Birdingonthe.Net Recent Postings from Vermont Birds > Home > Mail > Alerts Updated on Monday, February 8 at 03:47 PM ET The most recently received Mail is at the top.	Stellers Sea Eagle,©BirdQuest

8 Feb Re: scopes info [Barbara Brosnan ] 8 Feb West Rutland Marsh - Feb 13 [Susan Elliott ] 8 Feb Belted Kingfisher on Lake Pauline Ludlow [Peter Manship ] 7 Feb Barrow's Goldeneye, etc. [Allan Strong ] 6 Feb Moose Bog and Environs [David Johnston ] 5 Feb The Gables at East Mountain , 2/5/10 [Roy Pilcher ] 5 Feb Danzenbaker Tour Journal on BirdFellow.com [David Irons ] 4 Feb thank you Mass Coast [Mitchell Harrison ] 4 Feb No Subject [Will Raup ] 4 Feb No Subject [Dennis Donohue ] 4 Feb No Subject [Will Raup ] 4 Feb Bald Eagle [Randy Schmidt ] 4 Feb Great-blue heron [Ruth Stewart ] 3 Feb Converse Bay , 2/2/10 [Roy Pilcher ] 3 Feb Cedar Beach Access, Charlotte , 2/2/10 [Roy Pilcher ] 3 Feb Charlotte Ferry Landing , 2/2/10 [Roy Pilcher ] 3 Feb Charlotte Town Beach , 2/2/10 [Roy Pilcher ] 3 Feb Meach Cove, Shelburne , 2/2/10 [Roy Pilcher ] 3 Feb Shelburne Farms , 2/2/10 [Roy Pilcher ] 3 Feb Harbor Road, Shelburne , 2/2/10 [Roy Pilcher ] 3 Feb Shelburne Bay , 2/2/10 [Roy Pilcher ] 3 Feb Barred Owls in W. Brattleboro [Al Merritt ] 3 Feb Northwood Park, Rutland Town, Rutland Town - Feb 3 [Susan Elliott ] 3 Feb Re: scopes info [Linda Hall ] 3 Feb scopes info [Mundi Smithers ] 3 Feb Birding the Massachusetts Coast [Bryan Pfeiffer ] 2 Feb [VT Bird] Mature bald eagle in North Pownal [Mary Louise Mason ] 2 Feb Re: Mass coast ["Peterson, Bruce" ] 2 Feb Re: Mass coast [The Poleys ] 1 Feb Re: Mass coast [Greg Lawrence ] 1 Feb Re: Mass coast [Bob Crowley ] 1 Feb Mass coast [Mitchell Harrison ] 1 Feb Re: American Tree Sparrows [Barbara Powers ] 1 Feb FW: eBird Report - Powers House , 1/30/10 [Barbara Powers ] 1 Feb Missing northern visitors [Carol Scott ] 1 Feb West Rutland , 2/1/10 [Roy Pilcher ] 1 Feb Re: Two Birds [Jim Mead ] 1 Feb Two Birds and a Blog [Bryan Pfeiffer ] 1 Feb Unusual Feeder season so far & scope question [Mundi Smithers ] 1 Feb Re: Snake Mountain bird feeder [Jane Stein ] 1 Feb Re: Unusual Feeder season so far-See Cornell's website... [Michelle Hartline ] 1 Feb Re: Snake Mountain bird feeder [Ian Worley ] 31 Jan Re: Unusual Feeder season so far [Karyn Lunde ] 31 Jan Unusual feeder season [Bruce and Mary Lou ] 31 Jan Report from southern Champlain Valley [Ken Cox ] 31 Jan South Reading feeder activity [Ken Cox ] 31 Jan Unusual Feeder season so far [Debbie Lyter ] 31 Jan Fwd: eBird Report - Pine Hill Park - Rutland , 1/31/10 [TRACEY BUSONY ] 31 Jan Re: unusual feeder season [Nancy Perlee ] 31 Jan Re: Unusual Feeder season so far [Janet Watton ] 31 Jan Northern Pintail [Allan Strong ] 31 Jan feeder birds in Jericho Center [Maeve Kim ] 31 Jan Lyndonville Feeders [Thomas Berriman ] 31 Jan Satuday, January 30, 2010 Tour of Champlain Valley ["Denis and Maria Poley, Richmond" ] 31 Jan Goldeneyes,etc [David Johnston ] 30 Jan Vermont Hawk Owls+ [Mark Barriger ] 30 Jan Re: Unusual Feeder season so far [Bonita ] 30 Jan WOW what a response [Peter Manship ] 30 Jan The Gables at East Mountain , 1/30/10 [Roy Pilcher ] 30 Jan Rutland Community Garden , 1/30/10 [Roy Pilcher ] 30 Jan Re: Unusual Feeder season so far [Kim Likakis ] 30 Jan Re: Unusual Feeder season so far [Michelle Hartline ] 30 Jan Re: Unusual Feeder season so far [Jane Stein ] 30 Jan Re: Unusual Feeder season so far [Randy Schmidt ] 30 Jan Re: Unusual Feeder season so far [Carol Scott ] 30 Jan Re: Tree sparrows [Miriam Lawrence ] 30 Jan Re: Unusual Feeder season so far ["michael st. john" ] 30 Jan Re: Unusual Feeder season so far [Kay Johnson ] 30 Jan Re: Tree sparrows [Richard Harlow ] 30 Jan Re: Tree sparrows [Jane Stein ] 30 Jan Tree sparrows ["Peterson, Bruce" ] 30 Jan Re: Unusual Feeder season so far [Jane Stein ] 30 Jan Re: Unusual Feeder season so far [Miriam Lawrence ] 30 Jan Northern Mockingbird in S. Burlington [William S Schwenk ] 30 Jan Re: Unusual Feeder season so far [Pamela Coleman ] 30 Jan Re: Unusual Feeder season so far [Linda Robinson ] Subject: Re: scopes info From: Barbara Brosnan <bbrosnan AT GMAVT.NET> Date: Mon, 8 Feb 2010 16:47:41 -0500 I, too, would like a summary of what you find interesting, in the range of less than the price of one's first born, of course. Barbara B. -----Original Message----- From: Vermont Birds [mailto:VTBIRD AT list.uvm.edu] On Behalf Of Linda Hall Sent: Wednesday, February 03, 2010 10:31 AM To: VTBIRD AT LIST.UVM.EDU Subject: Re: [VTBIRD] scopes info I will be interested to see what you find to your liking. Linda Mundi Smithers wrote: > WOW !!! Thanks to all of you that took the time to send me 'scope > info' !! I've learned a lot over the past couple of days and plan to > find a free day to head east to the North Shore for a bit of an 'eye's > on' experience. > > Lovely to know that it isn't imperative to sell off one's first born > to be able to afford a really good scope. > > > > With Much Appreciation, > > Mundi > > Pownal > > > > P.S. > > This morning at the feeders: > > 23 Mourning Doves > > 15 Blue Jays > > 5 Chickadees > > 3 Tufted Titmice > > 1 Hairy WP > > 1 Downy WP 2 Red-bellied WP's > > 9 Juncos > > 1 White Throat > > 3 Goldfinches > > 7 House Finches > > 5 Tree Sparrows > > 3 Cardinals > > > > > > The greatest tragedy in mankind's entire history may be the hijacking > of morality by religion. -Arthur C. Clarke, (1917-2008) > > > Subject: West Rutland Marsh - Feb 13 From: Susan Elliott <ovenbird14 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Mon, 8 Feb 2010 06:52:55 -0800 This Saturday, February 13, Rutland County Audubon will hold its monthly monitoring walk around West Rutland Marsh. This month's walk is being held in conjunction with the annual Great Backyard Bird Count, held February 12-15. Free! Open to all! Meet at the West Rutland Marsh Price Chopper parking lot at 8 a.m. Sue Elliott http://www.rutlandcountyaudubon.org/ Subject: Belted Kingfisher on Lake Pauline Ludlow From: Peter Manship <maddog54l AT TDS.NET> Date: Mon, 8 Feb 2010 07:50:57 -0500 I had a nice surprise this morning, a Belted kingfisher passed by the window overlooking the lake. This is the earliest I have seen one around here, they usually come back sometime in april. Not much open water around. On a different note I was talking to a friend that lives in Plymonth at a higher elevation in a mixed woods and she has 11 Evening Grosbeaks at her feeder daily. Good Birding Peter Manship Ludlow Vt Subject: Barrow's Goldeneye, etc. From: Allan Strong <allan.strong AT UVM.EDU> Date: Sun, 7 Feb 2010 16:22:01 -0500 Ted Murin and I made a number of stops along the lakefront from Charlotte to Grand Isle today (2/7). Best bird was a male Barrow's Goldeneye on Colchester Point Rd., about 4/10 of a mile west of Airport Park. At the Burlington waterfront, there was a single white-winged gull, but the birds were so tightly packed we couldn't identify it to species. At the north end of the railroad causeway in Grand Isle, there were 5 Ring-necked Ducks mixed in with several hundred Common Goldeneyes. At the corner of Landon Rd. and Rt. 2 in Grand Isle, there were 27 Brown-headed Cowbirds, and 5 more along South Street in Grand Isle. We found about 11 Bald Eagles in various places along the lakeshore. Allan Subject: Moose Bog and Environs From: David Johnston <dakk21 AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Sat, 6 Feb 2010 16:56:46 -0500 Beautiful day of solitude in the Wenlock WMA. 2 male White-winged Crossbills 3 Boreal Chickadees 2 Gray Jays 5 Red-breasted Nuthatches 6 Purple Finches 2 Hairy Wp 1 Downy Wp 0 Spruce Grouse.. Oh well... The previously reported N. Hawk Owl offered excellent views right by the snowmobile crossing along Rt105, perched vigilantly atop a spruce. There was also a N. Shrike in a treetop along a stream two miles south of Island Pond on Rt 114. Dave Johnston Brattleboro Subject: The Gables at East Mountain , 2/5/10 From: Roy Pilcher <ShamwariVT AT AOL.COM> Date: Fri, 5 Feb 2010 21:35:13 EST Location: The Gables at East Mountain Observation date: 2/5/10 Number of species: 12 Species to date: 71 Mourning Dove 5 Downy Woodpecker 1 Blue Jay 2 American Crow 3 Black-capped Chickadee 8 Tufted Titmouse 1 White-breasted Nuthatch 3 Carolina Wren 1....................New to count European Starling 3 Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) 2 American Goldfinch 3 House Sparrow 3 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. Subject: Danzenbaker Tour Journal on BirdFellow.com From: David Irons <davidirons20 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Fri, 5 Feb 2010 11:34:00 -0800 Greetings All, After a couple technical glitches, including a crash of Jim Danzenbaker's hard drive, the final installments of his tour journal from South America/Antarctica are finally up at BirdFellow.com. It has been a lot of fun sharing these writings and the accompanying images and it  has definitely sparked my own interest in someday visiting this amazing corner of the world. In a way, it feels like I've been there already. The journal may be a bit quiet in the coming days, as we are feverishly working behind the scenes to get images loaded and soon to be released features and content fine-tuned for launch. Dave Irons Content Editor BirdFellow.com Subject: thank you Mass Coast From: Mitchell Harrison <mhsierra AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Thu, 4 Feb 2010 19:47:55 -0800 Thank you all who responded to my Mass Coast request.   