{Bird Notes} November 28, 2010

Northern Lapwing © Steve Marytko

 

Bird Notes

 

Northern Lapwing in Storrs, CT

Phil Rusch discovered a NORTHERN LAPWING that Roy Harvey and he are looking at right now (8:30 a.m. 11/28) at W Lot in Storrs.  >From Brattleboro, VT: South on I-91 to Hartford. Take I-84 East to Exit 68. Travel south (right off ramp) for about 6.5 miles. Lot W will be on your right, before you see any UCONN campus signs, behind the barns and "visitor center." Also try Horsebarn Hill Road nearby.

 

Louisiana Birding

We went with Field Guides to find Yellow Rails in the LaFayette/Lake Charles area of Louisiana. There was actually a Yellow Rails Birding Festival going on while we were there and they signed us up as participants.  Very interesting.  We were taken to the rice fields where the farmer drove the combine to harvest the rice and force the rails into view for the participants.  They are impossible to see otherwise.  We also had Virginia, King and Sora Rails.  It was quite an experience and one we would recommend. Fitz also got his life Bachman's Sparrow and we saw a pair of Red-cockaded Woodpeckers; had 144 species for the trip.

---Janet Fitzpatrick, Campbell Hall, NY

 

 

Multiple Cardinals

Here at my feeders in Wilmington, VT, 4 male and 2 female Cardinals feeding on the ground and flitting back and forth from nearby trees and bushes--all at the same time!  We always have Cardinal couples nesting nearby and at our feeder, but never such a crowd all at once!  Some were smaller than others--must be youngsters.  Could this be a big family group?  Anyone else ever see this?

---Maryann McLeod, Wilmington, VT

 

 

Winter Wildlife Help

Providing for wildlife in the winter is easier than you think. Here are a few tips from the National Wildlife Federation to get you started:

1. Provide winter fuel for wildlife with native plants that offer nuts, berries and seeds or offer a feeder.
2. Anchor your old holiday tree in a secluded part of your yard for wildlife to use as shelter from harsh weather.
3. Start a compost pile of needles, pinecones and wreaths made from natural material from your holiday decorations to provide additional cover for wildlife.
4. Clean and fill your birdbath on a regular basis. If you live in an area where temperatures freeze water, use a birdbath heater as a simple way to keep water accessible.
5. Create a cozy winter home for birds. Clean out your spring nest boxes or provide a warm winter roosting box. Also, evidence shows roosting birds prefer winter homes placed up high — about 10 feet or more.

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Please share your birding news with us.

What have you got coming to your feeders?

Are there any birds nesting in your yard?

What have you seen while on a trip?

Drop us an e-mail chpmnkx@sover.net

 

 Al Merritt

W. Brattleboro, VT

 

Check out our website:

http://sevtaudubonbirdnotes.blogspot.com/

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A friend is someone who reaches for your hand

and touches your heart.