During much of the winter the ferry crossing Lake Champlain between Charlotte and Essex, New York, is an icebreaker keeping McNeil Cove in open water. This cozy and secluded spot is popular with waterfowl, gulls, and an occasional Bald Eagle.

Birdwatching in Vermont, p. 58.

Bufflehead, Common Loon, American Black Duck, Mallard, Ring-necked Duck, Greater and Lesser Scaup, Common Goldeneye, Common Merganser, Hooded Merganser, Red-breasted Merganser, Canvasback, Redhead, Common Eider, American Coot, Bald Eagle

The Ferry Landing in Charlotte for the Charlotte-Essex Ferry provides views of birds on McNeil Cove.