Birdingonthe.Net Recent Postings from Connecticut Birds > Home > Mail > Alerts Updated on Wednesday, May 16 at 03:59 PM EST The most recently received Mail is at the top.	Snail Kite,©Dan Lane

16 May swallow-tailed kite seen today [Chris Elphick ] 16 May Westport:White-Faced Ibis Yes [Mike Warner ] 16 May Thanks for the help [John Oshlick ] 16 May CACC [Beverly Propen ] 16 May Help with a Canada Goose [John Oshlick ] 16 May Naugatuck State Forest NHBC Field Trip Highlights [Christopher Loscalzo ] 16 May Yellow crowned Nght Heron [Beverly Perkins ] 16 May Ruff still at Hammo [Tina and Peter Green ] 16 May Hammonassett Ruff, Curlew Sandpiper, and Tricolored Heron [Tina and Peter Green ] 15 May Sandhill Crane, Rocky Hill Meadows [Sara Zagorski ] 15 May NJ Swallow-Tailed Kites [Mike Warner ] 15 May Bakersville Swamp N Hartford; [Carrier Graphics ] 15 May no kite seen in Willimantic [Chris Elphick ] 15 May Re: Just curious... ["wingsct AT juno.com" ] 15 May Re: White-faced Ibis [Jane Olsen ] 15 May NHBC Naugatuck SF field trip for 5/16/12 [Christopher Loscalzo ] 15 May Wood Thrush [Lorraine Gundersen ] 15 May Just curious... [Elaine Taylor ] 15 May Re: Westport White-faced Ibis [Frank Mantlik ] 15 May Westport:White-Faced Ibis [Mike Warner ] 15 May CAS Bird Walk on Saturday, May 19th [Michelle Eckman ] 15 May Ruff at Hammonasset [Roy Harvey ] 15 May Great Gull Island Work Parties ["Comins, Patrick" ] 15 May Westport White-faced Ibis [Tina and Peter Green ] 15 May Re: Posts on New York Birds re: Swainson's taking over some Bicknell's habitats [David F Provencher ] 15 May White-rumped Sandpiper Milford Point [] 15 May likely swallowtail kite in Willimantic [Chris Elphick ] 15 May Caspian, Golden, Tricolor [Frank Mantlik ] 15 May Posts on New York Birds re: Swainson's taking over some Bicknell's habitats [Sailcarm ] 15 May Early May Coastal Highlights Keith Mueller [] 15 May Blue Grosbeak [Xsparrowhawk ] 15 May Flycatchers [] 15 May Re: West Rock Ravens [Stephen Broker ] 15 May Tricolored Heron Stratford ["Scott Kruitbosch" ] 15 May 5/15:Branford: Cerulean Warbler, Clapper Rail, Yellowlegs, Willet, 7 Purple Martins, Willow Fly [Sunrise Birding ] 15 May Bantam Lake - White-winged Scoters [John Marshall ] 15 May The coast [] 15 May Re: CTBirds Digest, Vol 1905, Issue 2 [Logan ] 15 May Come see the "WOW EXPRESS" at Keney Park, Vine Street ["Comins, Patrick" ] 14 May Kestrel [] 14 May Brown thrasher [] 14 May Branford report [Roy Harvey ] 14 May The curious incident of the Catbird in the night-time ["David Provencher" ] 14 May Re: Nehantic SF info Pt2 - Long! ["David Provencher" ] 14 May Re: Blue-winged x Golden-winged Hybrids [Tom de Boor ] 9 May Fairchild Garden in Greenwich ["Gilman, Ted" ] 14 May Re: Nehantic SF info Pt2 - Long! [] 14 May Solitary & Bald Eagle [] 14 May Monday may 15 [] 14 May Blackburnian warbler, New Haven [Mark Scott ] 14 May Hartman Park [Janet Mehmel ] 14 May Re: Nehantic SF info Pt2 - Long! [Roy Harvey ] 14 May Little Pond Litchfield [Paul Desjardins ] 14 May Mfd Blackpoll, Blackburnian [Stephen Spector ] 14 May hotspots ["claudia longmore" ] 14 May Re: Tri-colored Heron - No [Jo-Anne Roberts ] 14 May Re: Nehantic SF info Pt2 - Long! [David F Provencher ] 14 May Nehantic SF info Pt2 - Long! [David F Provencher ] 14 May East Hartford & Glastonbury Monday [Dana Campbell ] 14 May Nehantic SF info Pt1 - Long! [David F Provencher ] 14 May WT Buy: Swarovski/Kowa Spotting Scope [Robert DeCandido PhD ] 14 May East Rock [John Oshlick ] 14 May 5/14 Nehantic SF [Daniel williams ] 14 May Cedar Hill Cemetery [paul cianfaglione ] 14 May River Road -Cerulean, Worm Eating, Nashville [Mike Reese Home ] 14 May Active Day at Little Pond in Litchfield [] 14 May Reservoir #2, Bloomfield [paul cianfaglione ] 13 May Assorted Reports [Roy Harvey ] 13 May Thrushes flying over ["Comins, Patrick" ] 13 May Louisiana Waterthrush ? [Lisa ] 13 May Tri-colored Heron - No [] 13 May East Rock, West Rock, New Haven area [Mark Scott ] 13 May White -eyed Vireo at Bedlam Four Corners, Chaplin Ct [Mark Szantyr ] 13 May Belated Kent Snow Geese [John Johnson ] 13 May CERULEAN WARBLER & more Trout Brook Valley ["Scott Kruitbosch" ] 13 May Nehantic State Forest [Nancy Meyer Lustman ] Subject: swallow-tailed kite seen today From: Chris Elphick <elphick AT sbcglobal.net> Date: Wed, 16 May 2012 13:54:05 -0700 (PDT) The kite was seen by the home-owner who reported it again today. They got a photo with their phone - it is a very distant shot but clearly shows black/white plumage pattern, deeply forked tail, tapering wings, etc. etc. etc. Today and yesterday it was seen in the vicinity of Card Street in Willimantic (see posts on ctbirds yesterday for more details on the general area it has been hanging out in). Chris Elphick Storrs, CT elphick AT sbcglobal.net _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Westport:White-Faced Ibis Yes From: Mike Warner <mjwarner AT optonline.net> Date: Wed, 16 May 2012 16:03:23 -0400 5/16/12 Westport Sherwood Island S.P. - White-Faced Ibis 11:30 am - The White-Faced Ibis and three Glossy Ibis were on the west side of Sherwood Island S.P. near the two little ponds. They were spooked and flew northwards toward Sherwood Millpond. I didn't see where they landed. Mike Warner Wilton CT. _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Thanks for the help From: John Oshlick <john.oshlic AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 16 May 2012 12:46:37 -0700 (PDT) The 3 goslings have a new family. Thank you for all of the responses. John Oshlick Hamden _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: CACC From: Beverly Propen <bpropen AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 16 May 2012 14:12:00 -0400 5/15 Milford, Connecticut Audubon Coastal Center, 10AM-1PM. high tide receding, over cast around 60-65F Male osprey was on nest at 10AM and female on perch. At 10:25 female brought in branch and went on nest. 11:30AM, male returns to perch with fish, eating head first. 11:40AM male delivers fish to female. female takes fish to perch to eat & male is on eggs. 11:45-3rd osprey circles overhead. 12:05 PM female is done with fish, and flies through marsh, washing feet and went back to perch. Very birdy on grounds today- 15 Purple martins on condo & gourds. 3 Redstarts (2M, 1F), a magnolia warbler, 1 yellow warbler, 1 Female Ruby throated hummingbird, 1 mourning dove on her nest, regurgitating food to 2 chicks, house finches, house sparrows, common grackles, Redwinged blackb irds, catbirds, cardinals, carolina wren, titmouse, tree & barn swallows, mockingbirds. On marsh were about 50 Brant, 3 mute swans, 9 Great egrets, 3 snowy egrets, 1 Yellow crowned night heron adult, a mixed flock of about 100+ dunlin, least sandpipers & semi-palmated sandpipers as tide went out, greater yellow legs. In parking lot area when I was leaving I heard a common yellowthroat and chestnut sided warbler singing. Beverly Propen, Orange _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Help with a Canada Goose From: John Oshlick <john.oshlic AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 16 May 2012 10:33:52 -0700 (PDT) My wife is helping to rehab an abandoned canada goose gosling for the ansonia nature center. She is looking for a family of canada geese to release it with. If you have a goose family please let me know. John Oshlick john.oshlic AT yahoo.com 203 584 1955 _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Naugatuck State Forest NHBC Field Trip Highlights From: Christopher Loscalzo <closcalz AT optonline.net> Date: Wed, 16 May 2012 13:29:37 -0400 05/16/12—Naugatuck, Naugatuck State Forest, West Block—58 species. Most notable sighting was a LAWRENCE’S WARBLER, singing along the powerline cut where the westernmost trail crosses it, about ½ mile south of the end of Hunter’s Mountain Road. Also, 1 HOODED WARBLER, 1 Blackburnian Warbler, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, and a female Hooded Merganser with 2 young. Also, there were eight (!) Rose-breasted Grosbeaks seen at one time at the feeders at the log cabin house at the entrance to the forest. If anyone ever hears that the house is up for sale, please let me know! Chris Loscalzo, Woodbridge _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Yellow crowned Nght Heron From: Beverly Perkins <1fsh2fsh AT optonline.net> Date: Wed, 16 May 2012 11:50:48 -0400 Mid morn walk on the boardwalk saw my 1st Yellow crowned Night Heron in the Marsh on the section leading out to the beach from Silver Sands parking lot....very close , only because I did't have my camera ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- My inbox is protected from junk messages by Spam Filter Express.It's smart and effective! You can download a free trial version from http://www.spam-filter-express.com _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Ruff still at Hammo From: Tina and Peter Green <petermgreen AT hotmail.com> Date: Wed, 16 May 2012 08:29:58 -0400 Now in the Boulder Pond but not in sight at this moment.8:30am Tina Green Westport Sent from my iPhone _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Hammonassett Ruff, Curlew Sandpiper, and Tricolored Heron From: Tina and Peter Green <petermgreen AT hotmail.com> Date: Wed, 16 May 2012 02:26:00 +0000 5/15/12 - Madison - Hammonassett Beach State Park - Tricolored Heron out at the end of the moraine trail,Curlew Sandpiper and Ruff seen on the grassy lot near the nature center Sara and I had the Ruff on the west side of the grassy parking area next to the nature center for a brief but good look until all the birds took off towards the end of the Moraine Trail. The Ruff was with a small group of Black-bellied Plovers. We did not relocate it until Sara spotted it in the marsh that it had been originally reported in at about 8pm. I spotted the Tricolored Heron out at the end of the Moraine Trail while searching for the Ruff from Cedar Island. I found the Curlew Sandpiper in a puddle in the Meig's parking lot at about 7:10pm standing next to a Dunlin and a few other shorebirds. The Curlew Sandpiper was in almost full breeding plumage. The rich rufous color under it's neck extended down to the belly and around the face. I think it had some white patches on it's face and the bill was a slightly more curved than a Dunlin.It took off while I was looking at my field guide and none of us saw where they went. We spent the next 50 minutes trying to relocate the Ruff and the Curlew Sandpiper with Janet Mehmel who arrived about 7:30pm. We plan on trying to relocate these birds in the morning. Will the gentleman who took a record photo of the Ruff please email me a copy? Many thanks. Tina Green Westport _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Sandhill Crane, Rocky Hill Meadows From: Sara Zagorski <penguinsz AT sbcglobal.net> Date: Tue, 15 May 2012 18:40:44 -0700 (PDT) 5/14 - I just got home from seeing the Ruff down at Hammonassett SP and found a telephone message from Ray Acker, an out-of-state birder visiting family in Wethersfield. He let me know that he had seen a Sandhill Crane at the motorcross area in Rocky Hill Meadows this afternoon around 4 pm. I have always thought that a crane would show up there some day, and on this amazing bird day it did. I hope it stays until tomorrow! Thanks to Ray for the call, much appreciated. Sara Zagorski Wethersfield _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: NJ Swallow-Tailed Kites From: Mike Warner <mjwarner AT optonline.net> Date: Tue, 15 May 2012 21:24:48 -0400 Sandy Hook Migration Watch, a spring hawkwatch, is about 9 miles south of the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge and has recorded two sightings of Swallow-Tailed Kites so far this season. Joe Dolan was the hawkwatcher on duty for each sighting and made the following notations of each northbound bird. 4/17 - STKI - Northbound bird last seen flying over Coney Island at 11:30 am. 5/10 - STKI - Northbound bird last seen heading WNW from the hawkwatch at 9:45 am. Information from Hawkcount dot org. Mike Warner Wilton CT. _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Bakersville Swamp N Hartford; From: Carrier Graphics <carriergraphics AT sbcglobal.net> Date: Tue, 15 May 2012 17:17:27 -0700 (PDT) This morn in the rain, at Bakersville Swamp N Hartford; all seen or heard from car - Least Flycatcher Willow Flycatcher 2 -late? Rusty Blackbird other common stuff On Stub Hollow Rd - up near north end left - Yellow-B Flycatcher Pileated Woodpecker on wet Road eating ants! Paul Carrier - Harwinton _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: no kite seen in Willimantic From: Chris Elphick <elphick AT sbcglobal.net> Date: Tue, 15 May 2012 17:02:53 -0700 (PDT) A couple of us looked for the reported swallow-tailed kite in Willimantic for a little while before the rain started this afternoon. No luck, but it would be very easy to hide a kite in that area. There are a few spots where there are pretty good vistas that might be fruitful if the weather was conducive to kite flying. Chris Elphick Storrs, CT elphick AT sbcglobal.net _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Re: Just curious... From: "wingsct AT juno.com" <wingsct@juno.com> Date: Tue, 15 May 2012 23:58:13 GMT Elaine,Many years ago, I read somewhere that mockingbirds can havea repertoire of as many as 85 songs! It's fun and quite challengingto figure out what species they are mimicking. Meredith SampsonOld Greenwich ---------- Original Message ---------- From: Elaine Taylor To: ctbirds AT lists.ctbirding.org Subject: [CT Birds] Just curious... Date: Tue, 15 May 2012 19:00:14 -0400 Does anyone know the "record" number of different calls a Mockingbird can do at one time...Yesterday, I listened as a Mockingbird called out 17 different calls/sounds without repeating....after that I couldn't keep track and it was still going on and on....It never ceases to amaze me! _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Re: White-faced Ibis From: Jane Olsen <olsenj AT stlukesct.org> Date: Tue, 15 May 2012 19:55:20 -0400 We definitely saw this bird last weekend (5/5) at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, comfortably mixing with the Glossy Ibis. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150902253261454.486152.757491453&type=3&l=83cf1c8dbf -- Jane Nicklin Olsen Fifth Grade Teacher St. Luke's School New Canaan, CT 06840 email: olsenj AT stlukesct.org phone: +1 (203) 801-4905 *This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you are not the intended recipient, please notify the sender immediately by return e-mail, delete this e-mail and any attachments and destroy any copies. Any dissemination or use of this information by a person other than the intended recipient is unauthorized.* *Please consider the environment before printing this email. * _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: NHBC Naugatuck SF field trip for 5/16/12 From: Christopher Loscalzo <closcalz AT optonline.net> Date: Tue, 15 May 2012 19:38:27 -0400 The NHBC field trip to Naugatuck SF will take place as planned, despite the chance of rain. Please dress appropriately for the weather if you plan on attending. Thanks and good birding. Chris Loscalzo _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Wood Thrush From: Lorraine Gundersen <raineg AT comcast.net> Date: Tue, 15 May 2012 19:20:07 -0400 5-15-2012 Guilford, CT Came home from work tonight to the song of two male Wood Thrush. They were both visible in the trees near our garage. The rivals squared off in a song battle, each one trying to out do the other. Lovely way to end the work day. Lorraine Gundersen Guilford, CT _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Just curious... From: Elaine Taylor <etbchs AT aol.com> Date: Tue, 15 May 2012 19:00:14 -0400 Does anyone know the "record" number of different calls a Mockingbird can do at one time...Yesterday, I listened as a Mockingbird called out 17 different calls/sounds without repeating....after that I couldn't keep track and it was still going on and on....It never ceases to amaze me! _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Re: Westport White-faced Ibis From: Frank Mantlik <mantlik AT sbcglobal.net> Date: Tue, 15 May 2012 15:25:56 -0700 (PDT) 5/15 Westport, Sherwood Is. S.P. - I saw the WHITE-FACED IBIS with 6 adult Glossy Ibis at the same location about 3:30 pm. I obtained a couple record-photos just before the rain got heavy. It has iridescent glossy plumage, reddish legs, pinkish facial skin, and a reddish eye, but lacks any distinct white around the face. I suspect it is a 1st-summer bird (born last year). I'll try to post photos later. Thanks for the call, Tina. Frank Mantlik Stratford ________________________________ From: Tina and Peter Green To: CT Birds Sent: Tue, May 15, 2012 2:24:57 PM Subject: [CT Birds] Westport White-faced Ibis 5/15/12- Westport - Sherwood Island SP- now on the airplane field at 2:25pm Tina Green Westport Sent from my iPhone _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Westport:White-Faced Ibis From: Mike Warner <mjwarner AT optonline.net> Date: Tue, 15 May 2012 18:08:13 -0400 5/15/12 - Westport Sherwood Island State Park - White-Faced Ibis 4 pm - There were 7 Ibis on the model airplane field in the rain very close to the edge of the marsh. 5 of these birds showed a very distict and noticeable white margin to the facial area. Even in the scope I couldn't see a white margin on the other two birds as the flock busily fed on the lawn, perhaps they were juveniles. While another birder and I watched, a third car pulled in and parked at the far end of the parking lot, spooking the birds to flight. They made a short flight and dropped down into the marsh slightly to the left. Mike Warner Wilton CT. _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: CAS Bird Walk on Saturday, May 19th From: Michelle Eckman <meckman AT ctaudubon.org> Date: Tue, 15 May 2012 17:06:37 -0400 Spring Migration Bird Walk with Michelle Eckman Connecticut Audubon Society, Center at Fairfield, 2325 Burr Street, Fairfield, CT 06824 Saturday, May 19 9-11 a.m. Join long-time birder and CAS Director of Education, Michelle Eckman, on a beautiful walk through our Larsen Sanctuary. Our Chiboucas Trail is stroller-accessible and birders of all levels and ages are welcome. The program is on Saturday, May 19 from 9-11 a.m. Meet at the covered trailhead at the Connecticut Audubon Society's Center at Fairfield's Larsen Sanctuary. Bring your binoculars, note pad and field guides. Identification books are also available in the Nature Store. Program fee: $5/person for CAS members; $8/person for non-members. All proceeds support Connecticut Audubon Society environmental education programs. Register in advance by calling 203-259-6305 ext. 109. Visit Connecticut Audubon Society's website at www.ctaudubon.org for a complete listing of spring programs, summer camps, and special events. Michelle Eckman Director of Education Connecticut Audubon Society 2325 Burr Street Fairfield, CT 06824 203.259.6305 x 107 www.ctaudubon.org http://ctaudubon.blogspot.com/ _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Ruff at Hammonasset From: Roy Harvey <rmharvey AT snet.net> Date: Tue, 15 May 2012 12:53:50 -0700 (PDT) Passing this along. From Bob Dewire and Anthea Skiffington: May 15 at Hammonassett State Park at the small marsh at the Meigs Point parking lot. One non-breeding plumaged RUFF feeding with several Greater Yellowlegs first found at 1:30 pm. Watched at leisure noting the size, short bill, buffy color, greenish legs, scalloped back pattern. It flew 3 times showng the showy white oval pattern on the tail. Still present when we left at 2:30 pm. Roy Harvey Beacon Falls, CT _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Great Gull Island Work Parties From: "Comins, Patrick" <PCOMINS AT audubon.org> Date: Tue, 15 May 2012 12:30:20 -0700 This is not in CT, but perhaps of interest to CT birders. Great Gull Island in New York is a pretty amazing place and is the largest tern colony on Long Island Sound, supporting over 10,000 pairs of Common Terns and >1,500 pairs of the federally endangered Roseate Tern. The island is owned and managed by the American Museum of Natural History and is normally closed to the public. The Long Island Sound Study, New York State Marine Education Association and the Museum are scheduling two volunteer work parties. One for the weekend of May 25th-May 28th and a second party June 1st-June 3rd. Volunteers will be marking nests, observing and banding birds, and clearing invasive plants. If you would like to sign up for one of those trips, you are more than welcome to do so via the link below. Please fill out this form and you will be provided with more details: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dHJKc1dsbnoyNzR6QWJmNzl5VkdwZHc6MQ#gid=0 A great way to help out at an important place and maybe get some great looks at Roseate Terns. Sincerely, Patrick Patrick M. Comins Director of Bird Conservation Audubon Connecticut 185 East Flat Hill Road Southbury, CT 06488 Phone: (203)264-5098 x308 Fax: (203)264-6332 pcomins AT audubon.org http://iba.audubon.org/iba/viewState.do?state=US-CT Audubon Connecticut is on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AudubonCT Friends of Conte is on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Friends-of-the-Silvio-O-Conte-National-Fish-and-Wildlife-Refuge/121976791147545?v=wall _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Westport White-faced Ibis From: Tina and Peter Green <petermgreen AT hotmail.com> Date: Tue, 15 May 2012 14:23:55 -0400 5/15/12- Westport - Sherwood Island SP- now on the airplane field at 2:25pm Tina Green Westport Sent from my iPhone _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Re: Posts on New York Birds re: Swainson's taking over some Bicknell's habitats From: David F Provencher <david.f.provencher AT dom.com> Date: Tue, 15 May 2012 13:20:19 -0400 Carolyn, As you may know I hike quite a bit in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. I have long experienced the elevation stratification of the different thrushes. Starting at the lowest elevations in the Whites there are Wood Thrush and Veery (and a few Hermit), then moving upward Hermit become the most common, then Swainson's, and finally Bicknell's at the highest elevations. One of the montane effects of climate change is a vertical movement of flora, that is the exploitation by lower elevation flora of increasingly more mild weather conditions higher up. In my hiking I have found that the peaks that have Bicknell's breeding typically have them in a fairly narrow elevation band of appropriate flora. As the flora changes, and lower elevation species push higher, the upper band of flora that holds the Bicknell's isn't likely to successfully move much higher due to the harshness of the highest elevation weather and the intense winds that the highest elevations experience. The growth rate of "trees" at the highest elevations is much slower than the growth rate only a few hundreds of feet lower down. And of course, on the higher peaks, there is an elevation limit above which trees won't grow at all, called "treeline", which is typically at lower elevations in New England (where Bicknell's breed) than in many western mountain ranges. In my experience I can categorically state that on peaks that have both Swainson's and Bicknell's, there are just magnitudes more Swainson's. So as Swainson's habitat, and thus Swainson's Thrushes, move upward, the narrow band of habitat that holds Bicknell's will degrade (change is probably a better word) relatively quickly. So Bicknell's habitat (and Bicknell's Thrushes) will likely disappear from a number of the New England peaks. Dave David Provencher CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This electronic message contains information which may be legally confidential and/or privileged and does not in any case represent a firm ENERGY COMMODITY bid or offer relating thereto which binds the sender without an additional express written confirmation to that effect. The information is intended solely for the individual or entity named above and access by anyone else is unauthorized. If you are not the intended recipient, any disclosure, copying, distribution, or use of the contents of this information is prohibited and may be unlawful. If you have received this electronic transmission in error, please reply immediately to the sender that you have received the message in error, and delete it. Thank you. _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: White-rumped Sandpiper Milford Point From: peeplo AT aol.com Date: Tue, 15 May 2012 12:43:23 -0400 (EDT) My FOY White-rumped Sandpiper feeding with lots of other peeps behind the building at Milford Point. Frank Gallo _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: likely swallowtail kite in Willimantic From: Chris Elphick <elphick AT sbcglobal.net> Date: Tue, 15 May 2012 09:09:23 -0700 (PDT) I just received a report of a likely swallowtail