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 <
[log in to unmask]> 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. SW Vermont birding - 5/12
> 11. Big Morning Gathering Coming
> 12. Monthly Missisquoi NWR Bird Monitoring Walk
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Date: Sun, 12 May 2013 08:20:40 -0400
> From: eve ticknor <[log in to unmask]>
> Subject: Re: bear problem
>
> 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:
>
> > 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 negative, I too love feeding the birds but
> not if I am endangering my neighbors.
> > Marv Elliott
> > Rutland Town, VT
> > 802-775-2415
> > [log in to unmask]
> >
> >
> > ________________________________
> > From: Becky Giroux <[log in to unmask]>
> > To: [log in to unmask]
> > Sent: Saturday, May 11, 2013 3:36 PM
> > Subject: Re: [VTBIRD] bear problem
> >
> >
> > 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.
> >
> > I am very curious about bears and follow a bear research organization on
> line ( http://www.bear.org ). You may find it of interest.
> >
> > Good Luck,
> >
> > Becky
> >
> > p.s. I will be watching for further posts for new developments.
> >
>
> Eve Ticknor
> Box 2206
> Prescott, On K0E 1T0
> res: 613-925-5528
> cell: 613-859-9545
>
> Box 122, 35 Elm St
> Essex, NY 12936
>
> "Change how you see, not how you look."
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Sun, 12 May 2013 09:46:00 -0400
> From: Walter Medwid <[log in to unmask]>
> Subject: Beaver pond and wetland
>
> 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 of lifeforms. Talk
> about an important habitat!
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Sun, 12 May 2013 10:04:20 -0400
> From: vtfiliberti <[log in to unmask]>
> Subject: Scarlet Tanager
>
> 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
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Sun, 12 May 2013 11:20:22 -0400
> From: Geoffrey Gardner <[log in to unmask]>
> Subject: FOY Scarlet Tanagers
>
> 5/11/13 Brushwood Community Forest south in West Fairlee
>
> 5/12/13 West side of Spaulding Hill in West Fairlee
>
> Geoffrey Gardner
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Sun, 12 May 2013 15:57:53 -0400
> From: Ruth Stewart <[log in to unmask]>
> Subject: 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 two remain.
>
> Ruth Stewart
>
> E. Dorset, VT
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Sun, 12 May 2013 16:19:53 -0400
> From: Sue Wetmore <[log in to unmask]>
> Subject: Hummer
>
> 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
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Sun, 12 May 2013 16:19:40 -0400
> From: Jane Stein <[log in to unmask]>
> Subject: Re: BlueJays galore
>
> 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 - have
> > been here since the April 29.. and still one or two remain.
> >
> > Ruth Stewart
> >
> > E. Dorset, VT
> >
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Sun, 12 May 2013 16:21:42 -0400
> From: Jane Stein <[log in to unmask]>
> Subject: Re: Hummer
>
> 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
> >
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Sun, 12 May 2013 20:33:12 +0000
> From: b flewelling <[log in to unmask]>
> Subject: Re: BlueJays galore
>
> I'm experiencing the same thing here in Rochester.
>
>
> Bruce
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Ruth Stewart" <birder_ rws @ HOTMAIL .COM>
> 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 two remain.
>
> Ruth Stewart
>
> E. Dorset, VT
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Sun, 12 May 2013 16:37:54 -0400
> From: Sue Wetmore <[log in to unmask]>
> Subject: Bird walks
>
> 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.
