[BIRD NOTES] March 27, 2007

 

 

Bird Notes

 

Dam Waterfowl

I spent from 3:30 till 5:15 at the Vernon dam today. I hiked in from the NH side. Combined totals from both below the dam and above the dam are as follows: 1 Pied-billed Grebe, 45 Wood Ducks, 135+ Mallards, 125+ Black Ducks, 5 Northern Pintail, 2 American Wigeon, 5 Lesser Scaup, 1 possible Greater Scaup (too distant to tell for sure), 80 Ring-necked Ducks, 55 Common Goldeneye, 2 Bufflehead, 9 Hooded Mergansers, 8 Common Mergansers and 2 American Coot. No GWFG and very few Canada Geese (about 450).   Good birding. ---Taj Schottland, Putney, VT

 

 

 

A Pelagic Woodcock?

Yesterday morning (3/24) I was seawatching from Andrew's point just as the sun was coming up. Not too many seabirds. However, through the scope I did pick up a small flying bird about 500 meters directly out to sea but flying toward the coast. At first I could not ID it because of the distance but as it drew nearer the shoreline I saw that it was a woodcock! It was flying about 10 feet above the waves. When it reached land it immediately dropped down into the scrub between Andrew's and Halibut Points.

---Hector Galbraith, Dummerston, VT

 

Cedars In Mass.

Today, Wednesday 21, I saw 14 cedar waxwings near the Lyman Estates north of route 20 in Waltham.  ---Doreen Pugh, Waltham, MA

 

 

Cardinal Antics

We have just had a rather interesting - and somewhat nerve-wracking - breakfast.  There is a large hedge outside our dining room window, and for 15 minutes, a male cardinal and two females have been dashing back and forth, apparently in chase mode, this side of the hedge.  It was hard to figure out if the male cardinal wanted both females, or was trying to get rid of one of them.  I suspect the hedge has been a nesting place in years past, or so it has seemed to us. ---Judy Myrick, W. Brattleboro

 

 

Spring Blue

Thursday morning, about 7AM, a Great Blue Heron made its unhurried way across the sky over our fields and southwestward toward the hill.

---Ned Pokras, W. Brattleboro, VT

 

 

BARNACLE GOOSE at Vernon today (3/25)....flew in from the VT side and landed on the ice in the middle of the Connecticut River, about 11:30 AM.   Stayed at least an hour.    ---Terry Wright & Dwight Cargill

 

 

Barnacle Goose Update and Waterfowl Roost

Steve Mirick found the Barnacle at about 4pm on the Vermont side of the river on Riverside Drive (off Stebbins Road in Vernon. It was feeding in a corn field with a large flock of Canadas.

 

It flew over to the ice on the Hinsdale roost at about 6.30pm.

 

Steve and I counted the waterfowl roost and had:

 

Canada Goose                      4000

Snow Goose                   34

Barnacle Goose          1

Green-winged Teal       226

Ring-necked Duck        87

Gadwall                      6

Wigeon                       10

Lesser Scaup            1

Greater Scaup           10

Bufflehead                   4

Pintail                      44

Black Duck                   220

Mallard                      102

Wood Duck               68

Common Merganser        12

Hooded Merganser        12

Common Goldeneye        33

 

Also - Tree swallow  about 50, Saw-whet Owl - 1, and hundreds of "blackbirds" (redwings and grackles) flying north up the Connecticut River.

---Hector Galbraith PhD, Dummerston, VT

 

 

Please keep us abreast of what birds you are seeing, whether at home or on a trip in or out of the Windham County area.

 

Al Merritt

W. Brattleboro, VT

chpmnkx@sover.net

 

 

BIRD NOTE archives:

http://sevtaudubonbirdnotes.blogspot.com/

 

Southeastern Vermont Audubon Society website:

http://www.sevtaudubon.org/

 

 

 

[BIRD NOTES] March 21, 2007

 

Bird Notes

 

Good Birding at Vernon Dam

Robyn and I were above the dam today. We saw:

 

Canada Geese,

Hooded Mergansers

Ring-necked Ducks

Wood Ducks

Mallards

Black Ducks

Green-winged Teal

Grackle

Phoebes

Bluebirds

Robins

Peregrine (likely)

Pipit (thanks to Taj and Don)

Turkey Vultures

Juncos

and Tree Swallows!

