One hatch year bird, half way between Montgomery and Montgomery Center,
right hand side of road, corn fields/Trout river

for people birding locally, there are now 10+ hoodies at Guilmette's pond
(goldeneye gone), also found 4 lingering robins and two GB heron down at
Mississquoi

-- 
David Rosane

Steve,

Thanks for the great pics.   This is quite an interesting twist on the 
discussion of field marks.   Of course, the Chin Strap on your bird pegs 
it as a Pacific.   I spoke with one of the folks who has seen the VT/NY 
bird and they describe a very detailed flank patch very similar in shape 
to that shown in Sibley and National Geo.   Also, they have noted the 
angular forehead and relatively flat shape to the top of the head.  
There was a lot of activity on the lake today looking for this bird, 
with one interesting candidate being followed.    A local research 
vessel was even employed, but I do not know the outcome and hope it gets 
posted here.   For those non-scientists reading these posts, I hope this 
back and forth discussion does not seem like bickering.  But, scholarly 
challenge and debate is one of the cornerstones of science which has 
made our country so very strong in the many sciences.   Researchers do 
not take these challenges personally, but a vigorous debate is welcomed 
to come the the 'truth' of matters which are often not black and white.

Good birding,

Terry

Steve Mirick wrote:
> In July 2004, we had a cooperative Pacific Loon spend a couple of days 
> along the NH seacoast.  Although it didn't show white flanks that 
> often, it clearly did show them at times as shown below.  For this 
> reason, I think that extreme caution should be used to base an ID of 
> Arctic Loon on this field mark alone.
>
> http://home.comcast.net/~smirick/photos/palo3.jpg
>
> http://home.comcast.net/~smirick/photos/palo4.jpg
>
> http://home.comcast.net/~smirick/photos/palo5.jpg
>
> Steve Mirick
> Bradford, MA
>
>
>

Note to all concerned:
    While watching the loon early Monday morning (5-Nov),
I was ignoring any white flank patches since I already knew 
that white flanks were reportedly an unreliable feature of Arctic/Pacific.   
Instead, I was desperately concentrating on other features, 
at least one of which I notice is still not mentioned in the description 
below, 
but will be included in the final report to the rare bird committee.
An additional note:  Monday: the bird was close.  On calm water.
Sun behind observer.  Loon not swimiming, just actively LOOKING around.
Dave Hoag, Grand Isle

Arctic Loon update from Ted Murin
  I concur with Dave Hoag that this bird is an adult Arctic Loon in 
non-breeding plumage. Look for a compact, "cute" loon with a shortened body and 
head, 

unimposing bill, and dramatic black and white plumage.  The black/white border 
on the face and neck is particularly well defined.  It has no white above the 
eye or white intrusion into the black along the side of the neck.  It has no 
chinstrap.  The head is relatively flat on top with an obvious "corner" at the 
back of the crown.  The upperparts are black and the bird sports a large 
white flank patch. (Keep in mind, as has been pointed out, that the flank patch 

is only one of the key field marks.  Common and Red-throated Loons can show 
apparent flank patches and loons often roll up to preen or just rest listing to 

one side.)

The bird was seen well on 11/6 from 4 to 5 p.m. off the Vantine state fishing 
access.  Several observers and I attempted to photograph a reasonable 
candidate this morning (11/8) from the same vantage point. We were more 
involved 

with attempted photography than observation though - so I believe the bird is 
still in play but am not certain.

There are at least 50 Common Loons in the neighborhood although most of these 
have been hanging out about 1 mile from shore.  This putative Arctic Loon 
seems to favor the 1/4 to 3/4 mile zone. 

Good luck if you go and please try to get photos if you're able.  We're 
picking through pictures as I type but it appears our extensive attempts, 
including 

a (non-aggressive) naval excursion this morning, have been unsuccessful (so 
far).

Directions to Vantine state fishing access:  From Route 2 in South Hero, go 
north on Route 2 for about 2 miles, turn left on Route 314 and go about another 

2 miles to the Grand Isle Ferry landing.  From the Ferry Landing ("Gordon's 
Landing" in Delorme) continue north for about 1 mile, then turn left on West 
Shore Road just past a golf course.  Go about 1 mile north on West Shore Road 
and the state fishing access is on the left.

Ted Murin


**************************************
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Note to all concerned:
     While watching the loon early Monday morning (5-Nov),
I was ignoring any white flank patches since I already knew 
that white flanks were reportedly an unreliable feature of Arctic/Pacific.
Instead, I was desperately concentrating on other features, 
at least one of which I notice is still not mentioned in the description 
below, 
but will be included in the final report to the rare bird committee.
 An additional note:  Monday: the bird was close.  On calm water.
Sun behind observer.  Loon not swimiming, just actively LOOKING around.
Dave Hoag, Grand Isle

Arctic Loon update from Ted Murin
   I concur with Dave Hoag that this bird is an adult Arctic Loon in 
non-breeding plumage.� Look for a compact, "cute" loon with a shortened body 
and head, 

unimposing bill, and dramatic black and white plumage.� The black/white 
border on the face and neck is particularly well defined.� It has no white 
above 

the eye or white intrusion into the black along the side of the neck.� It has 
no 

chinstrap.� The head is relatively flat on top with an obvious "corner" at 
the back of the crown.� The upperparts are black and the bird sports a large 
white flank patch.� (Keep in mind, as has been pointed out, that the flank 
patch 

is only one of the key field marks.� Common and Red-throated Loons can show 
apparent flank patches and loons often roll up to preen or just rest listing to 

one side.)

The bird was seen well on 11/6 from 4 to 5 p.m. off the Vantine state fishing 
access.� Several observers and I attempted to photograph a reasonable 
candidate this morning (11/8) from the same vantage point.� We were more 
involved 

with attempted photography than observation though - so I believe the bird is 
still in play but am not certain.

