{BIRD NOTES} November 04, 2014

Bird Notes

 

 

 

Two days ago (10/14) several dozen Pine Siskins descended on my trees full of energy and conversation -zzzzzz all over the place.

They fed and then calmed down and rested and preened.

---Susan James, Guilford, VT

                                                       

 

The weather cooperated in creating a scoteriffic morning (10/23) above Vernon Dam with a tight raft of 30 Black Scoters and a separate raft of 6 Surf Scoters including one adult male. Also present- 1 Pied-billed Grebe, 2 D-c Cormorants, 1 C. Merganser, 2 Black Ducks, 2 Mallards, and 1 R-b Gull.

---Dave Johnston, W. Brattleboro

 

 

For those Windham County birders not too proud to cross the river, there was a white-eyed vireo at Hinsdale this morning (10/21). It was at the upriver of the two parking areas.

---Hector Galbraith, PhD

National Wildlife Federation

 

 

West Brattleboro Sightings

White-throated Sparrow

FOX SPARROW

Hairy Woodpecker

Downy Woodpecker

RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER

Slate-colored Junco

Purple Finch

Tufted Titmouse

 

 

October 21, 2014 – Roy Pilcher reports 1,200 geese, including new arrivals, at the Goose Viewing Area on Route 17.

---VTbird

 

 

 

 

What Can We Do in the Residential Landscape to Help Protect Birds?

First, keep pet cats indoors. The mere presence of a cat can affect the breeding success of a nesting bird. "A parent bird reduces the rate at which it feeds nestlings when it glimpses a cat," writes John Marzluff in a new book, "Welcome to Subirdia," in which he argues that suburban landscapes can offer vital habitat for beleaguered bird species.

 

---Editor’s Note  From agway.com:

To protect birds from outdoor cats, position feeders at least 10 feet from shrubs and bushes. Placing a decorative wire fence in front of flowerbeds and shrubs can also keep predators from using that cover to approach birds, or a fence or cage can be placed around feeders to give birds a safe place to feed. The same precautions should be used around bird baths as well. To protect bird houses: To protect nesting birds and their young, choose safe birdhouse designs with a steep roof and no perches that cats and other predators can use to reach vulnerable young birds. Mounting bird houses on metal poles or hanging hooks out of range of jumping cats can also prevent hunting cats from climbing up to the house.

 

In the garden, we can choose to grow plants that foster abundant insect life (oak trees are much commended), or provide winter berries, or simply offer cover from predators and a place to roost. Bird feeders help (keep them away from windows to avoid collisions). Fresh water acts as a magnet for birds. If you have birdbaths, change the water regularly in summer to thwart mosquitoes, and in winter to replace ice.

 

 

PLEASE share your birding news and photos with us so we

 can all enjoy reading about your birding experiences.

 

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Al Merritt  chpmnkx@sover.net

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Southeastern Vermont Audubon Society:   www.sevtaudubon.org