Birdingonthe.Net Recent Postings from The New Hampshire Birding List > Home > Mail > Alerts Updated on Monday, February 8 at 07:18 PM ET The most recently received Mail is at the top.	California Gnatcatcher,©Barry Kent Mackay

8 Feb Eagle- Gorham, NH ["Naomi" ] 9 Feb Cedar Waxwings, Nashua [Chris Sheridan ] 8 Feb Re: Butter Butt and others [Bruce Boyer ] 8 Feb birds rte 16, NH&Me ["kathy dube" ] 8 Feb Sharpie attack, Titmouse defense [Kurk Dorsey ] 8 Feb RE: winter wren, epping ["Eric Masterson" ] 8 Feb winter wren, epping [] 8 Feb Recent Lyme Sighting [Blake Allison ] 8 Feb Butter Butt and others [Hank Chary ] 8 Feb No Shrike Jefferson Feb 6 ["Mark Suomala" ] 8 Feb RB Nuthatch in Milton ["Pat Watts" ] 7 Feb Peregrine / Cooper's [] 7 Feb Screech Owl [] 7 Feb Seacoast Chapter Meeting - "Making a Whale of an Exhibit" - Wed, Feb. 10 ["David J. Blezard" ] 7 Feb Re: Bohemians waxwings ["Bob Crowley" ] 7 Feb Bohemians waxwings ["kathy dube" ] 7 Feb Saturday ["kathy dube" ] 6 Feb Gorham Waxwings ["Lloyd W. Alexander" ] 6 Feb Waxwings-Gorham, NH ["Naomi" ] 06 Feb Re: Odds & Ends [Linda Pivacek ] 6 Feb Odds & Ends [] 6 Feb Black-backed Woodpecker at Pondicherry in Jefferson ["David Govatski" ] 6 Feb Low bird numbers? ["Francie Von Mertens" ] 5 Feb RE: Waxwings- Gorham, NH ["Naomi" ] 05 Feb Re: peregrine falcon-manchester [Jon Woolf ] 5 Feb Re: peregrine falcon-manchester ["Stoodley's" ] 4 Feb Horned Larks [] 04 Feb Northern Harrier, Plum Island- Pine Siskin, Hollis, NH [] 4 Feb Merrimack: 9 bluebirds, 2 Pileateds, Sharp-shin [Tom Young ] 3 Feb Re: Waxwings- Gorham, NH [June Eastman ] 3 Feb RE: Waxwings- Gorham, NH ["Naomi" ] 3 Feb Rare Bird Alert, New Hampshire, February 3, 2010 ["Mark Suomala" ] 4 Feb Re: Waxwings- Gorham, NH [] 3 Feb Waxwings- Gorham, NH ["Naomi" ] 3 Feb Re: peregrine falcon-manchester [Lynn Roberge ] 3 Feb Bluebirds and the owl ["Little River Designs" ] 3 Feb Leucistic Red Tail....Billerica MA [Michael McDermott ] 03 Feb The Lord God Bird Presented in Concord [] 3 Feb Pisgah State Park, Chesterfield 2/3/10 [Tyler Maikath ] 3 Feb peregrine falcon-manchester [lee hansche ] 3 Feb Flight of the Bohemians program on Thursday in Albany, NH ["David Govatski" ] 3 Feb Re: Odiorne Screech Owl attacked by Bluebirds [Jeremy Kezer ] 3 Feb Odiorne Screech Owl attacked by Bluebirds ["Richard Bickford" ] 3 Feb Waxwings [Blake Allison ] 3 Feb TV Enjoys Turkey at the Ratla on Goundhog Day [] 2 Feb Merrimack River Eagle Festival - February 13, 2010 ["David Larson" ] 2 Feb Mascoma Chapter of ASNH, Wed Feb 3 7pm Howe Library [Ted Boze/Becky Cook ] 2 Feb RE: Red breasted nuthatches [Ginny Jeffryes ] 2 Feb climate change / migratory birds ["Francie Von Mertens" ] 2 Feb Ruby-crowned Kinglet [Chris Johnson ] 1 Feb Bald Eagle- Durham ["Daniel M. Keefe" ] 01 Feb NH Audubon and Company C of Concord Present Eyes on Owls Feb. 20, 2010 [] 1 Feb Snow Buntings ["sayoung" ] 1 Feb Superbowl Results ["Eric Masterson" ] 1 Feb Superbowl results, Saw What Owls? 72 species, 138 points [] 1 Feb Re: Lincoln's Sparrow [] 31 Jan Lincoln's Sparrow [] 31 Jan RE: concord bald eagle ["Molleur, Marianne" ] 31 Jan Superbowl Results - Rye ["PAMELA HUNT" ] 31 Jan Cedar Waxwings ["Bob Crowley" ] 31 Jan Exit 6 Bald Eagle, Nashua [Chris Sheridan ] 30 Jan Superbowl Results - 164 points, 83 species (85 total) [Lauren Kras ] 30 Jan Waxwings- Gorham, NH ["Naomi" ] 30 Jan Re: flock of fat robins [dorothy currier ] 30 Jan flock of fat robins ["Robert Sweet" ] 30 Jan Superbowl Results - 72 Species (132 Points) [Steve Mirick ] 30 Jan Vermont Hawk Owls+ [Mark Barriger ] 30 Jan Superbowl of Birding VII - 1/30/2010 - Final Update ["David Larson" ] 30 Jan Superbowl of Birding VII - 1/30/2010 - Update #8 ["David Larson" ] 30 Jan concord bald eagle [] 30 Jan Superbowl of Birding VII - 1/30/2010 - Update #4 ["David Larson" ] 30 Jan signing up for ebird ["bitzElizabeth W. Arms" ] 30 Jan Superbowl of Birding VII - 1/30/2010 - Update #6 ["David Larson" ] 30 Jan Superbowl of Birding VII - 1/30/2010 - Update #5 ["David Larson" ] 30 Jan Superbowl of Birding VII - 1/30/2010 - Update #7 ["David Larson" ] 30 Jan RE: quiet feeders - help gather information ["Danielle Durocher" ] Subject: Eagle- Gorham, NH From: "Naomi" <omi AT ncia.net> Date: Mon, 8 Feb 2010 20:17:37 -0500 At approximately 1:15 this afternoon I spotted and adult Eagle soaring over the Androscoggin on Rte. 16 at Labonville's in Gorham. I spotted it again a half hour later, no doubt fishing since there is some inviting open water there. Also, my Waxwing flock was back at Gorham Middle High School again right on cue.2:15pm. Naomi Levesque Berlin, NH Subject: Cedar Waxwings, Nashua From: Chris Sheridan <cmsbirds AT comcast.net> Date: Tue, 9 Feb 2010 00:03:41 +0000 (UTC) I was walking into Pier One on the Daniel Webster Highway late this afternoon, when a small group of 6 Cedar Waxwings flew overhead, calling. They crossed the road and seemed to be heading behind the Sky Venture place behind CVS, Best Buy. When I checked out the area, it's where the "Nashua Landing" commercial development is (or was) planned. Looks like a good area of flat riverplain fields studded with Cedars (of all things)and other growth. All fenced in and posted, though. There's lots of remaining fruit on trees around the city, but I haven't seen many Waxwings so far this winter. Chris Sheridan Nashua cmsbirds at comcast.net Subject: Re: Butter Butt and others From: Bruce Boyer <brumyster AT comcast.net> Date: Mon, 8 Feb 2010 18:38:49 -0500 What feeder food attracts a predominantly insectivorous bird like a YR Warbler? On Feb 8, 2010, at 11:09 AM, Hank Chary wrote: > A Yellow-rumped Warbler appeared at my feeders on Saturday and was > there again > just now. I had a regular Yellow-rumped at the feeders last winter; > I hope > this one stays around. > > > > A Carolina Wren is also a regular visitor to the feeders this winter. > > > > Chickadee numbers seem typical for my yard with 4 to 6 at the > feeders at any > one time; occasionally more. > > > > Hank Chary > > Newmarket > > _________________________________________________________________ > Your E-mail and More On-the-Go. Get Windows Live Hotmail Free. > http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/201469229/direct/01/ Subject: birds rte 16, NH&Me From: "kathy dube" <kdube AT ncia.net> Date: Mon, 8 Feb 2010 14:24:02 -0500 I was scouting in preparation for field trips on Feb 13th and 20th. I went from Berlin to Haines landing in Oquossuc, Me. where white winged crossbills joined us for lunch. Milan- east side river rd., feeder juncos am tree sparrows starlings bluejays mourning doves Errol-Androscoggin river pair common mergansers rte 26 feeder evening grosbeaks rte 16 feeder bc chickadees goldfinch purple finch rb nuthatch pair hairy woodpeckers heard-evening grosbeaks Umbagog Wildlife Refuge headquarters NO gray jays, but staff say they are still seen every day, I didn't spend much time waiting for them Wilsons Mill Maine to Oquossuc as many as 10 encounters with white winged crossbills as they fed on sand on the road, one flock had ~25 bird along the whole route ravens and crows at home wb nuthatch friend at Akers pond in Errol is feeding gray jays almost daily tomorrow will bird east side river road, Chickwolnepy rd, both in Milan and Dummer loop road in hopes the "meat pile" has fresh carcasses Kathy Dube Subject: Sharpie attack, Titmouse defense From: Kurk Dorsey <kd AT cisunix.unh.edu> Date: Mon, 8 Feb 2010 13:34:04 -0500 (EST) Birders Yesterday afternoon I saw a flash of action near one of the feeders and looked out to see a Sharpie emerge empty-taloned from a hemlock and land on a maple branch. Still in the hemlock was a very agitated titmouse that was wisely keeping on the far side of the hemlock but scolding away and moving its head about in a very emphatic way. As fate would have it, my students were reading this weekend an excerpt from the historian Oscar Handlin in which he compares the fate of immigrants to the U.S. in the 1890s to "the feeble little birds which hawks attack." This was no feeble little titmouse. It popped out of the hemlock, prompting the sharpie (an adult male) to try again, again without success, as the titmouse flew about 50 feet to another hemlock. Had I been a referee, I would have given it a 15-yard penalty for taunting. The Sharpie flew off, so I suppose it's not taunting if it's true. In addition to being a fascinating drama to watch, it made for a nice reminder to the students that sometimes the "feeble little birds" weren't just passive victims, much less feeble. Kurk Dorsey Durham Subject: RE: winter wren, epping From: "Eric Masterson" <emasterson AT plcnh.org> Date: Mon, 8 Feb 2010 13:02:05 -0500 I had one in Sawmill Swamp recently while scouting for the superbowl. -----Original Message----- From: owner-NH.Birds AT lists.unh.edu [mailto:owner-NH.Birds AT lists.unh.edu] On Behalf Of gregtillman AT comcast.net Sent: Monday, February 08, 2010 12:35 PM To: New Hampshire Birds Subject: winter wren, epping The light snowcover gives an unusual opportunity for winter trail walking, with snowmobile traffic being nearly non-existent because the snow is packed down and/or disappearing. Several hours of walking each day this weekend turned up mostly the usual suspects. Brown Creepers and Kinglets continue to be relatively easy to find, turning up on almost every walk. And Saturday I had a winter wren as well, which was an unexpected surprise. - greg Subject: winter wren, epping From: gregtillman AT comcast.net Date: Mon, 8 Feb 2010 17:35:19 +0000 (UTC) The light snowcover gives an unusual opportunity for winter trail walking, with snowmobile traffic being nearly non-existent because the snow is packed down and/or disappearing. Several hours of walking each day this weekend turned up mostly the usual suspects. Brown Creepers and Kinglets continue to be relatively easy to find, turning up on almost every walk. And Saturday I had a winter wren as well, which was an unexpected surprise. - greg Subject: Recent Lyme Sighting From: Blake Allison <blake_allison AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 8 Feb 2010 09:13:49 -0800 (PST) A flock of 40 +/- robins was observed Friday foraging among apple trees in a neighbors yard.Three wild turkeys were seen among some apple trees along NH State Route 10 about a mile south of the Orford town line. Feeder numbers continue to be solid if representing only a limited (eleven) number of species. Blake Allison Lyme, NH 03768-3322 Subject: Butter Butt and others From: Hank Chary <hankchary AT hotmail.com> Date: Mon, 8 Feb 2010 11:09:36 -0500 A Yellow-rumped Warbler appeared at my feeders on Saturday and was there again just now. I had a regular Yellow-rumped at the feeders last winter; I hope this one stays around. A Carolina Wren is also a regular visitor to the feeders this winter. Chickadee numbers seem typical for my yard with 4 to 6 at the feeders at any one time; occasionally more. Hank Chary Newmarket _________________________________________________________________ Your E-mail and More On-the-Go. Get Windows Live Hotmail Free. