Edge habitat at the parking area, old farm opening, and power lines are good warbler spots, as are the more mature forests along the Blake Trail. Yellow-throated Vireos are often heard, along with other birds of mature forests. When hiking up the face of the dam to view the lake, move up slowly so as not to startle any ducks that may be on the water. Louisiana Waterthrushes had been heard from Blake Trail in the stream as it exits the lake for several years but were absent in 2023.

Red-shouldered Hawks are often heard and seen soaring over or perched near the main trail. Barred Owls are often heard throughout Silver Lake Woods. The resident Great-horned Owl is always seen on the power line pole along the Purmont Loop, but be aware that it has sat there for years, and should not be considered a real bird!

The Silver Lake is half in Georgia, half in Fairfax, and is owned by Saint Albans. It is reached via the trails in Georgia's 164-acre town forest known as Silver Lake Woods. The parking area for this property is reached by turning north off VT-104A onto Skunk Hill Road near the Georgia-Fairfax town line, then right on Silver Lake Road.

Google "Silver Lake Woods" to get a map and directions to the very spot. View Map

The woods include stands of mixed northern hardwoods, coniferous plantations, and hemlock forests. A clearing around the foundations of an old farm offers habitats for meadow and shrub-loving birds.

Silver Lake (27 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.

The Blake trail proceeds north from the parking lot and goes to the dam that forms Silver Lake. It passes through northern hardwoods, coniferous plantations, and hemlock forests. The trail also passes through a power line corridor which usually has Alder Flycatchers, Indigo Buntings, and other birds of shrubby openings. This is a good spot for viewing fall warblers if you happen on a flock. The trail (and the town forest) ends at the base of the dam. The top of the dam offers a great view of the lake, from which ducks, geese, and an occasional loon can be seen. At the right (east end of the dam, stepping up over some rock outcrop accesses a trail that continues along the east shore of the lake to a point on its northeast side. Beyond this is private property, which is posted.

The Purmont trail loops to the west of the Blake trail, leaving at the old farm opening, then looping clockwise along and between beautiful wooded ridges, rejoining the Blake Trail south of Silver Lake.