BIRD NOTES ~ September 30, 2009

Bird Notes

 

Yesterday among the hundreds of Canada Geese on the waters of the Brattleboro Retreat Meadows was at least one Cackling Goose. I spotted one from the Curves parking area about Noon - behind the island in West River. About 2:30pm, I spotted one from the boat landing on Rte 30. Same bird? See Photo: http://tailsofbirding.blogspot.com
Chris Petrak, S. Newfane, VT

 

Retreat Meadows                                                  Hundreds of Canada Geese still puddling and honking throughout the meadows, but the highlight today(9/29), during a rain shower, was a majestic, mature Bald Eagle overlooking his kingdom from a treetop on one of the islands. While scoping it another large bird sailed by in the background . . . an Osprey flying past then pulling up to hover over the shallow waters near the boat landing on Rt. 30. It did this several times before moving south and out of the picture. Also had a Great blue Heron stalking prey along the edge of the sandbar.

 

Snow Geese Migration                                                 The Snow Geese are coming and Southeastern Vermont Audubon Society is scheduling a field trip to the viewing area in Addison, VT on October 24. Watch for the announcement and details in the next SVAS newsletter.

 

Hawk Migration                                                  Putney Mountain’s big day for Broad-winged Hawks was, as predicted, the 16^th of September, when 1,130 were counted. Totals for the month as of September 29 were as follows: Osprey 108, Bald Eagle 38, Northern Harrier 16, Sharp-Shinned Hawk 539, Cooper’s Hawk 29, Northern Goshawk 3, Red-Shouldered Hawk 3, Broad-winged Hawk 3,611, Red-tailed Hawk 5, Golden Eagle 1, American Kestrel 72, Merlin 6, Peregrine 7.  The hawks are still being counted, though the numbers and the species count are dwindling. Stop by someday and see for yourself. The walk to the top is short and easy and the view is spectacular.

 

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.