BIRD NOTES ~ March 23, 2009

Tom Turkeys photos by Al Merritt

 

Bird Notes

 

 

 

About the Robins & Eagles

I also wondered what the Robins ate between seasons, when I saw them in a sumac bush in Boston, then I was happy to know they ate other things besides worms. They were turning over leaves on my lawn so they were hoping for better things. Has anyone seen the eagles at Vernon dam where they might be building a nest? I keep my eyes out as I go that way during the week. I will check out back of the nursing home today. No sign near the old nest sight. I just hope they build where we can see them though the chances are getting slimmer.  

---Judy Farley, Vernon, VT

 *A pair of eagles is being seen regularly from the Hinsdale bluffs but no real signs of nest building in the area.

 

 

 

TVs Over Brattleboro

35 Turkey Vultures were grounded for about an hour this morning by poor soaring weather. They gathered in the large oak and maple trees that surround  our house. Several birds at a time would wander out to test the air and then return. When conditions (at least those as perceived from a vulture's perspective) improved they all gradually took to the air, formed a large kettle,  and slowly disappeared from view.

---Charlie La Rosa, Brattleboro, VT

 

 

 

Peregrine Pair at West River

A pair of Peregrine Falcons were swooping down close to the water's surface in the West River about 5:30 this evening(3/19) behind the Marina Restaurant. Duck dinner perhaps? After a couple minutes they climbed and flew off to the southwest. There were also ~ 130 Canada Geese, a pair of Wood Ducks, 6 Hoodies, and ~16 mallards.

 

This morning(3/21) in a field at the end of Blodgett Rd in Vernon: ~350 C. Geese, 11 Snow Geese-1 was a dark morph, 6 Green-winged Teal,~20 killdeer, ~60 Horned Larks, and 2 Bluebirds.

---Dave Johnston, W. Brattleboro, VT

 

 

 

Connecticut River Valley

I birded along the Connecticut and other spots nearby, including Allen Bros. Marsh in Westminster.  Birds seen were:

 

Great Blue Heron

Wood Ducks

Mallards

Red-winged Blackbirds

Hooded Mergansers

Common Mergansers

Killdeer

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Canada Geese

Cedar Waxwing

Robin

---Mitch Harrison, Wardsboro, VT

 

 

 

Harrier Returns

Yesterday, Paul saw that the Northern Harrier had returned.

---Mary Miller, Vernon, VT

 

 

 

Wild Turkeys at Chipmunk Crossing

The eight Turkeys, (4 toms, 1 jake and 3 hens), that had been regular visitor’s to the cracked corn this past week to 10 days, have finally moved on. But, not before I managed a picture or two through the back window.(See attachments) The hen on the right seems unimpressed with their competitive strutting.

 

 

 

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.