There are at least 50 Common Loons in the neighborhood although most of these 
have been hanging out about 1 mile from shore.� This putative Arctic Loon 
seems to favor the 1/4 to 3/4 mile zone. 

Good luck if you go and please try to get photos if you're able.� We're 
picking through pictures as I type but it appears our extensive attempts, 
including 

a (non-aggressive) naval excursion this morning, have been unsuccessful (so 
far).

Directions to Vantine state fishing access:� From Route 2 in South Hero, go 
north on Route 2 for about 2 miles, turn left on Route 314 and go about another 

2 miles to the Grand Isle Ferry landing.� From the Ferry Landing ("Gordon's 
Landing" in Delorme) continue north for about 1 mile, then turn left on West 
Shore Road just past a golf course.� Go about 1 mile north on West Shore Road 
and the state fishing access is on the left.

Ted Murin


**************************************
 See what's new 
at 

http://www.aol.com

Steve - Could you explain what determined that this
was a pacific, rather than an arctic. From your photos
I can see why someone would suspect an arctic. Thanks.


--- Steve Mirick  wrote:

> In July 2004, we had a cooperative Pacific Loon
> spend a couple of days 
> along the NH seacoast.  Although it didn't show
> white flanks that often, 
> it clearly did show them at times as shown below. 
> For this reason, I 
> think that extreme caution should be used to base an
> ID of Arctic Loon 
> on this field mark alone.
> 
> http://home.comcast.net/~smirick/photos/palo3.jpg
> 
> http://home.comcast.net/~smirick/photos/palo4.jpg
> 
> http://home.comcast.net/~smirick/photos/palo5.jpg
> 
> Steve Mirick
> Bradford, MA
> 


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Location:     Proctor
Observation date:   11/8/07
Notes:     Feeder birds. Cooper's hawk  struck a rock pigeon in a flurry of 
feathers but failed to secure it. One American goldfinch was quite "golden". 

First American tree  sparrow.
Number of species:     15

Cooper's Hawk   1
Rock Pigeon     6
Downy Woodpecker   2
Hairy Woodpecker     1
Blue Jay   3
American Crow     1
Black-capped  Chickadee     3
Tufted Titmouse      2
Red-breasted Nuthatch     1
White-breasted Nuthatch   2
American Tree Sparrow     1
Dark-eyed  Junco     18
Common Grackle     2
Purple  Finch     1
American Goldfinch      65

This report was generated automatically by eBird  v2(http://ebird.org/vt)

Cheers,
Roy Pilcher
Proctor, Vermont

Speaking the same  language.



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A flock of about 60 Bohemian Waxwings were feeding and resting on the 
grounds of the Catholic Church near the intersection of Barre and Main St. 
in Montpelier this afternoon. I spotted only one Cedar Waxwing among them. A 
touch of the taiga right downtown. Sweet!
    George Lisi, Woodbury ~ 

In July 2004, we had a cooperative Pacific Loon spend a couple of days 
along the NH seacoast.  Although it didn't show white flanks that often, 
it clearly did show them at times as shown below.  For this reason, I 
think that extreme caution should be used to base an ID of Arctic Loon 
on this field mark alone.

http://home.comcast.net/~smirick/photos/palo3.jpg

http://home.comcast.net/~smirick/photos/palo4.jpg

http://home.comcast.net/~smirick/photos/palo5.jpg

Steve Mirick
Bradford, MA

This is what Sibley says about the white patch on arctic loons. 

"extent of white on flanks of arctic loons varies depending on bird's posture: 
shows less white when active, more white when relaxed and floating high on 
water. other species may roll over to expose white belly, often when preening. 
injured or oiled birds may persistently lean to one side" 

The Sibley Guide to Birds by David Allen Sibley

just wanted to put this out there

Elliot Potter
Ira VT

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if the road to the boat dock is on your right dont go down there just keep 
going straight and you will see alot of fields to your right and a little 
trailer on the left that looks like nobody lives there that is where i saw the 
cranes 


Larry and Mona Rogers <4181rogers AT COMCAST.NET> wrote: We've been by to see the 
Bristol Sandhill Cranes a couple of times without any success. Can anyone give 
us a more precise loation than just Bristol Pond? Can they be seen from Monkton 
Road? If you drive in to the boat launch, which way do you look to see them? 


    Any help would be appreciated.

        Mona and Larry


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 We've been by to see the Bristol Sandhill Cranes a couple of times without any 
success. Can anyone give us a more precise loation than just Bristol Pond? Can 
they be seen from Monkton Road? If you drive in to the boat launch, which way 
do you look to see them? 


    Any help would be appreciated.

        Mona and Larry

For those of you interested: I started a thread on ID-Frontiers about
the reliability of the flank patch as a discriminator between the two
loon species. Responses have begun to appear. If you are interested just
go to birdingonthenet then ID Frontiers.

Also, for those who may be interested in the ID of Richardson's cackling
geese, I posted a photo of one really nice little individual
(photographed yesterday at Turner's Falls, Mass)on my website. Go to
www.hgbirder.org then to "other birds" and click on the thumbnail. This
photo, I think, gives a good impression of the size difference with
Canadas, the paler grey mantle coloration, and the head and bill shape.


