Birdnotes: [BIRD NOTES] February 26, 2007

Bird Notes

“Winged Migration” on VPT

This Vermont Public Television presentation has almost no narration and is filmed primarily from a bird’s perspective, the program documents the flight of dozens of different birds as they follow their navigational instincts and make the taxing journey to more temperate climates in the fall. This is a fantastic film, don’t miss it. Thursday, March 1, 2007 at 9 pm. (Also shown on 3/4 at 12 pm and 3/6 at 9:30 pm)

Premier of “Birding in Vermont” on VPT

I'm pleased to announce that the companion website to Vermont Public Television's newest program, "Birding in Vermont," is up and running, including a preview of the show. If you'd like to check it out, go to www.vpt.org/birding. And don't forget to watch the premiere of the program on Wednesday, March 7 at 8 p.m. on Vermont Public Television with Brian Pfeiffer as host.

---Holly Hungerford, Vt. Public Television

TF Gull News

Yesterday evening(2/21)at Turners Falls there were:

1 Kumlien's Gull (1st W)

1 Glaucous Gull (1st W)

2 Lesser Black-backs (1 1st W and 1 adult graellsii)

---Hector Galbraith PhD, Dummerston, VT

Red-bellies in Marlboro

February 22 4:00 p.m.

We have a female Red-bellied Woodpecker at feeder in Marlboro. First ever seen on the property. Very exciting.

---Molly Martin, Marlboro, VT

Vernon Eagle News

Today, February 22, Robyn Flatley and I observed both Bald Eagles just below the Vernon dam. They were perched on separate trees, perhaps 200 yards apart. We heard the one to the downriver calling repeatedly. Then the downriver eagle, the male, I believe, flew off to join his mate. They immediately began engaging in pre-incubation behavior. It worked for a short while, but apparently his vigor was too much for the branch they were on. It broke and off they flew. Coitus interruptus.

In addition, I would like to report:

robins

bluebirds

brown creeper-1

nuthatch-1

common goldeneye-25

common mergs

hooded mergs

chickadees

titmouse-5

canada geese

downy-1

---Paul Miksis, Brattleboro, VT

Putney Birds

We have had a Red-bellied Woodpecker at our feeder for at least a week. And this morning 2 Bluebirds landed on our deck, and then they sat on top of our ash can on the deck that, because it was a little warm and had melted ice on top of it, they sat drinking sips of water. ---Nancy Waterhouse, Putney, VT

Raptor Force

Thanks for bringing the “Raptor Force” program to our attention. It was excellent and we might have missed it!

---Judy Myrick, W. Brattleboro, VT

West Northfield, MA

Today,2/22, I went to Caldwell Rd and easily found the large flock of Horned larks, but did not find any other birds of interest mixed within. I continued down the road to where the railroad bridge crosses the river. In the water by the bridge were a pair of Common mergs., a male Hoody, 3 male c. Goldeneye, and 1 adult male BARROWS GOLDENEYE.

At home we’ve had a male red-bellied on a daily basis for 3 weeks. Within the last ten days we’ve also had a female Red-bellied visiting, a few times with the male. Good birding!

---Dave Johnston, W. Brattleboro, VT

Larks & Buntings

We did it! We drove down to Massachusetts and found the Horned Larks and the Snow Buntings. There must have been a flock of about 40 Horned Larks on both sides of Caldwell Road, so close that glasses and a scope were unnecessary to identify them, but helpful in getting up close and personal. The birds obliged us by coming out on the road in front of the car for diagnostic views. It took us awhile to identify the half dozen or so buntings. They seemed to stay further away and it wasn't until we zeroed in on their white wing patches that we realized we were seeing buntings. The scope was necessary to pick up on their special markings. It turned out to be a great birding morning for us thanks to your report and directions. We never would have found them on our own. Appreciatively, Molly Martin & Michael King, Marlboro, VT

Here in Waltham Ma, just N.W. of Boston, a flock of White throats showed up Friday 2/23/07. A Carolina Wren showed up Monday, 2/19. We also have about five Blue Jays, three Red-tailed Hawks, a Sharpie, Chickadees & Titmice, and yesterday, 2/23, only one Turkey, used to see two. These birds, except for the turkey, show a lot of interest in one particular squirrels nest, its the highest and most exposed to Red-tail predation. I can only guess there are more bugs in it! ---Doreen Pugh, Waltham, MA

Winter Rarity at Cape Ann

On a trip to Cape Ann yesterday (2/22), Richard Foye and I had a RED KNOT at Halibut Point on the rocks near the park boundary. Photos are at http://s111.photobucket.com/albums/n142/chrsptrk/Red%20Knot/

Also - drake King Eider near Bass Rocks, drake Barrow's Goldeneye off Eastern Point, Glaucous Gull in Gloucester Harbor and at Niles Pond, Redhead, Ruddy & Ring-necked Ducks at Niles Pond, and all of the usual winter suspects along the coast. Cardinals, Carolina Wren, and Song Sparrows were singing, and Red-bellied Woodpecker (Halibut) seemed inspired by hormones.

---Chris Petrak, South Newfane, VT

IVORY GULL and Snowy Owl at Piermont, NY

3:15pm, Feb. 26, 2007. Just got a phone call from Corey Finger who reports the Ivory Gull is still there and flying around. There are approx. 75-100 people there from as far away as Maryland. The Snowy Owl is still there as well. ---Will Raup, Albany, NY