[BIRD NOTES] ~ March 9, 2010

 

 

Bird Notes

 

 

 

Birding from a Warm Igloo

My reward, after breaking a trail to the feeders Saturday, was a visit from a Red-breasted Nuthatch, only the second time I've seen one there this year.  Of course, I had to go to the second floor to see it as a combination of what fell from the sky and from our roof has blocked the first floor windows!  It's a bit like living in a warm igloo!  The RBN stayed around all weekend.  I've also seen a Barred Owl on MacArthur Road a couple of mornings lately.

---Hollie Bowen, Marlboro, VT

 

 

 

Vernon Dam & South

The following birds were seen yesterday (3/6) from the Vernon Dam south for several miles along the river:
Bald Eagle, Red-tailed hawk(3), Common Merganser, Common Goldeneye (approximately 20), Flicker,  Eastern Bluebird.

---Mitch Harrison, Wardsboro, VT

 

 

 

Dorset Redpoll

What a surprise to count a redpoll among the incidental goldfinches at my feeder today.  Have not seen any all year and I know reports have been scarce.  This bird was very white and I had thoughts of calling it a Hoary, but I have just not 'refined' my differentiation skills very well to do that.... yet! Also lots of robins foraging on the open grasses and bluebirds singing too.
---Ruth Stewart, E. Dorset,VT

 

 

 

Bellows Falls

Migration was observed tonight from below Bellow Falls Dam along the CT River.  Most activity began after 5:30pm.  A nice flock of seven Turkey Vultures were followed by other species that flew north overhead such as a large flock of Ring-billed Gulls and a small flock of Red-winged Blackbirds.

Location:    Bellows Falls Dam/CT River
Observation date:     3/8/10
Time:  4:40 - 5:55pm

Mallard     2
Common Goldeneye     19
Hooded Merganser     3
Common Merganser     3
TURKEY VULTURE     7
Red-tailed Hawk     1
Ring-billed Gull     26
American Robin     22
RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD     11

---Lance Tanino, Keene, NH

 

 

 

West Brattleboro Shrike

An adult N. Shrike was working the field on the east side of Meadowbrook Rd. across from the intersection of Pleasant Valley Rd in W. Brattleboro this morning and this afternoon. It was teeing up in the small trees/bushes scattered throughout the field, then swooping down to the snow for a few seconds (hunting voles?), before teeing up again on a new perch. This is the first N. Shrike I've seen this year in Southern VT.

---Dave Johnston, W. Brattleboro, VT

 

 

 

Allen Bros. Marsh

In the speckled alder at marsh edge two bluebirds about noon (3/7).

Ice still covering open water.
---Michael St. John, Rockingham, VT

 

 

 

Guilford Blackbirds
Lots of Guilford Red-winged Blackbirds and a couple of Cowbirds - and wonderful early morning bird song is starting.

---Susan James, Guilford, VT

 

 

 

 

 

PROGRAM NOTE:

 

“Sea Kayaking in Mingan Archipelago National Park"

 

 

Tuesday, March 16 - 7pm

 

In the meeting room of Brattleboro's Brooks Library

 

Lew Teich will lead a photo adventure among the unique sandstone islands at the mouth of the St. Lawrence River. Carved by relentless wind into amazing monolithic shapes, the islands feature a wide variety of ecosystems with diverse plant & animal life. Lew is a local contractor, cabinetmaker, and registered Maine sea kayak guide. 

This program is sponsored by Southeastern VT Audubon Society

FREE and open to the public

 

 

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

Southeastern Vermont Audubon Society

www.sevtaudubon.org