Vermont Birds

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Recent Postings from
Vermont Birds

Updated on Friday, July 3 at 04:17 PM ET
The most recently received Mail is at the top.

3 Jul West Rutland Town Forest-Dodd Farm Block , 7/3/09 [Roy Pilcher ]
3 Jul Re: Mockingbird ["bholton AT myfairpoint.net" ]
3 Jul Correction : It is actually a Red Eyed Vireo on the Nest! [Jeannie Elias ]
3 Jul Mockingbird ["Mary-C. Marro" ]
3 Jul Blue Grosbeak in Milton [Paul Bugeja ]
3 Jul Blue Headed Vireo on the Nest. [Jeannie Elias ]
3 Jul Red Bellied Family [Randy Schmidt ]
3 Jul Fwd: eBird Report - Lake Dunmore/Silver Lake Rd. , 7/2/09 [Sue Wetmore ]
3 Jul Fledglings in Danby ["Nancy A. Brown" ]
2 Jul Fish Crows [Thomas Ford-Hutchinson ]
2 Jul Re: raptors [Steve Mermelstein ]
2 Jul raptors [Mark Paul ]
2 Jul Re: Common Loon story [Tim Abraham ]
2 Jul Common Loon story [Susan Elliott ]
2 Jul [VTBIRD} CT Warbler???? [Maeve Kim ]
1 Jul Pittsford Trails-Cadwell Loop, July 1 [Susan Elliott ]
30 Jun Baffles & Suet [Bruce Parfitt ]
30 Jun Re: Bicknell's Thrush [Bryan Pfeiffer ]
30 Jun Birding help on Fri [Ruth Stewart ]
30 Jun Re: Bicknell's Thrush [Deborah Benjamin ]
30 Jun New Mexico Trip Report [Ken Cox ]
30 Jun Bicknell's Thrush report [Kent McFarland ]
30 Jun FW: eBird Report - Elm Street, Pittsford , 6/30/09 [Marsha Booker ]
30 Jun Fwd: eBird Report - Hollow Rd , 6/30/09 [Sue Wetmore ]
30 Jun Re: Bicknell's Thrush [Jane Stein ]
30 Jun Re: Bicknell's Thrush [John Snell ]
30 Jun Re: Bicknell's Thrush [Jane Stein ]
30 Jun Bicknell's Thrush [Janet Watton ]
30 Jun Re: Squirrel baffles [Linda Robinson ]
29 Jun Re: Squirrel baffles [Jane Stein ]
29 Jun Some recent Missisquoi Refuge observations [Kenneth Copenhaver ]
29 Jun Re: Squirrel baffles [Maeve Kim ]
29 Jun Re: Squirrel baffles [Richard Harlow ]
29 Jun Re: Squirrel baffles [John MacArthur ]
29 Jun Squirrel baffles [Jane Stein ]
29 Jun Re: in Milton [Jane Stein ]
29 Jun Re: in Milton [Marvin Elliott ]
29 Jun Re: in Milton [Linda Robinson ]
29 Jun Re: in Milton [Jane Stein ]
29 Jun Re: in Milton [Linda Robinson ]
29 Jun Re: in Milton [Jane Stein ]
29 Jun in Milton [Linda Robinson ]
28 Jun northern shoveler [Jane Schlossberg ]
28 Jun Rutland County Audubon - Birding Break for Butterflies - July 4 and 5 [Susan Elliott ]
28 Jun FW: eBird Report - Aitken State Forest, Mendon, VT , 6/26/09 [Marsha Booker ]
28 Jun Re: Grassland Conservation -- Henslow's sparrow [Jane Stein ]
28 Jun Grassland Conservation [TMW ]
27 Jun Dead Creek - Orchard Orioles plus [Winslows ]
27 Jun Mike Winslow has shared an eBird checklist with you from Dead Creek WMA IBA - Brilyea Access on Jun 27, 2009 - 8:00 AM [Mike Winslow ]
27 Jun Young Pileated Woodpecker [Jeannie Elias ]
27 Jun Fwd: eBird Report - Dead Creek--Farrell Access , 6/27/09 [Craig Provost ]
27 Jun Fwd: eBird Report - Lake Dunmore/Silver Lake Rd. , 6/27/09 [Sue Wetmore ]
27 Jun Yard birds - Danby, VT ["Nancy A. Brown" ]
27 Jun FW: [Ontbirds] First Migrant Shorebirds & Arctic Breeding Conditions []
25 Jun Ivory-billed Woodpeckers in Greensboro Friday Night - June 26 [Bryan Pfeiffer ]
25 Jun FW: eBird Report - Elm Street, Pittsford , 6/24/09 [Marsha Booker ]
25 Jun walk [Sue Wetmore ]
24 Jun Rutland Community Garden , 6/24/09 [Roy Pilcher ]
24 Jun Re: RFI: SEPTEMBER BIRDING ADVICE - VT [Larry Hills ]
24 Jun Rutland power line yesterday [Maeve Kim ]
24 Jun RFI: SEPTEMBER BIRDING ADVICE - VT [Gruff Dodd ]
24 Jun Re: eBird Report - Maple St, Brandon , 6/24/09 [Sue Wetmore ]
22 Jun Fwd: eBird Report - Mt. Mansfield , 6/22/09 [Sue Wetmore ]
22 Jun No Subject ["Mary-C. Marro" ]
22 Jun Re: Disastrous breeding season in the Arctic ["Nancy A. Brown" ]
22 Jun Re: Do you have a good mnemonic to share [Larry Hills ]
22 Jun Disastrous breeding season in the Arctic [Peter Manship ]
22 Jun More on HOWR vs. CARW [Rich Wickman ]
22 Jun Juvenile Sapsuckers [Jeannie Elias ]
21 Jun Ovenbird Nest in Dorset [Bill Calfee ]
21 Jun Blue Headed Vireo Nest [Jeannie Elias ]
21 Jun Golden Eagle fly over in Danby ["Nancy A. Brown" ]
21 Jun bird list removal [Susan James ]
21 Jun Fwd: eBird Report - Hildene - Lincoln Family Home , 6/20/09 [Randy Schmidt ]
21 Jun Rutland County Audubon Annual Meeting and Presentation "Nesting Strategies of Birds" - June 26 [Susan Elliott ]
21 Jun Fwd: eBird Report - W. Rutland Marsh , 6/21/09 [Sue Wetmore ]

Subject: West Rutland Town Forest-Dodd Farm Block , 7/3/09
From: Roy Pilcher <ShamwariVT AT AOL.COM>
Date: Fri, 3 Jul 2009 17:17:10 EDT

Location: West Rutland Town Forest-Dodd Farm Block Observation date: 7/3/09 Notes: Lower elevation 544 feet. Upper elevation 790 feet. Number of species: 35 Mourning Dove 1 Northern Flicker 2 Eastern Wood-Pewee 3 Eastern Phoebe 2 Nest with young. Blue-headed Vireo 1 Red-eyed Vireo 3 Blue Jay 2 American Crow 4 Tree Swallow 2 Black-capped Chickadee 2 White-breasted Nuthatch 1 Carolina Wren 1 House Wren 2 Veery 4 Hermit Thrush 4 Wood Thrush 2 American Robin 4 Gray Catbird 6 Yellow Warbler 1 Black-throated Green Warbler 2 American Redstart 1 Ovenbird 6 Mourning Warbler 1 Common Yellowthroat 9 Male carrying food. Scarlet Tanager 6 Eastern Towhee 3 Field Sparrow 2 Song Sparrow 6 Swamp Sparrow 2 Rose-breasted Grosbeak 1 Indigo Bunting 3 Agitated pair. Red-winged Blackbird 3 Common Grackle 1 Brown-headed Cowbird 1 American Goldfinch 4 This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org/vt) Cheers, Roy Pilcher The Gables at East Mountain, Rutland, Vermont Speaking the same language. **************A Good Credit Score is 700 or Above. See yours in just 2 easy steps! (http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100126575x1222585087x1201462804/aol?redir=http://www.freecreditreport.com/pm/default.aspx?sc=668072&hmpgID=62&bcd= JulystepsfooterNO62)
Subject: Re: Mockingbird
From: "bholton AT myfairpoint.net" <bholton@MYFAIRPOINT.NET>
Date: Fri, 3 Jul 2009 16:00:34 -0400

There is a resident mockingbird on So Prospect St in Burlington. Original Message: ----------------- From: Mary-C. Marro mcminvt AT AOL.COM Date: Fri, 3 Jul 2009 15:01:47 -0400 To: VTBIRD AT LIST.UVM.EDU Subject: [VTBIRD] Mockingbird A yard resident when I lived in CT, I always have to work to find a Mockingbird in VT. In South Hero on West Shore Drive...first (and probably the only) one of the year. mcm rutland -------------------------------------------------------------------- myhosting.com - Premium Microsoft® Windows® and Linux web and application hosting - http://link.myhosting.com/myhosting
Subject: Correction : It is actually a Red Eyed Vireo on the Nest!
From: Jeannie Elias <moosewoman AT MADRIVER.COM>
Date: Fri, 3 Jul 2009 15:11:45 -0400

Upon reflection I realized that the bird we just saw nesting is actually a Red Eyed Vireo! Check out the photo of the adult on the nest at www.madbirders.org Happy Birding! Jeannie Elias Fayston, VT
Subject: Mockingbird
From: "Mary-C. Marro" <mcminvt AT AOL.COM>
Date: Fri, 3 Jul 2009 15:01:47 -0400

A yard resident when I lived in CT, I always have to work to find a Mockingbird in VT. In South Hero on West Shore Drive...first (and probably the only) one of the year. mcm rutland
Subject: Blue Grosbeak in Milton
From: Paul Bugeja <pawlub AT COMCAST.NET>
Date: Fri, 3 Jul 2009 14:36:43 -0400

Hello All, For two days now, my wife and I had the pleasure of seeing an immature Blue Grosbeak outside our kitchen. Iam sure that many may be thinking that our sighting of a immature Blue Grosbeak is a actually a Indigo Bunting, but for these reason we think it is a Grosbeak: *Purplish head *Black spot in front of eye *Chirping call (compared to Cornell) *Thick silver beak *Wing bars Please let me know if anyone has seen or heard of Blue Grosbeak sightings in northern Vermont. Thanks, Paul Bugeja
Subject: Blue Headed Vireo on the Nest.
From: Jeannie Elias <moosewoman AT MADRIVER.COM>
Date: Fri, 3 Jul 2009 13:32:17 -0400

For the second time in as many weeks, we have discovered a Blue Headed Vireo nest at our home in Fayston. Check out the photo of the adult on the nest at www.madbirders.org My birding hope for this year was to start watching for signs of nesting behavior with the aim of finding nests.but then, without much effort on my part, I have been rewarded with many wonderful opportunities to see birds on the nest right here at home. Birding certainly is a many splendored passion. Happy Birding! Jeannie Elias Fayston, VT
Subject: Red Bellied Family
From: Randy Schmidt <randy AT THEVERMONTBIRDPLACE.COM>
Date: Fri, 3 Jul 2009 11:01:56 -0400

I have been watching a Red-bellied nesting hole since the end of April and this morning got the big reward. There was lots of Red-Bellied noise going on outside in the yard and when I looked I was able to follow and watch the two adults and 3 fledgling flying around, getting fed, and begging for more. A great treat. Randy Schmidt Sunderland, VT
Subject: Fwd: eBird Report - Lake Dunmore/Silver Lake Rd. , 7/2/09
From: Sue Wetmore <2birdvt AT COMCAST.NET>
Date: Fri, 3 Jul 2009 14:46:24 +0000

In spite of the rainy day the road up to Silver Lake was productive. Sue Wetmore ----- Forwarded Message ----- From: do-not-reply AT ebird.org To: 2birdvt AT comcast.net Sent: Friday, July 3, 2009 10:39:05 AM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: eBird Report - Lake Dunmore/Silver Lake Rd. , 7/2/09 Location: Ā Ā Lake Dunmore/Silver Lake Rd. Observation date: Ā Ā 7/2/09 Number of species: Ā Ā 11 Blue-headed Vireo Ā Ā 3 Red-eyed Vireo Ā Ā 2 Winter Wren Ā Ā 1 Hermit Thrush Ā Ā 1 Gray Catbird Ā Ā 2 Black-throated Green Warbler Ā Ā 1 Blackburnian Warbler Ā Ā 2 Ovenbird Ā Ā 1 Mourning Warbler Ā Ā 1 Common Yellowthroat Ā Ā 2 Scarlet Tanager Ā Ā 1 This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org/vt)
Subject: Fledglings in Danby
From: "Nancy A. Brown" <whites AT VERMONTEL.NET>
Date: Fri, 3 Jul 2009 07:49:19 -0400

-This mornings sunrise, yes it did appear, no rain yet today, alot of the birds in the yard drying out, a favorite spot is the 400 ft of split rail fence between the lawn and meadow. > Location: Danby Pond- Danby, VT > Observation date: 7/3/09 > Number of species: 28 > > Ruby-throated Hummingbird 2 still two males fighting over feeder, no > young yet > Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1 > Downy Woodpecker 3- young now feed at suet on their own > Hairy Woodpecker 1 > Eastern Wood-Pewee 1 first year I have noticed them this close to > house > Eastern Phoebe 1 found its nest - neighbors eves > Eastern Kingbird 2 still setting > Tree Swallow 2 one box left to fledge > Black-capped Chickadee 2 > Tufted Titmouse 5 - 1 adult followed by 4 very hungry young > House Wren 2- still setting > Eastern Bluebird 2 - female is now sitting with 2nd brood > Veery 3- found where the yard veery is feeding young behind brush > pile at edge of lawn > American Robin 3- second nest has fledged > Gray Catbird 2- adult feeding fedgling tag-along. > Brown Thrasher 1 > European Starling 2- adult feeding fedgling > Cedar Waxwing 4 - found two nest under construction about 300 ft apart > Yellow Warbler 2 - adult male feeding fledgling young > Common Yellowthroat 2 > Savannah Sparrow 27 - 8 adults and 19 young, good thing fence has > two rails and many posts, great place to escape the wet grass everywhere > Song Sparrow 7 - 4 adults 3 young > White-throated Sparrow 1- still heard singing morning and evenings > Bobolink 5 - 3 males and 2 females all carrying food > Red-winged Blackbird 2 > Eastern Meadowlark 4 - 1 adult and 3 fledglings- my lawn grass is not > much shorter than meadow, they were at edge of drive > Common Grackle 1 > American Goldfinch 1 > > This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org/vt) >
Subject: Fish Crows
From: Thomas Ford-Hutchinson <thomas.ford-hutchinson AT UVM.EDU>
Date: Thu, 2 Jul 2009 19:53:42 -0400

Today I had one Fish Crow calling with two other unidentified crows atop the Davis Center on the UVM campus. On Tuesday I also had a Fish Crow calling as it flew over the top of College St. Thomas Ford-Hutchinson Burlington, VT
Subject: Re: raptors
From: Steve Mermelstein <usrbingeek AT GMAIL.COM>
Date: Thu, 2 Jul 2009 16:15:28 -0400

Where? I'd like to make stills of the same. All the best, Steve Mermelstein http://www.stevemermelstein.com/ http://twitter.com/vtphotog Sent from my iPhone On Jul 2, 2009, at 4:01 PM, Mark Paul wrote: > Just found a Broad-winged Hawk nest with at least one chick. Will > get back to take a closer look and film it if the rain ever stops. > If you know of a nest or other good opportunity to film raptors, I > would appreciate any hot tips. I am especially interested in > Kestrels and Merlins. > Mark Paul, S. Starksboro > _________________________________________________________________ > HotmailĀ® has ever-growing storage! Donā€™t worry about storage limit > s. > http://windowslive.com/Tutorial/Hotmail/Storage?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_HM_Tutorial_Storage_062009
Subject: raptors
From: Mark Paul <mpaul155 AT HOTMAIL.COM>
Date: Thu, 2 Jul 2009 16:01:41 -0400

Just found a Broad-winged Hawk nest with at least one chick. Will get back to take a closer look and film it if the rain ever stops. If you know of a nest or other good opportunity to film raptors, I would appreciate any hot tips. I am especially interested in Kestrels and Merlins. Mark Paul, S. Starksboro _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail® has ever-growing storage! Don’t worry about storage limits. http://windowslive.com/Tutorial/Hotmail/Storage?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_HM_Tutorial_Storage_062009
Subject: Re: Common Loon story
From: Tim Abraham <drevt AT AOL.COM>
Date: Thu, 2 Jul 2009 11:34:12 -0400

Neat report. Tim 802-558-0389 -----Original Message----- From: Susan Elliott To: VTBIRD AT LIST.UVM.EDU Sent: Thu, Jul 2, 2009 10:27 am Subject: [VTBIRD] Common Loon story Roy Pilcher has written a wonderful report on the "arrival" of a new Common Loon chick, which is posted on Rutland County Audubon's new website: http://www.rutlandcountyaudubon.org/ We hope you take a moment to check out the site. Let us know what you think! Sue Elliott Rutland County Audubon
Subject: Common Loon story
From: Susan Elliott <ovenbird14 AT YAHOO.COM>
Date: Thu, 2 Jul 2009 07:27:18 -0700

Roy Pilcher has written a wonderful report on the "arrival" of a new Common Loon chick, which is posted on Rutland County Audubon's new website: http://www.rutlandcountyaudubon.org/ We hope you take a moment to check out the site. Let us know what you think! Sue Elliott Rutland County Audubon
Subject: [VTBIRD} CT Warbler????
From: Maeve Kim <maevulus AT SURFGLOBAL.NET>
Date: Thu, 2 Jul 2009 07:39:46 -0400

