VTBIRD List

Re: Cliff Swallows mud collecting in Hinesburg

Eric Hynes — Fri, 24 May 2013 05:53:20 -0400

Thanks Bruce!

Eric

On Thu, May 23, 2013 at 5:42 PM, Bruce MacPherson wrote:

> Nice photos, Eric. I saw one Cliff Swallow perched on a fence post at
> Lagoon Road when I made the pilgrimage to see the Dunlin on Monday. Also, I
> spotted two Bank Swallows there perched on the telephone wire. A swallow
> bonanza.
>
>
> Bruce MacPherson
> South Burlington
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Eric Hynes
> To: VTBIRD
> Sent: Thu, May 23, 2013 2:17 pm
> Subject: [VTBIRD] Cliff Swallows mud collecting in [...]

Delta Park

Michele Patenaude — Thu, 23 May 2013 23:22:13 -0400

I was at Delta Park in Colchester this morning from 5:45 am to 8:10 and saw or heard 46 species. Some highlights - 10 warbling vireos, 3 Marsh Wrens, a Northern Waterthrush, 5 Great Egrets, a Magnolia Warbler, and a Raven on the river beach complaining loudly while being harassed by 10 Common Grackles. It finally gave up and flew way with the grackles in hot pursuit. [...]

Kent Pond - Killington (99 acres), May 23, 2013

Roy Pilcher — Thu, 23 May 2013 21:30:32 -0400

With the recent rains, the water level of Kent Pond has risen and if the rains continue with a corresponding rise in water levels, the nesting loon may be at risk.

Cheers, Roy Pilcher

-----Original Message-----
From: do-not-reply
To: shamwariVT
Sent: Thu, May 23, 2013 9:09 pm
Subject: eBird Report - Kent Pond - Killington (99 acres), May 23, 2013 [...]

Re: Dunlin seems to be done

Alison Wagner — Thu, 23 May 2013 18:03:10 -0400

Hi~
The Dunlin was not there this morning. The water levels in the treatment
ponds are up, meaning there is very little area for shore birds. There were
the usual suspects of Spotted Sandpipers, snipe and Killdeer.

Speaking of Killdeer.....IF you drive down Lagoon Road, please be very
mindful of what/who is IN the road. And do not drive/park/ turn around on
the grass! Today I chatted with Kahan, who works for the town, and he told
me there is a nest in the grass beyond the solar panels. He carefully
avoided the nest while mowing (another Steward for Plovers). [...]

Radar Redux

Bryan Pfeiffer — Thu, 23 May 2013 17:59:03 -0400

Greetings, VTBIRDers:

A few folks have asked me about the NEXRAD imagery I mentioned in my
recent blog post about foul-weather birding. I've updated the post with
better radar links:
http://bryanpfeiffer.com/2013/05/22/the-forecast-calls-for-birds/

The post now includes a loop showing what are most likely birds taking
off into migration the night before Ruth and I encountered 74 species
during a late-morning walk at Berlin Pond on May 21. I don't claim to
have much expertise on radar. But in the post watch the May 20 video for
the blue cloud-like eruptions that start at about 9pm Eastern Standard
Time. Very cool. [...]

West Rutland Marsh - May 23

Susan Elliott — Thu, 23 May 2013 14:47:29 -0700

Despite it being mid afternoon, there was a nice selection of birds at West Rutland Marsh today. Although we have seen Osprey flying high over the marsh, this was the first time we've seen one actively diving for prey in the open water there. 32 species Canada Goose 2 American Bittern 1 Osprey 1 Virginia Rail 1 Wilson's Snipe 1 Rock Pigeon 4 Mourning Dove 8 Alder Flycatcher 2 Willow Flycatcher 1 Least Flycatcher 1 Eastern Kingbird 6 Warbling Vireo 3 Red-eyed Vireo 3 American Crow 2 Tree Swallow 1 Black-capped Chickadee 3 Marsh Wren 6 Veery 4 Hermit Thrush [...]

Bomoseen State Park and Glen Lake Unit - May 23

Susan Elliott — Thu, 23 May 2013 14:44:37 -0700

It was a good day for both waterthrushes at Bomoseen State Park and the Glen Lake Unit of the park this morning. Also, a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher in the campground was a first for us at that location. Bomoseen State Park 31 species Canada Goose 1 Turkey Vulture 2 Red-bellied Woodpecker 1 Eastern Wood-Pewee 1 Least Flycatcher 1 Eastern Phoebe 2 Eastern Kingbird 1 Yellow-throated Vireo 1 Warbling Vireo 4 Red-eyed Vireo 2 American Crow 1 Black-capped Chickadee 1 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 1 Eastern Bluebird 1 American Robin 4 Gray Catbird 1 European Starling 5 Cedar Waxwing 1 Louisiana Waterthrush 1 [...]

Re: Cliff Swallows mud collecting in Hinesburg

Bruce MacPherson — Thu, 23 May 2013 17:42:21 -0400

Nice photos, Eric. I saw one Cliff Swallow perched on a fence post at Lagoon Road when I made the pilgrimage to see the Dunlin on Monday. Also, I spotted two Bank Swallows there perched on the telephone wire. A swallow bonanza.

Bruce MacPherson
South Burlington

-----Original Message-----
From: Eric Hynes
To: VTBIRD
Sent: Thu, May 23, 2013 2:17 pm
Subject: [VTBIRD] Cliff Swallows mud collecting in Hinesburg [...]

Bicknell's

Hilary McClure — Thu, 23 May 2013 17:32:50 -0400

An ebird search made me think it was a bit early for a Bicknell's Thrush on
Mt. Mansfield, but I had a job today at the radio tower building, so I had
to give it a try. Luckily for me, there were two gents from the U.K. who
were on the same mission, and they had a recording to play. I gave them the
bad news from ebird, and we went to the far end of the parking lot where I
thought I had heard a thrush-like call on my way in. Pretty soon, a
Bicknell's flitted in to a [...]

flycatchers - Brandon, May 23, 2013

Sue Wetmore — Thu, 23 May 2013 17:45:54 +0000

Nice to hear both empids calling.

Sue Wetmore

----- Forwarded Message -----

From: do-not-reply@ebird.org
To: 2birdvt@comcast.net
Sent: Thursday, May 23, 2013 1:43:18 PM
Subject: eBird Report - Brandon, May 23, 2013

Brandon, Rutland, US-VT
May 23, 2013 9:00 AM - 9:30 AM
Protocol: Traveling
1.0 mile(s)
21 species

Canada Goose 2
Killdeer 2
Mourning Dove 1
Eastern Wood-Pewee 1
Alder Flycatcher 2
Willow Flycatcher 2
Eastern Kingbird 1
Blue Jay 1
American Crow 2
Common Raven 1
Gray Catbird 1
Brown Thrasher 3 pair plus one other singing male
European Starling 9
Common Yellowthroat 2
Yellow Warbler 1
[...]

blackpoll- Maple St, Brandon, May 23, 2013

Sue Wetmore — Thu, 23 May 2013 17:45:06 +0000

Warblers in lesser numbers this morning but still gleaning larval worms from the tree. A brief call from a Y.B. cuckoo was a treat.

Sue Wetmore

----- Forwarded Message -----

From: do-not-reply@ebird.org
To: 2birdvt@comcast.net
Sent: Thursday, May 23, 2013 1:38:47 PM
Subject: eBird Report - Maple St, Brandon, May 23, 2013

Maple St, Brandon, Rutland, US-VT
May 23, 2013 6:30 AM - 8:30 AM
Protocol: Stationary
30 species [...]

Bears

Jane Stein — Thu, 23 May 2013 13:26:41 -0400

Interesting article in the Addison Independent on the increase in bear
sightings, particularly west of Route 7 in the Champlain Valley.

Jane

(Shoreham)

http://addisonindependent.com/201305bears-get-bolder-their-numbers-rise

Re: Cliff Swallows mud collecting in Hinesburg

Miriam Lawrence — Thu, 23 May 2013 12:21:00 -0400

You can also get nice looks at these birds along the dirt road that leads to the sewage treatment facility (just down the Charlotte Road from Green Street) where the Dunlin has been seen over the past week.

When I was there Tuesday, I ran into Larry Haugh, who first spotted one Cliff Swallow among the Barn and Tree swallows flying over the treatment pool (where we were watching the Dunlin and sandpipers). Then we saw a good five or six teed up on the telephone line along the road -- plus a bonus: a snipe posing on a fencepost [...]

Cliff Swallows mud collecting in Hinesburg

Eric Hynes — Thu, 23 May 2013 11:30:37 -0400

Hello Vermont Birders:

If anyone is interested in point blank views of Cliff Swallows, Hinesburg
is a sure bet right now. From Route 116, at the light at Lantman's grocery
store, turn onto the Charlotte Road. The first left is Green Street.
Immediately after turning onto Green Street, watch the muddy puddles on the
right. They are coming here (five or six at a time) every few minutes right
now. [...]

Brattleboro shorebirds

hg2@myfairpoint.net — Thu, 23 May 2013 08:45:37 -0400

The storms of yesterday having moved out, the shorebird numbers at the retreat meadows are down. All the dowitchers are gone but there are now 2 Dublin in their place. Also still around are 4 semi- p plovers, 10 least sands, and about 6 spotted sands

Hector Galbraith
802 258 4836
802 222 1916 (cell)

More backyard warblers

UVM — Thu, 23 May 2013 08:35:22 -0400

Tennessee
Wilson's
Nashville
American redstart

All singing in my backyard in South Burlington this morning.

Scott

Sent from my iPhone

Ruby-throated Hummingbirds in Swanton

Robert Salter — Wed, 22 May 2013 21:20:14 -0400

Ruby-throated Hummingbirds showed up in my back yard this morning for
the first time this year.

http://imageshack.us/a/img443/1608/bobvt20130522hummer9.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img17/7316/bobvt20130522hummer3.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img811/7172/bobvt20130522hummer2.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img826/4648/bobvt20130522hummer1.jpg

Bob Salter
Swanton, VT

Re: Kirtland's Warbler

Robert Salter — Wed, 22 May 2013 21:06:54 -0400

Thanks Kyle. I'm still learning.

Bob

On May 22, 2013, at 8:59 PM, Kyle Kittelberger wrote:

> Bob,
>
> Unfortunately both your birds are Magnolia Warblers. The first I
> believe is a first year bird, while the second looks more like an
> adult.
>
> Cheers,
> Kyle Kittelberger
> Dartmouth
>
>
> ________________________________
> From: Robert Salter
> To: VTBIRD@LIST.UVM.EDU
> Sent: Wednesday, May 22, 2013 8:55 PM
> Subject: [VTBIRD] Kirtland's Warbler
>
>
> It was a great morning today, saw my first humming birds of the year
> and this warbler [...]

Re: Kirtland's Warbler

Kyle Kittelberger — Wed, 22 May 2013 17:59:30 -0700

Bob, Unfortunately both your birds are Magnolia Warblers. The first I believe is a first year bird, while the second looks more like an adult. Cheers, Kyle Kittelberger Dartmouth ________________________________ From: Robert Salter To: VTBIRD@LIST.UVM.EDU Sent: Wednesday, May 22, 2013 8:55 PM Subject: [VTBIRD] Kirtland's Warbler It was a great morning today, saw my first humming birds of the year and this warbler in my backyard. I think it's a Kirtland's Warbler, first for me. Can anyone confirm it from the pictures? I believe they are two different birds. http://imageshack.us/a/img835/7727/bobvt20130522kirtlandsw.jpg http://imageshack.us/a/img824/7727/bobvt20130522kirtlandsw.jpg Thanks, Bob Salter Swanton, VT

Kirtland's Warbler

Robert Salter — Wed, 22 May 2013 20:55:42 -0400

It was a great morning today, saw my first humming birds of the year
and this warbler in my backyard. I think it's a Kirtland's Warbler,
first for me. Can anyone confirm it from the pictures? I believe
they are two different birds.

http://imageshack.us/a/img835/7727/bobvt20130522kirtlandsw.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img824/7727/bobvt20130522kirtlandsw.jpg

Thanks,
Bob Salter
Swanton, VT

Re: Nighthawk

Anne Hunter and Andrew Knafel — Wed, 22 May 2013 20:43:46 -0400

Nighthawk in Shaftsbury this PM.
Andrew Knafel
Shaftsbury!

On May 22, 2013, at 8:35 PM, Ron Payne wrote:

> I also had a Nighthawk forging north over Otter View Park in Middlebury this evening.
> --
> Ron Payne
> Middlebury, VT
>
> On Wed, 22 May 2013 20:34:10 -0400, Sue Wetmore <2birdvt@COMCAST.NET> wrote:
> Two nighthawks over my house now, 8:30 pm.
>>
>> Sue Wetmore
>> Brandon
>>
>> TestSent from my iPod
>>
>>

Fred Bates — Thu, 23 May 2013 00:38:46 +0000

I also had 2 Night Hawks here in Rutland between 7&8pm. Also 8 Chimney Swifts.
Fred Bates
Rutland

Re: Nighthawk

Ron Payne — Wed, 22 May 2013 20:35:08 -0400

I also had a Nighthawk forging north over Otter View Park in Middlebury
this evening.

--
Ron Payne
Middlebury, VT

On Wed, 22 May 2013 20:34:10 -0400, Sue Wetmore <2birdvt@COMCAST.NET> wrote:
Two nighthawks over my house now, 8:30 pm.
>
> Sue Wetmore
> Brandon
>
> TestSent from my iPod
>
>

Nighthawk

Sue Wetmore — Wed, 22 May 2013 20:34:10 -0400

Two nighthawks over my house now, 8:30 pm.

Sue Wetmore
Brandon

TestSent from my iPod

Re: Fallout

Bryan Pfeiffer — Wed, 22 May 2013 17:00:17 -0400

Greetings, VTBIRDers:

To follow up on the fallout reports, here's some news from Berlin Pond
(including Bay-breasted Warbler, 16 other warbler species, and 7.5
flycatcher species) as well as other reasons why you should go birding
in crappy weather this week:

http://bryanpfeiffer.com/2013/05/22/the-forecast-calls-for-birds/

Best,
Bryan Pfeiffer

Nashville- Hollow Rd., Brandon, May 22, 2013

Sue Wetmore — Wed, 22 May 2013 18:49:12 +0000

Nashville warbler sang while 3 turkeys sashayed across the road.

Sue Wetmore

----- Forwarded Message -----

From: do-not-reply@ebird.org
To: 2birdvt@comcast.net
Sent: Wednesday, May 22, 2013 2:45:05 PM
Subject: eBird Report - Hollow Rd., Brandon, May 22, 2013

Hollow Rd., Brandon, Rutland, US-VT
May 22, 2013 12:45 AM - 2:15 AM
Protocol: Traveling
1.5 mile(s)
21 species

Wild Turkey 3
Red-shouldered Hawk 1
Alder Flycatcher 1
Great Crested Flycatcher 1
Red-eyed Vireo 4
Common Raven 1
Tree Swallow 1
Swainson's Thrush 1
Hermit Thrush 1
Gray Catbird 2
Ovenbird 4
Nashville Warbler 1
Common Yellowthroat 3
Yellow Warbler 1
Chestnut-sided Warbler [...]

blackpolls - Maple St, Brandon, May 22, 2013

Sue Wetmore — Wed, 22 May 2013 18:48:06 +0000

My yard has been alive with migrants----blackpolls in unheard of numbers and still feeding as of 2:30 this afternoon.

I had a brief but great view of the singing Tennessee warbler.

Sue Wetmore

----- Forwarded Message -----

From: do-not-reply@ebird.org
To: 2birdvt@comcast.net
Sent: Wednesday, May 22, 2013 2:39:27 PM
Subject: eBird Report - Maple St, Brandon, May 22, 2013 [...]

Cuckoos

Roy Pilcher — Wed, 22 May 2013 14:18:46 -0400

While checking on the Pied-billed Grebe nest off Route 73 in Brandon, I heard a Yellow-billed Cuckoo in the willow shrubs adjacent to the road. Later on Willow Brook Road in Sudbury I heard and then observed a Black-billed Cuckoo.

Incidentally, the grasses/sedges have grown too thick to see the Pied-billed Grebe nest. However, two adults were observed, [no chicks], and a third bird heard only from a different locality. [...]

Re: Fallout

Scott W. Morrical — Wed, 22 May 2013 12:38:58 -0400

Checked again at lunchtime - add 2 singing Tennessee Warblers to the
list below!

Scott

Quoting UVM :

> My neighborhood in South Burlington is hopping with warblers and
> other migrants this morning! Lots of Blackpoll Warblers. Also
> Nashville, Yellow, Magnolia, American Redstart, Blackburnian,
> Black-throated Green, Yellow-rumped. Also Red-eyed Vireo, Gray
> Catbird, Great Crested Flycatcher, Pine Siskins.
>
> Scott Morrical
>
> Sent from my iPhone

Re: Fallout

Rick Renaud — Wed, 22 May 2013 12:30:30 -0400

Tennessee and Blackpoll in good numbers in the Intervale as well.

-----Original Message-----
From: Vermont Birds [mailto:VTBIRD@list.uvm.edu] On Behalf Of Sue Wetmore
Sent: Wednesday, May 22, 2013 11:03 AM
To: VTBIRD@LIST.UVM.EDU
Subject: Re: [VTBIRD] Fallout

Same here in Brandon. I have never had the numbers of blackpolls in the yard plus. Tenn. Warblers singing.
Sue Wetmore
Brandon

TestSent from my iPod [...]

Northwood Park, Rutland Town - May

Susan Elliott — Wed, 22 May 2013 08:27:08 -0700

After last night's wild storm, there was bird song this morning at Northwood Park. One of the Indigo Buntings has returned to its usual spot. 40 species Mallard 3 Killdeer 1 Spotted Sandpiper 2 Belted Kingfisher 1 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1 Pileated Woodpecker 2 Eastern Wood-Pewee 1 Eastern Phoebe 1 Great Crested Flycatcher 1 Blue-headed Vireo 1 Red-eyed Vireo 5 Blue Jay 5 American Crow 7 Common Raven 1 Tree Swallow 2 Black-capped Chickadee 7 Brown Creeper 2 Winter Wren 2 Veery 3 Hermit Thrush 2 American Robin 2 Gray Catbird 1 Ovenbird 7 Louisiana Waterthrush 1 Common Yellowthroat 7 American [...]

Re: Fallout

Sue Wetmore — Wed, 22 May 2013 11:03:03 -0400

Same here in Brandon. I have never had the numbers of blackpolls in the yard plus. Tenn. Warblers singing.
Sue Wetmore
Brandon

TestSent from my iPod

On May 22, 2013, at 9:36 AM, UVM wrote:

> My neighborhood in South Burlington is hopping with warblers and other migrants this morning! Lots of Blackpoll Warblers. Also Nashville, Yellow, Magnolia, American Redstart, Blackburnian, Black-throated Green, Yellow-rumped. Also Red-eyed Vireo, Gray Catbird, Great Crested Flycatcher, Pine Siskins.
>
> Scott Morrical
>
> Sent from my iPhone

Brattleboro shorebird fall-out

hg2@myfairpoint.net — Wed, 22 May 2013 10:50:18 -0400

After last nights severe and protracted storms there was a fall-out of shorebirds at the retreat meadows:

Short-billed dowitchers. 53 (all of race griseus, no hendersoni)
Semi-p plover. 4
Greater yellowlegs. 6
Least sand. 10
Spotted sand. 8

Hector Galbraith
802 258 4836
802 222 1916 (cell)

Fallout

UVM — Wed, 22 May 2013 09:36:16 -0400

My neighborhood in South Burlington is hopping with warblers and other migrants this morning! Lots of Blackpoll Warblers. Also Nashville, Yellow, Magnolia, American Redstart, Blackburnian, Black-throated Green, Yellow-rumped. Also Red-eyed Vireo, Gray Catbird, Great Crested Flycatcher, Pine Siskins.

Scott Morrical

Sent from my iPhone

Sharon Riley — Tue, 21 May 2013 23:29:23 -0400

referral program http://sanleandrolinks.com/361261.php

From: Sharon Riley 5/22/2013 4:29:22 AM

Re: Coming to Bennington

Amanda Pompili — Wed, 22 May 2013 02:42:19 +0000

Anyone want to join me at Greenberg this weekend? Theresa? Mundi? Anyone else?

Re: Dunlin still present in the 'burg

mark paul — Tue, 21 May 2013 19:31:43 -0400

and the chorus of American toads!

Hi Graham, I was leaving as you were pulling in. thanks for the I.D. on the L. Sandpipers.

Mark

On May 21, 2013, at 5:42 PM, Graham Bates wrote:

> Today I took a slight detour on the way home today to see if the Dunlin was still present in hinesburg. It took a few minutes to see it, but it was there! Beautiful bird in breeding plumage as reported by Ali (thanks for the report, life bird dance!!!). It was accompanied by a small flock (8 or so) of Least sandpipers (I'm no [...]

Sound attachment

Larry Levine — Tue, 21 May 2013 18:37:26 -0400

My sound attachment was rejected by the listserve. If you are truly
interested in hearing it, email me off the list please.

Larry Levine
Jericho

Common Nighthawk in WAitsfield

Pat Folsom — Tue, 21 May 2013 18:37:20 -0400

I was out in the garden about 6:15 PM when I heard the peent of a Common
Nighthawk. I looked up, no binos of course, to see it fly over the house,
then off to the north. This is the first time I've ever seen one here in
spring and only once in fall. [...]

Oriole and odd sounding Wood Thrush

Larry Levine — Tue, 21 May 2013 18:32:42 -0400

While walking w/ my pooch this early and humid evening at Mills Riverside
Park in Jericho, I spotted my FOY B Oriole.
While up in the woods I heard a strange sounding Wood Thrush w/ an
introductory whistle like a Cardinal. At first I thought it was a different
bird but it sang like this for at least 10 min. No, it was not a Hermit
Thrush if that's what you're thinking. . Definitely a WT.
I'll send a voice file to the listserve so you all can listen. [...]

Dunlin still present in the 'burg

Graham Bates — Tue, 21 May 2013 17:42:58 -0400

Today I took a slight detour on the way home today to see if the Dunlin was still present in hinesburg. It took a few minutes to see it, but it was there! Beautiful bird in breeding plumage as reported by Ali (thanks for the report, life bird dance!!!). It was accompanied by a small flock (8 or so) of Least sandpipers (I'm no shorebird expert, but the small size and thin, small, slightly drooping bill clued me in) and a single spotted sandpiper. All birds were actively foraging in the muddy pool margins. [...]