kite, seen by someone here at work, in Willimantic. The bird has been seen a couple of times over the last week, including yesterday. All sightings were in the area just off Pleasant St (Rte 32) on the south edge of town - between Card St in the west and South St in the east, and centered on the patch of woods off Rte 289 (called Young Field) on Google Maps. The description sounds good. Mark Szantyr is out looking and will post updates if he finds it. Chris Elphick Storrs, CT elphick AT sbcglobal.net _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Caspian, Golden, Tricolor From: Frank Mantlik <mantlik AT sbcglobal.net> Date: Tue, 15 May 2012 08:59:08 -0700 (PDT) 5/15 Stratford, Long Beach and salt marsh- After seeing a TRICOLORED HERON flying over marshes alongside me (Rt 113; 9:50am) Charlie Barnard & I looked for it from Long Beach. We couldn't relocate it. But I spotted an adult CASPIAN TERN flying east over marsh, which CB also saw (10:15). Then I saw an AM. GOLDEN PLOVER fly by with 1 Black-bellied (10:25). A number of usual shorebird species around as well. Frank Mantlik Stratford Sent from my iPod _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Posts on New York Birds re: Swainson's taking over some Bicknell's habitats From: Sailcarm <sailcarm AT aol.com> Date: Tue, 15 May 2012 11:46:25 -0400 There are some interesting posts on the New York Birds listserv re: Swainson's Thrush breeding in higher elevations in some NY and New England spots, which could potentially threaten the Bicknell's Thrush. You can access this listserv via Birdingonthe.net Carolyn Cimino Waterford Sent from my iPad _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Early May Coastal Highlights Keith Mueller From: kmueller AT ntplx.net Date: Tue, 15 May 2012 11:25:46 -0400 I just finished my early May report with many images. A MILD CAUTION- the report contains images of Redtails with prey. To view the report with images: http://coastalbirds2.blogspot.com/ Enjoy, and Happy Spring! Keith Mueller Killingworth http://kmuellerart.blogspot.com/ _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Blue Grosbeak From: Xsparrowhawk <xsparrowhawk AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 15 May 2012 10:14:04 -0400 5/15/12 - Greenwich, Audubon Greenwich (front field) -- Blue Grosbeak, "Lawrence's" Warbler _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Flycatchers From: <pfavreau AT cox.net> Date: Tue, 15 May 2012 10:09:46 -0400 From Patrice Favreau: 5/15/12 - SouthWindsor, Donnelly Preserve, morning - 4 Willow and 1 or 2 Alder Flycatchers -- Patrice F. _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Re: West Rock Ravens From: Stephen Broker <ls.broker AT cox.net> Date: Tue, 15 May 2012 10:04:11 -0400 From Steve Broker (Cheshire): 05/15/12 - Woodbridge and Hamden, West Rock Ridge, from the ridge top -- The West Rock Common Ravens have fledged their young (5 or 6 fledglings, to be determined). This year, unlike the situation in some previous years, the nestlings did not completely destroy the nest before fledging. _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Tricolored Heron Stratford From: "Scott Kruitbosch" <skruitbosch AT ctaudubon.org> Date: Tue, 15 May 2012 09:52:41 -0400 Just got a call from Frank Mantlik, between Access Rd. and the airport entrances flying over the marshes. He's attempting to relocate now. Scott ======== Scott Kruitbosch Conservation Technician Connecticut Audubon Society 2325 Burr St. Fairfield, CT 06824 CAS blog: ctaudubon.blogspot.com CAS Twitter: twitter.com/CTAudubon Email: skruitbosch AT ctaudubon.org www.ctaudubon.org _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: 5/15:Branford: Cerulean Warbler, Clapper Rail, Yellowlegs, Willet, 7 Purple Martins, Willow Fly From: Sunrise Birding <sunrisebirding AT aol.com> Date: Tue, 15 May 2012 09:46:37 -0400 (EDT) I tried an exercise walk this morning but ended up birding (as usual!). As I wandered down Flat Rock Road, I was surprised to hear and see Cerulean, Black-throated Green, Black-throated Blue Warblers and a few others. At the Stony Creek Trolley Trail, I had my first 2 Clapper Rails of the year as well as 2 Marsh Wrens and 7 Purple Martins using the house in the yard at the beginning of the road into the parking area. Highlights from the Trolley Trail: Clapper Rail 2 Greater Yellowlegs 1 Willet 3 Least Sandpiper 1 Eastern Wood-Pewee 2 Willow Flycatcher 1 Purple Martin 7 Marsh Wren 2 House Finch 1 The rest is on eBird. For Roy From Gina Nichol: 5/15 -- Branford, Flat Rock Road -- CERULEAN WARBLER 5/15 -- Branford, Stony Creek Trolley Trail -- 2 MARSH WRENS and 7 PURPLE MARTINS Gina Nichol Branford, CT _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Bantam Lake - White-winged Scoters From: John Marshall <johnrmarshall AT aol.com> Date: Tue, 15 May 2012 08:39:23 -0400 From John Marshall: 5/15/12 - Litchfield, White Memorial's Point Folly, Bantam Lake --13 WHITE-WINGED SCOTER John Marshall Watertown Sent from my iPhone _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: The coast From: peeplo AT aol.com Date: Tue, 15 May 2012 08:07:05 -0400 (EDT) Hi all, I scouted the coast a bit this weekend from West Haven to Branford looking for late waterfowl. Hightlights included 34 Common Loons together off from Jimmy's of Savin Rock (all but two in alternate plumage), 89 Scoter (all Surf as far as I could tell in the haze) well off shore from Linden Ave., Branford, along with 14 Long-tailed Ducks, 5 RT Loons, 2 Common Loons, and two RB Mergansers in a cove nearby. I heard several Eastern Wood Pewees singing along the coast and ran into quite a few Cedar Waxwings. If anyone is seeing any late waterfowl, white-winged gulls, lesser black-backeds, bonaparte's, Laughing, we'd love to know. We could also use reliable snipe and solitary sandpiper sites... Thanks again, everyone. We're getting psyched for the Big Day! Frank Gallo Life is short. Bird often. _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Re: CTBirds Digest, Vol 1905, Issue 2 From: Logan <logandubell AT sbcglobal.net> Date: Tue, 15 May 2012 07:41:15 -0400 Sent from my Verizon Wireless Phone ctbirds-request AT lists.ctbirding.org wrote: >Send CTBirds mailing list submissions to > ctbirds AT lists.ctbirding.org > >To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit > http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org > >or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to > ctbirds-request AT lists.ctbirding.org > >You can reach the person managing the list at > ctbirds-owner AT lists.ctbirding.org > >When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific >than "Re: Contents of CTBirds digest..." > > >*** When replying to this message please trim off the unrelated portions *** > >Today's Topics: > > 1. Active Day at Little Pond in Litchfield (Kfinnan AT aol.com) > 2. River Road -Cerulean, Worm Eating, Nashville (Mike Reese Home) > 3. Cedar Hill Cemetery (paul cianfaglione) > 4. 5/14 Nehantic SF (Daniel williams) > 5. East Rock (John Oshlick) > > >---------------------------------------------------------------------- > >Message: 1 >Date: Mon, 14 May 2012 08:24:22 -0400 (EDT) >From: Kfinnan AT aol.com >To: ctbirds AT lists.ctbirding.org >Subject: [CT Birds] Active Day at Little Pond in Litchfield >Message-ID: <806a.367b160a.3ce25376 AT aol.com> >Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII" > >>From Eileen and Kevin Finnan: >5/13 Litchfield, Little Pond -- SOLITARY SANDPIPER, BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER, 2 > BLACKPOLLS, 2 TENNESSEE WARBLERS, 3 ALDER FLYCATCHERS > >Very active for a midday walk around the pond. Also there was a Virginia >Rail, 2 Marsh Wrens and numerous B&W, Chestnut-sided, Yellow Warblers and >Yellowthroats. The Alders must be very recent arrivals. Their way-bee-o >song was distinctive. No Willow Flycatchers were evident. It's a good bet >that everything is hanging around, today. > >Kevin Finnan >Goshen > >------------------------------ > >Message: 2 >Date: Mon, 14 May 2012 08:36:18 -0400 >From: Mike Reese Home >To: "ctbirds AT lists.ctbirding.org" >Subject: [CT Birds] River Road -Cerulean, Worm Eating, Nashville >Message-ID: <45E109AD-1D1B-41ED-84AB-96D9A89703A6 AT aol.com> >Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii > >21 species of warblers at River Road in Kent on Sunday including at least 5 singing Ceruleans, Worm Eating, and Nashville. Adult Bald Eagle and Peregrine flying down housi. Other notable "expectants" include b-b cuckoo, y-t verio, orchard oriole, both water thrushes. Woods very quiet the day after. Rain blocking southern birds from arriving? > >Mike Reese > > >------------------------------ > >Message: 3 >Date: Mon, 14 May 2012 09:35:05 -0400 >From: paul cianfaglione >To: CT Lists >Subject: [CT Birds] Cedar Hill Cemetery >Message-ID: > >Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1 > >5/14 Hartford/Wethersfield, Cedar Hill Cemetery - 3 CAPE MAY WARBLER. >Found at eye level in spruces along the back powerline cut, left hand side >of cemetery. Birds were feeding in company of Blackpoll and Magnolia >Warblers. The planted spruces are all on the shorter side of height. > >Paul Cianfaglione >Canton > > >------------------------------ > >Message: 4 >Date: Mon, 14 May 2012 07:36:03 -0700 (PDT) >From: Daniel williams >To: "ctbirds AT lists.ctbirding.org" >Subject: [CT Birds] 5/14 Nehantic SF >Message-ID: <1337006163.3846.YahooMailNeo AT web39403.mail.mud.yahoo.com> >Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 > >>From Danny Williams >5/14- Nehantic State Forest- Old Lyme >18 Warbler Sp.- 1 Blackburnian Warbler, 1 singing Hooded Warbler, 1 Yellow-breasted Chat >The Chat was up the path from the third yellow gate from the Keeney Road entrance, in the same place a chat (or chats) have been seen in years past.? >Good to be home, >Danny Williams >East Lyme? > >------------------------------ > >Message: 5 >Date: Mon, 14 May 2012 08:40:37 -0700 (PDT) >From: John Oshlick >To: ctbirds AT lists.ctbirding.org >Subject: [CT Birds] East Rock >Message-ID: > <1337010037.69098.BPMail_high_carrier AT web120404.mail.ne1.yahoo.com> >Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii > > >Marginal Drive - West Haven - mult blackpoll warblers seen and heard, 1 solitary sandpiper standing in a mud puddle, 1 first year male redstart singing (female plumage) > >East Rock - 2 pewees heard, 3 swainson's thrushes seen, mult blackpoll warblers heard, 1 very cooperative tennessee warbler seen and heard. > >I found the east rock raven family. 2 fledged young seen sitting in a tree (still with some down on them) and 2 very protective parents. > >John Oshlick >Hamden > > > >------------------------------ > >_______________________________________________ >This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. >For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org > >End of CTBirds Digest, Vol 1905, Issue 2 >**************************************** _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Come see the "WOW EXPRESS" at Keney Park, Vine Street From: "Comins, Patrick" <PCOMINS AT audubon.org> Date: Tue, 15 May 2012 04:09:47 -0700 Saturday May 19th, 9am – 2pm Come see the "WOW EXPRESS" at Keney Park, Vine Street Celebration of City of Hartford Urban Bird Treaty The WOW Express is the special and colorful mobile visitor center of the Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge, which encompasses rich natural diversity of the 7.2 million acre Connecticut River watershed, which is an important migratory pathway for birds. The historic City of Hartford parkland and open spaces are significant urban bird havens along this Atlantic flyway. Every spring and fall thousands of birds fly through Hartford and along the Connecticut River corridor during the seasonal migrations. The many local native birds living in Hartford further attest to the importance of these urban environments to the well being of birds. The City of Hartford received a U.S. Fish& Wildlife Service challenge grant to improve migratory bird habitat, and to develop an educational guideline, a "Park Plant Palette" to describe bird habitat in detail. The City of Hartford is working in partnership with Trinity College Professor of Biology Dr. Joan Morrison; Park Watershed, Inc.; Parks& Recreation Advisory Commission; Friends of Keney Park, and Friends of Pope Park. To celebrate the Hartford Urban Bird Treaty, the "WOW Express" will be located in Keney Park between 9am – 2pm on Saturday, May 19th 2012 near the Ebony