Hector Galbraith PhD
Galbraith Environmental Sciences LLC
837 Camp Arden Rd., Dummerston, VT05301
 (phone)

Encouraged by the reported Arctic Loon sightings (and thrill of a great 
bird) Dwight Cargill and I today visted Vantines Access to look for the 
Loon(s).   Deterred by 20 mph Westerly winds and 36 F temps, substantial 
chop, and only a Common Loon in sight, but  lots of gull activity on 
the  NY side, we high-tailed it up to Rouses Point and back down to 
Point au Roche, NY for better conditions.    We indeed found a 
small-billed loon at some distance (~1 mi) offshore (due East).   
Unfortunately, with distortions caused by the unmatched water/air temps 
and distance involved, we could not make out too many other details 
other than to rule out Common (small bill)  and  Red-throated loons 
(dark back and too much white on the throat).   As a wave would crest 
under this bird we would get flashes of white, but we could not say with 
certainty that this was limited to a flank patch.    The bird was also 
often in a weird attitude with a leg in the air, apparently grooming, 
thus exposing its underside periodically.     Thus, we are resolved that 
this was either a Pacific or Arctic Loon, but could not say conclusively 
which.  From our vantage point in NY, we estimate this bird was due WEST 
of Vantines. 

Now for the better news.   The birds on the NY side are spectacular!  We 
observed, just north of Point au Roche, a roost of perhaps 600-800 Scaup 
sp..  A few miles further on we witnessed perhaps 8-10,000 Snow Geese 
between the farm fields to the west and the bay to the east.  This site 
makes Dead Creek pale in comparison!  Finally, a few miles further on 
revealed several mixed roosts on the water totaling perhaps 500+ gulls, 
mostly being smaller birds (Bonapartes), but we did not have time to 
scan for others (Little, Black-headed, Ivory, Ross's) being in a race 
for daylight in the late afternoon.   Even though this is the VTBIRD 
site, I have no compunction in recommending the trip from Rouses Point 
to Cumberland head on the NY side.    It is truly amazing for the 
proximity and numbers of waterfowl.

Good birding,

Terry

This will be of interest...........

> From: Jean Iron 
> Date: November 7, 2007 6:20:55 PM EST (CA)
> To: ontbirds AT hwcn.org
> Subject: [Ontbirds]Boreal Finches - Superflight 
>
> We are experiencing the biggest winter finch irruption since the  
> "superflight" of , when many boreal finches went well  
> beyond their normal ranges. The cause is the largest tree seed crop  
> failure in a decade across more than 3200 km (2000 mi) of boreal  
> forest from Saskatchewan into Quebec. Today in Toronto, I had a  
> Pine Grosbeak, Evening Grosbeaks, Common Redpolls, Pine Siskins and  
> Purple Finches migrating along the shoreline of Lake Ontario.  
> Boreal winter finches are being reported in many areas of southern  
> Ontario and the United States, where some species such as Pine and  
> Evening Grosbeaks haven't been seen in years. There is no telling  
> how far south this "superflight" will go and how many finches will  
> remain in Ontario this winter. Stock your feeders.
>
> Winter Finch Forecast  is stored at two sites.
>
> http://www.ofo.ca/reports%20and%20articles/winterfinches.php
>
> http://ca.geocities.com/larry.neily AT rogers.com/pittaway-new.htm
>
> Ron Pittaway
> Minden and Toronto ON
> jeaniron AT sympatico.ca
> _______________________________________________
> ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the  
> provincial birding organization.
> Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS AT hwcn.org
> For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ 
> information/ontbirdssetup.php
> ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at http://www.ofo.ca/information/ 
> ontbirdsguide.php
>

Bridget,
I'm the contact for the Ferrisburgh CBC
Sat. Dec. 15th
Mike Winslow
Mikekira AT verizon.net


-----Original Message-----
From: Vermont Birds [mailto:VTBIRD AT LIST.UVM.EDU] On Behalf Of BUTLER,
Bridget
Sent: Friday, November 02, 2007 11:40 AM
To: VTBIRD AT LIST.UVM.EDU
Subject: [VTBIRD] Audubon Requests CBC Info

Greetings All!

I'm hoping CBC compilers in Vermont will send me their dates and contact
information for their CBC. I am also very interested in those circles
looking for more participants and those that are not accepting more
participants. We often get calls at the office inquiring about joining a
count circle & I'd like to direct them appropriately.

Please respond to me directly, I'll be passing info onto Kent at VCE so that
this information may be posted on eBird as well.

Bridget

Bridget Butler
Audubon Vermont
Conservation Education Coordinator
255 Sherman Hollow Road
Huntington, VT 05462

www.vt.audubon.org
bbutler AT audubon.org

Listen to BEEKS-A Birding Geek's Radio Delight online at www.vt.audubon.org!
Look for the animated two-headed bird on our homepage.

No virus found in this incoming message.
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  For those apparently concerned about the characteristics of 
the apparent Arctic Loon as studied by this observer on Monday, 
and by three observers (L.Haugh, T.Murin, D.Hoag) on Tuesday,
merely study closely EVERY detail of the non-breeding adult arctica
as illustrated by Sibley.  

Good to have a bird on the water, rather than in flight!

D. J. Hoag, Grand Isle


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On Nov 7, 2007, at 2:19 PM, elliot potter wrote:

> i saw a coopers hawk chasing a kingfisher. i would like to know if  
> a coopers hawk would chase a kingfisher, or the kingfisher was just  
> spooked by it.


Definitely - chase AND EAT. In NJ one winter I discovered a juv.  
Coopers Hawk sitting in the ice with the Kingfisher in its talons.  
The Kingfisher, in turn, had the Cooper's  leg
in its beak and fighting for its life was sawing away with his  
serrated beak. The Cooper was, needless to say, quite bothered by  
this action and unable to subdue and dispatch it's intended prey for  
about 15 minutes. I thought the Kingfisher might actually escape, but  
the Coop finally prevailed and was plucking and munching as I finally  
left off watching the event.




Glenn Mahler
530 Parsippany Blvd.
Boonton, NJ 07005

glennmahler AT verizon.net

P.S.  I am currently monitoring VTBird since I will be birding up in  
VT Nov 15-18 and am keeping posted on what "goodies" are around that  
I can chase for my VT list.

