{BIRD NOTES} ~ March 31, 2012

Bohemian Waxwing © Hilke Breder

Snow Goose © Paul Miller

 

Bird Notes

Saw the first Savannah Sparrow at the back of the fields by the marina in Brattleboro yesterday afternoon (3/30).  Nice crisp plumage with a fresh wash of yellow through the eyebrow.
---Pieter van Loon, Marlboro, VT

 

Thanks to Dave Johnston’s heads up, Hilke Breder was able to get some good photos of the Bohemian Waxwings feeding on the fruit of the crabapple trees at C&S on Putney Road. See attachment for a great shot. See also:  http://onejackdawbirding.blogspot.com/2012/03/i-was-shadow-of-waxwing-slain.html

---Chipmunk Crossing

 

Last evening(3/30) at Herricks Cove it was still relatively quiet, but several Green-winged Teal have arrived. A Red-bellied Woodpecker was calling and pecking this morning (3/31) in Saxtons River.

---Mitch Harrison

                                                                                                                   

Snow Goose in Vernon

Hi Al, Enclosing a photo of the Snow Goose that is with the Canada Geese here at the farm. It is tamer than they normally are. He was right by the barns where we drive by and not too disturbed. (See attachment)

---Paul Miller, Vernon, VT

 

Local Birding

Today's birding (3/25) started out nicely finding a Greater Yellowlegs at the edge of the pool inside of the water treatment plant on RT 30 in Brattleboro. A chance meeting with Hector Galbraith there led to more birding with him in Vernon on Miller farm land overlooking the Connecticut River. By the time I got there he had scoped Bonaparte's Gull sitting on a log with about 6 Ring-billed Gulls. As I was watching the gull, Hector spotted a pair of Long-tailed Ducks. As he was watching them, I spotted a pair of Red-breasted Mergansers. Some beautiful birds in a very few minutes... Tree Swallows were plentiful with a modest count of 130. Finally, by the Miller Farm Pond, Hector picked up the chip of a Yellow-rumped Warbler in a nearby tree, and we watched as it flew north.

---Dave Johnston, W. Brattleboro

 

FOS Chipping Sparrow

A Chipping sparrow was chowing down in the back yard this evening. Spring marches on!
---Charlie La Rosa, Brattleboro, VT

 

The Return of Spencer Sparrow

Each year about this time we watch for the return of a Song Sparrow that we have nicknamed Spencer.  Last Friday (3/23) I heard Barb remark that “Spencer is back!” Sure enough there it was scratching in the leaves under the willow bush. Three days later its mate showed up. Since the weather has been a little milder this year, they were a few days early. It is usually around the first of April when they both arrive. But, whatever the date, it is always a treat to see them for the first time in the Spring.

---Chipmunk Crossing, West B.

 

Ruffed Grouse and Siskins in Marlboro, VT

Two reports of Ruffed Grouse in the Marlboro area, one from Bob Engel and the other from Hollie Bowen. It’s good to know that they are still active up there in the high ground “boon docks.”. Bob also reports that Pine Siskins are still in his area.

 

As Many as 6 Sandhill Cranes at Bristol Pond?

FYI I picked out two Sandhill Cranes at Bristol Pond yesterday afternoon. These two cranes lifted off while I was watching them, flew south, then wheeled around and headed north. Moments later I spotted four more cranes flying north over the marsh. Possibly the first two birds had circled around behind me and then joined two more cranes, but I don't think so. Alternatively, there may be as many as six cranes in the vicinity.  Confirmation requested.

---Bruce MacPherson, S. Burlington, VT

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Al Merritt

W. Brattleboro, VT

chpmnkx@sover.net

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http://sevtaudubonbirdnotes.blogspot.com/