Horsewomen arena on Vine Street just north of the Pond House at Keney Park. Dr. Morrison will conduct a bird watching walk around Keney Park pond that will begin at 9am from the WOW Express. For a map of that area, please visit the new interactive website for City Parks: http://gis.hartford.gov/hartfordparks/index.html Patrick M. Comins Director of Bird Conservation Audubon Connecticut 185 East Flat Hill Road Southbury, CT 06488 Phone: (203)264-5098 x305 or 203-267-6732 x308 Fax: (203)264-6332 pcomins AT audubon.org http://iba.audubon.org/iba/viewState.do?state=US-CT Audubon Connecticut is on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AudubonCT Friends of Conte is on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Friends-of-the-Silvio-O-Conte-National-Fish-and-Wildlife-Refuge/121976791147545?v=wall _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Kestrel From: <pfavreau AT cox.net> Date: Mon, 14 May 2012 23:18:26 -0400 From Patrice Favreau: 5/14/12 - SouthWindsor, Ferry Lane - male Am. Kestrel on wire & hovering _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Brown thrasher From: <jayne.neville AT cox.net> Date: Mon, 14 May 2012 22:15:20 -0400 CT Birders- Yesterday early morning I woke to the wonderful song of the Brown thrasher. While for many years here at the sanctuary they were a constant presence fleshing young and coming for handouts the last few years have found them absent despite my efforts to provide suitable habitat to attract them back. Not giving up though!!! -- Jayne Jayne Neville Mount Vernon Songbird Sanctuary www.mvssanctuary.org _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Branford report From: Roy Harvey <rmharvey AT snet.net> Date: Mon, 14 May 2012 19:14:07 -0700 (PDT) Passing this along. From Cindi Kobak: 05/14/12 - Branford, East Main St. (Route 1) at intersection with Main St. and North Main St. -- BLACK VULTURE on grassy strip at side of road next to Dunkin' Donuts at 1:30pm. Very busy road, yet bird was at ease walking about in grass. Roy Harvey Beacon Falls, CT _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: The curious incident of the Catbird in the night-time From: "David Provencher" <davidprovencher AT sbcglobal.net> Date: Mon, 14 May 2012 21:13:04 -0400 With apologies to Arthur Conan-Doyle. I sleep with windows open and one of my bedroom windows faces a close forest edge. Last night I awoke at 3 AM and realized two dominant sounds could heard. One was a night singing Gray Catbird. There is much light pollution here, and males will always do silly things for females (I'm living proof) so it didn't surprise me to hear the bird singing lustily away at 3 AM. The second sound I heard could only be described as a terse, angry human sigh emanating from my downstairs. My daughter being with her mother last night meant the only one who should be able to sigh in my house was me. I quickly became concerned that someone uninvited was sharing my abode at 3 AM! So grabbing something lethal, I quickly got out of bed and prepared to head downstairs. My sudden physical reorientation change the misleading acoustics I was experiencing, and I realized this very odd sound was a randomly repeated phrase in the Catbird's song that seemed to come from inside the house when it truly wasn't. And yet all the other phrases had clearly been coming from the songster in the woods! I have never heard such an odd ventriloquial sound coming from a Catbird, and certainly have never found myself pumped with adrenalin and holding a weapon in the dark due to one singing! I'm very impressed with that bird's repertoire, but I do hope he sleeps through the night tonight. Dave Provencher Naturally New England http://naturallynewengland.blogspot.com/ _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Re: Nehantic SF info Pt2 - Long! From: "David Provencher" <davidprovencher AT sbcglobal.net> Date: Mon, 14 May 2012 20:38:54 -0400 Nice! Thanks. I do like maps myself, they are essential kit (with a compass) in back country safety. I never hike in back country without them (GPS is nice but a map can't break/have dead batteries/or fail to find a signal!) One caveat though, this map would lead the user to think the trails/forest roads are easily discernible on the ground. While this is a very good map, that's not always the case. I know the forest well from years of walking it (on trail and off) and I know some of these roads/trails are far from as easily followed as a crisply drawn map might imply. There are old paths and logging tracks that exist in the forest that don't show on the map, and that might mislead a new visitor thinking this map shows everything they will encounter. This is a very common and understandable problem and is in no way meant as a criticism. I'll print this map out and try and clearly annotate on it the route I described. I'll then scan it as a pdf again. Anyone who would like it just needs to email me directly (use my home email address in the header of this message) and I'll send it to you. Just give me a couple of days, I'll send it before the weekend. I'm in the middle of rebuilding a lady friend's son's truck engine as well as putting a long hike together in NW CT for the weekend, so I'm a tad busy this week! Dave Provencher Naturally New England http://naturallynewengland.blogspot.com/ -----Original Message----- From: ctbirds-bounces AT lists.ctbirding.org [mailto:ctbirds-bounces AT lists.ctbirding.org] On Behalf Of Jhseed AT aol.com Sent: Monday, May 14, 2012 6:55 PM To: david.f.provencher AT dom.com; ctbirds AT lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Re: [CT Birds] Nehantic SF info Pt2 - Long! This link is to the DEP map of Nehantic SF for those of us that like maps _http://www.ct.gov/dep/lib/dep/stateparks/maps/neha.pdf_ (http://www.ct.gov/dep/lib/dep/stateparks/maps/neha.pdf) _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Re: Blue-winged x Golden-winged Hybrids From: Tom de Boor <tomdb2 AT aol.com> Date: Mon, 14 May 2012 19:51:15 -0400 Thanks to everyone who replied to my query about Blue-winged x Golden-winged hybrids. Naturally, as soon as I speculated that the hybrids did not set up territories as readily as the purebreds, a recessive, the Lawrence's, set up shop in Greenwich! And on Sunday morning when my son and I traveled to the center, it was literally the first bird we saw, flying up onto a dead twig on a small tree 10 feet in front of us as soon as we got out of the car and started walking into the hawk watch area, then burst into a wispy Blue-winged song. It shortly flew off and we spent some time exploring further in, where we found it hanging out with what appeared to be a female Blue-winged that, in turn, appeared to be gathering nesting material. There were points where we thought we were seeing more than one Lawrence's back there--is that possible? Anyway, it was great to finally see one after 40 years of birding (mainly in the Midwest)--thanks again! Tom de Boor Branford, CT _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Fairchild Garden in Greenwich From: "Gilman, Ted" <TGILMAN AT audubon.org> Date: Wed, 9 May 2012 09:38:38 -0700 From Ted Gilman and Wednesday morning bird walk group: 5/9/2012 - Greenwich, Audubon Fairchild Garden - SCARLET TANAGER pair, female gathering nesting material; NORTHERN PARULA, BLACK-THROATED BLUE, BLACK-THROATED GREEN, MAGNOLIA, BLACK & WHITE, OVENBIRD, NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH, AMERICAN REDSTART, BLUE-WINGED, COMMON YELLOWTHROAT, PRAIRIE; GREAT-CRESTED FLYCATCHER; AMERICAN EGRET ( a first time in Shadow pond for me); ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK; EASTERN BLUEBIRD; VEERY, WOOD THRUSH, RED-EYED VIREO, SWAMP SPARROW. _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Re: Nehantic SF info Pt2 - Long! From: Jhseed AT aol.com Date: Mon, 14 May 2012 18:55:28 -0400 (EDT) This link is to the DEP map of Nehantic SF for those of us that like maps _http://www.ct.gov/dep/lib/dep/stateparks/maps/neha.pdf_ (http://www.ct.gov/dep/lib/dep/stateparks/maps/neha.pdf) In a message dated 5/14/2012 2:52:43 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, david.f.provencher AT dom.com writes: The Nehantic SF forest track and Blue blazed trails from the gravel parking area at the eastern end of the forest's Keeny Road: This loop is about 4 miles but can be shortened (Why would you do That!). At the gravel parking area (Blue Corporals can be found here as well by the way) a forest track (old forest road) and Blue blazed trail offers profitable birding and hiking. Heading in along the old forest track (through the yellow gate) you will hear Blue-winged Warbler by day and Whippoorwill by night. Eastern Towhees will be very much in evidence as well as Great Crested Flycatcher. Very quickly you will come to an extensive beaver swamp on the left that empties across/under the gravel track and flows off to the right. This swamp may have migrant Olive-sided Flycatcher, Wilson's Warbler, and often other goodies such as Nashville Warbler. White-eyed Vireo used to be found here and may be again. Right after the swamp a large gravel pit is one the right. Pine Warblers and Chipping Sparrows can be found here and Woodcocks display here. The area is hunted by Barred Owls at night while a Chuckwillswidow spent two years in the area in the recent past. Staying on the track, which alternates between gravel and grass for a bit, you will pass a narrow open cut-over track on the left resembling a gasline cut. Prairie Warbler and Chestnut-sided Warbler are here, as well as Woodcocks. Continuing further you will for a while hear and see a stream on the left, Louisiana Waterthrush can be heard here. I once found a Kentucky Warbler along this stretch as well. At about ½ of a mile in you will find a large square-ish area on the left that was cut over about 5 or more years ago. It is reverting now. Another track heads off to the left. NOTE this spot: if you take a left here it is a short cut to the large beaver swamp complex I will mention later. This area once had Hooded Warblers on both sides, one of which sang a very atypical song. Now it has Blue-winged mainly (and a Prairie) but the reverting habitat is good for migrant Mourning Warbler and I just recently found a Singing Canada Warbler here even though the habitat is dry. Staying straight (NOT taking the left track/short cut I just mentioned that is) you will come to an area (mostly on the right) that slopes gently away and that was cut about 8 to 10 years ago. You should hear a Blue-winged Warbler doing a Golden-winged Warbler-like (not exactly though) song. Migrant Nashville Warbler can sometimes be found here. As you continue on the track starts to bear to the left. Listen for Hooded Warblers as you go. There are currently two territories along here. You may have to walk in after them as they are often not near the path. A very old track heads sharply to the left here (very easy to not notice it but you don't want to go that way anyway) and the way you want to go is to the right. The path will then (at about 1 mile in from the parking area) turn sharply left and ascend a hill/ridge line. Take this more dominant path left and head up, Do NOT go straight on the narrower little used path here (you can if you wish of course but it isn't part of this discussion). As the path heads up hill you will pass through an area that always has Ovenbirds, Wood Thrush, and Rose-breasted Grosbeak. You may have Yellow-billed Cuckoos and Great Crested Flycatchers as well but it is very mature forest (for CT) and has a limited number of species. Stay on this path (ignore the barely noticeable left hand fork) for another ½ to ¾ of a mile (ascending and descending) and you will hit an area of very obvious logging that has occurred very recently. You will briefly leave the state land here. The logged area is private but not posted. The logged area is too fresh for new growth but offers an interesting break in the habitat. I had a number of Parulas singing here one day last week. No doubt Woodcock will be here next year and I bet Whippoorwill will sing here if they are out this way (I haven't checked). Stay on the freshly bulldozed road, though you can explore the logged area of course, I do. Visible below the logged area is a large wooded swamp with Tree and Barn Swallows as well as Phoebe etc. Walk down the road a bit towards the swamp (freshly muddied and churned from the logging) you will come to a sharp left (yellow gate) that takes you back into state lands along