MONTPELIER — While Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department events are paused, there are plenty of reason and opportunities to get outside and enjoy Vermont’s natural resources. Below are some of the department’s recommendations.
VF&W officials remind everyone to take all safety precautions, including social distancing and hand washing. 

WATCH SOME BIRDS
Spring bird migration is well underway and wildlife management areas are open. In fact, thousands of waterfowl have flown through the Champlain Valley this past week and congregated at Dead Creek Wildlife Management Area (WMA), Lake Champlain Bridge in Addison, and Lemon Fair WMA. Among them were tundra swans, pintails, widgeons, black ducks, mallards, Canada geese, common mergansers, green-winged teal, buffleheads, goldeneyes and blue-winged teal.
Addison County and Brandon have four of the state’s 10 best bird-watching locations: Dead Creek WMA in Addison, Little Otter Creek WMA in Ferrisburgh, Snake Mountain in Weybridge/Addison, and Pomainville WMA in Brandon. Pack the binoculars and go explore.

FISHING’S NEVER FAR
It’s fun to fish in the early spring, and youth under 15 years old can go without a license. Fishing offers time in nature, entertainment, and challenges. Learn more about fishing in Vermont at vtfishandwildlife.com/fishvt and get started with the help of VF&W’s family fishing planner. People can post pictures of their adventure, their catch, and the food they made with it.

LEARN SOMETHING NEW
Start hunter education online and be ready when in-person classes start again.
Learn about how Vermont’s new baitfish regulations affect you.
Listen to the Vermont Fish & Wildlife podcast.
Read the 2020-2030 Big Game Management Plan.

FAMILY ACTIVITY IDEAS
•  Spring is a great time to look for reptiles and amphibians as they emerge from winter hibernation. As you walk through the woods, look for pools of water or listen for the calls of frogs as they wake up for the season. Make your own origami frog at tinyurl.com/VFW-Origami-frog.
•  Look for the sights and sounds of eastern wild turkeys. Spring is a great time to hear the loud gobble of the male, tom turkey. Find out more about this amazing animal and how to search its signs at vtfishandwildlife.com/node/620.
•  What a great time for a bird hike! See the Bird Behavior Scavenger Hunt to help guide you on your adventures (visit one of the state’s WMAs above).
•  Explore a wetland in spring, when they are teeming with life. Look for different plants and animals that are waking up. Use the Puddle Wonders data sheet or Wildlife Water Safari worksheets to help guide you on your journey!
VF&W has created a web page, tinyurl.com/VFW-connect-nature, with other ideas for some fresh air and a little normalcy while staying safe and taking precautions. They’ll also post more suggestions and opportunities to get some fresh air and exercise on state and public lands via Facebook and Twitter accounts.