>
> Sue Wetmore
> TestSent from my iPod
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Sun, 12 May 2013 17:16:53 -0400
> From: Karyn Lunde <[log in to unmask]>
> Subject: hummer, Charlotte, 5/11
>
> 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
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Sun, 12 May 2013 19:50:53 -0400
> From: Courtney Appleyard <[log in to unmask]>
> Subject: female hummer
>
> 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
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Sun, 12 May 2013 19:44:36 -0500
> From: Danny Akers <[log in to unmask]>
> Subject: SW Vermont birding - 5/12
>
> 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 the "free-beer" call when I first arrived)3 Least Flycatchers (FOY)1
> Common Raven (only one I had all day)3 Veery (FOY)8 Wood Thrush
> (incredible, considering this was the only location I did NOT have Hermit
> Thrush today)7 species of warbler1 Lincoln's Sparrow (FOY)2 White-throated
> Sparrows (my first in a couple weeks)4 Scarlet Tanagers George D Aiken
> Wilde Rd. (east of Woodford State Park, Bennington
> Co.)-----------------------------------4 Blue-headed Vireo (FOY)9+ Hermit
> Thrushes17+ Ovenbirds13+ Black-throated Blue Warblers (FOY) I merely drove
> the extent of the road, stopping every so often to listen. I was amazed at
> the number of Ovenbirds and Black-throated Blue Warblers and basked in the
> glory of a singing male BTBW every so often. Little Pond Trail (just west
> of Woodford State Park, Bennington Co.)---------------------6 species of
> warbler, including 3 Blackburnian (FOY) and 1 Black-and-white (FOY) Only a
> slight walk up the road, perhaps a half mile. Diamond Run Nature Trail
> (Rutland Co.)------------------------------1 American Woodcock (flushed
> nearby when I decided to slip and fall on the wet ground)3 House Wrens
> (FOY)6 species of warbler West Rutland Marsh (Rutland
> Co.)------------------------1 House Wren32+ (!) Marsh Wrens (incredible
> density here)5 species of warbler34+ Swamp Sparrows154+ Red-winged
> Blackbirds I didn't spend a whole lot of time here as the sky kept
> spitting water at me. Pleasant St. Powerline (Rutland
> Co.)---------------------------2 Cooper's Hawks1 Northern Goshawk2 American
> Kestrels One Cooper's Hawk was initially dive bombing a passing Northern
> Goshawk when I arrived and looked up. After that immediate threat passed,
> the Cooper's Hawk stooped just over the hillside to the south and proceeded
> to be mobbed by a pair of American Kestrels. Fun to see the chain of
> reaction, nonetheless. Wind had picked up by this point, and very very few
> birds were around. Pomainville WMA (Rutland Co.)----------------------1
> Bald Eagle (adult)70+ Tree Swallows8 Bobolinks I also didn't spend much
> time here as I could see pouring rain approaching from the west (by the
> time I had made it out into the middle of the area, of course). I arrived
> back at my vehicle with seconds to spare and that was pretty much a wrap on
> my day. Multiple takeaways from my experience in birding southwestern
> Vermont today, arguably the most prevalent was the beauty of the landscapes
> themselves, particularly along Route 7. Other memorable moments included
> jaw dropping views of Black-throated Blue Warblers, a Veery perched and
> scolding from 5 feet away, my slip and fall into the soppy ground on the
> Diamond Run trail (which subsequently flushed an American Woodcock), a
> Wilson's Snipe perched on a powerline, and an amazing total of no less than
> 87 Ovenbirds on the day! I would absolutely love to make a return trip,
> but I may be hard pressed to do so. Thanks to everyone who replied to my
> request and a thank you to the birders of Vermont for allowing me to
> experience a piece of your state! Danny AkersAnkeny, Iowa(temporarily
> residing in Saratoga Springs, NY)[log in to unmask]
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Sun, 12 May 2013 20:57:02 -0400
> From: Scott Sainsbury <[log in to unmask]>
> Subject: Big Morning Gathering Coming
>
> 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.
>
> I hope birders from all over Vermont will join us for some great birding,
> and warm Mad Birder hospitality. All ages and abilities are warmly
> welcome. Come get face to face with the people you bird with on-line.
>
> Please RSVP to Nancy Turner to let us know you can join us.
> [log in to unmask]
>
> Scott Sainsbury
> for the Mad Birders
>
> PS I took a short walk around the farm this morning and kept half-an-eye
> on the sky while building a chicken coop today. I covered much less than
> half the property and didn't hit any of the most popular warbler areas or
> get in the woods. Even so, I met up with 45 species. We got to 70 at last
> year's Big Morning -- including the Acadian Flycatcher. They're out there
> waiting for us!
>
>
> Here's the announcement:
>
> The Mad Birders are hosting the second annual "Big Morning" and "Birders'
> BBQ" at Sainsbury's CrossHaven Farm in Moretown on Saturday, May 25!
>
> Last year's gathering of the Vermont Birding Community for this event was
> a true Happening! Over 50 bird-crazy, good-natured folk from all around
> the state gathered to meet one another, enjoy some great food and
> hospitality -- and log over 70 species!!
>
> Particularly noteworthy was the Acadian Flycatcher that Chip Darmstadt's
> keen ears nabbed while walking through the woods. Most attendees got to
> see the bird, and it was photographed and recorded for the record book.
> Who knows what we'll see this year!