Hi birders,

David Hoag's post of an apparent Arctic Loon is certainly intriguing. Even so, 
I would echo Taj Scottland's request for more details on the actual observation 
rather than just mentioning that an Arctic Loon was seen, or that there have 
been further observations from experienced birders. As Taj indicates, this 
would be a huge observation for any of the New England States or the East Coast 
and fully deserving of more attention than it's being credited with right now, 
at least in the public forum. At the moment, we are left wondering what David 
has seen on this bird to make him suggest that it might be an Arctic Loon 
rather than Pacific or even a small Common Loon. 


As far as I'm aware, the only true diagnostic feature of Arctic is the presence 
of a distinct white patch or oval at the rear of the flanks. This should be 
present on a discernible Arctic Loon and visible with prolonged looks in the 
field. 


However, I recently (well before this report) did a pic search of definite 
Arctics from Europe on the web and found that only about 70-75% of them show 
the flank patch in images. Often the feature would be obscured by a wave or the 
fact that the bird's carriage was very low in the water. 


If the Grand Isle bird is showing a strong white rear flank patch then it would 
surely be a candidate for an Arctic Loon. 


Here's some images of certain Arctics from Israel:
http://www.keenbirding.com/Varia/ArcticLoonEilat.html
http://www.keenbirding.com/Varia/ALEilatRL.html

And one from Alaska digiscoped at half a mile in range;
http://keenbirding.com/Tours07/alaska3.html
Please scroll down the page for the Arctic Loon.

It would be excellent if further details on the id., and possibly some images 
could be posted for this exciting observation. 



Good birding.


James P. Smith




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We were met by 20 mile per hour west winds and went to the east side of
Grand Isle to look for the loon. Many common loons , 6  horned grebes,
several rough legged hawks , 3 BLUEBIRDS and 5 Bonaparte gulls. We watched a
red tail hawk attack a roughy on the ground and then be assaulted by a
crow.Great birding,but no artic loon.

Sally Fellows
Willston,Vermont

i just got a account or i would have put this on before.

10/24/07

i saw a coopers hawk chasing a kingfisher. i would like to know if a coopers 
hawk would chase a kingfisher, or the kingfisher was just spooked by it. 


Elliot Potter
Ira VT

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I've noticed from the Sibley guide and pictures online that the head of the 
Artic Loon looks almost flat on the top. The head of the Pacific Loon is much 
more curved,creating a smooth arc with the neck. I wonder if this can help to 
distinguish between the two species. 

   
  karen

Terry Wright  wrote:
  In his book, Peter Dunne writes about distinguishing Arctic from Pacific:

"In all plumages, Arctic Loon shows a triangular or wedge-shaped white 
flank patch bulging prominently above the water line just in front of 
the tail. 
All other considerations....are virtually insignificant. Just use the 
flank patch. It works. 
In winter, however, Pacific Loon often shows a shadowy 'chin strap'. 
Arctic does not....
NOTE: If the demarcation between the dark upper parts and white 
underparts is a straight, horizontal line, the bird is Pacific. If the 
white flank swells above and behind the wing, it's Arctic. If you're 
not sure, it's Pacific."


Gregory Askew wrote:
> Just an idea...not having seen the birds in question myself...but in the
> full-length Sibley there's a head shot of what seems to be a different
> variation of immature plumage in the Pacific Loon...lacking the chin strap
> of the adult winter and regular immature plumage and resembling perhaps a
> slightly smaller version of an Arctic Loon. There hasn't been any discussion
> as of yet concerning positive identification of these birds. At the very
> least, two Pacific Loons would certainly still be worth the trip.
> G
> Vergennes
>
> On 11/7/07, Taj wrote:
> 
>> This sighting doesn't seem to be generating the excitement it
>> deserves. As far as I know, yesterday at least one, possibly two, very
>> experienced birders refound the probable Arctic loon sitting alongside
>> another loon which they ID'd as a Pacific Loon. There is potentially a
>> Pacific and an ARctic loon up on the Lake! I can't get up to the lake until
>> this weekend, but i would strongly encourage birders to look for this bird
>> and document it as best they can. As far as i know no one has taken photos
>> of this bird. There are no accepted sightings of Arctic loon anywhere on the
>> east coast.
>> This is a great find by David Hoag and let's hope it sticks around long
>> enough for more birders to see it.
>> Good birding.
>> Taj
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> Taj Schottland
>> Putney, VT
>> ---------------
>> Birding Bumperstickers for Sale!
>> "so many birds so little time"
>> &
>> "I'd rather be birding"
>> Email me for more information!
>>
>>
>> http://toolbar.Care2.com Make your computer carbon-neutral (free).
>>
>> http://www.Care2.com Green Living, Human Rights and more - 7 million
>> members!
>>
>> 
>
>
>
> 


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It seems fair, by Eric's reckoning, that if the bird shows the flank patch, it 
can be safely called arctica, although an absence of white flanks is not 
necessarily indicative that it is NOT arctica. Has anybody photographed this 
bird yet? 

-Peter

Eric Masterson  wrote: I have seen many Arctic in 
Europe and the flank patch is not a reliable 

feature in so far as it is not uncommon for individuals to lack this
field mark.

Eric Masterson
New Hampshire Audubon
Phone 

Win a two-night stay at the Mount Washington Valley Resort and Hotel
for two couples by recruiting a new member.  Go to www.nhaudubon.org for
more information.

New Hampshire Audubon
Protecting New Hampshire's natural environment for wildlife and for
people

>>> terry AT JJAUDUBONGALLERY.COM 11/07/2007 12:59 PM >>>
In his book, Peter Dunne writes about distinguishing Arctic from
Pacific:

"In all plumages, Arctic Loon shows a triangular or wedge-shaped white

flank patch bulging prominently above the water line just in front of 
the tail.  
All other considerations....are virtually insignificant.  Just use the

flank patch.  It works. 
In winter, however, Pacific Loon often shows a shadowy 'chin strap'.  
Arctic does not....
NOTE:  If the demarcation between the dark upper parts and white 
underparts is a straight, horizontal line, the bird is Pacific. If the

white flank swells above and behind the wing, it's Arctic.  If you're 
not sure, it's Pacific."


