Birdnotes: [BIRD NOTES] October 29, 2007

Bird Notes

Weatherhead Hollow Birds

Last weekend we had a small flock of PINE SISKINS and 3 female ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAKS. All have moved elsewhere. Hopefully, the Grosbeaks have moved south. This has been a good fall for sparrows, most of which have gone, except SONG and HOUSE SPARROWS. We had a lot of WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS for about two weeks which came at the same time as the WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS--what a pleasure.

---Susan James, Guilford

Yikes, Shrikes!

For those Brattleboro birders who want to see NORTHERN SHRIKES, there are two first-year birds in the area right now (10/29): one at the Retreat Meadows and one across the river at the Hinsdale Setbacks. Also at the RM today was a late GREAT EGRET. It flew in from the north.

---Hector Galbraith, Dummerston, VT

Power Canal Waterfowl & more

This evening (10/28) at Turner's Falls Power Canal; there were very few birds in terms of volume, with only about 300 Canada Geese present and surprisingly no further birds coming in towards dusk. However, one Richardson's Cackling Goose was present, looking close to identical to the bird seen here Oct 20th-22nd. Also present a nice female/juvenile Northern Pintail and a female/juvenile Red-breasted Merganser roosting with 6 Common Mergansers.*
Of note, a Common Redpoll was hanging around with a handful of American Goldfinches and last seen flying south-east over the power canal. Five Common Ravens could be seen playing on the wind much further south towards Mount Toby.

---James P. Smith, Amherst, MA

*There was also a WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE in the canal on 10/27

The Black Vultures of Brattlebro

Three BLACK VULTURES were observed at 5:15 p.m. coming in to roost this afternoon, Sunday, 10/28/2007, one after the other. Observation site was from the "Curves" parking area just north of the bridge. The black vultures along with several turkey vultures landed in some thick deciduous trees just east of Route 5. Cloud cover was about 15%, in other words it was a pretty clear evening. The window of opportunity was a mere 15-20 seconds from first sighting to when they landed. Once in the roost they could not be seen from where the two of us were standing.

---Roy Pilcher, Proctor, VT

Waltham, MA the week of 10/22/07

17 WOOD DUCKS on Lyman Pond.

---Doreen Pugh, Waltham,MA

From Lani in Thailand

Hi Al! I saw a BRAHMINEY KITE yesterday (10/27). A beautiful bird and the first raptor I've seen in Thailand. I am enjoying reading Bird Notes from the Far East. All the best to you and Barb.

---Lani Wright

A friend is someone who reaches for your hand and touches your heart.

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/

Happy Halloween