Mitch Harrison   Subject: No Subject From: Will Raup <hoaryredpoll AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 4 Feb 2010 18:14:41 -0500 Actually my e-mail got hacked... working on a fix and apologize in advance. Will Raup Albany, NY > Date: Thu, 4 Feb 2010 18:13:27 -0500 > From: mrchips AT NYCAP.RR.COM > Subject: [VTBIRD] > To: VTBIRD AT LIST.UVM.EDU > > Someone is sending spam on the list > > -----Original Message----- > From: Vermont Birds [mailto:VTBIRD AT list.uvm.edu] On Behalf Of Will Raup > Sent: Thursday, February 04, 2010 6:00 PM > To: VTBIRD AT LIST.UVM.EDU > Subject: [VTBIRD] > > http://www.krway.imaginationplus.ca/3hy7VDtcdQ.html > > _________________________________________________________________ > Hotmail: Trusted email with Microsoft's powerful SPAM protection. > http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/201469226/direct/01/= _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail: Trusted email with powerful SPAM protection. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/201469227/direct/01/ Subject: No Subject From: Dennis Donohue <mrchips AT NYCAP.RR.COM> Date: Thu, 4 Feb 2010 18:13:27 -0500 Someone is sending spam on the list -----Original Message----- From: Vermont Birds [mailto:VTBIRD AT list.uvm.edu] On Behalf Of Will Raup Sent: Thursday, February 04, 2010 6:00 PM To: VTBIRD AT LIST.UVM.EDU Subject: [VTBIRD] http://www.krway.imaginationplus.ca/3hy7VDtcdQ.html _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail: Trusted email with Microsoft's powerful SPAM protection. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/201469226/direct/01/= Subject: No Subject From: Will Raup <hoaryredpoll AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 4 Feb 2010 17:59:45 -0500 http://www.krway.imaginationplus.ca/3hy7VDtcdQ.html _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail: Trusted email with Microsoft’s powerful SPAM protection. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/201469226/direct/01/ Subject: Bald Eagle From: Randy Schmidt <randy AT THEVERMONTBIRDPLACE.COM> Date: Thu, 4 Feb 2010 11:05:56 -0500 Rte 313 in Arlington is busy! Had pictures brought in of the mature Bald Eagle on the Battenkill on River Road (parallel to 313) , very near the Wayside General Store on Tuesday, and have heard several other reports over the past couple of weeks on the same bird. Randy Schmidt The Vermont Bird Place & Sky Watch Manchester Center Subject: Great-blue heron From: Ruth Stewart <birder_rws AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 4 Feb 2010 09:55:47 -0500 A Great-Blue Heron was reported to me by 2 observers. It was seen at on open area on a pond next to the Battenkill River along RT 313 in Arlington on Wed. Entertaining 12-18 Blue Jays at our feeder. They also are actively using the open sand areas on our gravel bank regularly. Ruth Stewart e Dorset _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail: Trusted email with powerful SPAM protection. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/201469227/direct/01/ Subject: Converse Bay , 2/2/10 From: Roy Pilcher <ShamwariVT AT AOL.COM> Date: Wed, 3 Feb 2010 16:02:27 EST Location: Converse Bay Observation date: 2/2/10 Notes: Cedar Waxwing were feeding on juniper "berries" and black cherries (?). From time to time the waxwings were observed to drop to the snow below, (not under the trees where fallen berries could be seen), in order to partake of "beakfulls of snow". Number of species: 2 Black-capped Chickadee 1 Cedar Waxwing 22 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. Subject: Cedar Beach Access, Charlotte , 2/2/10 From: Roy Pilcher <ShamwariVT AT AOL.COM> Date: Wed, 3 Feb 2010 16:00:23 EST Location: Cedar Beach Access, Charlotte Observation date: 2/2/10 Number of species: 7 Canada Goose 10 American Black Duck 9 Common Goldeneye 160 Hooded Merganser 9 Common Merganser 28 American Crow 3 Tufted Titmouse 1 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. Subject: Charlotte Ferry Landing , 2/2/10 From: Roy Pilcher <ShamwariVT AT AOL.COM> Date: Wed, 3 Feb 2010 15:57:10 EST Location: Charlotte Ferry Landing Observation date: 2/2/10 Notes: Bufflehead observed performing their "Head Bobbing" courtship. Ruffed Grouse was gratious enough to dally for several photographs! Number of species: 6 Bufflehead 21 Common Merganser 18 Ruffed Grouse 1 Ring-billed Gull 170 Herring Gull (American) 8 Pileated Woodpecker 1 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. Subject: Charlotte Town Beach , 2/2/10 From: Roy Pilcher <ShamwariVT AT AOL.COM> Date: Wed, 3 Feb 2010 15:55:16 EST Location: Charlotte Town Beach Observation date: 2/2/10 Notes: Common Loon heard "wailing" but not seen. Number of species: 10 Bufflehead 14 Common Goldeneye 450 Hooded Merganser 4 Common Merganser 34 Common Loon 1 Bald Eagle 2 Herring Gull (American) 18 Great Black-backed Gull 2 Downy Woodpecker 1 Black-capped Chickadee 1 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. Subject: Meach Cove, Shelburne , 2/2/10 From: Roy Pilcher <ShamwariVT AT AOL.COM> Date: Wed, 3 Feb 2010 15:50:43 EST Location: Meach Cove, Shelburne Observation date: 2/2/10 Notes: Cove was almost completely ice bound due in part to wind and wave action. Number of species: 3 American Black Duck 2 American Crow 3 Black-capped Chickadee 2 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. Subject: Shelburne Farms , 2/2/10 From: Roy Pilcher <ShamwariVT AT AOL.COM> Date: Wed, 3 Feb 2010 15:47:00 EST Location: Shelburne Farms Observation date: 2/2/10 Notes: Common Loon was seen and also heard "wailing". Observed Red-breasted Merganser courtship display that went something like this! Drake would extend neck up toward the vertical, bill upturned and some head feathers erect, neck would then be compressed while lowereing the breast into the water and lifting the tail during which the tail feathers would be raised toward the upright position. The effect was to create a "rocking motion"! Horned Grebe were in a single group. Rafts of ducks were also seen on the horizon but the great distance and heat shimmer made counting and identification impossible. Number of species: 11 Common Goldeneye 120 Common Merganser 5 Red-breasted Merganser 6 Common Loon 1 Horned Grebe 8 Bald Eagle 1 Red-tailed Hawk 2 Pileated Woodpecker 1 American Crow 6 Black-capped Chickadee 2 Red-breasted Nuthatch 1 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. Subject: Harbor Road, Shelburne , 2/2/10 From: Roy Pilcher <ShamwariVT AT AOL.COM> Date: Wed, 3 Feb 2010 15:44:32 EST Location: Harbor Road, Shelburne Observation date: 2/2/10 Notes: Rafts of ducks on the horizon but great distance and heat shimmer made identification difficult to impossible. Number of species: 12 Mallard 2 Common Goldeneye 215 Common Merganser 11 Red-breasted Merganser 3 Red-bellied Woodpecker 1 Blue Jay 4 American Crow 6 Common Raven 1 Black-capped Chickadee 4 Tufted Titmouse 2 White-breasted Nuthatch 2 Northern Cardinal 2 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. Subject: Shelburne Bay , 2/2/10 From: Roy Pilcher <ShamwariVT AT AOL.COM> Date: Wed, 3 Feb 2010 15:42:59 EST Location: Shelburne Bay Observation date: 2/2/10 Notes: Bay was ice bound as far as the eye could see due in part to wind and wave action. Crows feeding on the ice. Number of species: 1 American Crow 3 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. Subject: Barred Owls in W. Brattleboro From: Al Merritt <chpmnkx AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Wed, 3 Feb 2010 15:34:41 -0500 Location: West Brattleboro, Windham County, VT, US Observation date: 2/1/10 Notes: Even though it was overcast, I thought that the bright daylight sightings were quite unusual. Number of species: 1 Barred Owl 2 The first owl landed in our yard below a pole feeder and then fluttered into the base of a multi-trunked willow, apparently chasing a vole that I know is present at times. The second was just north of exit 2 on I91. It flew across in front of the car, banked over the median, then returned to a perch at roadside. Both were seen within a half hour of each other about mid-day. This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org/vt) Al Merritt W. Brattleboro, VT Subject: Northwood Park, Rutland Town, Rutland Town - Feb 3 From: Susan Elliott <ovenbird14 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Wed, 3 Feb 2010 11:16:02 -0800 Fourteen species at Northwood Park in Rutland Town this morning. The birds were all quite vocal and a Hairy Woodpecker was drumming. Also, the Peregrine Falcon was on its usual perch on the steeple of Grace Congregational Church in Rutland this morning. Northwood Park: American Black Duck     8 Common Merganser     1 Red-tailed Hawk     1 Downy Woodpecker     1 Hairy Woodpecker     2 Blue Jay     5 American Crow     8 Black-capped Chickadee     27 Tufted Titmouse     3 Red-breasted Nuthatch     10 White-breasted Nuthatch     3 Brown Creeper     2 Eastern Bluebird     2 American Goldfinch     14 Sue and Marv Elliott Subject: Re: scopes info From: Linda Hall <Linda.L.Hall AT WILLIAMS.EDU> Date: Wed, 3 Feb 2010 10:31:28 -0500 I will be interested to see what you find to your liking. Linda Mundi Smithers wrote: > WOW !!! Thanks to all of you that took the time to send me 'scope info' !! > I've learned a lot over the past couple of days and plan to find a free day > to head east to the North Shore for a bit of an 'eye's on' experience. > > Lovely to know that it isn't imperative to sell off one's first born to be > able to afford a really good scope. > > > > With Much Appreciation, > > Mundi > > Pownal > > > > P.S. > > This morning at the feeders: > > 23 Mourning Doves > > 15 Blue Jays > > 5 Chickadees > > 3 Tufted Titmice > > 1 Hairy WP > > 1 Downy WP 2 Red-bellied WP's > > 9 Juncos > > 1 White Throat > > 3 Goldfinches > > 7 House Finches > > 5 Tree Sparrows > > 3 Cardinals > > > > > > The greatest tragedy in mankind's entire history may be the hijacking of > morality by religion. -Arthur C. Clarke, (1917-2008) > > > Subject: scopes info From: Mundi Smithers <amen_farm AT MYFAIRPOINT.NET> Date: Wed, 3 Feb 2010 10:27:37 -0500 WOW !!! Thanks to all of you that took the time to send me 'scope info' !! I've learned a lot over the past couple of days and plan to find a free day to head east to the North Shore for a bit of an 'eye's on' experience. Lovely to know that it isn't imperative to sell off one's first born to be able to afford a really good scope. With Much Appreciation, Mundi Pownal P.S. This morning at the feeders: 23 Mourning Doves 15 Blue Jays 5 Chickadees 3 Tufted Titmice 1 Hairy WP 1 Downy WP 2 Red-bellied WP's 9 Juncos 1 White Throat 3 Goldfinches 7 House Finches 5 Tree Sparrows 3 Cardinals The greatest tragedy in mankind's entire history may be the hijacking of morality by religion. -Arthur C. Clarke, (1917-2008) Subject: Birding the Massachusetts Coast From: Bryan Pfeiffer <Bryan AT VERMONTBIRDTOURS.COM> Date: Wed, 3 Feb 2010 07:01:13 -0500 Greetings, VTBirders: Having noticed the recent posts about the Massachusetts coastline, I've provided my Google birding map to Cape Ann as today's post on The Daily Wing (www.dailywing.net). I'll keep updating that map with new and noteworthy birds. And a regular feature of The Daily Wing will be reports on some of my favorite birding locations. Enjoy! Best, Bryan Pfeiffer -- ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Birding: Vermont Bird Tours Blogging: The Daily Wing Marketing: Maple Corner Media Consulting: Wings Environmental Photography: Wings Photography Find me on Facebook and Twitter ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Subject: [VT Bird] Mature bald eagle in North Pownal From: Mary Louise Mason <mlmwwm AT SOVER.NET> Date: Tue, 2 Feb 2010 11:24:36 -0500 North Pownal This AM I spotted a mature bald eagle flying at a distance behind my house near the Hoosic River. He lit high in a tree and stayed for a while sunning his feathers and perhaps watching the river. He showed up well with the binoculars. This is the first time that I have seen one in this area although one is spotted more frequently in "South" Pownal along the Hoosic and I have seen one above the dam here in North Pownal. Subject: Re: Mass coast From: "Peterson, Bruce" <peterson AT MIDDLEBURY.EDU> Date: Tue, 2 Feb 2010 11:03:12 -0500 Mitch, On Cape Anne drive to Andrew's Point (if it's not on your map, ask - it's easy) and walk (short) to the ocean in two different directions (You'll understand when you get there.) Excellent for guillemot, harlequin, scoters; I've had Iceland, ivory and glaucous gulls, kittiwake, king eider - but I haven't been there this year. Drive the coastal road around the Cape looking in each pond and inlet. The rocky area across from the big resort hotels is good for purple sandpipers, grebes (both eared and red-necked are rare but regular). You might also want to walk out to Halibut Point. The road to Eastern Point Coast Guard Station can be good for gulls (Bonaparte's, black-headed occasionally) and the cove at the end is good for dabblers. There is a sign indicating that the area is private, but it's not - the Coast Guard is out there.) On the way back to the main road you pass a gull pond on the right that always has a good collection of ducks. Good luck. Bruce Peterson On 2/1/10 8:23 PM, "Mitchell Harrison" wrote: Besides Parker River and nearby spots on Plum Island can someone give me some other spots along the Mass Coast that are not real far from there? Thanks, Mitch Harrison Subject: Re: Mass coast From: The Poleys <poleys AT ACCESSVT.COM> Date: Tue, 2 Feb 2010 04:28:04 -0500 Other places to visit are Salisbury Beach across the river from Plum Island (great for viewing Harbor seals at low tide in addition to great birding), the Newburyport waterfront, and Cape Anne (especially Gloucester and Rockport.) I recommend buying a guide such as Bird Finding in New England by Richard K. Walton (may be out of print but you could probably find a copy at Amazon or the like). Also pick up a tide table at one of the tackle shops. Birding at low tide generally yields better results. Good luck. Denis Poley ----- Original Message ----- From: "Mitchell Harrison" To: Sent: Monday, February 01, 2010 8:23 PM Subject: [VTBIRD] Mass coast Besides Parker River and nearby spots on Plum Island can someone give me some other spots along the Mass Coast that are not real far from there? Thanks, Mitch Harrison Subject: Re: Mass coast From: Greg Lawrence <glawrence21 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Mon, 1 Feb 2010 19:17:30 -0800 Mitch, I was just in Cape Ann this weekend for the super bowl of birding and we birded all over in essex county. I recommend birding a lot in Gloucester, especially at the Fish Pier, Niles Pond and Eastern Point for Gulls (we had Iceland and Slaty-backed was seen last week along with Thayer's and Mew). Bass Rocks just north of there along Atlantic Avenue is good for Ducks, and is the best spot for King Eider and Black Guillemot (we missed Eider but got Guillemot). In Rockport, the granite pier and Cathedral Ledge are great spots for Harlequin Ducks, Purple Sandpipers and a chance for alcids. The best seawatching spot, however is Andrew's Point, just north of Cathedral Ledge and east of Halibut Point SP (another good spot). Here, you can find alcids; we found a rare Dovekie there on Saturday. This is also a good spot for Harlequins, Eiders and Purple Sandpipers. Aside from this, Nahant, near Lynn is a neat spot for half-hardies and ducks. As for Plum Island, we were able to get Snowy and SE Owl as well as some Ducks, Loons and Grebes. Those are the best spots. If you would like anything else, like directions and more details about those places, don't hesitate to ask! Good Birding! Greg Lawrence Rochester, New York ________________________________ From: Mitchell Harrison To: VTBIRD AT LIST.UVM.EDU Sent: Mon, February 1, 2010 8:23:31 PM Subject: [VTBIRD] Mass coast Besides Parker River and nearby spots on Plum Island can someone give me some other spots along the Mass Coast that are not real far from there? Thanks, Mitch Harrison Subject: Re: Mass coast From: Bob Crowley <crbob AT FAIRPOINT.NET> Date: Mon, 1 Feb 2010 20:40:15 -0500 Salisbury State Park to the north across the Merrimac River and all of Cape Ann to the south. Bob Crowley Chatham, NH ----- Original Message ----- From: "Mitchell Harrison" To: Sent: Monday, February 01, 2010 8:23 PM Subject: [VTBIRD] Mass coast Besides Parker River and nearby spots on Plum Island can someone give me some other spots along the Mass Coast that are not real far from there? Thanks, Mitch Harrison Subject: Mass coast From: Mitchell Harrison <mhsierra AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Mon, 1 Feb 2010 17:23:31 -0800 Besides Parker River and nearby spots on Plum Island can someone give me some other spots along the Mass Coast that are not real far from there?   Thanks, Mitch Harrison Subject: Re: American Tree Sparrows From: Barbara Powers <barkiepvt AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Mon, 1 Feb 2010 17:50:06 -0500 I have not had American Tree Sparrows at my feeder but on a walk down the North Road in Manchester Center about a mile from my house on January 16 & 17 I came across a large flocks of them (about 65) foraging along the sides of the road way as well as along the hedge row and cornfield. They may have been there longer but I couldn't check. I ask earlier if this was an unusual behavior for them. Does any one know? I guess I'll need to check the roadway again to see if they returned. Barbara Powers Manchester Center _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail: Trusted email with powerful SPAM protection. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/201469227/direct/01/ Subject: FW: eBird Report - Powers House , 1/30/10 From: Barbara Powers <barkiepvt AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Mon, 1 Feb 2010 17:44:30 -0500 > Date: Mon, 1 Feb 2010 17:41:41 -0500 > From: do-not-reply AT ebird.org > To: barkiepvt AT hotmail.com > Subject: eBird Report - Powers House , 1/30/10 > > > > Location: Powers House > Observation date: 1/30/10 > Number of species: 11 > > Mourning Dove 3 > Downy Woodpecker 2 > Hairy Woodpecker 2 > Blue Jay 4 > American Crow 4 > Black-capped Chickadee 18 > Tufted Titmouse 4 > White-breasted Nuthatch 2 > Dark-eyed Junco 8 > House Finch 4 > American Goldfinch 8 > > This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org/vt) _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail: Powerful Free email with security by Microsoft. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/201469230/direct/01/ Subject: Missing northern visitors From: Carol Scott <kayrevt AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Mon, 1 Feb 2010 17:01:56 -0500 I sent a summary of our recent discussion to Project FeederWatch. Here's what I got in reply: "The winter finches you listed are irruptive and only come south when food supplies in the north are scarce. Redpolls are typically every other year, and this would be their year, but the cone crops in the north are plentiful this year, so they did not move south again this year. All the other species are far more irregular and Evening Grosbeaks have been missing for years and probably have declined significantly. You can see where birds are being reported this year, and compare to past years, in the Explore Data section of our web site. The historical maps in the Map Room can show distributions every year since the project began, in animation so you can easily compare and see patterns over time. I have received a few other comments about less birds in general, but no more than in any other year. I suspect food supplies are probably affecting all species. There are often fluctuations between years. Once all the data is in, we'll do our analysis to see if there were any significant differences this year." Subject: West Rutland , 2/1/10 From: Roy Pilcher <ShamwariVT AT AOL.COM> Date: Mon, 1 Feb 2010 16:39:17 EST Location: West Rutland Observation date: 2/1/10 Notes: Open water in drainage canal on west side of railway track near electrical substation. Numbers were greater yesterday but observer was without his scope! Otter appeared briefly. Number of species: 3 American Black Duck 4 Mallard 120 Rock Pigeon 40 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. Subject: Re: Two Birds From: Jim Mead <jimmead4 AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Mon, 1 Feb 2010 12:48:56 -0500 A friend and I located: At McNeil Cove in Charlotte: (around 3:25 p.m.) 1- Iceland Gull (j) 1- Glaucous Gull (j) At Charlotte Town Beach: (around 3:35 p.m.) 3- Ring-necked Duck (2m,1f) among 500+ Common Goldeneye Enjoy Birds, Jim Mead Subject: Two Birds and a Blog From: Bryan Pfeiffer <Bryan AT VERMONTBIRDTOURS.COM> Date: Mon, 1 Feb 2010 11:54:30 -0500 Greetings, VT Birders: A lone Bohemian Waxwing flew over downtown Plainfield this morning. They're around but sparse this winter. And my friend and colleague Ted Murin spotted a Glaucous Gull in the cold at the Burlington Intervale on Sunday. By the way, here's something you might want to do when you're indoors (but really should be outdoors birding) -- my new blog on birds and other flying things: www.dailywing.net Best, Bryan Pfeiffer -- ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Birding: Vermont Bird Tours Blogging: The Daily Wing Marketing: Maple Corner Media Consulting: Wings Environmental Photography: Wings Photography Find me on Facebook and Twitter ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Subject: Unusual Feeder season so far & scope question From: Mundi Smithers <amen_farm AT MYFAIRPOINT.NET> Date: Mon, 1 Feb 2010 09:24:22 -0500 This morning I counted 23 Mourning Doves, 5 Goldfinches, 1 Downey WP, 1 Hairy WP, 2 Red-bellied WP's, 7 Bluejays, 5 Cardinals, 7 Tree Sparrows, 5 Chickadees, 5 Tufted Titmice, 7 Juncos, 1 Whitebreasted Nuthatch, 5 House Finch, 7 Starlings. I would love to have some input on the virtues of various scopes. I find myself in the market for a new scope and am going pretty crazy trying to shop online. I imagine that I'll have to drive to Freeport, ME if I want to 'see' a variety of scopes but right now there are too many choices. My present scope is ancient and really only powerful enough for very large backyard viewing. Please email me off list. Thanks in advance Mundi Pownal The greatest tragedy in mankind's entire history may be the hijacking of morality by religion. -Arthur C. Clarke, (1917-2008) Subject: Re: Snake Mountain bird feeder From: Jane Stein <jeshawks AT SHOREHAM.NET> Date: Mon, 1 Feb 2010 09:06:21 -0500 I was wondering whether the relatively small amount of snow cover I've had this winter might have something to do with it. I've also had a dearth of roosting owls this winter. I usually have a fair number of both medium (presumably Barred) pellets and small ones (Saw-whet, I'd guess, since I've never heard a screech here) under the small grove of white spruce on my property in winter, but this year I haven't found a single one. Jane Shoreham Ian Worley wrote: > As other have reported, our feeders on the southern end of Snake > Mountain have nothing unusual this winter. There are many birds at the > feeders, with typical numbers for us -- except down among the regulars > only for Mourning Doves, Cardinals, and Downy Woodpeckers. Finches, > cross-bills, and grosbeaks, so prolific last year, are absent. In > general, the more snow on the ground and in the air, the more birds. > > Daily visitors during January: > > Gold Finch -- increased from 3 to 14 through the month > Tufted Titmouse -- 5-12 > White-breasted Nuthatch -- 2-5 > Red-breasted Nuthatch -- 1 > Red-bellied Woodpecker -- 1 > Downy Woodpecker -- 1 > Hairy Woodpecker --1 > Chickadee -- 5-15 > Junco -- 3-7 > Blue Jay -- 6-11 > House Sparrow -- 10-26 (total flock is about 40) > White-throated Sparrow -- 2 (but haven't seen them since last week's thaw) > Cardinal -- 1-3 > Tree Sparrow -- 5-12 > Mourning Dove -- 2 (only occasionally stop by) > > Regulars nearby the house, but not at the feeder > > Golden-crowned Kinglet -- 2 > Raven -- 2-3 > Crow -- 2-6 > Pileated Woodpecker -- 1 > Robin -- 3-50 > Cedar Waxwing -- 25-60 (No Bohemians seen) > Turkey -- 6 > Red-tailed Hawk --1 > Ruffed grouse -- 2 (infrequent) > > I clearly overstocked on thistle seed for the winter! > > Ian > ============== > > Bruce and Mary Lou wrote: > >> I have had little unusual to report this season from Brandon, but the >> pattern at my feeding stations seems to fit the state-wide pattern >> reported so far. There are no irruptive species at the feeder this >> winter, and my seed consumption is way down. Daily visitors include: >> Chickadees 5-6 >> Cardinals 2 >> Goldfinch 3-5 (some days a few more) >> Downy woodpecker 2 >> Hairy Woodpecker (at least 10 >> Blue Jays 2 >> Mourning Doves 3-5 (this is down from the crowd of 20+ I have had >> other years) >> Tree Sparrows 10-12 (this is the usual number I have every winter, and >> the only group where I have not seen a decline.) >> >> Semi-regular visitors. These birds show up every few days or right >> after bad weather. >> >> Tufted Titmice 3-4 >> Dark-eyed Junco 1 >> White-breasted Nuthatch 2 >> Red-breasted Nuthatch 1 (this was the first one in several years and >> came in with the Chickadees just two mornings ago.) >> >> Today, Jan.31, I noted a new visitor to the yard for the winter >> season, although I have seen them here other winters. >> >> Brown Creeper 1 >> I have not had any other sparrows or blackbird family members as noted >> by other feeder watchers. >> >> Mary Lou Webster >> Brandon >> > > Subject: Re: Unusual Feeder season so far-See Cornell's website... From: Michelle Hartline <Shellinvt AT AOL.COM> Date: Mon, 1 Feb 2010 08:53:49 EST There's an interesting article on Cornell's website _www.birds.cornell.edu/pfw/News/PineSiskinIrruption08_ (http://www.birds.cornell.edu/pfw/News/PineSiskinIrruption08) -... about the great increase in feeder activity by pine siskins all over the U.S. last year....and also about salmonella outbreaks...One has to wonder about the evolutionary laws that come into play;i.e., when biological populations explode, there follows a decrease and then return to normal. If one looks at the lab's data charts of feeder activity, the great increase is obvious- I don't think they have this year's data posted yet, however. Michelle (Sudbury) In a message dated 1/31/2010 5:18:37 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, mndlyter AT COMCAST.NET writes: I can remember last year at this time here in Bristol on Woodland Drive we were having literally hundreds of Pine Siskins and Goldfinches every day. This year we have seen just 2 Pine Siskins on a couple of occaisions The most we have seen of each species at the best each day and not always everyday is the following: Pine Siskin...2 Gold Finch... 6-8 Chickadee... 5 White Breasted Nuthatch...4 Tufted Titmouse...3 Blue Jays...4 Cardinal...1 Downy Woodpecker... 3 Hairy Woodpecker...2 Mourning Dove... 6 We had a pair of Carolina Wrens that stayed for a week or so back the first part of January but have not seen them in about 3 weeks now. Have had a few days in the month of January when it stormed that we had about 15 Dark Eyed Junco's, other days maybe 4-6, most days- none. Other species we have had none of. Counts are WAY down from all the other years. I miss them all and not sure where they all are this year. Debbie Lyter Bristol, VT Subject: Re: Snake Mountain bird feeder From: Ian Worley <iworley AT UVM.EDU> Date: Mon, 1 Feb 2010 05:30:57 -0600 As other have reported, our feeders on the southern end of Snake Mountain have nothing unusual this winter. There are many birds at the feeders, with typical numbers for us -- except down among the regulars only for Mourning Doves, Cardinals, and Downy Woodpeckers. Finches, cross-bills, and grosbeaks, so prolific last year, are absent. In general, the more snow on the ground and in the air, the more birds. Daily visitors during January: Gold Finch -- increased from 3 to 14 through the month Tufted Titmouse -- 5-12 White-breasted Nuthatch -- 2-5 Red-breasted Nuthatch -- 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker -- 1 Downy Woodpecker -- 1 Hairy Woodpecker --1 Chickadee -- 5-15 Junco -- 3-7 Blue Jay -- 6-11 House Sparrow -- 10-26 (total flock is about 40) White-throated Sparrow -- 2 (but haven't seen them since last week's thaw) Cardinal -- 1-3 Tree Sparrow -- 5-12 Mourning Dove -- 2 (only occasionally stop by) Regulars nearby the house, but not at the feeder Golden-crowned Kinglet -- 2 Raven -- 2-3 Crow -- 2-6 Pileated Woodpecker -- 1 Robin -- 3-50 Cedar Waxwing -- 25-60 (No Bohemians seen) Turkey -- 6 Red-tailed Hawk --1 Ruffed grouse -- 2 (infrequent) I clearly overstocked on thistle seed for the winter! Ian ============== Bruce and Mary Lou wrote: > I have had little unusual to report this season from Brandon, but the pattern at my feeding stations seems to fit the state-wide pattern reported so far. There are no irruptive species at the feeder this winter, and my seed consumption is way down. Daily visitors include: > Chickadees 5-6 > Cardinals 2 > Goldfinch 3-5 (some days a few more) > Downy woodpecker 2 > Hairy Woodpecker (at least 10 > Blue Jays 2 > Mourning Doves 3-5 (this is down from the crowd of 20+ I have had other years) > Tree Sparrows 10-12 (this is the usual number I have every winter, and the only group where I have not seen a decline.) > > Semi-regular visitors. These