Bobolink

Fred Bates — Tue, 21 May 2013 20:44:05 +0000

A male Bobolink in the field at the northeast corner of Prospect Hill Road and North Grove Street in Rutland town, around 3:30 pm today.
Fred and Lana Bates
Rutland

BirdFest at NBNC June 1st!

Kenneth Benton — Tue, 21 May 2013 10:44:19 -0400

Hi VTBirders,

In just under two weeks, on June 1st, the North Branch Nature Center will
be holding our 2nd annual BirdFest. The line-up of walks, talks,
workshops, and activities will be perfect for all ages and experience
levels. The day will kick off at 7 a.m. with a birding by ear walk led by
Nona Estrin. The rest of the day will be filled with bird banding demos,
bird walks and workshops, live raptor presentations, art exhibits, wood
carving demonstration, storytelling and activities for children. At noon,
a keynote presentation will be delivered by Margaret Fowle, of Vermont
Audubon, [...]

Swifts

Fred Bates — Tue, 21 May 2013 11:58:35 +0000

Since our move to a second floor apartment in Rutland city, we see many chimney swifts every evening, going into the chimneys of the Baptist Church and the Congregational Church. Normally we see as many as 8-10 in the early evening hours. Still no Hummingbirds to our second floor feeder.
Fred and Lana Bates
Rutland

fw: hello

Sharon Riley — Tue, 21 May 2013 07:16:09 -0400

http://www.theta-therapy.net/hdvtj.php/htdocs/hdvtj.php

Sharon Riley

Re: swifts galore

Scott Sainsbury — Mon, 20 May 2013 20:19:32 -0400

Interesting Roy,
Are you actually able to see their nest?
S

On May 20, 2013, at 8:05 PM, Roy Pilcher wrote:

> Nesting pair of Chimney swifts at Kent Pond today.
>
> Cheers Roy Pilcher
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Alison Wagner
> To: VTBIRD
> Sent: Mon, May 20, 2013 8:00 pm
> Subject: Re: [VTBIRD] swifts galore
>
>
> With the Hinesburders this morning, we counted 15 Swifts! That's a new
> all-time high for me at Hinesburg Community School. The kids didn't seem
> too impressed by "Nature's original gliders," as [...]

Re: swifts galore

Roy Pilcher — Mon, 20 May 2013 20:05:45 -0400

Nesting pair of Chimney swifts at Kent Pond today.

Cheers Roy Pilcher

-----Original Message-----
From: Alison Wagner
To: VTBIRD
Sent: Mon, May 20, 2013 8:00 pm
Subject: Re: [VTBIRD] swifts galore

With the Hinesburders this morning, we counted 15 Swifts! That's a new
all-time high for me at Hinesburg Community School. The kids didn't seem
too impressed by "Nature's original gliders," as I like to call them, until
I explained their behavior! [...]

Re: swifts galore

Alison Wagner — Mon, 20 May 2013 20:00:46 -0400

With the Hinesburders this morning, we counted 15 Swifts! That's a new
all-time high for me at Hinesburg Community School. The kids didn't seem
too impressed by "Nature's original gliders," as I like to call them, until
I explained their behavior!

Ali
Huntington

-----Original Message-----
From: Scott Sainsbury
Sent: Monday, May 20, 2013 7:54 PM
To: VTBIRD@LIST.UVM.EDU
Subject: Re: [VTBIRD] swifts galore [...]

Re: swifts galore

Scott Sainsbury — Mon, 20 May 2013 19:54:42 -0400

Happy to see a good number -- 10+ -- of Swifts in Waterbury today. Always a thrill to see the acrobats at work.
Scott
Moretown

On May 20, 2013, at 6:14 PM, Ken Copenhaver wrote:

> Sorry to hear that. That probably explains why I haven't seen any recent
> Swift reports from Bennington on VTBird. I just checked eBird and there
> have been only a few reports of small numbers of swifts in the past 10
> years. I saw them in May 2008, but didn't report them on eBird.
>
> --Ken Copenhaver
>
>
> On [...]

Swifts

Sue Wetmore — Mon, 20 May 2013 19:13:35 -0400

Swifts have finally made themselves known in Brandon.

Sue Wetmore

TestSent from my iPod

Re: swifts galore

Ken Copenhaver — Mon, 20 May 2013 18:14:23 -0400

Sorry to hear that. That probably explains why I haven't seen any recent
Swift reports from Bennington on VTBird. I just checked eBird and there
have been only a few reports of small numbers of swifts in the past 10
years. I saw them in May 2008, but didn't report them on eBird. [...]

Re: swifts galore

Bonnie Dundas — Mon, 20 May 2013 15:24:55 -0400

Hi Ken,
My husband tells me there was a brick building on the corner several years
ago but was torn down. Sad for the swifts, sad for us.
Bonnie

-----Original Message-----
From: Ken Copenhaver
Sent: Monday, May 13, 2013 10:15 PM
To: VTBIRD@LIST.UVM.EDU
Subject: Re: [VTBIRD] swifts galore

Hi Bonnie,

I just looked at a list of Bennington hotels and I think it was the
Kirkside Motor Lodge on West Main St. We were walking back from dinner
downtown, so we were headed west on Main St. The building with the large
brick chimney was on the left, set back [...]

snipe - Union St Brandon, May 20, 2013

Sue Wetmore — Mon, 20 May 2013 19:06:57 +0000

A snipe was displaying and then landed on a high branch where it called incessantly------ desperate for a date no doubt!

Sue Wetmore

----- Forwarded Message -----

From: do-not-reply@ ebird .org
To: 2birdvt@comcast.net
Sent: Monday, May 20, 2013 3:04:43 PM
Subject: eBird Report - Union St Brandon, May 20, 2013

Union St Brandon, Rutland , US-VT
May 20, 2013 7:30 AM - 8:40 AM
Protocol: Traveling
0.5 mile(s)
28 species [...]

GMAS Birdathon Bird List

Bruce MacPherson — Mon, 20 May 2013 13:25:59 -0400

We identified a whopping 75 species at the Catamount Outdoor Family Center in Williston during our Birdathon on Saturday. Highlights were a pair of Orchard Orioles discovered by Ali Wagner and Tom Jiamachello and a total of 16 species of warblers. Here is the list.

Bruce MacPherson
GMAS

Canada Goose
Mallard
American Bittern
Green Heron
Ruffed Grouse
Ring-billed Gull
Northern Harrier
Broad-winged Hawk
Sharp-shinned Hawk
American Kestrel
Turkey Vulture
Mourning Dove
Northern Flicker
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Hairy Woodpecker
Great-crested Flycatcher
Least Flycatcher
Eastern Wood-pewee
Eastern Phoebe
Eastern Kingbird
Barn Swallow
Tree Swallow
Chimney Swift
American Crow
Blue Jay
Common Raven
Black-capped [...]

Grafton Weekend

Joe Cuoco — Mon, 20 May 2013 13:13:41 -0400

Spent the weekend just outside of Grafton VT multiple Ruby-throated Humming Birds, A pair of Barred Owls calling to each other, Baltimore Oriole and a Pileated Woodpecker

Joseph M. Cuoco CRA

Orioles eating orange

Veer Frost — Mon, 20 May 2013 09:26:39 -0700

If anyone else was daft enough, as I was, to buy Gardeners supply ROUND, funnel shaped suet feeders, here's some consolation: they hold two orange quarters perfectly and offer the dazzling couple good purchase for snacking!... I counted four minutes, certainly the longest I've been in the presence of a pair of these beauties (except the ones in the Fairbanks museum!). [...]

Re: Dunlin

Miriam Lawrence — Mon, 20 May 2013 11:55:27 -0400

Patricia, from 116 (Main Street) in Hinesburg, turn onto the Charlotte Road (at the light in front of Lantmans market). Drive about 3/4 mile, and there's a dirt road called Lagoon Road going off to the right, near a big solar array. Drive down that road, park, you'll see a fence right next to the gate at the top of a little embankment. Dunlin is inside the fenced pool, on the south side last I saw it (10 minutes ago). [...]

Re: Dunlin

Miriam Lawrence — Mon, 20 May 2013 11:49:28 -0400

Still there as of 11:45 am this morning... Giving lovely looks. All alone save for one Least Sandpiper -- and one very vocal Killdeer outside the fence.

Thanks for the location tips, Allison and Tom!

Miriam Lawrence

On May 20, 2013, at 6:47 AM, Tom Jiamachello wrote:

> Miriam,
>
> Mae & Bill Mayville, Jim Mead and I saw the Dunlin in gorgeous breeding plumage there Sunday afternoon, along with a Spotted Sandpiper in breeding plumage and 23 Least Sandpipers to boot. We were there around 2 p.m.
>
> Tom Jiamachello, Essex Junction
>

Re: Dunlin

Patricia Fontaine — Mon, 20 May 2013 11:46:15 -0400

Could someone please describe where this location is in Hinesburg?
Grateful for all the great postings!
Thanks very much.
Patricia

Sent from my iPhone

On May 20, 2013, at 6:47 AM, Tom Jiamachello wrote:

> Miriam,
>
> Mae & Bill Mayville, Jim Mead and I saw the Dunlin in gorgeous breeding plumage there Sunday afternoon, along with a Spotted Sandpiper in breeding plumage and 23 Least Sandpipers to boot. We were there around 2 p.m.
>
> Tom Jiamachello, Essex Junction
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Miriam Lawrence
> To: VTBIRD
> Sent: Sun, [...]

Ovenbirds

vtfiliberti — Mon, 20 May 2013 09:44:05 -0400

I know they are loud, frequent, and noticeable vocalists, but I've been noticing more than usual this year. In a brief early morning walk through my 10 acres this morning I counted 8 different birds. Past years the same area held 3 or 4 at the most. Am I just fortunate to have a plethora this year, or does this seem to be the trend everywhere? I've heard a few people comment on a lot of them being present in their counts, but I'm curious as to how widespread this occurrence might be. [...]

Ken Sturm — Mon, 20 May 2013 09:20:44 -0400

The Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge hosted it's annual International Migratory Bird Day celebration and bird count on Sunday. With over 20 participants we counted 101 species just on the refuge, a new record for a count that is been going on since 1999. Our list (in modified alphabetical order, sorry) is below. Please consider coming out next May and help us try to set a new record!
**Great Black-Backed Gull
*American Bittern*American Crow*American Goldfinch*American Redstart*American Robin*Baltimore Oriole*Barn Swallow*Belted Kingfisher*Black Tern*Black-Capped Chickadee*Blue Jay*Blue-Headed Vireo*Blue-Winged Teal*Bobolink*Brown-Headed Cowbird*Canada Goose*Chipping Sparrow*Common Goldeneye*Common Grackle*Common Moorhen*Common Yellowthroat*Double Crested Cormorant*Downy woodpecker*Eastern Kingbird*Eastern Meadowlark*Eastern Phoebe*European Starling*Gray Catbird*Great Blue [...]

Re: Dunlin

Tom Jiamachello — Mon, 20 May 2013 06:47:13 -0400

Miriam,

Mae & Bill Mayville, Jim Mead and I saw the Dunlin in gorgeous
breeding plumage there Sunday afternoon, along with a Spotted Sandpiper
in breeding plumage and 23 Least Sandpipers to boot. We were there
around 2 p.m.

Tom Jiamachello, Essex Junction

-----Original Message-----
From: Miriam Lawrence
To: VTBIRD
Sent: Sun, May 19, 2013 11:23 pm
Subject: Re: Dunlin [...]

Merlin

JJ Allen — Mon, 20 May 2013 05:43:48 -0400

Merlin in Montpelier Sunday

Re: Dunlin

Miriam Lawrence — Sun, 19 May 2013 23:23:18 -0400

Has anyone seen this bird again since the sighting yesterday?

--Miriam Lawrence

On May 18, 2013, at 7:26 PM, alison wagner wrote:

> There is a Dunlin at the Hinesburg Sewage plant on Lagoon road, seen at
> 4:30 and then later by Erik Hynes....

Ethan Allen Park

Michele Patenaude — Sun, 19 May 2013 20:42:58 -0400

This morning I observed 31 species in Ethan Allen Park off North Avenue in Burlington. I am sure I missed some. Although I live about a mile and a half from this park, I have not explored it much. It is a very "birdy" place. Well worth the visit. (This is not Ethan Allen Homestead Park in the Intervale.) [...]

birds and plants

Liz Lee — Sun, 19 May 2013 19:57:08 -0400

There was an excellent piece on WCAX about the impact of invasive plants
on bird populations. Please watch and then take a gander at your
landscaping!

http://www.wcax.com/story/22275378/the-invaders-honeysuckle-and-buckthorn

Liz Lee
Hinesburg

Osprey hopes dashed

Walter Medwid — Sun, 19 May 2013 18:01:39 -0400

After a couple of exciting weeks of aerial displays and vocalizations, and occupation of a long abandoned nest, only a single bird remains at the nest site. No mate has been observed inthe last couple of days. The one osprey looks down at the nest and then scans the sky. It will be interesting to see how long it remains on vigil. After all the investment made in securing this site it is tough to see this not pan out with some new chicks. From Derby-Lake memphremagog. [...]

Re: Windsor, Marton Road area birds PHOTOS

Ruth Stewart — Sun, 19 May 2013 16:53:11 -0400

FABULOUS photos, Jim. So nice of the apple tree to oblige.

Ruth Stewart
E. Dorset, VT

> Date: Sun, 19 May 2013 14:15:24 -0400
> From: jab@VALLEY.NET
> Subject: [VTBIRD] Windsor, Marton Road area birds PHOTOS
> To: VTBIRD@LIST.UVM.EDU
>
> Yesterday morning I found some very colorful birds and a Veery plain one
> along Marton Road in Windsor Vermont. Photos of Blue-winged Warbler,
> Magnolia Warbler, White-throated Sparrow, Veery, Indigo Bunting, and
> Chestnut-sided Warbler can be found at:
>
> http://www.jimblockphoto.com/2013/05/marton-road-area-birds/
>
> Jim Block
> Etna, NH

Rutland County Audubon - Century Count XVIII on May 26

Susan Elliott — Sun, 19 May 2013 13:37:37 -0700

Rutland County Audubon's Century Count XVIII will be held on Sunday, May 26. This all-day attempt to tally 100 or species in the county's best birding spots is a highlight of the year for RCAS friends and supporters. Meet at the West Rutland Price Chopper parking lot at 6 AM. Bring lunch. Come for the whole day or part. Free and open to all! More details can be found here. http://rutlandcountyaudubon.org/journal/2013/5/19/century-count-xviii.html

gnatcatchers Union St Brandon, May 19, 2013

Sue Wetmore — Sun, 19 May 2013 19:27:55 +0000

A short tour in the light rain found among others the gnatchers on the nest.

Sue Wetmore

----- Forwarded Message -----

From: do-not-reply@ebird.org
To: 2birdvt@comcast.net
Sent: Sunday, May 19, 2013 3:25:42 PM
Subject: eBird Report - Union St Brandon, May 19, 2013

Union St Brandon, Rutland, US-VT
May 19, 2013 2:30 PM - 3:05 PM
Protocol: Traveling
0.5 mile(s)
28 species [...]

Windsor, Marton Road area birds PHOTOS

Jim Block — Sun, 19 May 2013 14:15:24 -0400

Yesterday morning I found some very colorful birds and a Veery plain one
along Marton Road in Windsor Vermont. Photos of Blue-winged Warbler,
Magnolia Warbler, White-throated Sparrow, Veery, Indigo Bunting, and
Chestnut-sided Warbler can be found at:

http://www.jimblockphoto.com/2013/05/marton-road-area-birds/

Jim Block
Etna, NH

Hawk Hill Trails, Brandon, VT, May 19, 2013

Sue Wetmore — Sun, 19 May 2013 17:42:07 +0000

This morning a walk around the trails produced an astounding 16 ovenbirds, some in territorial disputes. Thrushes singing were the big treat.

Sue Wetmore

----- Forwarded Message -----

From: do-not-reply@ebird.org
To: 2birdvt@comcast.net
Sent: Sunday, May 19, 2013 1:32:58 PM
Subject: eBird Report - Hawk Hill Trails, Brandon, VT, May 19, 2013

Hawk Hill Trails, Brandon, VT, Rutland, US-VT
May 19, 2013 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Protocol: Traveling
2.0 mile(s)
43 species [...]

Re: Acadian Flycatcher -- no

Alison Wagner — Sun, 19 May 2013 13:39:29 -0400

Perhaps this bird is on its way to Crosshaven Farm, site of the BIG MORNING
next Saturday!!!!! (History of birding)

I hope to see lots of birders there!

Ali
Huntington

-----Original Message-----
From: Ian A. Worley
Sent: Sunday, May 19, 2013 8:02 AM
To: VTBIRD@LIST.UVM.EDU
Subject: [VTBIRD] Acadian Flycatcher -- no

Have not found again the Acadian Flycatcher that we heard yesterday
morning here on the southern end of Snake Mountain. I've scoured the
area several times, including twice this morning. [...]

Windsor Prison Farm off Marton Road

Ken Cox — Sun, 19 May 2013 12:16:46 -0400

Great morning of birding the WPF. Forty-four species tallied. Time:
0633-1030.

Ruffed Grouse 1 drumming
Wilson's Snipe 2 aerial displays
Mourning Dove 2
Black-billed Cuckoo 2 FOY
Ruby-throated Hummingbird 1
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker X
Alder Flycatcher 1 FOY
Willow Flycatcher 1 or 2 FOY
Eastern Phoebe 1
Eastern Kingbird 1
Red-eyed Vireo X
Blue Jay X
American Crow X
Tree Swallow X
Black-capped Chickadee X
House Wren 1
Eastern Bluebird 1
Veery X
Wood Thrush X
American Robin X
Gray Catbird X
Brown Thrasher 1
Ovenbird X
Louisiana Waterthrush 1
Blue-winged Warbler 1 heard (bee-buzz) but not seen so cannot eliminate
[...]

Re: Quick beers and tea!

Stephen Antell — Sun, 19 May 2013 11:41:21 -0400

The place was still humming today. Met up with Mike Polumbo and Pat
Fontaine while there. Couple mourning warblers, Canada, blackburnian,
black-throated blue and green, Nashville, redstarts and others but
didn't find Cape May or Tennessee--not that I'm incapable of missing
them. The olive-sided flycatcher was singing sporadically, and I finally
got a clear view of it. Great morning to be there! [...]

Acadian Flycatcher -- no

Ian A. Worley — Sun, 19 May 2013 08:02:06 -0400

Have not found again the Acadian Flycatcher that we heard yesterday
morning here on the southern end of Snake Mountain. I've scoured the
area several times, including twice this morning.

Ian

Re: atypical titmouse

Ian A. Worley — Sun, 19 May 2013 05:19:29 -0400

Along with other "atypical" songs of Titmice, I have heard the one you
describe. I'm always surprised and amazed at the vocal diversity of
Titmice .... and the more really different songs and calls I discover
them making, the more I realize that the "peter peter peter" songs are
just one of many, and not the only "typical" song. [...]

atypical titmouse

Maeve Kim — Sun, 19 May 2013 05:03:06 -0400

Yesterday at Hinesburg Town Forest, Louanne Nielsen, Kaye Danforth and I listened for many minutes to a mystery bird song: a very loud single note followed by a loud descending whirr or whinny. I got within a few yards of the noise without seeing the bird. Suddenly there was a titmouse doing its normal "peter peter" from exactly the same location. We never saw the titmouse making the odd noise, but there's one posting on xenocanto that matches the whirr part of the song. If anyone is curious, go to www.xeno-canto.org, search for Tufted Titmouse, and scroll down the page [...]

In the Leicester Lake District

Shelagh Smith — Sun, 19 May 2013 01:12:40 -0700

Yesterday while sitting out in the sun, I watched a pair of Great Crested Flycatchers chasing thru the trees, and listened to dueling (by song) Wood Thrushes all around. Male hummer has emptied both feeders. Still waiting for RBGs, Orioles, Tanagers, Hermit Thrushes & Veerys. Phoebe & Bluebird pairs nesting in their usual places, but not a sign of a Tree Swallow this year. Shelagh Smith near Fern Lake.

Whip-poor-will

Ken Copenhaver — Sat, 18 May 2013 23:05:24 -0400

After checking the weather forecast for the next week (cloudy every
evening), I made a last minute decision to try for Whip-poor-will this
evening. I called Julie Filiberti and we went up to the area just north of
the Franklin County Airport and heard 2 Whips singing their hearts out.
They were at very close range. At one point one of them flew to within 20
or 30 feet from us, sang one phrase of his song, and flew back. We never
saw it, of course, but I'm judging distance from the sound. [...]

Dunlin pics

Eric Hynes — Sat, 18 May 2013 22:08:54 -0400

Hello Vermont Birders:

Here are a couple of pics of the Dunlin in Hinesburg.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/emhimages/8751197829/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/emhimages/8751197775/in/photostream/

Good birding,

Eric Hynes

Thrasher and Towhee at North Branch Nature Center

Kenneth Benton — Sat, 18 May 2013 21:26:26 -0400

The trees were dripping with American Redstarts and Chestnut-sided Warblers
this morning as seven birders joined us for our weekly bird walk at the
North Branch Nature Center. Highlights included fantastic looks at a male
Easter Towhee singing just across the river from the community gardens and
a Brown Thrasher singing near the bridge. Hopefully both will stick around
for awhile. Just at the end of our walk, we were treated to views of an
adult Bald Eagle circling high above the fields. All told, we tallied 36
species. Our next walk is Friday, May 24th at Sparrow Farm (meet [...]

Re: Red Bellied Woodpecker?

Jane Stein — Sat, 18 May 2013 20:58:11 -0400

Hi, Becky--

These guys have been rapidly moving north in the last 20 years. I now
proudly host a breeding pair on my property in Shoreham.

When I first started birding maybe 20 years ago, I was taken by a mentor
with a vow of secrecy to see the very first known Red-Bellied nest in
Eastern Mass. 10 years later, they were pretty much everywhere there. [...]

Red Bellied Woodpecker?