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/201469229/direct/01/ Subject: No Shrike Jefferson Feb 6 From: "Mark Suomala" <mrsuomala AT marksbirdtours.com> Date: Mon, 8 Feb 2010 07:50:44 -0500 Saw an adult Northern Shrike hunting along Route 2 in Jefferson near Mt Starr King trailhead access. Mark Suomala Subject: RB Nuthatch in Milton From: "Pat Watts" <pwatts AT metrocast.net> Date: Mon, 8 Feb 2010 06:47:09 -0500 One of my red-breasted nuthatches has been back for a few days at the feeder. I haven't seen anything exciting or unusual - a couple of WB Nuthatches, titmice (or mouses?), jays, chicadees. Last week was a small flock of waxwings that took off before I could focus on them - assume they were cedar waxwings. Also had a flock of robins, but a loud car scared them away and haven't seen them since. Subject: Peregrine / Cooper's From: <c_farwell AT comcast.net> Date: Sun, 7 Feb 2010 23:12:43 -0500 02-01-2010 Market Basket Plaza parking lot -- Somersworth, NH 1 Peregrine Falcon (banded) http://www.flickr.com/photos/mrc_5150/4339085129/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/mrc_5150/4339828626/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/mrc_5150/4339828094/ 1 Cooper's Hawk stealing Peregrine's meal http://www.flickr.com/photos/mrc_5150/4339095375/ Chet Dover, NH **GBA~~~ Subject: Screech Owl From: Deanneart AT aol.com Date: Sun, 7 Feb 2010 18:08:11 EST I went to visit the Odiorne Screech Owl today and it was, as usual, snoozing in the sun. A couple from western MA had been observing the bird for three plus hours and it hadn't opened it eyes once, I stayed for a bit after they'd given up and left. Not ten minutes later a flock of Blue Jays came in and the Owl instantly perked up and opened its eyes then popped down into its hole. I was lucky to have the camera trained on the Owl and caught this pic with its beautiful eyes open. Thought you'd enjoy this photo. _http://www.deanneart.com/2008/2010-02-07Owl_2214.jpg_ (http://www.deanneart.com/2008/2010-02-07Owl_2214.jpg) Deanne Fortnam Nashua, NH Subject: Seacoast Chapter Meeting - "Making a Whale of an Exhibit" - Wed, Feb. 10 From: "David J. Blezard" <david.blezard AT unh.edu> Date: Sun, 7 Feb 2010 16:40:22 -0500 The program for this month's meeting of the Seacoast Chapter of NH Audubon is "Making a Whale of an ExhibitThe Creation of Tofu: The Journey of a Humpback Whale". Wendy Lull, president of the Seacoast Science Center, will be sharing with us the store of how the new exhibit at the SSC came to be. "Tufo: The Journey of a Humpback Whale" features the 32-foot long skeleton of a humpback whale. Also included will be recent research on the whales of the Gulf of Maine. The Seacoast Chapter meets the 2nd Wednesday of every month at the Seacoast Science Center in Rye, NH. Refreshments are at 7:00 PM with the meeting getting under way at 7:30. All Seacoast Chapter meetings are free and open to the public. -David J. Blezard President Seacoast Chapter of NH Audubon P.S. Are you a Seacoast Chapter member? If so, please visit our website: http://www.seacoastchapter.org and complete our member survey!! Subject: Re: Bohemians waxwings From: "Bob Crowley" <crbob AT fairpoint.net> Date: Sun, 7 Feb 2010 15:28:13 -0500 I found them a little earlier and a little later both times at the school while sitting in Wilfred's restaurant parking lot across the street. Bob Crowley Chatham, NH ----- Original Message ----- From: "kathy dube" To: "New Hampshire Birds" Sent: Sunday, February 07, 2010 3:20 PM Subject: Bohemians waxwings > Found a flock of 30 Bohemian waxwings in Gorham at 1300 in trees above > river > across from Pizza Hut. > > Kathy Subject: Bohemians waxwings From: "kathy dube" <kdube AT ncia.net> Date: Sun, 7 Feb 2010 15:20:27 -0500 Found a flock of 30 Bohemian waxwings in Gorham at 1300 in trees above river across from Pizza Hut. Kathy Subject: Saturday From: "kathy dube" <kdube AT ncia.net> Date: Sun, 7 Feb 2010 07:50:43 -0500 At home in Berlin 0800: Evening grosbeaks Purple finch goldfinch BC chickadees WB nuthatch Kathy Subject: Gorham Waxwings From: "Lloyd W. Alexander" <lloyd AT lloydsjourney.com> Date: Sat, 6 Feb 2010 23:17:14 -0500 I was in Gorham on the 16th of January and photographed the Waxwings there that day not far from the school. Most were Bohemian. http://public.fotki.com/lwa11/2010/january-2010/1-16-10-white-mtns/ Lloyd -- Visit Lloyd's Journey Photography. Amazing nature and wildlife photography. Need pictures done for a special occasion? http://begin.lloydsjourney.com Subject: Waxwings-Gorham, NH From: "Naomi" <omi AT ncia.net> Date: Sat, 6 Feb 2010 22:57:04 -0500 Well, I had an hour to kill between obligations and decided to venture out to find the Waxwing flock I've been seeing on an almost daily basis. It was the right time of day but apparently they took the weekend off.today at least. So, while I did not get to see them I wanted to post that I'm fairly confident that they are Bohemians. A friend sent me an MP3 file of their call. I then looked up the Cedar's call and compared both species calls from multiple sources. The Cedar's call seems to have this high pitched whistle that the Bohemians do not. I particularly am in tune to this because certain high pitched tones physically bother me for a couple of reasons.and this is one of those tones. However, I find the Bohemian tone soothing. Therefore, I would like to say I am now 99% sure that these are Bohemian Waxwings that regularly visit the vicinity of the school.only an ID by sight would make me 100% sure. I am still curious about their food choice. It seems to me that they do not deplete their red berry source this time of year as quickly as they do their apple source in the fall. I wonder if this is due to time of year and their biological needs in each season, nutritional value of each type of fruit or if it has more to do with preference. They do not eat these berries in the fall and even now it's not like they're overly indulging themselves on the fruit. Are they not ripe until now or is it simply a last resort food source? Do they not eat greater quantities because they would prefer not to eat the berries at all? What else do they eat for food this time of year? A friend of mine has added yet another question to the list.how is it that they can digest a frozen berry? Do they somehow thaw it before eating it or does that happen after consumption? If it happens after consumption, would this not drop their core temperature making it more difficult to keep their body heat at the necessary temperature on these cold winter days? I have so many questions, so much research to do and so much to learn..... Naomi Levesque Berlin, NH Subject: Re: Odds & Ends From: Linda Pivacek <lpivacek AT comcast.net> Date: Sat, 06 Feb 2010 19:56:20 -0500 still good birds in NH. its way dull here. Linda smirick AT comcast.net wrote: >Nothing new, but Jane and I poked around and saw a few things: > >PIED-BILLED GREBE -1 continues in Portsmouth. Today at real low tide, it was well up and into NORTH Mill Pond. Seen from Maplewood Avenue. >Sanderling - 106 on Seabrook Beach >Dunlin - 14 on Seabrook Beach at low tide. Hampton harbor was covered with clammers! >Bald Eagle - 1 adult over Rt. 101 causeway. Another adult/subadult later in day off South Road in East Kingston >Peregrine Falcon - 1 adult on Memorial Bridge. NH Side. Gave some cool views. Even watched it cough up a pellet!! > >http://home.comcast.net/~smirick//photos/peregrinefalcon4.jpg > >Eastern Screech-Owl - Star of the winter continues at Odiorne. No doubt, the most seen and photographed Screech-Owl EVER in the history of NH. >Northern Flicker - 1 off South Road in East Kingston. >Horned Lark - 22 at Hampton Beach State Park >Red-winged Blackbird - 40+ off South Road in East Kingston. (There may have been twice this many, but hard to count) >Brown-headed Cowbird - 30 off South Road in East Kingston. > >Birds NOT SEEN >------------------------- >Glaucous Gull - Missing >Lesser Black-backed Gull - We scanned for Frosty, but I haven't seen him in two months!! Subject: Odds & Ends From: smirick AT comcast.net Date: Sat, 6 Feb 2010 23:15:14 +0000 (UTC) Nothing new, but Jane and I poked around and saw a few things: PIED-BILLED GREBE -1 continues in Portsmouth. Today at real low tide, it was well up and into NORTH Mill Pond. Seen from Maplewood Avenue. Sanderling - 106 on Seabrook Beach Dunlin - 14 on Seabrook Beach at low tide. Hampton harbor was covered with clammers! Bald Eagle - 1 adult over Rt. 101 causeway. Another adult/subadult later in day off South Road in East Kingston Peregrine Falcon - 1 adult on Memorial Bridge. NH Side. Gave some cool views. Even watched it cough up a pellet!! http://home.comcast.net/~smirick//photos/peregrinefalcon4.jpg Eastern Screech-Owl - Star of the winter continues at Odiorne. No doubt, the most seen and photographed Screech-Owl EVER in the history of NH. Northern Flicker - 1 off South Road in East Kingston. Horned Lark - 22 at Hampton Beach State Park Red-winged Blackbird - 40+ off South Road in East Kingston. (There may have been twice this many, but hard to count) Brown-headed Cowbird - 30 off South Road in East Kingston. Birds NOT SEEN ------------------------- Glaucous Gull - Missing Lesser Black-backed Gull - We scanned for Frosty, but I haven't seen him in two months!! Subject: Black-backed Woodpecker at Pondicherry in Jefferson From: "David Govatski" <pondicherry AT wildblue.net> Date: Sat, 6 Feb 2010 16:13:20 -0500 While backcountry skiing on the Cohos Trail at Pondicherry NWR in Jefferson I came across a Black-backed Woodpecker foraging on a dead spruce in a swamp. I also saw two sets of bobcat tracks and numerous snowshoe hare tracks. At the outlet of Cherry Pond I saw an early for the season American Black Duck. Other birds noted included several red-breasted nuthatches, golden-crowned kinglets and black-capped chickadees. There are plenty of black-capped chickadees this winter in the spruce forests and fewer than usual at our feeders. I think there is a lot of natural food, especially spruce and pine seed. At our feeders we have 15 Tree Sparrows, 6 Purple Finches and only 12 American Goldfinches down from a high of 90 in December. Last week we had a single Pine Siskin show up with the goldfinches for just one day. We also have 2 White-breasted Nuthatches, 4 Red-breasted Nuthatches, 17 Blue Jays, 3 Mourning Doves, 3 Juncos, 2 Downy Woodpeckers, 2 Hairy Woodpeckers, and about 20 Black-capped Chickadees. David Govatski Jefferson, NH Subject: Low bird numbers? From: "Francie Von Mertens" <vonmertens AT myfairpoint.net> Date: Sat, 6 Feb 2010 15:29:05 -0500 In response to occasional e-mails about apprarent low numbers of birds this winter, especially chickadees, here's results from our local (Peterborough-Hancock) Christmas Bird Count, Dec. 19, with birdfeeder species in mind. If you have similar results from another CBCs around the state, could you please report them here? I think we're all curious, esp. about chickadees. 697 chickadees was one of the lowest tallies since our count began in 1973. 1998 was only year to have similar low count since the very first few count years. As for other birdfeeder birds, mourning dove numbers have slid since highs in 1980s and early 90s; blue jays higher than most years; tufted titmice third highest ever; white-breasted nuthatches higher than usual; red-breasted average; downy woodpeckers tied the historic high; hairy w.p.numbers were second highest ever; juncos higher than most years; goldfinches low, but numbers picked up at local feeders in late December. Be sure to take part in NH Audubon's backyard bird survey this coming weekend. Data from that will help answer a lot of questions. You can download forms at http://www.nhbirdrecords.org/bird-conservation/backyard-winter-survey.htm Subject: RE: Waxwings- Gorham, NH From: "Naomi" <omi AT ncia.net> Date: Fri, 5 Feb 2010 19:43:25 -0500 Waxwing calls is one of the ones I have grown to know and they always make me smile. I'm glad my post helped you to smile and reminisce. I'm hoping to have a chance to get another look through my binoculars soon. Things have been crazy busy at work. But the Waxwings were at the school in Gorham again today at 2:15 when I crossed the street and still there at 3:30 when I came back across. The group number was down to about 20. I wonder if they're moving on or if there is another reason for the lower number today. Naomi Berlin, NH -----Original Message----- From: June Eastman [mailto:juneeastman AT gmail.com] Sent: Wednesday, February 03, 2010 8:48 PM To: New Hampshire Birds Subject: Re: Waxwings- Gorham, NH ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: June Eastman Date: Wed, Feb 3, 2010 at 8:47 PM Subject: Re: Waxwings- Gorham, NH To: ezekieljakub AT gmail.com Ah the memories. I grew up in Gorham, and went to Gorham High School, and lived 3 doors down from it. (In a house now gone at the site of the Royalty Health Club). The very first bird I identified on my own was a Cedar Waxwing flying around in this same neighborhood. It feed on the chokecherries growing near the river. (Androscoggin) Waxwings have always been really common in that area. Well at least since the early 70's when I made that first ID. June Eastman (now in Keene, NH) On Wed, Feb 3, 2010 at 8:39 PM, wrote: > Naomi, > > I had Bohemians in that exact spot a few weeks ago, about 125+. FYI > > Great place to check! > > > Zeke > ------Original Message------ > From: Naomi > Sender: owner-NH.Birds AT lists.unh.edu > To: New Hampshire Birds > ReplyTo: NH.Birds AT lists.unh.edu > Subject: Waxwings- Gorham, NH > Sent: Feb 3, 2010 8:37 PM > > A large Waxwing group was once again seen in the tall tree by Gorham Middle > High School today at 2:10pm. They were all in the tall tree and very > chatty. None were in the fruit tree of the neighbor's yard. Unfortunately > I was in too much of a rush at work and they were too high up to ID which > species (binoculars not handy at the time). There was at least 40 today. > ID or not, they always make me smile. > > > > Naomi Levesque > > Berlin, NH > > > > Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry Subject: Re: peregrine falcon-manchester From: Jon Woolf <jsw AT jwoolfden.com> Date: Fri, 05 Feb 2010 08:59:34 -0500 There's a mated pair of Peregrine Falcons that have been living in Manchester for at least the last five years. They're there pretty much year-round, usually somewhere in the downtown area. They used to nest on the Brady-Sullivan Tower just north of Amoskeag Bridge, but last year they moved south to one of the tall buildings down near City Hall. -- Jon Woolf Manchester, NH At 07:30 AM 2/5/2010, you wrote: >There are a