Is there any possibility of Connecticut warblers nesting at Barr Hill in Greensboro? On Wednesday morning, I heard a song that sounded like a cross between a robin’s and some sort of warbler’s. (I wrote down DEEpaDEEpaDEEpaDEEpa deeduleeoo. It sounded sort of like a lighter, faster ovenbird at the beginning, but with a clearer, more melodic tone.) I heard two singing birds, in two different places, but they were wicked hard to find. After almost forty minutes, I finally located one bird near a small area carpeted with thick moss, surrounded by conifers. The bird was actively gleaning, sometimes dropping briefly to the ground but mostly staying on low branches within a foot or two of the ground. It stayed on the outskirts of the mossy clearing. I got good looks at its gray head, complete white eye ring, olive back and pale lemony underparts. I decided it was a Nashville Warbler, although I’d never heard that exact song. But it looked chunky somehow, and its bill looked too long. Then, I thought I saw the gray on the head extending down the throat, making a complete hood. The light wasn’t good; it was raining lightly, and the bird stuck to shadowed areas at the bases of trees. I got out my camera and shot two pictures quickly, but they’re nothing but blurs. If anyone else would like to check the bird out, walk down the entrance road less than a hundred yards and then bushwhack in to your right just past the first trees. There’s a little mossy mat that is very springy underfoot, with some fallen limbs around it. You can also get there by going up the trail from the parking lot, turning left just before the trail forks, and walking parallel to the main road. Maeve Kim Jericho Center
Subject: Pittsford Trails-Cadwell Loop, July 1
From: Susan Elliott <ovenbird14 AT YAHOO.COM>
Date: Wed, 1 Jul 2009 08:56:14 -0700

Forty-eight species of birds were counted at the Cadwell Loop in Pittsford this morning. Highlights included many Cedar Waxwings, several mate-feeding, a Brown Thrasher, and an adult Baltimore Oriole feeding a fledgling. One billion mosquitoes were also counted. Wood Duck 1 Great Blue Heron 1 Turkey Vulture 5 Spotted Sandpiper 3 American Woodcock 1 Mourning Dove 5 Ruby-throated Hummingbird 1 Belted Kingfisher 2 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1 Downy Woodpecker 6 Hairy Woodpecker 1 Northern Flicker 1 Pileated Woodpecker 1 Alder Flycatcher 2 Least Flycatcher 4 Eastern Phoebe 5 Eastern Kingbird 5 Warbling Vireo 8 Red-eyed Vireo 2 Blue Jay 2 American Crow 6 Barn Swallow 5 Black-capped Chickadee 10 Tufted Titmouse 5 White-breasted Nuthatch 4 House Wren 6 Veery 2 American Robin 12 (one seen carrying nesting material) Gray Catbird 17 Brown Thrasher 1 European Starling 9 Cedar Waxwing 17 Yellow Warbler 2 Chestnut-sided Warbler 1 Black-and-white Warbler 1 American Redstart 11 Ovenbird 1 Common Yellowthroat 15 Savannah Sparrow 1 Swamp Sparrow 3 Northern Cardinal 5 Indigo Bunting 7 Red-winged Blackbird 13 (one seen carrying food) Common Grackle 5 (two seen carrying food) Brown-headed Cowbird 1 Baltimore Oriole 2 American Goldfinch 10 Sue and Marv Elliott, Marsha Booker, Roy Pilcher, Sue Wetmore
Subject: Baffles & Suet
From: Bruce Parfitt <mooseberrybush AT YAHOO.COM>
Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2009 20:47:58 -0700

A friend in Wisconsin stretched a cable (1/4 inch?) between two rather distant aspen trees, and hung feeders from the cable, far enough from trunks and branches that squirrels could not jump to the feeder. The cable had many short pieces of garden hose around it so squirrels would not be able to maintain footing. The hose would rotate around the cable and the squirrel would be on the ground. Joan still put huge baffles over the feeder (2-ft wide shields, like an umbrella over each feeder). The system worked very well. You might need the feeder & cable step-ladder-high to prevent critters from jumping from the ground. Also, she had a garden hose piece around the cable loops at each end, to protect the tree bark from the cable cutting into it. I think you could hang suet or other feeders from the cable. I've had raccoon problems with my suet feeders on trees. The last one I built was big enough for a pound or two of unprocessed suet from the butcher. It was caged in 1/2-inch galvanized mesh, and nailed to a tree. The nails were bent over to keep it in place. It remained for for a couple of months, but one day it was gone. I looked in the woods for it, but never found where the (presumably) raccoons took it. It needs to be presented away from trees (as in above paragraph), and with serious baffles. Good luck! Bruce Parfitt Johnson, VT
Subject: Re: Bicknell's Thrush
From: Bryan Pfeiffer <Bryan AT VERMONTBIRDTOURS.COM>
Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2009 22:25:26 -0400

Hi Janet (and others): As folks have advised, you will most likely hear Bicknell's Thrushes calling and singing. But it can be surprisingly hard to see them up there. One piece of advice I'll add is that while working those dirt roads, place yourself where you can look out across a slope below you or otherwise in a position to see the tops of many trees (they're mostly balsam fir). Bicknell's Thrush will occasionally sit up and sing near or on the top of one of those many conifers or on a bare birch branch. A scope can indeed help. It'll increase your odds of actually getting a good look. Best, Bryan Pfeiffer > *Subject: Bicknell's Thrush* > From: Janet Watton > Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2009 10:35:51 -0400 > I've decided it's high time I found my life bird before this year is > out! I wonder if anyone can tell me how to drive to the best Mount > Mansfield sighting spot(s). I've hiked up the mountain but have no > idea how to get to the best place by car. Any hot tips would be > appreciated. > Janet Watton > Randolph Center > -- Vermont Bird Tours PO Box 121 Plainfield, VT 05667 NOW BIRDING SPRING MIGRATION IN VERMONT * MAINE THIS FALL Details at www.VermontBirdTours.com Bryan's Photography - www.WingsPhotography.com Bryan's Consulting - www.WingsEnvironmental.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Subject: Birding help on Fri
From: Ruth Stewart <birder_rws AT HOTMAIL.COM>
Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2009 21:44:52 -0400

I have an avid birding friend from AK who is in ME this week on business. She is eager to add Golden-winged Warbler, VA Rail and Mourning Warbler to her life list and has not had any luck finding places in ME for these species (or someone to help her find same). She is willing to come all the way to E Dorset after a lunch date in Hanover on Thurs. returning to ME on Fri. Is there anyone out there near the Hanover area who knows of possible locations for these birds and would be willing to take Joanna around Fri am to try and find any or all of them so she would not have to drive to this area? jmh_tk AT yahoo.com - that's a period/dot between the initials. Because this is such short notice, please contact Joanna directly and cc to me. Thanks all! Ruth Stewart E Dorset _________________________________________________________________ Lauren found her dream laptop. Find the PC that’s right for you. http://www.microsoft.com/windows/choosepc/?ocid=ftp_val_wl_290
Subject: Re: Bicknell's Thrush
From: Deborah Benjamin <dbenjamin AT MYFAIRPOINT.NET>
Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2009 21:06:43 -0400

Hi, Once you are on your way up the Toll Road, stop at the Octagon and start listening. That basin transmits their loud call very well. The song is quieter. Good Luck, Debbie ----- Original Message ----- From: "Janet Watton" To: Sent: Tuesday, June 30, 2009 10:35 AM Subject: [VTBIRD] Bicknell's Thrush > I've decided it's high time I found my life bird before this year is out! > I wonder if anyone can tell me how to drive to the best Mount Mansfield > sighting spot(s). I've hiked up the mountain but have no idea how to get > to the best place by car. Any hot tips would be appreciated. > Janet Watton > Randolph Center >
Subject: New Mexico Trip Report
From: Ken Cox <kencox5 AT GMAIL.COM>
Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2009 20:27:29 -0400

I recently spent two weeks in western NM birding when time allowed. For details see my post at http://northernwingsbirder.blogspot.com/. -- Kenneth Cox South Reading, VT http://northernwingsbirder.blogspot.com/
Subject: Bicknell's Thrush report
From: Kent McFarland <kmcfarland AT VTECOSTUDIES.ORG>
Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2009 16:41:22 -0400

Despite very challenging conditions - in clouds, cold, and wet. VCE research team managed to capture 7 Bicknell's Thrushes this morning. We now have 15 males with geolocators on them. These will allow us to see where they have been over the next year when we recapture them in 2010 and download the data! For those that want to see Bicknell's Thrush. Just park in the top lot and they are watching you! You just have to figure out how to watch them. They should be calling and singing all around the parking lot in the morning or late evening. Keep your eye on the area below the cliffs of the Nose at the south end of the parking lot. A scope may be helpful if you spot a bird calling or singing from a perch. It just takes serious patients. Kent -- Kent McFarland Vermont Center for Ecostudies PO Box 420 • Norwich, VT 05055 802.649.1431 http://www.vtecostudies.org/
Subject: FW: eBird Report - Elm Street, Pittsford , 6/30/09
From: Marsha Booker <mbooker105 AT HOTMAIL.COM>
Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2009 18:26:23 +0000

> Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2009 14:24:15 -0400 > From: do-not-reply AT ebird.org > To: mbooker105 AT hotmail.com > Subject: eBird Report - Elm Street, Pittsford , 6/30/09 > > > > Location: Elm Street, Pittsford > Observation date: 6/30/09 > Number of species: 27 > > Green Heron 1 > Turkey Vulture 1 > Mourning Dove 2 > Chimney Swift 1 > Ruby-throated Hummingbird 2 > Belted Kingfisher 1 > Downy Woodpecker 1 > Least Flycatcher 2 > Warbling Vireo 2 > American Crow 1 > Black-capped Chickadee 2 > Tufted Titmouse 2 > White-breasted Nuthatch 1 > Veery 1 > American Robin 3 > Gray Catbird 5 > Cedar Waxwing 5 > Yellow Warbler 3 > American Redstart 4 Female was gathering food. One first summer male. > Common Yellowthroat 3 > Song Sparrow 5 > Swamp Sparrow 2 > Northern Cardinal 1 > Red-winged Blackbird 3 > Common Grackle 1 > Brown-headed Cowbird 2 > American Goldfinch 7 > > This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org/vt) _________________________________________________________________ Windows Live™: Keep your life in sync. http://windowslive.com/explore?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_BR_life_in_synch_062009
Subject: Fwd: eBird Report - Hollow Rd , 6/30/09
From: Sue Wetmore <2birdvt AT COMCAST.NET>
Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2009 16:51:46 +0000

This morning in Brandon the following was seen.Ā Of interest was the family of towhees and kestrels. Sue Wetmore ----- Forwarded Message ----- From: do-not-reply AT ebird.org To: 2birdvt AT comcast.net Sent: Tuesday, June 30, 2009 12:48:27 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: eBird Report - Hollow Rd , 6/30/09 Location: Ā Ā Hollow Rd. Brandon, VT Observation date: Ā Ā 6/30/09 Notes: Ā Ā A family of towhees, 2 a. 2 juv. Kestrel family 2 a. 1 juv. Number of species: Ā Ā 38 Red-tailed Hawk Ā Ā 1 American Kestrel Ā Ā 3 Killdeer Ā Ā 1 Mourning Dove Ā Ā 7 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Ā Ā 1 Downy Woodpecker Ā Ā 1 Hairy Woodpecker Ā Ā 1 Eastern Wood-Pewee Ā Ā 1 Eastern Phoebe Ā Ā 3 Great Crested Flycatcher Ā Ā 3 Eastern Kingbird Ā Ā 2 Red-eyed Vireo Ā Ā 4 Blue Jay Ā Ā 5 American Crow Ā Ā 9 Tree Swallow Ā Ā 1 Black-capped Chickadee Ā Ā 3 White-breasted Nuthatch Ā Ā 1 House Wren Ā Ā 5 Veery Ā Ā 1 Wood Thrush Ā Ā 3 American Robin Ā Ā 6 Gray Catbird Ā Ā 6 Brown Thrasher Ā Ā 3 European Starling Ā Ā 3 Chestnut-sided Warbler Ā Ā 4 Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) Ā Ā 1 Prairie Warbler Ā Ā 1 Black-and-white Warbler Ā Ā 1 Ovenbird Ā Ā 4 Northern Waterthrush Ā Ā 1 Common Yellowthroat Ā Ā 4 Eastern Towhee Ā Ā 6 Field Sparrow Ā Ā 2 Song Sparrow Ā Ā 1 Northern Cardinal Ā Ā 5 Red-winged Blackbird Ā Ā 4 Brown-headed Cowbird Ā Ā 1 American Goldfinch Ā Ā 1 This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org/vt)
Subject: Re: Bicknell's Thrush
From: Jane Stein <jeshawks AT SHOREHAM.NET>
Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2009 11:03:26 -0400

Thank you very, very much for the info. I was hoping it was that simple... Jane John Snell wrote: > Drive up the Mountain Toll Road, as early as it opens (9am), pay the $24 > (don't even think about it!), park anywhere up top or near the top and > walk downhill just a bit. You'll probably hear them and soon after see > them. A delight! Later that morning a walk along the ridge is a > wonderful treat too; watch for the Ravens doing their acrobatics. > > John Snell > Montpelier > >> I've decided it's high time I found my life bird before this year is >> out! I wonder if anyone can tell me how to drive to the best Mount >> Mansfield sighting spot(s). I've hiked up the mountain but have no >> idea how to get to the best place by car. Any hot tips would be >> appreciated. >> Janet Watton >> Randolph Center > > >
Subject: Re: Bicknell's Thrush
From: John Snell <jsnell AT THESNELLGROUP.COM>
Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2009 10:51:52 -0400

Drive up the Mountain Toll Road, as early as it opens (9am), pay the $24 (don't even think about it!), park anywhere up top or near the top and walk downhill just a bit. You'll probably hear them and soon after see them. A delight! Later that morning a walk along the ridge is a wonderful treat too; watch for the Ravens doing their acrobatics. John Snell Montpelier >I've decided it's high time I found my life bird before this year is >out! I wonder if anyone can tell me how to drive to the best Mount >Mansfield sighting spot(s). I've hiked up the mountain but have no >idea how to get to the best place by car. Any hot tips would be >appreciated. >Janet Watton >Randolph Center -- Thermally yours, John ASNT NDT Level III #48166 The Snell Group P.O. Box 6 Montpelier, Vermont 05601 United States Tel: +1.802.229.9820 Fax: +1.802.223.0460 1.800.636.9820 (toll free US/Canada) jsnell AT thesnellgroup.com http://www.thesnellgroup.com http://www.learnnewsolutions.com/ NOTICE This transmittal is intended for a particular addressee(s). Any information or opinions contained in the transmittal are intended for the sole use and benefit of the intended recipient and no others. The transmittal may contain privileged and confidential information, trade secrets, and proprietary information. If it is not clear that you are the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that you have received this transmittal in error; any review, copying or distribution or dissemination is strictly prohibited. If you suspect that you have received this transmittal in error, please notify The Snell Group immediately at +1.802.229.9820 or by email, reply to the sender and destroy the transmittal and any and all attachments.
Subject: Re: Bicknell's Thrush
From: Jane Stein <jeshawks AT SHOREHAM.NET>
Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2009 10:47:56 -0400

Please post any replies to the whole list? Others of us unable/unwilling to make the hike would sure appreciate the information. Jane Shoreham Janet Watton wrote: > I've decided it's high time I found my life bird before this year is > out! I wonder if anyone can tell me how to drive to the best Mount > Mansfield sighting spot(s). I've hiked up the mountain but have no > idea how to get to the best place by car. Any hot tips would be > appreciated. > Janet Watton > Randolph Center > >
Subject: Bicknell's Thrush
From: Janet Watton <musbird AT GMAIL.COM>
Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2009 10:35:51 -0400

I've decided it's high time I found my life bird before this year is out! I wonder if anyone can tell me how to drive to the best Mount Mansfield sighting spot(s). I've hiked up the mountain but have no idea how to get to the best place by car. Any hot tips would be appreciated. Janet Watton Randolph Center
Subject: Re: Squirrel baffles
From: Linda Robinson <robinsl AT PSHIFT.COM>
Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2009 08:15:14 -0400

