BIRD NOTES ~ March 2, 2009

 

Slaty-backed Gull photos by Dave Johnson

 

Bird Notes

 

 

 

Bohemians in West B. and SLATY-BACKED in Mass.

This morning (2/26) about 8:45 there was a flock of ~275 Bohemian Waxwings in the trees next to our house on Bonnyvale Rd in W. Bratt. Yesterday there was a flock of ~ 40 C. Redpolls along Stebbins Rd in Vernon.

 

A 2nd/3rd cycle Slaty-Backed Gull has been roosting in Barton's Cove, Turners Falls, MA since 2/20. It was there yesterday a little before 4:00pm and was there when I left at 5:30. In addition, there was a 1st year Iceland Gull and 2 adult Lesser Black-Backed Gulls among the several hundred gulls present.

---Dave Johnston, W. Brattleboro, VT

 

 

 

Speaking of Eagles

Today I saw four Bald Eagles circling above south Brattleboro.  They appeared to all be mature birds and were looking for a free ride down a windy slide towards Vernon.  I've never seen 4 together here - very impressive.
---Susan James, Guilford, VT

 

 

 

Drilling Woodpeckers. What can be done?

I have had hairy and downy woodpeckers drilling feeding holes in my house for a few years now.  I even have signs of sapsucker drilling.  I live in a 200+ year old house and the wood is weathered without any obvious finish on it, but I am not convinced that is the problem.  I had an inspection and was told I do not have an insect infestation, but I am not so sure that is accurate.  I hung an owl on one corner of the house and that helped, but they continue to drill in other places.  They drill even when I do not have my feeders out (i.e., when bears are out and about).    I have considered putting boric acid in the current holes in case there are insects present, although my guess is the woodpeckers may just move on to fresh sites.  It is taking quite a toll on my house.  Unfortunately, or fortunately, I am inordinately fond of woodpeckers.   Further suggestions are welcome.
---Rosalind Yanishevsky, Colrain, Mass.

 

 

 

Turkey Vulture Over West B.

Saturday afternoon we spotted our second TV of the year “tipping” over the Bonnyvale Road intersection at Western Ave. Probably a better harbinger of spring than the Robins that have been with us on and off all winter. The female Pileated Woodpecker still has an appetite for our suet block making frequent forays and scattering the 3 Downys that always seem to be there.

 

 

 

“Birding In Vermont” returns to VPT

On Tuesday, March 10, at 9 p.m., “Birding in Vermont” returns to Vermont Public Television, just in time for birders to sharpen their skills and get outside and look for feathered signs of spring.  Lifelong birdwatcher Bryan Pfeiffer leads a year-long tour around the state in search of species ranging from common backyard birds to the elusive Spruce Grouse and Bicknell’s Thrush.  Along the way, he offers tips on how to make birding fun and successful.

---Ann Curran, Vermont Public Television

 

 

 

Could They Be Heading Toward Vermont?

At about 1000 this morning (2/28), 3,000-5,000 Snow Geese headed north from the Missionland Road area near Pine Island, in Orange County, New York. They looked committed to leaving the area as they flew well past High Point and north out of my binocular view.

---Rob Stone, Warwick, NY

 

 

 

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

 

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