brown Creeper
– Eastern Phoebe
– White-breasted Nuthatch
What made the event especially enjoyable was how accessible it felt; it was a simple, welcoming way to reconnect with nature without feeling overwhelmed or needing to physically exert yourself too much. It felt especially perfect for those who might feel intimidated by the “Outdoor Experience” label.
Everyone involved was incredibly kind, and it was such a fun experience to learn from the knowledge of peers who could just authentically share their interests.