I've really enjoyed this thread and all the advice & suggestions. I have the picture and will send it off to Duncraft. Maybe it will motivate them to be more specific in their description. If I get any interesting response, I'll share. On Jun 29, 2009, at 8:07 PM, Jane Stein wrote: > True enough, but you learn that mistake pretty quickly. I cut off a > couple of small lower limbs and then hung mine way, way out as far > on the end of the now lowest limb as it can go and still not pull > the limb down. So they can jump, but only to the top of the baffle, > where I very much enjoy watching them try and fail to get at the > suet feeder underneath. :-) > > I would happily chip in for the postage to send the pic to the > feeder manufacturer, and I wouldn't mind seeing it myself. They > absolutely have no business marketing this stuff as "squirrel proof" > without mentioning it's only gray squirrel-proof. > > Jane > > Maeve Kim wrote: > >> I think the problem with many feeders is that they're placed too >> close to trees. Squirrels can jump laterally something like 17'. >> Even the best baffle won't keep them off feeders if there are any >> launching pads nearby. >> I like the idea of photographing a "squirrel-resistant" cage >> feeder with a happy little red squirrel comfortably ensconced >> inside, chowing down in its own private little feeding room - and >> sending the photo to the manufacturer of the feeder! >> Maeve Kim >> Jericho Center >> On Jun 29, 2009, at 4:57 PM, Richard Harlow wrote: >>> I'll put in my 2 cents. >>> >>> I have 12 nest boxes and 3 feeders on galvanized or rot iron >>> poles. All have the Audubon squirrel baffle. I have had no >>> problem with Chipmunks, Red or Gray Squirrels or raccoons for the >>> 5 years they have been up. They all try to go under the baffle, >>> to no avail. >>> >>> I have two Suet Feeders. One in a wire cage and one not. The >>> only birds that give me trouble with suet are crows. They go >>> through it fast. So, I will probably also put that one in a >>> cage, although in the summer that one is free of suet and it >>> usually takes the crows awhile to figure when I have put suet >>> back into the easy one. >>> >>> So far, knock on wood, the feeders and nest boxes set-up this way >>> have been very successful. >>> >>> Richard Harlow >>> Arrowhead Lake >>> Milton, VT >>> >>> >>> >>> Jane Stein wrote: >>> >>>> Here's the hanging baffle. I'm pretty sure I've seen this at >>>> Agway, too, or something close to it. The one I have does have >>>> very long screws on either side to hang the feeder from, which >>>> you'd either want to try to replace with shorter fixtures, or >>>> drastically shorten the hanger on the feeder, or both. >>>> >>>> http://www.backyardwildbirds.com/servlet/the-25/Metal-Hanging- >>>> Squirrel-baffle,/Detail >>>> >>>> And here's the cylindrical baffle for pole feeders. >>>> >>>> http://thenaturestore.com/zz239598.htm >>>> >>>> The first time I put that one on, I thoroughly enjoyed myself >>>> watching the squirrels try repeatedly to get through it or >>>> around it and fail, and then sit and contemplate the thing for >>>> long, long moments, I swear trying to suss out whether there was >>>> another way to defeat it before giving up. >>>> >>>> All those "squirrel proof" feeders seem to be designed only for >>>> gray squirrels. The reds are so tiny and flexible, I'm not sure >>>> it would even be possible to construct one that would keep them >>>> out without also keeping out birds larger than a Chickadee. >>>> >>>> Jane >>>> >>>> Linda Robinson wrote: >>>> >>>>> I'm interested in the link for the baffles. We've been trying >>>>> to come up with a better solution for defeating the red >>>>> squirrels. They really enjoy sitting inside the cage that >>>>> surrounds one of our sunflower feeders, much more comfortable >>>>> then trying to hang on to an ordinary tube feeder. I was >>>>> thinking of sending a picture to Duncraft of their squirrel >>>>> proof feeder in action. The chipmunks are enjoying it, too. >>>>> >>>>> On Jun 29, 2009, at 12:02 PM, Jane Stein wrote: >>>>> >>>>>> Grrr. I was so hoping you had some magical solution... >>>>>> >>>>>> I had the same problem with red squirrels and the hummer >>>>>> feeders, too, but I've so far managed to solve that one. >>>>>> They're such smart little thieves, though, I expect them to >>>>>> figure out how to get it eventually. >>>>>> >>>>>> I have one inexpensive plastic hummer feeder that sticks to >>>>>> my window with those suction cup thingies, which the >>>>>> squirrels have (so far...) no way to get at and the hummers >>>>>> are perfectly willing to come to. My whole house is red, so >>>>>> that helps! >>>>>> >>>>>> I also have a very small tube-shaped one-station feeder with >>>>>> no perches which I've hung from a branch with thin picture- >>>>>> hanging wire, and that seems to be working well, too, though >>>>>> I'm truly not sure why, since the picture wire has a rough >>>>>> texture you'd think they could cling to. When I get a >>>>>> chance, I'm going to replace it with some smoother wire. >>>>>> >>>>>> The suet feeder hangs close underneath a large, flat, saucer- >>>>>> shaped metal baffle, and though they try mightily, the red >>>>>> squirrels can't get around the baffle to get a purchase on >>>>>> the feeder. >>>>>> >>>>>> I can post a link to a source for those baffles, if anybody's >>>>>> interested and it's not against the rules. But it only >>>>>> defeats red squirrels if the feeder is small and hung close >>>>>> up against the underside, which completely leaves out seed >>>>>> feeders of any kind. Gray squirrels can't get around it at >>>>>> all, no matter what you hang underneath it. >>>>>> >>>>>> Jane >>>>>> Shoreham >>>>>> >>>>>> Linda Robinson wrote: >>>>>> >>>>>>> I don't have a good solution. I even bought a suet feeder >>>>>>> from Duncraft that was supposed to keep the bigger birds >>>>>>> away, probably the same upside down feeder that you >>>>>>> mentioned. I have tried removing the feeder when the >>>>>>> larger unwanted birds move in & also just shooing them >>>>>>> away. Obviously this doesn't work when we aren't at home >>>>>>> and also I can't watch the feeder the entire day. I also >>>>>>> do not refill it immediately when it's depleted, I wait a >>>>>>> couple of days. We have had Pileated Woodpeckers at this >>>>>>> feeder and while we are really thrilled to be able to >>>>>>> observe them & take photos from 5 ft away, they can work >>>>>>> their way faster through the suet than even the rwb etc. >>>>>>> Our land includes wetland so we have plenty of rwb. >>>>>>> I have the suet feeder with the cage around it and don't use >>>>>>> it for the same reason as you. btw I only buy hot pepper >>>>>>> suet because we also have a red squirrel problem. They >>>>>>> have started pulling the bee guards off of the hummingbird >>>>>>> feeder and emptying that. It is really discouraging and >>>>>>> sometimes I think about removing all the feeders. >>>>>>> Linda >>>>>>> On Jun 29, 2009, at 11:19 AM, Jane Stein wrote: >>>>>>> >>>>>>>> How do you deal with other birds raiding the suet, or do you >>>>>>>> just put up with it? >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> I have also HW, DW and Red-Bellied W with young on my >>>>>>>> property, but the suet they love, even put in an upside- >>>>>>>> down feeder, is just decimated daily by RWBlackbirds and >>>>>>>> Starlings and even Bluejays who've figured out how to >>>>>>>> cling to the cage upside down just long enough to peck out >>>>>>>> a big beakful. A fresh cake put out in the morning is >>>>>>>> gone by afternoon. Putting it in a larger cage would keep >>>>>>>> out the birds I don't want, but also keep the larger WPs >>>>>>>> from getting to it. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> I've also tried those log suet feeders with no perches, but >>>>>>>> as soon as the suet plugs get eaten down a little, the >>>>>>>> same unwanted acrobats have no trouble hanging onto the >>>>>>>> edges the holes. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> I've been able to defeat the squirrel raiders with baffles, >>>>>>>> but can't find a way to deter the birds. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Jane >>>>>>>> Shoreham >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Linda Robinson wrote: >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> at our feeders: an adult male Hairy Woodpecker has been >>>>>>>>> feeding a male and a female juvenile HW from our >>>>>>>>> sunflower feeder and the suet feeder over the last 2 >>>>>>>>> weeks. Today we have an adult Chipping Sparrow feeding >>>>>>>>> two juveniles from the suet feeder. Great to watch. >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>
Subject: Re: Squirrel baffles
From: Jane Stein <jeshawks AT SHOREHAM.NET>
Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 20:07:22 -0400

True enough, but you learn that mistake pretty quickly. I cut off a couple of small lower limbs and then hung mine way, way out as far on the end of the now lowest limb as it can go and still not pull the limb down. So they can jump, but only to the top of the baffle, where I very much enjoy watching them try and fail to get at the suet feeder underneath. :-) I would happily chip in for the postage to send the pic to the feeder manufacturer, and I wouldn't mind seeing it myself. They absolutely have no business marketing this stuff as "squirrel proof" without mentioning it's only gray squirrel-proof. Jane Maeve Kim wrote: > I think the problem with many feeders is that they're placed too close > to trees. Squirrels can jump laterally something like 17'. Even the > best baffle won't keep them off feeders if there are any launching pads > nearby. > > I like the idea of photographing a "squirrel-resistant" cage feeder > with a happy little red squirrel comfortably ensconced inside, chowing > down in its own private little feeding room - and sending the photo to > the manufacturer of the feeder! > > Maeve Kim > Jericho Center > > > On Jun 29, 2009, at 4:57 PM, Richard Harlow wrote: > >> I'll put in my 2 cents. >> >> I have 12 nest boxes and 3 feeders on galvanized or rot iron poles. >> All have the Audubon squirrel baffle. I have had no problem with >> Chipmunks, Red or Gray Squirrels or raccoons for the 5 years they >> have been up. They all try to go under the baffle, to no avail. >> >> I have two Suet Feeders. One in a wire cage and one not. The only >> birds that give me trouble with suet are crows. They go through it >> fast. So, I will probably also put that one in a cage, although in >> the summer that one is free of suet and it usually takes the crows >> awhile to figure when I have put suet back into the easy one. >> >> So far, knock on wood, the feeders and nest boxes set-up this way >> have been very successful. >> >> Richard Harlow >> Arrowhead Lake >> Milton, VT >> >> >> >> Jane Stein wrote: >> >>> Here's the hanging baffle. I'm pretty sure I've seen this at Agway, >>> too, or something close to it. The one I have does have very long >>> screws on either side to hang the feeder from, which you'd either >>> want to try to replace with shorter fixtures, or drastically shorten >>> the hanger on the feeder, or both. >>> >>> http://www.backyardwildbirds.com/servlet/the-25/Metal-Hanging- >>> Squirrel-baffle,/Detail >>> >>> And here's the cylindrical baffle for pole feeders. >>> >>> http://thenaturestore.com/zz239598.htm >>> >>> The first time I put that one on, I thoroughly enjoyed myself >>> watching the squirrels try repeatedly to get through it or around it >>> and fail, and then sit and contemplate the thing for long, long >>> moments, I swear trying to suss out whether there was another way to >>> defeat it before giving up. >>> >>> All those "squirrel proof" feeders seem to be designed only for gray >>> squirrels. The reds are so tiny and flexible, I'm not sure it would >>> even be possible to construct one that would keep them out without >>> also keeping out birds larger than a Chickadee. >>> >>> Jane >>> >>> Linda Robinson wrote: >>> >>>> I'm interested in the link for the baffles. We've been trying to >>>> come up with a better solution for defeating the red squirrels. >>>> They really enjoy sitting inside the cage that surrounds one of >>>> our sunflower feeders, much more comfortable then trying to hang >>>> on to an ordinary tube feeder. I was thinking of sending a >>>> picture to Duncraft of their squirrel proof feeder in action. The >>>> chipmunks are enjoying it, too. >>>> >>>> On Jun 29, 2009, at 12:02 PM, Jane Stein wrote: >>>> >>>>> Grrr. I was so hoping you had some magical solution... >>>>> >>>>> I had the same problem with red squirrels and the hummer feeders, >>>>> too, but I've so far managed to solve that one. They're such >>>>> smart little thieves, though, I expect them to figure out how to >>>>> get it eventually. >>>>> >>>>> I have one inexpensive plastic hummer feeder that sticks to my >>>>> window with those suction cup thingies, which the squirrels have >>>>> (so far...) no way to get at and the hummers are perfectly >>>>> willing to come to. My whole house is red, so that helps! >>>>> >>>>> I also have a very small tube-shaped one-station feeder with no >>>>> perches which I've hung from a branch with thin picture-hanging >>>>> wire, and that seems to be working well, too, though I'm truly >>>>> not sure why, since the picture wire has a rough texture you'd >>>>> think they could cling to. When I get a chance, I'm going to >>>>> replace it with some smoother wire. >>>>> >>>>> The suet feeder hangs close underneath a large, flat, saucer- >>>>> shaped metal baffle, and though they try mightily, the red >>>>> squirrels can't get around the baffle to get a purchase on the >>>>> feeder. >>>>> >>>>> I can post a link to a source for those baffles, if anybody's >>>>> interested and it's not against the rules. But it only defeats >>>>> red squirrels if the feeder is small and hung close up against >>>>> the underside, which completely leaves out seed feeders of any >>>>> kind. Gray squirrels can't get around it at all, no matter what >>>>> you hang underneath it. >>>>> >>>>> Jane >>>>> Shoreham >>>>> >>>>> Linda Robinson wrote: >>>>> >>>>>> I don't have a good solution. I even bought a suet feeder from >>>>>> Duncraft that was supposed to keep the bigger birds away, >>>>>> probably the same upside down feeder that you mentioned. I >>>>>> have tried removing the feeder when the larger unwanted birds >>>>>> move in & also just shooing them away. Obviously this doesn't >>>>>> work when we aren't at home and also I can't watch the feeder >>>>>> the entire day. I also do not refill it immediately when it's >>>>>> depleted, I wait a couple of days. We have had Pileated >>>>>> Woodpeckers at this feeder and while we are really thrilled to >>>>>> be able to observe them & take photos from 5 ft away, they can >>>>>> work their way faster through the suet than even the rwb etc. >>>>>> Our land includes wetland so we have plenty of rwb. >>>>>> I have the suet feeder with the cage around it and don't use it >>>>>> for the same reason as you. btw I only buy hot pepper suet >>>>>> because we also have a red squirrel problem. They have started >>>>>> pulling the bee guards off of the hummingbird feeder and >>>>>> emptying that. It is really discouraging and sometimes I think >>>>>> about removing all the feeders. >>>>>> Linda >>>>>> On Jun 29, 2009, at 11:19 AM, Jane Stein wrote: >>>>>> >>>>>>> How do you deal with other birds raiding the suet, or do you >>>>>>> just put up with it? >>>>>>> >>>>>>> I have also HW, DW and Red-Bellied W with young on my property, >>>>>>> but the suet they love, even put in an upside-down feeder, is >>>>>>> just decimated daily by RWBlackbirds and Starlings and even >>>>>>> Bluejays who've figured out how to cling to the cage upside >>>>>>> down just long enough to peck out a big beakful. A fresh cake >>>>>>> put out in the morning is gone by afternoon. Putting it in a >>>>>>> larger cage would keep out the birds I don't want, but also >>>>>>> keep the larger WPs from getting to it. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> I've also tried those log suet feeders with no perches, but as >>>>>>> soon as the suet plugs get eaten down a little, the same >>>>>>> unwanted acrobats have no trouble hanging onto the edges the >>>>>>> holes. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> I've been able to defeat the squirrel raiders with baffles, >>>>>>> but can't find a way to deter the birds. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Jane >>>>>>> Shoreham >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Linda Robinson wrote: >>>>>>> >>>>>>>> at our feeders: an adult male Hairy Woodpecker has been >>>>>>>> feeding a male and a female juvenile HW from our sunflower >>>>>>>> feeder and the suet feeder over the last 2 weeks. Today we >>>>>>>> have an adult Chipping Sparrow feeding two juveniles from >>>>>>>> the suet feeder. Great to watch. >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>> > >
Subject: Some recent Missisquoi Refuge observations
From: Kenneth Copenhaver <copenhvr AT GMAIL.COM>
Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 23:25:17 -0400

Location: MNWR-Maquam/Black Creek Observation date: 6/24/09 Number of species: 26 Wood Duck 5 Ruby-throated Hummingbird 1 Belted Kingfisher 1 Downy Woodpecker 3 Eastern Wood-Pewee 3 heard only Least Flycatcher 1 heard only Great Crested Flycatcher 2 Warbling Vireo 4 heard only Red-eyed Vireo 2 heard only Blue Jay 1 heard only Tree Swallow 4 Black-capped Chickadee 1 White-breasted Nuthatch 1 Veery 5 heard only American Robin 1 Gray Catbird 4 Cedar Waxwing 1 Yellow Warbler 5 American Redstart 1 Northern Waterthrush 2 Common Yellowthroat 3 heard only Song Sparrow 3 Rose-breasted Grosbeak 3 Red-winged Blackbird 7 Baltimore Oriole 1 American Goldfinch 1 This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org/vt) --------------------------------------------------------------- Location: MNWR-Maquam/Black Creek Observation date: 6/28/09 Number of species: 1 Belted Kingfisher 1 Flew from direction of railroad tracks, north across Rt 78, carrying a small fish. This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org/vt) -------------------------------------------------------------- Location: Missisquoi NWR - Stephen Young Marsh Observation date: 6/28/09 Notes: Includes loop trail and parking area. Number of species: 30 Wood Duck 1 on top of nest box Ruffed Grouse 3 Great Blue Heron 3 in flight Green Heron 1 Black Tern 1 Northern Flicker 1 heard only Eastern Phoebe 1 heard only Great Crested Flycatcher 1 Red-eyed Vireo 2 heard only Blue Jay 2 heard only American Crow 4 heard only Tree Swallow 25 House Wren 1 Veery 3 heard only Wood Thrush 1 heard only American Robin 2 Gray Catbird 1 Cedar Waxwing 6 on nest in tree along road, south of parking lot Yellow Warbler 13 Ovenbird 1 heard only Northern Waterthrush 1 Common Yellowthroat 1 heard only Eastern Towhee 1 not singing Song Sparrow 7 Swamp Sparrow 1 heard only White-throated Sparrow 1 heard only Red-winged Blackbird 20 3 females carrying food Common Grackle 4 1 carrying food Baltimore Oriole 1 American Goldfinch 4 This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org/vt) -------------------------------------------------------------- Location: MNWR-Old Railroad Passage Observation date: 6/28/09 Notes: Walked only to about 150 yds past "kink" in trail. Number of species: 20 Green Heron 1 Red-tailed Hawk 1 Downy Woodpecker 1 in same tree with Flicker Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) 1 Eastern Wood-Pewee 1 heard only Great Crested Flycatcher 1 American Crow 2 Tree Swallow 3 Black-capped Chickadee 2 Veery 2 heard only American Robin 1 Gray Catbird 1 Cedar Waxwing 11 Yellow Warbler 8 Northern Waterthrush 1 Common Yellowthroat 3 Savannah Sparrow 2 Song Sparrow 2 1 carrying food Bobolink 15 14 within sight at once; 1 carrying food; none singing; some juveniles? American Goldfinch 4 This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org/vt)
Subject: Re: Squirrel baffles
From: Maeve Kim <maevulus AT SURFGLOBAL.NET>
Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 19:46:58 -0400