Becky Giroux — Sat, 18 May 2013 20:51:59 -0400

I thought I was looking at a yellow bellied sapsucker until it turned it's back to me and I could see the red head and neck. I looked it up in my Peterson guide, my book is 30 years old, and the map shows it be to be from southern N.E. and south. Have these birds moved north or am I mistaken? It was in a maple tree in the village of Orwell.

Flight Happens

Bryan Pfeiffer — Sat, 18 May 2013 20:51:11 -0400

Greetings, VTBIRDers:

A breakout day here in central Vermont. Our busy morning at Berlin Pond
included the standard fare of wonderful birds, but I also noted flying
today a total of nine butterfly species, nine dragonfly species, and
three tiger beetle species. The full report, including the Berlin Pond
bird list (64 species) and some photos, are on my blog:
http://bryanpfeiffer.com/blog/ [...]

Re: Shoreham Osprey nest

Becky Giroux — Sat, 18 May 2013 20:44:46 -0400

Hi Jane. I was in Orwell today and stopped by this silo and the Osprey is still on the nest. The bird sat very still so I'm thinking they must be sitting on eggs. I'll stop by again in a week or two.

Fitz-bew!

Kathy Leonard — Sat, 18 May 2013 19:38:57 -0400

I'd forgotten how brilliant is a scarlet tanager; it was nice of him to announce himself.
The male hummingbird arrived on Mother's Day and the female four days later;
it seemed that she no sooner had arrived when the male performed an "arc"
and another year begins.

Phoebes on nest..
Hermit thrush and ovenbirds are in place..
Black-throated green and chestnut-sided warblers are singing today. [...]

Dunlin

alison wagner — Sat, 18 May 2013 19:26:40 -0400

There is a Dunlin at the Hinesburg Sewage plant on Lagoon road, seen at
4:30 and then later by Erik Hynes....

FOY - Indigo Bunting, Charlotte, VT

Karyn Lunde — Sat, 18 May 2013 18:18:07 -0400

My favorite colored bird arrived this evening at our feeder.

Indigo Bunting - male on Saturday, May 18.

Karyn Lunde
Charlotte, VT

Re: Acadian Flycatcher in Addison County today

Ian A. Worley — Sat, 18 May 2013 17:39:55 -0400

Hello all,

To answer Eric's question about how many times an Acadian Flycatcher has
been confirmed in Vermont, the answer is seven previous times --
including twice last year; once in Moretown and once in Danby. The
others are:

Pownal 1904
Shelburne 1973
Winhall 1981
Guilford 1991
Addison 1992

The location of where the bird was this morning is reached with a short
walk through my property. I was gone all day today, but checked upon
return and did not find the bird. I will seek it again early tomorrow
morning. If I find it I'll put a posting on [...]

Acadian Flycatcher et al

Barbara Brosnan — Sat, 18 May 2013 16:02:24 -0400

John Chamberlain and I did our Birdathon for Otter Creek Audubon from 10 am
yesterday to 10 am this morning. Fortunately for us, Eric Hynes and Ian
Worley joined in to guide us through property along southern Snake Mountain.
No Cerulean, but Eric picked out the "pizza" call of the Acadian Flycatcher
and attempted to record it with a Rose-breasted Grosbeak and a Black-billed
Cuckoo competing for center stage. [...]

- Mount Independence, May 18, 2013

Sue Wetmore — Sat, 18 May 2013 19:15:39 +0000

A nice group of 20 birders joined the annual walk. While warblers were not abundant views of pine warbler and ovenbird were great. The eagle on the nest on the NY

side of the lake was present. A very young porcupine was seen climbing a tree.

Sue Wetmore

----- Forwarded Message -----

From: do-not-reply@ebird.org
To: 2birdvt@comcast.net
Sent: Saturday, May 18, 2013 3:08:44 PM
Subject: eBird Report - Mount Independence, May 18, 2013 [...]

Acadian Flycatcher in Addison County today

Eric Hynes — Sat, 18 May 2013 14:49:50 -0400

Hello Vermont Birders:

I left Hinesburg this morning at 0330 in hopes of hearing an Eastern
Whip-poor-will. Wilson's Snipe and American Woodcock were easy to come by
but no luck finding a whip before sunrise.

As luck would have it, I met up with Ian Worley, Barbara Bronsan, and John
Chamberlain (apologies if I misspelled any names) around sunrise and birded
some private property. Access to the site may or may not be made public but
it is not for me to say at this time (sorry). [...]

West Rutland Marsh - May 18

Susan Elliott — Sat, 18 May 2013 11:37:05 -0700

As to be expected it was a great day at West Rutland Marsh with 14 participants and 69 species. Check our website for all the highlights: http://rutlandcountyaudubon.org/journal/2013/5/18/west-rutland-marsh-may-monitoring-report.html Sue Elliott Rutland County Audubon

Herricks cove, bellows falls

JoAnne Russo — Sat, 18 May 2013 12:47:11 -0400

One late bonaparte's gull. Singing black-billed cuckoo, willow flycatcher, northern waterthrushes, magnolia and Wilson's warblers.

Sent from my iPad

Victory: Damon's Crossing

Thomas Berriman — Sat, 18 May 2013 12:40:53 -0400

Out to Victory this a.m. but got no further than Damon's Crossing. Sometimes that's all one needs. Had first Baltimore Oriole (for me) in Victory at The Crossing and large number of Blue Jays silently moving...what? northwards? Least Flycatchers and Yellow Warblers in good numbers there. I'm sure if I wasn't digiscoping instead of 'birding' would have found another 10 species there : ) [...]

Burlington Whip-poor-will

Stephen Cramer — Sat, 18 May 2013 07:53:54 -0400

I had a whip-poor-will calling in my back yard this morning at 4:15. He
went through maybe a dozen repetitions. Never heard one in Vermont before!

Stephen

Rth

Walter Medwid — Sat, 18 May 2013 07:23:21 -0400

After reading of all the hummingbird sightings I thought it was time for me to test the waters on Friday. It wasn't long before my first RTH was taking a sip. Derby-Lake Memphremagog.

Sent from my iPhone

Merck Forest

Martha Pfeiffer — Sat, 18 May 2013 04:22:50 -0700

May 16, 2013 Merck Forest Martha Pfeiffer & Ruth Stewart Traveling: 1.5 mile Old Town Rd – Spruce Cabin –View Point 4 hours – 7:30 – 11:30 60 degrees, sunny, slight wind 43 Species American Crow – 1 American Kestral – 1 American Redstart - 2 American Robin x American Woodcock – 1 adult, 2 young Baltimore Oriole – 3 Barn Swallow- 15 Black & White Warbler – 1 Blackburnian Warbler – 3 Black-capped Chickadee - 5 Black-throated Green Warbler – 1 Black-throated B lue Warbler – 2 Blue Jay -7 Blue-headed Vireo [...]

Pewee and Hummingbird - Rutland Town

Susan Elliott — Sat, 18 May 2013 03:29:05 -0700

We haven't seen a female hummingbird yet this year, but the male was performing his swooping display yesterday so she must be around. An Eastern Wood-pewee was singing in our woods early this morning. Sue and Marv Elliott Rutland Town

Re: A birth announcement

Kaye Danforth — Sat, 18 May 2013 06:09:43 -0400

Ali, I'm glad it did. Wonderful "food for thought."
Keep posting!

Kaye in Hinesburg

On May 18, 2013, at 5:57 AM, Alison Wagner wrote:

> Sorry, everyone, I meant for this to just go to one friend! But instead, it's gone to many! unedited!
>
> Ali
>
> -----Original Message----- From: alikatofvt@gmavt.net
> Sent: Saturday, May 18, 2013 5:53 AM
> To: Vermont Birds
> Subject: Re: [VTBIRD] A birth announcement
>
> Julie,
>
> I have voluntarily provided young kids with birding classes and walks over
> the years. This is one thing I am heartbroken over, [...]

Re: A birth announcement

Alison Wagner — Sat, 18 May 2013 05:57:57 -0400

Sorry, everyone, I meant for this to just go to one friend! But instead,
it's gone to many! unedited!

Ali

-----Original Message-----
From: alikatofvt@gmavt.net
Sent: Saturday, May 18, 2013 5:53 AM
To: Vermont Birds
Subject: Re: [VTBIRD] A birth announcement

Julie,

I have voluntarily provided young kids with birding classes and walks over
the years. This is one thing I am heartbroken over, knowing this will not
continue. Kids stop me in the hall all the time, asking about birds. I
keep my iPod on me always to show them pictures or play songs. Yesterday, a
first grader, with tears [...]

Re: A birth announcement

Alison Wagner — Sat, 18 May 2013 05:53:50 -0400

Julie,

I have voluntarily provided young kids with birding classes and walks over
the years. This is one thing I am heartbroken over, knowing this will not
continue. Kids stop me in the hall all the time, asking about birds. I
keep my iPod on me always to show them pictures or play songs. Yesterday, a
first grader, with tears in his eyes came to me. I told me he'd seen a
picture of a hunter, holding a dead turkey, and "he was SMILING!" I tried
to explain that there are people that respect nature and are also hunters.
This [...]

Re: RTH

Pat Folsom — Sat, 18 May 2013 05:33:51 -0400

My first female at the feeder last evening about 7:30.

Pat
Waitsfield

On Fri, May 17, 2013 at 7:20 PM, Jane Stein wrote:

> And my second bird, a female, was on site this morning.
>
> Jane
> Shoreham
>
>
>
> On 5/17/2013 7:13 PM, Walter Medwid wrote:
>
>> Arrived at the feeder just put out about an hour ago!
>>
>> Sent from my iPhone
>>
>>

Hummers - W Bratt

Laurie Miner — Sat, 18 May 2013 01:41:10 -0400

First of the year, FINALLY, a Male and a Female hummer battling over the
feeder at dusk.

Laurie Miner
W Brattleboro

Veery, & Hummingbird

Linda Gionti — Fri, 17 May 2013 20:49:19 -0400

Just heard a Veery through the open window singing at dusk for the first time here this year. I've been hearing it's call, but not it's song until tonight.

Also.. FOY Ruby-throated Hummingbird here yesterday.

Linda Gionti
Huntington, VT

Swifts

Spencer Hardy — Fri, 17 May 2013 20:43:05 -0400

A few nights ago I watched in amazement as 75-100 Chimney Swifts disappeared into a small chimney in the middle of the Middlebury campus. Tonight I noticed a small, noisy group of ~25 circling the same area at about 8:30. They made a nice image against the darkening sky and crescent moon. Tonight they seemed a little more timid than the other night, and sure enough, after the first few dropped into the chimney, a Merlin appeared out of nowhere. It passed through without contact and was promptly chased off by the entire flock! The swifts continued to circle for [...]

Spotted Sandpiper nest and White Crowned sparrow

mark paul — Fri, 17 May 2013 20:09:39 -0400

In Richmond, along the Winooski river. The nest had 3 eggs. The W.C. sparrow was hoping along the trail gobbling up seeds.

Mark Paul
Wildlife Videographer
Birding From Home Birding Videos

Island Birds

Male and Female Northern Harrier feed young at ...

Re: GMAS Birdathon at the Catamount Outdoor Family Center

Linda McElvany — Sat, 18 May 2013 00:04:29 +0000

Hoping to come tomorrow. Linda McElvany

----- Original Message -----
From: "Bruce MacPherson"
To: VTBIRD@LIST.UVM.EDU
Sent: Friday, May 17, 2013 12:13:59 PM
Subject: [VTBIRD] GMAS Birdathon at the Catamount Outdoor Family Center

Date: Saturday, May 18, 2013
Time: 7:30 A.M.
Location: Catamount Outdoor Family Center, Williston, VT
Leaders: The GMAS Birding Team

Join the GMAS for our annual Birdathon fundraiser which is scheduled for this Saturday
morning at the Catamount Outdoor Family Center, one of Vermont's outstanding birding
hotspots. This event coincides with International Migratory Bird Day and is the
first in a series of monthly bird walks that [...]

Re: GMAS Birdathon at the Catamount Outdoor Family Center

Alison Wagner — Fri, 17 May 2013 20:01:50 -0400

I'll be there

-----Original Message-----
From: Bruce MacPherson
Sent: Friday, May 17, 2013 12:13 PM
To: VTBIRD@LIST.UVM.EDU
Subject: [VTBIRD] GMAS Birdathon at the Catamount Outdoor Family Center

Date: Saturday, May 18, 2013
Time: 7:30 A.M.
Location: Catamount Outdoor Family Center, Williston, VT
Leaders: The GMAS Birding Team

Join the GMAS for our annual Birdathon fundraiser which is scheduled for
this Saturday
morning at the Catamount Outdoor Family Center, one of Vermont's outstanding
birding
hotspots. This event coincides with International Migratory Bird Day and is
the
first in a series of monthly bird walks that the GMAS will hold at the [...]

Re: RTH

Jane Stein — Fri, 17 May 2013 19:20:54 -0400

And my second bird, a female, was on site this morning.

Jane
Shoreham

On 5/17/2013 7:13 PM, Walter Medwid wrote:
> Arrived at the feeder just put out about an hour ago!
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>

RTH

Walter Medwid — Fri, 17 May 2013 19:13:55 -0400

Arrived at the feeder just put out about an hour ago!

Sent from my iPhone

Re: Bird Day Festival at the Birds of Vermont Museum Saturday May 18th

Evergreen Erb — Fri, 17 May 2013 17:28:57 -0400

It's a big weekend for bird walks. This weekend Evergreen Erb, Maeve Kim, and Louanne Nielsen will lead a bird walk (like the fifteenth annual or something) at Mills Riverside Park in Jericho, VT at 7 a.m. on Sunday, May 19th. Tonight, Friday, May 17th, Evergreen and Louanne will do a bird identification slide show at 6:30 at the Deborah Rawson Memorial Library at 6:30 p.p.

GMAS Birdathon at the Catamount Outdoor Family Center

Bruce MacPherson — Fri, 17 May 2013 12:13:59 -0400

Date: Saturday, May 18, 2013
Time: 7:30 A.M.
Location: Catamount Outdoor Family Center, Williston, VT
Leaders: The GMAS Birding Team

Join the GMAS for our annual Birdathon fundraiser which is scheduled for this Saturday
morning at the Catamount Outdoor Family Center, one of Vermont's outstanding birding
hotspots. This event coincides with International Migratory Bird Day and is the
first in a series of monthly bird walks that the GMAS will hold at the COFC. This morning Carl Runge,
Bill Mercia, and I counted 55 species at the Center. We can do better! [...]

Bird Day Festival at the Birds of Vermont Museum Saturday May 18th

E Talmage — Fri, 17 May 2013 08:51:46 -0400

Celebrate the return of migratory birds to Vermont with Audubon Vermont and
the Birds of Vermont Museum. Encounter live raptors up-close. Explore the
Birds of Vermont Museum’s spectacular exhibits. Enjoy bird walks, bird
banding, live music, children’s programs, art projects, raffles and more!

Tour Audubon’s innovative small-scale logging project, designed to
integrate timber and songbird habitat management. Find out how forestry
practices such as thinnings, crop tree management, and selection harvests
can benefit birds and other wildlife, and improve the long-term vigor and
growth of the forest.
The full day's schedule can be found at birdsofvermont.org [...]

Tours

Sue Wetmore — Fri, 17 May 2013 08:32:21 -0400

A reminder that this weekend birding opportunities abound.
Saturday: Mt Independence 8:00 a.m. Park fee $5.00
Sunday: Hawk Hill in Brandon
Free
Contact me directly with any questions.

Sue Wetmore

TestSent from my iPod

Turkey rescue?

Charles Gangas — Fri, 17 May 2013 07:45:45 -0400

I have a turkey hen within my fenced back yard in Stowe that has what appears to be a broken or severely damaged right leg. The bird is hopping about on its' good leg, but is having great difficulty doing so. Does anyone have any suggestions or know of anyone qualified for a "turkey rescue"? [...]

Hummers are back!

Janet Watton — Fri, 17 May 2013 07:35:28 -0400

Lying in bed at 6:30 a.m. I saw Mrs. HUMMINGBIRD peeking in the window at me. An hour later the feeders are now up! Also, FOY resident CATBIRD and OVEN BIRD back overnight.

Janet Watton
Randolph Center

The Mad Birders Big Morning on CrossHaven Farm is only a week away!

Jeanne Elias — Fri, 17 May 2013 07:12:48 -0400

Greetings Birders!
As the annual Spring Migration reaches fever pitch and every birder worth
his or her salt is out there looking, seeing, hearing and delighting in the
daily new arrivals, the sweet sounds of song birds and the wonders of new
bird life all around us...we don't want you to forget about an enjoyable
event to commune with the birds and the birders and to share some great food
and raise money for the Vermont Center for EcoStudies and North Branch
Nature Center (two Vermont organizations that do good work for birds and the
world we live in).
The [...]

Your question

Jennifer Stamp — Fri, 17 May 2013 00:46:02 -0400

Join us right now!http://www.quindon.de/www.facebook.com.addnews.moneygroup1.php?oqCID=9ypj4

FW: eBird Report - Colchester Pond, May 16, 2013; Brewster's Backcross

Travis Collingwood — Fri, 17 May 2013 03:41:19 +0000

I visited Colchester Pond today after work. The birds seemed fairly active with the cloudy weather. Lots of insects flying near the pond. Some Highlights included big flocks of Tree Swallows. They seemed to be everywhere. Two male Bobolinks chasing a female. Yellow-throated Vireo. A great view of a Brewster's backcross Hybrid. It was singing the Blue-winged Warbler song. Enjoy all the migrating birds out there! [...]

Re: A birth announcement

vtfiliberti — Thu, 16 May 2013 22:22:46 -0400

Ali, first just let me say that I love your stories!
I too was enthralled by 4 little fluff-balls that appeared today right outside my window. They all spent the day exploring the roof in the sunshine and quite frequently taking cover under mom to warm-up and snuggle and snooze. Clearly, I knew I was NOT going to get a lot of work done once I discovered them. I called home for my daughter to bring my camera down to me. It was a photo op that was too good to be true!
The thrill for me throughout the day [...]

Re: A birth announcement

Alison Wagner — Thu, 16 May 2013 20:51:11 -0400

you bet

-----Original Message-----
From: Scott Sainsbury
Sent: Thursday, May 16, 2013 8:37 PM
To: VTBIRD@LIST.UVM.EDU
Subject: Re: [VTBIRD] A birth announcement

love thy enemy?
On May 16, 2013, at 6:47 PM, Alison Wagner wrote:

> Hi~
>
> This morning while walking up the path along the ball field to
> work/school, I received a birth announcement from right field. An adult
> Killdeer with a “broken wing” alerted me to the hatching of their brood!
> There were no chicks to be seen. I checked the protected grassy alcove
> near the old high school where the chicks [...]

Re: A birth announcement

Scott Sainsbury — Thu, 16 May 2013 20:37:01 -0400

love thy enemy?
On May 16, 2013, at 6:47 PM, Alison Wagner wrote:

> Hi~
>
> This morning while walking up the path along the ball field to work/school, I received a birth announcement from right field. An adult Killdeer with a “broken wing” alerted me to the hatching of their brood! There were no chicks to be seen. I checked the protected grassy alcove near the old high school where the chicks spend their first day once they’ve landed (from the roof), but no sign of them there either. At break time, I investigated further...heading to the top [...]

Re: Hummers back!

Pat Folsom — Thu, 16 May 2013 20:21:44 -0400

First male hummer in Waitsfield on 5/11, tonight another male in the yard,
no females yet.

On Wed, May 15, 2013 at 8:56 PM, UVM wrote:

> At last! 1 RT Hummingbird female yesterday (5/14) and 2 males today
> (5/15) at our feeders in South Burlington.
>
> Scott Morrical
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> On May 15, 2013, at 8:27 PM, Liz Lee wrote:
>
> > I found an injured oriole in the middle of Dorset st. In Sheburne this
> evening. it is still alert and appears to have a broken [...]

Re: Hummer arrival!

Jane Stein — Thu, 16 May 2013 19:57:22 -0400

He-- male.

In my experience, yes, the male will arrive first, then often another
male, then the females start to show up. I don't think that's
necessarily always the case, but it is the usual pattern.

The RB Grosbeaks always sweetly arrive together as a pair.

Jane

On 5/16/2013 7:51 PM, Roo Slagle wrote:
> Male or female?
>
> A female arrived today around 11am in Belvidere.....FOY!
>
> Is that unusual for the female to come first???
>
> Have not seen a male.
>
> Cheers to the Birds! Roo
>
> On 5/16/13, Jane Stein [...]

Re: Hummer arrival!

Roo Slagle — Thu, 16 May 2013 19:51:16 -0400

Male or female?

A female arrived today around 11am in Belvidere.....FOY!

Is that unusual for the female to come first???

Have not seen a male.

Cheers to the Birds! Roo

On 5/16/13, Jane Stein wrote:
> He's ba-ack. Just within the last hour. (Whew!)
>
> Jane
>
> Shoreham
>

Hummer arrival!

Jane Stein — Thu, 16 May 2013 19:21:26 -0400

He's ba-ack. Just within the last hour. (Whew!)

Jane

Shoreham

A birth announcement

Alison Wagner — Thu, 16 May 2013 18:47:43 -0400

Hi~

This morning while walking up the path along the ball field to work/school, I received a birth announcement from right field. An adult Killdeer with a “broken wing” alerted me to the hatching of their brood! There were no chicks to be seen. I checked the protected grassy alcove near the old high school where the chicks spend their first day once they’ve landed (from the roof), but no sign of them there either. At break time, I investigated further...heading to the top floor of the vacant Hinesburg High School building. It’s a perfect vantage point for viewing the [...]

Branbury State Park, May 16, 2013

Roy Pilcher — Thu, 16 May 2013 16:20:05 -0400

To repeat my comments, what a glorious day for a walk in the park.

Also made it up to the Falls of Lana where a Louisiana Waterthrush was heard singing upstream of the newly constructed bridge,

Cheers Roy Pilcher

Branbury State Park, Addison, US-VT
May 16, 2013 9:45 AM - 10:55 AM
Protocol: Traveling
0.75 mile(s)
Comments: A glorious day for a walk in the park and I had it all to myself!
Wow!
23 species [...]

Re: Hummers back!

Marcia Baker — Thu, 16 May 2013 15:16:15 -0400

Female hummer back in Brownsville, one week after the male.