a lightly used grass road/path. Walk past/under the gate and you will gradually ascend with a stream gurgling off to the right. You will soon find a blue-green port-a-potty in the middle of the woods (what! A port-a-potty in the woods?). I have never looked in so I don't know if you can use it! At this rest facility (isn't the whole forest a rest facility?) a forest road will head off to the right crossing the stream, do NOT take it though. When you find the port-a-potty you will be right in the middle of an Acadian Flycatcher's territory. You will hear its "Peet-SA" call if you wait long enough. Continue past the port-a-potty and along the path (ignore the left fork that you shortly encounter) and you come to the beaver swamp complex that the stream empties from. All along this stream/swamp area you may here Louisiana Waterthrush. At the swamp you will find Eastern Kingbird, Great Crested Flycatcher, Baltimore Oriole, Pileated Woodpecker, four other Woodpecker species, Eastern Phoebe, Red-winged Blackbird, Grackle, Red-shouldered and Red-tailed Hawks, Tree Swallows, and others. I have found Red-headed Woodpecker here and it is superb habitat for stopover Olive-sided Flycatcher. As you walk along the road with the swamp on your right (Wood Ducks breed here) you will come to a tee intersection of old forest roads where the swamp finally ends. Turn right. NOTE: Here, the left fork (well pretty much straight ahead really) is the short cut I mentioned earlier. So if you go back in this description and TAKE that left/short cut I mentioned it will bring you here to the swamp area much faster than following the whole route. Continuing on the route I take will mean taking the right turn I just mentioned at this intersection. It swings around the head of the swamp, descending briefly to another outlet stream. Cross this stream (There is a tiny foot bridge just a little upstream if you don't have waterproof hiking boots) and ascend up the wide but old forest road keeping the swamp on your right. Watch VERY carefully on the left (about 50 yards after the stream) for the Blue Blazed Trail heading into the forest. It is well worn but narrow and inconspicuous, so watch carefully. Follow the blue-blazed trail all the way back to the parking area by ALWAYS staying left at any trail forks (there are two or three I think, each with signs). This trail will take you through some varied habitat. As you go you will come across an east facing descending slope much bathed in sunlight and showing evidence of selective logging some years ago. Here you will hear another Hooded Warbler, Prairie Warbler, and Blue-winged Warblers. Keep trucking and winding until you pass the large glacial erratic on your right and you will be pretty much back at the car. This is a VERY cursory description forest and a limited list of the species you will encounter. The one thing you will notice in this forest is that it will seem the very center of the world's population of Worm-eating Warblers! You should hear Cuckoos (nearly all will be Yellow-billed), Orioles, Wood Thrush, Veery, an occasional Hermit Thrush, MANY red-eyed Vireos, a Yellow-throated Vireo or three, and many other forest denizens. If you see someone walking way too fast to be properly birding but with binoculars in hand, that will probably be me. Good Luck! David Provencher CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This electronic message contains information which may be legally confidential and/or privileged and does not in any case represent a firm ENERGY COMMODITY bid or offer relating thereto which binds the sender without an additional express written confirmation to that effect. The information is intended solely for the individual or entity named above and access by anyone else is unauthorized. If you are not the intended recipient, any disclosure, copying, distribution, or use of the contents of this information is prohibited and may be unlawful. If you have received this electronic transmission in error, please reply immediately to the sender that you have received the message in error, and delete it. Thank you. _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Solitary & Bald Eagle From: <pfavreau AT cox.net> Date: Mon, 14 May 2012 18:05:59 -0400 From Patrice Favreau: 5/14/12 - SouthWindsor, Strong Rd at Podunk bridge - 1 Solitary Sandpiper which then flew across Pierce Rd to Desmond's Pond. Station 43 Newberry Rd - 1 imm. Bald Eagle flyover -- Patrice F. _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Monday may 15 From: jubiladodz AT comcast.net Date: Mon, 14 May 2012 22:03:32 +0000 (UTC) Olaf Saltau /David Zomick Highlights Kent- River road : black - billed cuckoo Steep Rock Preserve:Blackburnian warbler Schaghticoke Rd Roosting nighthawk ,Thanks so much to,Tina, Sara, Denise . Jim & P enny _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Blackburnian warbler, New Haven From: Mark Scott <tillercat AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 14 May 2012 14:59:33 -0700 (PDT) From Mark Scott: 5/14/12 -- New Haven yard -- SWAINSON'S THRUSH, BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER among eight warbler species including several yellow-rumpeds _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Hartman Park From: Janet Mehmel <janmehmel AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 14 May 2012 17:45:17 -0400 5/14/12 - - Old Lyme, Hartman Park - CERULEAN and WORM-EATING WARBLERS at the parking lot! Also many LEAST FLYCATCHERS, YELLOW-THROATED VIREOS, VEERY, SWAINSON'S and WOOD THRUSH. I got very lucky and found a female RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD building a nest. janet mehmel guilford _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Re: Nehantic SF info Pt2 - Long! From: Roy Harvey <rmharvey AT snet.net> Date: Mon, 14 May 2012 14:15:13 -0700 (PDT) Thanks Dave for a great review of where to bird in Nehantic! For those who read CTBirds at birdingonthe.net you will find a few unreadable characters where distances given as fractions should be. (I do, at any rate.) Note that if you look in the official CTBirds archive these messages display (again, at least for me) correctly. This is all an artifact of different character sets/fonts. Roy Harvey Beacon Falls, CT --- On Mon, 5/14/12, David F Provencher wrote: > From: David F Provencher > Subject: [CT Birds] Nehantic SF info Pt2 - Long! > To: "CTBirds" > Date: Monday, May 14, 2012, 2:52 PM > The Nehantic SF  forest track > and Blue blazed trails from the gravel parking area at the > eastern end of the forest's Keeny Road: > > This loop is about 4 miles but can be shortened (Why would > you do That!). At the gravel parking area (Blue Corporals > can be found here as well by the way) a forest track (old > forest road) and Blue blazed trail offers profitable birding > and hiking. Heading in along the old forest track (through > the yellow gate) you will hear Blue-winged Warbler by day > and Whippoorwill by night. Eastern Towhees will be very much > in evidence as well as Great Crested Flycatcher. Very > quickly you will come to an extensive beaver swamp on the > left that empties across/under the gravel track and flows > off to the right. This swamp may have migrant Olive-sided > Flycatcher, Wilson's Warbler, and often other goodies such > as Nashville Warbler. White-eyed Vireo used to be found here > and may be again. Right after the swamp a large gravel pit > is one the right. Pine Warblers and Chipping Sparrows can be > found here and Woodcocks display here. The area is hunted by > Barred Owls at night while a Chuckwillswidow spent two years > in the area in the recent past. > > Staying on the track, which alternates between gravel and > grass for a bit, you will pass a narrow open cut-over track > on the left resembling a gasline cut. Prairie Warbler and > Chestnut-sided Warbler are here, as well as Woodcocks. > Continuing further you will for a while hear and see a > stream on the left, Louisiana Waterthrush can be heard here. > I once found a Kentucky Warbler along this stretch as well. > > At about ½ of a mile in you will find a large square-ish > area on the left that was cut over about 5 or more years > ago. It is reverting now. Another track heads off to the > left. NOTE this spot: if you take a left here it is a short > cut to the large beaver swamp complex I will mention later. > This area once had Hooded Warblers on both sides, one of > which sang a very atypical song. Now it has Blue-winged > mainly (and a Prairie) but the reverting habitat is good for > migrant Mourning Warbler and I just recently found a Singing > Canada Warbler here even though the habitat is dry. > > Staying straight (NOT taking the left track/short cut I just > mentioned that is) you will come to an area (mostly on the > right) that slopes gently away and that was cut about 8 to > 10 years ago. You should hear a Blue-winged Warbler doing a > Golden-winged Warbler-like (not exactly though) song. > Migrant Nashville Warbler can sometimes be found here. As > you continue on the track starts to bear to the left. Listen > for Hooded Warblers as you go. There are currently two > territories along here. You may have to walk in after them > as they are often not near the path. A very old track heads > sharply to the left here (very easy to not notice it but you > don't want to go that way anyway) and the way you want to go > is to the right. The path will then (at about 1 mile in from > the parking area) turn sharply left and ascend a hill/ridge > line. Take this more dominant path left and head up, Do NOT > go straight on the narrower little used path here (you can > if you wish of course but it isn't part of this discussion). > As the path heads up hill you will pass through an area that > always has Ovenbirds, Wood Thrush, and Rose-breasted > Grosbeak. You may have Yellow-billed Cuckoos and Great > Crested Flycatchers as well but it is very mature forest > (for CT) and has a limited number of species. Stay on this > path (ignore the barely noticeable left hand fork) for > another ½ to ¾ of a mile (ascending and descending) and > you will hit an area of very obvious logging that has > occurred very recently. You will briefly leave the state > land here. The logged area is private but not posted. The > logged area is too fresh for new growth but offers an > interesting break in the habitat. I had a number of Parulas > singing here one day last week. No doubt Woodcock will be > here next year and I bet Whippoorwill will sing here if they > are out this way (I haven't checked). Stay on the freshly > bulldozed road, though you can explore the logged area of > course, I do. > > Visible below the logged area is a large wooded swamp with > Tree and Barn Swallows as well as Phoebe etc. Walk down the > road a bit towards the swamp (freshly muddied and churned > from the logging) you will come to a sharp left (yellow > gate) that takes you back into state lands along a lightly > used grass road/path. Walk past/under the gate and you will > gradually ascend with a stream gurgling off to the right. > You will soon find a blue-green port-a-potty in the middle > of the woods (what! A port-a-potty in the woods?). I have > never looked in so I don't know if you can use it! At this > rest facility (isn't the whole forest a rest facility?) a > forest road will head off to the right crossing the stream, > do NOT take it though. When you find the port-a-potty you > will be right in the middle of an Acadian Flycatcher's > territory. You will hear its "Peet-SA" call if you wait long > enough. Continue past the port-a-potty and along the path > (ignore the left fork that you shortly encounter) and you > come to the beaver swamp complex that the stream empties > from. All along this stream/swamp area you may here > Louisiana Waterthrush. At the swamp you will find Eastern > Kingbird, Great Crested Flycatcher, Baltimore Oriole, > Pileated Woodpecker, four other Woodpecker species, Eastern > Phoebe, Red-winged Blackbird, Grackle, Red-shouldered and > Red-tailed Hawks, Tree Swallows, and others. I have found > Red-headed Woodpecker here and it is superb habitat for > stopover Olive-sided Flycatcher. As you walk along the road > with the swamp on your right (Wood Ducks breed here) you > will come to a tee intersection of old forest roads where > the swamp finally ends. Turn right. NOTE: Here, the left > fork (well pretty much straight ahead really) is the short > cut I mentioned earlier. So if you go back in this > description and TAKE that left/short cut I mentioned it will > bring you here to the swamp area much faster than following > the whole route. > > Continuing on the route I take will mean taking the right > turn I just mentioned at this intersection. It swings around > the head of the swamp, descending briefly to another outlet > stream.  