I think the problem with many feeders is that they're placed too close to trees. Squirrels can jump laterally something like 17'. Even the best baffle won't keep them off feeders if there are any launching pads nearby. I like the idea of photographing a "squirrel-resistant" cage feeder with a happy little red squirrel comfortably ensconced inside, chowing down in its own private little feeding room - and sending the photo to the manufacturer of the feeder! Maeve Kim Jericho Center On Jun 29, 2009, at 4:57 PM, Richard Harlow wrote: > I'll put in my 2 cents. > > I have 12 nest boxes and 3 feeders on galvanized or rot iron > poles. All have the Audubon squirrel baffle. I have had no > problem with Chipmunks, Red or Gray Squirrels or raccoons for the 5 > years they have been up. They all try to go under the baffle, to > no avail. > > I have two Suet Feeders. One in a wire cage and one not. The only > birds that give me trouble with suet are crows. They go through it > fast. So, I will probably also put that one in a cage, although in > the summer that one is free of suet and it usually takes the crows > awhile to figure when I have put suet back into the easy one. > > So far, knock on wood, the feeders and nest boxes set-up this way > have been very successful. > > Richard Harlow > Arrowhead Lake > Milton, VT > > > > Jane Stein wrote: >> Here's the hanging baffle. I'm pretty sure I've seen this at >> Agway, too, or something close to it. The one I have does have >> very long screws on either side to hang the feeder from, which >> you'd either want to try to replace with shorter fixtures, or >> drastically shorten the hanger on the feeder, or both. >> >> http://www.backyardwildbirds.com/servlet/the-25/Metal-Hanging- >> Squirrel-baffle,/Detail >> >> And here's the cylindrical baffle for pole feeders. >> >> http://thenaturestore.com/zz239598.htm >> >> The first time I put that one on, I thoroughly enjoyed myself >> watching the squirrels try repeatedly to get through it or around >> it and fail, and then sit and contemplate the thing for long, long >> moments, I swear trying to suss out whether there was another way >> to defeat it before giving up. >> >> All those "squirrel proof" feeders seem to be designed only for >> gray squirrels. The reds are so tiny and flexible, I'm not sure >> it would even be possible to construct one that would keep them >> out without also keeping out birds larger than a Chickadee. >> >> Jane >> >> Linda Robinson wrote: >> >>> I'm interested in the link for the baffles. We've been trying to >>> come up with a better solution for defeating the red squirrels. >>> They really enjoy sitting inside the cage that surrounds one of >>> our sunflower feeders, much more comfortable then trying to hang >>> on to an ordinary tube feeder. I was thinking of sending a >>> picture to Duncraft of their squirrel proof feeder in action. >>> The chipmunks are enjoying it, too. >>> >>> On Jun 29, 2009, at 12:02 PM, Jane Stein wrote: >>> >>>> Grrr. I was so hoping you had some magical solution... >>>> >>>> I had the same problem with red squirrels and the hummer >>>> feeders, too, but I've so far managed to solve that one. >>>> They're such smart little thieves, though, I expect them to >>>> figure out how to get it eventually. >>>> >>>> I have one inexpensive plastic hummer feeder that sticks to my >>>> window with those suction cup thingies, which the squirrels have >>>> (so far...) no way to get at and the hummers are perfectly >>>> willing to come to. My whole house is red, so that helps! >>>> >>>> I also have a very small tube-shaped one-station feeder with no >>>> perches which I've hung from a branch with thin picture-hanging >>>> wire, and that seems to be working well, too, though I'm truly >>>> not sure why, since the picture wire has a rough texture you'd >>>> think they could cling to. When I get a chance, I'm going to >>>> replace it with some smoother wire. >>>> >>>> The suet feeder hangs close underneath a large, flat, saucer- >>>> shaped metal baffle, and though they try mightily, the red >>>> squirrels can't get around the baffle to get a purchase on the >>>> feeder. >>>> >>>> I can post a link to a source for those baffles, if anybody's >>>> interested and it's not against the rules. But it only defeats >>>> red squirrels if the feeder is small and hung close up against >>>> the underside, which completely leaves out seed feeders of any >>>> kind. Gray squirrels can't get around it at all, no matter >>>> what you hang underneath it. >>>> >>>> Jane >>>> Shoreham >>>> >>>> Linda Robinson wrote: >>>> >>>>> I don't have a good solution. I even bought a suet feeder >>>>> from Duncraft that was supposed to keep the bigger birds >>>>> away, probably the same upside down feeder that you >>>>> mentioned. I have tried removing the feeder when the larger >>>>> unwanted birds move in & also just shooing them away. >>>>> Obviously this doesn't work when we aren't at home and also I >>>>> can't watch the feeder the entire day. I also do not refill >>>>> it immediately when it's depleted, I wait a couple of days. >>>>> We have had Pileated Woodpeckers at this feeder and while we >>>>> are really thrilled to be able to observe them & take photos >>>>> from 5 ft away, they can work their way faster through the >>>>> suet than even the rwb etc. Our land includes wetland so we >>>>> have plenty of rwb. >>>>> I have the suet feeder with the cage around it and don't use >>>>> it for the same reason as you. btw I only buy hot pepper >>>>> suet because we also have a red squirrel problem. They have >>>>> started pulling the bee guards off of the hummingbird feeder >>>>> and emptying that. It is really discouraging and sometimes I >>>>> think about removing all the feeders. >>>>> Linda >>>>> On Jun 29, 2009, at 11:19 AM, Jane Stein wrote: >>>>> >>>>>> How do you deal with other birds raiding the suet, or do you >>>>>> just put up with it? >>>>>> >>>>>> I have also HW, DW and Red-Bellied W with young on my >>>>>> property, but the suet they love, even put in an upside-down >>>>>> feeder, is just decimated daily by RWBlackbirds and >>>>>> Starlings and even Bluejays who've figured out how to cling >>>>>> to the cage upside down just long enough to peck out a big >>>>>> beakful. A fresh cake put out in the morning is gone by >>>>>> afternoon. Putting it in a larger cage would keep out the >>>>>> birds I don't want, but also keep the larger WPs from >>>>>> getting to it. >>>>>> >>>>>> I've also tried those log suet feeders with no perches, but >>>>>> as soon as the suet plugs get eaten down a little, the same >>>>>> unwanted acrobats have no trouble hanging onto the edges the >>>>>> holes. >>>>>> >>>>>> I've been able to defeat the squirrel raiders with baffles, >>>>>> but can't find a way to deter the birds. >>>>>> >>>>>> Jane >>>>>> Shoreham >>>>>> >>>>>> Linda Robinson wrote: >>>>>> >>>>>>> at our feeders: an adult male Hairy Woodpecker has been >>>>>>> feeding a male and a female juvenile HW from our sunflower >>>>>>> feeder and the suet feeder over the last 2 weeks. Today >>>>>>> we have an adult Chipping Sparrow feeding two juveniles >>>>>>> from the suet feeder. Great to watch. >>> >>> >>> >>
Subject: Re: Squirrel baffles
From: Richard Harlow <raharlow AT COMCAST.NET>
Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 16:57:36 -0400

I'll put in my 2 cents. I have 12 nest boxes and 3 feeders on galvanized or rot iron poles. All have the Audubon squirrel baffle. I have had no problem with Chipmunks, Red or Gray Squirrels or raccoons for the 5 years they have been up. They all try to go under the baffle, to no avail. I have two Suet Feeders. One in a wire cage and one not. The only birds that give me trouble with suet are crows. They go through it fast. So, I will probably also put that one in a cage, although in the summer that one is free of suet and it usually takes the crows awhile to figure when I have put suet back into the easy one. So far, knock on wood, the feeders and nest boxes set-up this way have been very successful. Richard Harlow Arrowhead Lake Milton, VT Jane Stein wrote: > Here's the hanging baffle. I'm pretty sure I've seen this at Agway, > too, or something close to it. The one I have does have very long > screws on either side to hang the feeder from, which you'd either want > to try to replace with shorter fixtures, or drastically shorten the > hanger on the feeder, or both. > > http://www.backyardwildbirds.com/servlet/the-25/Metal-Hanging-Squirrel-baffle,/Detail > > > And here's the cylindrical baffle for pole feeders. > > http://thenaturestore.com/zz239598.htm > > The first time I put that one on, I thoroughly enjoyed myself watching > the squirrels try repeatedly to get through it or around it and fail, > and then sit and contemplate the thing for long, long moments, I swear > trying to suss out whether there was another way to defeat it before > giving up. > > All those "squirrel proof" feeders seem to be designed only for gray > squirrels. The reds are so tiny and flexible, I'm not sure it would > even be possible to construct one that would keep them out without > also keeping out birds larger than a Chickadee. > > Jane > > Linda Robinson wrote: > >> I'm interested in the link for the baffles. We've been trying to >> come up with a better solution for defeating the red squirrels. >> They really enjoy sitting inside the cage that surrounds one of our >> sunflower feeders, much more comfortable then trying to hang on to >> an ordinary tube feeder. I was thinking of sending a picture to >> Duncraft of their squirrel proof feeder in action. The chipmunks >> are enjoying it, too. >> >> On Jun 29, 2009, at 12:02 PM, Jane Stein wrote: >> >>> Grrr. I was so hoping you had some magical solution... >>> >>> I had the same problem with red squirrels and the hummer feeders, >>> too, but I've so far managed to solve that one. They're such smart >>> little thieves, though, I expect them to figure out how to get it >>> eventually. >>> >>> I have one inexpensive plastic hummer feeder that sticks to my >>> window with those suction cup thingies, which the squirrels have >>> (so far...) no way to get at and the hummers are perfectly willing >>> to come to. My whole house is red, so that helps! >>> >>> I also have a very small tube-shaped one-station feeder with no >>> perches which I've hung from a branch with thin picture-hanging >>> wire, and that seems to be working well, too, though I'm truly not >>> sure why, since the picture wire has a rough texture you'd think >>> they could cling to. When I get a chance, I'm going to replace it >>> with some smoother wire. >>> >>> The suet feeder hangs close underneath a large, flat, saucer-shaped >>> metal baffle, and though they try mightily, the red squirrels can't >>> get around the baffle to get a purchase on the feeder. >>> >>> I can post a link to a source for those baffles, if anybody's >>> interested and it's not against the rules. But it only defeats red >>> squirrels if the feeder is small and hung close up against the >>> underside, which completely leaves out seed feeders of any kind. >>> Gray squirrels can't get around it at all, no matter what you hang >>> underneath it. >>> >>> Jane >>> Shoreham >>> >>> Linda Robinson wrote: >>> >>>> I don't have a good solution. I even bought a suet feeder from >>>> Duncraft that was supposed to keep the bigger birds away, probably >>>> the same upside down feeder that you mentioned. I have tried >>>> removing the feeder when the larger unwanted birds move in & also >>>> just shooing them away. Obviously this doesn't work when we >>>> aren't at home and also I can't watch the feeder the entire day. >>>> I also do not refill it immediately when it's depleted, I wait a >>>> couple of days. We have had Pileated Woodpeckers at this feeder >>>> and while we are really thrilled to be able to observe them & >>>> take photos from 5 ft away, they can work their way faster >>>> through the suet than even the rwb etc. Our land includes >>>> wetland so we have plenty of rwb. >>>> I have the suet feeder with the cage around it and don't use it >>>> for the same reason as you. btw I only buy hot pepper suet >>>> because we also have a red squirrel problem. They have started >>>> pulling the bee guards off of the hummingbird feeder and emptying >>>> that. It is really discouraging and sometimes I think about >>>> removing all the feeders. >>>> Linda >>>> On Jun 29, 2009, at 11:19 AM, Jane Stein wrote: >>>> >>>>> How do you deal with other birds raiding the suet, or do you >>>>> just put up with it? >>>>> >>>>> I have also HW, DW and Red-Bellied W with young on my property, >>>>> but the suet they love, even put in an upside-down feeder, is >>>>> just decimated daily by RWBlackbirds and Starlings and even >>>>> Bluejays who've figured out how to cling to the cage upside down >>>>> just long enough to peck out a big beakful. A fresh cake put >>>>> out in the morning is gone by afternoon. Putting it in a larger >>>>> cage would keep out the birds I don't want, but also keep the >>>>> larger WPs from getting to it. >>>>> >>>>> I've also tried those log suet feeders with no perches, but as >>>>> soon as the suet plugs get eaten down a little, the same >>>>> unwanted acrobats have no trouble hanging onto the edges the holes. >>>>> >>>>> I've been able to defeat the squirrel raiders with baffles, but >>>>> can't find a way to deter the birds. >>>>> >>>>> Jane >>>>> Shoreham >>>>> >>>>> Linda Robinson wrote: >>>>> >>>>>> at our feeders: an adult male Hairy Woodpecker has been feeding >>>>>> a male and a female juvenile HW from our sunflower feeder and >>>>>> the suet feeder over the last 2 weeks. Today we have an >>>>>> adult Chipping Sparrow feeding two juveniles from the suet >>>>>> feeder. Great to watch. >> >> >> >
Subject: Re: Squirrel baffles
From: John MacArthur <jmac AT SOVER.NET>
Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 15:12:17 -0400

I have no better solution for feeders that hang from a wire, but that does not exclude big, unwanted birds. As for pole-mounted feeders, simply put the feeder on a 3" plastic pipe (pole) instead of the small-diameter metal one that people usually use (or just put it around the metal pole). Place it where beasties can not jump from some nearby tree. That will exclude anything that can't fly (except bears, of course), and if, in addition, you use one of those feeders with a sort of adjustable shutter which drops down when there is too much weight on the landing perch, you can exclude jays and such. You also exclude any large bird, of course, including large woodpeckers. My taste is to let the big birds fend for themselves, and I have not seen a squirrel or blue jay on my feeder in twenty years. John MacArthur. On Jun 29, 2009, at 1:35 PM, Jane Stein wrote: > Here's the hanging baffle. I'm pretty sure I've seen this at > Agway, too, or something close to it. The one I have does have > very long screws on either side to hang the feeder from, which > you'd either want to try to replace with shorter fixtures, or > drastically shorten the hanger on the feeder, or both. > > http://www.backyardwildbirds.com/servlet/the-25/Metal-Hanging- > Squirrel-baffle,/Detail > > And here's the cylindrical baffle for pole feeders. > > http://thenaturestore.com/zz239598.htm > > The first time I put that one on, I thoroughly enjoyed myself > watching the squirrels try repeatedly to get through it or around > it and fail, and then sit and contemplate the thing for long, long > moments, I swear trying to suss out whether there was another way > to defeat it before giving up. > > All those "squirrel proof" feeders seem to be designed only for > gray squirrels. The reds are so tiny and flexible, I'm not sure it > would even be possible to construct one that would keep them out > without also keeping out birds larger than a Chickadee. > > Jane > > Linda Robinson wrote: > >> I'm interested in the link for the baffles. We've been trying to >> come up with a better solution for defeating the red squirrels. >> They really enjoy sitting inside the cage that surrounds one of >> our sunflower feeders, much more comfortable then trying to hang >> on to an ordinary tube feeder. I was thinking of sending a >> picture to Duncraft of their squirrel proof feeder in action. >> The chipmunks are enjoying it, too. >> On Jun 29, 2009, at 12:02 PM, Jane Stein wrote: >>> Grrr. I was so hoping you had some magical solution... >>> >>> I had the same problem with red squirrels and the hummer >>> feeders, too, but I've so far managed to solve that one. >>> They're such smart little thieves, though, I expect them to >>> figure out how to get it eventually. >>> >>> I have one inexpensive plastic hummer feeder that sticks to my >>> window with those suction cup thingies, which the squirrels have >>> (so far...) no way to get at and the hummers are perfectly >>> willing to come to. My whole house is red, so that helps! >>> >>> I also have a very small tube-shaped one-station feeder with no >>> perches which I've hung from a branch with thin picture-hanging >>> wire, and that seems to be working well, too, though I'm truly >>> not sure why, since the picture wire has a rough texture you'd >>> think they could cling to. When I get a chance, I'm going to >>> replace it with some smoother wire. >>> >>> The suet feeder hangs close underneath a large, flat, saucer- >>> shaped metal baffle, and though they try mightily, the red >>> squirrels can't get around the baffle to get a purchase on the >>> feeder. >>> >>> I can post a link to a source for those baffles, if anybody's >>> interested and it's not against the rules. But it only defeats >>> red squirrels if the feeder is small and hung close up against >>> the underside, which completely leaves out seed feeders of any >>> kind. Gray squirrels can't get around it at all, no matter what >>> you hang underneath it. >>> >>> Jane >>> Shoreham >>> >>> Linda Robinson wrote: >>> >>>> I don't have a good solution. I even bought a suet feeder >>>> from Duncraft that was supposed to keep the bigger birds away, >>>> probably the same upside down feeder that you mentioned. I >>>> have tried removing the feeder when the larger unwanted birds >>>> move in & also just shooing them away. Obviously this doesn't >>>> work when we aren't at home and also I can't watch the feeder >>>> the entire day. I also do not refill it immediately when it's >>>> depleted, I wait a couple of days. We have had Pileated >>>> Woodpeckers at this feeder and while we are really thrilled to >>>> be able to observe them & take photos from 5 ft away, they can >>>> work their way faster through the suet than even the rwb etc. >>>> Our land includes wetland so we have plenty of rwb. >>>> I have the suet feeder with the cage around it and don't use it >>>> for the same reason as you. btw I only buy hot pepper suet >>>> because we also have a red squirrel problem. They have >>>> started pulling the bee guards off of the hummingbird feeder >>>> and emptying that. It is really discouraging and sometimes I >>>> think about removing all the feeders. >>>> Linda >>>> On Jun 29, 2009, at 11:19 AM, Jane Stein wrote: >>>> >>>>> How do you deal with other birds raiding the suet, or do you >>>>> just put up with it? >>>>> >>>>> I have also HW, DW and Red-Bellied W with young on my >>>>> property, but the suet they love, even put in an upside-down >>>>> feeder, is just decimated daily by RWBlackbirds and Starlings >>>>> and even Bluejays who've figured out how to cling to the cage >>>>> upside down just long enough to peck out a big beakful. A >>>>> fresh cake put out in the morning is gone by afternoon. >>>>> Putting it in a larger cage would keep out the birds I don't >>>>> want, but also keep the larger WPs from getting to it. >>>>> >>>>> I've also tried those log suet feeders with no perches, but as >>>>> soon as the suet plugs get eaten down a little, the same >>>>> unwanted acrobats have no trouble hanging onto the edges the >>>>> holes. >>>>> >>>>> I've been able to defeat the squirrel raiders with baffles, >>>>> but can't find a way to deter the birds. >>>>> >>>>> Jane >>>>> Shoreham >>>>> >>>>> Linda Robinson wrote: >>>>> >>>>>> at our feeders: an adult male Hairy Woodpecker has been >>>>>> feeding a male and a female juvenile HW from our sunflower >>>>>> feeder and the suet feeder over the last 2 weeks. Today we >>>>>> have an adult Chipping Sparrow feeding two juveniles from >>>>>> the suet feeder. Great to watch.
Subject: Squirrel baffles
From: Jane Stein <jeshawks AT SHOREHAM.NET>
Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 13:35:18 -0400