Gregory Askew wrote:
> Just an idea...not having seen the birds in question myself...but in
the
> full-length Sibley there's a head shot of what seems to be a
different
> variation of immature plumage in the Pacific Loon...lacking the chin
strap
> of the adult winter and regular immature plumage and resembling
perhaps a
> slightly smaller version of an Arctic Loon. There hasn't been any
discussion
> as of yet concerning positive identification of these birds. At the
very
> least, two Pacific Loons would certainly still be worth the trip.
> G
> Vergennes
>
> On 11/7/07, Taj  wrote:
>   
>> This sighting doesn't seem to be generating the excitement it
>> deserves.  As far as I know, yesterday at least one, possibly two,
very
>> experienced birders refound the probable Arctic loon sitting
alongside
>> another loon which they ID'd as a Pacific Loon. There is potentially
a
>> Pacific and an ARctic loon up on the Lake! I can't get up to the
lake until
>> this weekend, but i would strongly encourage birders to look for
this bird
>> and document it as best they can. As far as i know no one has taken
photos
>> of this bird. There are no accepted sightings of Arctic loon
anywhere on the
>> east coast.
>> This is a great find by David Hoag and let's hope it sticks around
long
>> enough for more birders to see it.
>> Good birding.
>> Taj
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> Taj Schottland
>> Putney, VT
>> ---------------
>> Birding Bumperstickers for Sale!
>> "so many birds so little time"
>>               &
>> "I'd rather be birding"
>> Email me for more information!
>>
>>
>> http://toolbar.Care2.com  Make your computer carbon-neutral (free).
>>
>> http://www.Care2.com  Green Living, Human Rights and more - 7
million
>> members!
>>
>>     
>
>
>
>   


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I have seen many Arctic in Europe and the flank patch is not a reliable
feature in so far as it is not uncommon for individuals to lack this
field mark.

Eric Masterson
New Hampshire Audubon
Phone 

Win a two-night stay at the Mount Washington Valley Resort and Hotel
for two couples by recruiting a new member.  Go to www.nhaudubon.org for
more information.

New Hampshire Audubon
Protecting New Hampshire's natural environment for wildlife and for
people

>>> terry AT JJAUDUBONGALLERY.COM 11/07/2007 12:59 PM >>>
In his book, Peter Dunne writes about distinguishing Arctic from
Pacific:

"In all plumages, Arctic Loon shows a triangular or wedge-shaped white

flank patch bulging prominently above the water line just in front of 
the tail.  
All other considerations....are virtually insignificant.  Just use the

flank patch.  It works. 
In winter, however, Pacific Loon often shows a shadowy 'chin strap'.  
Arctic does not....
NOTE:  If the demarcation between the dark upper parts and white 
underparts is a straight, horizontal line, the bird is Pacific. If the

white flank swells above and behind the wing, it's Arctic.  If you're 
not sure, it's Pacific."


Gregory Askew wrote:
> Just an idea...not having seen the birds in question myself...but in
the
> full-length Sibley there's a head shot of what seems to be a
different
> variation of immature plumage in the Pacific Loon...lacking the chin
strap
> of the adult winter and regular immature plumage and resembling
perhaps a
> slightly smaller version of an Arctic Loon. There hasn't been any
discussion
> as of yet concerning positive identification of these birds. At the
very
> least, two Pacific Loons would certainly still be worth the trip.
> G
> Vergennes
>
> On 11/7/07, Taj  wrote:
>   
>> This sighting doesn't seem to be generating the excitement it
>> deserves.  As far as I know, yesterday at least one, possibly two,
very
>> experienced birders refound the probable Arctic loon sitting
alongside
>> another loon which they ID'd as a Pacific Loon. There is potentially
a
>> Pacific and an ARctic loon up on the Lake! I can't get up to the
lake until
>> this weekend, but i would strongly encourage birders to look for
this bird
>> and document it as best they can. As far as i know no one has taken
photos
>> of this bird. There are no accepted sightings of Arctic loon
anywhere on the
>> east coast.
>> This is a great find by David Hoag and let's hope it sticks around
long
>> enough for more birders to see it.
>> Good birding.
>> Taj
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> Taj Schottland
>> Putney, VT
>> ---------------
>> Birding Bumperstickers for Sale!
>> "so many birds so little time"
>>               &
>> "I'd rather be birding"
>> Email me for more information!
>>
>>
>> http://toolbar.Care2.com  Make your computer carbon-neutral (free).
>>
>> http://www.Care2.com  Green Living, Human Rights and more - 7
million
>> members!
>>
>>     
>
>
>
>   

In his book, Peter Dunne writes about distinguishing Arctic from Pacific:

"In all plumages, Arctic Loon shows a triangular or wedge-shaped white 
flank patch bulging prominently above the water line just in front of 
the tail.  
All other considerations....are virtually insignificant.  Just use the 
flank patch.  It works. 
In winter, however, Pacific Loon often shows a shadowy 'chin strap'.  
Arctic does not....
NOTE:  If the demarcation between the dark upper parts and white 
underparts is a straight, horizontal line, the bird is Pacific. If the 
white flank swells above and behind the wing, it's Arctic.  If you're 
not sure, it's Pacific."


