FW: {BIRD NOTES ~ February 9, 2016}

Bird Notes

 

 

A Kingfisher is calling here in E. Dorset on this lovely "Spring"  day.  Why not? 

The chipmunks are out and daffodils are coming up too.
---Ruth Stewart, E. Dorset, VT

 

Black Vultures Over Bennington (2/7)

Today soaring over Harwood Hill in Bennington : 2 Black Vultures!
I got a very good look with Binoculars: Short tails with feet covering the length,

white patches on outer primaries (at the hands). No dihedral, circling up on  a

thermal and then gliding south toward Mt Anthony.
Quite a pleasant surprise. First I have ever seen.
---Terri Armata, Bennington., VT

 

Turners Falls, MA (2/5)

The BARROW’S GOLDENEYE, LESSER SCAUP, LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL

and ICELAND GULL all continue at Turners Falls

Tufted Duck and More at Champlain Bridge (2/3)

As with Cat Abbott on Wednesday, both Ian Worley and I got lovely views of
the Tufted Duck yesterday. Of all the many ducks by the bridge it stayed
obligingly close! Fantastic views, and if it weren't for the chop there
would have been lovely photo opportunities - that's how close it was
(though a scope is still your best bet). It's tuft was crystal clear, being
blown around so it didn't even matter that it was actively feeding part of
the time.  There were good numbers of Scaup (both), Bufflehead, Ring-necked

Ducks, Common Goldeneye, Common Mergansers, and a surprising number of

Redheads! Those were the more interesting, but there were Mallards,

American Black Ducks, Canada Geese, a decent number of Bald Eagles,

and a mix of gulls. Best of luck and calm waters if you try for them,
---Isis Erb, Burlington, VT

 

Cape Ann, MA Sightings

Reports from the waters off Andrews Point and Halibut Point in Rockport this

week included 3 KING EIDERS, 72 HARLEQUIN DUCKS, a BARROW'S

GOLDENEYE, a PACIFIC LOON, and 2 THICK-BILLED MURRES, and at

Halibut Point State Park a BARRED OWL was seen.  At the Jodrey Fish Pier

in Gloucester, a GLAUCOUS GULL and a THICK-BILLED MURRE were

observed. Noted at Parker River Refuge on Plum Island were 50 GADWALLS,

10 NORTHERN PINTAILS, a BALD EAGLE, ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK, and

8 LAPLAND LONGSPURS.

 

So, if you feel inclined to do a little driving, there seems to be plenty within

a couple of hours drive to add to your year list.  Not too much going on in the

bird world locally. However, we counted 10 Cedar Waxwings sitting in the tree tops

behind the Thompson House facility as we sat in our car in the BMH back

parking area. Here at home we have all the regulars plus a Carolina Wren

and a Red-bellied Woodpecker that frequent our suet feeder.

 

PLEASE share your birding news and photos with us, so we

 can all enjoy reading about your birds and birding experiences.

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Al Merritt  chpmnkx@sover.net

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Southeastern Vermont Audubon Society:   www.sevtaudubon.org

Barred Owl