Birdnotes: [BIRD NOTES] ~ Feb. 22, 2010

Barred Owl @ Chipmunk Crossing

Bird Notes

*Attachment shows a Barred Owl at Chipmunk Crossing. I apologize for the poor quality, but the only shot that I had was through 2 panes of glass.

Bald & Barred and an Early Timber Doodle

Two good sightings the past two days (2/17-18): Yesterday I saw a Bald Eagle swoop down over route 30 in Newfane and make its way down the West River. Today at dusk I saw a Barred Owl fly in and perch in a tree in my yard. An early Woodcock searching for snow-free ground was standing on Kent Road in Wardsboro Friday night (2/19).

---Mitch Harrison, Wardsboro,VT

More Bald & Barred

I was driving north on I 91 early this afternoon and saw a beautiful Bald Eagle perched in a tree alongside the highway, just before the 17 mile marker (almost to Putney). Great view even at highway speeds. We have a Barred Owl who has been seen in our neighborhood recently, I believe it was Sunday (2/14) that I saw it last.

---Carol Schnabel, Guilford, VT

Putney Bald Eagle

Hello! Yesterday when I was headed north on I-91 about 9:45AM, there was a mature bald eagle sitting in a pine between the interstate & Route 5 about where Canoe Brook Road comes into route 5. I didn't see it when I came south about 3 hours later. Has anyone else reported one near there? *Yes, see note above.

---Hollie Bowen, Marlboro, VT

Harbingers of Spring?

The flock of Robins on Abbott Rd. in W. Brattleboro has increased to 30+. They were there again yesterday (2/17) foraging beneath the maples in the exposed leaves at roads edge. Down the road at Gateway Farm, the Red-tailed Hawk is still keeping a watchful eye from its perch in a large sugar maple in the hedgerow. On Greenleaf St. the Cardinals are staking out their territory by announcing “Cheer Cheer Cheer!” It will not be long before the male will be feeding its mate sunflower seeds.

Early Redwing

The first Redwing Blackbird showed up at our feeders this morning (2/22). We usually get one male a few days before a flock arrives. This is a week or two earlier than usual. Spring is coming!
---Susan James, Guilford, VT