Sorry about the late negative report, but a group of 3 birders joined
forces and weren't able to find the three-toed, following up on Stephen
Cramer's report of Saturday's sighting. We were there morning and
afternoon, both around the bog (large open space where we could see tracks
from Sat's visitors); and around the older site where it was seen so often
in Jan last year. At that time on Sunday, snowshoes (or skis) were needed
if leaving the main trail (off S. America Pond Road) to access the bog or
its water inlets/outlets. Caution is needed to avoid falling into the water
which underlies areas of the snow cover. That caution is probably more
important now with the thaw that has presumably occurred there since Sunday.
If others try this search, please let us know the outcome; with thanks!
Here in Shelburne, back on Jan 2nd in the neighborhood south of Shelburne
Bay, I spotted a Common Grackle high in a tree.
Checking Shelburne Bay on Monday late afternoon (yesterday) I did not see
unusual birds/ducks beyond the Common Mergs, Common Goldeneye, Black Duck,
etc. that were still there in good numbers.
Near my home off Bishop Road, today on Tuesday, in this record warm
weather, I saw a single Snow Bunting seeking something along side Beaver
Creek Road; and almost all of the snow is now gone.
I had my first Goldfinch of the new year at my feeders today; per the other
comments made here before on the possible lack of Goldfinches. This is a
bit lower in numbers than seen here in the last several years for early Jan.
The most impressive feeder count for me last week was House Finches, with
45 on the 3rd. That's as high as I have ever had here.
Good Birding,
Larry Haugh
Shelburne
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