Gregory Askew wrote:
> Just an idea...not having seen the birds in question myself...but in the
> full-length Sibley there's a head shot of what seems to be a different
> variation of immature plumage in the Pacific Loon...lacking the chin strap
> of the adult winter and regular immature plumage and resembling perhaps a
> slightly smaller version of an Arctic Loon. There hasn't been any discussion
> as of yet concerning positive identification of these birds. At the very
> least, two Pacific Loons would certainly still be worth the trip.
> G
> Vergennes
>
> On 11/7/07, Taj  wrote:
>   
>> This sighting doesn't seem to be generating the excitement it
>> deserves.  As far as I know, yesterday at least one, possibly two, very
>> experienced birders refound the probable Arctic loon sitting alongside
>> another loon which they ID'd as a Pacific Loon. There is potentially a
>> Pacific and an ARctic loon up on the Lake! I can't get up to the lake until
>> this weekend, but i would strongly encourage birders to look for this bird
>> and document it as best they can. As far as i know no one has taken photos
>> of this bird. There are no accepted sightings of Arctic loon anywhere on the
>> east coast.
>> This is a great find by David Hoag and let's hope it sticks around long
>> enough for more birders to see it.
>> Good birding.
>> Taj
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> Taj Schottland
>> Putney, VT
>> ---------------
>> Birding Bumperstickers for Sale!
>> "so many birds so little time"
>>               &
>> "I'd rather be birding"
>> Email me for more information!
>>
>>
>> http://toolbar.Care2.com  Make your computer carbon-neutral (free).
>>
>> http://www.Care2.com  Green Living, Human Rights and more - 7 million
>> members!
>>
>>     
>
>
>
>   

11:30 November 7th:  three professional birders reported

a DOVKIE heading south, mid-lake, off the Vantine 
Vt State Fishing Access on the west shore of Grand Isle.

a KITTIWAKE flew south past the shore shortly afterwards.

no sign of the loons yet.

Dave Hoag, Grand Isle  ( bring on the Cave Swallows ! )



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Had a lone Pine Siskin with a flock of Goldfinches at my feeder yesterday 
afternoon. 


Ron Payne
Middlebury, VT

For those of you interested in the distinguishing characteristics (or
lack thereof!) I recommend that you go to IDFrontiers for April/May,
2006. Taj Schottland and I posted photos of a bird that we had seen in
Monterey harbor in spring 2006. We called it as a likely arctic. They
generated a lot of postings about this highly difficult ID. They can be
seen in the archives of the website. There are photos of the putative
Monterey bird on my website at www.hgbirder.org in the "other birds"
page.

Unfortunately, the hitherto diagnostic characteristic, the flank
pattern, seems to be in some doubt these days (or at least some birders
say that). Head and bill structure and relative sizes seem to hold out
the most hope, though there is some debate about how these two species
can be separated in the field. Interesting topic and good luck to those
wrestling with this bird on Grand Isle. 

Hector Galbraith PhD
Galbraith Environmental Sciences LLC
837 Camp Arden Rd., Dummerston, VT05301
 (phone)

 
For those who have the 'big Sibley's, page 23 shows all the loons  
side-by-side, and in non-breeding plumage.
 
 
 
 
In a message dated 11/7/2007 9:36:38 A.M. Eastern Standard Time,  
peterandrewscullyii AT YAHOO.COM writes:

Echoing  Gregory Askew's observation that there has not been much discussion 
of the  field marks of this bird, would any of the birders who have seen this 
bird be  willing to fill in the blanks? What are the distinguishing field 
marks on this  bird?

Good  Birding!
Peter

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Echoing Gregory Askew's observation that there has not been much discussion of 
the field marks of this bird, would any of the birders who have seen this bird 
be willing to fill in the blanks? What are the distinguishing field marks on 
this bird? 


Good Birding!
Peter

 __________________________________________________
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Tired of spam?  Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around 
http://mail.yahoo.com 

Just an idea...not having seen the birds in question myself...but in the
full-length Sibley there's a head shot of what seems to be a different
variation of immature plumage in the Pacific Loon...lacking the chin strap
of the adult winter and regular immature plumage and resembling perhaps a
slightly smaller version of an Arctic Loon. There hasn't been any discussion
as of yet concerning positive identification of these birds. At the very
least, two Pacific Loons would certainly still be worth the trip.
G
Vergennes

On 11/7/07, Taj  wrote:
>
> This sighting doesn't seem to be generating the excitement it
> deserves.  As far as I know, yesterday at least one, possibly two, very
> experienced birders refound the probable Arctic loon sitting alongside
> another loon which they ID'd as a Pacific Loon. There is potentially a
> Pacific and an ARctic loon up on the Lake! I can't get up to the lake until
> this weekend, but i would strongly encourage birders to look for this bird
> and document it as best they can. As far as i know no one has taken photos
> of this bird. There are no accepted sightings of Arctic loon anywhere on the
> east coast.
> This is a great find by David Hoag and let's hope it sticks around long
> enough for more birders to see it.
> Good birding.
> Taj
>
>
>
>
>
> Taj Schottland
> Putney, VT
> ---------------
> Birding Bumperstickers for Sale!
> "so many birds so little time"
>               &
> "I'd rather be birding"
> Email me for more information!
>
>
> http://toolbar.Care2.com  Make your computer carbon-neutral (free).
>
> http://www.Care2.com  Green Living, Human Rights and more - 7 million
> members!
>

I saw a pine Grosbeak feeding on my apt's ornamental crab apple tree on
Maple St. Burlington Tues. a.m., as well