pair that I believe hang out on the Sullivan Bldg just >north of the Amoskeag (sp?) Bridge. I see them in and around there >frequently. > > >Scott & Lara >Mont Vernon > >On Feb 3, 2010, at 3:01 PM, lee hansche wrote: > >>I got a great look at a peregrine falcon as he (i belive it was male >>cause it >>was on the smaller side) flew about 10 feet above my car... i was >>roughly at >>the intersection of Canal st and Commercial st in the mill yard on >>the east >>side of manchester... i've been seeing falcons here once in a while >>throughout >>the winter... >> >>Lee Hansche >>Goffstown NH Subject: Re: peregrine falcon-manchester From: "Stoodley's" <brandybrk AT tds.net> Date: Fri, 5 Feb 2010 07:30:22 -0500 There are a pair that I believe hang out on the Sullivan Bldg just north of the Amoskeag (sp?) Bridge. I see them in and around there frequently. Scott & Lara Mont Vernon On Feb 3, 2010, at 3:01 PM, lee hansche wrote: > I got a great look at a peregrine falcon as he (i belive it was male > cause it > was on the smaller side) flew about 10 feet above my car... i was > roughly at > the intersection of Canal st and Commercial st in the mill yard on > the east > side of manchester... i've been seeing falcons here once in a while > throughout > the winter... > > Lee Hansche > Goffstown NH Subject: Horned Larks From: Deanneart AT aol.com Date: Thu, 4 Feb 2010 21:13:41 EST Went to the coast today and found a nice flock of Horned Larks, I counted 21 birds, at Hampton Beach State Park in the parking lot. The wind made it pretty cold to be outside with camera but I did get a few shots. _http://www.deanneart.com/2008/2010-02-04HornedLark_0117.jpg_ (http://www.deanneart.com/2008/2010-02-04HornedLark_0117.jpg) Deanne Fortnam Nashua, NH Subject: Northern Harrier, Plum Island- Pine Siskin, Hollis, NH From: bill AT williamkramer.com Date: Thu, 04 Feb 2010 17:37:38 -0800 Although not NH, got a few shots of a n. Harrier on plum Island, not great shots, but I still like them, very enjoyable experience. What an amazing place, it was my first trip. http://williamkramer.com/blog.html Secondly have been seeing a lot of birds at the feeder in Hollis, for the past few weeks the regulars are Most common-Goldfinches, at least 15 every day first thing at sunrise 3-5 chikadees every day 3 pairs of cardinals every day 10 or more morning doves every day House finches usually roll through at some point, usually 10 or less at any given time Downy's on the suet and a pine siskin that has showed up twice. hope to get a shot William Kramer Artist/Photographer www.williamkramer.com Hollis, NH Subject: Merrimack: 9 bluebirds, 2 Pileateds, Sharp-shin From: Tom Young <rustysnaketail AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 4 Feb 2010 07:21:41 -0800 (PST) Earlier this week, 9 Eastern Bluebirds began showing up at my feeders, and of course I am delighted to have them. Five of them are males. Meanwhile, on a dead Hemlock a little farther out into the swamp, two Pileated Woodpeckers have been hacking away almost non-stop for two days, turning the tree into an arboreal version of Swiss cheese. And this morning, while the bluebirds (together with about 25 goldfinches) were at the feeders, a Sharp-shinned Hawk swooped in, circled around the feeder and scattered all the birds, but left empty-taloned. Tom Young Merrimack, NH rustysnaketail AT yahoo.com Subject: Re: Waxwings- Gorham, NH From: June Eastman <juneeastman AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 3 Feb 2010 20:48:01 -0500 ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: June Eastman Date: Wed, Feb 3, 2010 at 8:47 PM Subject: Re: Waxwings- Gorham, NH To: ezekieljakub AT gmail.com Ah the memories. I grew up in Gorham, and went to Gorham High School, and lived 3 doors down from it. (In a house now gone at the site of the Royalty Health Club). The very first bird I identified on my own was a Cedar Waxwing flying around in this same neighborhood. It feed on the chokecherries growing near the river. (Androscoggin) Waxwings have always been really common in that area. Well at least since the early 70's when I made that first ID. June Eastman (now in Keene, NH) On Wed, Feb 3, 2010 at 8:39 PM, wrote: > Naomi, > > I had Bohemians in that exact spot a few weeks ago, about 125+. FYI > > Great place to check! > > > Zeke > ------Original Message------ > From: Naomi > Sender: owner-NH.Birds AT lists.unh.edu > To: New Hampshire Birds > ReplyTo: NH.Birds AT lists.unh.edu > Subject: Waxwings- Gorham, NH > Sent: Feb 3, 2010 8:37 PM > > A large Waxwing group was once again seen in the tall tree by Gorham Middle > High School today at 2:10pm. They were all in the tall tree and very > chatty. None were in the fruit tree of the neighbor's yard. Unfortunately > I was in too much of a rush at work and they were too high up to ID which > species (binoculars not handy at the time). There was at least 40 today. > ID or not, they always make me smile. > > > > Naomi Levesque > > Berlin, NH > > > > Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry Subject: RE: Waxwings- Gorham, NH From: "Naomi" <omi AT ncia.net> Date: Wed, 3 Feb 2010 21:25:36 -0500 Zeke, Yes, it is a great location! My prior sightings were Bohemians, but I didn't want to just make the assumption that today's group was the same. :) Naomi -----Original Message----- From: ezekieljakub AT gmail.com [mailto:ezekieljakub AT gmail.com] Sent: Wednesday, February 03, 2010 8:40 PM To: New Hampshire Birds Subject: Re: Waxwings- Gorham, NH Naomi, I had Bohemians in that exact spot a few weeks ago, about 125+. FYI Great place to check! Zeke ------Original Message------ From: Naomi Sender: owner-NH.Birds AT lists.unh.edu To: New Hampshire Birds ReplyTo: NH.Birds AT lists.unh.edu Subject: Waxwings- Gorham, NH Sent: Feb 3, 2010 8:37 PM A large Waxwing group was once again seen in the tall tree by Gorham Middle High School today at 2:10pm. They were all in the tall tree and very chatty. None were in the fruit tree of the neighbor's yard. Unfortunately I was in too much of a rush at work and they were too high up to ID which species (binoculars not handy at the time). There was at least 40 today. ID or not, they always make me smile. Naomi Levesque Berlin, NH Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry Subject: Rare Bird Alert, New Hampshire, February 3, 2010 From: "Mark Suomala" <mrsuomala AT marksbirdtours.com> Date: Wed, 3 Feb 2010 20:43:31 -0500 This is New Hampshire Audubon's Rare Bird Alert for Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010. A SNOWY OWL was seen in Seabrook, near Hampton Harbor, on January 30th. A NORTHERN SHRIKE was seen along Route 26 just west of Errol on January 30th. At least 30 BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS were reported from the High School on Route 16 in Gorham, and a flock of BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS was seen in front of Storyland on Route 16 in Glen, all on January 30th. A male BARROW'S GOLDENEYE was seen on the north side of Great Boar's Head in Hampton on January 30th. A LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL was seen at Odiorne Point State Park in Rye on January 30th. A GLAUCOUS GULL was seen near the Yankee Fisherman's Coop in Seabrook on January 30th. A GLAUCOUS GULL and an ICELAND GULL were both seen at the Derry Wastewater Treatment Plant on January 29th. The treatment plant is closed Sunday and Monday and if you visit, please check in at the office. An ICELAND GULL was seen in Rye Harbor, and one was seen in Hampton Harbor, both on January 30th. A RAZORBILL was seen from Great Island Common in New Castle, and 2 were seen from Odiorne Point State Park in Rye, all on January 30th. A BLACK GUILLEMOT was seen from Little Boar's Head in North Hampton, one was seen from Ragged Neck in Rye, and 2 were seen from Odiorne Point State Park in Rye, all on January 30th. A PIED-BILLED GREBE was seen at Albacore Park in Portsmouth, and one was reported from the Exeter Wastewater Treatment Plant, both on January 30th. A female GADWALL was seen off of Goat Island in New Castle, a male NORTHERN PINTAIL was seen in the Seabrook Duck Pond, a female AMERICAN WIGEON was seen in Sagamore Creek in Portsmouth, and 7 LESSER SCAUP were seen at the Exeter Wastewater Treatment Plant, all on January 30th. A gray-morph EASTERN SCREECH-OWL has been seen regularly along Route 1A in Rye, roosting in a tree about 100-yards north of the entrance to Odiorne Point State Park, and was last reported on February 3rd. An EASTERN SCREECH-OWL was heard at the Sandy Point Discovery Center in Stratham on January 30th. A NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWL was heard at Lubberland Creek in Newmarket, and one was heard in Stratham, both on January 30th. A PEREGRINE FALCON was seen near the intersection of Canal and Commercial Streets in Manchester on February 3rd, and one was seen in Hampton on January 30th. A RED-SHOULDERED HAWK was seen near the junction of Winkley Pond Road and Route 125 in Barrington on January 29th. Over 40 SNOW BUNTINGS were reported from Warren Farm in Barrington during the past week. A YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER was seen in the Central Cemetery in Rye on January 30th. A RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET that was first reported at a feeder in Concord on January 21st was seen again on February 2nd. A WINTER WREN was reported from Great Bay Road in Greenland on January 30th. A LINCOLN'S SPARROW was seen in Nashua on January 31st, and 2 FOX SPARROWS were reported from Stratham on January 30th. This message is also available by phone recording: call (603) 224-9909 and press 2 as directed or ask to be transferred. If you have seen any interesting birds recently, you can leave a message at the end of the recording or send your sightings to the RBA via e-mail at: birdsetc AT nhaudubon.org. Please put either "bird sighting" or "Rare Bird Alert" in the subject line and be sure to include your mailing address and phone number. The RBA is also available on-line at the New Hampshire Audubon web site, www.nhaudubon.org Thanks very much and good birding. Subject: Re: Waxwings- Gorham, NH From: ezekieljakub AT gmail.com Date: Thu, 4 Feb 2010 01:39:48 +0000 Naomi, I had Bohemians in that exact spot a few weeks ago, about 125+. FYI Great place to check! Zeke ------Original Message------ From: Naomi Sender: owner-NH.Birds AT lists.unh.edu To: New Hampshire Birds ReplyTo: NH.Birds AT lists.unh.edu Subject: Waxwings- Gorham, NH Sent: Feb 3, 2010 8:37 PM A large Waxwing group was once again seen in the tall tree by Gorham Middle High School today at 2:10pm. They were all in the tall tree and very chatty. None were in the fruit tree of the neighbor's yard. Unfortunately I was in too much of a rush at work and they were too high up to ID which species (binoculars not handy at the time). There was at least 40 today. ID or not, they always make me smile. Naomi Levesque Berlin, NH Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry Subject: Waxwings- Gorham, NH From: "Naomi" <omi AT ncia.net> Date: Wed, 3 Feb 2010 20:37:24 -0500 A large Waxwing group was once again seen in the tall tree by Gorham Middle High School today at 2:10pm. They were all in the tall tree and very chatty. None were in the fruit tree of the neighbor's yard. Unfortunately I was in too much of a rush at work and they were too high up to ID which species (binoculars not handy at the time). There was at least 40 today. ID or not, they always make me smile. Naomi Levesque Berlin, NH Subject: Re: peregrine falcon-manchester From: Lynn Roberge <lynn4020081996 AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 3 Feb 2010 15:29:14 -0800 (PST) Hi Lee...I live in Manchester,,I do believe we have a nesting pair here...enjoy the birdwatching my friend Best regards Lynn R. ________________________________ From: lee hansche To: New Hampshire Birds Sent: Wed, February 3, 2010 12:01:18 PM Subject: peregrine falcon-manchester I got a great look at a peregrine falcon as he (i belive it was male cause it was on the smaller side) flew about 10 feet above my car... i was roughly at the intersection of Canal st and Commercial st in the mill yard on the east side of manchester... i've been seeing falcons here once in a while throughout the winter... Lee Hansche Goffstown NH Subject: Bluebirds and the owl From: "Little River Designs" <Lilriverdesigns AT hughes.net> Date: Wed, 3 Feb 2010 16:05:26 -0500 I just happened to be parked behind Richard when it all happened. I didn't even think of grabbing my camera when it all happened. I did take a few pictures of it after it came back out to sun itself. Lynn Graham - Nottingham. Little River Designs Hand Crafted Jewelry Inspired By Nature Artisan Lynn Graham www.lilriverdesigns.com Lilriverdesigns AT hughes.net Subject: Leucistic Red Tail....Billerica MA From: Michael McDermott <wbu156 AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 3 Feb 2010 15:30:50 -0500 Address is 829 Middlesex Turnpike in the AS&E company property. The bird was in the trees to the right of the driveway just past the entrance. Seen this morning and for the past few days. -- Michael McDermott Wild Birds Unlimited 37 Plaistow Rd, Unit 10 Plaistow NH 03865 603 382-3354 Subject: The Lord God Bird Presented in Concord From: joseagle AT aol.com Date: Wed, 03 Feb 2010 15:30:23 -0500 New Hampshire Audubon, Director George Butler and Red River Theatres Present bThe Lord God Birdb Concord, N.H. - New Hampshire Audubon and Red River Theatres are partnering with documentary Filmmaker George Butler of White Mountain Films to present bThe Lord God Birdb. The film, which debuted in 2008, chronicles the search for the ivory-billed woodpecker, believed to be extinct or nearly extinct. The film, a fundraiser for New Hampshire Audubon, kicks off a George Butler film festival at Red River Theatres. Opening night is Thursday, March 18 followed by a panel discussion with Mr. Butler, Elizabeth Janeway, a New Hampshire Audubon Trustee who has traveled to Arkansas to search for the ivory-billed woodpecker, and Dr. Pamela Hunt, Senior Conservation Biologist at New Hampshire Audubon. A dessert reception will top off the evening. The film will show throughout the weekend as well. The event chairperson is Deborah de Peyster of Concord. "We have destroyed much of the beauty and mystery of the great southern bottom land forests and yet reports of this spectacular bird still are heard . . . imagine what it would mean for our country if we could recover more of these forests and, in turn, the wildlife that needs them to survive. This film underscores what NH Audubon does for our state. Our biologists study birds and other wildlife in this state and sound the alarm when they need our help in conserving their habitat." (D. de Peyster) Butler is an award winning director and producer who is President of White Mountain Films. Born in England in 1944 and raised in Wales, Somalia and Kenya, he wrote for Newsweek after college and while on assignment for Life to photograph a 1972 Mr. Universe Competition, documented the obscure sport of body building and then reigning champion Arnold Schwarzenegger. He went on to produce his first documentary, bPumping Ironb in 1977. In an interview with the Washington Post, Butler said bI think this issue of extinction is just huge. Did you know that 75 percent of the indigenous birds in New Zealand will go extinct? . . . The ivory-bill is a symbol of our lost trees, our lost American forests. These woods had as much beauty as any place. All of it going, all of it going. There were 50 million acres of bottomland forest, now there's a half million. Even in the swamp in Arkansas, I could always hear the highway in the background.b Other Butler films that will be featured during the festival include: 1977 bPumping Ironb, the documentary that introduced Arnold Schwarzenegger and body-building to the mainstream 1989 bIn the Bloodb, a film about big-game hunting in Africa portraying hunters as conservationists 2006 bRoving Marsb, an IMAX account of the 2003 Mars Rover mission that sent two wheeled robots to the Red Planet 2000 Trilogy including an IMAX movie, a two-hour TV special and The Endurance, a theatrical feature based on the best-selling book by Caroline Alexanderbs The Endurance: Shackletonbs Legendary Antarctic Adventure about the historic explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton who survived 630 nights shipwrecked on an iceberg in 1914 2008 bThe Lord God Birdb, a film produced in partnership with National Geographic which documents the search for the ivory-billed woodpecker, thought to be extinct after the loss of nearly all its habitat Tickets for the opening night event on March 18 are $75 each and can be purchased by contacting Patricia Casey at New Hampshire Audubon at (603) 224-9909 ext. 307 or pcasey AT nhaudubon.org. Tickets are $7 for matinee showings of bThe Lord God Birdb, followed by a live raptor presentation with New Hampshire Audubon naturalists on Saturday and Sunday, March 20 - 21. Tickets are available through Red River Theatres and a portion of those proceeds support New Hampshire Audubon. About New Hampshire Audubon New Hampshire Audubonbs mission is to protect New Hampshirebs natural environment for wildlife and for people. It is an independent statewide membership organization with five nature centers throughout the state. Expert educators give programs to children, families, and adults at centers and in schools. Staff biologists and volunteers conduct bird conservation efforts such as the Peregrine Falcon restoration. New Hampshire Audubon protects thousands of acres of wildlife habitat and is a voice for sound public policy on environmental issues. For information on New Hampshire Audubon, including membership, volunteering, programs, sanctuaries, and publications, call 224-9909, or visit www.nhaudubon.org. About Red River Theatres Red River Theatres is a non-profit, independent theater, showing the best of current independent and foreign films, classics, documentaries and cult favorites. Its three-screen theater is located in the lower two levels of the Capital Commons building at 11 South Main Street in Concord. For more information, visit www.redrivertheatres.org. Subject: Pisgah State Park, Chesterfield 2/3/10 From: Tyler Maikath <tyler.maikath AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 3 Feb 2010 15:20:10 -0500 Hi birders, While "treeing", I was surprised to see a Belted Kingfisher fly over a beaver pond in Pisgah today. The bird continued to fly west towards the Connecticut River. Perhaps the same individual that was reported from Hinsdale several weeks ago... Best, Tyler Maikath MS Candidate, Conservation Biology Antioch University New England Keene, NH Subject: peregrine falcon-manchester From: lee hansche <xxleeweexx AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 3 Feb 2010 12:01:18 -0800 (PST) I got a great look at a peregrine falcon as he (i belive it was male cause it was on the smaller side) flew about 10 feet above my car... i was roughly at the intersection of Canal st and Commercial st in the mill yard on the east side of manchester... i've been seeing falcons here once in a while throughout the winter... Lee Hansche Goffstown NH Subject: Flight of the Bohemians program on Thursday in Albany, NH From: "David Govatski" <pondicherry AT wildblue.net> Date: Wed, 3 Feb 2010 14:13:01 -0500 I will be presenting a program called Flight of the Bohemians: Winter Visitors from the Far North on Thursday 4 February at 7 PM at the Tin Mountain Conservation Center in Albany, NH. We will listen to and look at 24 irruptive bird species that rely on seeds from cones, fruits, or rodents, and why they move into our area in the winter. We will look at bird behavior, offer identification tips and help with call recognition. Learn the difference between irruptions and eruptions and super flight years and how to predict which species may visit us each winter. For more information about this event or the Tin Mountain Conservation center go to: http://www.tinmountain.org/ This program will also be shown at the Lancaster Public Library on Monday 8 February at 7 PM and again at the Appalachian Mountain Club Highland Center in Crawford Notch on Saturday 20 February at 8 PM. For more details contact me off line. David Govatski Jefferson, NH Subject: Re: Odiorne Screech Owl attacked by Bluebirds From: Jeremy Kezer <jeremy AT kezer.net> Date: Wed, 3 Feb 2010 13:32:27 -0500 I've seen Blue Jays harassing him - got some decent pictures of them, too! http://www.kezer.net/etc2010/2010-02-01-ScreechOwl/ It's amazing how alert he is even though he appears to be napping, especially when the Blue Jays are in the area. He's constantly tracking them as they move around in the area. Jeremy >I had an opportunity to see the Screech Owl today at Odiorne around 10:30 >AM. Along came a flock of 6 Bluebirds who all proceeded to bombard him and >drove him back into the tree cavity. After a few minutes the Bluebirds left >and the Owl came out to sun himself again. > > > >Richard Bickford > >Rochester NH -- +-----------------------------------------------------------------+ jeremy AT kezer.net http://www.kezer.net/ +-----------------------------------------------------------------+ Subject: Odiorne Screech Owl attacked by Bluebirds From: "Richard Bickford" <rdbickford AT metrocast.net> Date: Wed, 3 Feb 2010 13:20:47 -0500 I had an opportunity to see the Screech Owl today at Odiorne around 10:30 AM. Along came a flock of 6 Bluebirds who all proceeded to bombard him and drove him back into the tree cavity. After a few minutes the Bluebirds left and the Owl came out to sun himself again. Richard Bickford Rochester NH Subject: Waxwings From: Blake Allison <blake_allison AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 3 Feb 2010 09:20:48 -0800 (PST) A flock of 175+/- cedar waxwings was observed Tuesday morning feeding in two crabapple trees in front of Tuck School in Hanover. Blake Lyme, NH Subject: TV Enjoys Turkey at the Ratla on Goundhog Day From: LindaMaley AT aol.com Date: Wed, 3 Feb 2010 07:59:49 EST There was a Turkey Vulture at the ratla yesterday, enjoying some turkey. This may be the same individual that made a brief appearance in mid-December. This is the earliest we've ever seen one as they don't normally arrive until the second half of February. This bird knows the site and may be one of the pair that seems to nest in the nearby Sawmill Swamp. Al Maley, Hampstead Subject: Merrimack River Eagle Festival - February 13, 2010 From: "David Larson" <dlarson AT massaudubon.org> Date: Tue, 2 Feb 2010 15:33:57 -0500 Come to Newburyport for the Fifth Annual Merrimack River Eagle Festival on February 13, 2010 - all FREE. * Visit Eagle Hot Spots: "Eagle specialist" volunteer guides answer questions and help you see eagles in the wild. * See an Eagle Show: Tom Ricardi of the Massachusetts Bird of Prey Rehabilitation Facility presents two raptor demonstrations. * Have Fun with your Family: Enjoy nature activities including live bird demonstrations, crafts, and games. Please go to www.massaudubon.org/eaglefestival for a complete listing of events at the Merrimack River Eagle Festival. -- David M. Larson, Ph.D. Education Coordinator Joppa Flats Education Center Mass Audubon Newburyport, MA 978-462-9998 Subject: Mascoma Chapter of ASNH, Wed Feb 3 7pm Howe Library From: Ted Boze/Becky Cook <mascomabirds AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 2 Feb 2010 12:08:15 -0800 (PST) Grass Track Safaris, with Dan Hopkins. Presented by the Mascoma Chapter of NH Audubon. Dan Hopkins loves Africa. In his own words,"From my first camping safari to Africa in 1983 to my most recent trip in June 2008 I have developed a fascination and love of traveling in Africa. I first traveled to Africa in 1983 with Charles Darwinms great-grandson, Quentin KeynesO Africa has given me some of the best times of my life. The continent is fascinating, vast, and beautiful." Please join us as Dan shows the birds and animals he's encountered during these trips. For a preview see grasstracksafaris.com. Howe Library, E. South St., Hanover, NH (Mayer Room) Contact: Ted Boze at 802 649-1047, or e-mail mascomabirds AT yahoo.com Subject: RE: Red breasted nuthatches From: Ginny Jeffryes <drginnyjeff AT hotmail.com> Date: Tue, 2 Feb 2010 14:34:44 -0500 No shortage of Red-Breasted nuthatches in Franconia -- they've been here all winter. I have 4 that come to my feeders daily, and I see others nearly daily at various other places around this area. What I haven't seen here this year is any pine siskins, unlike last year when I had aggressive mobs of 30 of them in January at my feeders. I've also seen no white-throated sparrows or cardinals this winter, and fewer purple finches and evening grosbeaks than other winters. All the other birds seem about the same as last winter. Ginny Jeffryes Franconia NH > From: crbob AT fairpoint.net > To: NH.Birds AT lists.unh.edu > Subject: Cedar Waxwings > Date: Sun, 31 Jan 2010 14:59:17 -0500 > > Today there were 50 CEWW along the bypass in North Conway, 12 along Rt. 302 > in Center Conway and another 6 in downtown Gorham. Not one Bohemian among > them. Does anyone know where the Red-breasted Nuthatches are? > > Bob Crowley > Chatham, NH Subject: climate change / migratory birds From: "Francie Von Mertens" <vonmertens AT myfairpoint.net> Date: Tue, 2 Feb 2010 13:57:57 -0500 See below for a talk coming up at Keene State College on climate change and migratory birds. The Keene State College Department of Environmental Studies is pleased to present a continuing series of guest speakers -- researchers in the fields of Environmental Studies talking about their work. We invite you to join us! On Tuesday, Feburary 