Bird Notes
Out-of-Town Birds
Today (11/14) we stopped by the power canal in Turners Falls, MA to check on any activity there. Except for a couple of Canada Geese and a pair or two of Mallards, it was void of any waterfowl. But we did get to watch an immature Bald Eagle as it sat atop a telephone pole preening its feathers. Several people walked by the pole and stopped to look up at it. The youngster seemed oblivious of their presence and continued with its cleanup chores. A female Kingfisher sitting on the wires was more cautious and flew across the canal, rattling all the way. While scouting the corn stubble in the farm fields along Caldwell Rd. in West Northfield, MA, we scared up 3 large flocks of Horned Larks that were gleaning the newly manured soil. Along Pond Road in Vernon we counted 10 Bluebirds that were hunting from the electric wires along the road.
At Herricks Cove
On Sunday I flushed 130+ Green-winged Teal along with 40 Blacks, 18 Mallards, 12 Hooded Mergansers & 1 Bufflehead.
---Don Clark, Grafton, VT
Cave Swallows
Be aware that Cliff Swallows have long since headed for warmer climes. So, if you should happen to see swallows with buffy rumps, chances are what you are seeing are Cave Swallows and not Cliffs. This is a Caribbean species that is apparently expanding its range north in the U.S. They nest in colonies in limestone caves, in culverts, and under bridges. A lone bird has recently been sighted and photographed at Charlotte Beach on Lake Champlain. (See attached photo by Dave Hoag)
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
A friend is someone who reaches for your hand
and touches your heart.
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