Bicknell Thrush © Hilke Breder 6.10.11; Sandhill Crane © Hilke Breder 6.10.11
Bird Notes
Did you miss us? We were on an extended motor trip to many parts of the country visiting relatives and of course getting in a little birding as well. We left on April 26 and returned on May 31 with many cherished memories. We will share some of these birding experiences with you in future issues. As you will notice, some of the following local reports are passé, but I believe them to be of some interest.
Yesterday (6/7) I took part in a guided van trip up Mt. Washington to see Bicknell Thrush (See attachment). It succeeded beyond my expectations. Beautiful sunny day, only disadvantage: hordes of black flies as the day warmed up.
---Hilke Breder, Brattleboro, VT
This morning (6/5), I heard and saw a Prairie Warbler for the first time in the shrubs and trees behind Hannaford's at the North End Shopping Plaza in Brattleboro. I frequently walk my dog there after shopping and have never heard it before.
---Hilke Breder, Brattleboro, VT
My thanks to Don Clark and JoAnne Russo for locating the two Sandhill Cranes on a field off Stebbins Rd in Vernon. I got there early this morning and was able to take some photos:
http://onejackdawbirding.blogspot.com/2011/06/pair-of-sandhill-cranes.html
---Hilke Breder, Brattleboro, VT
The 2 sandhill cranes were still present (5/31) on Stebbins Rd., Vernon late yesterday afternoon.
---Don Clark, Grafton, VT
Sunday afternoon, Richard Foye found a Mourning Warbler along Putney Mountain Road in Brookline – where the power line crosses the road.
This morning (5/31) I saw the Mourning Warbler about 8:00am, in the brush on the south side of the road. Parking is available in front of the gate.
The warbler posed very nicely for me. Photos are on my blog: www.tailsofbirding.net
---Chris Petrak, South Newfane, VT
Where have all the birds gone????
My name is Wick Ahrens (wickahrens.com). I am a new bird enthusiast. I have three feeders that are usually attended by a large variety of birds. I live in Weston, 30 miles north of Brattleborro at the head waters of the West River. About 5 days ago there seamed to be a drastic decrease in visitors to my feeders. Currently on the 30th there are no birds what=so-ever. The only birds i can see are Robins on the lawn. That is it. When I walk I see no birds in the air. I hear jays on occasion but few in number. What has happened to the birds??? It is very disturbing.
Examples of birds at my feeder. Cardinals. Purple Finch. Cowbirds, Chickadee's, Nuthatch's, Grosbeaks, every sparrow known to man, Titmouse, Red-winged blackbird. Grackles etc. etc. etc. WHAT IS GOING ON? THEY ARE ALL GONE! Seamed like it started the night of the huge thunder and lighting storms. I would love to find an answer to this. It is kind of frightening not to see any birds.
Thank you and hope to hear from you,
Wick Ahrens
Whales In Vermont Gallery,
Weston, Vermont
802 824 3604
wick@wickahrens.com
***Note: Is there anyone in Wick’s area or any other local area, that is having this same problem? Let’s hear from you so we can post it on Bird Notes.
We Are Still Here
Hello, Are you still emailing Bird Notes? If so, can we get back on your list? I'm missing it as I hear this spring's bird song. Thanks. Hope all is well with you.
---Virginia Wyoming
***Note: Yes Virginia we are still here and interested in hearing from you all.
Early Hummer
Saw our first hummingbird come to the feeder today! (5/21)
---Judy Myrick, Edward Heights, Brattleboro, VT
Chipmunk Crossing
We had to remove our birdfeeders for a couple of months while the hungry, awakening bears were still around. Too many of our feeders have met there demise at the hands (paws) of the bears so we are still bringing our feeders in at night just in case.
It has taken the birds some time to acclimate again after our long absence, but they are returning in pairs.
Mourning Dove
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Hairy Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Blue Jay
Common Crow
Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
W-B Nuthatch
Catbird
Robin
Veery
Black-throated Green Warbler
Ovenbird
Common Yellowthroat
Cardinal
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Indigo Bunting
Purple Finch
Goldfinch
Take The Bird Call Challenge at eNature
Can you tell a twitter from a tweet? A chirp from a cheep or a buzz from a trill? eNature’s Bird Call Challenge will test your knowledge of your local birds or those of any other zip code you choose. And you can choose to quiz yourself on just songbirds or every species of bird in the area. Click here to take the Bird Call Challenge to test your knowledge!. Listen closely and have fun!
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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.
