Birdnotes: {BIRD NOTES} ~ APRIL 23, 2013

Bird Notes

F I E L D T R I P

Bird Watching Along the Connecticut

Saturday April 27, at 8 a.m.

Meet Al & Barb Merritt at Living Memorial Park in Brattleboro for a morning of birding in the Connecticut River Valley.

A possibility of seeing Bald Eagles, Osprey and a variety of waterfowl. Early passerine migrants will be starting to arrive.

Plan to meet at the parking area of Memorial Park so that we can start out as close to 8am as we are able.

Spring Is Here!

Spring Has Been Cool in Wilmington

On Saturday April 20^th a female Eastern Towhee landed beside a Fox Sparrow in a little tree behind the house and stayed for a good look. Have not seen a Towhee for a couple of years. Will have to listen for the male. A gorgeous bright yellow male American Goldfinch sat on the feeder, we have six Mourning Doves as regulars and there are a few White-Throated Sparrows scratching about with the Juncos and Song Sparrows. The Redwing Blackbird is around as are some European Starlings (~).

The large Common Redpoll flock seems to be gone but a few remain. Noticing sick and dead ones around so feeders get another round of bleach and most will be put away. Tree Swallows are inspecting the bird boxes – not seen any Eastern Bluebirds yet. The Yellow-bellied Sapsucker is back pounding out his territory on the metal roof and a nice dead tree up the road. Lots of woodpecker and nuthatch activity in our many old trees. No activity in the owl box down the road and have not heard the American Woodcocks in the meadow. It certainly has been a cold spring.

---Barbara Cole, Wilmington, VT

Cool Bird Bath

To our surprise, even though it is only 45 deg. outside, a Robin enjoyed having a full bath in our bird bath at midday today.

---Judy Myrick, West Brattleboro

HERMIT THRUSH ~ Vermont’s State Bird

There was a mini fall-out of Hermit Thrushes here in Dummerston last night. Had 8 in my yard this morning.
---Hector Galbraith, Dummerston, VT

Lake Wantastiquet (4/19)

A tight raft of 12 Long-tailed Ducks in breeding plumage, 8 drakes, were resting in close to shore just above Vernon Dam as of 1:30 this afternoon. Also a Horned Grebe was hanging tight with a pair of Lesser Scaup and a somewhat aloof Red-necked Grebe was close by in the same location. Seven Bufflehead and 8 Ring-necked Ducks were busy feeding across the river.

---Dave Johnston, W. Brattleboro, VT

Birding Program on VPT, April 24

When you come inside after your spring birding, here is a program you will like on Vermont Public Television:

HARPY EAGLE

April 24: Wednesday at 8 p.m. on the main VPT channel, "Nature" presents "Jungle Eagle." The most powerful raptor in the world, the Harpy Eagle, hides away deep in the South American jungle, rarely seen. In this extraordinary film, a team of cameramen steps into the world of monkey-eating eagles and even risks injury to obtain pictures of them bringing back large monkeys to the nest. The tables soon turn, however, as one of these massive birds starts following the team.