BIRD NOTES ~ 10/24/2008

Bird Notes

 

 

I did not get to tell you last night(10/21) about our Downy Woodpecker.  He has some interest in one of our Bluebird houses to the extent that he is drilling a hole in the back. He uses the front opening apparently, but insists on another door. Really, I think that he is finding some insects in the space between the box and the wooden bracket. I just thought that it is amusing. (See attachment) Thank you for the insights on birds that you give us!  

---Paul Miller, Vernon, VT  

 

 

Yesterday (10/18) I saw a flock of Rusty Blackbirds, probably about 15, settle into a tree in the NE corner of the cornfield behind the Marina. I got some photos from a distance but by they time I got closer they had dropped into swamp below. I went back today but found no trace of them. (See attachment.)

---Hilke Breder, Brattleboro, VT

 

 

Today(10/20) in the set-back at the foot of Cotton Mill Hill we counted 28 Common Mergansers that were intermixed with a flock of Canada Geese. In Vernon at the Miller farm pond off of Peck’s Rd. we watched 22 Mallard Ducks tip up and feed in the shallow waters. Back at the Retreat Meadows near the water treatment plant we “pished” up several White-crowned Sparrows and a couple of White-throated Sparrows. While back here at Chipmunk Crossing we had a short visit from a Golden-crowned Kinglet and a Carolina Wren, two species that we don’t see enough of.  While taking a foliage tour of Marlboro we came across 5 Swainson’s Thrushes, 1 on Barrows Rd., 3 at South Pond and 1 at Sunset Lake. They used to be named Olive-backed Thrush and the “crutch” that we used to identify them was their eye ring, which made and “O” for Olive-backed.

 

A Reminder: The Christmas Bird Count will be held on December 13^th.  If you wish to participate as a Field Participant  or as a Feeder Counter, please let me know. chpmnkx@sover.net or phone 254-4820.

 

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

 

A friend is someone who reaches for your hand

 and touches your heart.