Boreal Chickadees are frequently abundant here, and Black-backed Woodpeckers, Gray Jays, and Spruce Grouse are all fairly common, although the grouse is often difficult to see. The pond on the inlet is also one of the most reliable locations in the state for Pied-billed Grebe, and Common Goldeneye has bred here in the past. Migrant passerines can be abundant here from late May through early September, including such interesting species as Olive-sided Flycatcher, Philadelphia Vireo, Mourning and Wilson’s Warblers, Lincoln’s Sparrow, and Rusty Blackbird.

It is frequently worth listening briefly near the bridge at the T-intersection for some of the local specialties in the spruce-fir woods. The road between to the dam is more deciduous and most of the birds here will resemble those found throughout the north country, although Yellow-bellied Flycatchers and Blackpoll Warblers are surprisingly common, and most of the boreal breeders can be found here in low densities. There are several locations along this road where you can stop and view Scott Brook, where Common and Hooded Mergansers and Common Loons breed. These species are also present at the East Inlet dam, and the number of visitors here often attracts Gray Jays looking for handouts. Boreal Chickadees can be found here as well.

Amongst more widespread species, Boreal Chickadees and Bay-breasted Warblers are quite common along the road, and Black-backed Woodpeckers and Gray Jays can frequently be found. Spruce Grouse occur along the road as well, although they’re often difficult to find unless they’re crossing the road or dustbathing along the edge of it.

Palm Warbler and Rusty Blackbird can sometimes be found in this area, and American Three-toed Woodpecker is worth searching for among the more common Black-backed. Further along the main road, there are more logging roads heading off both sides, and many are worth exploring, but it is impossible to detail the birds along every one of them.

The East Inlet of Second Connecticut Lake is surrounded by excellent coniferous forest that hosts many specialty species in higher densities than other areas of the state.

The dam is a good place to launch a canoe, which is certainly worthwhile.

If the gate beyond the dam is open, you may drive down it, although it is primarily used by forestry vehicles, so the road can be rough. If the gate is closed, you may walk in. Much of the forest beyond the gate is comprised almost entirely of Black and Red Spruce, Balsam Fir, and Paper Birch, making it an ideal habitat for boreal species.

Approximately 1.5 miles past the gate, there is an old logging road (now an overgrown, often wet path) that starts on the left (North) side of the road and heads into the Norton Pool Preserve. This path holds perhaps the greatest chances of finding a Spruce Grouse anywhere in the state, and all of the boreal species can be found here at least as frequently as along the main road. Not far from the road, the path forks and the left fork takes you into the edge of the moose pasture, a somewhat open, forested bog.

To reach East Inlet from Second Connecticut Lake, head north along Route 3 until you reach a dirt road on the right labeled East Inlet Road. This road is 10 miles north of the first Connecticut Lake Picnic Area, 3 miles north of the second Connecticut Lake picnic area, and 5 miles south of the Canadian border. When East Inlet Road road reaches a T-junction, take a right to head towards East Inlet. East Inlet dam and parking area are about 1.2 miles on the left.

High in the mountains of New Hampshire, you’ll find the Connecticut Lakes and headwaters of the Connecticut River. Starting as just a trickle in the small town of Pittsburg, the Connecticut River flows through a chain of lakes, the Connecticut Lakes, as it makes its way from the US-Canadian border in New Hampshire to Long Island Sound. Its journey of 400 miles begins at the height of land, becomes the diving border between Vermont and New Hampshire, then flows through the industrial valley of Massachusetts and into Connecticut before finding the sea.