>
> The "Big Morning and Birders' BBQ" is a great opportunity for many of us
> who bird together on the net, but don't often see one another, to join up
> for some birding and socializing at Scott and Pat Sainsbury's farm.
> Moretown is about as "middle of the state as you can get, so if you came
> last year, come again -- and if you missed last year, please join us for
> this wonderful event
>
> CrossHaven farm has 300 acres of mixed age / mixed species forest, plus
> 100 acres of hay fields and pastures, and 1-1/2 miles of river front on the
> Mad River.
>
> There are paths in the woods and plenty of open areas to hike and bird.
> The place can be very birdy. 124 species have been recorded there.
>
> We'll have trail maps for everyone. And, especially after last year, many
> of us know the lay of the land pretty well can join-up with those who
> haven't.
>
> The game-plan will be to see how many birds we can tally in one morning.
> And to put faces and names together while we share our (tall) stories
> about the morning, over lunch. We'll also hear from Chip Darmstadt of
> North Branch Nature Center and Chris Rimmer from the Vermont Center for
> Ecostudies (or their associates) on their great programs and future vision
> for their organizations.
>
> Here's the schedule:
>
> 5 - 6:30 AM - "Dawn Chorus" walk for those who want to enjoy the sunrise
> together
>
> 6:30 - 7:30 AM - Registration, coffee and goodies, orientation (how many
> trails, easy to difficult, habitat, etc.)
>
> 7:30 - 11 AM - Main Walk
>
> 11 AM - Lunch, speakers, bird list, raffle winners
>
> 1 PM - done and dusted
>
> Mad Birder events are usually free to members and $5 for non-members.
> This one will be free to all. At the same time, we feel that it would be
> a great statement if -- when we join together in celebration of the birds
> we all love -- we also show support for those who work so hard to protect
> and teach about them. We'll have a donations box at the sign-in desk, and
> would like to ask everyone to pitch-in $20, or whatever you feel
> comfortable giving. If 50 or so of us attend again this year, we could
> raise $1000 or more! And…All of the money will be given to VCE for their
> avian research and North Branch Nature Center for their youth birding
> programs. As a bonus, anyone who donates will be entered in a raffle for
> some nifty prizes!
>
> The club and the Sainsbury's are pleased to host this great event again
> this year -- to serve up some great breakfast, lunch and birdie-sightings
> for everyone -- and to raise some money for the birds we all love. So,
> please bring a few bucks from the piggy bank, and help us support the
> worthy work at VCE and NBNC. Together, we can make a difference!
>
> This year's menu will include:
> >
>
> Breakfast
> Juice, coffee, fruit and baked goodies
>
> Lunch
> Pulled pork and beef brisket bbq sandwiches
> Cole Slaw
> Potato and other Salads
> Baked Beans
> Iced tea and Lemonade
> Watermelon
>
> There is a 60x100' indoor riding ring at the farm, so lunch will be rain
> or shine. There is a fair amount of seating on the porch, but bring a
> folding chair or two if you like.
>
> It's going to be a great time. Come along and enjoy the day!
>
> Since we're serving food, we'll need to keep track of how many are coming.
> If you would please reply to Nancy Turner at [log in to unmask] with a count on the number in your party, and when you plan to arrive, it
> would be greatly appreciated.
>
> We look forward to seeing you on the 25th!
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Sun, 12 May 2013 22:05:08 -0400
> From: Ken Copenhaver <[log in to unmask]>
> Subject: Monthly Missisquoi NWR Bird Monitoring Walk
>
> 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
> <
> http://friendsofmissisquoi.org/ai1ec_event/international-migratory-bird-day-open-house/?instance_id=104
> >
>
> The monthly walks will gather long-term data on the presence of birds,
> their abundance, and changes in populations. The information we gather will
> be entered into the Vermont e-Bird database where data is stored by the
> Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society. These walks
> are appropriate for all levels of birders and provide a wonderful
> opportunity to learn about birds throughout the seasons. Led by Ken
> Copenhaver and Julie Filiberti, Friends of Missisquoi National Wildlife
> Refuge members.
>
> After 38 months of walks we have observed 126 species. Hope to see you
> there!
>
>
> --Ken Copenhaver
>
> For information on other refuge events, visit:
> http://friendsofmissisquoi.org/
>
> ------------------------------
>
> End of VTBIRD Digest - 11 May 2013 to 12 May 2013 (#2013-131)
> *************************************************************
>
|