---Paul Miksis, Brattleboro, VT

 

 

More Dam Birds

Hector Galbraith and I went out to the Vernon Dam yesterday. We hiked in from the NH side and we were rewarded with some good birds. Eric Masterson found, and reported on the NHbird listserv, 5 Greater White-fronted Geese above the dam on 3/18. We were able to locate one Greater White-fronted Goose yesterday(3/19). There were also 3 Lesser Scaup, and 2 Coot. The GWFG was hanging out along the VT shore but would not have been visible from the VT vantage point.  Good birding. ---Taj Schottland Putney, VT      

 

 

Shrike, Snipe & Fox Sparrow

In South Newfane – yesterday(3/19) a Northern Shrike was still around the old fields along Augur Hole Road. Today a Wilson's Snipe was present. At feeders on Augur Hole Road and Dover Road, Fox Sparrow arrived. ---Chris Petrak, South Newfane, VT

 

 

Bald Eagle in Putney

On Sunday afternoon, 3/18, I was sitting in my easy chair, talking on the phone, while looking out of my picture window, when to my surprise, an adult Bald Eagle flew by. It flew over Putney's River Road and out above the Great Meadow. It spiraled higher and higher and then drifted out of sight to the south. The Great Meadow is a huge cultivated oxbow that is on the Vermont side of the Connecticut River. The eagle initially was flying relatively low, so I got a great view of it.

 

On many different occasions, I have seen a good sized flock of Turkeys feeding from some manure piles in a corn field. The field is less than a mile from Route 5, in Putney, on the River Road. It's the first field to the left. ---Steve Medved, Putney, VT

 

 

West Northfield, MA

Horned Larks are still hanging out in the farm fields along Caldwell Road. We counted 36 there this morning. In Vernon we counted 25 feeding in the roadside grass along Pond Road.

 

 

Marlboro Turkeys

Several Wild Turkeys have been visiting Hollie Bowen Love’s new digs on Stark Road.

 

 

More Expected Spring Bird Arrivals

In addition to the previous list of spring arrivals here are more to expect during the 3^rd week of March:

 

Pied-billed Grebe

Great Blue Heron

Wood Duck

Canvasback

Ring-necked Duck

Greater Scaup

Bufflehead

Hooded Merganser

Red-shouldered Hawk

Belted Kingfisher

Tree Swallow

Eastern Meadowlark

 

 

Please keep us abreast of what birds you are seeing, whether at home or on a trip in or out of the Windham County area.

 

Al Merritt

W. Brattleboro, VT

chpmnkx@sover.net

 

 

BIRD NOTE archives:

http://sevtaudubonbirdnotes.blogspot.com/

 

Southeastern Vermont Audubon Society website:

http://www.sevtaudubon.org/

 

 

 

 

 

FW: [BIRD NOTES] March 18. 2007

Bird Notes

 

Cockamamie Cardinal

We finally have a cardinal pair - the first up on our hill in 10 years.

  But for three weeks the guy has been knocking himself crazy against our windows no matter what blocks, warnings, curtains, etc. that we hang.  Any new ideas? 

     Meanwhile we are thoroughly enjoying too many juncos and chickadees to count, nuthatches(6) tree sparrows(3), red-bellied woodpeckers(2), hairy and downy woodys, blue jays (too many), goldfinch, purple finch and the constant doves.   I hear red-winged blackbirds and am trying so hard to see any bluebirds. In the past we had many of our bluebirds and their babies, but no returns in the last 2 years.

---Jeanne Walker, Guilford, VT

 

 

Marlboro Bunting

There was a single snow bunting working the edge of our driveway all of yesterday, 3/14.

---Bob Engel, Marlboro, VT

 

 

Signs of Spring

During the last four days, signs of Spring are abounding around my feeders - Red-winged Blackbirds, Common Grackles, Brown-headed Cowbirds, Purple Finches, Song Sparrows. Plus bird songs from the winter residents and lots of chasing and early territorial behavior.

---Chris Petrak, South Newfane, VT

 

 

Turkeys in Marlboro 

For the last week 12 wild turkeys have visited daily both morning and afternoon pecking away at seed under the feeders and in the driveway.  The last few days three toms have been strutting their stuff with tail feathers fanned and breast feathers full of attitude.   Also had a brief glimpse (3/13) of a hermit thrush near the feeders. First this season!

---Molly Martin, Marlboro, VT

 

 

Turkey Vultures in West B.

Five TVs were seen soaring over Greenleaf St. in the first of the snowflakes of the snowstorm late Friday afternoon.

 

 

Birds of Cape Ann and Beyond

Business in the north shore area of Boston on Wednesday, gave us a chance to make a quick visit to Gloucester and Plum Island, MA. It turned out to be a worthwhile decision with the sightings of 3 Black Headed Gulls, a majestic King Eider, 11 Harlequin Ducks, several Iceland Gulls, a Snowy Owl and a rare long look at a Thick-billed Murre.

 

 

The End of the Winter Storms?

Keep your feeding stations well stocked. The birds can really use your help to get them through this latest snowfall. We have about 30 Dark-eyed Juncos, 2 Tree Sparrows, a pair of Cardinals, White-breasted Nuthatches, Downy & Hairy Woodpeckers and Tufted Titmice. Our old faithful Song Sparrow that we have nicknamed “Spencer Sparrow” has arrived as he has done for many years on this week in March. His spouse is always a couple of weeks later in arriving. Mourning Dove and Blue Jay numbers vary from day to day. All are making spring sounds.