Here's the hanging baffle. I'm pretty sure I've seen this at Agway, too, or something close to it. The one I have does have very long screws on either side to hang the feeder from, which you'd either want to try to replace with shorter fixtures, or drastically shorten the hanger on the feeder, or both. http://www.backyardwildbirds.com/servlet/the-25/Metal-Hanging-Squirrel-baffle,/Detail And here's the cylindrical baffle for pole feeders. http://thenaturestore.com/zz239598.htm The first time I put that one on, I thoroughly enjoyed myself watching the squirrels try repeatedly to get through it or around it and fail, and then sit and contemplate the thing for long, long moments, I swear trying to suss out whether there was another way to defeat it before giving up. All those "squirrel proof" feeders seem to be designed only for gray squirrels. The reds are so tiny and flexible, I'm not sure it would even be possible to construct one that would keep them out without also keeping out birds larger than a Chickadee. Jane Linda Robinson wrote: > I'm interested in the link for the baffles. We've been trying to come > up with a better solution for defeating the red squirrels. They really > enjoy sitting inside the cage that surrounds one of our sunflower > feeders, much more comfortable then trying to hang on to an ordinary > tube feeder. I was thinking of sending a picture to Duncraft of their > squirrel proof feeder in action. The chipmunks are enjoying it, too. > > On Jun 29, 2009, at 12:02 PM, Jane Stein wrote: > >> Grrr. I was so hoping you had some magical solution... >> >> I had the same problem with red squirrels and the hummer feeders, >> too, but I've so far managed to solve that one. They're such smart >> little thieves, though, I expect them to figure out how to get it >> eventually. >> >> I have one inexpensive plastic hummer feeder that sticks to my window >> with those suction cup thingies, which the squirrels have (so far...) >> no way to get at and the hummers are perfectly willing to come to. >> My whole house is red, so that helps! >> >> I also have a very small tube-shaped one-station feeder with no >> perches which I've hung from a branch with thin picture-hanging wire, >> and that seems to be working well, too, though I'm truly not sure >> why, since the picture wire has a rough texture you'd think they >> could cling to. When I get a chance, I'm going to replace it with >> some smoother wire. >> >> The suet feeder hangs close underneath a large, flat, saucer-shaped >> metal baffle, and though they try mightily, the red squirrels can't >> get around the baffle to get a purchase on the feeder. >> >> I can post a link to a source for those baffles, if anybody's >> interested and it's not against the rules. But it only defeats red >> squirrels if the feeder is small and hung close up against the >> underside, which completely leaves out seed feeders of any kind. >> Gray squirrels can't get around it at all, no matter what you hang >> underneath it. >> >> Jane >> Shoreham >> >> Linda Robinson wrote: >> >>> I don't have a good solution. I even bought a suet feeder from >>> Duncraft that was supposed to keep the bigger birds away, probably >>> the same upside down feeder that you mentioned. I have tried >>> removing the feeder when the larger unwanted birds move in & also >>> just shooing them away. Obviously this doesn't work when we aren't >>> at home and also I can't watch the feeder the entire day. I also >>> do not refill it immediately when it's depleted, I wait a couple of >>> days. We have had Pileated Woodpeckers at this feeder and while we >>> are really thrilled to be able to observe them & take photos from 5 >>> ft away, they can work their way faster through the suet than even >>> the rwb etc. Our land includes wetland so we have plenty of rwb. >>> I have the suet feeder with the cage around it and don't use it for >>> the same reason as you. btw I only buy hot pepper suet because we >>> also have a red squirrel problem. They have started pulling the >>> bee guards off of the hummingbird feeder and emptying that. It is >>> really discouraging and sometimes I think about removing all the >>> feeders. >>> Linda >>> On Jun 29, 2009, at 11:19 AM, Jane Stein wrote: >>> >>>> How do you deal with other birds raiding the suet, or do you just >>>> put up with it? >>>> >>>> I have also HW, DW and Red-Bellied W with young on my property, >>>> but the suet they love, even put in an upside-down feeder, is >>>> just decimated daily by RWBlackbirds and Starlings and even >>>> Bluejays who've figured out how to cling to the cage upside down >>>> just long enough to peck out a big beakful. A fresh cake put out >>>> in the morning is gone by afternoon. Putting it in a larger cage >>>> would keep out the birds I don't want, but also keep the larger >>>> WPs from getting to it. >>>> >>>> I've also tried those log suet feeders with no perches, but as >>>> soon as the suet plugs get eaten down a little, the same unwanted >>>> acrobats have no trouble hanging onto the edges the holes. >>>> >>>> I've been able to defeat the squirrel raiders with baffles, but >>>> can't find a way to deter the birds. >>>> >>>> Jane >>>> Shoreham >>>> >>>> Linda Robinson wrote: >>>> >>>>> at our feeders: an adult male Hairy Woodpecker has been feeding >>>>> a male and a female juvenile HW from our sunflower feeder and >>>>> the suet feeder over the last 2 weeks. Today we have an adult >>>>> Chipping Sparrow feeding two juveniles from the suet feeder. >>>>> Great to watch. > > >
Subject: Re: in Milton
From: Jane Stein <jeshawks AT SHOREHAM.NET>
Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 13:22:26 -0400

I have to say I have more recent fledglings attacking the suet feeder than adults, but you make an excellent point. The fledglings, I figure, are more experimental and don't realize hanging upside down is supposed to be too hard for them to bother. Thanks VERY much for the suggestion about the double cage. That sounds like a very good compromise. Is this something that can be bought or does one construct it? Jane Marvin Elliott wrote: > Linda and everyone, Lets face it, when the birds are feeding > young they become aggressive. We have seen red wings a half > mile up a mountain foraging for food and returning to the > marsh at the bottom where they nest. Knowing that is the > challenge means countering it with the best we have. Baffles > do work to keep squirrels off but they have to be good and > don't forget the little devils can leap a long way from a tree > or other object to access the feeder. Feeders with an outside > barrier of wire that are sized to eliminate large birds will > discourage most of them most of the time. Feeding the large > woodpeckers and discouraging larger birds can be accomplished > with no perches and two layers of wire. The outside wire needs > 1/2 inch holes and the inside has 1/4 inch holes. The outside > layer of wire needs to be 3/8 inches or more from the inside. > With that arrangement the large birds do not get as much and > the woodpeckers have an advantage. Its not foolproof but > better than eliminating the feeding. Marv Elliott > > Marvin Elliott Vermont Birdhouses and Wood Products Rutland > Town, VT 802-775-2415 vtbirdhouses AT yahoo.com > > > --- On Mon, 6/29/09, Linda Robinson > wrote: > > >> From: Linda Robinson Subject: Re: >> [VTBIRD] in Milton To: VTBIRD AT LIST.UVM.EDU Date: Monday, >> June 29, 2009, 11:36 AM I don't have a good solution. I >> even bought a suet feeder from Duncraft that was supposed to >> keep the bigger birds away, probably the same upside down >> feeder that you mentioned. I have tried removing the feeder >> when the larger unwanted birds move in & also just shooing >> them away. Obviously this doesn't work when we aren't at >> home and also I can't watch the feeder the entire day. I >> also do not refill it immediately when it's depleted, I wait >> a couple of days. We have had Pileated Woodpeckers at this >> feeder and while we are really thrilled to be able to >> observe them & take photos from 5 ft away, they can work >> their way faster through the suet than even the rwb etc. >> Our land includes wetland so we have plenty of rwb. >> >> I have the suet feeder with the cage around it and don't use >> it for the same reason as you. btw I only buy hot pepper >> suet because we also have a red squirrel problem. They have >> started pulling the bee guards off of the hummingbird feeder >> and emptying that. It is really discouraging and sometimes >> I think about removing all the feeders. >> >> Linda >> >> >> On Jun 29, 2009, at 11:19 AM, Jane Stein wrote: >> >> >>> How do you deal with other birds raiding the suet, or >> >> do you just put up with it? >> >>> I have also HW, DW and Red-Bellied W with young on my >> >> property, but the suet they love, even put in an upside-down >> feeder, is just decimated daily by RWBlackbirds and >> Starlings and even Bluejays who've figured out how to cling >> to the cage upside down just long enough to peck out a big >> beakful. A fresh cake put out in the morning is gone by >> afternoon. Putting it in a larger cage would keep out the >> birds I don't want, but also keep the larger WPs from >> getting to it. >> >>> I've also tried those log suet feeders with no >> >> perches, but as soon as the suet plugs get eaten down a >> little, the same unwanted acrobats have no trouble hanging >> onto the edges the holes. >> >>> I've been able to defeat the squirrel raiders with >> >> baffles, but can't find a way to deter the birds. >> >>> Jane Shoreham >>> >>> Linda Robinson wrote: >>> >>> >>>> at our feeders: an adult male Hairy >> >> Woodpecker has been feeding a male and a female juvenile HW >> from our sunflower feeder and the suet feeder over the last >> 2 weeks. Today we have an adult Chipping Sparrow feeding >> two juveniles from the suet feeder. Great to watch. >> > > > > > >
Subject: Re: in Milton
From: Marvin Elliott <vtbirdhouses AT YAHOO.COM>
Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 09:32:26 -0700

Linda and everyone, Lets face it, when the birds are feeding young they become aggressive. We have seen red wings a half mile up a mountain foraging for food and returning to the marsh at the bottom where they nest. Knowing that is the challenge means countering it with the best we have. Baffles do work to keep squirrels off but they have to be good and don't forget the little devils can leap a long way from a tree or other object to access the feeder. Feeders with an outside barrier of wire that are sized to eliminate large birds will discourage most of them most of the time. Feeding the large woodpeckers and discouraging larger birds can be accomplished with no perches and two layers of wire. The outside wire needs 1/2 inch holes and the inside has 1/4 inch holes. The outside layer of wire needs to be 3/8 inches or more from the inside. With that arrangement the large birds do not get as much and the woodpeckers have an advantage. Its not foolproof but better than eliminating the feeding. Marv Elliott Marvin Elliott Vermont Birdhouses and Wood Products Rutland Town, VT 802-775-2415 vtbirdhouses AT yahoo.com --- On Mon, 6/29/09, Linda Robinson wrote: > From: Linda Robinson > Subject: Re: [VTBIRD] in Milton > To: VTBIRD AT LIST.UVM.EDU > Date: Monday, June 29, 2009, 11:36 AM > I don't have a good solution. I > even bought a suet feeder from Duncraft that was supposed to > keep the bigger birds away, probably the same upside down > feeder that you mentioned. I have tried removing the > feeder when the larger unwanted birds move in & also > just shooing them away. Obviously this doesn't work > when we aren't at home and also I can't watch the feeder the > entire day. I also do not refill it immediately when > it's depleted, I wait a couple of days. We have had > Pileated Woodpeckers at this feeder and while we are really > thrilled to be able to observe them & take photos from 5 > ft away, they can work their way faster through the suet > than even the rwb etc. Our land includes wetland so we > have plenty of rwb. > > I have the suet feeder with the cage around it and don't > use it for the same reason as you. btw I only buy hot > pepper suet because we also have a red squirrel > problem. They have started pulling the bee guards off > of the hummingbird feeder and emptying that. It is > really discouraging and sometimes I think about removing all > the feeders. > > Linda > > > On Jun 29, 2009, at 11:19 AM, Jane Stein wrote: > > > How do you deal with other birds raiding the suet, or > do you just put up with it? > > > > I have also HW, DW and Red-Bellied W with young on my > property, but the suet they love, even put in an upside-down > feeder, is just decimated daily by RWBlackbirds and > Starlings and even Bluejays who've figured out how to cling > to the cage upside down just long enough to peck out a big > beakful. A fresh cake put out in the morning is gone > by afternoon. Putting it in a larger cage would keep > out the birds I don't want, but also keep the larger WPs > from getting to it. > > > > I've also tried those log suet feeders with no > perches, but as soon as the suet plugs get eaten down a > little, the same unwanted acrobats have no trouble hanging > onto the edges the holes. > > > > I've been able to defeat the squirrel raiders with > baffles, but can't find a way to deter the birds. > > > > Jane > > Shoreham > > > > Linda Robinson wrote: > > > >> at our feeders: an adult male Hairy > Woodpecker has been feeding a male and a female > juvenile HW from our sunflower feeder and the suet > feeder over the last 2 weeks. Today we have an adult > Chipping Sparrow feeding two juveniles from the suet > feeder. Great to watch. >
Subject: Re: in Milton
From: Linda Robinson <robinsl AT PSHIFT.COM>
Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 12:24:44 -0400

I'm interested in the link for the baffles. We've been trying to come up with a better solution for defeating the red squirrels. They really enjoy sitting inside the cage that surrounds one of our sunflower feeders, much more comfortable then trying to hang on to an ordinary tube feeder. I was thinking of sending a picture to Duncraft of their squirrel proof feeder in action. The chipmunks are enjoying it, too. On Jun 29, 2009, at 12:02 PM, Jane Stein wrote: > Grrr. I was so hoping you had some magical solution... > > I had the same problem with red squirrels and the hummer feeders, > too, but I've so far managed to solve that one. They're such smart > little thieves, though, I expect them to figure out how to get it > eventually. > > I have one inexpensive plastic hummer feeder that sticks to my > window with those suction cup thingies, which the squirrels have (so > far...) no way to get at and the hummers are perfectly willing to > come to. My whole house is red, so that helps! > > I also have a very small tube-shaped one-station feeder with no > perches which I've hung from a branch with thin picture-hanging > wire, and that seems to be working well, too, though I'm truly not > sure why, since the picture wire has a rough texture you'd think > they could cling to. When I get a chance, I'm going to replace it > with some smoother wire. > > The suet feeder hangs close underneath a large, flat, saucer-shaped > metal baffle, and though they try mightily, the red squirrels can't > get around the baffle to get a purchase on the feeder. > > I can post a link to a source for those baffles, if anybody's > interested and it's not against the rules. But it only defeats red > squirrels if the feeder is small and hung close up against the > underside, which completely leaves out seed feeders of any kind. > Gray squirrels can't get around it at all, no matter what you hang > underneath it. > > Jane > Shoreham > > Linda Robinson wrote: > >> I don't have a good solution. I even bought a suet feeder from >> Duncraft that was supposed to keep the bigger birds away, probably >> the same upside down feeder that you mentioned. I have tried >> removing the feeder when the larger unwanted birds move in & also >> just shooing them away. Obviously this doesn't work when we >> aren't at home and also I can't watch the feeder the entire day. >> I also do not refill it immediately when it's depleted, I wait a >> couple of days. We have had Pileated Woodpeckers at this feeder >> and while we are really thrilled to be able to observe them & take >> photos from 5 ft away, they can work their way faster through the >> suet than even the rwb etc. Our land includes wetland so we have >> plenty of rwb. >> I have the suet feeder with the cage around it and don't use it >> for the same reason as you. btw I only buy hot pepper suet >> because we also have a red squirrel problem. They have started >> pulling the bee guards off of the hummingbird feeder and emptying >> that. It is really discouraging and sometimes I think about >> removing all the feeders. >> Linda >> On Jun 29, 2009, at 11:19 AM, Jane Stein wrote: >>> How do you deal with other birds raiding the suet, or do you just >>> put up with it? >>> >>> I have also HW, DW and Red-Bellied W with young on my property, >>> but the suet they love, even put in an upside-down feeder, is >>> just decimated daily by RWBlackbirds and Starlings and even >>> Bluejays who've figured out how to cling to the cage upside down >>> just long enough to peck out a big beakful. A fresh cake put out >>> in the morning is gone by afternoon. Putting it in a larger cage >>> would keep out the birds I don't want, but also keep the larger >>> WPs from getting to it. >>> >>> I've also tried those log suet feeders with no perches, but as >>> soon as the suet plugs get eaten down a little, the same >>> unwanted acrobats have no trouble hanging onto the edges the holes. >>> >>> I've been able to defeat the squirrel raiders with baffles, but >>> can't find a way to deter the birds. >>> >>> Jane >>> Shoreham >>> >>> Linda Robinson wrote: >>> >>>> at our feeders: an adult male Hairy Woodpecker has been feeding >>>> a male and a female juvenile HW from our sunflower feeder and >>>> the suet feeder over the last 2 weeks. Today we have an adult >>>> Chipping Sparrow feeding two juveniles from the suet feeder. >>>> Great to watch.
Subject: Re: in Milton
From: Jane Stein <jeshawks AT SHOREHAM.NET>
Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 12:02:20 -0400