Cross this stream (There is a tiny foot bridge > just a little upstream if you don't have waterproof hiking > boots) and ascend up the wide but old forest road keeping > the swamp on your right. Watch VERY carefully on the left > (about 50 yards after the stream) for the Blue Blazed Trail > heading into the forest. It is well worn but narrow and > inconspicuous, so watch carefully. Follow the blue-blazed > trail all the way back to the parking area by ALWAYS staying > left at any trail forks (there are two or three I think, > each with signs). This trail will take you through some > varied habitat. As you go you will come across an east > facing descending slope much bathed in sunlight and showing > evidence of selective logging some years ago. Here you will > hear another Hooded Warbler, Prairie Warbler, and > Blue-winged Warblers. Keep trucking and winding until you > pass the large glacial erratic on your right and you will be > pretty much back at the car. > > This is a VERY cursory description forest and a limited list > of the species you will encounter. The one thing you will > notice in this forest is that it will seem the very center > of the world's population of Worm-eating Warblers! You > should hear Cuckoos (nearly all will be Yellow-billed), > Orioles, Wood Thrush, Veery, an occasional Hermit Thrush, > MANY red-eyed Vireos, a Yellow-throated Vireo or three, and > many other forest denizens. If you see someone walking way > too fast to be properly birding but with binoculars in hand, > that will probably be me. Good Luck! > > David Provencher > _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Little Pond Litchfield From: Paul Desjardins <paul.desjardins2 AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 14 May 2012 17:03:19 -0400 Saw 1 and heard 2 more Alder Flycatchers and saw 1 Wllow Flycatcher this morning. Also 1 Greater Yellowlegs. first year male Orchard Oriole and 1 Bobolink. _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Mfd Blackpoll, Blackburnian From: Stephen Spector <charsjs AT sbcglobal.net> Date: Mon, 14 May 2012 10:24:55 -0700 (PDT) From Charla & Steve Spector: 5/14/12 Milford, Eisenhower Park, Blackburnian, Blackpoll, Blue-winged Warblers singing in large oak next to parking lot AM, charsjs AT sbcglobal.net _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: hotspots From: "claudia longmore" <cllongmore AT cox.net> Date: Mon, 14 May 2012 16:01:19 -0400 Would it be too much work to have this info (as well as other ct places such as rocky hill meadows when they are posted) added to the Hartford Audubon website under the hotspots link ? then we wouldn't have to search back thru old posts and / or keep requesting the info ? tks for the consideration . Claudia longmore wethersfield -----Original Message----- From: ctbirds-bounces AT lists.ctbirding.org [mailto:ctbirds-bounces AT lists.ctbirding.org] On Behalf Of David F Provencher Sent: Monday, May 14, 2012 1:30 PM To: CTBirds Subject: [CT Birds] Nehantic SF info Pt1 - Long! I've recently been asked by quite a number of people on the list for info about birding Nehantic State Forest in Lyme. Rather than respond to all separately, I'm posting this to the list. There are a few of us who know the forest pretty well birding-wise. I have turned up a few good birds in the forest over the years, as have others, and this is due to its proximity to the CT River and to the advantage of having a decent ear for birdsong. The point is, the forest is not an unusually birdy place, it is no more birdy than many other southern CT forest tracts. When I bird the forest I tend to spend a lot of time covering much ground on foot ("If I could not walk far and fast, I think I should just explode and perish" - Dickens). Still, the forest road itself can be pretty productive. I'm going to give info relevant to May/June birding only. The forest road (Keeny): The forest road can be entered either from Keeny Road off Beaver Brook Road (which intersects CT Rte 156 about 1.5 to 2 miles) south of Rte 82, or directly from Rte 156 about 3 or 4 miles south of the Rte 156/Beaver Brook Road intersection. The following is a brief (believe it or not) discussion based on entering directly from Rte 156: The forest road (really the forest road is Keeny Road all the way through the forest) quickly takes you into forest interior habitat. I have often had north bound migrant Warblers in the first hundred to two hundred meters of the road. Hooded Warbler used to breed along this stretch and may again. You will soon come to an old planned burn area on the north side of the road. This area used to have a Brewster's Warbler for a few years. If you walk the burn area to the low northern edge you should hear Northern Waterthrush and an occasional migrant Canada Warbler. A little further along the road you will cross a forest stream. Hear you will hear many typical species, as well as an occasional Mourning Warbler. Swamp Sparrows breed here. As you progress you should listen for Louisiana Waterthrush at any small watercourse. A right hand fork will take you (south side) to Uncas Pond boat ramp. This road is skirted by swamp and migrants are often lurking here, such as Wilson's Warbler. I have always thought this would be a superb spot to find a Swainson's Warbler! Pine Warbler can be heard in the large Pines here. I once found a roving female Prothonotary right at the boat ramp in early July. For dragonfly aficionados, the rare Blue Corporal and Little Bluets can often be found right at the boat ramp. Heading further along the forest road (you WILL find Worm-eating Warblers along the road. Very common in this forest) takes you to the Norwich Pond boat ramp road. This access road quickly drops down in elevation. At the boat ramp there is a little swampy area that can have Wilson's Warbler or Canada Warbler. Migrant Parulas seem to like this area. As you drive the forest road you should stop and listen frequently. I have turned up two Summer Tanagers here over the years. Ovenbirds will be heard everywhere. There is currently a Cerulean on territory along the middle stretch of the road, best found by listening for its song. Past the Norwich Pond road you will come to a small swamp on the north side of the road. Louisiana Waterthrush can usually be heard along the back side of the pond. Along this stretch of the road Northern Waterthrush can be heard, though distantly, at low lying areas. More Pine Warblers may be found in the White Pine stands. At one point, as you have driven through most of the forest, you will find a clear cut area on your right, cut about two or three years ago. This reverting area now holds Prairie Warbler and Indigo Bunting, as well as a Yellow-breasted Chat very recently (See Danny Williams recent post). It should attract White-eyed Vireo in a year or two. Just after this cut area you will drop down to an open swamp/pond on both sides of the road. Prothonotary Warbler has been found here a number of times and Bluebirds and Tree Swallows should be in evidence. Yellow-throated Vireos (fairly common in the forest) can usually be heard here. As you leave the swamp/pond area you will come to a yellow gate on the left. This area was cut about 10 to 15 years ago and is now grown too high for Prairie Warbler (which used to be here) but it marks the area along the forest road that harbors Whippoorwills. Acadian Flycatcher was here for a couple of years and if you walk the path through the gate and the Pines you should turn up Louisiana Waterthrush. Cerulean Warbler can sometimes be found at the crest of the hill above the reverting area but you will have to bushwack to get there. For herp lovers, I have found Earthworm Snake at this location as well. As you leave this spot you will immediately enter more pines with Pine Warblers. Just after that you will come to the gravel parking area which is just in the forest from the Beaver Brook Road/Keeny Road intersection (east) side. At this parking area a forest tract and Blue blazed trails head into the forest. This is where I usually start hiking. Whippoorwills can be heard from this parking area and a few years ago a Chuckwillswidow was here, one of only two I have ever seen in CT. I will discuss the forest tract and trails in part 2. As you leave the forest the road turns from gravel to pavement at a residence. There will be a beaver pond on your right shortly, and the outflow flows under the road. I have found Prothonotary here as well. But only once. You are now out of the forest. There are many species you will find along the road that I did not mention of course. David Provencher CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This electronic message contains information which may be legally confidential and/or privileged and does not in any case represent a firm ENERGY COMMODITY bid or offer relating thereto which binds the sender without an additional express written confirmation to that effect. The information is intended solely for the individual or entity named above and access by anyone else is unauthorized. If you are not the intended recipient, any disclosure, copying, distribution, or use of the contents of this information is prohibited and may be unlawful. If you have received this electronic transmission in error, please reply immediately to the sender that you have received the message in error, and delete it. Thank you. _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org ----- No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2012.0.2171 / Virus Database: 2425/4998 - Release Date: 05/14/12 _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Re: Tri-colored Heron - No From: Jo-Anne Roberts <jmrcnslt AT hotmail.com> Date: Mon, 14 May 2012 15:30:24 -0400 I took a ride out this afternoon between 1 and 2 pm on Mon., May 14. No sighting of the Tri-color. Overcast with light sprinkles coming down. 21 Canada Geese and only a handful of goslings. Couldn't get a definitive number since they were mostly hidden by the grass. Jo-AnneMansfield Center > To: ctbirds AT lists.ctbirding.org > From: pjdegennaro AT aol.com > Date: Sun, 13 May 2012 20:50:43 -0400 > Subject: [CT Birds] Tri-colored Heron - No > > 5/13 - No heron at Cabela's around 6:00 pm; might be gone for good or just left for the moment > > > Peter DeGennaro > Naugatuck > _______________________________________________ > This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. > For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Re: Nehantic SF info Pt2 - Long! From: David F Provencher <david.f.provencher AT dom.com> Date: Mon, 14 May 2012 15:17:35 -0400 I should have more clearly stated (to avoid confusion) that part 2 of the Nehantic post is done entirely on foot. No vehicle access, though you could use a horse! You wouldn't be the first. David Provencher CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This electronic message contains information which may be legally confidential and/or privileged and does not in any case represent a firm ENERGY COMMODITY bid or offer relating thereto which binds the sender without an additional express written confirmation to that effect. The information is intended solely for the individual or entity named above and access by anyone else is unauthorized. If you are not the intended recipient, any disclosure, copying, distribution, or use of the contents of this information is prohibited and may be unlawful. If you have received this electronic transmission in error, please reply immediately to the sender that you have received the message in error, and delete it. Thank you. _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Nehantic SF info Pt2 - Long! From: David F Provencher <david.f.provencher AT dom.com> Date: Mon, 14 May 2012 14:52:33 -0400 The Nehantic SF forest track and Blue blazed trails from the gravel parking area at the eastern end of the forest's Keeny Road: This loop is about 4 miles but can be shortened (Why would you do That!). At the gravel parking area (Blue Corporals can be found here as well by the way) a forest track (old forest road) and Blue blazed trail offers profitable birding and hiking. Heading in along the old forest track (through the yellow gate) you will hear