On Sunday, Dec. 16, 56 birders participated in the 66th Burlington circle CBC. A total of 70 species and 13041 birds were counted-not record breaking, but respectable. Among the highlights were 5 owl species identified by Allan Strong and the Midnight Hooters. Interestingly, the species count included Eastern Screech Owl (5), Great Horned Owl (2), Long-eared Owl (2), Northern Saw-whet Owl (1), and Snowy Owl (1), but not a single Barred Owl following last year's record of 7 Barred Owls observed. The Long-eared Owls and one of the Great Horned Owls were seen or heard at MacCrae's Farm in Colchester.


Other birds of interest included a pair of Gadwall continuing at Shelburne Bay, Iceland and Glaucous Gulls (one of each), new records for Rough-legged Hawk (9) and Peregrine Falcon (3), and the continuing march of "southern" species into northern Vermont as reflected by a new record for Red-bellied Woodpecker (14) and respectable numbers of Northern Cardinal, Tufted Titmouse, and Carolina Wren (13), the latter appearing in 6/14 sectors. Also, a pair of persisting Yellow-rumped Warblers was reported from the Shelburne Bay/Shelburne Point sector. Finally, we set a new record for Eastern Bluebird (13).


Conspicuous by their absence this year were Bohemian Waxwing, Pine Grosbeak, Common Redpoll, Purple Finch, and Pine Siskin all of which appeared in last year's count. Maybe next year.


A full account of the Burlington circle CBC will be posted shortly on the GMAS website.


Happy New Year to all.


Bruce MacPherson on behalf of the GMAS