birds show up every few days or right after bad weather. > > Tufted Titmice 3-4 > Dark-eyed Junco 1 > White-breasted Nuthatch 2 > Red-breasted Nuthatch 1 (this was the first one in several years and came in with the Chickadees just two mornings ago.) > > Today, Jan.31, I noted a new visitor to the yard for the winter season, although I have seen them here other winters. > > Brown Creeper 1 > > I have not had any other sparrows or blackbird family members as noted by other feeder watchers. > > Mary Lou Webster > Brandon > Subject: Re: Unusual Feeder season so far From: Karyn Lunde <gus1107 AT GMAVT.NET> Date: Sun, 31 Jan 2010 20:30:57 -0500 All the emails made me take a closer look this morning at our feathered friends in the yard. I had not noticed a decline at our feeders in Charlotte. There is a noticeable absence of red polls, but they have always made an appearance about every other year. Here is what I observed and it is typical of most mornings the past few weeks: 12 juncos 4 bluejays 7 mourning doves 14 chickadees 2 cardinals (one male, one female) 3 white breasted nuthatches 1 hairy woodpecker 2 downy woodpeckers 1 red bellied woodpecker 1 pileated woodpecker 4 goldfinches 1 tree sparrow Karyn Lunde Charlotte, VT Subject: Unusual feeder season From: Bruce and Mary Lou <webson2 AT MYFAIRPOINT.NET> Date: Sun, 31 Jan 2010 18:27:48 -0500 I have had little unusual to report this season from Brandon, but the pattern at my feeding stations seems to fit the state-wide pattern reported so far. There are no irruptive species at the feeder this winter, and my seed consumption is way down. Daily visitors include: Chickadees 5-6 Cardinals 2 Goldfinch 3-5 (some days a few more) Downy woodpecker 2 Hairy Woodpecker (at least 10 Blue Jays 2 Mourning Doves 3-5 (this is down from the crowd of 20+ I have had other years) Tree Sparrows 10-12 (this is the usual number I have every winter, and the only group where I have not seen a decline.) Semi-regular visitors. These birds show up every few days or right after bad weather. Tufted Titmice 3-4 Dark-eyed Junco 1 White-breasted Nuthatch 2 Red-breasted Nuthatch 1 (this was the first one in several years and came in with the Chickadees just two mornings ago.) Today, Jan.31, I noted a new visitor to the yard for the winter season, although I have seen them here other winters. Brown Creeper 1 I have not had any other sparrows or blackbird family members as noted by other feeder watchers. Mary Lou Webster Brandon Subject: Report from southern Champlain Valley From: Ken Cox <kencox5 AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sun, 31 Jan 2010 18:25:11 -0500 Today with a sunny start Eva and I decided to take a drive over to the Bridport-Addison area to do some windshield birding with emphasis on raptors. Pretty slow birding and on the chilly side. Here is what we saw. Start time: 1:30 pm. Route 7 just north of Salisbury: Barred Owl 1 on grassy highway shoulder appearing to have prey on the ground Route 125 from 22A to Crown Point north along Route 17 to the Dead Creek WMA goose observation area and backtracked to 22A: Northern Harrier 1 juv. Red-tailed Hawk 6 Rough-legged Hawk 1 American Kestrel 1 male Route 22A in Orwell: Northern Rough-legged Hawk 1 Route 30 in Hubbardton: Red-tailed Hawk 1 Route 4 in West Rutland: Red-tailed Hawk 2 Route 103 in Shrewsbury: Red-tailed Hawk 1 Back home at 5:00 pm. -- Kenneth Cox South Reading, VT http://northernwingsbirder.blogspot.com/ Subject: South Reading feeder activity From: Ken Cox <kencox5 AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sun, 31 Jan 2010 18:04:33 -0500 With all the reports of feeder activity appearing to be weighted on slow side so far this winter, I sat down and worked up the January numbers for feeder activity at our home. The season got off to a real slow start in December but picked up between Christmas and New Year Day. Overall, I must say things seem about average for here with the noticable absence of northern finches, namely Common Redpolls and Pine Siskins, as well as American Goldfinches. Typically, it seems these three species take turns in terms of making a strong appearance at our feeders: one winter it will be redpolls, followed next winter by perhaps siskins, and then goldfinches...not in any particular order. I cannot recall when more than a single species was present here in high numbers within a winter. Obviously this is an off year for these three but in their place we have had a very good season so far for Purple Finches and had three days that we know of when Evening Grosbeaks dropped in. So looking forward to next winter, any bets on which it will be: a siskin, redpoll or goldfinch winter? Fourteen species have been seen at the feeders this month. Counts were made on a total of 12 days. Not all species were recorded everyday, however. Here is the rundown with "statistics" with an explanation of the numbers given. The 1st number is the average per day for the month, followed by the low and high count range, and lastly the number of days out of the 12 each was observed. Mourning Dove: 14.2, 2-24, 12 Downy Woodpecker: 1.5, 1-2, 11 Hairy Woodpecker: 1.3, 1-2, 10 Blue Jay: 6.8, 2-12, 11 Black-capped Chickadee: 6.8, 3-10, 12 Tuted Titmouse: 1.7, 1-2, 12 Red-breasted Nuthatch: 1.0, 1-1, 6 White-breasted Nuthatch: 1.2, 1-2, 10 American Tree Sparrow: 1.8, 1-3, 12 Dark-eyed Junco: 1.5, 1-3, 12 Purple Finch: 9.0, 2-13, 11 Pine Siskin: one on one day only American Goldfinch: 2.4, 1-5, 5 Evening Grosbeak: 13.7, 9-17, 3 Not included is the Sharp-shinned Hawk that unfortunately collided with a window in pursuit of birds at the feeders, 3 American Robins near but not at the feeders, and this morning 2 American Crows picking wind blown sunflower seeds off the snow within a short distance of the feeders. -- Kenneth Cox South Reading, VT http://northernwingsbirder.blogspot.com/ Subject: Unusual Feeder season so far From: Debbie Lyter <mndlyter AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Sun, 31 Jan 2010 17:18:22 -0500 I can remember last year at this time here in Bristol on Woodland Drive we were having literally hundreds of Pine Siskins and Goldfinches every day. This year we have seen just 2 Pine Siskins on a couple of occaisions The most we have seen of each species at the best each day and not always everyday is the following: Pine Siskin...2 Gold Finch... 6-8 Chickadee... 5 White Breasted Nuthatch...4 Tufted Titmouse...3 Blue Jays...4 Cardinal...1 Downy Woodpecker... 3 Hairy Woodpecker...2 Mourning Dove... 6 We had a pair of Carolina Wrens that stayed for a week or so back the first part of January but have not seen them in about 3 weeks now. Have had a few days in the month of January when it stormed that we had about 15 Dark Eyed Junco's, other days maybe 4-6, most days- none. Other species we have had none of. Counts are WAY down from all the other years. I miss them all and not sure where they all are this year. Debbie Lyter Bristol, VT Subject: Fwd: eBird Report - Pine Hill Park - Rutland , 1/31/10 From: TRACEY BUSONY <curtandtracey27 AT MYFAIRPOINT.NET> Date: Sun, 31 Jan 2010 16:23:31 -0500 Begin forwarded message: > From: do-not-reply AT ebird.org > Date: January 31, 2010 4:18:45 PM EST > To: curtandtracey27 AT myfairpoint.net > Subject: eBird Report - Pine Hill Park - Rutland , 1/31/10 > > > > Location: Pine Hill Park - Rutland > Observation date: 1/31/10 > Number of species: 7 > > American Black Duck 2 > American Crow 3 > Common Raven 1 > Black-capped Chickadee 8 > Tufted Titmouse 1 > White-breasted Nuthatch 2 > Northern Cardinal 2 > > This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org/vt > ) > Subject: Re: unusual feeder season From: Nancy Perlee <nperlee AT GMAVT.NET> Date: Sun, 31 Jan 2010 16:10:44 -0500 Here in Bristol on the side of Hogback I also am having an unusually quiet feeder year with a few chickadees and this week a few goldfinches. No juncos, sparrows, or other finches. No jays. It seems very lonely. Nancy Perlee Subject: Re: Unusual Feeder season so far From: Janet Watton <musbird AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sun, 31 Jan 2010 16:12:22 -0500 All of the blue jays are here on Davis Road in Randolph Center! We have at least 14 to 18 everyday, along with more than a dozen mourning doves and goldfinches. But only one pine siskin showed up very briefly one day. We do have the usual numbers of the usuals: chickadees - 8 to 10 hairy and downy woodpeckers, maybe 2 of each white breasted nuthatch - 2 1 male cardinal, 2 tree sparrows 5-6 juncoes 1 titmouse who occasionally breaks away from our neighbors' feeder to visit us normal number of crows and ravens evening grosbeaks once in awhile We had a goshawk here in December, a Cooper's Hawk and a Sharpie recently and yesterday a group of 8 - 10 waxwings. But they were too far away to rule out Bohemians with our scope. So the only thing that I notice is the lack of siskins or redpolls. Usually there are a lot of them in alternating years, i.e. siskins one year, redpolls the next. But it's only almost February. Let's see what the Groundhog has to say on Tuesday. Janet Watton Randolph Center Subject: Northern Pintail From: Allan Strong <allan.strong AT UVM.EDU> Date: Sun, 31 Jan 2010 15:34:11 -0500 I brought a group of students down to the Burlington waterfront this morning (1/31) and we had a drake N. Pintail fly over our heads, mixed in with the Mallards and Black Ducks. Allan Subject: feeder birds in Jericho Center From: Maeve Kim <maevulus AT SURFGLOBAL.NET> Date: Sun, 31 Jan 2010 09:40:11 -0500 I just entered the last month of Feeder Watch info - and the pattern here has been pretty much an absence of a pattern. 34 goldfinches one week, none the next (but usually 1-3, since late November). 