Blue-winged Warbler by day and Whippoorwill by night. Eastern Towhees will be very much in evidence as well as Great Crested Flycatcher. Very quickly you will come to an extensive beaver swamp on the left that empties across/under the gravel track and flows off to the right. This swamp may have migrant Olive-sided Flycatcher, Wilson's Warbler, and often other goodies such as Nashville Warbler. White-eyed Vireo used to be found here and may be again. Right after the swamp a large gravel pit is one the right. Pine Warblers and Chipping Sparrows can be found here and Woodcocks display here. The area is hunted by Barred Owls at night while a Chuckwillswidow spent two years in the area in the recent past. Staying on the track, which alternates between gravel and grass for a bit, you will pass a narrow open cut-over track on the left resembling a gasline cut. Prairie Warbler and Chestnut-sided Warbler are here, as well as Woodcocks. Continuing further you will for a while hear and see a stream on the left, Louisiana Waterthrush can be heard here. I once found a Kentucky Warbler along this stretch as well. At about ½ of a mile in you will find a large square-ish area on the left that was cut over about 5 or more years ago. It is reverting now. Another track heads off to the left. NOTE this spot: if you take a left here it is a short cut to the large beaver swamp complex I will mention later. This area once had Hooded Warblers on both sides, one of which sang a very atypical song. Now it has Blue-winged mainly (and a Prairie) but the reverting habitat is good for migrant Mourning Warbler and I just recently found a Singing Canada Warbler here even though the habitat is dry. Staying straight (NOT taking the left track/short cut I just mentioned that is) you will come to an area (mostly on the right) that slopes gently away and that was cut about 8 to 10 years ago. You should hear a Blue-winged Warbler doing a Golden-winged Warbler-like (not exactly though) song. Migrant Nashville Warbler can sometimes be found here. As you continue on the track starts to bear to the left. Listen for Hooded Warblers as you go. There are currently two territories along here. You may have to walk in after them as they are often not near the path. A very old track heads sharply to the left here (very easy to not notice it but you don't want to go that way anyway) and the way you want to go is to the right. The path will then (at about 1 mile in from the parking area) turn sharply left and ascend a hill/ridge line. Take this more dominant path left and head up, Do NOT go straight on the narrower little used path here (you can if you wish of course but it isn't part of this discussion). As the path heads up hill you will pass through an area that always has Ovenbirds, Wood Thrush, and Rose-breasted Grosbeak. You may have Yellow-billed Cuckoos and Great Crested Flycatchers as well but it is very mature forest (for CT) and has a limited number of species. Stay on this path (ignore the barely noticeable left hand fork) for another ½ to ¾ of a mile (ascending and descending) and you will hit an area of very obvious logging that has occurred very recently. You will briefly leave the state land here. The logged area is private but not posted. The logged area is too fresh for new growth but offers an interesting break in the habitat. I had a number of Parulas singing here one day last week. No doubt Woodcock will be here next year and I bet Whippoorwill will sing here if they are out this way (I haven't checked). Stay on the freshly bulldozed road, though you can explore the logged area of course, I do. Visible below the logged area is a large wooded swamp with Tree and Barn Swallows as well as Phoebe etc. Walk down the road a bit towards the swamp (freshly muddied and churned from the logging) you will come to a sharp left (yellow gate) that takes you back into state lands along a lightly used grass road/path. Walk past/under the gate and you will gradually ascend with a stream gurgling off to the right. You will soon find a blue-green port-a-potty in the middle of the woods (what! A port-a-potty in the woods?). I have never looked in so I don't know if you can use it! At this rest facility (isn't the whole forest a rest facility?) a forest road will head off to the right crossing the stream, do NOT take it though. When you find the port-a-potty you will be right in the middle of an Acadian Flycatcher's territory. You will hear its "Peet-SA" call if you wait long enough. Continue past the port-a-potty and along the path (ignore the left fork that you shortly encounter) and you come to the beaver swamp complex that the stream empties from. All along this stream/swamp area you may here Louisiana Waterthrush. At the swamp you will find Eastern Kingbird, Great Crested Flycatcher, Baltimore Oriole, Pileated Woodpecker, four other Woodpecker species, Eastern Phoebe, Red-winged Blackbird, Grackle, Red-shouldered and Red-tailed Hawks, Tree Swallows, and others. I have found Red-headed Woodpecker here and it is superb habitat for stopover Olive-sided Flycatcher. As you walk along the road with the swamp on your right (Wood Ducks breed here) you will come to a tee intersection of old forest roads where the swamp finally ends. Turn right. NOTE: Here, the left fork (well pretty much straight ahead really) is the short cut I mentioned earlier. So if you go back in this description and TAKE that left/short cut I mentioned it will bring you here to the swamp area much faster than following the whole route. Continuing on the route I take will mean taking the right turn I just mentioned at this intersection. It swings around the head of the swamp, descending briefly to another outlet stream. Cross this stream (There is a tiny foot bridge just a little upstream if you don't have waterproof hiking boots) and ascend up the wide but old forest road keeping the swamp on your right. Watch VERY carefully on the left (about 50 yards after the stream) for the Blue Blazed Trail heading into the forest. It is well worn but narrow and inconspicuous, so watch carefully. Follow the blue-blazed trail all the way back to the parking area by ALWAYS staying left at any trail forks (there are two or three I think, each with signs). This trail will take you through some varied habitat. As you go you will come across an east facing descending slope much bathed in sunlight and showing evidence of selective logging some years ago. Here you will hear another Hooded Warbler, Prairie Warbler, and Blue-winged Warblers. Keep trucking and winding until you pass the large glacial erratic on your right and you will be pretty much back at the car. This is a VERY cursory description forest and a limited list of the species you will encounter. The one thing you will notice in this forest is that it will seem the very center of the world's population of Worm-eating Warblers! You should hear Cuckoos (nearly all will be Yellow-billed), Orioles, Wood Thrush, Veery, an occasional Hermit Thrush, MANY red-eyed Vireos, a Yellow-throated Vireo or three, and many other forest denizens. If you see someone walking way too fast to be properly birding but with binoculars in hand, that will probably be me. Good Luck! David Provencher CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This electronic message contains information which may be legally confidential and/or privileged and does not in any case represent a firm ENERGY COMMODITY bid or offer relating thereto which binds the sender without an additional express written confirmation to that effect. The information is intended solely for the individual or entity named above and access by anyone else is unauthorized. If you are not the intended recipient, any disclosure, copying, distribution, or use of the contents of this information is prohibited and may be unlawful. If you have received this electronic transmission in error, please reply immediately to the sender that you have received the message in error, and delete it. Thank you. _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: East Hartford & Glastonbury Monday From: Dana Campbell <dana.l.campbell AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 14 May 2012 14:22:25 -0400 5/14/12 - East Hartford backyard - singing BT Green all day. Glastonbury - 2 BOBOLINK males in field off Country Club Rd., singing Field Sparrows and Least Flycatchers (among others) on Clark Hill Rd. A beautiful morning even though my Chat has moved on. -- Dana Campbell, Interim Rector St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, Meriden dana.l.campbell AT gmail.com "God writes the gospel not in the Bible alone, but on trees, and flowers, and clouds, and stars." Martin Luther _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Nehantic SF info Pt1 - Long! From: David F Provencher <david.f.provencher AT dom.com> Date: Mon, 14 May 2012 13:30:29 -0400 I've recently been asked by quite a number of people on the list for info about birding Nehantic State Forest in Lyme. Rather than respond to all separately, I'm posting this to the list. There are a few of us who know the forest pretty well birding-wise. I have turned up a few good birds in the forest over the years, as have others, and this is due to its proximity to the CT River and to the advantage of having a decent ear for birdsong. The point is, the forest is not an unusually birdy place, it is no more birdy than many other southern CT forest tracts. When I bird the forest I tend to spend a lot of time covering much ground on foot ("If I could not walk far and fast, I think I should just explode and perish" - Dickens). Still, the forest road itself can be pretty productive. I'm going to give info relevant to May/June birding only. The forest road (Keeny): The forest road can be entered either from Keeny Road off Beaver Brook Road (which intersects CT Rte 156 about 1.5 to 2 miles) south of Rte 82, or directly from Rte 156 about 3 or 4 miles south of the Rte 156/Beaver Brook Road intersection. The following is a brief (believe it or not) discussion based on entering directly from Rte 156: The forest road (really the forest road is Keeny Road all the way through the forest) quickly takes you into forest interior habitat. I have often had north bound migrant Warblers in the first hundred to two hundred meters of the road. Hooded Warbler used to breed along this stretch and may again. You will soon come to an old planned burn area on the north side of the road. This area used to have a Brewster's Warbler for a few years. If you walk the burn area to the low northern edge you should hear Northern Waterthrush and an occasional migrant Canada Warbler. A little further along the road you will cross a forest stream. Hear you will hear many typical species, as well as an occasional Mourning Warbler. Swamp Sparrows breed here. As you progress you should listen for Louisiana Waterthrush at any small watercourse. A right hand fork will take you (south side) to Uncas Pond boat ramp. This road is skirted by swamp and migrants are often lurking here, such as Wilson's Warbler. I have always thought this would be a superb spot to find a Swainson's Warbler! Pine Warbler can be heard in the large Pines here. I once found a roving female Prothonotary right at the boat ramp in early July. For dragonfly aficionados, the rare Blue Corporal and Little Bluets can often be found right at the boat ramp. Heading further along the forest road (you WILL find Worm-eating Warblers along the road. Very common in this forest) takes you to the Norwich Pond boat ramp road. This access road quickly drops down in elevation. At the boat ramp there is a little swampy area that can have Wilson's Warbler or Canada Warbler. Migrant Parulas seem to like this area. As you drive the forest road you should stop and listen frequently. I have turned up two Summer Tanagers here over the years. Ovenbirds will be heard everywhere. There is currently a Cerulean on territory along the middle stretch of the road, best found by listening for its song. Past the Norwich Pond road you will come to a small swamp on the north side of the road. Louisiana Waterthrush can usually be heard along the back side of the pond. Along this stretch of the road Northern Waterthrush can be heard, though distantly, at low lying areas. More Pine Warblers may be found in the White Pine stands. At one point, as you have driven through most of the forest, you will find a clear cut area on your right, cut about two or three years ago. This reverting area now holds Prairie