-- 
Lori K. Raymond

Burlington, VT

 
Should also note a Pacific Loon was reported from the New York Side off 
Cumberland Head.Will RaupAlbany, NYwww.pbase.com/cabbage_hollow> Date: Wed, 7 
Nov 2007 08:02:> From: surfbird AT WILDMAIL.COM> Subject: [VTBIRD] ARCTIC 
LOON> To: VTBIRD AT LIST.UVM.EDU> > This sighting doesn't seem to be generating 
the excitement it deserves. As far as I know, yesterday at least one, possibly 
two, very experienced birders refound the probable Arctic loon sitting 
alongside another loon which they ID'd as a Pacific Loon. There is potentially 
a Pacific and an ARctic loon up on the Lake! I can't get up to the lake until 
this weekend, but i would strongly encourage birders to look for this bird and 
document it as best they can. As far as i know no one has taken photos of this 
bird. There are no accepted sightings of Arctic loon anywhere on the east 
coast. > This is a great find by David Hoag and let's hope it sticks around 
long enough for more birders to see it. > Good birding.> Taj> > > > > > Taj 
Schottland> Putney, VT> ---------------> Birding Bumperstickers for Sale!> "so 
many birds so little time" > &> "I'd rather be birding"> Email me for more 
information!> > > http://toolbar.Care2.com Make your computer carbon-neutral 
(free).> > http://www.Care2.com Green Living, Human Rights and more - 7 million 
members! 

_________________________________________________________________
Windows Live Hotmail and Microsoft Office Outlook � together at last. �Get it 
now. 


http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/outlook/HA102225181033.aspx?pid=CL100626971033 

There is a very tame female Pine Grosbeak feeding on ornamental crab apple 
trees on the Vermont Law School campus right now. 



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Has anyone posted it on NARBA and MASSBIRD?

Scott

-- 
Scott W. Morrical, Ph.D.
Professor of Biochemistry
University of Vermont College of Medicine
Burlington, VT  05405
 (voice) (fax)



Quoting Taj :

> This sighting doesn't seem to be generating the excitement it   
> deserves.  As far as I know, yesterday at least one, possibly two,   
> very experienced birders refound the probable Arctic loon sitting   
> alongside another loon which they ID'd as a Pacific Loon. There is   
> potentially a Pacific and an ARctic loon up on the Lake! I can't get  
>  up to the lake until this weekend, but i would strongly encourage   
> birders to look for this bird and document it as best they can. As   
> far as i know no one has taken photos of this bird. There are no   
> accepted sightings of Arctic loon anywhere on the east coast.
> This is a great find by David Hoag and let's hope it sticks around   
> long enough for more birders to see it.
> Good birding.
> Taj
>
>
>
>
>
> Taj Schottland
> Putney, VT
> ---------------
> Birding Bumperstickers for Sale!
> "so many birds so little time"
>               &
> "I'd rather be birding"
> Email me for more information!
>
>
> http://toolbar.Care2.com  Make your computer carbon-neutral (free).
>
> http://www.Care2.com  Green Living, Human Rights and more - 7   
> million members!
>

Tried for about an hour this AM at the boat ramp.  About 10 Common Loons in 
the general vicinity, but nothing suspicious.  Viewing conditions were 
tough with a strong west wind.

Allan

At 07:48 AM 11/7/, you wrote:
>US Rte 2 to the Champlain Islands.
>Rte 314 to the Grand Isle / Cumberland Head Ferry
>Follow the west shore to the - um - west shore as noted twice before.
>
>The Vantine VT state fishing access would be a couple miles north of the
>Ferry.
>The loon (with luck) could be somewhere along the west shore.
>
>Grand Isle (VT) bird seems to be adult arctica in non-breediing plumage.
>Cumberland Head (NY) bird seems to be juvenile pacifica -- definitely a
>different bird.
>Both birds seem to move around.
>
>5 dozen common loons were also distributed throughout the area north to North
>Hero on 11/6.
>
><< 11/5 .... negative sightings from 3 miles along west shore >>



>**************************************
 See what's new at 
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This sighting doesn't seem to be generating the excitement it deserves. As far 
as I know, yesterday at least one, possibly two, very experienced birders 
refound the probable Arctic loon sitting alongside another loon which they ID'd 
as a Pacific Loon. There is potentially a Pacific and an ARctic loon up on the 
Lake! I can't get up to the lake until this weekend, but i would strongly 
encourage birders to look for this bird and document it as best they can. As 
far as i know no one has taken photos of this bird. There are no accepted 
sightings of Arctic loon anywhere on the east coast. 

This is a great find by David Hoag and let's hope it sticks around long enough 
for more birders to see it. 

Good birding.
Taj





Taj Schottland
Putney, VT
---------------
Birding Bumperstickers for Sale!
"so many birds so little time" 
              &
"I'd rather be birding"
Email me for more information!


http://toolbar.Care2.com  Make your computer carbon-neutral (free).

http://www.Care2.com  Green Living, Human Rights and more - 7 million members! 

US Rte 2 to the Champlain Islands.
Rte 314 to the Grand Isle / Cumberland Head Ferry
Follow the west shore to the - um - west shore as noted twice before.

The Vantine VT state fishing access would be a couple miles north of the 
Ferry.
The loon (with luck) could be somewhere along the west shore.

Grand Isle (VT) bird seems to be adult arctica in non-breediing plumage.
Cumberland Head (NY) bird seems to be juvenile pacifica -- definitely a 
different bird.
Both birds seem to move around.

5 dozen common loons were also distributed throughout the area north to North 
Hero on 11/6.

<< 11/5 .... negative sightings from 3 miles along west shore >>



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Where is Vantine Fishing Access? and from where was the bird  
originally seen?

Thomas Ford-Hutchinson
UVM

 
Jean,
 
Thanks for the generous offer.   I will be in Phoenix in January  for a bird 
photography seminar.  Would you please tell me more about this  preserve and 
the species to be expected there?
 
Thanks again,
 
Terry Wright
 
In a message dated 11/6/2007 4:44:29 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,  
jeanbird AT W3AZ.NET writes:

I am  back in Arizona volunteering as a docent at the Hassayampa River
Preserve  out side Wickenburg.  If VT birders are in the Phoenix area over
the  winter, I enjoy taking them out in the riparian habitat of the  Preserve.
Our list is over 270 species.  If interested, please contact  me off-list.

