Birdwatching in Vermont, pp. 82-83.

A paddle around this 200-acre pond and wetland complex surrounded by conserved lands looking for birds is an immersive experience in nature. Head down to the pond by foot from the east along a gated road or launch a canoe or kayak from a boat launch on the western shore. More than 100 bird species have been documented at Gale Meadows, with herons, loons, and other waterfowl spotted on the pond, while raptors and woodland birds can be found in the surrounding forests and meadows.

The pond is frequented by ducks and geese during migrations. Wood ducks, mallards, common and hooded mergansers nest and rear young there annually. Several pairs of great blue herons have nested in recent years, and common loons are sighted regularly. Two shallow areas within the impoundment have standing dead trees important to cavity-nesting birds and great blue herons. The adjacent forested lands and riparian areas are habitats for over 100 year-round and migratory bird species.

Forest hawk species that may be observed include Cooper’s hawk and northern goshawk.

Ruffed grouse and turkey occur and may be hunted in season.

Gale Meadows Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is an approximately 707-acre parcel located in the towns of Londonderry and Winhall. It is owned by the State of Vermont and managed by the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department. It includes a 195-acre man-made pond that averages 8 feet deep and has a maximum depth of about 20 feet. The principal tributary to the pond is Mill Brook. The terrain on Gale Meadows WMA is gently rolling. It contains forested wetlands, several small meadows, and a forest cover of mostly softwoods such as white pine, red spruce, balsam fir, and hemlock.

Much of the land provides habitat for deer, including approximately 50 acres of deer-wintering area.

The pond and surrounding lands are used by a variety of wildlife. Rare species found within Gale Meadows WMA include Eastern pearlshell mussel, low water milfoil, and there has been one sighting of a black-backed woodpecker. Significant natural communities within Gale Meadows WMA include spruce-fir tamarack swamp, dwarf shrub bog, vernal pools, and seeps. The property and pond can be accessed by the developed boat launch located at the easternmost point of the pond off Haven Hill Road in Londonderry. Another option is to park on the shoulder of Winhall Hollow Road, which bisects the northwesterly portion of the property.

About Gale Meadows Pond
The scenic Gale Meadows Pond is the focal point for recreational activity on the property. Canoeing, kayaking, boating, fishing, and wildlife viewing are very popular activities here. The undeveloped shoreline gives this pond a remote back-country feel and appearance. Motorboats are allowed but boat speed is not to exceed 5 miles per hour. Gale Meadows Pond features largemouth bass, yellow perch, bluegill, chain pickerel, and brown bullhead fishing opportunities. The woodlands around the pond are popular for deer, ruffed grouse, and snowshoe hare hunting.
From Gale Meadows Wildlife Management Area webpage

Gale Meadows Pond (195 acres) is a site for the Vermont LoonWatch annual survey. Birders are encouraged to volunteer as often and whenever they are able. See Join LoonWatch for details.