Warbler and Indigo Bunting, as well as a Yellow-breasted Chat very recently (See Danny Williams recent post). It should attract White-eyed Vireo in a year or two. Just after this cut area you will drop down to an open swamp/pond on both sides of the road. Prothonotary Warbler has been found here a number of times and Bluebirds and Tree Swallows should be in evidence. Yellow-throated Vireos (fairly common in the forest) can usually be heard here. As you leave the swamp/pond area you will come to a yellow gate on the left. This area was cut about 10 to 15 years ago and is now grown too high for Prairie Warbler (which used to be here) but it marks the area along the forest road that harbors Whippoorwills. Acadian Flycatcher was here for a couple of years and if you walk the path through the gate and the Pines you should turn up Louisiana Waterthrush. Cerulean Warbler can sometimes be found at the crest of the hill above the reverting area but you will have to bushwack to get there. For herp lovers, I have found Earthworm Snake at this location as well. As you leave this spot you will immediately enter more pines with Pine Warblers. Just after that you will come to the gravel parking area which is just in the forest from the Beaver Brook Road/Keeny Road intersection (east) side. At this parking area a forest tract and Blue blazed trails head into the forest. This is where I usually start hiking. Whippoorwills can be heard from this parking area and a few years ago a Chuckwillswidow was here, one of only two I have ever seen in CT. I will discuss the forest tract and trails in part 2. As you leave the forest the road turns from gravel to pavement at a residence. There will be a beaver pond on your right shortly, and the outflow flows under the road. I have found Prothonotary here as well. But only once. You are now out of the forest. There are many species you will find along the road that I did not mention of course. David Provencher CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This electronic message contains information which may be legally confidential and/or privileged and does not in any case represent a firm ENERGY COMMODITY bid or offer relating thereto which binds the sender without an additional express written confirmation to that effect. The information is intended solely for the individual or entity named above and access by anyone else is unauthorized. If you are not the intended recipient, any disclosure, copying, distribution, or use of the contents of this information is prohibited and may be unlawful. If you have received this electronic transmission in error, please reply immediately to the sender that you have received the message in error, and delete it. Thank you. _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: WT Buy: Swarovski/Kowa Spotting Scope From: Robert DeCandido PhD <rdcny AT earthlink.net> Date: Mon, 14 May 2012 13:29:23 -0400 Does anyone have a fine shape spotting scope made by Swarovski, Kowa, Nikon or Zeiss - and wants to sell? I ask because my colleagues in Nepal are in desperate need of one for a long-term migration study of Steppe Eagles and other raptors in the foothills of the Himalayan Mountains - see photos here: http://photo.net/photodb/folder?folder_id=1021128 double-clicking on most of the photos will enlarge them significantly. This watch site gets the greatest number of Steppe Eagles in the world - as well as up to 6 species of globally endangered vultures such as Red-headed Vulture, White-rumped - and others including Lammergeier and Black (Cinereous) Vulture. Nepal is also one of the poorest nations on earth. Anyway, we have raised modest funds to purchase a spotting scope - we need the 80mm version or larger. We also need a zoom eyepiece in the (approx) 20-60x range. My colleagues will use your scope to age Steppe Eagles (first-year, 2nd, etc.) - so they need to see distant details. The scope will be used in rough terrain (and conditions) for the next several years - that is why we are seeking high quality optics. Send me an email with what you have and what your best sell price would be. Your scope would do wonders for science and scientists, the conservation of Asian raptors, and our knowledge of raptor migration on the Indian subcontinent. Robert DeCandido PhD NYC _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: East Rock From: John Oshlick <john.oshlic AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 14 May 2012 08:40:37 -0700 (PDT) Marginal Drive - West Haven - mult blackpoll warblers seen and heard, 1 solitary sandpiper standing in a mud puddle, 1 first year male redstart singing (female plumage) East Rock - 2 pewees heard, 3 swainson's thrushes seen, mult blackpoll warblers heard, 1 very cooperative tennessee warbler seen and heard. I found the east rock raven family. 2 fledged young seen sitting in a tree (still with some down on them) and 2 very protective parents. John Oshlick Hamden _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: 5/14 Nehantic SF From: Daniel williams <dwilliamsbirder302 AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 14 May 2012 07:36:03 -0700 (PDT) From Danny Williams 5/14- Nehantic State Forest- Old Lyme 18 Warbler Sp.- 1 Blackburnian Warbler, 1 singing Hooded Warbler, 1 Yellow-breasted Chat The Chat was up the path from the third yellow gate from the Keeney Road entrance, in the same place a chat (or chats) have been seen in years past.  Good to be home, Danny Williams East Lyme  _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Cedar Hill Cemetery From: paul cianfaglione <pgcianfaglione AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 14 May 2012 09:35:05 -0400 5/14 Hartford/Wethersfield, Cedar Hill Cemetery - 3 CAPE MAY WARBLER. Found at eye level in spruces along the back powerline cut, left hand side of cemetery. Birds were feeding in company of Blackpoll and Magnolia Warblers. The planted spruces are all on the shorter side of height. Paul Cianfaglione Canton _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: River Road -Cerulean, Worm Eating, Nashville From: Mike Reese Home <arthawks AT aol.com> Date: Mon, 14 May 2012 08:36:18 -0400 21 species of warblers at River Road in Kent on Sunday including at least 5 singing Ceruleans, Worm Eating, and Nashville. Adult Bald Eagle and Peregrine flying down housi. Other notable "expectants" include b-b cuckoo, y-t verio, orchard oriole, both water thrushes. Woods very quiet the day after. Rain blocking southern birds from arriving? Mike Reese _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Active Day at Little Pond in Litchfield From: Kfinnan AT aol.com Date: Mon, 14 May 2012 08:24:22 -0400 (EDT) From Eileen and Kevin Finnan: 5/13 Litchfield, Little Pond -- SOLITARY SANDPIPER, BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER, 2 BLACKPOLLS, 2 TENNESSEE WARBLERS, 3 ALDER FLYCATCHERS Very active for a midday walk around the pond. Also there was a Virginia Rail, 2 Marsh Wrens and numerous B&W, Chestnut-sided, Yellow Warblers and Yellowthroats. The Alders must be very recent arrivals. Their way-bee-o song was distinctive. No Willow Flycatchers were evident. It's a good bet that everything is hanging around, today. Kevin Finnan Goshen _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Reservoir #2, Bloomfield From: paul cianfaglione <pgcianfaglione AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 14 May 2012 08:21:22 -0400 5/14 Bloomfield, Reservoir #2 (behind Seabury Retirement) - 1 YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO, 3 BROWN THRASHER. Also, distant digiscoped photo from Roy Zartarian of two PEREGRINE FALCON chicks in the Balf Quarry nest in Newington. Note; Balf Quarry is private property. Paul Cianfaglione Canton _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Assorted Reports From: Roy Harvey <rmharvey AT snet.net> Date: Sun, 13 May 2012 20:18:17 -0700 (PDT) Passing this along. From Jalna Jaeger and David Callan Sun May 13 9am Allen road Norwalk, across from the senior center Blackburnian and blackthroated blue warblers,and Common Raven From Kim McKee and Ann Hancock May 8 and 11 - Stamford, backyard feeder off Sleepy Hollow Park. Two HUMMINGBIRDS are feeding here already. Possibly RUBY THROAT--too quick and shy for identification. Roy Harvey Beacon Falls, CT _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Thrushes flying over From: "Comins, Patrick" <PCOMINS AT audubon.org> Date: Sun, 13 May 2012 19:09:05 -0700 Quite a few thrushes flying over. Several Swainson's, a few Veerys and a Bicknell's Thrush. Also a Solitary Sandpiper. Patrick Comins, Meriden Sent from my iPhone _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Louisiana Waterthrush ? From: Lisa <lisagagnon24 AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 13 May 2012 21:39:21 -0400 Lisa S.Spgs. Hi all,,, hope all the moms had a good day..... Question : Every so often I will hear he or she sing at night. I have heard it at this time and later... Is this bird easily startled or is this common.. Im outside right now and I have heard it 4 times already..... Any ideas ? Also arrived this am Towhee. 5/13/12.... _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Tri-colored Heron - No From: pjdegennaro AT aol.com Date: Sun, 13 May 2012 20:50:43 -0400 (EDT) 5/13 - No heron at Cabela's around 6:00 pm; might be gone for good or just left for the moment Peter DeGennaro Naugatuck _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: East Rock, West Rock, New Haven area From: Mark Scott <tillercat AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 13 May 2012 15:29:16 -0700 (PDT) From Mark Scott: 5/13/12 -- East Rock Park, Hamden -- highlights included TENNESSEE WARBLER, WILSON'S WARBLER, BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER. Birds spaced widely, less activity than Saturday and much less than Friday.   5/13/12 --West Rock State Park, Hamden; power-line cut on Baldwin Drive (closed to motor vehicles) -- introduced Sunday bicycle group to PRAIRIE WARBLER, FIELD SPARROW. Some interested, some bored. The expected indigo bunting and blue-winged warbler were seemingly absent. Also heard BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO, many OVENBIRDS along the length of Baldwin Drive, which is typical for this site. _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: White -eyed Vireo at Bedlam Four Corners, Chaplin Ct From: Mark Szantyr <birdinggeek AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 13 May 2012 17:16:08 -0400 Not realy common in the Storrs area, i heard a singing White-eyed Vireo east of the Bedlam Four Corners intersection at about 4:45pm today. Hey Jamie, this was a Windham Co bird for me! Mark _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Belated Kent Snow Geese From: John Johnson <john.adele AT charter.net> Date: Sun, 13 May 2012 15:55:59 -0400 A friend here in Kent mentioned a large (2-300) flock of Snow Geese that she saw over her house early this week. Seems a bit late, but I am confident that she knows what she saw. If anyone wishes to follow up on this report, email me offline, and I can provide her contact info. John Johnson South Kent _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: CERULEAN WARBLER & more Trout Brook Valley From: "Scott Kruitbosch" <skruitbosch AT ctaudubon.org> Date: Sun, 13 May 2012 15:21:03 -0400 From Scott Kruitbosch: 05/13/12 - Weston, Trout Brook Valley Conservation Area -- 19 warbler species including 1 CERULEAN WARBLER, very rare for county, singing away at green/white trail clearing. Record photos and the recorded song here: http://ctaudubon.blogspot.com/2012/05/cerulean-warbler-at-aspetuck-land-trust.html Others included 1 singing BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER, 1 WILSON'S WARBLER (f), 2 CANADA WARBLER (1m 1f). Also 2 ACADIAN FLYCATCHER, 1 YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO, 1 BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO, 1 COMMON RAVEN, and so many more "good" birds. ======== Scott Kruitbosch Conservation Technician Connecticut Audubon Society 2325 Burr St. Fairfield, CT 06824 CAS blog: ctaudubon.blogspot.com CAS Twitter: twitter.com/CTAudubon Email: skruitbosch AT ctaudubon.org www.ctaudubon.org _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Nehantic State Forest From: Nancy Meyer Lustman <nancymeyerlustman AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 13 May 2012 14:57:10 -0400 Yellow throated vireo Sent from my iPhone _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org