19 cowbirds one week, 3 the next. Tufted Titmice absent for three weeks running and then very much in evidence. A flock of eleven mourning doves once but very few most of the time. I even had a visitation of nine rock doves during one count period, the first I've seen at my feeders in a few years. I've had tree sparrows since December, nine at once this morning. The other regulars have been chickadees, crows (getting bolder and bolder, now approaching to within eight feet of my kitchen window), starlings, blue jays, one lone white-breasted nuthatch, and frequent but not everyday hairy woodpecker pair and cardinal pair. No siskins, pine grosbeaks or redpolls this year. Maeve Kim Jericho Center Subject: Lyndonville Feeders From: Thomas Berriman <blackpoll AT MYFAIRPOINT.NET> Date: Sun, 31 Jan 2010 09:24:19 -0500 I have heard the same message from folks in the NEK; low numbers of birds and low number of species visiting their feeders this winter. Here is a list of high numbers at my home in Lyndonville this week: 1 Wild Turkey 17 Mourning Dove 1 Barred owl ( heard at night) 3 Hairy Woodpeckers 2 Downy Woodpeckers 1 Pileated Woodpecker ( heard) 5 Blue Jays 22 Black-capped Chickadees 3 Red-breasted Nuthatch 2 White-breasted Nuthatch 17 Purple Finch 65+ American Goldfinch No Accipiters that I've seen this winter. Subject: Satuday, January 30, 2010 Tour of Champlain Valley From: "Denis and Maria Poley, Richmond" <poleys AT ACCESSVT.COM> Date: Sun, 31 Jan 2010 07:47:06 -0500 Took a later than usual tour of the Champlain Valley. Saw 7 RTs, 2 RLs and 2 Idunnos. Rts were along Mechanicsville Road in Hinesburg, just South of Vergennes on RTe 7, North side of 125 just East of McCuen Slang, 2 along Rte 17 East of the West Addison General Store (WAGS). 2 along Lake Street just North of Tri Town Road (1 flew over the car and the other was in a short tree right next to the road). RLs were along 125 just East of Frosty Lane and alnog 17 east of WAGS. The Idunnos wwere along Atherton Road and Basin Harbr Road near the northern terminus of Jersey Street. Saw two groups of Turkeys: 1 group of 4 along 125 just west of Snake Moutain Road and a group of 26 East of Sand Road at the intersection with Little Chicago Road. Along Arnold Bay Road just South of the intersection with Basin Harbor road we saw a good sized (at least 20) band of Robins on both sides of the road. Walked out to Button Point. It was suprisingly quiet on the way out (not even a Chickadee call). At the point we found open water to the West and South of the Island with a good concentation of ducks- mainly Common Goldeneyes. I tried to "sneak" out on the rocks for a better look but those birds closest to the point flushed. You just gotta love the sound of those whistling wings. It was surprising how quickly the lake closed back up. The preceding weekend the water was wide open at Tri Town, Button Bay and above, but yesterday there were just a few small open areas. On the way back to the car a male Cardinal flew acroos our path by the picnic pavilion. Made a quick stop at Ft.Cassin as the daylight was fading, but saw nothing. There was open water at the mouth of Otter Creek. Denis and Maria Poley Subject: Goldeneyes,etc From: David Johnston <dakk21 AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Sun, 31 Jan 2010 07:46:36 -0500 Saturday, 4:30-5:00 PM, viewed from Vernon above the dam: 1 drake Barrow's Goldeneye ~ 180 Common Goldeneye ~40 Black Ducks ~30 Common Mergansers ~25 Hooded Mergansers ~12 Mallards All estimates are on the low end. Ducks were still flying in as I left. Dave Johnston Subject: Vermont Hawk Owls+ From: Mark Barriger <mark8bud8 AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Sat, 30 Jan 2010 20:26:50 -0500 Took my wife and two boys (4 and 5) on a nice little day trip up North to see the previously reported Northern Hawk Owls. The first Hawk Owl (North Derby) was by far the more active of the two and made a few passes right in front of us. The second bird (Ferdinand) was perched right were the directions took us. Wish all birds were that easy to find! Other than the Owls the only other highlights of the day were a Northern Shrike along Rte 26 just west of Errol, NH and a flock of Bohemain Waxwings in front of Storyland in Glen, NH. North Derby Hawk Owl - Proceed on Route 5 through Newport, after crossing the bridge separating South Bay from Memphremagog, Route 5 turns right and heads uphill. At the traffic light where Route 5 intersects with Sias Avenue; turn left on Sias. Go 4 miles north initially through a residential area and eventually more rural. About half way you come to a "Y"; continue to go straight(left) onto North Derby Road. At 4 miles you will see a VT Fish & Game access sign right along the small Johns River. Just beyond the river, a two vehicle garage, painted barn red, will be ahead on your right. The owl was seen in the treeline behind, the trees next to, and across the road in the treeline. Ferdinand Hawk Owl - The location is 2.5 miles east of the John Boyland State Airport at a snowmobile crossing of Route 105. The Northern Hawk Owl was approximately 500 feet south of Route 105 in an open area along the Nulhegan River. The GPS coordinates for our viewing location were N 44.78001 W 71.78243. This location is about 6 miles east of island Pond, VT. If you would like to see a shot of each of the Owls click the flickr account below. Mark Barriger Cheshire, CT Mark8bud8 AT hotmail.com http://barrigerbirding.blogspot.com/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/whitewash88/ _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail: Free, trusted and rich email service. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/196390708/direct/01/ Subject: Re: Unusual Feeder season so far From: Bonita <kinglet AT SOVER.NET> Date: Sat, 30 Jan 2010 19:59:07 -0500 Hi Kim, I have both Song and White-throated Sparrows here at the feeders. I seem to have the same number of birds at the feeders in general, maybe a bit fewer than other years, but they don't seem to be going through as much feed. Saying that, they are eating more over the last couple of days. Bonnie/Bennington ----- Original Message ----- From: "Kim Likakis" To: Sent: Saturday, January 30, 2010 5:15 PM Subject: Re: [VTBIRD] Unusual Feeder season so far > Has anyone seen White-throated Sparrows? > > Kim/Bennington > > >>Wow, I debated mentioning I had more Modos than usual but left it out. >> >>So here's another "Me too." >> >>All that said, I have the usual winter feeder birds minus the irruptive >>species, but just fewer of each kind-- except for the Mourning Doves. >> >>Jane > Subject: WOW what a response From: Peter Manship <maddog54l AT TDS.NET> Date: Sat, 30 Jan 2010 19:04:16 -0500 I just came in from work and turned on my computer and was amazed at what I saw there on the screen. Thanks to everyone for the input. It seems clear that its slow at feeders all over the state. I think the upcoming Feeder Watch results are going to be pretty interesting. Thanks again for the great response. Good Birding Peter Manship Lake Pauline Ludlow VT Subject: The Gables at East Mountain , 1/30/10 From: Roy Pilcher <ShamwariVT AT AOL.COM> Date: Sat, 30 Jan 2010 19:00:34 EST Location: The Gables at East Mountain Observation date: 1/30/10 Number of species: 7 Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 Mourning Dove 12 American Crow 3 Black-capped Chickadee 2 Tufted Titmouse 1 White-breasted Nuthatch 1 American Goldfinch 2 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. Subject: Rutland Community Garden , 1/30/10 From: Roy Pilcher <ShamwariVT AT AOL.COM> Date: Sat, 30 Jan 2010 18:59:12 EST Location: Rutland Community Garden Observation date: 1/30/10 Number of species: 9 Downy Woodpecker 1 Blue Jay 2 American Crow 9 Black-capped Chickadee 7 Tufted Titmouse 3 White-breasted Nuthatch 1 Carolina Wren 1 Northern Cardinal 2 House Sparrow 2 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. Subject: Re: Unusual Feeder season so far From: Kim Likakis <lockp38 AT SOVER.NET> Date: Sat, 30 Jan 2010 17:15:01 -0500 Has anyone seen White-throated Sparrows? Kim/Bennington >Wow, I debated mentioning I had more Modos than usual but left it out. > >So here's another "Me too." > >All that said, I have the usual winter feeder birds minus the >irruptive species, but just fewer of each kind-- except for the >Mourning Doves. > >Jane Subject: Re: Unusual Feeder season so far From: Michelle Hartline <shellinvt AT AOL.COM> Date: Sat, 30 Jan 2010 17:05:22 -0500 Seeing more goldfinches here in Sudbury than others report- since it got really cold, counted 45 this a.m. at one time feeding, alongside up to 4 juncos, 2-3 titmice , occasional chickadee, cardinal and hairy and downy woodpeckers...Micheel -----Original Message----- From: Miriam Lawrence To: VTBIRD AT LIST.UVM.EDU Sent: Sat, Jan 30, 2010 11:50 am Subject: Re: [VTBIRD] Unusual Feeder season so far At our place in Monkton, it's been very similar to what Linda reports in Milton, xcept that I haven't seen a pronounced change in numbers since the storm... and 've been surprised at how few goldfinches we've had. 5-10 show up ccasionally... But more often they show up in ones and twos. We've had no arge flocks of anything. --Miriam Lawrence Subject: Re: Unusual Feeder season so far From: Jane Stein <jeshawks AT SHOREHAM.NET> Date: Sat, 30 Jan 2010 16:25:59 -0500 Wow, I debated mentioning I had more Modos than usual but left it out. So here's another "Me too." All that said, I have the usual winter feeder birds minus the irruptive species, but just fewer of each kind-- except for the Mourning Doves. Jane Carol Scott wrote: > Low numbers here too-- with the exception that I'm overrun with > mourning doves this year, 10 to 15 at a time sometimes. > > On