9, Nicholas Rhodenhouse, Professor of Biological Sciences at Wellseley College, will get the series under way for the spring semester, with a talk entitled: "Effects of climate change on migratory birds: identification and assessment of uncertainties." Dr. Rhodenhouse will discuss the ways in which he and his collaborators have been assessing the potential effects of climate change on birds in the Northeast, including the uncertainties and limitations of their several approaches. Their work has focused in particular on high-elevation birds, such as the Bicknell's thrush (Catharus bicknelli), that may be particularly vulnerable to climate change, and migratory songbirds such as the black-throated blue warbler (Dendroica caerulescens). Their studies suggest that large changes in bird communities of the Northeast are likely to result from projected climate change, especially under a scenario of continued high emissions. To conclude, Rhodenhouse will propose a general hypothesis about the relationship between climate and the demographic performance of migratory songbirds in northern hardwoods forest. This event will take place in Room 101 of the David F. Putnam Science Center, on the Keene State College campus, beginning at 4:00 pm on Tuesday, February 9. Refreshments will be served. The event is free and open to the public, and students are especially encouraged to attend. Subject: Ruby-crowned Kinglet From: Chris Johnson <birdnerd2 AT gmail.com> Date: Tue, 2 Feb 2010 11:21:39 -0500 The Ruby-crowned Kinglet has returned to the suet feeder in Concord at 11:20am today. Chris Johnson Subject: Bald Eagle- Durham From: "Daniel M. Keefe" <daniel.keefe AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 1 Feb 2010 23:05:05 -0500 Nice view of a Male adult Bald eagle this afternoon over Bunker creek in Durham ( 75 feet over the centerline of the bridge at 1:45 PM ). Our resident Coopers Hawk made several passes through the yard this morning, it usually zips past the two kitchen windows about two feet away at dizzying speeds. I am pleased to report that after several months of sorties the Fox Sparrow and the Red Bellied WP have carefully avoided being dinner. Note on the Fox Sparrow- Bird was observed here for 14 days prior to the Lee Durham Christmas Bird count, but refused to show up on the actual day. It has been here every day since then. Dan Subject: NH Audubon and Company C of Concord Present Eyes on Owls Feb. 20, 2010 From: joseagle AT aol.com Date: Mon, 01 Feb 2010 17:25:07 -0500 ew Hampshire Audubon and Company C of Concord Present Eyes on Owls ebruary 20, 2010. Concord, N.H. - New Hampshire Audubon, in partnership with Company C of Concord, is leased to announce the presentation of Eyes on Owls, a family-oriented rogram presented by naturalists Marcia and Mark Wilson with a iscussion and demonstration of the special characteristics that enable wls to survive and hunt so efficiently in NH fields and forests. The resentation is at 1pm on Saturday, February 20, 2010 at New Hampshire udubonbs McLane Center, 84 Silk Farm Rd., Concord. Participants will meet six live owls up close and learn to hoot in this our-long presentation followed by owl-inspired art projects and efreshments. Children are encouraged to dress in animal costumes. The ost is $8 per individual member and $10 for individual non-members or 20 for member families and $25 for non-member families. Call Sarah all at 224-9909 ext. 333 to reserve a spot at the show. Company C has generously sponsored the program and donated the limited dition bGive a Hootb rug which NH Audubon is selling raffle tickets or to support its animal care program, WINGS (Wildlife In Need of Good upport). Tickets are a $5 each or 6 for $25. To purchase, call Kathie alfy at (603) 224-9909 ext. 310. About New Hampshire Audubon ew Hampshire Audubonbs mission is to protect New Hampshirebs atural environment for wildlife and for people. It is an independent tatewide membership organization with five nature centers throughout he state. Expert educators give programs to children, families, and dults at centers and in schools. Staff biologists and volunteers onduct bird conservation efforts such as the Peregrine Falcon estoration. New Hampshire Audubon protects thousands of acres of ildlife habitat and is a voice for sound public policy on environmental ssues. For information on New Hampshire Audubon, including membership, olunteering, programs, sanctuaries, and publications, call 224-9909, or isit www.nhaudubon.org. About Company C tarted in a garage by Chris and Walter Chapin in 1994, Company C is ow a premier design studio and leading producer of exceptional home urnishings. With over 1,000 dealers worldwide and three exclusive ompany C stores, Company C has established itself as a top manufacturer f distinctive rugs, bedding, furniture, decorative accessories and abrics. ricia Casey irector, Organizational Development 4 Silk Farm Rd., oncord, NH 03301 03-224-9909 x307 Subject: Snow Buntings From: "sayoung" <sayoung AT metrocast.net> Date: Mon, 1 Feb 2010 14:40:36 -0500 I've encountered a flock of 44 +/- either at Old Mill Rd wetlands restoration project in Lee or at Warren Farm in Barrington. Everything common in my area continues in low numbers. Especially disappointing were 2 trips to the Rochester WWTP last week. Scott Young/Strafford Subject: Superbowl Results From: "Eric Masterson" <emasterson AT plcnh.org> Date: Mon, 1 Feb 2010 13:51:58 -0500 The Flocking Bustards Driver - "Driver Dan" Fallon - duties included smooth handling of vehicle under extreme pressure, negotiating back seat drivers with poise, master of jokes (none of which can be related on this forum). Phil Brown - the star member of the team, Phil has now been signed up to an exclusive ten-year contract by the Flocking Bustards. Note to other teams - don't waste your time, he is not available. As with previous years, Phil's duties included finding good birds from the confines of a speeding car regardless of the laws of physics. Phil's eyes pierce metal, flesh, and grime-encrusted glass. Mental note - include window cleaning to list of Driver Dan's duties for next year. Phil's duties also included scouting out some of the day's best birds. Peter Davenport - signed on the last day of the transfer window after the sudden departure of stalwarts Iain MacLeod and Lance Tanino, Peter "birder for hire" Davenport's duties consisted of filling the oversized shoes of Iain MacLeod and Lance Tanino, duties which he dispatched with aplomb. Team Captain Eric Masterson - duties included intelligence gathering, strategy and route prep, team morale and discipline, which at times consisted of cursing at Phil Brown to get back in the car. Summary We put in a brave performance in Joppa Flats Superbowl of Birding on Saturday. We too were competing in the Rockingham County Rocks Award, with very stiff competition from four other teams. Scouting consisted of two days by me and about the same by Phil. Our relative lack of scouting, combined with the fact that the other four NH teams had home field advantage, forced us to think out of the box. On the day of the competition, we came up with what we thought would be a winning stratagem. We quickly found the Pied-billed grebe in its scouted location in North Mill Pond, and in a flash of genius, we reported its location to be South Mill Pond. A quick switcheroo of compass points cost each of the other teams lost time, allowing us to gain considerable ground. This plan foundered when we were unable to refind our other scouted five pointer in Rye, which we planned to report from Yankee Fishermans Coop in Hampton Harbor. This additional time lost would surely have handed enduring glory to the Flocking Bustards. As it was, we had to settle for a very respectable 73 species and 138 points. Our point total equaled that of the Saw-What Owls, who won the Rockingham Rocks award, even though we actually had one more species (actually only half a species - more later). Superbowl rules mandate that the team with the most five point birds wins in the event of a points tie breaker. I was disappointed that the Saw What Owls did not do the right thing and step aside to let us take the honors, considering we had found the bird that broke the tie in their favor, but alas, competition brings out the worst in people. The half a species that we saw was a species of Larid. This was seen early in the day in Exeter, and later in the day, the exact same gull was seen in Rye Harbor. It had a questionable parentage, but the team felt certain that a percentage of glaucoides genes were in the mix, so we counted it as Iceland gull. If the Olympic Committee ever entertains competitive birding, I have two things to say. A) Prepare yourselves for dope testing to be replaced by DNA testing as the new battle for the heart of the sports world. Birders of low ethical standards will be reporting odd dowitchers, gulls, fox sparrows, meadowlarks, with abandon, until eventually they will be forced to provide feather samples to officials after each event. B) I am available for selection A terrific time was had by all. Congrats to the winners, and apologies for the bad location on the Grebe. Full list below. Canada Goose Mute Swan American Wigeon - Sagamore American Black Duck Mallard Northern Pintail - Seabrook Pond Greater Scaup Lesser Scaup Common Eider Surf Scoter White-winged Scoter Black Scoter Long-tailed Duck Bufflehead Common Goldeneye Barrows Goldeneye - Great Boars Hooded Merganser - with PB Grebe Common Merganser Red-breasted Merganser Wild Turkey - Great Bay Road Red-throated Loon Common Loon Pied-billed Grebe - Exeter Wastewater Treatment Plant Horned Grebe Red-necked Grebe Great Cormorant Great Blue Heron - Atlantic Ave. Bald Eagle Sharp-shinned Hawk - Newington Road Coopers Hawk Red-tailed Hawk Peregrine Falcon Purple Sandpiper Ring-billed Gull Herring Gull Iceland Gull? Lesser Black-backed Gull - Odiorne Glaucous Gull Great Black-backed Gull Razorbill - Odiorne Black Guillemot Rock Pigeon Mourning Dove Eastern Screech Owl Northern Saw-whet Owl - Lubberland Creek Red-bellied Woodpecker Downy Woodpecker Hairy Woodpecker Pileated Woodpecker Blue Jay American Crow Horned Lark Black-capped Chickadee Tufted Titmouse White-breasted Nuthatch Carolina Wren Golden-crowned Kinglet Eastern Bluebird American Robin Northern Mockingbird European Starling American Tree Sparrow Savannah Sparrow Fox Sparrow - River Road Song Sparrow Swamp Sparrow White-throated Sparrow Dark-eyed Junco Northern Cardinal Red-winged Blackbird House Finch American Goldfinch House Sparrow Subject: Superbowl results, Saw What Owls? 72 species, 138 points From: gregtillman AT comcast.net Date: Mon, 1 Feb 2010 04:10:54 +0000 (UTC) Has anyone mentioned yet that it was COLD on Saturday? Nevertheless, the Saw-What Owls had a great time during one of the all-too-rare social events of the birding year. Maybe we're all getting old, but the cooperation this year was as much fun as the contest. The Owls enjoyed chasing cowbirds with the Longspurs, and we send our thanks to the Twitchers for the sapsucker directions. Also, thanks to Denny and Denny's neighbors and Davis and George for hosting hordes of birders! And congratulations to New Hampshire Bird Watch, who did NH proud. We started the day with little hope for owls, but were pleasantly surprised by a Great Horned Owl at Wentworth-Coolidge in Portsmouth. The wind did no one any favors, and we missed many of our scouted birds during our morning inland, including Yellow-rumped Warbler, Swamp Sparrow, and Wrens. Mid-day we lost some time looking in the wrong place for the Bustards' Pied-billed Grebe (nice find!) before Steve set us straight, and then we took another long time to turn up the Twitchers' Sapsucker. That left us with a very hasty run down the coast, and our last bird of the day was the Peregrine on the Hampton Water Tower, seen from the Yankee Coop. Our only real expected bird of the day was a Double-Crested Cormorant flyover in Seabrook, although a woodpecker sweep was kind of a fun treat. Canada Goose Mute Swan American Black Duck Mallard American Wigeon - Sagamore Creek Northern Pintail - Seabrook Greater Scaup - one at the Exeter WTP Lesser Scaup - 3 at Exeter WTP Common Eider Black Scoter - Rye Surf Scoter White-winged Scoter Long-tailed Duck Bufflehead Barrow's Goldeneye - N. Side of Gr. Boar's head Common Goldeneye Common Merganser Red-breasted Merganser Wild Turkey - Our scout team was sure they had 2 locations, but I kept asserting that Turkeys were not a repeatable bird. We did not get Turkey at either scouted location, and had to resort to a backup to our backup--a flock of 30 turned up on a drive thru Stratham. Red-throated Loon - one or two flyby's Common Loon Pied-billed Grebe - Nice bird Red-necked Grebe Horned Grebe Double-crested Cormorant - a flyover in Seabrook Great Cormorant Great Blue