A chickadee lands on an outstretched hand holding birdseed. (Provided photo — Diane Chase)

Is there such a thing as “too much of a good thing?” It seems that every time I walk the Bloomingdale Bog trail, someone has added more feeders or food to the trail section of the old Chateaugay branch of the D&H Railway. There are mailboxes, stands and a variety of feeders, making the section look like a yard sale.

This 3.7-mile segment of the 10-mile trail is a popular place for birdwatching, bicycling, walking, Nordic skiing and snowmobiling. The trail runs along a small section of the abandoned Chateaugay branch of the D&H Railway that operated between Plattsburgh and Lake Placid. Entrance to this southern section is available from two directions, state Route 86 or from the Bloomingdale-Gabriels Road on county Route 55. We usually start from the Bloomingdale area, as it is closest to our house.

It’s not a secret, but birders have been walking the Bloomingdale Bog trail for years. We go there with our dog and are always met by a cluster of birdwatchers ready to catch a glimpse of some rare breed. I also want to make sure my puppy isn’t bothering the birds or the watchers. Thankfully, all the various people accessing the trail do work together, from snowmobiler to birdwatcher, to make sure we all have our own experience.

The southern section of the trail starts through a wooded area, groomed by the local snowmobile club. At about 0.5 miles, near a secondary corridor trail, are the birdfeeders. Years ago, there was just one wooden platform, but over time, more feeders have appeared. (This is not allowed, so please do not take this as permission to start leaving items in the woods.) We usually bring a handful of seeds and give everyone a chance to feed the chickadees and gray jays from our hands. It is always a thrilling experience.

Recently, we’ve been finding other foods left out for the birds. I understand wanting to feed the birds, but I wish people would treat the bog’s feeding area like any other trail and carry out what they have carried in. There is also the ongoing debate on whether humans should be feeding wildlife anyway, as it disrupts their natural survival instincts.

We do stop to feed the birds from our hands and continue to walk the additional 0.4 miles to Two Bridge Brook. We turn around at that point because our dog is full of birdseed, peanuts, dried fruit and possibly a ham sandwich.

At the four corners in Bloomingdale, turn onto Oregon Plains Road/St. Regis Ave. and bear left at the Y onto St. Regis Ave. Continue straight onto the Bloomingdale-Gabriels Rd (county Route 55). The parking area for the Bloomingdale Bog is reached in about 1.3 miles; parking is on the right. Please make sure to take your lunch with you, and not leave it for the birds or other animals. Thank you!