Jean Arrowsmith







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In a message dated 11/5/07, surfbird AT WILDMAIL.COM writes: 
> If anyone goes to look for this bird, please report to the listserv 
either positive or negative sightings. Good birding. Taj

Finally .... a positive sighting, late November 6th.
 A couple of intrepid birders reported finding the same bird 
as it eventually swam into view from the north late 
(from 16:00 on) at the Vantine fishing access 
on the west shore of Grand Isle.

Dave Hoag, Grand Isle


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Well Although I didn't see the Bohemians I did have a good day at the  
Park with the following:

1 RED-THROATED LOON (All the way across the bay -1 to 2 miles out) w/  
2 common loons
1 RED-BREASTED MERGANSER
1 NORTHERN SHRIKE (Same One? as last year in the same field across the  
road)

At Charlotte I had the following:

Nice Pair of Ravens
~15 Bufflehead (Close, Gasp!)
3 Close Horned Grebes, lots further out
Common Loons galore
Bonaparte's are everywhere


Thomas Ford-Hutchinson
UVM

I am back in Arizona volunteering as a docent at the Hassayampa River
Preserve out side Wickenburg.  If VT birders are in the Phoenix area over
the winter, I enjoy taking them out in the riparian habitat of the Preserve.
Our list is over 270 species.  If interested, please contact me off-list.

Jean Arrowsmith

Mixed flock of over 50 waxwings this afternoon in the Shelburne Bay area 
(private property) near the public access.   I counted 15 Bohemians in 
the group!

Good birding,

Terry

The male red-bellied WP is still hanging around, and this afternoon he's 
been showing me his red belly, something I'd never seen before.  He's 
making repeated trips back and forth between the feeder outside my 
office window and the other side of the yard, where he perches on a 
branch to eat his sunflower seed.  When he flies in and brakes to land 
on the feeder, wings spread, body near vertical and the breeze ruffling 
his breast and belly feathers, the strong rufous wash on his belly is 
very noticeable.

(I still remember the day I actually saw the ring on the neck of a a 
courting Ring-Necked duck...)

Jane
Shoreham

Saw the Sandhill Cranes in Bristol again this morning.  I keep expecting
each sighting to be the last for this year, but a quick check of eBird shows
that in New York in the last 5 years, Sandhills were reported in every month
of the year (though only one bird was reported in February, and none in
January after the week of 1/8).  So maybe I'm making some wrong assumptions
on when they "should" migrate.  Still, I can't imagine them sticking around
after it snows.

-- Ken Copenhaver

At 10:40 at least 11 EVENING GROSBEAKS  at my feeders in my yard.

Sue Wetmore

Three years ago is when they arrived in the Weybridges St. area as well. I 
wonder if we have been seeing the same birds. It's only about .7 miles as a 
Wren flies.

Ron Payne
Middlebury, VT


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Rich Wickman" 
To: 
Sent: Sunday, November 04, 2007 5:03 PM
Subject: [Norton AntiSpam] [VTBIRD] Carolina Wrens


We have had Carolina Wrens here in Middlebury for 3 years now.  They arrive
first thing in the morning in the winter, vying with the Cardinals for early
birds.   And then they do the same thing at night.  I have seen them eat
black oil sunflowers during the coldest weather.   Wonderfully entertaining.

  Rich Wickman
  High Street
  Middlebury

Mixed flock of seven Bohemian Waxwings and as many Cedar Waxwings at  
the boat launch, Shelbourne Bay off Bay Road on Monday morning, 11/5/07.
Joan Thompson
Morrisville

I am in beautiful Brandon-----the birds mentioned were passing through as I have not seen them since. Sure made the yard work worthwhile.


 -------------- Original message ----------------------
From: Al Merritt 
> . . . . .and where does Sue Wetmore live?
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vermont Birds [mailto:VTBIRD AT LIST.UVM.EDU] On Behalf Of
> 2birdvt AT COMCAST.NET
> Sent: Monday, November 05, 2007 1:08 PM
> To: VTBIRD AT LIST.UVM.EDU
> Subject: [VTBIRD] backyard
> 
> While cleaning up the backyard the following appeared:
> 
> Evening grosbeaks----4f., 3m
> 
> an imm. y.b. sapsucker
> 
> Sue Wetmore

I stopped by Colchester Pond today to see the Ruddy Ducks, 1 single and a
group of 3!  Easy to observe, nothing else was on the pond that I could see.
 The individual bird was just left of the boat launch in the middle.  The
group of three were at the southern end, from the bridge looking south-east
they were about 100 yds out.

Mike C.
http://www.vtbirds.com

Test for Radon!

Actually, hold your fire. I am referring to WW Scoters and the prominent 
field mark near their eyes. I spotted a small group of 16 WW Scoters during a 
long, long walk on the Colchester Causeway this afternoon. A small flock of 10 
Snow Buntings was still settled in on the rocks just beyond the bridge. I met 
Thomas Ford-Hutchinson at the bridge and he graciously pointed out 2 
Long-tailed 

Ducks that I had missed. There were large flocks of ducks swimming well 
offshore, also, that defied identification.
 
Bruce MacPherson
South Burlington



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We had two Dbl Crested Cormorants on the lake today. A first!

yard birds: 
2 Pine Siskins
Purple Finches
millions of goldfinches :)
juncos
chickadee's 
4 Cardinals 
3 Tufted Titmouse
1 Hairy & 2 Downy woodpeckers
White-throat & White-crowned sparrows
red & white breast nuthatches fighting over the new woodpecker suet feeder
a pr of Mouring Doves

good birding

Carol & Peter
Lake Pauline
Ludlow Vt