Grrr. I was so hoping you had some magical solution... I had the same problem with red squirrels and the hummer feeders, too, but I've so far managed to solve that one. They're such smart little thieves, though, I expect them to figure out how to get it eventually. I have one inexpensive plastic hummer feeder that sticks to my window with those suction cup thingies, which the squirrels have (so far...) no way to get at and the hummers are perfectly willing to come to. My whole house is red, so that helps! I also have a very small tube-shaped one-station feeder with no perches which I've hung from a branch with thin picture-hanging wire, and that seems to be working well, too, though I'm truly not sure why, since the picture wire has a rough texture you'd think they could cling to. When I get a chance, I'm going to replace it with some smoother wire. The suet feeder hangs close underneath a large, flat, saucer-shaped metal baffle, and though they try mightily, the red squirrels can't get around the baffle to get a purchase on the feeder. I can post a link to a source for those baffles, if anybody's interested and it's not against the rules. But it only defeats red squirrels if the feeder is small and hung close up against the underside, which completely leaves out seed feeders of any kind. Gray squirrels can't get around it at all, no matter what you hang underneath it. Jane Shoreham Linda Robinson wrote: > I don't have a good solution. I even bought a suet feeder from > Duncraft that was supposed to keep the bigger birds away, probably the > same upside down feeder that you mentioned. I have tried removing the > feeder when the larger unwanted birds move in & also just shooing them > away. Obviously this doesn't work when we aren't at home and also I > can't watch the feeder the entire day. I also do not refill it > immediately when it's depleted, I wait a couple of days. We have had > Pileated Woodpeckers at this feeder and while we are really thrilled to > be able to observe them & take photos from 5 ft away, they can work > their way faster through the suet than even the rwb etc. Our land > includes wetland so we have plenty of rwb. > > I have the suet feeder with the cage around it and don't use it for the > same reason as you. btw I only buy hot pepper suet because we also > have a red squirrel problem. They have started pulling the bee guards > off of the hummingbird feeder and emptying that. It is really > discouraging and sometimes I think about removing all the feeders. > > Linda > > > On Jun 29, 2009, at 11:19 AM, Jane Stein wrote: > >> How do you deal with other birds raiding the suet, or do you just put >> up with it? >> >> I have also HW, DW and Red-Bellied W with young on my property, but >> the suet they love, even put in an upside-down feeder, is just >> decimated daily by RWBlackbirds and Starlings and even Bluejays >> who've figured out how to cling to the cage upside down just long >> enough to peck out a big beakful. A fresh cake put out in the >> morning is gone by afternoon. Putting it in a larger cage would keep >> out the birds I don't want, but also keep the larger WPs from getting >> to it. >> >> I've also tried those log suet feeders with no perches, but as soon >> as the suet plugs get eaten down a little, the same unwanted acrobats >> have no trouble hanging onto the edges the holes. >> >> I've been able to defeat the squirrel raiders with baffles, but can't >> find a way to deter the birds. >> >> Jane >> Shoreham >> >> Linda Robinson wrote: >> >>> at our feeders: an adult male Hairy Woodpecker has been feeding a >>> male and a female juvenile HW from our sunflower feeder and the >>> suet feeder over the last 2 weeks. Today we have an adult Chipping >>> Sparrow feeding two juveniles from the suet feeder. Great to watch. > > >
Subject: Re: in Milton
From: Linda Robinson <robinsl AT PSHIFT.COM>
Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 11:36:10 -0400

I don't have a good solution. I even bought a suet feeder from Duncraft that was supposed to keep the bigger birds away, probably the same upside down feeder that you mentioned. I have tried removing the feeder when the larger unwanted birds move in & also just shooing them away. Obviously this doesn't work when we aren't at home and also I can't watch the feeder the entire day. I also do not refill it immediately when it's depleted, I wait a couple of days. We have had Pileated Woodpeckers at this feeder and while we are really thrilled to be able to observe them & take photos from 5 ft away, they can work their way faster through the suet than even the rwb etc. Our land includes wetland so we have plenty of rwb. I have the suet feeder with the cage around it and don't use it for the same reason as you. btw I only buy hot pepper suet because we also have a red squirrel problem. They have started pulling the bee guards off of the hummingbird feeder and emptying that. It is really discouraging and sometimes I think about removing all the feeders. Linda On Jun 29, 2009, at 11:19 AM, Jane Stein wrote: > How do you deal with other birds raiding the suet, or do you just > put up with it? > > I have also HW, DW and Red-Bellied W with young on my property, but > the suet they love, even put in an upside-down feeder, is just > decimated daily by RWBlackbirds and Starlings and even Bluejays > who've figured out how to cling to the cage upside down just long > enough to peck out a big beakful. A fresh cake put out in the > morning is gone by afternoon. Putting it in a larger cage would > keep out the birds I don't want, but also keep the larger WPs from > getting to it. > > I've also tried those log suet feeders with no perches, but as soon > as the suet plugs get eaten down a little, the same unwanted > acrobats have no trouble hanging onto the edges the holes. > > I've been able to defeat the squirrel raiders with baffles, but > can't find a way to deter the birds. > > Jane > Shoreham > > Linda Robinson wrote: > >> at our feeders: an adult male Hairy Woodpecker has been feeding a >> male and a female juvenile HW from our sunflower feeder and the >> suet feeder over the last 2 weeks. Today we have an adult >> Chipping Sparrow feeding two juveniles from the suet feeder. >> Great to watch.
Subject: Re: in Milton
From: Jane Stein <jeshawks AT SHOREHAM.NET>
Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 11:19:09 -0400

How do you deal with other birds raiding the suet, or do you just put up with it? I have also HW, DW and Red-Bellied W with young on my property, but the suet they love, even put in an upside-down feeder, is just decimated daily by RWBlackbirds and Starlings and even Bluejays who've figured out how to cling to the cage upside down just long enough to peck out a big beakful. A fresh cake put out in the morning is gone by afternoon. Putting it in a larger cage would keep out the birds I don't want, but also keep the larger WPs from getting to it. I've also tried those log suet feeders with no perches, but as soon as the suet plugs get eaten down a little, the same unwanted acrobats have no trouble hanging onto the edges the holes. I've been able to defeat the squirrel raiders with baffles, but can't find a way to deter the birds. Jane Shoreham Linda Robinson wrote: > at our feeders: an adult male Hairy Woodpecker has been feeding a male > and a female juvenile HW from our sunflower feeder and the suet feeder > over the last 2 weeks. Today we have an adult Chipping Sparrow feeding > two juveniles from the suet feeder. Great to watch. > >
Subject: in Milton
From: Linda Robinson <robinsl AT PSHIFT.COM>
Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 11:10:51 -0400

at our feeders: an adult male Hairy Woodpecker has been feeding a male and a female juvenile HW from our sunflower feeder and the suet feeder over the last 2 weeks. Today we have an adult Chipping Sparrow feeding two juveniles from the suet feeder. Great to watch.
Subject: northern shoveler
From: Jane Schlossberg <avesong AT AOL.COM>
Date: Sun, 28 Jun 2009 17:50:34 -0400

My husband and I stopped and watched a male northern shoveler feeding alone in the marshes along Pond Road in Shelburne. Is this normal for this time of year? Jane S. Saint George
Subject: Rutland County Audubon - Birding Break for Butterflies - July 4 and 5
From: Susan Elliott <ovenbird14 AT YAHOO.COM>
Date: Sun, 28 Jun 2009 13:56:39 -0700

Rutland County Audubon will be taking a birding break for butterflies next weekend. On Saturday, July 4, we will travel through West Rutland for our annual count there. And on Sunday, July 5, we'll be looking for butterflies in Tinmouth. For both days we meet at the West Rutland Price Chopper parking lot at 8:30 a.m. Bring lunch. Open to all! Optional $3.00 contribution. Sue Elliott http://www.rutlandcountyaudubon.org
Subject: FW: eBird Report - Aitken State Forest, Mendon, VT , 6/26/09
From: Marsha Booker <mbooker105 AT HOTMAIL.COM>
Date: Sun, 28 Jun 2009 19:10:52 +0000

> Date: Sun, 28 Jun 2009 15:07:57 -0400 > From: do-not-reply AT ebird.org > To: mbooker105 AT hotmail.com > Subject: eBird Report - Aitken State Forest, Mendon, VT , 6/26/09 > > > > Location: Aitken State Forest, Mendon, VT > Observation date: 6/26/09 > Number of species: 25 > > Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1 > Downy Woodpecker 1 > Hairy Woodpecker 1 > Pileated Woodpecker 1 > Eastern Wood-Pewee 1 > Least Flycatcher 3 > Great Crested Flycatcher 1 > Red-eyed Vireo 5 > Blue Jay 3 > Black-capped Chickadee 2 > Red-breasted Nuthatch 1 > Winter Wren 1 > Veery 4 > American Robin 2 > Cedar Waxwing 1 > Chestnut-sided Warbler 1 > Black-throated Blue Warbler 3 > Black-throated Green Warbler 1 > Blackburnian Warbler 1 > American Redstart 4 > Ovenbird 9 > Mourning Warbler 1 > Common Yellowthroat 2 > Scarlet Tanager 1 > Rose-breasted Grosbeak 1 > > This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org/vt) _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail® has ever-growing storage! Don’t worry about storage limits. http://windowslive.com/Tutorial/Hotmail/Storage?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_HM_Tutorial_Storage_062009
Subject: Re: Grassland Conservation -- Henslow's sparrow
From: Jane Stein <jeshawks AT SHOREHAM.NET>
Date: Sun, 28 Jun 2009 08:18:11 -0400

Speaking of grassland birds, there's been a singing Henslow's Sparrow discovered yesterday (Saturday) in Montague, which is just south of Turner's Falls in Mass in an uncut hayfield. Posts with the location of the bird are on the Massbird list http://www.virtualbirder.com/bmail/massbird/200906/27/index.html Jane Shoreham TMW wrote: > Excellent article about Noah Perlut's grassland bird conservation > program in the Free Press this AM.... > > http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/article/20090628/NEWS02/90627005/Farmers-help-save-songbirds-&referrer=FRONTPAGECAROUSEL > > > > Terry > >
Subject: Grassland Conservation
From: TMW <tmontew AT AOL.COM>
Date: Sun, 28 Jun 2009 08:02:32 -0400

Excellent article about Noah Perlut's grassland bird conservation program in the Free Press this AM.... http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/article/20090628/NEWS02/90627005/Farmers-help-save-songbirds-&referrer=FRONTPAGECAROUSEL Terry
Subject: Dead Creek - Orchard Orioles plus
From: Winslows <mikekira AT MYFAIRPOINT.NET>
Date: Sat, 27 Jun 2009 21:37:01 -0400

Location: Dead Creek WMA IBA - Brilyea Access Observation date: 6/27/09 Notes: Orchard oriole - male feeding two young. Possible female seen seperately. Number of species: 49 Canada Goose X Mallard X Ruffed Grouse X Great Blue Heron X Great Egret X Turkey Vulture X Osprey X Bald Eagle X Red-tailed Hawk X Spotted Sandpiper X Ring-billed Gull X Mourning Dove X Ruby-throated Hummingbird X Hairy Woodpecker X Northern Flicker X Pileated Woodpecker X Eastern Wood-Pewee X Alder Flycatcher X Least Flycatcher X Great Crested Flycatcher X Eastern Kingbird X Yellow-throated Vireo X Warbling Vireo X Red-eyed Vireo X Blue Jay X American Crow X Tree Swallow X Black-capped Chickadee X Tufted Titmouse X White-breasted Nuthatch X Marsh Wren X Veery X Wood Thrush X American Robin X Gray Catbird X Cedar Waxwing X Yellow Warbler X Chestnut-sided Warbler X Pine Warbler X American Redstart X Ovenbird X Common Yellowthroat X Song Sparrow X Red-winged Blackbird X Common Grackle X Brown-headed Cowbird X Orchard Oriole X Baltimore Oriole X American Goldfinch X This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org) Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.375 / Virus Database: 270.12.93/2205 - Release Date: 06/27/09 05:53:00
Subject: Mike Winslow has shared an eBird checklist with you from Dead Creek WMA IBA - Brilyea Access on Jun 27, 2009 - 8:00 AM
From: Mike Winslow <mikekira AT MYFAIRPOINT.NET>
Date: Sat, 27 Jun 2009 21:26:12 -0400

To accept this checklist into your eBird account, click on the link below: http://ebird.org/ebird/shared?subID=UzUxMjI3MDU.&s=t Learn more about eBird's checklist sharing process at http://ebird.org/content/ebird/news/new-feature-ebird-checklist-sharing ---------
Subject: Young Pileated Woodpecker
From: Jeannie Elias <moosewoman AT MADRIVER.COM>
Date: Sat, 27 Jun 2009 18:27:47 -0400

A Mad Birder got a great look at a young Pileated Woodpecker the day before it fledged. For photos and more details go to www.madbirders.org Happy Birding! Jeannie Elias
Subject: Fwd: eBird Report - Dead Creek--Farrell Access , 6/27/09
From: Craig Provost <cprovost88 AT COMCAST.NET>
Date: Sat, 27 Jun 2009 20:13:59 +0000

Fledglings perched in tree on left side of access road, just after the 1st 90 degree turn. Parents busy fetching caterpillars and delivering them to their noisy young. ----- Forwarded Message ----- From: do-not-reply AT ebird.org To: cprovost88 AT comcast.net Sent: Saturday, June 27, 2009 3:48:55 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: eBird Report - Dead Creek--Farrell Access , 6/27/09 Location: Ā Ā Dead Creek--Farrell Access Observation date: Ā Ā 6/27/09 Notes: Ā Ā Male and female Orchard feeding 2 fledglings. Number of species: Ā Ā 27 Green Heron Ā Ā 1 Killdeer Ā Ā 1 Mourning Dove Ā Ā 3 Willow Flycatcher Ā Ā 1 Least Flycatcher Ā Ā 2 Eastern Kingbird Ā Ā 2 Warbling Vireo Ā Ā 1 Blue Jay Ā Ā 2 American Crow Ā Ā 4 Tree Swallow Ā Ā 8 Barn Swallow Ā Ā 3 American Robin Ā Ā 2 Gray Catbird Ā Ā 4 Brown Thrasher Ā Ā 2 Cedar Waxwing Ā Ā 8 Yellow Warbler Ā Ā 2 Common Yellowthroat Ā Ā 1 Savannah Sparrow Ā Ā 5 Song Sparrow Ā Ā 2 Bobolink Ā Ā 2 Red-winged Blackbird Ā Ā 10 Eastern Meadowlark Ā Ā 1 Common Grackle Ā Ā 7 Brown-headed Cowbird Ā Ā 3 Orchard Oriole Ā Ā 4 Baltimore Oriole Ā Ā 1 American Goldfinch Ā Ā 4 This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org/vt)
Subject: Fwd: eBird Report - Lake Dunmore/Silver Lake Rd. , 6/27/09
From: Sue Wetmore <2birdvt AT COMCAST.NET>
Date: Sat, 27 Jun 2009 14:14:27 +0000

