Dewey’s Landing is a narrow track of land between Dewey’s Pond and the Ottaquechee River in Quechee, Vermont. It was the location of numerous early morning outings the last ten days of July plus August 5th. The main attraction was a bald eagle nest far across the river. But while there I was able to photograph many other interesting bird species.
The Eagle Family: Dewey, Windsor, and V-2
This bald eagle pair has gained considerable local, and even worldwide, attention because of the high-definition live camera system VINS installed near the nest. VINS named the eagle pair Windsor and Dewey and followed them during the 2026 season as they mated and then hatched, fed, and finally fledged a handsome eaglet dubbed V-2. But few ground-level photos of the family existed so I thought I’d get some.
I actually visited the nest March 25th when V-2 was still not yet even an egg in the nest. Photographed from the shore of the Ottaquechee River, Dewey (male) is on the left and Windsor (female) on the right.
And then Dewey flew.
V-2 hatched on April 24th.
By June 21st, V-2 was almost adult size. He branched away from the nest and tested his wings. (I’m assuming V-2 is male, but I have no way of knowing.)
After 25 minutes, a parent arrived, likely with food, but I did not see any. I believe this was Dewey.
I captured this photo of V-2 before I headed home.
I returned two days later to find V-2 quite active, exploring both sides of the nest. I saw no parent during my fairly brief stay.
I was back July 25th. I watched V-2 flying to branches near the nest and flexing his wings. He looked like he would fledge soon.
And then a parent arrived. Here is a sequence that lasted 15 seconds with V-2 screaming the whole time.
Here is one more photo of V-2 from this visit.
I seemed to be on an every-other-day schedule. Back on July 27, it appeared I missed fish delivery before my 6:20 a.m. arrival. Or perhaps the fish was left over from the previous day.
After working on the fish for 18 minutes, V-2 got some exercise practicing for a soon-to-come launch into space over the river.
I took these last two photos at 8:09 a.m., leaving shortly afterwards.
I’m told that V-2 fledged at 9:44 a.m on July 26th. I was present the day before and the day after.
I visited briefly on July 28 to see V-2 leave the nest shortly after I took this photo. Unfortunately he flew in a very poor direction for photography.
I did not return for a week expecting that V-2 would not be at the nest. Before I even left the parking lot, an eagle flew up the river from the west and looped over Dewey’s Pond.
To my surprise, I found V-2 at home. I guess he enjoyed being fed by his dedicated parents.
Then a parent arrived moving back and forth around the nest while V-2 also moved around. These three photos were taken in a 20 second span.
Forty seconds after arriving, the adult left. Fortunately it flew in a good direction for photography.
It was a great final day with the family.
A final pair of photos conclude my 2026 visits to this remarkable family:
V-2 screaming, as he did often.
V-2 pooping to wish me good-bye.
But other bird species were present.
Warblers
Common Yellowthroat
I found two yellow warblers in great abundance. The Common Yellowthroat skulking in the low brush and the Yellow Warbler normally seen higher in the trees, but not always. Yellow Warblers can also be found in shrubby underbrush.
Here are four photos of male Common Yellowthroats wearing their black masks.
The females are more drab, but still a pretty bird.
Tennessee Warbler
The most surprising find at Dewey’s Landing was a Tennessee Warbler on July 27th. I got just a few quick photos from near where I parked and then did not see it again. It is a species I often heard this spring and summer but never saw before this one briefly came into view.
Yellow Warbler
I close this warbler chapter with Yellow Warblers photographed during three visits.
Other Species
Canada Geese
Not very exciting, but several early mornings found a large gaggle for Canada Geese in Dewey’s Pond at the edge of the parking area.
Cedar Waxwing
I found a pair of Cedar Waxwings together.
It appeared that one was gathering nest material as seen in the cropped photo below.
A week later I got this photo.
Eastern Kingbird
A bit like a large Phoebe with white at the end of its tail, Eastern Kingbirds were doing their thing flycatching. It was fun to try to get them in flight.
This one sat and preened for at least three minutes before I left to find some other birds.
Gray Catbird
The low brush on both sides of the path is great habitat for Gray Catbirds. These photos were taken four different days.
Green Heron
I was standing near the shore of the Ottaquechee River when I heard a loud “skeow” nearby. It was a Green Heron. I turned to look at it, but it flew before I could aim my tripod-supporting camera. Fortunately it did not fly far. I slowly moved in position and watched if for a full minute before it flew. Such a long neck for a compact, chunky bird. Where does the neck come from?
A week later I saw another Green Heron while heading back to my car. Something larger than a warbler landed in a small dead tree. I stayed where I was and started taking photos. I did not want to move closer for fear of flushing it. Fortunately I was already close enough, and I got a number of exposures made before it flew.
Song Sparrow
I photographed a rather scruffy Song Sparrow, most likely a juvenile.
A very nice spot to visit
If you missed my Mammals Blog with both fox species, black bear, and more, you can read it if you CLICK HERE.