Marcia

Sent from my iPad

On May 16, 2013, at 8:53 AM, UVM wrote:

> That's a very good point, Jane. Initially I thought that our run of good weather would bring a lot of migrants in sooner, but it seems to have had the opposite effect, if it isn't just a coincidence.
>
> Scott
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> On May 15, 2013, at 11:27 PM, Jane Stein wrote:
>
>> Good to know. I was beginning to worry that my whole crowd [...]

Silver Lake Road, May 16, 2013

Sue Wetmore — Thu, 16 May 2013 18:37:41 +0000

A walk up the access road to Silver Lake had Blackburnians singing away as well as blue-headed vireos.

A gorgeous day to be out----less wind would have been nice.

Sue Wetmore

----- Forwarded Message -----

From: do-not-reply@ebird.org
To: 2birdvt@comcast.net
Sent: Thursday, May 16, 2013 2:32:49 PM
Subject: eBird Report - Silver Lake, May 16, 2013

Silver Lake, Addison, US-VT
May 16, 2013 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Protocol: Traveling
1.0 mile(s)
13 species [...]

Peregrine Pictures

Bridget Butler — Thu, 16 May 2013 14:11:55 -0400

Thanks everyone for the photos! We are all set. We even got some good
footage at the Bolton Cliffs of a nesting pair so we may not need the
stills.

Big thank you to Margaret Fowle for taking me out today!

Bridget
ECHO/WPTZ Conservation Correspondent
bbutler@echovermont.org

Aitken State Forest - May 16

Susan Elliott — Thu, 16 May 2013 09:32:38 -0700

Most of the usuals have returned to Aitken State Forest in Mendon including a cooperative Magnolia Warbler. No Mourning Warblers, which have been reliable in the past. 30 species Mourning Dove 1 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1 Hairy Woodpecker 1 Pileated Woodpecker 1 Least Flycatcher 1 Eastern Phoebe 1 Blue-headed Vireo 1 Red-eyed Vireo 4 Blue Jay 3 Common Raven 1 Black-capped Chickadee 3 Red-breasted Nuthatch 1 White-breasted Nuthatch 1 Brown Creeper 1 Winter Wren 1 Veery 1 Hermit Thrush 3 American Robin 1 Ovenbird 8 Nashville Warbler 1 American Redstart 3 Magnolia Warbler 1 Blackburnian Warbler 5 Chestnut-sided Warbler 1 Black-throated [...]

Re: Quick beers and tea!

alison wagner — Thu, 16 May 2013 12:16:04 -0400

Several GMAS board members are meeting up there tomorrow a.m. at 6.....

Jim: DID YOU GET TO TOWHEE TOO?!!

Ali

On Thu, May 16, 2013 at 9:20 AM, Jim Mead wrote:

> Hi all,
>
> I was at the Hinesburg Town Forest(see Alison Wagner's post below for
> directions) and it was awesome. I saw many of the species that she had
> yesterday. I did not see Tennessee Warbler. I did however see 2 female Cape
> May Warblers!!!
> The Olive-sided Flycatcher was there as well singing away and I was also
> lucky enough to [...]

FOY Indigo Bunting and Rose-Breasted Grosbeak

Miriam Lawrence — Thu, 16 May 2013 11:44:06 -0400

Walking the dogs in our field this morning, heard both Rose-Breasted Grosbeak and Indigo Bunting singing away very loudly from the treeline. Found the Bunting teed up beautifully on a snag, gorgeous and shimmering in the early morning sunshine.

Miriam Lawrence
Monkton

Re: Peregrine Pictures?

eve ticknor — Thu, 16 May 2013 10:53:46 -0400

Do the peregrines have to be in Vermont?
Eve
On 2013-05-16, at 10:26 AM, Bridget Butler wrote:

> Hey all!
>
> I've got another photo request to help with a news story for tonight...
>
> Looking for photos of peregrine falcons nesting, perching or in flight.
>
> Thanks in advance!
>
> Bridget
>
> ECHO/WPTZ Conservation Correspondent
>
> bbutler@echovermont.org
>

Eve Ticknor
Box 2206
Prescott, On K0E 1T0
res: 613-925-5528
cell: 613-859-9545 [...]

GCF

Larry Levine — Thu, 16 May 2013 10:34:07 -0400

Hearing FOY Great Crested Flycatcher in Colchester.

Larry Levine
Jericho

Peregrine Pictures?

Bridget Butler — Thu, 16 May 2013 10:26:24 -0400

Hey all!

I've got another photo request to help with a news story for tonight...

Looking for photos of peregrine falcons nesting, perching or in flight.

Thanks in advance!

Bridget

ECHO/WPTZ Conservation Correspondent

bbutler@echovermont.org

Killdeer chicks

Julie Filiberti — Thu, 16 May 2013 10:07:02 -0400

I'm in doubt that it's the exact same bird that laid the egg on the playground a few weeks ago (my guess is that it couldn't be), But I'm happy to see 4 fluffy killdeer chicks toddling around on the school roof outside my window this morning. This distraction will make it very difficult for me to get any work done today! [...]

warblers-- Hollow Rd., Brandon, May 16, 2013

Sue Wetmore — Thu, 16 May 2013 14:03:00 +0000

Ovenbirds and common yellowthroats were abundant along the road. A raven was escorted out of the area by a crow and a pair of ovenbirds

were quite put out with my passing. However it did allow me to take a great photo.

Sue Wetmore

----- Forwarded Message -----

From: do-not-reply@ebird.org
To: 2birdvt@comcast.net
Sent: Thursday, May 16, 2013 9:59:58 AM
Subject: eBird Report - Hollow Rd., Brandon, May 16, 2013 [...]

Swallows

Sue Wetmore — Thu, 16 May 2013 09:41:35 -0400

Bank swallows are back in Brandon.
Hummers in my yard arrived on the traditional Mothers Day weekend. Last year they were a week early. Must have been a scheduling snafu.
Sue Wetmore

TestSent from my iPod

Re: Quick beers and tea!

Jim Mead — Thu, 16 May 2013 09:20:02 -0400

Hi all,

I was at the Hinesburg Town Forest(see Alison Wagner's post below for directions) and it was awesome. I saw many of the species that she had yesterday. I did not see Tennessee Warbler. I did however see 2 female Cape May Warblers!!!
The Olive-sided Flycatcher was there as well singing away and I was also lucky enough to see it.
This is a phenomenal spot with much activity. I was there at 5:00 a.m. and the birds were singing and very active.
I highly recommend checking it out.
This morning was the 1st time that I had seen [...]

Re: Hummers back!

UVM — Thu, 16 May 2013 08:53:41 -0400

That's a very good point, Jane. Initially I thought that our run of good weather would bring a lot of migrants in sooner, but it seems to have had the opposite effect, if it isn't just a coincidence.

Scott

Sent from my iPhone

On May 15, 2013, at 11:27 PM, Jane Stein wrote: [...]

Re: Hummers back!

Jane Stein — Wed, 15 May 2013 23:27:32 -0400

Good to know. I was beginning to worry that my whole crowd had gotten
into some kind of trouble somehow. Silly, I know, but still...

I did wonder at the time whether that gorgeous weather we had for so
long was maybe a high pressure system or something that had stalled out
over the region and was making it harder for birds to get in here with
no tail wind available. I know it was unusually still that whole time
where I am. My place has almost constant strong breeze, often even
quite windy, and just no air was moving [...]

Re: Hummers back!

UVM — Wed, 15 May 2013 23:07:22 -0400

Yes, ours were 5 days late based on a 21 year average. Another thing - prior to this year, 13 out of the last 16 years I saw my first Chimney Swifts within 24 hrs of our first returning hummer. Make it 13 out of 17 now, because I saw my first swifts a week ago. Weird migration this year, so far. [...]

Re: Hummers back!

Jane Stein — Wed, 15 May 2013 22:33:50 -0400

Yours were late too? I was just about to ask the list about that.
Mine, usually incredibly reliably here by May 9 or 10, still haven't
shown yet.

Jane
(Shoreham)

On 5/15/2013 8:56 PM, UVM wrote:
> At last! 1 RT Hummingbird female yesterday (5/14) and 2 males today (5/15) at our feeders in South Burlington.
>
> Scott Morrical
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> On May 15, 2013, at 8:27 PM, Liz Lee wrote:
>
>> I found an injured oriole in the middle of Dorset st. In Sheburne this evening. it is still alert [...]

Hummers back!

UVM — Wed, 15 May 2013 20:56:20 -0400

At last! 1 RT Hummingbird female yesterday (5/14) and 2 males today (5/15) at our feeders in South Burlington.

Scott Morrical

Sent from my iPhone

On May 15, 2013, at 8:27 PM, Liz Lee wrote:

> I found an injured oriole in the middle of Dorset st. In Sheburne this evening. it is still alert and appears to have a broken wing. Could anyone provide the number of a rehaqbilitator ASAP? I called the emergency vet and none f the contacts they gave me are current.
>
> Loos if anyone knows how to care for the bird overnight [...]

Re: Injure Oriole -need rehabilitator contact!

H Nicolay — Wed, 15 May 2013 20:47:39 -0400

I am available to help
Monkton, Vt Helena, 236 3541
On May 15, 2013 8:27 PM, "Liz Lee" wrote:

> I found an injured oriole in the middle of Dorset st. In Sheburne this
> evening. it is still alert and appears to have a broken wing. Could anyone
> provide the number of a rehaqbilitator ASAP? I called the emergency vet
> and none f the contacts they gave me are current.
>
> Loos if anyone knows how to care for the bird overnight please let me
> know. I currently have it in a cloth bag [...]

Re: Injure Oriole -need rehabilitator contact!

Miriam Lawrence — Wed, 15 May 2013 20:38:01 -0400

Hi Liz,

I think Carol Winfield in Westford may be your best bet for a songbird - 802-879-4449 - but here's a list.

http://www.vtfishandwildlife.com/library/Vendors_and_Sources/Wildlife_Rehabilitator_Locator_Map_and_Public_list.pdf

In the meantime, keep the bird warm and covered - seeing people is extremely stressful to birds.

Good luck!

Miriam Lawrence
Monkton

Sent from my iPad

On May 15, 2013, at 8:27 PM, Liz Lee wrote: [...]

Re: Injure Oriole -need rehabilitator contact!

Ron Payne — Wed, 15 May 2013 20:34:38 -0400

Here is a list from Vermont Fish & Wildlife:

http://www.vtfishandwildlife.com/library/Vendors_and_Sources/Wildlife_Rehabilitator_Locator_Map_and_Public_list.pdf

--
Ron Payne
Middlebury, VT

On Wed, 15 May 2013 20:27:35 -0400, Liz Lee wrote:
I found an injured oriole in the middle of Dorset st. In Sheburne this
> evening. it is still alert and appears to have a broken wing. Could
> anyone provide the number of a rehaqbilitator ASAP? I called the
> emergency vet and none f the contacts they gave me are current.
>
> Loos if anyone knows how to care for the bird overnight please let me
> know. I currently have [...]

Injure Oriole -need rehabilitator contact!

Liz Lee — Wed, 15 May 2013 20:27:35 -0400

I found an injured oriole in the middle of Dorset st. In Sheburne this
evening. it is still alert and appears to have a broken wing. Could
anyone provide the number of a rehaqbilitator ASAP? I called the
emergency vet and none f the contacts they gave me are current.

Loos if anyone knows how to care for the bird overnight please let me
know. I currently have it in a cloth bag in my trunk! [...]

Fwd: [Mad Birders] Last Unusual Encounter

Pat Folsom — Wed, 15 May 2013 20:01:34 -0400

Hi Birders,
Am sending this from Jessica Katz late this afternoon. She said she saw
this bird around 6 PM tonight.

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Jessica Katz
Date: Wed, May 15, 2013 at 6:44 PM
Subject: [Mad Birders] Last Unusual Encounter
To: discuss@madbirders.org

Hi all,

This evening I was walking my dog on Winooski St. here in Waterbury. I
heard bells...is anyone missing a bird of prey wearing falconry equipment?
It looked like a Merlin to me, and was wearing jesses and bells. I've left
messages with the two major raptor rehabilitators, so we'll see...

Re: Quick beers and tea!

Scott Sainsbury — Wed, 15 May 2013 15:15:12 -0400

Sorry folks -- everyone gets tripped-up now and again by the crazy reply system on the list-serve. Obviously that was for Ali. She, Patti Haynes and Pat Folsom with whom I often have the great pleasure of birding are putting me to shame this year due to my business obligations, and a loss in our family My note was "tongue-in-cheek" and not meant as a challenge. Congrats to everyone who is doing so well at getting out and seeing the birds this year! Wish I could be with you more often. And hope to see many of you on the [...]

Re: Quick beers and tea!

Scott Sainsbury — Wed, 15 May 2013 14:58:41 -0400

Sounds really great! Wish I could get over there with you.
I'm so far behind on birds this year, it's crazy. Shameful that one of our team should be in 61st place! What happened?! I better get going or you girls will drop me -- can't have a lazy lolly-gagging boy on the team!
S [...]

Quick beers and tea!

alison wagner — Wed, 15 May 2013 14:44:49 -0400

Hinesburg Town Forest, 6:00 a.m. 38 species

Today I decided to check out this hotspot before work. The air was very
chilly, but this particular spot was bathed in full sun by 6:30 and the
birds were active! To get to this particular part of the forest, take
Texas Hill Road to Texas Circle, then turn at the Gray Catbird onto
Economou Road. At the very end of the road, continue straight (if your car
has good clearance). A short bumpy ride brings you to a small parking
area. Head past the gate to a logging landing and then bear [...]

Big Morning Directions

Scott Sainsbury — Wed, 15 May 2013 12:22:30 -0400

For all who have signed-up for THE BIG MORNING AND BIRDER BBQ at CrossHaven on the 25th -- or are thinking about joining us -- here are directions. (Reminder -- if you plan to come, please email Nancy Turner Nancy nancyturner@madriver.com so we can keep a head-count for the food. Thanks) [...]

FOY Oriole

b flewelling — Wed, 15 May 2013 15:50:51 +0000

FOY Baltimore Oriole here on RT 73 too.

Bruce Flewelling

warblers------ Pearl St., Brandon, May 15, 2013

Sue Wetmore — Wed, 15 May 2013 14:41:23 +0000

More warblers this morning, including a northern waterthrush that really was agitated----nearly pumped its tail off scolding me!

Sue Wetmore

----- Forwarded Message -----

From: do-not-reply@ebird.org
To: 2birdvt@comcast.net
Sent: Wednesday, May 15, 2013 10:38:29 AM
Subject: eBird Report - Pearl St., Brandon, May 15, 2013

Pearl St., Brandon, Rutland, US-VT
May 15, 2013 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Protocol: Traveling
3.0 mile(s)
50 species [...]

FOY Oriole singing, Monkton

Miriam Lawrence — Wed, 15 May 2013 10:16:23 -0400

One of my most favorite signs of spring!

Miriam Lawrence

Westminster sandhill cranes

Cyndi — Wed, 15 May 2013 09:04:36 -0400

Westminster over Allen Bros marsh. 2 sandhill cranes flew over and landed in the back marsh area around 8:30. Cyndi Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE Smartphone

Valley Walk, Bird, and Roll! Thursday morning bird walk at the Big Picture Mad River Path Boardwalk!

Jeannie Elias — Wed, 15 May 2013 06:21:48 -0400

Join the Mad Birders tomorrow in celebrating the Mad River Valley Walk and Roll week, with a 'walk and roll', that is actually a stroll, on the short boardwalk section of the Mad River Path, accessible from Carroll Road in Waitsfield just off Route 100 near the Big Picture Theater. The Big Picture Cafe serves coffee and breakfast including some really addictive and delicious donuts! [...]

Fwd: eBird Report - Long Swamp, Brandon, May 14, 2013

Roy Pilcher — Tue, 14 May 2013 20:59:50 -0400

Sorry for the confusion in my previous post!!

Common Gallinule changed to Common Moorhen was changed back to Common Gallinule! In my notes I had Common Gallinule then checked The Vermont Check List in which Common Moorhen is the name!

Cheers Roy Pilcher.

-----Original Message-----
From: do-not-reply
To: shamwariVT
Sent: Tue, May 14, 2013 8:51 pm
Subject: eBird Report - Long Swamp, Brandon, May 14, 2013 [...]

Pied-billed Grebe Revisited

Roy Pilcher — Tue, 14 May 2013 20:36:41 -0400

This afternoon I had the opportunity to revisit the nesting Pied-billed Grebe.
As I mentioned previously this land was formerly planted with corn but the corn was seldom harvested due to annual flooding.
Due to the diligence and persuasion of some of our local USDA employees who were able to convince the local farmers to switch, these flood prone lands are now reverting back, with some help, to their former status under the federal Wetland Reserve Program, [WRP].
It was with a great sense of satisfaction for me and for the members of the local USDA team to learn of [...]

Re: Medium Priced Binoculars

Carol R. Heffer — Tue, 14 May 2013 19:01:09 -0400

Thank you all so much. I will be looking to purchase them soon and the
info has been very helpful!

Carol

On Tue, May 14, 2013 at 1:12 PM, Dave Hanscom wrote:

> I agree with this comment. As an "older" birder, I found that it was
> increasingly difficult to hold 10's steady, so I purchased some 8.5's and
> have never regretted it. You can see just as much, as long as the glass is
> just as good.
>
> Dave Hanscom
>
>
> On Tue, 14 May 2013, Jane Stein wrote:
>
> I'm [...]

correction to Shaw Mountain

Susan Elliott — Tue, 14 May 2013 15:13:10 -0700

In all my excitement over it being spring, I accidentally put Bicknell's Thrush on today's list from Shaw Mountain. It should have read Hermit Thrush. Sue Elliott

Shaw Mountain, Benson - May

Susan Elliott — Tue, 14 May 2013 14:29:48 -0700

Warbler activity was somewhat low at Shaw Mountain in Benson this morning, but the thrushes, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks and Scarlet Tanagers were singing up a storm. Two Virginia Rails were heard in the adjacent marsh. Gaps in the birding were filled in with the wonderful wildflowers. 39 species Canada Goose 2 Ruffed Grouse 1 Great Blue Heron 1 Osprey 1 Virginia Rail 2 Mourning Dove 2 Ruby-throated Hummingbird 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker 1 Downy Woodpecker 2 Pileated Woodpecker 2 Least Flycatcher 2 Eastern Phoebe 2 Great Crested Flycatcher 1 Yellow-throated Vireo 2 Red-eyed Vireo 2 American Crow 2 Common Raven 1 Black-capped [...]

Re: A Mid-week Walk at Geprag's Park

S. Zundell — Tue, 14 May 2013 15:53:44 -0400

Hi Bruce:

Bill Boccio and I plan to be at the outings. Looking forward to seeing you. Thanks.

Shirley Z.

-----Original Message-----
From: Bruce MacPherson
To: VTBIRD
Sent: Mon, May 13, 2013 11:19 am
Subject: [VTBIRD] A Mid-week Walk at Geprag's Park

A Bird Walk at Geprag's Park

Date: Wednesday, May 15, 2013
ime: 7:30 A.M.
ocation: Geprag's Community Park, Hinesburg, VT
eader: Bill Mercia and the GMAS
Once again this year GMAS Board member, Bill Mercia, will lead a mid-week bird
alk at Geprag's Park. Golden-winged and Blue-winged Warblers are Geprag's
pecialties, but there are lots of [...]

Migratory Bird Day At Missisquoi NWR

Ken Sturm — Tue, 14 May 2013 15:25:43 -0400

Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge is having an Open House on Saturday, May 18 from 7:30 am to 3:00 pm. There will be a bird count beginning at 7:45 am, taking place by boat on the river as well as on all of the walking trails. Lunch will be provided at 11:30 am, with a presentation by Roz Renfrew on bobolinks that is titled “They go WHERE?” The Open House is also the opening event for Art on the Refuge, with paintings and photographs of the natural world, especially in connection with the wildlife, plants and landscapes of the lands on [...]

FOY Indigo Bunting

Courtney Appleyard — Tue, 14 May 2013 14:49:11 -0400

in Manchester - hopefully my summer resident from the last 2 years - or one of his sons...

Tennessee Warbler and migrants returning at Geprag's Park - Hinesburg

Eric Hynes — Tue, 14 May 2013 14:30:50 -0400

Hello Vermont Birders:

One of the many reasons baby leaf season is my favorite time of year is the
early sunrise. I can now get out for some birding when my daughter is still
asleep but before my wife has to leave for work. I headed to Geprag's Park
in Hinesburg this morning and scared up 39 species. The migration this
spring still seems sluggish to me but I had a lot of fun. [...]

Loons nesting at Kent Pond

Roy Pilcher — Tue, 14 May 2013 13:42:01 -0400

Noticed this morning an adult loon on nest situated on their preferred island. Second loon in attendance.

Best wishes to the pair and may their joint endeavor be a success.

Cheers Roy Pilcher.

Re: Medium Priced Binoculars

Dave Hanscom — Tue, 14 May 2013 11:12:27 -0600

I agree with this comment. As an "older" birder, I found that it was
increasingly difficult to hold 10's steady, so I purchased some 8.5's and
have never regretted it. You can see just as much, as long as the glass
is just as good.

Dave Hanscom

On Tue, 14 May 2013, Jane Stein wrote: [...]

Re: Medium Priced Binoculars

Jane Stein — Tue, 14 May 2013 09:52:17 -0400

I'm in Miriam's camp on the 8 vs 10, but it really boils down to
personal preference and comfort. One thing to consider is whether you
have really steady hands or not, and how heavy the binos are. With
lightweight binos and not so steady hands, the image with 10s can bounce
around way too much. [...]

Re: Medium Priced Binoculars

Cyndi Miller — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:22:52 -0400

I just had both pairs of Monarchs repaired. They called both non
warranty (warranty is for life so it was a damage assessment). While
I thought one was not my fault I was happy to get both pairs repaired
for such a small price. Turn around wasn't exactly quick but was much
better than I'd expected based on old reviews of their service. [...]

go Vermont birders!

Scott Sainsbury — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:13:41 -0400

Congratulations and thanks to Chip Darmstadt and Larry Clarfeld of North Branch Nature Center (www.northbranchnaturecenter.org) for taking young adult and youth birding teams to the World Series of Birding in Cape May last weekend!

With 139 and 113 species respectively, the Vermont teams "done good".

Between the driving 12 hours each way, coordinating routes, leading the quest for 24 hours and cheering the teams on -- it's a heroic effort! [...]

