Birdnotes: {BIRD NOTES} ~ Dec. 14, 2011

Snowy Owl at NEYT Brattleboro, VT

Bird Notes

Snowy Owl at the Theater

A Snowy Owl was seen and photographed Sunday (See attachment) perched atop the chimney of the New England Youth Theater chimney at 100 Flat Street in Brattleboro. Maybe he wanted to audition for the owl role in a Harry Potter play.

Snowy Owl Heading for Vernon

We saw the owl this morning on rt. 142 at the Mt. View Church about 12:00 noon. It was across from the church flew south toward Vernon. Will upgrade as we see him. Hope he lands at the Miller Farm!

---Judy Farley, Vernon, Vt.

Redstart in Brattleboro

After watching the bird close every day, I can now say its a female Redstart not an SY male. Just heard her chipping and then saw her gleaning insects off the side of my neighbors house in the sun. When the afternoon comes she should come round to our westerly facing side and gleaning from my clapboards. Remarkable that she is still around. What could possibly be keeping her from joining the Smithsonian crew in Jamaica for the winter. I had a dream that instead of migrating she overwintered in my basement.
---Jesse Wampler, 33 Beech St., Brattleboro, VT

Waterfowl at Minards Pond

With the nice days and no ice, Minards Pond has been the hot spot around here. Today I counted 320 Mallards, a record number. Also a Common Merganser. 14 Hoodies, and 6 Black Ducks.

---Joanne Russo, Saxtons River, VT

A Very Tardy Hummer

A friend told me this morning that on 11/9 in East Dummerston he had a hummingbird at his window.

---Nancy Waterhouse, Putney, VT

Chris & the Commons

There is a wonderful article in the current issue of the Commons by Chris Petrak including his own photos of various types of owls. Thanks Chris!

---Judy Myrick, West Brattleboro, VT

* * *

The Brattleboro Christmas Bird Count will take place this Saturday, December 17^th. There are 7 teams of volunteers and from all reports all are raring to get out into the wilds to count birds. Species are noted as well as the numbers of each. Some groups get a good start by meeting early in the day for a hardy breakfast. The length of their stay in the field varies depending on conditions, the size of their area and the individuals participating. Last year 32 people in 7 groups spent a total of 182 hours in the field and drove 286 miles. Plus 6 feeder counters. They counted 5,177 birds of 57 species which included 5 (CW) Count Week species. The Count Week is considered as being 3 days before the count day, and 3 days after the count day and of course the count day itself.

Most of you feed the birds and I am sure you look at your feeding stations occasionally to see what species are stopping by. You can be included in this year’s count by letting us know what you are seeing that Saturday. They do not have to be rare and exotic species. Common birds and rare birds are treated the same when it comes to studying numbers and the trends that are being set as a result.

Here is how to conduct a Feeder Count:

You do not have to watch continuously. When you look at your feeders, make note the numbers of each species. At the end of the day report the highest single count for each species. For example, if during the day you count chickadees in the numbers of 3,7,2, 5, the number you report is 7 for the day. Send your report to Al Merritt via e-mail at chpmnkx@sover.net or call in your report to Hollie Bowen that evening Tel: 254-9087. Better yet come to the Count Down Pot Luck supper at Hollies home at 19 Whipple Street. Starting time is 6 p.m. and immediately following our repast we do the tabulation of the birds.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Please share your birding news with us.

What have you got coming to your feeders?

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/