BIRD NOTES ~ April 16, 2009

Golden-crowned Sparrow © Terry Sohl

 

 

Bird Notes

 

 

RBA: GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW

This bird is visiting a feeder in Orwell, VT.  It is thousands of miles from its home on the west coast and a real rare find here in the east. It was first reported on Monday(4/13) so the next morning we drove the 2+ hours north and within 10 minutes of our arrival we were looking at the bird feeding on the ground with a Song Sparrow and a number of House Sparrows. It reminded us of the shape and body color of a White-crowned Sparrow with a song similar to the beginning of the song of the White-throated Sparrow. Chances are that you will not see this bird again unless you are planning a trip out west or to Alaska. (The attached photo is not the bird and is meant only to show its likeness. © Terry Sohl)

 

Directions from the south: North on Rt. 22A to Rt. 73. Turn left on 73 and travel approximately 4 miles to #51 Rt 73. This is the private home and art gallery of Norton & Marlene Latourelle. They are willing to let interested birders view the bird. To get there take Rt 73 as if you were going to the ferry, they are on the left side of the road just after the road curves to the right. The buildings are red in color, an older house and the Gallery are nearest to the road. The feeder is by the new house which is directly behind the old red house. Good luck and happy birding.

 

 

West B Birds (4/15)

Near the end of Pleasant Valley Road - two Hermit Thrushes, one of which sang a few notes of its beautiful song!  Also, three singing Pine Warblers, and a pair of Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers.  A Red-shouldered Hawk called as it circled over the road.  Great sounds of spring!

---Nori Howe, W. Brattleboro, VT

 

Birds at Bennett Meadow (4/14)

Among the birds at Bennett Meadow (W. Northfield, MA) - Yellow-rumped Warbler, lots of Tree Swallows, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Mockingbird, several Eastern Phoebes, and a Great Blue Heron.  Also had Sharp-shinned Hawk, Red-bellies, and a Mockingbird at Pauchaug Brook.

---Nori Howe

 

 

 

 

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.