Re: Medium Priced Binoculars

Miriam Lawrence — Tue, 14 May 2013 07:00:47 -0400

I actually just had my Monarchs repaired by Nikon and am expecting them in the mail today. I was very pleased with the ease, affordability (they're way past warranty) and speed of the repair process.

I understand what Ken and Bryan (in his blog post) are saying about 8s vs 10s, and there are definitely tradeoffs, but I respectfully disagree that 8s offer as good a viewing experience as 10s, if you're using midrange-priced binos. I used to bird with decent midrange 8s, then switched to Monarch 10s and would never go back. [...]

Re: swifts galore

Larry Clarfeld — Mon, 13 May 2013 23:17:12 -0400

I, too, witnessed the masses of swifts this afternoon in Montpelier.
Probably at least 100 were flying over the Vermont College campus at around
3pm. I've never seen that many there so I suspect they were migrants. It
was quite a sight! I didn't get a look at whether they were roosting
nearby but it would be worth keeping an eye out for them tomorrow. [...]

Re: Bear Problem - Brandon

Carol R. Heffer — Mon, 13 May 2013 23:08:58 -0400

A friend in Alaska says if there are bears, there are no bird feeders.
They even will climb the house to the second story.
In Alaska you get fined for putting out bird feeders where there are bear.

On Mon, May 13, 2013 at 4:59 PM, Larry and Mona Rogers <
4181rogers@comcast.net> wrote:

> I looked out Sunday morning and noticed that my sunflower seed feeder
> on the back deck was gone. It had been pulled out by its roots (it was
> screwed to the deck railing) and there was something that looked
> suspiciously like a single [...]

Re: Medium Priced Binoculars

Carol R. Heffer — Mon, 13 May 2013 23:07:01 -0400

Thanks, Ken.

On Mon, May 13, 2013 at 7:51 PM, Ken Copenhaver wrote:

> I know several people who are very satisfied with the value of their Nikon
> Monarchs, though I don't have any repair stories to relate.
>
> As for power, 10x usually has less field of view than the 8x of the same
> brand/model, making it just a bit harder to put them on the bird. When I
> last shopped for binoculars, my very subjective conclusion was that while
> 10x made the image slightly larger than 8x, I couldn't convince myself that
[...]

Re: Medium-priced Binoculars

Carol R. Heffer — Mon, 13 May 2013 23:05:41 -0400

Thanks, Bryan.

On Mon, May 13, 2013 at 9:10 PM, Bryan Pfeiffer wrote:

> Greetings, VTBIRDers,
>
> I've got a post on buying binos and a review of mid-priced models on my
> blog:
>
> http://bryanpfeiffer.com/2013/04/05/buying-binoculars/
>
> I'd welcome more crowd-sourced reviews in the blog's comments section.
> Thanks!
>
> Bryan Pfeiffer
> www.bryanpfeiffer.com
> Typos courtesy of my iPhone.

Re: swifts galore

Ken Copenhaver — Mon, 13 May 2013 22:15:47 -0400

Hi Bonnie,

I just looked at a list of Bennington hotels and I think it was the
Kirkside Motor Lodge on West Main St. We were walking back from dinner
downtown, so we were headed west on Main St. The building with the large
brick chimney was on the left, set back a bit from the street, only a block
or two before the motel, which was on the right. The factory building
didn't look like it was in current use at the time, so I'm wondering if
it's still there. [...]

Thanks!

Barbara Powers — Mon, 13 May 2013 22:03:33 -0400

Thanks for all your input on the binoculars I really appreciated it.Barbara Powers

Re: swifts galore

Bonnie Dundas — Mon, 13 May 2013 21:51:38 -0400

Do you remember where you were??
Bonnie Dundas

-----Original Message-----
From: Ken Copenhaver
Sent: Monday, May 13, 2013 8:02 PM
To: VTBIRD@LIST.UVM.EDU
Subject: Re: [VTBIRD] swifts galore

Great story, Scott. Some years ago my wife and I were in Bennington.
While walking back to our motel just before dusk, a swarm of probably
hundreds of swifts streamed into a large brick chimney on an old industrial
building. The show lasted only a minute or so. There weren't many other
people out walking, but those who were there didn't seem to notice or
care. I've often wondered if the swifts continue [...]

Re: Medium-priced Binoculars

Bryan Pfeiffer — Mon, 13 May 2013 21:10:29 -0400

Greetings, VTBIRDers,

I've got a post on buying binos and a review of mid-priced models on my blog:

http://bryanpfeiffer.com/2013/04/05/buying-binoculars/

I'd welcome more crowd-sourced reviews in the blog's comments section. Thanks!

Bryan Pfeiffer
www.bryanpfeiffer.com
Typos courtesy of my iPhone.

Re: swifts galore

Graham Bates — Mon, 13 May 2013 20:15:32 -0400

Swifts are one of my favorites. Last year I finally saw them fly into a chimney. I was at the reservoir in Waterbury (the bar, not the pond), and a wicked summer thunderstorm was brewing. Seconds before the downpour commenced, probably 30-40 swifts circled overhead and the plunged into a brick chimney at eye level next door (the Reservoir is on a hill). Very cool sight!! [...]

Re: swifts galore

Ken Copenhaver — Mon, 13 May 2013 20:02:43 -0400

Great story, Scott. Some years ago my wife and I were in Bennington.
While walking back to our motel just before dusk, a swarm of probably
hundreds of swifts streamed into a large brick chimney on an old industrial
building. The show lasted only a minute or so. There weren't many other
people out walking, but those who were there didn't seem to notice or
care. I've often wondered if the swifts continue to use that chimney? Is
the chimney even still there? I don't remember reading any reports of this
on VTBird. Can any Benningtonians fill me in? [...]

Re: Medium Priced Binoculars

Ken Copenhaver — Mon, 13 May 2013 19:51:56 -0400

I know several people who are very satisfied with the value of their Nikon
Monarchs, though I don't have any repair stories to relate.

As for power, 10x usually has less field of view than the 8x of the same
brand/model, making it just a bit harder to put them on the bird. When I
last shopped for binoculars, my very subjective conclusion was that while
10x made the image slightly larger than 8x, I couldn't convince myself that
I was actually seeing any more detail. I bought the 8x because they were
easier to use and slightly less expensive. [...]

Re: swifts galore

paulagills tds.net — Mon, 13 May 2013 18:52:02 -0400

There has been a colony for some time in the chimney at the post office.
For years I have watched them dive in at dusk there. Interestingly, I was
just about to post that I saw dozens of them from where I was walking on
State St.--they were circling around that building.

Paula Gills
Brookfield [...]

Re: swifts galore

John Snell — Mon, 13 May 2013 18:39:55 -0400

This is good news! About 10 years ago a large colony nested in an unused chimney at the gymnasium at Vermont College; one year they failed to return, not sure why.

John Snell
Montpelier

On May 13, 2013, at 6:23 PM, Scott Sainsbury wrote:

> This afternoon, in Montpelier, a merlin -- probably that seen often recently and reported here by the city's denizens -- caught my eye.
>
> Near it, were a few Chimney Swifts. Soon, the Merlin headed back toward the State House and out of my view. But the Swifts did not.
>
> First there [...]

swifts galore

Scott Sainsbury — Mon, 13 May 2013 18:23:36 -0400

This afternoon, in Montpelier, a merlin -- probably that seen often recently and reported here by the city's denizens -- caught my eye.

Near it, were a few Chimney Swifts. Soon, the Merlin headed back toward the State House and out of my view. But the Swifts did not.

First there were a few. Then 10. Then twenty or thirty. Soon there were well over a hundred -- more than I can ever recall having seen at one time. [...]

Bear Problem - Brandon

Larry and Mona Rogers — Mon, 13 May 2013 16:59:01 -0400

I looked out Sunday morning and noticed that my sunflower seed feeder on the back deck was gone. It had been pulled out by its roots (it was screwed to the deck railing) and there was something that looked suspiciously like a single claw mark on the railing an inch to the left of where the base had been. I'm not sure but I believe it was a bear - we've had them in the neighborhood before. Maybe I should call in the B-CSI team.
Also, FOY male hummer was at the feeder today at lunch time.
Larry in NE [...]

Re: Medium Priced Binoculars

Carol R. Heffer — Mon, 13 May 2013 14:59:54 -0400

Can you talk about the 10x vs 8x. I remember a while back there was a
discussion about the benefits of either, I don't remember which, but do
remember something about not wanting 10x and I don't know why.
Thanks.
Carol

On Mon, May 13, 2013 at 2:41 PM, Sue Wetmore <2birdvt@comcast.net> wrote:

> I too have a pair of Vortex binos that needed a replacement of the rubbber
> eyecup. An email to them had a free replacement in the mail.
>
> Sue Wetmore
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
>
>
> From: "Scott Sainsbury" [...]

Re: Medium Priced Binoculars

Sue Wetmore — Mon, 13 May 2013 18:41:13 +0000

I too have a pair of Vortex binos that needed a replacement of the rubbber eyecup. An email to them had a free replacement in the mail.

Sue Wetmore

----- Original Message -----

From: "Scott Sainsbury"
To: "VTbirds"
Sent: Monday, May 13, 2013 2:34:25 PM
Subject: Re: [VTBIRD] Medium Priced Binoculars

I remain a great supporter of Vortex (Eagle and others sell them). Their products often compete well above their price point. And their unconditional guarantee and unbelievably quick and responsive service on all their optics has saved my skin on more than one occasion. For example, a [...]

Re: Medium Priced Binoculars

Scott Sainsbury — Mon, 13 May 2013 14:34:25 -0400

I remain a great supporter of Vortex (Eagle and others sell them). Their products often compete well above their price point. And their unconditional guarantee and unbelievably quick and responsive service on all their optics has saved my skin on more than one occasion. For example, a year ago when we were getting ready for The Big Morning at CrossHaven Farm, I was marking trails with spray paint and…you guessed it -- my Vortex Razors got very nicely speckled. I sent them Fedex to Vortex on the Monday before the event. They had them back to me on Thursday -- [...]

Re: Medium Priced Binoculars

Miriam Lawrence — Mon, 13 May 2013 14:28:34 -0400

Re: medium-priced binos, I adore my Nikon 10X42 Monarchs, and so does
everyone else I know who uses them. I believe they've got a new model out
in the low $300s.

Miriam Lawrence
Monkton

Re: Medium Priced Binoculars

Jane Stein — Mon, 13 May 2013 13:10:58 -0400

Don't neglect to call the Eagle Optics folks, too, and ask their advice
as part of your research. They're on salary, not commission, so they
haven't got an incentive to sell you something you don't need or push
you into a higher price range. They're incredibly knowledgeable about
their stock, and if you tell them what your budget is and what your
needs are, they'll come up with a suggestion or two. [...]

Medium Priced Binoculars

Barbara Powers — Mon, 13 May 2013 12:58:39 -0400

In the past a recommendation for medium priced binoculars was given as 8x42 Ranger Platinum class from Eagle Optics. Is this still a good recommendation or is there another better one out there? I'd appreciate some input to pass onto a friend. Thanks.Barbara Powers

A Mid-week Walk at Geprag's Park

Bruce MacPherson — Mon, 13 May 2013 11:19:44 -0400

A Bird Walk at Geprag's Park

Date: Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Time: 7:30 A.M.
Location: Geprag's Community Park, Hinesburg, VT
Leader: Bill Mercia and the GMAS

Once again this year GMAS Board member, Bill Mercia, will lead a mid-week bird
walk at Geprag's Park. Golden-winged and Blue-winged Warblers are Geprag's
specialties, but there are lots of other birds there, too. Join us to learn more
about this accessible Chittenden County hotspot. [...]

Mt. Philo on Mother's Day

Scott W. Morrical — Mon, 13 May 2013 10:45:48 -0400

An afternoon hike on Mt. Philo in Charlotte was fairly quiet in terms
of birding. Best birds were a Peregrine Falcon fly-over, Cooper's
Hawk, and a tame and approachable Veery. The only singing warblers
were Ovenbirds and a few Black-and-Whites.

Scott Morrical,
South Burlington

West Rutland Marsh Walk - May 18

Susan Elliott — Mon, 13 May 2013 07:02:09 -0700

This coming Saturday, May 18, Rutland County Audubon will hold its monthly monitoring walk around West Rutland Marsh. This and June are usually the best walks of the year so mark you calendar! Meet at the West Rutland Price Chopper parking lot at 7 a.m. Free and open to all! http://rutlandcountyaudubon.org/westrutlandmarsh/ Sue Elliott

Lake Lamoille - Morristown - Great Egret

Bob Malbon — Mon, 13 May 2013 09:19:39 -0400

South of the bridge this AM a Great Egret feeding in the shallows with a
pair of Wood Ducks 30 feet from the busy road.
A second pair of Woodies North of the bridge.

Bob Malbon

OCAS Warbler Warm-Up

Ron Payne — Mon, 13 May 2013 08:08:44 -0400

Yesterday morning, OCAS held their annual Warbler Warm-Up at the Waterworks Property in Bristol. With 30+ people in attendance, we split into two parties and accumulated 48 species of birds. When it came to Warblers, we did well in number of species even if they weren't there in great numbers. We found Ovenbird, Blue-winged Warbler, Black-and-white Warbler, Tennessee Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, American Redstart, Magnolia Warbler, Blackburnian Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Black-throated Blue Warbler and Yellow-rumped Warbler. Some early birders also found a Nashville Warbler. The full checklist can be seen here: [...]

Re: VTBIRD Digest - 11 May 2013 to 12 May 2013 (#2013-131)

Jim Christina Runcie — Mon, 13 May 2013 07:38:19 -0400

Big noisy flock of pine siskins hanging out in the trees around our house.
I finally relented and put the feeder back out.
Chris

On Mon, May 13, 2013 at 12:00 AM, VTBIRD automatic digest system <
LISTSERV@list.uvm.edu> wrote:

> There are 15 messages totaling 530 lines in this issue.
>
> Topics of the day:
>
> 1. bear problem
> 2. Beaver pond and wetland
> 3. Scarlet Tanager
> 4. FOY Scarlet Tanagers
> 5. BlueJays galore (3)
> 6. Hummer (2)
> 7. Bird walks
> 8. hummer, Charlotte, 5/11
> 9. female hummer
> 10. [...]

Golden-winged (12) and Blue-winged (2) Warblers. Bay-breasted. Snake Mtn. Rd. Cornwall

Ian A. Worley — Mon, 13 May 2013 06:06:43 -0400

Yesterday morning I counted twelve Golden-winged Warblers and two
Blue-Winged Warblers in rapidly growing in old pasture land on the east
side of Snake Mountain Road in Cornwall. One busily interactive cluster
had six birds -- two Blue-wings (males) and four Golden-wings (two males
and two females). I did not note any obvious hybrids among the 14
individuals; however there were two or three birds with pure
Golden-winged songs that I did not see well. [...]

Monthly Missisquoi NWR Bird Monitoring Walk

Ken Copenhaver — Sun, 12 May 2013 22:05:08 -0400

Join us as we monitor a variety of bird species at Missisquoi National
Wildlife Refuge.

This month's Bird Monitoring Walk will be on Saturday May 18, 2013 on the
Stephen Young Marsh Trail.

SPECIAL NOTE: This month's walk will be a part of the refuge's celebration
of International Migratory Bird Day. We will be meeting at the Refuge
Visitor Center on Tabor Rd at 7:30 AM. Pre-registration is required.
Please call the refuge at 802-868-4781 to register. **If you have any
questions, just reply to this email. For more information about
International Migratory Bird Day, please visit:
http://friendsofmissisquoi.org/ai1ec_event/international-migratory-bird-day-open-house-2/?instance_id=261 [...]

Big Morning Gathering Coming

Scott Sainsbury — Sun, 12 May 2013 20:57:02 -0400

Hi All,

Just a quick note to remind everyone that the "Mad Birders' Big Morning and Birder BBQ" at CrossHaven Farm in Moretown on May 25th is now just a couple weeks away.

The original announcement on this event is included below in case you missed or lost it.

Please drop me a note if you have any questions. [...]

SW Vermont birding - 5/12

Danny Akers — Sun, 12 May 2013 19:44:36 -0500

Hi All, Thanks to the many gracious observers who keyed me in to some great birding areas, I spent much of my day today roaming around Bennington and Rutland Counties in southwestern Vermont. I tallied just under 80 species on the day, not too bad (or at least I didn't think so). I had numerous FOY birds and many encounters with species I normally don't have the privilege of getting much time with. Some highlights below: Greenberg Reserve (just south of Bennington, Bennington Co.)-------------------------------3 Ruffed Grouse (FOY)1 Virginia Rail2 Spotted Sandpipers1 Alder Flycatcher (FOY: A single early? bird incessantly giving [...]

female hummer

Courtney Appleyard — Sun, 12 May 2013 19:50:53 -0400

The hummers have found my new window feeders - and was rather surprised to see a female just now. I don't think I've ever had a female show up so early.

Courtney in Manchester

hummer, Charlotte, 5/11

Karyn Lunde — Sun, 12 May 2013 17:16:53 -0400

Saw the first male Ruby Throated Hummingbird yesterday (Saturday, May
11) in our yard.
And at the feeder today! Always a nice Mother's Day gift!

Karyn Lunde
Charlotte, VT

Bird walks

Sue Wetmore — Sun, 12 May 2013 16:37:54 -0400

On Sat. May 18 th at 8:00 a.m. I will lead a walk at Mt. Independence. Park fees apply. No dogs please.
On Sunday May 19th at 8:00 a.m. At Hawk Hill in Brandon I will be leading a bird walk. No charge. Meet at Otter Valley High School parking lot.
Again no dogs please. [...]

Re: BlueJays galore

b flewelling — Sun, 12 May 2013 20:33:12 +0000

I'm experiencing the same thing here in Rochester.

Bruce

----- Original Message -----
From: "Ruth Stewart"
To: VTBIRD @LIST. UVM . EDU
Sent: Sunday, May 12, 2013 3:57:53 PM
Subject: [ VTBIRD ] BlueJays galore

For the past 2 weeks or more, my feeder has been dominated by 12-20 BLJAs . It's fun to watch them, but I think it's time for them to disperse! Is anyone else having this large influx? Whitecrowned Sparrows - here for a couple of daysWhite throated Saarrows - have been here since the April 29.. and still one or [...]

Re: Hummer

Jane Stein — Sun, 12 May 2013 16:21:42 -0400

No sign of "my" hummers yet. Since the first male usually arrives May 9
or 10, I'm starting to tap my foot impatiently. Rose-Breasted Grosbeak
finally appeared in all his colorful finery this morning, though.

Jane
Shoreham

On 5/12/2013 4:19 PM, Sue Wetmore wrote:
> A male hummer showed up as I was sitting out by the feeder. Traditionally they have arrived on Mothers Day weekend. Last year they were a week earlier.
> Sue Wetmore
> Brandon
>
> TestSent from my iPod
>

Re: BlueJays galore

Jane Stein — Sun, 12 May 2013 16:19:40 -0400

Yes, and I was just thinking the same thing. I always have a few, but
there's been what looks like an unruly -- and very greedy -- gang of
half a dozen or more for the past several weeks.

Jane

Shoreham

On 5/12/2013 3:57 PM, Ruth Stewart wrote:
> For the past 2 weeks or more, my feeder has been dominated by 12-20
> BLJAs. It's fun to watch them, but I think it's time for them to
> disperse! Is anyone else having this large influx? Whitecrowned
> Sparrows - here for a couple of daysWhite throated Saarrows - [...]

Hummer

Sue Wetmore — Sun, 12 May 2013 16:19:53 -0400

A male hummer showed up as I was sitting out by the feeder. Traditionally they have arrived on Mothers Day weekend. Last year they were a week earlier.
Sue Wetmore
Brandon

TestSent from my iPod

BlueJays galore

Ruth Stewart — Sun, 12 May 2013 15:57:53 -0400

For the past 2 weeks or more, my feeder has been dominated by 12-20 BLJAs. It's fun to watch them, but I think it's time for them to disperse! Is anyone else having this large influx? Whitecrowned Sparrows - here for a couple of daysWhite throated Saarrows - have been here since the April 29.. and still one or two remain. [...]

FOY Scarlet Tanagers

Geoffrey Gardner — Sun, 12 May 2013 11:20:22 -0400

5/11/13 Brushwood Community Forest south in West Fairlee

5/12/13 West side of Spaulding Hill in West Fairlee

Geoffrey Gardner

Scarlet Tanager

vtfiliberti — Sun, 12 May 2013 10:04:20 -0400

Happy Mother's Day to me! My hummer finally made an appearance today AND I was blessed to find a Scarlet Tanager singing his heart out up in the trees for the past 3 days. I haven't seen one in years and I'm really hoping he sticks around!

Julie Fairfax

Beaver pond and wetland

Walter Medwid — Sun, 12 May 2013 09:46:00 -0400

A recently created wetland expansion caused by beaver at the eastern edge
of Memphremagog has brought a great diversity of avian life. Osprey have
occupied an abandoned nest and brought spectacular aerial displays and
calls. Bitterns have been regular callers and this morning showing their
patches of breeding plumage. Green herons have just shown up and a single
Virginia rail now seems to be 3 or 4. The increased number has not made
spotting them any easier. Redstarts, northern waterthrush, and yellow
warblers on territory. Baltimore orioles have also just arrived. This
special habitat has resulted in a remarkable explosion [...]

Re: bear problem

eve ticknor — Sun, 12 May 2013 08:20:40 -0400

I, too, agree. As much as we love feeding birds all year around, it is not necessary to do so in the summer. There is plenty of wild food for the species. Plantings for insects and birds will keep some of the birds in your yard anyway.
Eve

On 2013-05-11, at 4:08 PM, Marvin Elliott wrote: [...]

Re: duck, DUCK, goose!

Ruth Stewart — Sat, 11 May 2013 20:06:56 -0400

Great storytelling, Ali!! What a treat.

Ruth Stewart
E. Dorset, VT

> Date: Sat, 11 May 2013 18:37:20 -0400
> From: alikatofvt@GMAVT.NET
> Subject: [VTBIRD] duck, DUCK, goose!
> To: VTBIRD@LIST.UVM.EDU
>
> Hi~
>
> This morning up the trail in the Camels Hump State Forest, I stopped for a look at the beaver pond. Last week at around 8 PM, I had seen 5 beavers at this spot and I had hoped to see some of them again. I was not disappointed. Proof that the Beaver is a Keystone species, I’ve seen a nice variety of birds at [...]

duck, DUCK, goose!