Jan 30, 2010, at 12:15 PM, Jane Stein wrote: > >> Good to hear all the reports of low feeder activity. I've been having >> the same, but thinking it was more because I've not been as >> consistent as usual this winter in keeping my feeders filled up. >> >> Jane >> Shoreham >> >> >> Peter Manship wrote: >> >>> I was wondering if others are having an unusual feeder season this >>> year, I am. It has certainly has been much quieter then passed years >>> here on lake Pauline. No winter finches or Evening Grosbeaks. I had >>> one Pine Siskin back in late November, non since then. No Red >>> Breasted Nuthatch, even the Blue jay numbers are way down. First >>> time here on the lake that there is no wintering Mallards or Canada >>> geese and the most surprising is no Barred Owls. There has been 3 >>> around here on the lake for as long as I can remember. This is what >>> has been seen around here lately, any mix of this list on a given >>> day is what makes up my feeder day right now: >>> Chickadee 16 >>> American Goldfinch 50 ++ this number goes up and down with the >>> weather >>> Tufted Titmouse 2 >>> Cardinal 2 >>> Blue jay 1 or 2 now and then >>> Dark-eyed ( slate ) Junco 7 >>> Morning Dove 3 >>> Hairy Woodpecker 2 >>> Downy Woodpecker 2 >>> White breasted Nuthatch 2 >>> Some days its just chickadees. What are others experiencing? >>> Good Birding >>> Peter Manship >>> Lake Pauline >>> Ludlow Vt > > Subject: Re: Unusual Feeder season so far From: Randy Schmidt <randy AT THEVERMONTBIRDPLACE.COM> Date: Sat, 30 Jan 2010 15:45:02 -0500 Here at our store in Manchester I can report many, many customers having the same low feeder season Peter describes. Unusual in that so many even casual bird feeding customers have mentioned it to us - though the past several days have seen an uptick in seed sales. I have noticed that at our home the goldfinch population has quintupled the past 2 days, from zero to five. Only other unusual numbers are titmouse - 9-10 every day, though as mentioned, our feeders are being emptied a bit quicker this past week than has been the norm for this season since November. Juncos, woodpeckers and titmice predominate. Randy Schmidt The Vermont Bird Place & Sky Watch Manchester Center, VT On Jan 30, 2010, at 8:16 AM, Peter Manship wrote: > I was wondering if others are having an unusual feeder season this year, I am. > It has certainly has been much quieter then passed years here on lake > Pauline. No winter finches or Evening Grosbeaks. I had one Pine Siskin back in > late November, non since then. No Red Breasted Nuthatch, even the Blue jay > numbers are way down. First time here on the lake that there is no wintering > Mallards or Canada geese and the most surprising is no Barred Owls. There has > been 3 around here on the lake for as long as I can remember. > This is what has been seen around here lately, any mix of this list on a given > day is what makes up my feeder day right now: > > Chickadee 16 > American Goldfinch 50 ++ this number goes up and down with the weather > Tufted Titmouse 2 > Cardinal 2 > Blue jay 1 or 2 now and then > Dark-eyed ( slate ) Junco 7 > Morning Dove 3 > Hairy Woodpecker 2 > Downy Woodpecker 2 > White breasted Nuthatch 2 > > Some days its just chickadees. What are others experiencing? > > Good Birding > > Peter Manship > Lake Pauline > Ludlow Vt > Subject: Re: Unusual Feeder season so far From: Carol Scott <kayrevt AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Sat, 30 Jan 2010 14:28:14 -0500 Low numbers here too-- with the exception that I'm overrun with mourning doves this year, 10 to 15 at a time sometimes. On Jan 30, 2010, at 12:15 PM, Jane Stein wrote: > Good to hear all the reports of low feeder activity. I've been > having the same, but thinking it was more because I've not been as > consistent as usual this winter in keeping my feeders filled up. > > Jane > Shoreham > > > Peter Manship wrote: >> I was wondering if others are having an unusual feeder season this >> year, I am. It has certainly has been much quieter then passed >> years here on lake Pauline. No winter finches or Evening Grosbeaks. >> I had one Pine Siskin back in late November, non since then. No Red >> Breasted Nuthatch, even the Blue jay numbers are way down. First >> time here on the lake that there is no wintering Mallards or Canada >> geese and the most surprising is no Barred Owls. There has been 3 >> around here on the lake for as long as I can remember. This is what >> has been seen around here lately, any mix of this list on a given >> day is what makes up my feeder day right now: >> Chickadee 16 >> American Goldfinch 50 ++ this number goes up and down with the >> weather >> Tufted Titmouse 2 >> Cardinal 2 >> Blue jay 1 or 2 now and then >> Dark-eyed ( slate ) Junco 7 >> Morning Dove 3 >> Hairy Woodpecker 2 >> Downy Woodpecker 2 >> White breasted Nuthatch 2 >> Some days its just chickadees. What are others experiencing? >> Good Birding >> Peter Manship >> Lake Pauline >> Ludlow Vt Subject: Re: Tree sparrows From: Miriam Lawrence <mlawrence AT HORSESMOUTH.COM> Date: Sat, 30 Jan 2010 13:49:57 -0500 We have 1-3 at our feeders (Monkton) most days. --Miriam Subject: Re: Unusual Feeder season so far From: "michael st. john" <mstjohn AT VERMONTEL.NET> Date: Sat, 30 Jan 2010 13:38:29 -0500 Reduced nubmbers here in Rockingham also. No goldfinches, very few chickadees, few bluejays, no finches. Woodpeckers present: hairy, downy and red bellied. A barred owl spent about 10 minutes hunting on a snowless patch of ground right next to house day before yesterday. Michael St. John Rockingham On Jan 30, 2010, at 1:21 PM, Kay Johnson wrote: Our experience in Hinesburg has been similar to Peter's in Ludlow. I had the same thought about reduced numbers and species of birds at our feeders this winter. We have been keeping feeders filled and have been better at putting out treats such as suet and nuggets but still not as many birds as usual. A typical day last week brought: Chickadee 4-5 American Goldfinch only a dozen or so but agree that they seem to appear in larger numbers in Feb and March Tufted Titmouse 2 Cardinal 2 Blue Jay 2-4 as opposed to typical 8. They are eating the corn on the cob we put our for squirrels Dark-eyed ( slate ) Junco 5 Morning Dove 7 Hairy Woodpecker 1 male Downy Woodpecker one each male and female White breasted Nuthatch 3 Robin in passing flocks of 8-12 Also have seen a Barred Owl and Sharp-shinned Hawk this month on our property. No Pine Siskin, Redpoll, or Red-breasted Nuthatch. We also often see flocks of passing Cedar Waxwing/Bohemian Waxing aroudn Super Bowl weekend. Hope numbers go up by GBBC weekend. Kay and Robert in Hinesburg -----Original Message----- From: Jane Stein To: VTBIRD AT LIST.UVM.EDU Sent: Sat, Jan 30, 2010 12:15 pm Subject: Re: [VTBIRD] Unusual Feeder season so far Good to hear all the reports of low feeder activity. I've been having the same, but thinking it was more because I've not been as consistent as usual this winter in keeping my feeders filled up. Jane Shoreham Peter Manship wrote: > I was wondering if others are having an unusual feeder season this > year, I am. > It has certainly has been much quieter then passed > years here on lake > Pauline. No winter finches or Evening > Grosbeaks. I had one Pine Siskin back in > late November, non since > then. No Red Breasted Nuthatch, even the Blue jay > numbers are way > down. First time here on the lake that there is no wintering > > Mallards or Canada geese and the most surprising is no Barred Owls. > There has > been 3 around here on the lake for as long as I can > remember. > This is what has been seen around here lately, any mix > of this list on a given > day is what makes up my feeder day right > now: >> Chickadee 16 > American Goldfinch 50 ++ this number goes up and down with the weather > Tufted Titmouse 2 > Cardinal 2 > Blue jay 1 or 2 now and then > Dark-eyed ( slate ) Junco 7 > Morning Dove 3 > Hairy Woodpecker 2 > Downy Woodpecker 2 > White breasted Nuthatch 2 >> Some days its just chickadees. What are others experiencing? >> Good Birding >> Peter Manship > Lake Pauline > Ludlow Vt > Subject: Re: Unusual Feeder season so far From: Kay Johnson <kj813 AT AOL.COM> Date: Sat, 30 Jan 2010 13:21:03 -0500 Our experience in Hinesburg has been similar to Peter's in Ludlow. I had the same thought about reduced numbers and species of birds at our feeders this winter. We have been keeping feeders filled and have been better at putting out treats such as suet and nuggets but still not as many birds as usual. A typical day last week brought: Chickadee 4-5 American Goldfinch only a dozen or so but agree that they seem to appear in larger numbers in Feb and March Tufted Titmouse 2 Cardinal 2 Blue Jay 2-4 as opposed to typical 8. They are eating the corn on the cob we put our for squirrels Dark-eyed ( slate ) Junco 5 Morning Dove 7 Hairy Woodpecker 1 male Downy Woodpecker one each male and female White breasted Nuthatch 3 Robin in passing flocks of 8-12 Also have seen a Barred Owl and Sharp-shinned Hawk this month on our property. No Pine Siskin, Redpoll, or Red-breasted Nuthatch. We also often see flocks of passing Cedar Waxwing/Bohemian Waxing aroudn Super Bowl weekend. Hope numbers go up by GBBC weekend. Kay and Robert in Hinesburg -----Original Message----- From: Jane Stein To: VTBIRD AT LIST.UVM.EDU Sent: Sat, Jan 30, 2010 12:15 pm Subject: Re: [VTBIRD] Unusual Feeder season so far Good to hear all the reports of low feeder activity. I've been having the same, but thinking it was more because I've not been as consistent as usual this winter in keeping my feeders filled up. Jane Shoreham Peter Manship wrote: > I was wondering if others are having an unusual feeder season this year, I am. > It has certainly