Three folks joined me this morning at the lake and we started by viewing the peregrine on Rattlesnake Point. Sue Wetmore ----- Forwarded Message ----- From: do-not-reply AT ebird.org To: 2birdvt AT comcast.net Sent: Saturday, June 27, 2009 10:10:11 AM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: eBird Report - Lake Dunmore/Silver Lake Rd. , 6/27/09 Location: Ā Ā Lake Dunmore/Silver Lake Rd. Observation date: Ā Ā 6/27/09 Notes: Ā Ā Cedar Waxwing on nest., Yellow-rumped warbler carrying food ,Ā Eastern kingbird on nest Number of species: Ā Ā 31 Canada Goose Ā Ā 9 Peregrine Falcon Ring-billed Gull Ā Ā 1 Mourning Dove Ā Ā 1 Ruby-throated Hummingbird Ā Ā 1 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Ā Ā 2 Downy Woodpecker Ā Ā 1 Hairy Woodpecker Ā Ā 1 Eastern Phoebe Ā Ā 2 Eastern Kingbird Ā Ā 2 Red-eyed Vireo Ā Ā 4 American Crow Ā Ā 1 Tree Swallow Ā Ā 8 Barn Swallow Ā Ā 20 Black-capped Chickadee Ā Ā 2 Tufted Titmouse Ā Ā 1 White-breasted Nuthatch Ā Ā 2 Wood Thrush Ā Ā 1 American Robin Ā Ā 5 Gray Catbird Ā Ā 1 Cedar Waxwing Ā Ā 5 Chestnut-sided Warbler Ā Ā 1 Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) Ā Ā 3 Blackburnian Warbler Ā Ā 1 Pine Warbler Ā Ā 2 Scarlet Tanager Ā Ā 1 Chipping Sparrow Ā Ā 6 Song Sparrow Ā Ā 1 Rose-breasted Grosbeak Ā Ā 1 Brown-headed Cowbird Ā Ā 3 American Goldfinch Ā Ā 4 This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org/vt)
Subject: Yard birds - Danby, VT
From: "Nancy A. Brown" <whites AT VERMONTEL.NET>
Date: Sat, 27 Jun 2009 08:41:28 -0400

> Location: Danby Pond- Danby, VT > Observation date: 6/27/09 > Notes: Yard birds seen or heard from my yard this morning; waiting for > grass to dry, rays of sun soon replaced with clouds! > Number of species: 39 > > Turkey Vulture 1 > American Woodcock 1- now meadow is high they are much closer at edge > of lawn, must have been a good night for worms ( we had rain 10:30pm) > Still there at dawn along with 2 bunnies, which should be well seasoned > after eaten my dill and parsley plants in herb garden! > Mourning Dove 1 > Ruby-throated Hummingbird 1- male still coming to feeder > Downy Woodpecker 2- suet feeder > Hairy Woodpecker 2-suet feeder > Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) 1 > Eastern Phoebe 1 > Eastern Kingbird 2- still sitting at nest > Warbling Vireo 1- silent now but foraging in same trees it constantly > sang from > Blue Jay 2 > American Crow 2 > Tree Swallow 10 - five boxes still feeding (one box has fledged) young > at entrance now > Barn Swallow 2- found out where these are coming from, horse farm up > the road. > Black-capped Chickadee 2 > House Wren 2- they have settled into the "chickadee" box, closest to > tree line. > Eastern Bluebird 2- They have taken another box for second brood, same > pair as first > Veery 2 - of all the places it could be, it comes to within 10 feet of > door to gather food!?? > Wood Thrush 1- heard singing > American Robin 4-now feeding young at nest and 1 juvenile foraging on > its own > Gray Catbird 3- 1 carrying food > Brown Thrasher 1- singing > European Starling 3 - 1 adult and 2 juveniles > Cedar Waxwing 3- 1 completing nest > Yellow Warbler 4- 3 adults all males, 1 feeding begging young > Common Yellowthroat 2- both males > Chipping Sparrow 2- carrying food > Savannah Sparrow 4- carrying food > Song Sparrow 5- carrying food, nesting near bobolinks in meadow, > there are frequent boundary disputes. > Swamp Sparrow 1- juvenile > White-throated Sparrow 1- singing > Rose-breasted Grosbeak 2- female and juvenile > Red-winged Blackbird 4 > Eastern Meadowlark 1- male singing from top of tree (singing at old > route 7 location also) > Common Grackle 2 > Baltimore Oriole 2 males > American Goldfinch 2 > House Sparrow 1 > Bobolink 12 - 8 males (all in same tree when Kingbird flew in) both > male & females seen carrying food > This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org/vt) >
Subject: FW: [Ontbirds] First Migrant Shorebirds & Arctic Breeding Conditions
From: edticknor AT SYMPATICO.CA
Date: Sat, 27 Jun 2009 02:37:36 +0000

FYI Eve Ticknor Peregrine Falcon Watch Coordinator Ottawa Field Naturalists Club 38-9 Gillespie Cres Ottawa, Ontario K1V 9T5 613-859-9545 613-737-7551 The road to the future is always under construction. > Date: Fri, 26 Jun 2009 08:09:21 -0400 > To: ontbirds AT hwcn.org > From: jeaniron AT sympatico.ca > Subject: [Ontbirds] First Migrant Shorebirds & Arctic Breeding Conditions > > Yesterday we saw an adult Lesser Yellowlegs at Reesor Pond in Markham > near Toronto and on Wednesday there was an adult Least Sandpiper in > Hamilton. These are the first "fall migrant" shorebirds and they are > right on schedule. Directions: Reesor Pond is on the west side of > Reesor Road just south of Highway 7. > > Arctic Breeding Conditions: Several people asked us to comment about > recent reports of a "Disastrous breeding season in the Arctic". The > Arctic is huge; it is 3500 km from southern James Bay (subarctic) to > northern Ellesmere Island. Most shorebirds have large breeding ranges > and even in late years many birds breed successfully and rarely does > the entire Arctic experience the same climatic conditions. We checked > with northern researchers and summarized their comments below. > Shorebird nesting in 2009 is poor in some regions but normal to good > elsewhere. > > Ontario: Ken Abraham reports that conditions in the Hudson Bay > Lowlands were about 10 days late from Attawapiskat south on James > Bay, including Akimiski Island, with Canada Geese and Snow Geese > hatching in mid June, more like the 1990s average than the 2000s > average and within the overall norms. Other species on Akimiski > Island were correspondingly late. His guess is that for those species > that require shorter time there will be some reduction but not huge. > Perhaps the predation effect will be somewhat greater if alternate > species are less available. Because coastal snow, ice and water > inundation conditions were similar from Cape Henrietta Maria to the > Manitoba border, Ken expects that for Canada Geese nesting within 40 > - 60 km from the coast, a much reduced effort and productivity will > be the norm. Snow Geese at Cape Henrietta Maria were greatly down and > the suggestion of a 90% reduction seems to fit what they saw on their > survey. However, beyond 40 - 60 km inland, he thinks conditions will > be different. Mark Peck said that species nesting away from the > Hudson Bay Coast in boreal bogs and fens such as yellowlegs should > not be severely impacted because much of the freeze took place near the coast. > > Manitoba: The situation is worse in northern Manitoba at Churchill > where temperatures were well below normal until recently and the snow > cover melted late. However, Erica Nol reports that birds have started > to nest, just very late, and it won't be a complete bust for > shorebirds if there are enough bare spots. Whimbrels and Hudsonian > Godwits are nesting, but overall nesting success should be below > average for most shorebirds in northern Manitoba. > > Nunavut: Snow melt was up to three weeks late in mainland Nunavut > north of Manitoba. Recent temperatures have been close to normal. > Much of Baffin Island is now snow free and conditions there and on > Bylot Island are about normal. High Arctic breeders should have a > good breeding year. > > Northwest Territories: Vicky Johnston suspects it will be a poor > breeding year in parts of the Western Arctic. Spring was roughly > three weeks late in Yellowknife on Great Slave Lake based on > leaf-out. The Mackenzie Valley and Delta warmed early but then cooled > off again. The Delta flooded slowly and the water receded slowly, so > some prime shorebird breeding areas were subject to heavy predation. > > Yukon: Cameron Eckert reports a late spring, but once the heat came, > everything shifted into high gear. > > Alaska: Declan Troy reports from the North Slope that the snow on the > tundra is long gone. It was much warmer earlier in the month and his > guess is that the breeding season has been early there. > > We will be recording the arrivals and numbers of adult and juvenile > shorebirds in southern Ontario and may post updates. > > Acknowledgements: We thank Ken Abraham, Bruce Di Labio, Cameron > Eckert, Michel Gosselin, Vicky Johnston, Erica Nol, Mark Peck, Ken > Ross, Don Sutherland, and Declan Troy. > > Ron Pittaway and Jean Iron > Toronto ON > > _______________________________________________ > ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. > Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org > For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ >
Subject: Ivory-billed Woodpeckers in Greensboro Friday Night - June 26
From: Bryan Pfeiffer <Bryan AT VERMONTBIRDTOURS.COM>
Date: Thu, 25 Jun 2009 18:27:07 -0400

Greetings, Here's your chance to hang out by Caspian Lake, eat amazing food and contemplate extinction. During a dinner lecture at the Highland Lodge in Greensboro Friday night, I'll present my program on our search for Ivory-billed Woodpeckers in Arkansas. Call the Lodge (802-533-2647) for a dinner reservation, come for dessert or just come for the program, which starts at 7:30 pm in the dining room. It's free. Here's the "official" lecture information: *CHASING WOODPECKERS* It has become one of the great mysteries in all of bird watching. Did the Ivory-billed Woodpecker actually cheat extinction? Was it discovered in the remote bottomland swamps of Arkansas? Or was the sighting a tragic mistake? Vermont naturalist and author Bryan Pfeiffer went to Arkansas to see for himself. Undaunted by prospects of venomous snakes, waist-deep muck and clouds of mosquitoes, Bryan and a team of Vermont biologists spent two weeks searching the Arkansas swamps for Ivory-bills. You'll see what they found during Bryan's engaging slide lecture at Highland Lodge in Greensboro starting at 7:30pm on Friday, June 26. *BIO * Bryan Pfeiffer is an author, wildlife photographer, consulting naturalist and field guide specializing in birds, butterflies and dragonflies. His essays and articles have appeared in The New York Times, Vermont Life, Field & Stream and Northern Woodlands, among others. Bryan's nature touring company is Vermont Bird Tours, finding birds with people across the continent. Bryan is co-author of "Birdwatching in Vermont," a guide to finding and enjoying the state's birdlife, and he is the host of the Vermont Public Television special "Birding in Vermont." When he's not chasing birds, Bryan has been chief field staff for the Vermont Butterfly Survey (which means he chases butterflies) and is an authority on dragonflies. Bryan lives in Plainfield, Vermont, where he wanders the landscape enjoying everything from ferns to frogs, orchids to otters. His latest obsession is fireflies. Best, Bryan -- Vermont Bird Tours PO Box 121 Plainfield, VT 05667 NOW BIRDING SPRING MIGRATION IN VERMONT * MAINE THIS FALL Details at www.VermontBirdTours.com Bryan's Photography - www.WingsPhotography.com Bryan's Consulting - www.WingsEnvironmental.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Subject: FW: eBird Report - Elm Street, Pittsford , 6/24/09
From: Marsha Booker <mbooker105 AT HOTMAIL.COM>
Date: Thu, 25 Jun 2009 21:11:45 +0000

> Date: Thu, 25 Jun 2009 17:09:25 -0400 > From: do-not-reply AT ebird.org > To: mbooker105 AT hotmail.com > Subject: eBird Report - Elm Street, Pittsford , 6/24/09 > > > > Location: Elm Street, Pittsford > Observation date: 6/24/09 > Notes: Least flycatchers were silent. > Number of species: 28 > > Green Heron 2 > Mourning Dove 4 > Ruby-throated Hummingbird 1 > Downy Woodpecker 1 > Hairy Woodpecker 1 > Willow Flycatcher 1 > Great Crested Flycatcher 1 > Warbling Vireo 3 One was sitting on a nest. > Blue Jay 1 > American Crow 2 > Black-capped Chickadee 2 > Tufted Titmouse 1 > White-breasted Nuthatch 1 > Veery 1 > American Robin 3 > Gray Catbird 3 > European Starling 6 In flight, with juveniles. > Cedar Waxwing 2 > Yellow Warbler 3 > American Redstart 2 > Common Yellowthroat 2 > Song Sparrow 10 > Swamp Sparrow 2 > Northern Cardinal 1 > Red-winged Blackbird 5 > Common Grackle 3 > Baltimore Oriole 1 > American Goldfinch 9 > > This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org/vt) _________________________________________________________________ Insert movie times and more without leaving Hotmail®. http://windowslive.com/Tutorial/Hotmail/QuickAdd?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_HM_Tutorial_QuickAdd_062009
Subject: walk
From: Sue Wetmore <2birdvt AT COMCAST.NET>
Date: Thu, 25 Jun 2009 11:17:58 +0000

Saturday I'll be offering a bird walk at Branberry State Park on Lake Dunmore. This is a good venue for the beginning birder. Time :Ā 8:00 a.m. Park fee applies to non-campers Sue Wetmore
Subject: Rutland Community Garden , 6/24/09
From: Roy Pilcher <ShamwariVT AT AOL.COM>
Date: Wed, 24 Jun 2009 15:13:17 EDT

Location: Rutland Community Garden Observation date: 6/24/09 Notes: Common Grackle carrying food. Number of species: 25 Species to date: 76 Green Heron 3 Mourning Dove 4 Downy Woodpecker 1 Hairy Woodpecker 4 Northern Flicker 1 Warbling Vireo 3 Red-eyed Vireo 4 American Crow 5 Black-capped Chickadee 2 Tufted Titmouse 1 House Wren 6 American Robin 6 Gray Catbird 6 European Starling 5 Cedar Waxwing 2 Yellow Warbler 1 Chestnut-sided Warbler 1 American Redstart 2 Common Yellowthroat 6 Scarlet Tanager 1 Song Sparrow 7 Northern Cardinal 2 Red-winged Blackbird 20 Common Grackle 3 American Goldfinch 8 This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org/vt) Cheers, Roy Pilcher The Gables at East Mountain, Rutland, Vermont Speaking the same language. **************Huge Savings on Popular Laptops only at Dell.com. Shop Now! (http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100126575x1221900667x1201409530/aol?redir=http: %2F%2Fad.doubleclick.net%2Fclk%3B215910242%3B38350777%3Bf)
Subject: Re: RFI: SEPTEMBER BIRDING ADVICE - VT
From: Larry Hills <lrhills AT GMAIL.COM>
Date: Wed, 24 Jun 2009 10:09:29 -0400

Hi I have had good luck at Barr Hill Nature Preserve in Greensboro, VT. They hang out in the softwoods near the parking area. This is about as far south and west as they are reliable, but there is a slim chance of encountering them other places. The Olive-sided Flycatcher starts to move out by September, but may be catchable in migration...probably not singing, "Quick, three beers!" by then though , so hard to get. Stratton Mountain is your best VT bet for the Bick. That said, Mount Washington is better because the summit is so much higher and more extensive. I hope you enjoy your time in New England as much as we have our time in the British Isles. If you need anything while you are here, call me at 802-434-5439. My name is Larry Hills and I live near Burlington. Good birding. Sent from my iPod On Jun 24, 2009, at 8:39, Gruff Dodd wrote: > Hi > > Hoping I can get some expert advice from you folks in advance of a > possible trip I may be making in September 09, please. It is likely > to be a short trip, perhaps 4 days in total while the rest of my > family hit New York City. Timing likely to be 2nd week of September. > > I'm pretty flexible in terms of destination - anywhere north and > east of NYC is possible, but I have a few specific target species > I'd like to try to see, and I'd greatly welcome advice on likelihood > of seeing them and where I'd be best looking. > > 1. The main target would be Bicknell's Thrush - is that a realistic > possibility at that time of year? If so, is Mount Washington, NH > still the best place to look for this bird, or is there anywhere in > Vermont or elsewhere that would be better? > > 2. Am I going to be too late in the year for Olive-sided > Flycatcher> If not, anywhere particularly good? > > 3. Similarly, are there any really reliable sites at that time for > Boreal Chickadee? > > Thanks in advance for any help you can offer. > > GRUFF DODD > Cardiff, Wales, UK
Subject: Rutland power line yesterday
From: Maeve Kim <maevulus AT SURFGLOBAL.NET>
Date: Wed, 24 Jun 2009 08:53:06 -0400

Walking along under the power line that's near West Rutland Marsh on Tuesday was both beautiful and birdy. Most exciting were the numbers of Prairie Warblers - at least four singing at once, with excellent views whenever one would go to the top of small tree. Also seen or heard: Catbird Thrasher House Wren Common Yellowthroat Redstart Song Sparrow Field Sparrow Warbling Vireo Red-Eyed Vireo Robin Eastern Kingbird Towhee Crow Flicker Blue Jay Downy Woodpecker Veery Mourning Dove Eastern Wood Pewee Ruby-Throated Hummingbird Cardinal Indigo Bunting Ovenbird American Goldfinch Wood Thrush (distant) At the Marsh, we were greeted by an American Bittern flying right over our heads. A few minutes later, it (or another one) flew back in the opposite direction and landed right on Water Street. Cedar Waxwing Least Flycatcher Willow Flycatcher Phoebe Baltimore Oriole Yellow Warbler Red-Winged Blackbird Grackle Kingfisher Marsh Wren American Bittern Barn Swallow Tree Swallow Swamp Sparrow – nesting near end of boardwalk Starling I think we heard a Virginia Rail just as we got out of the car on Water Street, but it quieted immediately and we never heard it again. On the way home, we stopped at Pomaineville Refuge and walked a very long distance with a notable absence of birds. We saw a Red- Shouldered Hawk and a Great Blue Heron overhead and a female mallard with young. We’re wondering where, or at what time of day, others have had successful birding at this location. Maeve Kim Jericho Center
Subject: RFI: SEPTEMBER BIRDING ADVICE - VT
From: Gruff Dodd <gruff AT DODDG.FREESERVE.CO.UK>
Date: Wed, 24 Jun 2009 14:39:43 +0200