Heron Cooper's Hawk Red-tailed Hawk Peregrine Falcon Purple Sandpiper Sanderling Ring-billed Gull Herring Gull Great-black-backed Gull Glaucous Gull - enjoy the bread! Black Guillemot Rock Pigeon Mourning Dove Eastern Screech Owl - Sandy Point Great Horned Owl - Wentworth-Coolidge Downy Woodpecker Hairy Woodpecker Red-bellied Woodpecker Northern Flicker Pileated Woodpecker Yellow-bellied Sapsucker - Heard by 3 of the team, characteristic staccato drumming Blue Jay American Crow Common Raven - E. Kensington Black-capped Chickadee Tufted Titmouse Red-breasted Nuthatch White-breasted Nuthatch Brown Creeper Golden-crowned Kinglet - both kinglets and creepers seem relatively abundant this year Eastern Bluebird - A near miss, we stumbled on a few along Route 1 late in the day American Robin Northern Mockingbird European Starling American Tree Sparrow Savannah Sparrow - Stuart Farm Fox Sparrow Song Sparrow White-throated Sparrow Dark-eyed Junco Northern Cardinal Red-winged Blackbird Brown-headed Cowbird House Finch American Goldfinch House Sparrow - greg Subject: Re: Lincoln's Sparrow From: mthompson2100 AT gmail.com Date: Mon, 1 Feb 2010 02:12:17 +0000 Awesome! Mind if I swung by tues? ------Original Message------ From: Deanneart AT aol.com Sender: owner-NH.Birds AT lists.unh.edu To: Bird List ReplyTo: Bird List Subject: Lincoln's Sparrow Sent: Jan 31, 2010 9:10 PM After not seeing the Lincoln's Sparrow for a few days it has shown up with the mixed flock of Sparrows and Juncos the last two days. I noticed it eating White Pine seeds today and seemed to prefer looking for the pine seeds rather than going for the abundant seed under the bird feeders. _http://www.deanneart.com/2008/2010-01-31Lincolns_8272.jpg_ Deanne Fortnam Nashua, NH _Deanneart AT aol.com_ (mailto:Deanneart AT aol.com) Sent on the Sprint. Now Network from my BlackBerry. Subject: Lincoln's Sparrow From: Deanneart AT aol.com Date: Sun, 31 Jan 2010 21:10:01 EST After not seeing the Lincoln's Sparrow for a few days it has shown up with the mixed flock of Sparrows and Juncos the last two days. I noticed it eating White Pine seeds today and seemed to prefer looking for the pine seeds rather than going for the abundant seed under the bird feeders. _http://www.deanneart.com/2008/2010-01-31Lincolns_8272.jpg_ Deanne Fortnam Nashua, NH _Deanneart AT aol.com_ (mailto:Deanneart AT aol.com) Subject: RE: concord bald eagle From: "Molleur, Marianne" <mmolleur AT StockerYale.com> Date: Sun, 31 Jan 2010 19:57:22 -0500 Exit 14, right in the neighborhood. -----Original Message----- From: owner-NH.Birds AT lists.unh.edu on behalf of s42yth AT comcast.net Sent: Sat 1/30/2010 2:06 PM To: New Hampshire Birds Cc: Subject: concord bald eagle this morning at 10:30 an adult bald eagle was flying south along the river near exit 14 on I-93 sylvia hartmannB B B B B B B B B B manchester nh Subject: Superbowl Results - Rye From: "PAMELA HUNT" <biodiva AT myfairpoint.net> Date: Sun, 31 Jan 2010 16:07:11 -0500 My Turn, For the second year, the "Twitchers in the Rye" participated in the Superbowl of Birding, with the twist being that we restricted ourselves to the town of Rye. As a result, we don't really expect to win any of the big prizes, but still have a blast doing it. The Twitchers are Becky Suomala, Patience Chamberlain, Pat Myers, and myself. After a slow start, we entered Rye at 0530 and started looking for owls at a couple of spots where we'd had success in 2009. As was the case with Steve's team, we struck out entirely - in large part due to the 20 mph wind gusts that produced temporary wind chills of 20 below. Our first bird was a probable American Tree Sparrow calling in a marsh off Brackett Road, followed quickly by the wing whistle of a Mourning Dove. The chase was on! We spent the morning poking around the inland portions of Rye, checking feeders and birds found while scouting. We did OK with the former but miserably with the latter, and yes, it was still cold. If anyone hasn't noticed, there is a dearth of public restrooms in Rye, and with wind chills still below zero, we weren't all that excited by the alternatives, but eventually the call of nature was too strong and we pulled into the back of Central Cemetery in Rye. While some of use were otherwise occupied, Becky found our best bird of the day: a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (worth five points!) that would eventually draw the other four NH teams into this rarely visited corner of town. It was our moment of fame. After lunch we focused on the coast, with inland excursions as needed when we came level with them on our way south along Route 1A. Here we picked up all the regular ocean birds, but none of the goodies Becky and I found while scouting (Hermit Thrush, Barrow's Goldeneye, and Thick-billed Murre. And while it had warmed up (the thermometer in Becky's car peaked at 25, that at Pease at 22), the breeze was still occasionally strong enough to impart a significant chill. Our last bird was a small flock of Horned Larks in the Rye Harbor parking lot. We ended with a lower-then expected 53 species and 78 points, well below corresponding totals of 63 and 112 in 2009. The wind certainly didn't help any, nor did a winter with few rarities and no irruptives. Nonetheless, we likely raised maybe $150 dollars in pledges to support NH eBird and NH Bird Records, two projects of NH Audubon. And there's still time to pledge! If you want to help support these two projects that serve to collect and disseminate information on NH's birds, contact Becky Suomala at rsuomala AT nhaudubon.org. It goes to a good cause! And of course the list: Canada Goose (amazingly, only a handful at the backside of Eel Pond) Am. Black Duck Mallard Greater Scaup (female at Odiorne and a pleasant surprise for the immediuate coast) Common Eider Surf Scoter White-winged Scoter Black Scoter (can be hard to find in Rye - flock of 8 at Concord Point) Long-tailed Duck Bufflehead Common Goldeneye Red-breasted Merganser Red-throated Loon Common Loon Horned Grebe Red-necked Grebe Great Cormorant Cooper's Hawk Red-tailed Hawk Purple Sandpiper Ring-billed Gull Herring Gull Iceland Gull (Rye Harbor) Black Guillemot Rock Pigeon Mourning Dove Eastern Screech-Owl (guess where!) Red-bellied Woodpecker YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER (aforementioned immature bird at Central Cemetery) Downy Woopecker Hairy Woodpecker Northern Flicker Blue Jay American Crow Horned Lark Black-capped Chickadee Tufted Titmouse White-breasted Nuthatch Golden-crowned Kinglet (several scatter about - we missed these little gems last year) Eastern Bluebird American Robin Northern Mockingbird European Starling Am. Tree Sparrow Song Sparrow White-throated Sparrow Dark-eyed Junco Northern Cardinal Red-winged Blackbird (male at Wallis Road) House Finch American Goldfinch House Sparrow And the more glaring misses (in addition to the scouted birds already mentioned): Red-breasted Nuthatch (I had FIVE on the Penacook Survey this morning!) Brown Creeper (THREE this morning) Cedar Waxwing (9 today) But so it goes. And thus, as we sit in our warm homes this Sunday and watch the days slowly lengthen, our thoughts are no longer focused on 12 hours of birding in the brutal January cold and wind. But before we know it the we'll once again be thinking of scoters, lingering sparrows, and the best time to visit Jenness Beach - and of course where the bathrooms are. Enjoy, Pam Hunt for the Twitchers in the Rye Penacook, NH Subject: Cedar Waxwings From: "Bob Crowley" <crbob AT fairpoint.net> Date: Sun, 31 Jan 2010 14:59:17 -0500 Today there were 50 CEWW along the bypass in North Conway, 12 along Rt. 302 in Center Conway and another 6 in downtown Gorham. Not one Bohemian among them. Does anyone know where the Red-breasted Nuthatches are? Bob Crowley Chatham, NH Subject: Exit 6 Bald Eagle, Nashua From: Chris Sheridan <cmsbirds AT comcast.net> Date: Sun, 31 Jan 2010 18:41:05 +0000 (UTC) At about 12:20 today there was an adult Bald Eagle circling over the Welcome Center at Exit 6 in Nashua. Great looks for anyone looking up. Chris Sheridan Nashua cmsbirds at comcast.net Subject: Superbowl Results - 164 points, 83 species (85 total) From: Lauren Kras <lauren.kras AT gmail.com> Date: Sat, 30 Jan 2010 21:13:25 -0500 This year Jessie Knapp, Jason Lambert, Ben Griffith, and I formed a new team called "Granite State Bird Watch" (in honor of our favorite whale watch who donated sweatshirts/team uniforms to the cause!). It was both Jessie and my first Superbowl where as Ben and Jason had participated with team "Saw-what owls?" in the past. We spent every day in recent memory scouting and were thoroughly rewarded by our efforts. In a real team effort we saw a total of 85 species, 83 of which counted for the superbowl (2 were not seen by enough members of the team) and we tallied 164 species. Everyone brought a lot to the table and we hoped that it would be enough to put us on top for the "Rockingham County Rocks" Award but much to our surprise it did much more. We ended up winning the Minox Joppa Cup (1st prize! Which is given for total points everywhere) despite the fact that we never left Rockingham County! We are the first NH team to ever win the Joppa Cup! We had 8 more species than the next closest team, and about 15 more points more than the next closest team!!! Congratulations to all the other teams for sticking it out and working hard in the cold and on behalf of Granite State Bird Watch I'd like to thank you for the fun competition and the many congratulations. It was a COLD day started off at 0 degrees (-21 with wind chill) at 4:45 AM from Lubberland Creek where we had a Barred Owl calling. As the competition starts at 5AM we had to wait to see if we could coax it to call again after 5... and to our joy at 5:01 AM we had recorded our first species. From there we picked up 3 other species of owl (including a Saw-whet which flew right past us!) by 5:40. We had over a half an hour in darkness to look for other bird species after our drive to East Kingston to Davis Finch's house. Here our day continued to impress with birds like Pileated Woodpecker, Common Raven, Wild Turkey, cowbird, and blackbird as highlights. After this we headed to Exeter and Stratham to pick up the inland ducks and the rest of the feederbirds. We lucked out with Cedar Waxwings in Newmarket which we picked up on the way to our Carolina Wren spot. By the time we made it to Sandy Point we had all of the "Bay ducks" and decided to make a run for the Sapsucker in Rye that had been reported. We found the bird in the Cemetery within 5 minutes of arriving and immediately saw that a Pied-billed Grebe had been reported in South Mill Pond. We went searching for it but couldn't locate it, so we checked North Mill Pond (to see if it had been there instead of S. Mill Pond) and then swung around Newcastle picking up Gadwall and Razorbill. We tried one more time for Pied-billed Grebe but it still wasn't there. During our last scan of the pond I looked down and saw that the 4th and Longspurs had relocated it at Albacore Park (which connects to North Mill Pond! Turns out the bird had been mis-reported as having been in South Mill Pond after all!) After this point we went to pick up American Wigeon and Pintail before trekking North up the coast. We picked up Snowy Owl (see below for a condensed story on this), Glaucous Gull, Iceland Gull, and a few other things from Seabrook before heading north to get all of the sea ducks, Black Guillemot, Northern Gannet, Sanderling, and Purple Sandpiper. At 4:30pm we were still MISSING Barrow's Goldeneye so we decided to give it one last chance at Great Boars Head from the north side and within 5 minutes of arriving at about 4:40 we found it just beyond the rocks in the shallowest part of the water with a group of Common Goldeneye. We rejoiced tremendously and then scoped the marsh behind Little Jacks quickly (only turning up a fire hydrant) before heading down to Newburyport, MA to make sure we arrived on time. Below is a full list of species seen and/or heard throughout the day. If you are interested in any specific locations please email me off list requesting information. =================== Location: Rockingham County, NH, US Observation date: 1/30/10 Notes: Superbowl effort by team "Granite State Bird Watch": Lauren Kras, Ben Griffith, Jason Lambert, and Jessie Knapp. A new January big day record, a new record high for superbowl species in Rockingham County, and the first time a team from Rockingham won anything but "Rockingham Rocks"!!! 