has been much quieter then passed years here on lake > Pauline. No winter finches or Evening Grosbeaks. I had one Pine Siskin back in > late November, non since then. No Red Breasted Nuthatch, even the Blue jay > numbers are way down. First time here on the lake that there is no wintering > Mallards or Canada geese and the most surprising is no Barred Owls. There has > been 3 around here on the lake for as long as I can remember. > This is what has been seen around here lately, any mix of this list on a given > day is what makes up my feeder day right now: > > Chickadee 16 > American Goldfinch 50 ++ this number goes up and down with the weather > Tufted Titmouse 2 > Cardinal 2 > Blue jay 1 or 2 now and then > Dark-eyed ( slate ) Junco 7 > Morning Dove 3 > Hairy Woodpecker 2 > Downy Woodpecker 2 > White breasted Nuthatch 2 > > Some days its just chickadees. What are others experiencing? > > Good Birding > > Peter Manship > Lake Pauline > Ludlow Vt > Subject: Re: Tree sparrows From: Richard Harlow <raharlow AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Sat, 30 Jan 2010 13:07:17 -0500 Nope, you're not alone Bruce. However, we have 5-6 regular Tree Sparrows, and 10-12 regular Junco's and 3-4 Goldfinch. Nothing unusual lately. Yet before the storm and just after the storm we had about a dozen Redwings that would visit the feeders. Other than the regulars, Downy, Hairy, we are surrounded by Chickadees, White-br Nuthatch, and during the warm spell a Red-breasted Nuthatch along with the bully Blue Jays and Mourning Doves, that is about it. I would agree about the Goldfinches, but last year they didn't show up until the end of February, then we had them till the middle of November in very good numbers. I must say we have been visited, only once, by Goshawk, Cooper's and Sharp-shinned this winter. Great birding Richard Richard Harlow Arrowhead Lake Milton, VT Peterson, Bruce wrote: > In reading all the recent posts, I note a complete absence of tree sparrows. We have a flock of about 10-15 at our feeder here in Middlebury. Are we alone? Bruce Peterson > > Subject: Re: Tree sparrows From: Jane Stein <jeshawks AT SHOREHAM.NET> Date: Sat, 30 Jan 2010 13:06:22 -0500 Not alone. I have some, but nowhere near as many as in past years. Jane Shoreham Peterson, Bruce wrote: > In reading all the recent posts, I note a complete absence of tree sparrows. We have a flock of about 10-15 at our feeder here in Middlebury. Are we alone? Bruce Peterson > Subject: Tree sparrows From: "Peterson, Bruce" <peterson AT MIDDLEBURY.EDU> Date: Sat, 30 Jan 2010 12:53:11 -0500 In reading all the recent posts, I note a complete absence of tree sparrows. We have a flock of about 10-15 at our feeder here in Middlebury. Are we alone? Bruce Peterson Subject: Re: Unusual Feeder season so far From: Jane Stein <jeshawks AT SHOREHAM.NET> Date: Sat, 30 Jan 2010 12:15:19 -0500 Good to hear all the reports of low feeder activity. I've been having the same, but thinking it was more because I've not been as consistent as usual this winter in keeping my feeders filled up. Jane Shoreham Peter Manship wrote: > I was wondering if others are having an unusual feeder season this year, I am. > It has certainly has been much quieter then passed years here on lake > Pauline. No winter finches or Evening Grosbeaks. I had one Pine Siskin back in > late November, non since then. No Red Breasted Nuthatch, even the Blue jay > numbers are way down. First time here on the lake that there is no wintering > Mallards or Canada geese and the most surprising is no Barred Owls. There has > been 3 around here on the lake for as long as I can remember. > This is what has been seen around here lately, any mix of this list on a given > day is what makes up my feeder day right now: > > Chickadee 16 > American Goldfinch 50 ++ this number goes up and down with the weather > Tufted Titmouse 2 > Cardinal 2 > Blue jay 1 or 2 now and then > Dark-eyed ( slate ) Junco 7 > Morning Dove 3 > Hairy Woodpecker 2 > Downy Woodpecker 2 > White breasted Nuthatch 2 > > Some days its just chickadees. What are others experiencing? > > Good Birding > > Peter Manship > Lake Pauline > Ludlow Vt > Subject: Re: Unusual Feeder season so far From: Miriam Lawrence <mlawrence AT HORSESMOUTH.COM> Date: Sat, 30 Jan 2010 11:50:28 -0500 At our place in Monkton, it's been very similar to what Linda reports in Milton, except that I haven't seen a pronounced change in numbers since the storm... and I've been surprised at how few goldfinches we've had. 5-10 show up occasionally... But more often they show up in ones and twos. We've had no large flocks of anything. --Miriam Lawrence Subject: Northern Mockingbird in S. Burlington From: William S Schwenk <wschwenk AT UVM.EDU> Date: Sat, 30 Jan 2010 11:45:11 -0500 I saw a Northern Mockingbird this morning in South Burlington at the end of Midland Ave. (Dorset Farms), in a clump of trees among robins and Cedar Waxwings. I occasionally see mockingbirds in South Burlington, but this is the first one I've seen in winter. -- Scott Schwenk S. Burlington Subject: Re: Unusual Feeder season so far From: Pamela Coleman <perryfalcon1013 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Sat, 30 Jan 2010 08:12:08 -0800 Hi Peter,  Low numbers here in Mount Tabor as well.  I do have a pair each of downy and hairy wp, but usually have at least double that.  Last winter and spring I had a pair of red-bellies who exhibited breeding behavior, but once summer came they moved on. ( I did see one briefly at one of my suet feeders a couple weeks ago, and sometimes see one down the street on my daily walks.)   Also have one male cardinal I catch glimpses of occasionally.  I was seeing a pair pretty regularly up until Nov or so.  Juncos are low, chickadees and wb nuthatches the same. I have seen a rb nuthatch pretty regular in the last week or so. Jays are lower, half a dozen or so starlings which is low compared to past years, but their numbers usually increase in late winter.  Like you my goldfinch populations go up and down, and I see 3 or 4 purple/house finches mixed in with them.  I haven't paid much attention to mourning doves, but they may be down somewhat.  I'll pay more attention now.  I haven't seen an evening grosbeak in several years here.  In the mid 90's up until '02 or so I had a large flock (20+), and I couldn't keep my feeders filled fast enough.  I LOVED watching them swoop in and devour the seed.  Around 2003  they started to dwindle, and now...nothing.  I really miss their noisy "cheeps".  Purple/house finch numbers were way up then too. A while back there was a post about some inferior black oil seed that was old and not as nutritious, and birds weren't feeding as much.  I had purchased 3- 50 lb bags at TSC on black Friday for $12 a bag, thinking it was a Black Friday deal. I wonder now if my seed is old and that's why it was so cheap?  Is this why numbers are down? Thoughts anyone?  Pam --- On Sat, 1/30/10, Peter Manship wrote: From: Peter Manship Subject: [VTBIRD] Unusual Feeder season so far To: VTBIRD AT LIST.UVM.EDU Date: Saturday, January 30, 2010, 8:16 AM I was wondering if others are having an unusual feeder season this year, I am. It has certainly has been much quieter then passed years here on lake Pauline. No winter finches or Evening Grosbeaks. I had one Pine Siskin back in late November, non since then. No Red Breasted Nuthatch, even the Blue jay numbers are way down. First time here on the lake that there is no wintering Mallards or Canada geese and the most surprising is no Barred Owls. There has been 3 around here on the lake for as long as I can remember. This is what has been seen around here lately, any mix of this list on a given day is what makes up my feeder day right now: Chickadee  16 American Goldfinch   50 ++ this number goes up and down with the weather Tufted Titmouse  2 Cardinal  2 Blue jay  1 or 2 now and then Dark-eyed ( slate ) Junco  7 Morning Dove 3 Hairy Woodpecker 2 Downy Woodpecker  2 White breasted Nuthatch  2 Some days its just chickadees. What are others experiencing? Good Birding Peter Manship Lake Pauline Ludlow Vt Subject: Re: Unusual Feeder season so far From: Linda Robinson <linda.robinson AT ME.COM> Date: Sat, 30 Jan 2010 10:00:23 -0500 We had decent numbers here in Milton until the big snowstorm early this month with multiple daily visits for both hairy & downy woodpeckers, nuthatches, titmice, goldfinches, juncos. Since then we see an occasional woodpecker, almost no goldfinches. The chickadees are the only regular visitors and that's only about 6. Heard a blue jay yesterday & was sure it was coming for the suet but it never appeared. On Jan 30, 2010, at 8:16 AM, Peter Manship wrote: > I was wondering if others are having an unusual feeder season this > year, I am. > It has certainly has been much quieter then passed years here on lake > Pauline. No winter finches or Evening Grosbeaks. I had one Pine > Siskin back in > late November, non since then. No Red Breasted Nuthatch, even the > Blue jay > numbers are way down. First time here on the lake that there is no > wintering > Mallards or Canada geese and the most surprising is no Barred Owls. > There has > been 3 around here on the lake for as long as I can remember. > This is what has been seen around here lately, any mix of this list > on a given > day is what makes up my feeder day right now: > > Chickadee 16 > American Goldfinch 50 ++ this number goes up and down with the > weather > Tufted Titmouse 2 > Cardinal 2 > Blue jay 1 or 2 now and then > Dark-eyed ( slate ) Junco 7 > Morning Dove 3 > Hairy Woodpecker 2 > Downy Woodpecker 2 > White breasted Nuthatch 2 > > Some days its just chickadees. What are others experiencing? > > Good Birding > > Peter Manship > Lake Pauline > Ludlow Vt