Birdnotes: 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.