Alison Wagner — Sat, 11 May 2013 18:37:20 -0400

Hi~

This morning up the trail in the Camels Hump State Forest, I stopped for a look at the beaver pond. Last week at around 8 PM, I had seen 5 beavers at this spot and I had hoped to see some of them again. I was not disappointed. Proof that the Beaver is a Keystone species, I’ve seen a nice variety of birds at this pond: Spotted Sandpipers, Mallards, Canada Geese, Wood Ducks, American Bittern, Northern Parula, Swamp Sparrow, Red-wingeds, Belted Kingfishers, Common Yellowthroat, Common Merganser, Northern Waterthrush, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (fallout during migration), Least Flycatcher, Great-crested Flycatcher... [...]

Blue-winged Warbler

b flewelling — Sat, 11 May 2013 22:25:41 +0000

First ever yard, and a lifer for me, a Blue-winged Warbler was in my lilac bush this afternoon.

Bruce Flewelling
RT 73 Rochester

Many Species back on territory in Northwestern VT

Jim Mead — Sat, 11 May 2013 17:13:46 -0400

Hello all,

I headed up to Campbell Bay in West Swanton in hopes of finding migrating shorebirds and a few other species in the area. There were not many shorebirds- 2 Killdeer, 1 Lesser Yellowlegs, 1 Spotted Sandpiper, 5 Least Sandpipers & 1 Wilson's Snipe.

I then stopped at the intersection of Rte. 78 & Cambell Bay Rd. and counted 10 Black Terns feeding over the water.
I didn't stay too long so there may have been even more. [...]

Re: bear problem

Marvin Elliott — Sat, 11 May 2013 13:08:45 -0700

Just in case everyone does not know, by law in Vermont, we are not allowed to feed wild animals. The law came as a reaction to an individual feeding the birds, attracting the bears to a home that was also a daycare spot for several kids and having the landowner shoot the bear. My understanding is that we can feed the birds during the summer without attracting attention of the law as long as no issues arise. In my mind your neighbors should take down their feeders at first sign of a bear. I am sorry if I am sounding [...]

Re: bear problem

Bobbie Summers — Sat, 11 May 2013 16:07:56 -0400

Ali Wagner's message is indeed very timely. Thank you Ali for explaining the conditions affecting bears this year, and why we are seeing them more often in residential areas. As Ali correctly said, the mast season this year has been very poor for bears. I too regret that summer is not a good time to put out bird feeders, which means missing the opportunity to see species like the Rose-breasted Grosbeak up close and personal. Ali knows what she is talking about when she says bears can climb and reach feeders that you would think would be inaccessible (witness the [...]

Re: bear problem

Richard Mansfield — Sat, 11 May 2013 16:05:35 -0400

Cuisinesu

Dick Mansfieldh
From iPhone 802-595-1341
Www.vtbirder.com

On May 11, 2013, at 3:36 PM, Becky Giroux wrote:

> Hi

Re: bear problem

Becky Giroux — Sat, 11 May 2013 15:36:49 -0400

Hi Courtney:

I too can appreciate your problem. 6 years ago I stopped feeding the birds, except the hummers, because my neighbors were all having bear visits. I have often wondered if one hummingbird feeder would attract the bears but so far I've been lucky. I have lived in Huntington 27 years and had my first bear visit last summer. He used my yard as a means to go between my neighbors feeders and didn't notice mine. Someone did ask me if I called the game warden to have him come and shoot him! I was dumbfounded by their reaction. [...]

Re: bear problem

Courtney Appleyard — Sat, 11 May 2013 15:17:40 -0400

Thanks Jane, Ali, and others who wrote to me! Sadly I have taken down my feeders, at least for the moment. I have some small hummer feeders on the 2nd story windows and a mealworm tray up there as well for my bluebirds. I know the birds will be fine, and I am probably a lot more upset than they are! It's just such a crucial time as I have so many nesting pairs I've gotten to know and I was anxiously awaiting the arrival of their fledglings... we'll see - maybe we'll have a nice wet balance of the [...]

Re: bear problem

Jane Stein — Sat, 11 May 2013 14:00:33 -0400

I read this with moderate interest this morning. But then just now, I
spotted a bear wandering across the open fields some distance away from
here. (Far enough that I had to grab the binos to find out what that
moving blob of black was.)

I've never seen one here before, nor have any of the neighbors I just
checked with who've been here many more years than I have. This is wide
open country, with mostly only fragments of woodlands here and there, so
this guy likely traveled a fair distance in search of food. I hope he
finds [...]

Mills Riverside

Larry Levine — Sat, 11 May 2013 11:22:10 -0400

On a this windy morning in Jericho at Mills Riverside Park, I found these
birds.

Common-yellowthroat
BT green warbler
Am redstart
Ovenbird
Wood thrush
Winter Wren
Brown creeper
BT Blue warbler
Pleated WP
Hermit thrush
Belted Kingfisher
Yellow warbler
Eastern Phoebe

Larry Levine
Jericho

White-crowned Sparrow

Larry Levine — Sat, 11 May 2013 09:18:32 -0400

White-crowned Sparrows and RT Hummingbirds at feeders.

Larry Levine
Jericho

North Pownal FOY

Mundi Smithers — Sat, 11 May 2013 08:20:17 -0400

Wood Thrush, Baltimore Oriole (male) and Ruby Throat (male) all here last evening!!! The Ovenbird has been around all week but I've yet to hear/see the Towhee.

Mundi
North Pownal

Mundi Smithers

The greatest tragedy in mankind's enitire history may be the hijacking of morality by religion.
Arthur C Clarke (1917-2008)

Re: bear problem

Alison Wagner — Sat, 11 May 2013 06:26:35 -0400

Hi again, Courtney,

I've given this some more thought...If you're sad about the hummers, why not
get a few hanging plants that they will find just as rewarding? Fuchsias,
for instance? And plant some annuals they'd like, or plant bee balm? I
have bee balm all around my house for this reason. I have ONE hummer
feeder and if I ever find it "visited" by a bear, I'll remove it for the
season. It would decrease my sightings of the birds, but I can't bear the
thought of seeing a bear being shot because I've attracted it to my space. [...]

More FOY birds in Leicester

Shelagh Smith — Sat, 11 May 2013 01:32:57 -0700

Cavorting & courting & caroling in the maples by the house yesterday, a pair of Catbirds. Ovenbirds, Common Yellowthroats & Redstarts down in the woods. Hummer a regular visitor now, so this one must be one of our resident males. Shelagh near Fern Lake.

Upland Sandpiper ... Weybridge

Ian A. Worley — Sat, 11 May 2013 04:23:49 -0400

Yesterday, Kris Andrews sighted an Upland Sandpiper in pastureland north
of Lemon Fair Road in Weybridge, about 0.4 miles west of the Lemon Fair
River. I relocated the bird mid-afternoon, in the same area, at the
north end of the field walking slowly, perhaps foraging. It would
disappear from view, then reappear for a few moments. I heard no
vocalizations. Two turkeys, a hen and Tom, were wandering about nearby. [...]

bear problem

Courtney Appleyard — Fri, 10 May 2013 21:24:21 -0400

With a heavy (crushed actually) heart, I guess I have to take down my feeders for a while. He's never hit them (except for the hummingbird feeder the 1st night) but my bear has been here 4 times this week, most recently at 7:30pm when he came up and snooped around on my deck and sat on the ground 10 feet from my house snacking on leaves. [...]

Re: RFI: SW Vermont

Danny Akers — Fri, 10 May 2013 19:14:33 -0500

Sorry All! Didn't mean for the messages to hit the list! I want to thank everyone for the replies, I received several and hope to hit some migrant hotspots this weekend! Danny Akers

Re: RFI: SW Vermont

Danny Akers — Fri, 10 May 2013 19:12:58 -0500

Hi Ruth! I am looking at making a trip this coming Sunday, although I know it is Mother's Day. Might be a bit early for Bicknell's yet? I'm hoping to snag that bird in the Dacks before I leave the area in June. Danny Akers
> Date: Wed, 8 May 2013 09:25:18 -0400
> From: birder_rws@HOTMAIL.COM
> Subject: Re: [VTBIRD] RFI: SW Vermont
> To: VTBIRD@LIST.UVM.EDU
>
> Hi Dan, I am in Dorset/Manchester area. There are several us in the Bennington-Manchester-Rutland area that can give you info. I would be willing to go out with you and introduce you [...]

Common Terns at Delta Park

Bruce MacPherson — Fri, 10 May 2013 18:26:41 -0400

This afternoon I counted 48 Common Terns loafing at the mouth of the Winooski River/Delta Park. The terns were perched on woody debris at the mouth of the river and were visible from the bridge. Two Bonaparte Gulls were in the mix. I saw only one Caspian Tern in flight. Also, I saw 2 Greater Yellowlegs on the beach as well as a Solitary Sandpiper. [...]

Re: Where are the swallows?

Ken Copenhaver — Fri, 10 May 2013 17:31:41 -0400

There were plenty of Tree Swallows at Missisquoi NWR 2 weekends ago, and
every nest box seemed to be occupied. I hope to get out there again this
weekend to check for new arrivals. Warblers seem to be in short supply so
far. I've had Least Flycatchers, Warbling Vireos, and House Wrens at my
house in Fairfax this week. [...]

Fwd: eBird Report - Rutland Community Garden, May 10, 2013

Fred Bates — Fri, 10 May 2013 20:41:51 +0000

It was great to see the White-crowned Sparrows.
Fred and Lana Bates
Rutland

----- Forwarded Message -----
From: do-not-reply@ebird.org
To: batesx2@comcast.net
Sent: Fri, 10 May 2013 20:33:49 -0000 (UTC)
Subject: eBird Report - Rutland Community Garden, May 10, 2013

Rutland Community Garden, Rutland, US-VT
May 10, 2013 3:45 PM - 4:15 PM
Protocol: Stationary
11 species

Mourning Dove 4
Blue Jay 1
American Crow 3
American Robin X
European Starling 4
Song Sparrow 2
White-crowned Sparrow 8
Northern Cardinal 2
Red-winged Blackbird 3
Common Grackle X
American Goldfinch 2 [...]

Re: Where are the swallows?

Theresa Armata — Fri, 10 May 2013 16:41:39 -0400

There are Tree Swallows at Bennington College nesting. I also saw a couple of Barn Swallows, and Chimney Swifts last evening.
Oh, and 3 Meadowlarks last week, 1 heard singing last evening.

Terri Armata
Bennington Vt
On May 10, 2013, at 11:50 AM, Ruth Stewart wrote:

> I, too echo the low number of warblers observed while out a couple mornings this week - Thurs am was quiet despite the rain the night before which was not enough to penetrate the ground here. I'm hoping for more action to come. However, what distresses me most when I am out and [...]

Bank Swallows missing at local sandpit, May 10, 2013

Roy Pilcher — Fri, 10 May 2013 16:28:05 -0400

While the Bank Swallows have gone missing from the area, it was good to record a nice variety of bird activity along the Otter Creek.

Cheers Roy Pilcher

-----Original Message-----
From: do-not-reply
To: shamwariVT
Sent: Fri, May 10, 2013 4:02 pm
Subject: eBird Report - Kendall Hill Road, Pittsford, May 10, 2013

Kendall Hill Road, Pittsford, Rutland, US-VT
May 10, 2013 9:00 AM - 10:45 AM
Protocol: Traveling
1.25 mile(s)
Comments: Priority was to check sandpit for nesting Bank Swallows. No Bank
Swallows but plenty of bird activity!
40 species [...]

Re: Where are the swallows?

b flewelling — Fri, 10 May 2013 20:15:02 +0000

I haven't seen a single one here on RT 73 in Rochester. Very unusual. And no Bluebirds either.

Bruce Flewelling

----- Original Message -----
From: "Nancy A. Brown"
To: VTBIRD @LIST. UVM . EDU
Sent: Friday, May 10, 2013 4:07:41 PM
Subject: Re: [ VTBIRD ] Where are the swallows?

Swallows in Danby Four Corners about 10 miles north of Ruth in East Dorset
are already in the (7) boxes with nest built and eggs being laid, if I get
any more I will have to direct them south to yours. Nancy

Re: Where are the swallows?

Nancy A. Brown — Fri, 10 May 2013 16:07:41 -0400

Swallows in Danby Four Corners about 10 miles north of Ruth in East Dorset
are already in the (7) boxes with nest built and eggs being laid, if I get
any more I will have to direct them south to yours. Nancy

Pine siskins

Courtney Appleyard — Fri, 10 May 2013 12:47:39 -0400

5 here chowing down in Manchester...

Pleasant St. Powerline, West Rutland - May 10

Susan Elliott — Fri, 10 May 2013 09:43:55 -0700

A Prairie Warbler has returned to the Pleasant St. powerline in West Rutland. Four Blue-winged Warblers and one Golden-winged Warbler were seen and heard. A Field Sparrow as carrying nesting material. 30 species Mourning Dove 2 Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) 1 Pileated Woodpecker 1 American Kestrel 1 Eastern Phoebe 1 Blue Jay 1 American Crow 2 Common Raven 1 Black-capped Chickadee 3 House Wren 1 Wood Thrush 1 American Robin 1 Gray Catbird 1 Ovenbird 3 Blue-winged Warbler 4 seen and heard Golden-winged Warbler 1 Black-and-white Warbler 3 Nashville Warbler 1 Common Yellowthroat 7 Yellow Warbler 1 Chestnut-sided Warbler [...]

Where are the swallows?

Ruth Stewart — Fri, 10 May 2013 11:50:57 -0400

I, too echo the low number of warblers observed while out a couple mornings this week - Thurs am was quiet despite the rain the night before which was not enough to penetrate the ground here. I'm hoping for more action to come. However, what distresses me most when I am out and about is the absence on swallows... usually there will be many flying over water areas... lately I have seen only 1-4 - if any at all! The only benefit is that bluebirds have 5 eggs in one of my boxes and don't have to (or haven't had [...]

redtail hawk drama in Dummerston

Tom Slayton — Fri, 10 May 2013 11:27:49 -0400

Near Scott Farm and Naulakha, witnessed aerial dogfight between eastern
kingbird and red-tailed hawk. The kingbird chased the hawk away, but it
came back, soaring over the fields, seeking lunch. Also bluebirds and tree
swallows, all apparently unconcerned with the big hawk.

Tom Slayton

Wallingford Thrush

Pamela Coleman — Fri, 10 May 2013 06:31:03 -0700

Was very surprised to hear a thrush behind Cumby's in Wallingford at dusk last night. Not sure if it was hermit or wood. FOY for me..

Cerulean Warbler, southern end of Snake Mountain, Bridport

Ian A. Worley — Fri, 10 May 2013 09:10:12 -0400

A Cerulean Warbler has just appeared on the territory occupied each
summer since 2008, in woods above our pasture. It was moving about in
canopy trees on the periphery of the territory, singing.

Arrival dates the last three years:

May 7th 2012
May 13th 2011
May 10th 2010

Ian

Bay-breasted Warbler, southern end of Snake Mountain, Cornwall

Ian A. Worley — Fri, 10 May 2013 08:16:59 -0400

One highly visible and vocal Bay-breasted Warbler in young elm by
mailbox this morning.

http://ebird.org/ebird/vt/view/checklist?subID=S14057308

Ian

P.S. on Peregrine Falcon Chase

cynthia crawford — Thu, 9 May 2013 22:15:27 -0400

I have just read that male Peregrines will sometimes drop food in the air
for Females-courting/mating behavior. This would explain the seemingly lack
of conflict in this encounter.

Cindy Crawford

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102 Cormorants, Peregrine Drama

cynthia crawford — Thu, 9 May 2013 22:02:47 -0400

Here are photos of the 102 +/- Double-crested Cormorants seen on the
Connecticut River today around 3:30 PM. We had very heavy rain, this was
the tail end of it when the skies were beginning to clear. They all took
off upstream after 20 minutes or so.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/33836164@N03/sets/72157633444439481/

There was also a Peregrine Falcon apparently chasing another bird, possibly
also a Peregrine, and stealing it's prey. Photos here: [...]

Great Egret--Osprey

Bob Budliger — Thu, 9 May 2013 21:33:37 -0400

A Great Egret spent much of today on the shoreline of Morrisville's
Lake Lamoille.
I saw it fly in from the north at about 11 AM. Its initial landing site
was out of view, and I moved to a different vantage point. Not
relocating it, I went back to the north end of this hydroelectric
reservoir a half hour later.
The egret was now standing on shoreline mud. Suddenly an Osprey came
from nowhere and flew very low over the egret and made a sharp U-turn
back over the egret and disappeared. It looked very much like the
Osprey "buzzed" [...]

Re: Charlotte Shorebirds NOT

Alison Wagner — Thu, 9 May 2013 21:27:56 -0400

OOPS! Sorry for any confusion...In my haste (short break at work) I didn’t reread my post to realize it wasn’t clear. I was referring to interesting birds seen at this location in the past, not today! But if it got a few people out of the house or away from the computer, maybe it was worth the drive! I meant to stress this spot is worth checking out if you happen to be driving by....and if I ever do see a Short-billed Dowitcher there again, I’ll post it a.s.a.p! Promise! [...]

Re: First hummer

Becky Giroux — Thu, 9 May 2013 19:56:00 -0400

I had a 5 minute visit from the hummer at 6 am and then he took off for someone else's feeder! There's always tomorrow.

Becky Giroux
Huntington

Re: First hummer

Maeve Kim — Thu, 9 May 2013 17:56:52 -0400

Same here - Also the first American Redstart.

Maeve Kim
Jericho Center

On May 9, 2013, at 5:31 PM, Marcia Baker wrote:

> In Brownsville, just now. Right on schedule.
>
> Marcia
>
> Sent from my iPad

First hummer

Marcia Baker — Thu, 9 May 2013 17:31:10 -0400

In Brownsville, just now. Right on schedule.

Marcia

Sent from my iPad

Re: Question about Berlin Pond

Robert Spring — Thu, 9 May 2013 15:55:26 -0400

Ann,

There are about 10 spaces on the north end about 200 yards after you turn onto the pond road. The south end is much more restricted with only about 4-5 pull offs that don't restrict traffic. Most boaters using the pond use the south end so it can be tough to find a spot. [...]

Question about Berlin Pond

Curran, Ann — Thu, 9 May 2013 19:31:11 +0000

Does anyone have the latest on where to park near the Pond?

Thanks,

Ann

Feeders Brandon

Sue Wetmore — Thu, 9 May 2013 14:19:06 -0400

Siskins, goldfinch, white-throated sparrow and a gang of blue jays here today.
Sue Wetmore

TestSent from my iPod

Brattleboro shorebird migration

hg2@myfairpoint.net — Thu, 9 May 2013 13:18:18 -0400

After the rain showers of last night there were a few shorebirds at the Retreat Meadows:

Least sandpiper. 20
Semi-p plover. 1
Spotted sand. 4

Hector Galbraith
802 258 4836
802 222 1916 (cell)

Re: Charlotte Shorebirds

alison wagner — Thu, 9 May 2013 13:10:48 -0400

Hi~
This area that Eric mentions was drained a few springs back (beaver dam
broken). In addition to the shorebirds he saw there, it also had a
Short-billed Dowitcher and Semipalmated Plovers! When I stop there, I park
at the Tree Works and walk back to the viewing area since there are fast
cars and very little shoulder on the road. This wetland extends for quite
a long way. It's also a good spot for warblers and Orioles! [...]

Chipman Hill Warblers

Ronald Payne — Thu, 9 May 2013 12:43:28 -0400

This morning on Chipman Hill in Middlebury, I found 22 Ovenbird, 9 Black-and-white Warbler, 4 American Redstart, 1 Northern Parula , 2 Blackburnian Warbler, 8 Black-throated Blue Warbler, 1 Pine Warbler, 3 Yellow-rumped Warbler , and 5 Black-throated Green Warbler. Also my first of year Great-crested Flycather.

Full Checklist:
http://ebird.org/ebird/vt/view/checklist?subID=S14048261

And, not birds, but there were also 70 Eastern Newts along the trails taking advantage of the first wet morning in a long while:
https://picasaweb.google.com/103744238038089080957/70EasternNewtsChipmanHillMiddleburyMay92013 [...]

Eleven Morning warblers .... southern end of Snake Mountain, Cornwall/Bridport

Ian A. Worley — Thu, 9 May 2013 11:52:39 -0400

But not a Mourning among the eleven species around the house, pasture,
and woods. The two Yellow-throated Vireos seemed hard at work
establishing good sized territories. The change in weather appears to
have been as welcome to the birds as to our household and gardens.

Southern end of Snake Mtn. Cornwall/Bridport, Addison, US-VT
May 9, 2013 4:47 AM - 6:35 AM
52 species [...]

Kent Pond - Killington (99 acres) - May 9

Susan Elliott — Thu, 9 May 2013 08:11:27 -0700

A nice mix of birds was at Kent Pond this morning. The Osprey was actively fishing. 24 species Canada Goose 3 Common Loon 2 Osprey 1 Spotted Sandpiper 2 Eastern Phoebe 1 Blue-headed Vireo 2 Blue Jay 2 American Crow 2 Tree Swallow 1 Barn Swallow 2 Black-capped Chickadee 3 White-breasted Nuthatch 1 American Robin 3 Ovenbird 1 Northern Waterthrush 1 Black-and-white Warbler 2 Nashville Warbler 1 Common Yellowthroat 1 Blackburnian Warbler 2 Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 6 White-crowned Sparrow (Eastern) 3 Rose-breasted Grosbeak 1 Red-winged Blackbird 1 Common Grackle 3 Sue and Marv Elliott

Charlotte Shorebirds

Eric Hynes — Thu, 9 May 2013 10:33:50 -0400

Hello Vermont Birders:

Similar to the experience described by Spencer Hardy yesterday on the
listserv, I too had been noticing the return of breeders to their
territories but catching up to any passage migrants was elusive. Thank
goodness the beautiful weather came to an end. Last night's rain I think
helped put down a few birds. [...]

warblers - Hollow Rd., Brandon, May 8, 2013

Sue Wetmore — Thu, 9 May 2013 11:30:27 +0000

More migrants arriving at one of Brandon's hot birding roads.