Hi Hoping I can get some expert advice from you folks in advance of a possible trip I may be making in September 09, please. It is likely to be a short trip, perhaps 4 days in total while the rest of my family hit New York City. Timing likely to be 2nd week of September. I'm pretty flexible in terms of destination - anywhere north and east of NYC is possible, but I have a few specific target species I'd like to try to see, and I'd greatly welcome advice on likelihood of seeing them and where I'd be best looking. 1. The main target would be Bicknell's Thrush - is that a realistic possibility at that time of year? If so, is Mount Washington, NH still the best place to look for this bird, or is there anywhere in Vermont or elsewhere that would be better? 2. Am I going to be too late in the year for Olive-sided Flycatcher> If not, anywhere particularly good? 3. Similarly, are there any really reliable sites at that time for Boreal Chickadee? Thanks in advance for any help you can offer. GRUFF DODD Cardiff, Wales, UK
Subject: Re: eBird Report - Maple St, Brandon , 6/24/09
From: Sue Wetmore <2birdvt AT COMCAST.NET>
Date: Wed, 24 Jun 2009 11:56:12 +0000

In addition to the birds seen I helped a lovely milk snake across the road, who did not appreciate my efforts! Sue Wetmore ----- Original Message ----- From: do-not-reply AT ebird.org To: 2birdvt AT comcast.net Sent: Wednesday, June 24, 2009 7:52:35 AM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: eBird Report - Maple St, Brandon , 6/24/09 Location: Ā Ā Maple St, Brandon Observation date: Ā Ā 6/24/09 Number of species: Ā Ā 47 Mallard Ā Ā 1 Great Blue Heron Ā Ā 1 Green Heron Ā Ā 3 Killdeer Ā Ā 4 Mourning Dove Ā Ā 6 Belted Kingfisher Ā Ā 1 Downy Woodpecker Ā Ā 1 Hairy Woodpecker Ā Ā 3 Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) Ā Ā 1 Least Flycatcher Ā Ā 1 Eastern Phoebe Ā Ā 4 Great Crested Flycatcher Ā Ā 3 Eastern Kingbird Ā Ā 6 Yellow-throated Vireo Ā Ā 1 Warbling Vireo Ā Ā 2 Red-eyed Vireo Ā Ā 2 Blue Jay Ā Ā 1 American Crow Ā Ā 3 Common Raven Ā Ā 1 Tree Swallow Ā Ā 12 Barn Swallow Ā Ā 1 Black-capped Chickadee Ā Ā 4 White-breasted Nuthatch Ā Ā 1 Carolina Wren Ā Ā 1 House Wren Ā Ā 6 Wood Thrush Ā Ā 1 American Robin Ā Ā 13 Gray Catbird Ā Ā 5 Brown Thrasher Ā Ā 1 European Starling Ā Ā 4 Cedar Waxwing Ā Ā 1 Yellow Warbler Ā Ā 2 Black-and-white Warbler Ā Ā 1 American Redstart Ā Ā 2 Common Yellowthroat Ā Ā 4 Chipping Sparrow Ā Ā 3 Song Sparrow Ā Ā 4 Swamp Sparrow Ā Ā 1 Northern Cardinal Ā Ā 5 Rose-breasted Grosbeak Ā Ā 1 Bobolink Ā Ā 1 Red-winged Blackbird Ā Ā 6 Common Grackle Ā Ā 7 Baltimore Oriole Ā Ā 1 House Finch Ā Ā 1 American Goldfinch Ā Ā 4 House Sparrow Ā Ā 5 This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org/vt)
Subject: Fwd: eBird Report - Mt. Mansfield , 6/22/09
From: Sue Wetmore <2birdvt AT COMCAST.NET>
Date: Mon, 22 Jun 2009 21:07:33 +0000

A trip up the toll road took us into the world of wind, fog and cool temperatures. The Bicknell's was heard by 3 of us and briefly seen by the 4th in our group. However it is always a treat to be on top of Vermont no matter the weather. Sue Wetmore ----- Forwarded Message ----- From: do-not-reply AT ebird.org To: 2birdvt AT comcast.net Sent: Monday, June 22, 2009 5:04:08 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: eBird Report - Mt. Mansfield , 6/22/09 Location: Ā Ā Mt. Mansfield Observation date: Ā Ā 6/22/09 Number of species: Ā Ā 16 Blue-headed Vireo Ā Ā 1 Red-eyed Vireo Ā Ā 2 Blue Jay Ā Ā 1 Winter Wren Ā Ā 7 Veery Ā Ā 1 Bicknell's Thrush Ā Ā 1 Swainson's Thrush Ā Ā 2 American Robin Ā Ā 3 Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) Ā Ā 7 Black-throated Green Warbler Ā Ā 1 Blackpoll Warbler Ā Ā 3 Ovenbird Ā Ā 3 Common Yellowthroat Ā Ā 1 White-throated Sparrow Ā Ā 3 Dark-eyed Junco Ā Ā 5 American Goldfinch Ā Ā 2 This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org/vt)
Subject: No Subject
From: "Mary-C. Marro" <mcminvt AT AOL.COM>
Date: Mon, 22 Jun 2009 09:03:23 -0400

A co-workers brother in law reports hearing a Whip Poor Will calling in West Castleton.? He said he used to hear them frequently as a kid growing up but hadn't heard one in years.? This one serenaded him for about twenty minutes. ? mcm rutland
Subject: Re: Disastrous breeding season in the Arctic
From: "Nancy A. Brown" <whites AT VERMONTEL.NET>
Date: Mon, 22 Jun 2009 08:33:51 -0400

It indicates that because of the snow cover being late still blanketing as of June 12th it will prohibit nesting the shore bird and geese and they may just turn around and head south as early as late June!! Keeps our eyes out for migration with no juveniles starting now! Nancy Brown ----- Original Message ----- From: "Peter Manship" To: Sent: Monday, June 22, 2009 7:57 AM Subject: [VTBIRD] Disastrous breeding season in the Arctic I found this info posted on the Mass bird site . The report which was in a Winnipeg newspaper was very interesting and somewhat alarming, it certainly raises some questions about this falls shore bird migration. The biologist's article in the Winnipeg newspaper is here: http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/westview/big-chill-in-churchill- 47992231.html Peter Manship Ludlow Vt
Subject: Re: Do you have a good mnemonic to share
From: Larry Hills <lrhills AT GMAIL.COM>
Date: Mon, 22 Jun 2009 08:13:14 -0400

I am more than a little behind in my email and just came across the mnemonic thread from late winter! A few years ago, I kept hearing a bird that I couldn't get a look at and wanted to remember its song well enough not to get confused when I listened to the warbler songs when I got home, so I "wrote lyrics" for the song: "Please, please, please...Cheerio!" This seems to be an oddly upbeat song for a Mourning Warbler, but it fit well enough for me to pick out the song from the CD later. I have since seen the bird "singing those words," so I know that I have the right song and singer together. On Fri, Mar 6, 2009 at 8:17 PM, Peter Manship wrote: > A few weeks ago this exchange took place:( "Who's awake??? Me tooo." > I think that's the perfect mnemonic for GHO! I hadn't known it till now. > Thank you so much,) > I have been thinking about this exchange and the fact that I need all the > help I can get ID'ing birds by sound and there must be others that would > benefit from this kind of knowledge. How about sharing other great > mnenonic's > with the list, everyone will learn. If you’re someone that doesn't want to > post > but have a good mnemonic send me an email with it and when I have some I'll > post them for everyone to see. The rest can post there's to the list for > all to > see and learn from. There has to be many other people that would benefit > from having a little more birding by ear skills but are afraid to ask, so I > am. > With Spring just around the corner it's a good time to learn some new > birding > skills just before the start of another birding season. Besides what a good > way > to past this last couple of weeks of cabin fever getting excited to go > birding > and try out your new knowledge. > > Good Birding > Peter Manship >
Subject: Disastrous breeding season in the Arctic
From: Peter Manship <maddog54l AT TDS.NET>
Date: Mon, 22 Jun 2009 07:57:12 -0400

I found this info posted on the Mass bird site . The report which was in a Winnipeg newspaper was very interesting and somewhat alarming, it certainly raises some questions about this falls shore bird migration. The biologist's article in the Winnipeg newspaper is here: http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/westview/big-chill-in-churchill- 47992231.html Peter Manship Ludlow Vt
Subject: More on HOWR vs. CARW
From: Rich Wickman <rwickman AT SOVER.NET>
Date: Mon, 22 Jun 2009 07:19:56 -0400

Interesting discussion. Carolina's arrived in our neighborhood (west side of Chipman Hill) 4 years ago. First a singleton, then a pair. They came every morning at the same time as the cardinals (early and first). I saw and heard them this winter on and off, and heard a call for the last time in March, after the snow had gone off. Nothing since then. House wrens arrived last year, nested successfully twice in our yard. This year, the first brood will fledge this week sometime, and there is another pair in the area, judging by the calls and activity. Correlation?? Don't know, but it sure is fun to ponder. I do miss the deedle dee call. Rich Wickman Middlebury
Subject: Juvenile Sapsuckers
From: Jeannie Elias <moosewoman AT MADRIVER.COM>
Date: Mon, 22 Jun 2009 07:02:03 -0400

We had a nest of Yellow Bellied Sapsuckers in a tree near our home earlier this Spring on Two Dog Mountain in Fayston. Now we have more Sapsuckers drumming than I can ever remember, but they all seem to have the red markings on the heads. Sibley's Guide shows the juvenile without any red markings. Am I seeing all adult sapsuckers? Or do juveniles have the red markings also? Thanks. Jeannie Elias Fayston
Subject: Ovenbird Nest in Dorset
From: Bill Calfee <bcalfee AT MYFAIRPOINT.NET>
Date: Sun, 21 Jun 2009 17:32:14 -0400

We scared an Oven Bird off her nest in Dorset. Today. Bill and Lara Calfee sv Sunrise http://www.sailblogs.com/member/beherenowii/ 207 Maple Hill Lane Dorset, VT 05251 802-867-5739
Subject: Blue Headed Vireo Nest
From: Jeannie Elias <moosewoman AT MADRIVER.COM>
Date: Sun, 21 Jun 2009 17:20:31 -0400

The gorgeous nest of a Blue Headed Vireo was identified in Fayston this week. For details and a photo go to www.madbirders.org Jeannie Elias
Subject: Golden Eagle fly over in Danby
From: "Nancy A. Brown" <whites AT VERMONTEL.NET>
Date: Sun, 21 Jun 2009 16:37:14 -0400

> Location: Danby, Rutland County, VT, US > Observation date: 6/21/09 > Notes: This is the 4th year I have seen Golden Eagles in this area. > Usually in March and May. This and last years was an adult. What is > amazing besides its very small head and large wing span is that it did not > flap its wings once the whole time it took to cross the sky from the > Southwest/Oxbow Mtn-Pawlet to Northeast/ White Rocks- South Wallingford, > viewing time 3 to 4 minutes. > Number of species: 44 > > Ruffed Grouse 10- a clutch of young, but even at that size they could > fly, did not see adult > Turkey Vulture 2-They have reared young for serveral years in this area. > No young in air yet. > Golden Eagle 1 > American Kestrel 2 > Killdeer 2 > Mourning Dove 2 > Chimney Swift 3 > Ruby-throated Hummingbird 3 - 2 males and one female, females a lot > less frequent > Downy Woodpecker 2- still carring suet away > Hairy Woodpecker 4- all from same family I believe, they were not > fighting over feeder > Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) 1- has been noisy for a week now > Alder Flycatcher 2 > Least Flycatcher 2 > Eastern Phoebe 2 > Eastern Kingbird 2- still setting > Warbling Vireo 2 > Common Raven 2 > Tree Swallow 18- one box hasefledged > Barn Swallow 2 > Black-capped Chickadee 2 > House Wren 2 > Eastern Bluebird 6- adults with four young still hangout in yard after > fledging > Veery 2 > American Robin 6- now feeding > Gray Catbird 1 > Brown Thrasher 1- carrying food > European Starling 4- adult still being followed by young > Cedar Waxwing 6 > Yellow Warbler 7- all carrying food > Common Yellowthroat 3 > Chipping Sparrow 1 > Savannah Sparrow 3- scolds when you wlak by > Song Sparrow 3- carrying food > Swamp Sparrow 1 > White-throated Sparrow 1- still sings at dawn and dusk > Rose-breasted Grosbeak 1- female > Bobolink 5- 2 females carrying food. > Red-winged Blackbird 3 > Eastern Meadowlark 1- one male still singing ( time to start a second > brood?) > Common Grackle 2 > Baltimore Oriole 3- 2 fledging from first nest found. > House Finch 2 > American Goldfinch 3 > House Sparrow 2 > > This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org/vt) >
Subject: bird list removal
From: Susan James <jamesgs AT COMCAST.NET>
Date: Sun, 21 Jun 2009 19:05:03 +0000

Please remove my name from VTBIRD. Thank you, Susan James
Subject: Fwd: eBird Report - Hildene - Lincoln Family Home , 6/20/09
From: Randy Schmidt <randy AT THEVERMONTBIRDPLACE.COM>
Date: Sun, 21 Jun 2009 14:27:12 -0400

We had 20 people join us for our bird walk at Hildene here in Manchester yesterday. Several notables including the first time we spotted Marsh Wrens (photos coming) and bringing total area count to 114. We also had great success in finding the cavity nesting holes of the Hairy Woodpecker and the Great Crested Flycatcher, and also found Warbling Vireo's nest with both parents bringing food, no more than 15 feet from where they were spotted last year, down at the marsh. The last four of us on the walk got a special treat of an American Bittern flying no more than 10 feet from us at the marsh and then proceeded to do a frog fishing show along with a little preening. There are photos and will post link as soon as I can get them up. Randy Schmidt The Vermont Bird Place & Sky Watch Manchester Center, VT > > > Location: Hildene - Lincoln Family Home > Observation date: 6/20/09 > Number of species: 45 > > Wood Duck 7 > Wild Turkey 8 > American Bittern 1 > Great Blue Heron 1 > Green Heron 3 > Barred Owl 1 > Chimney Swift 2 > Ruby-throated Hummingbird 3 > Belted Kingfisher 1 > Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 3 > Hairy Woodpecker 2 > Eastern Wood-Pewee 1 > Eastern Phoebe 1 > Great Crested Flycatcher 2 > Eastern Kingbird 4 > Blue-headed Vireo 1 > Warbling Vireo 2 > Red-eyed Vireo 4 > American Crow 13 > Tree Swallow 7 > Black-capped Chickadee 2 > Tufted Titmouse 3 > White-breasted Nuthatch 3 > House Wren 2 > Marsh Wren 2 > Eastern Bluebird 3 > Veery 1 > Hermit Thrush 1 > Gray Catbird 5 > European Starling 4 > Cedar Waxwing 2 > Yellow Warbler 7 > Chestnut-sided Warbler 1 > Black-and-white Warbler 2 > Ovenbird 5 > Common Yellowthroat 1 > Song Sparrow 5 > Swamp Sparrow 2 > White-throated Sparrow 2 > Northern Cardinal 2 > Bobolink 30 > Red-winged Blackbird 30 > Brown-headed Cowbird 2 > Baltimore Oriole 1 > American Goldfinch 7 > > This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org/vt > ) >
Subject: Rutland County Audubon Annual Meeting and Presentation "Nesting Strategies of Birds" - June 26
From: Susan Elliott <ovenbird14 AT YAHOO.COM>
Date: Sun, 21 Jun 2009 09:56:25 -0700

This Friday, June 26, Rutland County Audubon will celebrate another successful year with its annual meeting and potluck. Roy Pilcher will present "The Nesting Strategies of Birds." The meeting, potluck and program are open to all: Proctor Library, 6 p.m. Bring a dish to share. Beverages, plates and utensils will be provided. Sue Elliot http://www.rutlandcountyaudubon.org
Subject: Fwd: eBird Report - W. Rutland Marsh , 6/21/09
From: Sue Wetmore <2birdvt AT COMCAST.NET>
Date: Sun, 21 Jun 2009 15:44:50 +0000

I have included the least bittern in this report as it was seen but not by the 3 of us. It managed to appear and be seen while were we away from the boardwalk for a short time. However we were rewarded with seeing Virginia rail and 2 young. Sue Wetmore ----- Forwarded Message ----- From: do-not-reply AT ebird.org To: 2birdvt AT comcast.net Sent: Sunday, June 21, 2009 10:17:50 AM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: eBird Report - W. Rutland Marsh , 6/21/09 Location: Ā Ā W. Rutland Marsh Observation date: Ā Ā 6/21/09 Notes: Ā Ā Virginia rail with 2 chicks.Ā Yellow warbler with food of young.Ā Swamp sparrow with food incoming & leaving with fecal sac Number of species: Ā Ā 23 Wood Duck Ā Ā 3 Mallard Ā Ā 1 American Bittern Ā Ā 1 Least Bittern Ā Ā 1 Virginia Rail Ā Ā 5 Mourning Dove Ā Ā 6 Chimney Swift Ā Ā 2 Alder Flycatcher Ā Ā 2 Eastern Kingbird Ā Ā 5 Warbling Vireo Ā Ā 1 American Crow Ā Ā 2 Common Raven Ā Ā 1 Tree Swallow Ā Ā 2 Barn Swallow Ā Ā 5 House Wren Ā Ā 1 Marsh Wren Ā Ā 4 Veery Ā Ā 1 Yellow Warbler Ā Ā 2 Common Yellowthroat Ā Ā 1 Song Sparrow Ā Ā 1 Swamp Sparrow Ā Ā 4 Red-winged Blackbird Ā Ā 12 American Goldfinch Ā Ā 4 This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org/vt)

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