1st place at Superbowl 2010! Number of species: 85 Canada Goose Mute Swan Gadwall 1 1 Female off of Goat Island, Newcastle American Wigeon 1 1 female off of Brown Rd. in Hampton Falls American Black Duck Mallard Northern Pintail 1 1 Male in Seabrook Duck Pond Greater Scaup Lesser Scaup 7 Exeter WWTP Common Eider Surf Scoter White-winged Scoter Black Scoter Long-tailed Duck Bufflehead Common Goldeneye Barrow's Goldeneye 1 Male off of North side of Great Boars Head at 4:40 PM! Last new bird of the day! Common Merganser Red-breasted Merganser Wild Turkey Called in at 6:20 AM by Jason Lambert when it was still dark out and we didn't know what to do with our time! Red-throated Loon Common Loon Pied-billed Grebe 1 In Albacore Park/North Mill Pond. THANKS to 4th and Longspurs for figuring out that the bird was here and not in South Mill Pond! Horned Grebe Red-necked Grebe Northern Gannet Great Cormorant Bald Eagle 3 Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 *Only seen by 2 people - therefore not part of our Superbowl total Cooper's Hawk 6 Red-tailed Hawk Peregrine Falcon 1 On powerline off of Island Path. Also saw one on the watertower - but probably the same bird Sanderling Purple Sandpiper Ring-billed Gull Herring Gull Iceland Gull 2 One first winter bird in Seabrook Harbor, one dark second winter bird in Rye Harbor Glaucous Gull 1 In Seabrook harbor... Great Black-backed Gull Razorbill 1 From Great Island Common. Life bird for J. Knapp Black Guillemot 2 One from Little Boars Head, and one from Ragged Neck Rock Pigeon Mourning Dove Eastern Screech-Owl 2 Calling from Sandy Point, Greenland at approx. 5:25 AM Great Horned Owl 1 Calling from Kimball Rd., Kingston at approx. 5:40 AM Snowy Owl 1 Seen in Seabrook Harbor. First picked out by B. Griffith who was unsure whether it was ice or and owl. Within moments of getting on it, L. Kras witnessed it flying confirming that it was not ice but an owl. J. Knapp refound it in the marsh and J. Lambert was able to observe the bird from a distance (to say the least. Definitely one of the best highlights of the day. Barred Owl 1 1 Calling from Lubberland Creek, Newmarket at 5:01 AM Northern Saw-whet Owl 1 1 Calling and seen in Stratham at 5:12 AM Red-bellied Woodpecker 1 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1 1 from Central Cemetery in Rye - thanks to twitchers in the Rye for finding it during a "break" Downy Woodpecker Hairy Woodpecker Northern Flicker Pileated Woodpecker Blue Jay American Crow Common Raven Horned Lark 15 Most at Hampton Beach SP., but 1 from rt. 1A which crossed in front of the car while we were waiting at the light while discussing that we needed to go to the SP. to look for Horned Lark. Black-capped Chickadee Tufted Titmouse Red-breasted Nuthatch Wiggins Rd. in Stratham White-breasted Nuthatch Brown Creeper Carolina Wren 3 Golden-crowned Kinglet Eastern Bluebird American Robin Northern Mockingbird European Starling Cedar Waxwing 15 One flock in downtown Newmarket, one individual at Exeter WWTP Yellow-rumped Warbler 2 1 at Exeter WWTP, 1 off of Cushing Rd. in Newmarket American Tree Sparrow Savannah Sparrow 1 1 at Stuart Farm in Stratham Fox Sparrow (Red) 1 1 off of River Rd. in Stratham, thanks to the Abbotts for the warm break, delicious hot chocolate, and hosting a 4 pointer. Song Sparrow White-throated Sparrow Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) Snow Bunting From Wallis Sands. Scouted regularly by J. Knapp! Northern Cardinal Red-winged Blackbird Heard off South Rd. in East Kingston, seen off of 101 in Hampton. Brown-headed Cowbird off South Rd. in East Kingston House Finch Pine Siskin 1 from Wiggins Rd. in Stratham. Heard by 1 individual only so not counted as part of superbowl total. American Goldfinch House Sparrow Here's our list of misses: =================== Sharp-shinned Hawk - One seen by 2 of us but we couldn't refind it or find another to get the crucial third Lesser Black-backed Gull - we looked a few places and had a possible one on the bay but the heat haze made it difficult to call for sure Winter Wren - with the cold and wind we decided it wasn't even worth trying or spending time to look although other teams got it Hermit Thrush - we ran out of time to check for either of the 2 we had locations for. We had this as a low priority as well due to weather Swamp Sparrow - again, we didn't even check today as it wasn't a priority in the cold and wind which would make them difficult Purple Finch - Haven't had any all winter in Rockingham Pine Siskin - heard by 1 of us at a location we had scouted it but we decided to leave after trying to have it call again to chase down the Sapsucker. -- Lauren Kras Captain of Granite State Bird Watch Dover, NH Subject: Waxwings- Gorham, NH From: "Naomi" <omi AT ncia.net> Date: Sat, 30 Jan 2010 21:42:22 -0500 Once again the Bohemians were back yesterday. At least 30 were at Gorham Middle/High School on Rte. 16 yesterday in Gorham, NH at 3:30 pm. As usual there were a couple Cedars as well. There is a tree on the adjacent property with red berries which they seem to enjoy immensely; a good thing considering the freezing, cold, windy day! Whenever these birds show up in this location this time of year they are eating the red berries from these trees on different properties. In the fall they feast on the apple tree next to the Family Resource Center AT Gorham where I work until they pick it clean. I expect, as in previous years, they will return throughout the week as long as the berry food supply is abundant. Although, now that I think about it, I'm not sure they ever strip the trees bare of the red berries before moving on. I will have to watch and see. Naomi Levesque Berlin, NH Subject: Re: flock of fat robins From: dorothy currier <dorothycurrier AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 30 Jan 2010 19:46:20 -0800 (PST) I wonder if the robins look fat because they are all fluffed up to fend off the cold... ________________________________ From: Robert Sweet To: New Hampshire Birds Sent: Sat, January 30, 2010 9:11:02 PM Subject: flock of fat robins To all, on Friday a flock of approx 75 to 100 very fat robins started gathering and eating on the ground and in an old apple tree in front of where I work on North River Road in Manchester. They looked very healthy and actually looked very over weight for the normal NH robin. To add my thought's to the discussion about the lack of chickadees and small song birds in Manchester, I have one feeder at work and 3 at the house and I will be lucky if I go through 1/2 of the seed I normally do. Do I have birds coming to my feeders yes, do I have the normal amount, no way. But have big flocks of crows both at work and near where I live, more than the usual gang that is in and around Manchester. good birding to all, bs Subject: flock of fat robins From: "Robert Sweet" <rgsweet AT comcast.net> Date: Sat, 30 Jan 2010 21:11:02 -0500 To all, on Friday a flock of approx 75 to 100 very fat robins started gathering and eating on the ground and in an old apple tree in front of where I work on North River Road in Manchester. They looked very healthy and actually looked very over weight for the normal NH robin. To add my thought's to the discussion about the lack of chickadees and small song birds in Manchester, I have one feeder at work and 3 at the house and I will be lucky if I go through 1/2 of the seed I normally do. Do I have birds coming to my feeders yes, do I have the normal amount, no way. But have big flocks of crows both at work and near where I live, more than the usual gang that is in and around Manchester. good birding to all, bs Subject: Superbowl Results - 72 Species (132 Points) From: Steve Mirick <smirick AT comcast.net> Date: Sat, 30 Jan 2010 20:54:31 -0500 Paul Lacourse, David Donsker and Jane and I participated in the "Superbowl of Birding" sponsored by the Joppa Flats Education Center of Massachusetts Audubon. This is the 7th year for this competitive event, which is a fun way of getting out and finding birds in Essex County, MA and Rockingham County, NH. Our team name is the "New Hampshire 4th and Longspurs". As we have done in the past years, we participated in the category of "Rockingham County, NH only". A weighted valuation system determines the winner, where the rarity of the species determines the number of points awarded. This year we made a strong effort of 72 species in a very difficult winter for rarities in NH. We didn't compete well with the winners, but finished in a close competition for 2nd place. All in all a fun day birding with Paul and David. The day started bad for us, with bitter cold gusting winds, and not an owl to be heard! Thank goodness for the faithful Odiorne Screech Owl! The day warmed up and the wind died down and we finished with a wonderful afternoon. Here is a history of our results: 2004 - 75 species, 2005 - 63 species, 2006 - 78 species, 2007 - 78 species, 2008 - 77 (shared) species, 2009 - 76 species 2010 - 72 (shared) species (73 for Jane and I) 5:00 AM - 5:00 PM Bright full moon and full sun into late afternoon with nice thin overcast late. Bitter cold with strong wind in pre-dawn. 1F (low temp recorded in Portsmouth) to 25F with wind gusting to over 25 mph and wind chills down to about -20F at dawn. The following is our list of birds in taxonomic order: --------------------------------------------------- Canada Goose Mute Swan AMERICAN WIGEON - Female continues in Sagamore Creek. American Black Duck Mallard NORTHERN PINTAIL - Male continues in Seabrook duck pond along Route 1. Greater Scaup - Big flock within ice flows on Great Bay, plus surprisingly at least 4 on the ocean in two groups. LESSER SCAUP - 3 lingering birds at least at Exeter WWTP, despite the fact that the NE pond has frozen over. Common Eider Surf Scoter White-winged Scoter Black Scoter Long-tailed Duck Bufflehead Common Goldeneye BARROW'S GOLDENEYE - Male continues along north side of Great Boar's Head. Common Merganser - At least a dozen from Chapman's Landing. Red-breasted Merganser Red-throated Loon - One from Odiorne and one from Bicentennial Park. These guys have become real scarce in the last couple of weeks. Common Loon PIED-BILLED GREBE - One of the stars of the day in backwater of Piscataqua River at Albacore Park in Portsmouth. Great find by the Flocking Bustards, but bad call on the location, originally called out as South Mill Pond! Horned Grebe Red-necked Grebe Great Cormorant GREAT BLUE HERON - One very sad looking bird off Appledore Road in North Hampton. With a little help from our buddy Len! :-) Bald Eagle - Adult on Great Bay. Cooper's Hawk - 5 Cooper's Hawks for the day, but not a single Sharp-shinned Hawk. This would have been unheard of 20 years ago! Red-tailed Hawk PEREGRINE FALCON - Presumed immature on the water tower picked out by Jane from exactly 1 3/4 miles distance. Sanderling - Group on Wallis Sands Beach. Purple Sandpiper Dunlin Not countable for the group and only seen by Jane and I. A group of about 15 flying over mud flats in Hampton harbor late in day disappeared into back channel before Paul and David could get on them. Ring-billed Gull Herring Gull GLAUCOUS GULL - Sub-adult continues in Seabrook. Great Black-backed Gull RAZORBILL - Nice bird swimming off Odiorne. Black Guillemot - Two from Odiorne. Rock Pigeon Mourning Dove EASTERN SCREECH-OWL - The only owl for the day for us. The beautiful bird was in his hole at Odiorne.....and being photographed by 3 photographers about 10' away! Red-bellied Woodpecker Downy Woodpecker Hairy Woodpecker Northern Flicker - One off Meloon Road in Greenland. PILEATED WOODPECKER - 3 total for the day by various members of group. Blue Jay American Crow COMMON RAVEN - 2 off South Road in Kingston. Horned Lark - Great pick by Jane of birds at Hampton Beach State Park. Just barely got them late in day. Black-capped Chickadee Tufted Titmouse White-breasted Nuthatch Carolina Wren - 1 in Exeter. WINTER WREN - Another surprise for the day was this bird calling from a cattail marsh off Great Bay Road in Greenland. Golden-crowned Kinglet - 2 off Washington Road in Rye. Eastern Bluebird - We've been seeing lots of them over the last couple of weeks, but barely got a pair today in Rye. American Robin Northern Mockingbird European Starling American Tree Sparrow SAVANNAH SPARROW - Several at Stuart Farm in Stratham. SAVANNAH SPARROW (Ipswich) - One of the last birds of the day with a Song Sparrow at the Yankee Fisherman's Cooperative in Seabrook. FOX SPARROW - One of two birds coming to feeder of Denny Abbott in Stratham. Song Sparrow White-throated Sparrow Dark-eyed Junco Northern Cardinal RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD - Surprisingly seen from 3 separate locations including East Kingston, Exeter, and Greenland. A total of about 25 birds. Brown-headed Cowbird - Only one or two from East Kingston early as they arrived at the feeders. House Finch American Goldfinch House Sparrow It's almost impossible to go through a day with some birds that just wouldn't show. Once again......the INFAMOUS list of birds missed. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gadwall - Arggh. I've seen at least one the last 7 visits to South Mill Pond and Portsmouth harbor area. We spent a 1/2 hour searching today, but nothing but Mallards! Sharp-shinned Hawk - Amazing how Cooper's Hawks are now the dominant winter accipiter in NH. Lesser Black-backed Gull - An adult bird has been in Hampton harbor earlier this week, but no luck today. Wild Turkey - Always a gamble (or gobble?), the two active "turkey feeders" we had scouted were empty this morning. MARSH WREN - A bird found by Jane earlier in week in Portsmouth, could not be found. YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER - We chased after the bird found by Becky and gang in Rye......but too late in the day, and no luck. Brown Creeper - We just couldn't run across any today. Red-breasted Nuthatch - We've only had 2 all year! VERY FEW around the seacoast right now. Cedar Waxwing - We've only had 1 all year! VERY FEW around the seacoast right now. Swamp Sparrow - 4 scouted out in the last few weeks. Checked all of the marshes today.....but no luck. Purple Finch - Haven't had any all winter. Steve Mirick Team Leader for the "4th and Longspurs" Bradford, MA Subject: Vermont Hawk Owls+ From: Mark Barriger <mark8bud8 AT hotmail.com> Date: Sat, 30 Jan 2010 20:26:50 -0500 Took my wife and two boys (4 and 5) on a nice little day trip up North to see the previously reported Northern Hawk Owls. The first Hawk Owl (North Derby) was by far the more active of the two and made a few passes right in front of us. The second bird (Ferdinand) was perched right were the directions took us. Wish all birds were that easy to find! Other than the Owls the only other highlights of the day were a Northern Shrike along Rte 26 just west of Errol, NH and a flock of Bohemain Waxwings in front of Storyland in Glen, NH. North Derby Hawk Owl - Proceed on Route 5 through Newport, after crossing the bridge separating South Bay from Memphremagog, Route 5 turns right and heads uphill. At the traffic light where Route 5 intersects with Sias Avenue; turn left on Sias. Go 4 miles north initially through a residential area and eventually more rural. About half way you come to a "Y"; continue to go straight(left) onto North Derby Road. At 4 miles you will see a VT Fish & Game access sign right along the small Johns River. Just beyond the river, a two vehicle garage, painted barn red, will be ahead on your right. The owl was seen in the treeline behind, the trees next to, and across the road in the treeline. Ferdinand Hawk Owl - The location is 2.5 miles east of the John Boyland State Airport at a snowmobile crossing of Route 105. The Northern Hawk Owl was approximately 500 feet south of Route 105 in an open area along the Nulhegan River. The GPS coordinates for our viewing location were N 44.78001 W 71.78243. This location is about 6 miles east of island Pond, VT. If you would like to see a shot of each of the Owls click the flickr account below. Mark Barriger Cheshire, CT Mark8bud8 AT hotmail.com http://barrigerbirding.blogspot.com/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/whitewash88/ _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail: Free, trusted and rich email service. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/196390708/direct/01/ Subject: Superbowl of Birding VII - 1/30/2010 - Final Update From: "David Larson" <dlarson AT massaudubon.org> Date: Sat, 30 Jan 2010 19:23:27 -0500 Superbowl of Birding VII -- January 30, 2010 Final Results: Results of the Superbowl of Birding VII -- January 30, 2010 Superbowl VII was conducted under very cold, windy conditions in northeastern Massachusetts and southeastern New Hampshire. Eighty-seven participants in 17 teams fanned out across Essex County, Massachusetts, and Rockingham County, New Hampshire, to tally birds and have fun. A total of 112 species was recorded. Minox Joppa Cup ($100/, sponsored by Minox - most points overall) Team: Granite State Bird Watch (164 points), Captain Lauren Kras Director's Award ($75/, sponsored by Leica - most species overall) Team: Burger Kinglets (75 species), Captain Paul Meleski Essex County Excels Award ($50/, sponsored by Houghton Mifflin - most points Essex County only) Team: Bloggerhead Kingbirds (127 points), Captain Christopher Ciccone Rockingham County Rocks Award ($50/, sponsored by Wild Birds Unlimited - most points in Rockingham County only) Team: Saw-What Owls (138 points), Captain Jim Hully Parker River National Wildlife Refuge Award ($50/, sponsored by Jim Fenton - most points on the refuge) Team: NONE ENTERED (____ points), Captain ______________ Sitting Duck Award ($25/, sponsored by Strickland Wheelock - most points earned from a fixed location) Team: Joppa Sitting Ducks (32 points), Captain Barbara Lawless Seekers Award ($25/, sponsored by Brown Bag Productions - most species recorded on the Seekers checklist, 30 species) Team: On Shrike (29 of 30), Captain Bob Lawson NewBies Award ($25/, sponsored by Joppa Flats - most points, team with at least 2 members under 18) Team: NYSYBC Ninja Nighthawks (101 points), Captain Hope Batcheller Lifer Award ($25, sponsored by Joppa Flats - most life birds seen by a participant) TIE Individual: Aiden Parvo (16 lifers) from Fly By Nights Individual: Emily Malachowski (16 lifers) from Fly by Nights Total Species Recorded by All Teams: 112 I will also post the winners on the Joppa Flats Education Center Facebook page . Superbowl of Birding VII sponsors include: MINOX - Lead Corporate Sponsor LEICA - Lead Product Sponsor -- David M. Larson, Ph.D. Education Coordinator Joppa Flats Education Center Mass Audubon Newburyport, MA 978-462-9998 Subject: Superbowl of Birding VII - 1/30/2010 - Update #8 From: "David Larson" <dlarson AT massaudubon.org> Date: Sat, 30 Jan 2010 15:42:17 -0500 Superbowl of Birding VII -- January 30, 2010 Calls: 1:56 p.m. That Yellow-bellied Sapsucker in Rye was seen by the Saw What Owls We are moving our base to the venue for the tally party and awards banquet, though teams should still call in their 5-point birds to Joppa Flats. I will post an update with the winners listed later this evening on these listservs and on the Joppa Flats Education Center Facebook page . Superbowl of Birding VII sponsors include: MINOX - Lead Corporate Sponsor LEICA - Lead Product Sponsor -- David M. Larson, Ph.D. Education Coordinator Joppa Flats Education Center Mass Audubon Newburyport, MA 978-462-9998 Subject: concord bald eagle From: s42yth AT comcast.net Date: Sat, 30 Jan 2010 19:06:14 +0000 (UTC) this morning at 10:30 an adult bald eagle was flying south along the river near exit 14 on I-93 sylvia hartmannB B B B B B B B B B manchester nh Subject: Superbowl of Birding VII - 1/30/2010 - Update #4 From: "David Larson" <dlarson AT massaudubon.org> Date: Sat, 30 Jan 2010 10:48:02 -0500 Superbowl of Birding VII -- January 30, 2010 Calls: 10:30 a.m. Pied-billed Grebe on South Mill Pond in Portsmouth, NH, reported by the Flocking Bustards 10:34 a.m. The Accidentals made it to the Northern Shoveler in Nahant 10:45 a.m. A Dovekie was reported from Andrew's Point by the NYSYBC Ninja Nighthawks That Shoveler is pretty cooperative! Superbowl of Birding VII sponsors include: MINOX - Lead Corporate Sponsor LEICA - Lead Product Sponsor -- David M. Larson, Ph.D. Education Coordinator Joppa Flats Education Center Mass Audubon Newburyport, MA 978-462-9998 Subject: signing up for ebird From: "bitzElizabeth W. Arms" <widge AT metrocast.net> Date: Sat, 30 Jan 2010 15:29:54 -0500 Hi Becky- I tried signing up for ebird so i can report my sightings but when I tried to log in it say I am no doing it correctly. I don't know what else to do and I do not have a computer expert to help me until Spring time when my grandaughter might visit. Your instructions say it easy to set up an account but it apparently is not easy for dumb old me. Any suggestions? Subject: Superbowl of Birding VII - 1/30/2010 - Update #6 From: "David Larson" <dlarson AT massaudubon.org> Date: Sat, 30 Jan 2010 13:04:26 -0500 Superbowl of Birding VII -- January 30, 2010 Finally got warm enough for a Turkey Vulture to take off... Calls: 12:36 p.m. Turkey Vulture, Rte. 133 in Essex, North Branch Noddies 12:40 p.m. Dovekie at Andrew's Point in Rockport, Bloggerhead Kingbirds 1:03 p.m. Pied-billed Grebe at Albacore Park, Portsmouth, Granite State Bird Watch Superbowl of Birding VII sponsors include: MINOX - Lead Corporate Sponsor LEICA - Lead Product Sponsor -- David M. Larson, Ph.D. Education Coordinator Joppa Flats Education Center Mass Audubon Newburyport, MA 978-462-9998 Subject: Superbowl of Birding VII - 1/30/2010 - Update #5 From: "David Larson" <dlarson AT massaudubon.org> Date: Sat, 30 Jan 2010 12:35:22 -0500 Superbowl of Birding VII -- January 30, 2010 The judges are starting to fight over who gets to answer the next phone call. Or something. Calls: 11:14 a.m. The Granite State Birdwatch called in the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker in the Central Cemetery (off Central St.) in Rye, NH; 12:24 p.m. The Pied-billed Grebe is now in Albacore Park near the submarine in Portsmouth according to the NH 4th and Longspurs The Joppa Sitting Ducks just got their first American Goldfinch of the day! Superbowl of Birding VII sponsors include: MINOX - Lead Corporate Sponsor LEICA - Lead Product Sponsor -- David M. Larson, Ph.D. Education Coordinator Joppa Flats Education Center Mass Audubon Newburyport, MA 978-462-9998 Subject: Superbowl of Birding VII - 1/30/2010 - Update #7 From: "David Larson" <dlarson AT massaudubon.org> Date: Sat, 30 Jan 2010 13:32:50 -0500 Superbowl of Birding VII -- January 30, 2010 Finally, a Thrasher! Calls: 1:17 p.m. The Burger Kinglets strike again with a Brown Thrasher on Conomo Point Road in Essex 1:27 p.m. The Bloggerhead Kingbirds report a Turkey Vulture in the center of Ipswich Superbowl of Birding VII sponsors include: MINOX - Lead Corporate Sponsor LEICA - Lead Product Sponsor -- David M. Larson, Ph.D. Education Coordinator Joppa Flats Education Center Mass Audubon Newburyport, MA 978-462-9998 Subject: RE: quiet feeders - help gather information From: "Danielle Durocher" <danielle_durocher AT comcast.net> Date: Sat, 30 Jan 2010 10:09:22 -0500 A week ago I would have said the same as others about quiet feeders. In Windham I had very few back yard birds compared to last year, that is until this week. Between Nov and Jan 24th I saw very few goldfinches, chickadees, titmice, hairy and downy woodpeckers, etc. with an over abundance of juncos, a few cardinals, mourning doves and blue jays. Over a three month span I only went through two 40 pound bags of sunflower hearts. Last year I used to go through that much and even more every month. This week the birds are back and each day the populations are increasing. I just counted 36 goldfinches, 6 eastern blue birds, 3 house finches, 4 blue jays, 3 chickadees, 2 titmice, 1 robin and the usual juncos (more than 15), 2 downy woodpeckers and 6 mourning doves. I only mention this because by Feb 14th the counts here in Windham will be like last year. The quiet months seem to be past. Perhaps there should be a count done earlier in the winter next year to compare against the Feb numbers? Danielle -----Original Message----- From: owner-NH.Birds AT lists.unh.edu [mailto:owner-NH.Birds AT lists.unh.edu] On Behalf Of Bird Records Sent: Wednesday, January 27, 2010 3:46 PM To: New Hampshire Birds Subject: re: quiet feeders - help gather information Lots of people have mentioned that their feeders are quiet. Help collect data so biologists can quantify these anecdotal reports by participating in NH Audubon's annual Backyard Winter Bird Survey on Saturday, February 13, and Sunday, February 14. Data from the Backyard Winter Bird Survey is used to track changes in the distribution and abundance of many species. You can see the results from last year on the web site at http://www.nhbirdrecords.org/bird-conservation/library/bwbs2009.pdf and see examples of the graphs we use to look at long-term trends in feeder birds. Anyone can participate in the Backyard Winter Bird Survey by counting the birds in their own backyard on the survey weekend and sending the results on a special reporting form to NH Audubon. Participation forms and instructions are on the web at: http://www.nhbirdrecords.org/bird-conservation/backyard-winter-survey.htm along with past results and other survey information. To receive a copy of the reporting form and complete instructions on how to participate via mail, send a self-addressed, stamped, long envelope to: New Hampshire Audubon, Winter Bird Survey 84 Silk Farm Road, Concord, NH 03301-8200 Forms are also available at NH Audubon centers in Auburn, Concord and Manchester. There are two surveys this February. NH Audubonbs Backyard Winter Bird Survey that takes place in New Hampshire only, and the Great Backyard Bird Count, a nation-wide web-based survey on February 12-15, 2010. Details are at http://www.birdsource.org/gbbc/. Becky Suomala Backyard Winter Bird Survey Coordinator