 

 

P  R  O  G  R  A  M  S

 

Create a Wildlife Habitat in Your Own Yard

Tuesday, March 20, 2007

On Tuesday, March 20th at 7:00pm Sylvia Harris will present a program on creating a wildlife habitat in your own yard.  The program will be held at Brattleboro’s Brooks Memorial Library in the conference room.   Even a small yard can provide good habitat for birds, butterflies, and small mammals.  Ms Harris will discuss suitable trees, plants, food, water, and nesting boxes.  This free program is sponsored by Southeastern Vermont Audubon Society.

 

 

“Among the Bears”

Thursday, March 22, 2007

On Thursday, March 22 there will be a program on black bears, by Ben Kilham, a well-known author and expert on black bears.  The program will be held on the main floor of the Brooks Memorial Library at 7:30pm. Main Street Brattleboro.

     Kilham, who is a wildlife rehabilitator from Lyme, New Hampshire, has worked with and raised many orphaned black bear cubs.  He will discuss his experiences and research on black bears.  He has been featured in national and regional television programs and publications.  Books by Ben Kilham will be on sale after the presentation.   

     This program is sponsored by Brooks Memorial Library, Bonnyvale Environmental Education Center, and Southeastern Vermont Audubon Society. 

 

 

Please keep us abreast of what birds you are seeing, whether at home or on a trip in or out of the Windham County area.

 

Al Merritt

W. Brattleboro, VT

chpmnkx@sover.net

 

 

BIRD NOTE archives:

http://sevtaudubonbirdnotes.blogspot.com/

 

Southeastern Vermont Audubon Society website:

http://www.sevtaudubon.org/

 

 

 

 

FW: [BIRD NOTES] March 14, 2007

 

Bird Notes

Dam Waterfowl

Yesterday evening I stopped by the Vernon Dam to look for the large waterfowl roost reported on NHbirds by Eric Masterson. Because of limited visibility from the VT side I was only able to see a fraction of the open water above the dam. However, I was able to locate 4 pintails, 8 Ring-necked Ducks, numerous Black Ducks, Hooded and Common Mergansers, Mallards, and two Mute Swans. There was also a strange looking duck, probably a domestic mallard of some sort. It was almost completely black, much more dark than the surrounding Black Ducks, and it had a white spot on the neck. There were also a couple hundred Canada Geese as well as several Red-winged Blackbirds singing from the marsh.           

 ---Taj Schottland, Putney,VT

 

 

First Killdeer

Today (3/13) a Killdeer flew over and called at the farm.

We so much enjoy your “Bird Notes”.   ---Mary Miller, Vernon, VT

 

 

Early TVs and a Phoebe

From the Hinsdale bluffs we could see 2 Turkey Vultures circling over Vernon, and an Eastern Phoebe on the bluffs itself.

---Paul Miksis, Brattleboro, VT

 

Upstate Peregrine Pair

A pair of Peregrine Falcons is in residence at the Mount Horrid cliffs on RT. 73 in Rochester, VT.  ---Bruce Flewelling

 

 

Bluebirds in West B.

We watched a pair of Bluebirds hunting ground based insects today near the farm fields of Lilac Ridge Farm on Ames Hill Road.

 

 

P  R  O  G  R  A  M  S

 

Create a Wildlife Habitat in Your Own Yard

Tuesday, March 20, 2007

On Tuesday, March 20th at 7:00pm Sylvia Harris will present a program on creating a wildlife habitat in your own yard.  The program will be held at Brattleboro’s Brooks Memorial Library in the conference room.   Even a small yard can provide good habitat for birds, butterflies, and small mammals.  Ms Harris will discuss suitable trees, plants, food, water, and nesting boxes.  This free program is sponsored by Southeastern Vermont Audubon Society.

 

 

“Among the Bears”

Thursday, March 22, 2007

On Thursday, March 22 there will be a program on black bears, by Ben Kilham, a well-known author and expert on black bears.  The program will be held on the main floor of the Brooks Memorial Library at 7:30pm. Main Street Brattleboro.

     Kilham, who is a wildlife rehabilitator from Lyme, New Hampshire, has worked with and raised many orphaned black bear cubs.  He will discuss his experiences and research on black bears.  He has been featured in national and regional television programs and publications.  Books by Ben Kilham will be on sale after the presentation.   

     This program is sponsored by Brooks Memorial Library, Bonnyvale Environmental Education Center, and Southeastern Vermont Audubon Society. 

 

 

Please keep us abreast of what birds you are seeing, whether at home or on a trip in or out of the Windham County area.

 

Al Merritt

W. Brattleboro, VT

chpmnkx@sover.net

 

 

BIRD NOTE archives:

http://sevtaudubonbirdnotes.blogspot.com/

 

Southeastern Vermont Audubon Society website:

http://www.sevtaudubon.org/