Birdnotes: 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.