Sue Wetmore

----- Forwarded Message -----

From: do-not-reply@ebird.org
To: 2birdvt@comcast.net
Sent: Thursday, May 9, 2013 7:28:23 AM
Subject: eBird Report - Hollow Rd., Brandon, May 8, 2013

Hollow Rd., Brandon, Rutland, US-VT
May 8, 2013 8:15 AM - 10:15 AM
Protocol: Traveling
2.0 mile(s)
37 species

Canada Goose 2
Wild Turkey 2
Killdeer 1
Mourning Dove 2
Belted Kingfisher 1
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 2
Downy Woodpecker 1
Eastern Phoebe 2
Blue Jay 4
American Crow 5
Black-capped Chickadee 3
Tufted Titmouse 1
White-breasted Nuthatch 3
House Wren 3
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1
[...]

Prairie Warbler

Roy Pilcher — Wed, 8 May 2013 19:59:21 -0400

Today at the Buckner Memorial Preserve 2 Prairie Warblers.

Follow Tim's Trail to the kiosk and the small pond beyond. Below the pond are two elm-like saplings. One bird was seen and heard there in full song.
Continue along the trail to where it forks, follow the north branch for a short distance and a second Prairie Warbler was heard singing from there in the brushy habitat.
Also observed at Bruckner, a single Baltimore Oriole, 2 Louisiana Waterthrush, a singing Carolina Wren, 2 singing Field Sparrows, 2 singing Yellow Warbler and a very vocal Brown Thrasher.
At Ward Marsh WMA [...]

Goshawks and a lack of migrants?

Spencer Hardy — Wed, 8 May 2013 16:36:36 -0400

I've spent most of the afternoon working on the 5th floor of the Middlebury College science building..the big windows facing west are a very distracting!
http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S14038124

14 species so far, with the highlight being two Northern Goshawks passing by at eye level! Probably a pair, with the smaller bird in transition between brown and gray. [...]

Oriole

Sue Wetmore — Wed, 8 May 2013 14:45:53 -0400

New arrival on the yard a Baltimore Oriole calling.

Sue Wetmore
Brandon
TestSent from my iPod

common moorhens, Allen's marsh, Westminster

suki russo — Wed, 8 May 2013 09:04:57 -0700

Martha Adams found 2 common moorhens at Allen's marsh in Westminster. They were still there when we left around noon. JoAnne Russo Saxtons River, VT

Northwood Park, Rutland Town - May 8

Susan Elliott — Wed, 8 May 2013 07:42:49 -0700

Most of the regular gang has returned to Northwood Park in Rutland Town. We were greeted by the Merlin as we were getting out of the car. The Louisiana Waterthrush is in his usual place and a female Purple Finch was gathering nesting material. 30 species Canada Goose 2 Spotted Sandpiper 1 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1 Hairy Woodpecker 2 Merlin 1 Eastern Phoebe 2 Blue Jay 3 American Crow 4 Common Raven 1 Black-capped Chickadee 10 Tufted Titmouse 3 Brown Creeper 1 House Wren 2 Winter Wren 3 Hermit Thrush 1 American Robin 2 European Starling 1 Ovenbird 6 Louisiana Waterthrush [...]

Re: RFI: SW Vermont

Ruth Stewart — Wed, 8 May 2013 09:25:18 -0400

Hi Dan, I am in Dorset/Manchester area. There are several us in the Bennington-Manchester-Rutland area that can give you info. I would be willing to go out with you and introduce you to some of my favorite areas and birds .. and even send you on a Bicknell's quest if you wish. [...]

Whip-poor-wills - Brandon

Susan Elliott — Wed, 8 May 2013 07:46:15 -0400

Whip-poor-wills in two locations last night - Pearl Street in Brandon (2) and Rte 73 (1). Also several woodcock and snipe and a bonus bittern (American) thunder-pumping at 9PM.

Sue and Marv Elliott, Sue Wetmore

Sent from my iPod

Whip-poor-will --- east side of Snake Mountain, Bridport

Ian A. Worley — Wed, 8 May 2013 04:16:17 -0400

One Whip-poor-will was calling last evening on the east side of Snake
Mountain in Bridport, along Snake Mountain Road, 0.7 miles north of
Forrest Road. This is the same location where there have been
Whip-poor-wills the last three years (and also some 30-40 years ago).
There may have been a second bird as well. [...]

Re: Ravens at Mt. Philo?

Eric Wood — Tue, 7 May 2013 21:21:21 -0400

I too was walking on that trail on Sunday and encountered one of the ravens, as well. It was croaking in agitation at me, I thought, and I guessed it likely had a nest, as well.

-Eric

On Tue, 7 May 2013 01:53:46 +0000, Carol Scott wrote:

>I was walking today on the Devil's Chair trail at Mt. Philo. I was walking at the base of a rock face when a large black bird began croaking from above me; it continued, following me from tree to tree, for about 100 feet. After about a half a mile, I found [...]

RFI: SW Vermont

Danny Akers — Tue, 7 May 2013 20:20:01 -0500

Hi All, Greetings from a Midwesterner! I am working out of state on a temporary assignment and would like to wander into Vermont sometime in the next couple of weeks. If anyone could provide some information or recommend birding locations in southwestern Vermont, I'd love to do some listing during migration and see some of the countryside. Thank you for any information and please contact me offline. Thanks! Danny AkersAnkeny, Iowa(temporarily residing in Saratoga Springs, NY)BirdManDan1231@hotmail.com

Jim Block — Tue, 7 May 2013 17:41:45 -0400

SET VTBIRD MAIL

bobolinks Union St Brandon, May 7, 2013

Sue Wetmore — Tue, 7 May 2013 19:43:36 +0000

The lovely song of bobolink greeted me this morning.

Sue Wetmore

----- Forwarded Message -----

From: do-not-reply@ebird.org
To: 2birdvt@comcast.net
Sent: Tuesday, May 7, 2013 3:42:05 PM
Subject: eBird Report - Union St Brandon, May 7, 2013

Union St Brandon, Rutland, US-VT
May 7, 2013 8:15 AM - 9:50 AM
Protocol: Traveling
1.0 mile(s)
36 species

Canada Goose 10
Wild Turkey 1
American Bittern 1
Great Blue Heron 2
Virginia Rail 1
Spotted Sandpiper 1
Wilson's Snipe 1
Rock Pigeon 2
Mourning Dove 1
Belted Kingfisher 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 3
Downy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) 1
American [...]

Pipeline East, Victory: Lincolns, Solitary

Thomas Berriman — Tue, 7 May 2013 14:11:45 -0400

The Pipeline East is still the 'hot spot' for birding Victory this spring. Met up with Sandy & Mark Turner for early am birding followed by Dory & Kate from Woodstock as we worked the pipeline. Along the Victory rd. warbler species are starting to arrive with Magnolia, Black & White, N. Parula, Palm, Yellow rumped, Nashville, Oven on site. Happy to find a Lincoln's and a lone Pine Siskin. Add Beaver to the mix of Mink and Moose along that route. List follows. [...]

Berlin Pond IBA this morning

paulagills tds.net — Tue, 7 May 2013 12:04:33 -0400

An exciting bird walk with folks who were largely novice birders from the
Chandler Center for the Arts auction who bid successfully and enjoyed this
glorious day. Our local IBA got them very excited about continuing!

Highlights:

North end of pond:

American Bittern flushed, flew across to the other side, and took his
characteristic pose
2 Common Loons looking cozy with each other
Male Wood Duck and Hooded Mergansers with breeding plumage shouting out at
us
A singing N. Waterthrush in amongst some Yellow Warblers who let us scope
him for quite a while
Red-winged Blackbirds displaying--an amazing display from [...]

Recent Chittenden County wetland highlights

Eric Hynes — Tue, 7 May 2013 10:12:08 -0400

Hello Vermont Birders:

Saturday morning I snuck out at 0430 before my family woke up and hit a few
wetland areas. The chorus of Swamp Sparrows, Red-winged Blackbirds, and
Spring Peepers made it a challenge to tease out anything else but I managed
to hear some other highlights.

Route 116 bisects a large cattail marsh on the east side of Shelburne Pond,
a litte north of Pond Road. From the roadside I heard an American Bittern
thunder-pumping, a grunting Virginia Rail, and several Marsh Wrens. [...]

Brandon bobos

Sue Wetmore — Tue, 7 May 2013 10:13:18 -0400

Bobolinks are back and warbling vireos are battling both by song and chases.

Sue Wetmore

TestSent from my iPod

Bears/hummingbird feeders

Courtney Appleyard — Tue, 7 May 2013 07:34:19 -0400

Just wanted to give a little warning... We've lived in this house for 3 years now, at the base of Mt. Equinox - definite bear country - and at the height of the hummingbird season, I have up about 10 hummingbird feeders (I have a huge population!) and I have never had a problem with bears hitting the feeders. I've seen the You Tube videos from other places, etc. but it hasn't really been a problem in our area. I religiously bring in my seed feeders, but not the hummers. The night before last, my neighbor's hummingbird feeders were hit, [...]

Ravens at Mt. Philo?

Carol Scott — Tue, 7 May 2013 01:53:46 +0000

I was walking today on the Devil's Chair trail at Mt. Philo. I was walking at the base of a rock face when a large black bird began croaking from above me; it continued, following me from tree to tree, for about 100 feet. After about a half a mile, I found that trail a bit too much for me and decided to turn back to the main trail; this time two birds croaked at me through the same area. Based on the size and calls I think they were ravens, and the behavior surely seemed like there was probably [...]

Whip-poor-will

Sue Wetmore — Mon, 6 May 2013 20:57:07 -0400

At 8:35 the whips were calling here in Brandon near the farm on Pearl St.

Sue Wetmore

TestSent from my iPod

Begin forwarded message:

> From: do-not-reply@ebird.org
> Date: May 6, 2013 8:53:22 PM EDT
> To: 2birdvt@comcast.net
> Subject: eBird Report - Pearl St., Brandon, May 6, 2013
>

> Pearl St., Brandon, Rutland, US-VT
> May 6, 2013 8:35 PM - 8:45 PM
> Protocol: Stationary
> 2 species
>
> American Woodcock 2
> Eastern Whip-poor-will 2
>
> View this checklist online at http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S14019110
>
> This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)

Lincoln's sparrow in Jericho

Eric Wood — Mon, 6 May 2013 20:20:36 -0400

Passing through - right on time. An infrequent sighting for us over the years.

-Eric

hummers are back

Scott Sainsbury — Mon, 6 May 2013 19:11:51 -0400

Three days early this year. We had a lot of babies last year. It will be interesting to see how many take up residence within usable distance of our numerous feeders this spring.
Scott
Moretown

West Rutland Marsh - FINALLY

Liz Lackey — Mon, 6 May 2013 17:39:45 -0400

The stars aligned and I finally got to visit West Rutland Marsh early this am, after wanting to do this for a long time.

What a gem, and I am so impressed with all the planning, work and care that has been done, and continues to be undertaken, by an inspired group of bird and nature enthusiasts. [...]

Mid day Middlebury

Peterson, Bruce B. — Mon, 6 May 2013 21:04:38 +0000

Midday, so beautiful but quiet. Ran Creek Road, Shard Villa Road, Salisbury Covered Bridge, Rte. 30, Cornwall Swamp and South Street Extension.

Yellow-rumped Warbler, Yellow Warbler (several locations), Yellowthroat (swamp), Nashville Warbler (Swamp), Northern Waterthrush (at least 6 individuals in the swamp west of the covered bridge, Warbling Vireo (several locations), Yellow-throated Vireo (near confluence of Middlebury River and Otter Creek), Indigo Bunting (same location), Rose-breasted Grosbeak (mid-way Creek Road), House Wren (several locations), pipits (near covered bridge, heard not seen), phoebe (bridge over Middlebury River and West Cornwall Village), bobolinks (East of covered bridge. [...]

Lefferts Pond - Chittenden (55 acres), May 6, 2013

Susan Elliott — Mon, 6 May 2013 14:03:58 -0700

Despite the warm weather, leaves are just coming out around Lefferts Pond. The Black-throated Blue Warblers are claiming their usual spots. Hermit Thrushes and Juncoes were investigating nesting spots. An early Swainson's Thrush was near one of the dams, taking a dip. Lefferts Pond - Chittenden (55 acres), Rutland, US-VT May 6, 2013 8:15 AM - 12:20 PM Protocol: Traveling 3.0 mile(s) 35 species Canada Goose 6 Wood Duck 2 Mallard 14 Hooded Merganser 4 Common Merganser 5 Great Blue Heron 2 Broad-winged Hawk 2 (circling together overhead and calling) Spotted Sandpiper 3 Barred Owl (after hunting [...]

Today's Surprise

Kaye Danforth — Mon, 6 May 2013 15:45:02 -0400

Although it seems the juncoes, tree sparrows and redpolls all finally left for their northern summer homes, moments ago I was surprised to find a pine siskin dining on sunflower seeds at the feeder. Haven't seen one here since last November!

Kaye in Hinesburg

warbler - Short Swamp Rd., May 5, 2013

Sue Wetmore — Mon, 6 May 2013 19:39:01 +0000

Northern waterthrush returned to Short Swamp.

Sue Wetmore

----- Forwarded Message -----

From: do-not-reply@ebird.org
To: 2birdvt@comcast.net
Sent: Monday, May 6, 2013 3:30:06 PM
Subject: eBird Report - Short Swamp Rd., May 5, 2013

Short Swamp Rd., Rutland, US-VT
May 5, 2013 8:00 AM - 8:20 AM
Protocol: Traveling
1.0 mile(s)
8 species

Canada Goose 1
Wood Duck 3
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 3
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Winter Wren 1
Ovenbird 1
Northern Waterthrush 1
Nashville Warbler 1 [...]

rails- Pearl St., Brandon, May 5, 2013

Sue Wetmore — Mon, 6 May 2013 19:38:09 +0000

Yesterday the Virginia rails were in dispute over territory.

Sue Wetmore

----- Forwarded Message -----

From: do-not-reply@ebird.org
To: 2birdvt@comcast.net
Sent: Monday, May 6, 2013 3:27:38 PM
Subject: eBird Report - Pearl St., Brandon, May 5, 2013

Pearl St., Brandon, Rutland, US-VT
May 5, 2013 6:15 AM - 8:30 AM
Protocol: Traveling
3.0 mile(s)
36 species

Canada Goose 5
Great Blue Heron 2
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Virginia Rail 2 calling and interacting
Mourning Dove 2
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 5
Downy Woodpecker 1
Hairy Woodpecker 5
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) 2
American Kestrel 1
Eastern Phoebe 4
Warbling Vireo 1
Blue Jay [...]

Nesting Carolina Wren in Proctor

Roy Pilcher — Mon, 6 May 2013 15:19:29 -0400

FOY

Cheers Roy Pilcher

My friend writes, "There are 5 eggs in the wrens nest! I hope you're right and they have multiple broods. I'll check every day for documentation purposes. So cool!"

PS Nest is in old hat nailed to a beam. RWP

Re: Woodside in Essex Junction

Bob Malbon — Mon, 6 May 2013 13:50:26 -0400

Sorry, sold.

On May 5, 2013, at 9:38 AM, Larry Levine wrote:

> Present at an early morning walk at Woodside in Essex in no particular
> order...and not my complete list. Just the one's worth mentioning.
>
> Least Flycatcher
> Warbling Vireo
> Yellow-throated Vireo - amazingly close unobstructed view
> Wood Ducks
> White-throated Sparrows
>
> Larry Levine
> Jericho

Manchester hummer

Courtney Appleyard — Mon, 6 May 2013 12:54:07 -0400

And so my favorite season begins!

Killdeer egg

Julie Filiberti — Mon, 6 May 2013 12:17:19 -0400

Sadly, a killdeer laid an egg on the school playground's wood chips sometime over the weekend and was very disturbed by the kids when they went out to play today. An adult moved the egg off the playground into a grassy area. Just wondering if anyone knows if there is any way to save the egg and have the killdeer reclaim it in a safe place. [...]

white throated sparrow

Linda Gross — Mon, 6 May 2013 10:37:45 -0400

This is my first post. And for the first time this year, I heard the song
of a white-throated sparrow wafting through my window in as I woke up this
morning. Happiness!

Linda Gross

South Burlington

FOY: Warbling Vireo

Linda Gionti — Mon, 6 May 2013 10:04:57 -0400

This morning I'm hearing a Warbling Vireo back in these parts, joining the chorus with the Louisiana Waterthrush I've been hearing daily since 4/23. Heard my FOY Wood Thrush up the mountain from here 5/4, but not yet down in the valley.

Linda Gionti
Huntington

Bobolinks

Linda Lunna — Mon, 6 May 2013 08:16:25 -0400

This morning the Bobolinks are back--on Music Mountain in Stockbridge.

Re: Chickadee nest invader / Grand Isle

Jane Stein — Mon, 6 May 2013 07:15:36 -0400

David, what do you mean by "tweezed to oblivion"?

Jane

On 5/5/2013 11:21 PM, David Hoag wrote:
> I wondered why Chickadees had not revisited a newly excavated cavity
> for a few days. Last night's closer inspection revealed the beginning
> of a Paper Wasp nest, a Polistes species (Polistes dominula) --
> wasp nest and wasp tweezed to oblivion.
>
> I'm accustomed to removing the occasional mud-dauber wasp nest from
> a Cliff Swallow nest, but in recent years, the primary problem has been
> paper wasp nests. After not having cleaned swallow nests last year,
> [...]

Fwd: eBird Report - Long Swamp, Brandon, May 5, 2013

Roy Pilcher — Mon, 6 May 2013 06:28:22 -0400

Apologies, I failed to add my name!

However, this is great news and the culmination of some dedicated work by many who for the most part are "faceless bureaucrats" and whose success stories fail to make the headlines!

Cheers, Roy Pilcher

-----Original Message-----
From: Roy Pilcher
To: sally.eugair ; VTBIRD ; shamwariVT
Sent: Mon, May 6, 2013 6:19 am
Subject: Fwd: eBird Report - Long Swamp, Brandon, May 5, 2013 [...]

Fwd: eBird Report - Long Swamp, Brandon, May 5, 2013

Roy Pilcher — Mon, 6 May 2013 06:19:09 -0400

-----Original Message-----
From: do-not-reply
To: shamwariVT
Sent: Mon, May 6, 2013 6:11 am
Subject: eBird Report - Long Swamp, Brandon, May 5, 2013

Long Swamp, Brandon, Rutland, US-VT
May 5, 2013 6:15 PM - 6:50 PM
Protocol: Stationary
Comments: This is part of a Wetland Reserve Project formerly corn fields.
Confirming breeding Pied-billed Grebe is a crowning success for the USDA that
has worked to restore this area to its wetland potential.
5 species [...]

Chickadee nest invader / Grand Isle

David Hoag — Sun, 5 May 2013 23:21:03 -0400

I wondered why Chickadees had not revisited a newly excavated cavity
for a few days. Last night's closer inspection revealed the beginning
of a Paper Wasp nest, a Polistes species (Polistes dominula) --
wasp nest and wasp tweezed to oblivion.

I'm accustomed to removing the occasional mud-dauber wasp nest from
a Cliff Swallow nest, but in recent years, the primary problem has been
paper wasp nests. After not having cleaned swallow nests last year,
this winter, I found ALL nine old swallow nests on the south end
of my house to be packed solid with paper, and removed the paper.
[...]

Re: Tea Party: of the birds, for the birds

Michele Patenaude — Sun, 5 May 2013 22:41:00 -0400

Your an inspiration to me. 150 soon.

Got a Greater Yellowlegs today at Delta today. 27 species in all. Saw Jim Meade. Saw Ted Murin at Shelburne Bay.

Want to bird together some time? Sunday and Monday are always the best for me. Next week I am working 9 to 5, Tuesday through Saturday so some early morning before work would be good, especially if it is somewhere nearby. Delta? Woodside? Shelburne Bay area? [...]

BioBlitz at Merck Forest in Rupert

Ruth Stewart — Sun, 5 May 2013 22:18:17 -0400

Merck Forest and Farmland Center will host a BioBlitz on Saturday, May 11, to last approximately 6 hours (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.) This project will be an introduction to a longer survey to be done in the fall.

Citizen naturalists are needed to survey selected sites a few hours or the entire 6 hrs. MFFC is a 3,000 acre property located on Rte 315 in Rupert. Contact Sarah Ullman at 802 392-7836 for more information. http://www.merckforest.org/ [...]

Hummer in e dorset

Ruth Stewart — Sun, 5 May 2013 22:14:46 -0400

Buzzing briefly around the feeder at 6:30, sun Cinco de Mayo.

Ruth Stewart
E. Dorset, VT

"ee-oh-lay" Wood Thrush, Charlotte, VT 5/5

Karyn Lunde — Sun, 5 May 2013 20:19:28 -0400

Heard the beautiful flute-like song of the Wood Thrush for the first
time this season!

Also, male Rose -Breasted Grosbeak arrived in our yard on Saturday
morning 5/4.

Karyn Lunde
Charlotte, VT

Fwd: eBird Report - West Rutland Marsh IBA, May 5, 2013

Fred Bates — Sun, 5 May 2013 21:13:45 +0000

The marsh looks great after Green -up Day. Hope it stays that way.
Fred and Lana Bates
Rutland

West Rutland Marsh IBA, Rutland, US-VT
May 5, 2013 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Protocol: Traveling
3.5 mile(s)
Comments: Great day to be out in the great outdoors.
11 species

Great Blue Heron 1
Turkey Vulture 1
Northern Harrier 1
Belted Kingfisher 1
Eastern Phoebe 1
American Crow 9
Barn Swallow 2
Black-capped Chickadee 2
Red-winged Blackbird X
Common Grackle 5
American Goldfinch 5 [...]

Fwd: eBird Report - Rutland Community Garden, May 5, 2013

Fred Bates — Sun, 5 May 2013 21:10:27 +0000

Great day to be outside, working in the garden and doing a little birding.
Fred and Lana Bates
Rutland

Rutland Community Garden, Rutland, US-VT
May 5, 2013 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Protocol: Traveling
1.0 mile(s)
11 species

Mourning Dove 3
Northern Flicker 2
Blue Jay 2
American Crow 3
Black-capped Chickadee 1
Brown Thrasher 1
Song Sparrow 1
Northern Cardinal 1
Red-winged Blackbird 2 One female
Common Grackle 6
American Goldfinch 2 [...]

