BIRD NOTES ~ Oct. 30, 2008

 

Bird Notes

 

 

 

 

Today (10/26) there were 25 Horned Larks, 20 A. Pipits, and 1 Vesper Sparrow in the plowed field between River Road and Caldwell Rd in W. Northfield, Ma. The Vesper Sp. was by itself just on the edge of the field by River Road(south side). Good birding.

---Dave Johnston, W. Brattleboro, VT

 

 

Today (10/26) we have had 4 Common Mergansers on our pond snacking, preening, and napping.  They are very beautiful.
---Susan James, Guilford, VT

 

 

The early snow finally prompted me to put out a couple of feeders this morning. (Bears are napping, I hope.) Within minutes three Purple Finches, two Titmice, a White-breasted Nuthatch, five Black-capped Chickadees, three Goldfinches, countless Juncos and a single Fox Sparrow had found the seed.  I often wonder if we underestimate their power of smell?  It's great to have them back, though now I can't get anything done as I keep checking to see what else has stopped by.  

---Molly Martin, Marlboro, VT

 

 

There are so many birds around today, feeding at the suet and the seed feeder.  They include a male cardinal, five bluejays, many juncos, several nuthatches and woodpeckers, and a few robins.  I wonder how long they will stay.

---Judy Myrick, West B.

 

 

Here in Waltham Mass. my woody acre, with brook, is almost devoid of the usual birds my records show were around last year.  No titmice, chickadees, goldfinches, one robin all year! None come to my feeder. Walking further afield, I had a Downy Woodpecker & one Carolina wren. 

---Doreen Pugh

 

 

Phyllis Benay reported having a Northern Harrier fly over her upper field off Black Mountain Road. Here at our little acre nothing new, though we keep hoping for Fox Sparrows. On Peck Road in Vernon we were happy to see a Bluebird and 2 Green-wing Teal. In the setback at the foot of Cotton Mill Hill we counted 30 Common Mergansers, 50 Ring-necked Ducks and 2 Hooded Mergansers. A drive into Massachusetts via Caldwell Road produced 3 Bluebirds, 2 Cedar Waxwings, 3 Savannah Sparrows and 12 American Pipits. At the Retreat Meadows there were 72 Ring-necked Ducks, a Great Blue Heron, 2 Common Mergansers, 4 Double-crested Cormorants and a Mockingbird that was standing guard over the Bittersweet vines on the fence at the water treatment plant.

 

 

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Keep in mind that if you are unable to get out in the field with one of our seven groups for the Brattleboro Christmas Bird Count on December 13^th, you can help us by doing a feeder count on that day. Just contact me at chpmnkx@sover.net .

 

 

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

 

 

HAPPY

HALLOWEEN !