Hummer in Moretown Village

Patti Haynes — Sun, 5 May 2013 16:23:38 -0400

At 4:13 this afternoon a FOY Hummingbird arrived at my neighbor's Oriole
feeder! It has been back a couple of times already :)

Patti

OCAS Monthly Wildlife Walk and Warbler Warm-Up

Ronald Payne — Sun, 5 May 2013 15:24:37 -0400

May 11, 7:00 AM, Monthly Wildlife Walk. Otter Creek Audubon and the Middlebury Area Land Trust invite community members to help us survey birds and other wildlife at Otter View Park and the Hurd Grassland. Meet at the parking area of Otter View Park at the intersection of Weybridge St. and Pulp Mill Bridge Road in Middlebury. Birders of all ages and abilities welcome. For more information, call 388-1007 or 388-6019. Leader: Gary Starr. Please note the earlier start time! [...]

Re: Upcoming events at the Birds of Vermont Museum

mark paul — Sun, 5 May 2013 14:59:25 -0400

Hi Erin,

I hope it isn't too late to reserve a copy.

Thanks, Mark Paul

On May 4, 2013, at 5:56 PM, E Talmage wrote:

> Hello all,
>
> Roz Renfrew will be at the Birds of Vermont Museum on Monday, May 6th at
> 6:00 pm to discuss the Breeding Bird Atlas project, and sign and sell
> copies of the Atlas. On that night the book will be 20% off the cover price!
>
> The Museum has also put together an exhibit on display from May 1 - Oct 31
> about the Breeding Bird Atlas. [...]

FOY Scarlet Tanager

Randy Schmidt — Sun, 5 May 2013 14:39:07 -0400

This morning about 8 at home in Sunderland. Checked my arrival list and he's just about a day or two early, singing way in the top of a just budded oak.

Randy Schmidt
The Vermont Bird Place & Sky Watch

Woodside in Essex Junction

Larry Levine — Sun, 5 May 2013 09:38:14 -0400

Present at an early morning walk at Woodside in Essex in no particular
order...and not my complete list. Just the one's worth mentioning.

Least Flycatcher
Warbling Vireo
Yellow-throated Vireo - amazingly close unobstructed view
Wood Ducks
White-throated Sparrows

Larry Levine
Jericho

Chipman Hill Warblers

Ronald Payne — Sun, 5 May 2013 09:22:40 -0400

This morning on Chipman Hill in Middlebury, 11 Ovenbird, 2 Black-and-white Warbler, 1 Nashville Warbler, 1 American Redstart, 2 Black-throated Blue Warbler, 1 Pine Warbler and 4 Yellow-rumped Warbler. Also, first of year Wood Thrush and Rose-breasted Grosbeak. Checklist:

http://ebird.org/ebird/vt/view/checklist?subID=S13995359

--
Ron Payne
Middlebury, VT

White-crowned sparrow

Linda Verchereau Becker — Sun, 5 May 2013 08:51:46 -0400

One male White-crowned sparrow feeding off millet in my yard.

Linda Verchereau Becker
Montpelier, VT

Busy Sparrows

Kaye Danforth — Sun, 5 May 2013 08:43:35 -0400

This morning while watching a female song sparrow stuff it's beak full
of old dry lady's mantle, the male that was watching her closely flew
down from his perch for "a quickie". Sheesh, talk about multi-tasking.

Kaye in Hinesburg

Re: Mountain Valley Farm

Scott Sainsbury — Sat, 4 May 2013 22:46:56 -0400

Very nice -- sounds like you had a great day!
Scott

On May 4, 2013, at 8:45 PM, Patti Haynes wrote:

> Seventeen Mad Birder's celebrated 'Quatro de Mayo' with yet another sun
> drenched bird walk at Mountain Valley Farm, high up on the Waitsfield
> Common Rd this morning. We arrived to the tune of a newly arrived BALTIMORE
> ORIOLE in the yard. MALLARDS were on the pond where HOODED MERGANSERS had
> set up housekeeping in the nest box on the island, but we did not see them.
> We did, however, enjoy the activity of [...]

FOY - grosbeak, oriole et al

Ruth Stewart — Sat, 4 May 2013 21:38:40 -0400

Things seem very quiet in my yard still. But I hung the hummingbird feeder today - and lo! a FOY Baltimore Oriole tried to sip. Rose-breasted Grosbeaks on Fri. and C Yellowthroat and Warbling Vireo today.

Ruth Stewart
E. Dorset, VT

Mountain Valley Farm

Patti Haynes — Sat, 4 May 2013 20:45:09 -0400

Seventeen Mad Birder's celebrated 'Quatro de Mayo' with yet another sun
drenched bird walk at Mountain Valley Farm, high up on the Waitsfield
Common Rd this morning. We arrived to the tune of a newly arrived BALTIMORE
ORIOLE in the yard. MALLARDS were on the pond where HOODED MERGANSERS had
set up housekeeping in the nest box on the island, but we did not see them.
We did, however, enjoy the activity of the CHICKADEE couple as they
gathered fiddlehead down for their nest in a hole above the Mergansers nest
box. [...]

Doves

Sue Wetmore — Sat, 4 May 2013 19:03:55 -0400

The nest of mourning doves in my yard has young.

Sue Wetmore

TestSent from my iPod

Upcoming events at the Birds of Vermont Museum

E Talmage — Sat, 4 May 2013 17:56:55 -0400

Hello all,

Roz Renfrew will be at the Birds of Vermont Museum on Monday, May 6th at
6:00 pm to discuss the Breeding Bird Atlas project, and sign and sell
copies of the Atlas. On that night the book will be 20% off the cover price!

The Museum has also put together an exhibit on display from May 1 - Oct 31
about the Breeding Bird Atlas. The maps and species' information are being
supplemented by avian art in multiple media by some of Vermont's wonderful
and creative artists. [...]

Herricks Cove

Don Clark — Sat, 4 May 2013 16:10:35 -0400

A few nice migrants at Herricks Cove, Rockingham this morning
including Nashville, B-t Green, Thrasher, Redstart, Marsh Wren &
Orchard Oriole (male).

Don Clark & all

Creek Rd/ Middlebury, May 4, 2013

Sue Wetmore — Sat, 4 May 2013 17:55:37 +0000

The highlight was the bittern calling from a green grassy swamp spot. Silly bird thought I wouldn't see him.

Sue Wetmore

----- Forwarded Message -----

From: do-not-reply@ebird.org
To: 2birdvt@comcast.net
Sent: Saturday, May 4, 2013 1:53:17 PM
Subject: eBird Report - Middlebury, May 4, 2013

Middlebury, Addison, US-VT
May 4, 2013 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Protocol: Traveling
2.0 mile(s)
14 species [...]

Re: very important question

Karan Cutler — Sat, 4 May 2013 13:46:11 -0400

yes, but the Bridge Restaurant has better creamies, but only vanilla and
chocolate and twist

On Sat, May 4, 2013 at 12:15 PM, Maeve Kim wrote:

> Does anyone know if Goodie's in West Addison is open yet? Or if not, when?
> (I plan my Addison Cty. birding around lunch at Goodie's!)
>
> Thanks!
>
> Maeve Kim
> Jericho Center
>

Re: very important question

Debbie Lyter — Sat, 4 May 2013 13:14:43 -0400

Yes, Goodies is open. Such an enjoyable place to visit!!
Debbie

very important question

Maeve Kim — Sat, 4 May 2013 12:15:19 -0400

Does anyone know if Goodie's in West Addison is open yet? Or if not, when? (I plan my Addison Cty. birding around lunch at Goodie's!)

Thanks!

Maeve Kim
Jericho Center

Zack's Woods Pond, Hyde Park

Bob Malbon — Sat, 4 May 2013 12:12:33 -0400

Two Loons on ZWP and pair of Hooded Mergansers. Canada Geese nesting and
Osprey perched high on dead tree at Mud Pond.
Sweet morning,

Bob Malbon

Red Rocks Pk - Warblers, Woodpeckers, Wrens

Scott W. Morrical — Sat, 4 May 2013 11:55:14 -0400

This morning at Red Rocks Park in So. Burlington there was a just
trickle of migrants, but a good showing by some of the residents.

Red Rocks Park, May 4, 2013

Pine Warbler (4-5)
Black-and-white Warbler (2)
Yellow-rumped Warbler (3)
Black-throated Green Warbler (1)
Ovenbird (1)

RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER (1)
Pileated Woodpecker (3)
Hairy Woodpecker (1)
Downy Woodpecker (4)
Northern Flicker (2)

CAROLINA WREN (1)
House Wren (2) [...]

Berlin Pond walk late afternoon yesterday

paulagills tds.net — Sat, 4 May 2013 08:16:34 -0400

North end of pond:

Mallard 1 male
CA Goose 6
Tree Swallow 4
RWBB 6 (1 female)
Broad-winged hawk 1 soaring over the pond

Small marsh north end:

American Black Duck 2 M/F
RWBB 1 male

Black Road and environs:

Pine warbler 1 male
Yellow-rumped warbler 2 male
American Robin 1 male

Irish Hill Trail:

E. Phoebe 2 M/F
Blue-headed Vireo 1 male
Pine Warbler 1 male
Yellow-rumped Warbler 1 male
Broad-winged Hawk 1 vocalizing (could be the one I saw at pond
later) [...]

Baltimore Oriole

Ronald Payne — Sat, 4 May 2013 07:50:34 -0400

This morning at the Hurd Grassland in Weybridge, I encountered my first singing Baltimore Oriole of the year. Other notable birds were a singing Brown Thrasher, several Savannah Sparrows and Eastern Meadowlarks chasing each other around the field.

--
Ron Payne
Middlebury, VT

Yellow Warbler, Weybridge

Barbara Brosnan — Sat, 4 May 2013 07:46:44 -0400

One male adult Yellow warbler was gleaning the top branches of our willow
last evening. His bright yellow was perfect camouflage among the chartreuse
willow leaves and flowers. Beautiful against the blue sky.

Barbara Brosnan

Weybridge

Whip-poor-will

JJ Allen — Sat, 4 May 2013 07:38:39 -0400

A Whip-poor-will reported to me from reliable source in Shelburne this morning.

Glossy Ibis (3), Prairie Warbler, Sandhill Crane, Pipits...... Spring!

Ian A. Worley — Fri, 3 May 2013 20:52:05 -0400

Ambling around Salisbury and Leicester today Ron Payne and I found
numerous first-of-year birds, and some nice discoveries.

While searching the flooded fields east of Otter Creek in Salisbury for
shorebirds we watched for over half an hour a Sandhill Crane busy with
preening, stretching, and calling. At times during preening it would
rub its feathers with a bill-full of wet grasses, perhaps for the mud.
It then took off and flew north in the direction of Bristol Pond, 15
miles to the north. Of course, we have no idea where it ended up going. [...]

Pine Siskins Jericho

Jim Morris — Fri, 3 May 2013 20:47:35 -0400

I had 6 pine siskins at my feeder this morning and tonight. Smoky
Hollow Lane off Skunk Hollow Rd
I could hardly believe it, but I noticed the note on the end of Erics
post. So I wanted to post also
Jim Morris
Jericho

Evening Grosbeak

b flewelling — Fri, 3 May 2013 19:52:32 +0000

This morning it was a Rose-breasted, this afternoon an Evening Grosbeak.

Bruce Flewelling
Rochester

flycatcher- Brandon, May 3, 2013

Sue Wetmore — Fri, 3 May 2013 14:44:51 +0000

A trip thru Pine Hill cemetery found a least flycatcher "che-bec-ing" and a lovely pine warbler as well.

Sue Wetmore

----- Forwarded Message -----

From: do-not-reply@ebird.org
To: 2birdvt@comcast.net
Sent: Friday, May 3, 2013 10:39:30 AM
Subject: eBird Report - Brandon, May 3, 2013

Brandon, Rutland, US-VT
May 3, 2013 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
Protocol: Traveling
0.5 mile(s)
14 species

Sharp-shinned Hawk 1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) 1
Least Flycatcher 1
Blue Jay 1
American Crow 3
Black-capped Chickadee 4
Tufted Titmouse 1
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
American Robin 2
Ovenbird 2
Pine Warbler 1
Chipping Sparrow 5
Northern Cardinal 2
American [...]

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

b flewelling — Fri, 3 May 2013 14:25:29 +0000

FOY Rose-breasted Grosbeak (male) at the feeder this morning.

Bruce Flewelling
Rochester

Barn Swallow

Mundi Smithers — Fri, 3 May 2013 08:54:43 -0400

Was out in my barn a few minutes ago loading up my summer tires ....... think I might be jumping the gun????? I digress; a lone Barn Swallow swooped in and out as I was rolling to tires down the aisle.

And speaking of swallows I've been watching for the return of the Bank Swallows at the Dugway but nothing yet. [...]

Tea Party: of the birds, for the birds

Alison Wagner — Fri, 3 May 2013 08:09:28 -0400

On Lavigne Hill this morning in Hinesburg, there was a great party going on! It started, of course, with SONG SPARROWS and the tea kettle.....followed by an unexpected guest, the TOWHEE (and great looks of him singing "drink, drink TEA"). Next to sing was the YELLOW WARBLER wanting the tea a little more sweet! Just as I thought it couldn't get any sweeter, along came the COMMON YELLOWTHROAT. Also present and singing were GRAY CATBIRD, ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK and WARBLING VIREO.....a total of 30 species in 70 minutes as the sun started to warm the hillside, 5 FOY, and all before [...]

Brandon bird

Sue Wetmore — Fri, 3 May 2013 07:36:58 -0400

This morning a lone female Evening Grosbeak stopped by for breakfast.

Sue Wetmore

TestSent from my iPod

Chimney Swifts

Ken Cox — Fri, 3 May 2013 07:28:21 -0400

Yesterday at about 4:45 PM two FOY Chimney Swifts were spotted flying high
above the state office building on Mineral Street in Springfield.

Dunlin, SB Dowitchers

Dottie Lavallee — Fri, 3 May 2013 00:38:52 +0000

This morning at Charcoal Creek in Swanton:

A single Dunlin, a pair of Short-billed Dowitchers, and 2 Common Terns

Only posting this as the Dunlin and Dowitchers are a little earlier than I've normally seen them.

H. Breder's 4/29/13 flicker post of Whit-throated Sparrow

Nancy A. Brown — Thu, 2 May 2013 17:00:09 -0400

I am commenting here ( not set up with facebook to comment on flicker site) H. Breder has a great photo of a White-throated Sparrow with "bright yellow alula feathers". Is this a possible hybrid with White-crowned Sparrow, a first winter bird?

Fwd: eBird Report - Mount Independence, May 2, 2013

Sue Wetmore — Thu, 2 May 2013 17:44:39 +0000

Today at Mt Independence the following was seen. On my way along the road purple martins were in residence by the farm pond.

Sue Wetmore

----- Forwarded Message -----

From: do-not-reply@ebird.org
To: 2birdvt@comcast.net
Sent: Thursday, May 2, 2013 1:39:41 PM
Subject: eBird Report - Mount Independence, May 2, 2013

Mount Independence, Addison, US-VT
May 2, 2013 7:45 AM - 11:05 AM
Protocol: Traveling
3.0 mile(s)
24 species [...]

Victory: Pipeline East

Thomas Berriman — Thu, 2 May 2013 12:47:33 -0400

Spent the last couple three days birding the Pipeline East where it's almost too hot now (September just 122 days away : ). And yesterday had the good fortune to find 4 Black-backed woodpeckers within 75' of one another. Lot of interaction and positioning going on. Picked up my first Tick and a couple Moose and one Mink. Found the feathers of another Spruce Grouse that was dinner for some predator and saw my first Garter Snake (of the year) in the talons of a Red-tail pass by overhead. Todays list follows: [...]

Warblers, Wildflowers, and Moose at Red Rocks Park

Ryan Morra — Thu, 2 May 2013 12:40:00 -0400

A small group from the UVM Field Naturalist program ventured out to Red
Rocks Park this morning for a pretty darn good morning of birding
considering how quiet it was initially - 43 species in total during the
2-hour venture!

*But there were some highlights:*
Palm Warbler, a solitary Blue-headed Vireo, one Black-and-White Warbler, a
Louisiana Waterthrush calling in the distance, Black-throated Green
Warblers, and a male yearling moose at the water's edge. Other featured
cast members included Pine Warblers, Ruby-crowns all over, Yellow-rumps,
Downies, Flicker, Titmice, Mergansers and many more against a backdrop of
Chickadees and Goldfinches. [...]

Oriole, bluebird, etc.

Don Bemont — Thu, 2 May 2013 12:23:35 -0400

Walking the rail trail between Poultney and Castleton:

A bluebird (first I've seen in Vermont this spring) and Baltimore Oriole
(first I've seen anywhere this spring)... both near the intersection of
route 30 and Saltis Rd.

Tree swallow flock south of Farnham Rd, including at least one going in and
out of a nesting box along the trail. One bird sat very close and looked
at my dogs and me in the bright sun. Easy to forget just how beautiful
they can be. [...]

Black Throated Blue Warbler in Fayston

Jeannie Elias — Thu, 2 May 2013 11:01:58 -0400

How exciting!

Jeannie
Fayston, ,VT

House wren

Ruth Stewart — Thu, 2 May 2013 10:08:39 -0400

HOWR in full voice this a.m. Bluebirds nest building - hurray!

Ruth Stewart
E. Dorset, VT

Greater Yellowlegs

Liz Lackey — Thu, 2 May 2013 08:51:40 -0400

I watched a pair of Greater Yellowlegs preen, forage and call in a swamp along Gregg Hill Rd. in Waterbury Center this am.
Both in beautiful breeding plumage.

Liz Lackey

brown thrasher

Jane Belcher — Thu, 2 May 2013 08:50:20 -0400

Brown thrasher singing in the tree tops.

Jane Belcher
Braintree

Monkton Ovenbird

Miriam Lawrence — Thu, 2 May 2013 07:08:58 -0400

Got our FOY here this morning.

Miriam Lawrence

Woodside Natural Area, etc.

Travis Collingwood — Thu, 2 May 2013 03:16:25 +0000

Went for a quick walk after work at Woodside Natural Area in Essex this Wednesday Evening. What great weather we are having. Birds were being quiet for the end of the day. Highlights included: a pair of Blue-gray Gnatcatchers building a nest, Red-shouldered Hawk watching us along the trail, Swamp Sparrows singing away. [...]

May Day Celebrations!

Roy Pilcher — Wed, 1 May 2013 20:49:03 -0400

In order of observation:

Leicester Junction:
Warbling Vireo 1

Cornwall Swamp:
Northern Waterthrush 6 [Along Swamp Road. I may have missed a couple!!]
Yellow Warbler 1
Solitary Sandpiper 2
Greater Yellowlegs 1
Spotted Sandpiper 2
Wilson's Snipe 1
Wood Duck 11
Green-winged Teal 21
Ring-necked Duck 16
Pied-billed Grebe 1

Cornwall/Whiting Line off Route 30
Bank Swallows 50 cavities/10 observed [scoped] in use over five minutes. Probably more in use. [...]

Fwd: [VTBIRD] Vermont Birders Gathering -- "CrossHaven Big Morning" May 25

Patti Haynes — Wed, 1 May 2013 19:49:51 -0400

Patti Haynes, sent from my iPod

Begin forwarded message:

> From: Patti Haynes
> Date: May 1, 2013 7:47:53 PM EDT
> To: Patti Haynes
> Subject: Re: [VTBIRD] Vermont Birders Gathering -- "CrossHaven Big Morning" May 25
>

> Oops!
> That message was meant for a birding buddy in CT...the one with the 'birders car'.
> However, now that I have your attention....if you are traveling and are looking for a place to stay in the area let me know off line.
>
> Patti Haynes, sent from my iPod
>
> On May 1, 2013, [...]

Re: Vermont Birders Gathering -- "CrossHaven Big Morning" May 25

Patti Haynes — Wed, 1 May 2013 19:43:25 -0400

Hey Mr. Mad Birder.... This is one of OUR walks you know. If you'd like to connect names with faces this event is it. I live @2miles from Scott.
If you are interested let me know since I'm in charge of finding local housing for travelers ;)

Patti Haynes, sent from my iPod [...]

Colima Warbler singing on territory

Kate Olgiati — Wed, 1 May 2013 18:17:17 +0000

OK, it was in Texas. But we did see one two days ago!

Kate Olgiati
Barnard, VT

vireos=== Pearl St., Brandon, May 1, 2013

Sue Wetmore — Wed, 1 May 2013 14:40:46 +0000

Vireo s are back but not the ovenbird.
Sue Wetmore
----- Forwarded Message -----
From: do-not-reply@ebird.org
To: 2birdvt@comcast.net
Sent: Wednesday, May 1, 2013 10:38:44 AM
Subject: eBird Report - Pearl St., Brandon, May 1, 2013

Pearl St., Brandon, Rutland, US-VT
May 1, 2013 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Protocol: Traveling
3.0 mile(s)
41 species

Canada Goose 7
Wood Duck 3
Mallard 2
Ruffed Grouse 1
Green Heron 3
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Wilson's Snipe 1
Mourning Dove 1
Belted Kingfisher 1
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 4 female inspecting recently excavated nest hole
Downy Woodpecker 1
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) [...]

Killdeer and Jenny Wren

Mundi Smithers — Wed, 1 May 2013 09:19:19 -0400

Both are here this morning, in full voice and full volume!

Mundi
North Pownal

Mundi Smithers

The greatest tragedy in mankind's enitire history may be the hijacking of morality by religion.
Arthur C Clarke (1917-2008)

Re: FOY Ovenbird

Ronald Payne — Wed, 1 May 2013 08:48:33 -0400

I also had two of them singing on Chipman Hill in Middlebury this morning.

Re: FOY Ovenbird

alison wagner — Wed, 1 May 2013 08:01:05 -0400

Same here! Like a reliable friend, as soon as I stepped out of the car on
the top of Lincoln Hill (Hinesburg)....

Ali

On Wed, May 1, 2013 at 6:43 AM, Randy Schmidt > wrote:

> One of my favorites, here in Sunderland about 6:25 this morning!
>
> Randy Schmidt
> The Vermont Bird Place & Sky Watch
>

FOY Ovenbird

Randy Schmidt — Wed, 1 May 2013 06:43:59 -0400

One of my favorites, here in Sunderland about 6:25 this morning!

Randy Schmidt
The Vermont Bird Place & Sky Watch